question on footware

[balkoth]

anyone have idea on some good footware that will work for dag...but wont make my knees explode (damn arthritus *shakes fist) ie no walmart shoes...if they will let me run/walk for a long time dont really care how much they cost.

[greybeardabbot]

Two ideas.

(1) Black Combat boots from the Army surplus. (they will replace them free if the boot blows out. I'm getting a new pair since the leather broke away from the sole on the side of the boot. It doesn't matter that the boots are ten years old, I turn them in and I get a brand new pair, no charge. This will be my third new replacement set, and I originally bought the first pair 20 years ago for $55 bucks. I'm hard on them.)
(2) They make a leather slip on shoe with a rubber sole... I've seen them between $12 and $25... and they come in Blk, Gry, and Brwn. Pair it up with a set of grieves... look passable for a period-look yet fuctional foot ware. I've seen then at wallmart, but I've also seen them elseware cheeper.

[balkoth]

would black running shoes work as well?...and if so idea/patterns on how to make grieves would be helpfull....and thanks for the ideas

[Taos]

I don't know how they would jive with arthritis, but I swear by well-fitted combat boots. They're heavy, but for ankle support they're the best Dag footwear I've ever used, and in big line battles, they're just an extra ounce of stability, and not particularly bad for running in, either.

Greaves are easy, if you're not overly concerned with looks. Acquire a couple medium sized pieces of armor-grade leather, approximately the length from the top of your knee to your ankle, punch 6-8 holes along the two long edges, and then use some leather thong to strap them to your calves. Give them a couple coats of leather dye, and you've got unpretty, but functional grieves.

Or you can buy some off of eBay, or some of the internet sites that cater to Medievalists and Ren Fair people.

[balkoth]

nice...yeah comabt boots are a no go...i have a pair of combat like boots and i can run for about 15 min then i cant walk for 2 days lol....yay for being 22 with the knees of a 40 year old

[Zaron]

Running shoes without obvious logo's would work as well.

[Militis]

I use football cleets that have been dyed all black. If you are worried about not looking lame, invest in greeves that cover the foot as well as the shin (Kinda like Nictmar's) Gotta love the traction of the cleets.

[Lord Kensman Oron the Wolf]

Balkoth, you may be headed about this problem from the wrong direction. Comfortable, plain, brown or black foot ware is easily had almost anywhere, with or without ankle support. Were I you (and fortunately, this 41 year olds knees are still working great), I would invest in a set of neoprene knee braces, or knee pads (like wrestlers use). These will not only give your knees additional support/stability, they have the added bonus of keeping them warm and flexible. When I take my knee pads off after a long day on the battlefield, my knees feel great. Hope that helps a little.

Good luck

[balkoth]

wait....cleats are allowed...if thats the case then im covered for that lol i have a nice set of cleats....and yeah i have 2 knee braces that i will be using with out a doubt

[greybeardabbot]

I think the rubber cleats are... like a sport shoe

[Militis]

yeah, I've used mine at Rag 2 years in a row with no problem.

[balkoth]

sweet thanks guys for the imput...helped bunches