View Full Version : Putting on shoes and socks
This may sound like a silly question, but is there a good way to put on shoes and socks when there is nothing to sit on?
I tried standing on one foot and almost fell over. Sitting cross legged on my groundcloth, it was a good flexibility yoga position, it worked but was uncomfortable.
What worked for me was to stick my thumbs in my sock and ball it up in my hand so it was easier to pull over my foot. Put shoes on while sitting, then stand up and crouch to tie them.
Anyone have any other tips?
It may sound silly but it can be frustrating, especially if you have small socks.
Do it Archie's way?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prRtcQz8Uqk
Wayne
Traveler
11-10-2015, 09:04
Have you tried leaning against a tree or tall rock for balance? The bark or rock surface usually provides just enough friction to hold you in place as you balance yourself and work the sock on your foot or Microspikes over your boots. You can adjust your body position on the tree/rock to suit your reach.
I also keep a Therm-a-rest Z seat pad in the pack so I can sit on wet or snow/ice covered surfaces to eat or make foot gear changes.
Monkeywrench
11-10-2015, 09:08
There's always something to sit on. A rock. A log. The ground.
garlic08
11-10-2015, 09:12
In a campsite, I simply reverse the process of taking them off, and usually that's sitting in my tent or under a tarp or with my ass inside and feet sticking out.
After fording or bathing in a stream, I've never thought much about, I guess I just find a patch of grass or dirt to sit down on, ideally a dry rock or log. I don't try to do it while standing.
I remove my shoes at nearly every break, but then, by definition, I'm in a comfortable place to sit and it's a non-issue.
Major Tip: Make sure the sock(s) go on first, then the Shoe(s) not the other way around! :)
(Don't ya hate a smart A**)
This is also another benefit of a hammock, shoes go on and off easily while sitting.
Maui Rhino
11-10-2015, 20:26
I carry a 12" x12" piece of closed cell foam. I always have a clean, dry, and warm place to sit. It can also double as an auxiliary wind screen, vestibule floor, fan for a camp fire and more.
Sandy of PA
11-10-2015, 20:55
I sit on my bear can.
When rain or snow isn't involved I intentionally practice my one legged balance so I can stand on one leg and put a sock on PLUS it helps with a whole lot more. It helps that I do this with shortie height socks and usually low cut trail runners I've learned to buy 1/2 size larger and that I have previously loosened up laces and tongue of the shoe that my foot usually slips rather easily into the shoe. Then, I do the other foot. Other times I put my shoes on in my shelter or while just my feet are outside the shelter. The better balance is required as part of sleeping on a climbing shelter and/or bivying on narrow ledges or doing a hanging bivy or hammocking in a high wire fashion. Make a mistake breaking "camp" or loosing balance and it can be very costly.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/18/1411036886472_wps_13_epa04404073_A_picture_mad.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2784793/Daredevils-doze-HAMMOCKS-hanging-high-wires-dizzying-Alpine-drops.html
squeezebox
11-10-2015, 21:59
On a long bicycle trip I was having a terrible time with the nails in my cleats. Beat on the nails outside and inside several times, took the shoes to a shoe repair guy. Nothing helped. Until one morning i felt the sand and gravel on my feet from the sandy spot I just walked across. I brushed off my feet and it's never been a problem since. Sounds stupid but I guess I was. So wipe off your feet, straighten out the wrinkles in you socks and your feet will be happier.
Major Tip: Make sure the sock(s) go on first, then the Shoe(s) not the other way around! :)
(Don't ya hate a smart A**)
This is also another benefit of a hammock, shoes go on and off easily while sitting.
Ah ha! A sock and a sock and a shoe and a shoe person. There's always one in every crowd.
Cheers!
I have to admit that I've never given this topic 1 nano second of thought. I've never had to go barefoot because I didn't know how to get my socks and shoes on.
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
imscotty
11-10-2015, 23:42
I second the hammock vote. I keep my shoes safe and dry underneath my hammock. In the morning I swing my legs over the edge, sock, sock, shoe, shoe, my feet never touch the ground.
squeezebox
11-11-2015, 00:22
might consider sock, shoe, sock shoe. But I think we are splitting the hairs on your toes.
Do it Archie's way?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prRtcQz8Uqk
Wayne
ROFLMAO
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Odd Man Out
11-16-2015, 17:21
Do it Archie's way?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prRtcQz8Uqk
Wayne
OMG. I'm old enough to remember that episode. That was about the funniest AITF scene ever (that, and Edith's canned peaches in heavy syrup soliloquy).
As for the shoes, you could take yoga lessons. That might help. For the record I haven't taken yoga. I just hop around on one foot and look like a fool.
BirdBrain
11-16-2015, 17:53
I use a 18 inch square piece of dollar store mylar/foam windshield sunscreen to sit on. It also doubles as my door mat outside my tent. In the morning I can sit in my tent with my feet on the door mat. During the day, I can do one foot at a time while sitting on my door mat. I can always find a rock or log to sit on. The door mat makes it a dry rock or log.
rocketsocks
11-16-2015, 18:18
I use a 18 inch square piece of dollar store mylar/foam windshield sunscreen to sit on. It also doubles as my door mat outside my tent. In the morning I can sit in my tent with my feet on the door mat. During the day, I can do one foot at a time while sitting on my door mat. I can always find a rock or log to sit on. The door mat makes it a dry rock or log.
...and reflects a little heat for the bum too, nice!
BirdBrain
11-16-2015, 18:20
...and reflects a little heat for the bum too, nice!
Who are you calling a bum? :D
Heliotrope
11-16-2015, 21:01
Do it Archie's way?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prRtcQz8Uqk
Wayne
I remember that episode! The greatest sitcom.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
rocketsocks
11-16-2015, 21:18
Do it Archie's way?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prRtcQz8Uqk
Wayne
Classic...now lets watch meat head get into a sleeping bag...a little imagination is in order.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuyR0fZ1MTY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuyR0fZ1MTY
Is this a new high/low for thread jacking?
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
squeezebox
11-16-2015, 23:33
I sit on my bear can.
Sorry! At first I thought you said beer can.
rocketsocks
11-16-2015, 23:55
Is this a new high/low for thread jacking?
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
Thread jacking happens :D synaps at it's finest.
It's always fun to see what direction these excursions take.
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
BirdBrain
11-17-2015, 01:52
Is this a new high/low for thread jacking?
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
Got my free D&D iced coffee because the Patriots won... and the best part is I was not offended by a red cup.
32666
Pedaling Fool
11-17-2015, 08:34
I think it's important to put shoes/socks on without leaning against anything. Loss of balance can be an early warning sign of several problems. However, most common is probably just weak muscles. Balancing on one leg not only requires inner core muscles, but also some muscle development in the legs http://bodyforlife.com/library/articles/training/five-exercises-for-strong-legs
Having trouble reaching your feet is a pretty good sign of obesity and lack of flexibility.
I think it's important to put shoes/socks on without leaning against anything. Loss of balance can be an early warning sign of several problems. However, most common is probably just weak muscles. Balancing on one leg not only requires inner core muscles, but also some muscle development in the legs http://bodyforlife.com/library/articles/training/five-exercises-for-strong-legs
+1 This is the best method to strengthen ankles and avoid sprains. (Also, I want to try and add something positive because my earlier post helped change direction of the thread).
poolskaterx
11-17-2015, 21:52
In a campsite, I simply reverse the process of taking them off, and usually that's sitting in my tent or under a tarp or with my ass inside and feet sticking out.
Pretty much my process too, shoes on the outside of the tent in my vestibule (unless it is freezing, then I put em in a garbage bag at the foot of my tent), sit up and slide em on.
A few others have mentioned it... A sit pad of some sort works best for me. It is my most used and most versatile piece of equipment. Mine is a piece of old sleeping pad foam. Big enough to sit cross legged on and stay out of the dirt.