I have a question for you more experienced survivalist types out there about an often overlooked important piece of SHTF survival kit: Footwear! I have bad feet, and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations about a really good pair of boots. Right now the best thing I have is a pair of construction boots with a lightweight carbon-fiber toe, instead of the steel one. Heh, I remember my first pair of Vietnam jungle boots from the local army/navy surplus store I got when I was in high school many years ago. Those things were terrible! Completely flat bottomed, no support at all. I can't imagine marching across the wastes in those things. Our poor vets! Anyway, the ones I have now are much better, but I am sure there are better still options out there. Modern Military perhaps? What are your thoughts?

Danner boots. Durable and comfortable the first time you put them on.

All the boots I wore in the army were horrible, so I'd really just stay away from them. You might try Rocky brand desert cross-trainers. I have some and they are the lightest boot I have ever worn. Not sure about their durability though. Altama make some good boots. Danner and Matterhorn are also old stand-by's. Regardless of what boot you get, I think it is more important to have quality socks and arch supports/inserts. Socks with good padding and construction, not tube socks from the department store, and a foot bed that conforms to your foot and corrects any issues you might have (over-pronation, etc.). Those two upgrades can make a crap pair of boots into passable.

Aftermarket insoles are a good buy also.

100% agree with this. Footwear is important, but what you put inside the boot may ultimately make a difference to your comfort and ability to withstand long days bearing weight. Superfeet are great (they can be made custom, if necessary) but if not them, then something like this should be taken seriously.

i prefer cody lunden choice of going barefoot all the time

yes yes i want to get closer to nature

ok seriously not really whatever footwear you choose

break them in always break them in and always keep your feet dry

trenchfoot bad healthy feet good

and always trim your toenails

Currently, I use a pair of LaCrosse Quad Comfort steel toe boots. Once they are broken in, they are great. Very durable construction and great traction.

Aside from that, I've used Caterpillar brand boots for years. If you get one with a metatarsal guard, they make great foot protection.

Thanks for the input everyone! I will definitely look into some good insoles! I had kind of thought about them before but wasn't sure just how much they would help.

You are right about not having everything on you all the time, but ultimately where's the first place your going to go, if not home to gear up?

Also, the post apocalyptic world seems likely to be a place full of sharp rusty metal bits and shards of glass. Not exactly ideal barefoot country...