Protecting Your Feet

One of the most important modes of transport during an emergency is simply having to using your feet. Here are some tips on protecting your feet as well as what you should carry with you in your backpack or bug out bag.

The problems – and how to avoid them

With feet – as with most things in life – the prevention of problems begins with preparation. And in the case of protecting your feet, that means choosing your footwear with care.

Footwear

• to be as prepared for any eventuality as possible, aim to wear shoes that fit well, have relatively high backs and sides (for support), and have soles with a good grip;

• if you know you are likely to be walking or trekking longer distances, the appropriate footwear – offering greater support and protection for your feet – is likely to be hiking boots;

• if possible, make sure you have waterproof or at least water-resistant footwear;

• ensure your walking boots are broken in over time. Broken in walking boots means you are less likely to develop blisters. 

Keep your feet dry

This leads us on to keeping your feet dry. If your feet get wet, make sure you change your socks as soon as possible and use foot power to dry your feet.

Keeping your boots clean and polished helps keep them watertight.  Which then means they will keep your feet dry.

Remember that unless you take special care in your choice of socks and footwear, feet can become overly sweaty during prolonged standing or walking, particularly in hot or humid conditions.

Sweaty or wet feet encourage contagious skin infections such as Athlete’s Foot and may also attract fungal infections that turn your toenails black in colour and crumbly to the touch. This can be really uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Foot care checklist for your bug out bag

Make sure your bug out bag or backpack has:

• a few pairs of quality, breathable socks;
• foot powder;
• anti-fungal cream;
• sterile cleansing wipes;
• blister pads;
• nail clippers;
• boot polish and cleaning brushes to keep your boots watertight.

Your mobility – or quite simply your ability just to stand up – relies on your feet being in good working order and free from the potentially excruciating pain that makes walking, running, or moving virtually impossible.

Stay mobile. Stand on your own two feet – by looking after and protecting them.