Originally posted by LifeIsPeculiar
reply to post by whoshotJR
"back into a small city area or even a garbage dump to find materials to use..."
Exactly! That is why one of my posts mentioned automobile tires for soles. We do have to assume that we have the necessary skills to make shoes out of tires. I originally thought that was the topic of the thread; however, it does seem that the thrust is the selection of good quality and appropriate foot gear.
The only thing that seems to have gone awry on this thread is me. I came along for the self-sufficiency interests, which is not the apparent topic. As for there being anything left over from a "crash", have you seen a good pair of Aztec shoes recently? Furthermore, life after the general fall of civilization would not be particularly easy because of the two legged predators. It is, however, a topic that interests me greatly.
I have a modest library of "life skills" books ranging over a wide spectrum of topics. The "Fox Fire Series" is wonderful, but no mention of shoes. I also keep physics, math, chemistry, biology, machine shop, prospecting, blacksmithing, and many other good books on hand. So, you see, I'm not trying to be a rabble rouser, I'm just trying to goad these experts a little deeper into their interests. I want that information.
My apologies for the long quote, but I hope to address several points, and not be in the position of taking points out of context.
I cannot speak for the intent of the OP, or for others, but the thread is titled 'How to protect your feet'. I took it to be a general discussion on keeping your feet in good shape, when prepared, when not prepared, and not necessarily 'How to fabricate footwear'. Now that you have brought it up, perhaps others may post, as Suzque66 posted her snowshoe info.
Perhaps I am a bit myopic, but when discussing survival (I don't really know what you meant by 'true survival' a couple of posts up.), it is a whole picture. All of the Indian living skills are good and fine (no cries of racism, please, as my gene pool swerved the Catawba Nation.
), but as
with any endeavor, you only have so much in time and resources to devote. Also, as this is a general post, read by many, more people can benefit from
a discussion of foot care with some form of modern footwear than without. Most people will have access to shoes, even after a big SHTF. Modern
materials will last a long time. Scrounging a pair (or two) of shoes) saves me a great deal of time making them. You asked about 'Ho Chi Mihn' sandals. They were essentially tire tread and rope/line. If you check some VietNam sites, you will find pictures, and possibly methods of manufacture. However, the tires that HCM sandals came from were generally bias-bly. Many that you will find in the US are steel belted. Bias ply is a bear to cut, steel-belted doubly so. You will find that you will be unable to cut them without stout tools.
As for making other types of footwear, you may want to locate books by and for 'reenactors'. Many of those folks make their own stuff, and it is generally easy to understand.
