Footwear When TSHTF

Facebook user Aaron recently asked me to write a post about what to wear on your feet when TSHTF.  This is a really good question with more variables than you might think.  After all, if you can’t walk out of a situation (see Calamity’s post) for whatever reason you might be in a lot of trouble.

For example, if you’re a construction worker and you wear boots all day chances are good they’re broken in.  If you had to walk 20 miles to get home you’d probably be in pretty good shape footwear wise; however, what if you work an office job and all you have on after an Earthquake is dress shoes or fashionable pumps?  You’re going to be in trouble trying to negotiate a lot of debris.

Personally, I like boots with good ankle support and good tread.  If I’ve learned one thing over the years it’s not to skimp when you buy a pair of shoes or boots.  Get the best you can afford.

If you’re wearing a cheap pair of sneakers and you’ve got to hike a long distance over broken glass, rubble, and maybe dodging fires you might be in trouble.

Everybody has different tastes and ideas when it comes to footwear.  Ever since my time in the Corps I’ve been partial to a good pair of boots.  If I’m exercising I like good running sneakers, and if I’m at the campground with the family I like Teva’s or just go barefoot.  In the summer I’m barefoot a lot actually, so my feet get toughened up.  Nothing like Cody Lundin, but I can walk through the woods to get to my camp without a problem.

At the moment I’m writing this I’m wearing military desert boots, which I like a lot.  They’re light, rugged, and breath well.  In the winter I like a heavier boot that keeps my feet warm, so if I have to jump out of my truck and hit the woods I won’t have to worry about frost bite.

In the summer I have a great pair of Asolo hiking boots that I’ve worn for many years.  They’re broke in properly and sometimes I think I’ve got a million miles on them.  Ugly as sin, but it’s not about a fashion statement out there folks, it’s about comfort and reliability.  Ever had a blister after walking fifteen miles?  It’s incredibly painful and can really slow you down.

If you work a desk job I’d suggest putting a good pair of rugged shoes under your desk in case of emergency.  If it turns out you have to walk home just throw on the shoes/boots under the desk and you should be all set.  What I did was take a pair of my old boots from home.  They still have a little life in them, but I bought a new pair and was going to throw the old ones out.  Instead, I brought them to work and stored them here.  They’ve still got some life left in them – more than enough to get me home if necessary.

I also have an extra pair of boots in the toolbox in my truck.  This is so that if I get wet, or blow out a boot or whatever, I have an extra pair to throw on.

A long time ago I hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail in a pair of sneakers.  The next day my feet were sore because there wasn’t enough arch support for me.  Having said this I’ve seen people out there in Tevas, sneakers, and all manner of different boots and shoes.  Mrs. Jarhead once hiked Mt Washington with me in a pair of Tevas.  I would never do that, but she was fine with it.  It’s about what you find comfortable and serviceable.

Now it’s time for you guys to pitch in.  What are your thoughts on this?  Do you have a good pair of shoes picked out for when TSHTF?

Questions?  Comments?

Sound off below!

-Jarhead Survivor