The Importance of Correct Footwear for Music Festival Attendance.

Any experienced festival-goer knows the correct and appropriate footwear choice for attending a music festival but any relatively new festival-goer could make poor footwear selection choices. Having the right footwear is essential for a worry-free event experience, what are the key factors to consider when choosing appropriate festival footwear.

The right footwear selection can be one of the most critical factors in determining festival-goer comfort, safety and enjoyment. Versatility is key because festival-goers must endure long periods of standing, dancing and walking usually over 2 or 3 days in unpredictable weather conditions. An understanding of the potential terrain conditions and weather forecasts can help festival-goers in making the right choice. 

Comfort. 
For most people comfort is the number one priority and with harsh conditions often experienced over a long festival weekend this can determine their overall enjoyment of the event. Well cushioned footwear that can absorb impacts, reduce strain and prevent blisters and sore feet is a key consideration. A measure of comfort is how well feet are kept dry and warm and in crowded environments are capable of withstanding constant trampling from fellow festival-goers. Robust footwear that can provide protection against hot drink spills and sharp field debris preventing injuries. 

Durability. 
Cheap footwear that is poorly made will most likely not survive the rigours of a festival weekend. It is not unusual for footwear to get wet and muddy and then to go through a drying cycle which can impact on construction limits. Easy maintenance and cleaning is a consideration to help maintain the durability of any chosen footwear. 

Hygiene. 
Adverse weather with flooding in toilet and bathroom zones are not ideal for exposed feet so sufficient protection is recommended. Prolonged periods of wearing the incorrect footwear can lead to wet, sweaty feet that are then prone to athletes' foot or other bacterial fungal infections. Festival-goers should ensure that they regularly clean their feet to prevent any problems and footwear that provides barriers to mud, dust and water can contribute to better foot hygiene. 

Common Problems. 
Festival-goers sometimes choose flip flops or open sandals for a summer festival but these offer no protection from water or impacts and are probably not comfortable for long periods. Wellington boots are common choices because of their protection abilities against mud and water but are not the most comfortable choice of footwear. For fashion conscious festival-goers choosing stylish footwear over other considerations can be a mistake they will regret especially if the footwear incorporates impractical heals for example. 

Experienced festival-goers often bring several pieces of footwear that provides an element of flexibility over a long weekend. Well-made walking shoes or wellington boots can be good for periods when the weather is cold, wet and muddy but they often also bring breathable sneakers or training shoes for dry warm conditions. This allows them to dry out some footwear when they switch to their alternative. A number of clean dry socks can also help keep feet warm and dry and prevents any hygiene issues. 

For festival organisers planning their next event using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, site planning, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Image by TheOtherKev via Pixabay

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