Six Festival Footwear Ideas

If you’re attending a festival this summer, it’s almost certain you have been deciding what you are going to take, and wear, for weeks in advance! Making sure you pack appropriate clothing can be the difference between having the best time or a miserable experience! That said, it is worth remembering you will always be on the move, without the apprehension of wet weather!

Dancing is just the beginning of your daily activities. You will be doing lots of walking across the site, as well as standing around in queues for food and drink! If your festival is in England, you will most likely be trudging through lots of mud too! Therefore, investing in a decent pair of shoes is essential. Here at LOWA, we have provided some festival footwear ideas along with some hints and tips to make sure you, and your feet, have the best experience possible!

Wellies: If It’s Really Wet Weather

We are sure you have already thought of it, but wellies are great for any times that it’s really wet! You can purchase wellies in different colours, patterns and shapes, making them a fun wardrobe staple for a festival. Ankle wellies make a great slip-on shoe for festivals that are damp, rather than pouring with rain. However, to remain the driest, full-length wellies are your best bet. Made from sealed rubber, they will ensure to keep your feet and legs dry. A worthwhile investment, good wellies can last a long time. Although, be sure to pack some good socks for comfort, as wellies don’t usually provide much cushioning!

Big Boots: For Protection

Big boots are a great alternative to wellies. Not only are they sturdy and supportive, but they are also a great protector of feet in crowds of people. Unlike wellingtons, boots with laces are more secure, and therefore more likely to stay attached to your feet, instead of getting stuck in the mud!

Walking Boots: For Support And Comfort

Ensuring your shoes are watertight is a must for your feet to remain comfortable throughout a soggy day. Walking boots are an ideal investment for a festival if you are after waterproof footwear that can withstand muddy terrain. Here at LOWA, all our boots are created from light, durable materials, and we use Gore-tex to give superb weather protection. This means our boots are not too heavy, avoiding muscle strain while ensuring the foot is nicely cushioned and supported. Complete with comfortable insoles, a good pair of walking boots are suitable to wear all day and in all weather.

Whichever boots you choose, it makes sense to wear them beforehand to ensure they’re comfortable on the day.

Trainers: For Movement

The weather ideally needs to be dry to avoid any permanent dirt or damage to your favourite pair of trainers. Trainers can be easier to move in due to a less robust structure and frame. However, they are not renowned for keeping your feet watertight. If you’re really desperate to wear your favourite pair of trainers and the weather is not looking sunny, perhaps purchase waterproof shoe covers! They come in different colours and patterns and may save your favourite pair of shoes from too much impairment.

Alternatively, here at LOWA, we offer a range of low-cut walking shoes that provide the comfort of our boots but with increased ankle freedom. These shoes can provide the perfect balance between lightweight walking freedom and that all-day comfort that can make festivals more enjoyable!

Sandals and Flip Flops: For Relaxing

Again, dry weather is essential for sandals. Perhaps a choice of footwear for the bravest of festival-goers, you will need to be wary of your toes in crowded areas! They make a fantastic alternative for when the weather improves to scorching temperature, or your current shoes are giving you incredibly sore blisters. On this note, it good to pack a blister kit within your first aid bag just in case! Never pop blisters without medical supervision, and make sure they are covered up appropriately. Pick a sandal that you can strap to your foot to avoid any accidents, or loss of footwear!

It is worth noting that wearing plastic flip flops in particular are not a good option when walking and dancing for an extended period of time. Plastic flip flops can damage the arch of your foot in particular, as they offer no support or grip for your feet.

Earth-Friendly Footwear

If you are eco-conscious, vegan footwear could be something to consider. Here at LOWA, we have recently created a 100% vegan friendly walking boot. Especially crafted for an outdoor activity where flexible and energetic movement is fundamental, this is an ideal choice of footwear for festivals. The materials used are waterproof, allowing the feet to stay dry, lightweight and comfortable all day.

Extra Tip: Don’t Forget Your Socks!

Investing in some decent socks is a great idea for a festival. If you are taking trainers, make sure to choose good socks that will soak up any sweat. For boots, purchasing hiking socks will work wonders for your feet. Not only will they be extra comfy, but they will also decrease the chance of rubbed and blistered feet. To avoid any nasty surprises, make sure you take enough pairs so you can change your socks during the festival.

Festival footwear is weather dependent, so it is best to make sure you have at least a couple of choices when you are there. For some ideas on waterproof and comfortable footwear, take a look at our summer hiking boots for some inspiration. If you have come back from a festival and need to clean your shoes, read our blog on how to clean suede walking boots for some advice!