Glastonbury footwear

January 24, 2024 1:33 AM

I know there are a million threads on the internet about the best shoes for Glastonbury (I know because I have read them all) but they are typically from local-ish people, those who are driving and can store things in their car, or might otherwise have the luggage room to err on the side of caution. None of these describe me. But I have so many thoughts (too many thoughts, maybe).

I will be attending Glastonbury this year but as I live on the other side of the planet, I’ll also be tacking on other travel to make the most of it. This means that, firstly, I have limited space for my belongings in the first place and would prefer to pack things that aren’t *just* for Glastonbury. I’m grabbing the coach so everything I take needs to be hauled in and out by hand. Secondly, I can’t just read the weather report the week before and pick from my footwear collection. Lastly, if I need to buy something, I will have to purchase it soon so I can begin the wearing-in process.

I would desperately love to avoid buying gumboots/wellies/rainboots (pick your localism). I find them awfully uncomfortable and they are a packing nightmare. From what I understand, drainage at the site has improved since 2016, and you can mostly walk around puddles If necessary.

I have a very comfortable, worn-in pair of soft leather Doc boots I’d like to take instead. I know these have downsides – can get a bit hot and can be heavy, not waterproof, but still seem a shit tonne better than gumboots in terms of comfort and ease. I’d be open to buying some supportive inner soles, though.

I know people recommend hiking/walking boots but I don’t own anything like this and would have to purchase. That’s not an issue in itself, but outside of Glastonbury, I would be unlikely to ever wear these as I’m not much of a hiker. Seems like a waste. And if you’ll allow me a moment of vanity – I hate the way these sorts of shoes look on me. I already have short stocky legs and hiking boots just make me look like I’m playing scrum-half for the local rugby team. I know no one else gives a shit about what I look like, and that’s fabulous, but I give a shit about what I look like. I’d prefer a lower profile pair of supportive hiking shoes and think I’d be more likely to wear these again if they don’t get lost to Glastonbury. Plus I could wear them during the rest of my holiday. They lack ankle support, though, and may be less comfortable for long periods of walking?

I have also considered a good pair of walking sandals (think Teva, something with arch support) for the hot days and to give my toes some valuable breathing room. However, I struggle with stuff between my toes (my sensory ick) and I’m worried about my toes getting decimated. I can’t help but feel that my feet will absolutely pong if I do nothing but wear trainers and docs for 4 days, though. Again, I don’t think I would wear them much when back home but I could also wear them while on holiday.

I understand that anything I take to Glastonbury might get wrecked and I accept that.

Geez, so many words about shoes. What is your advice, given the above diatribe?

posted by BeeJiddy to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

Take your oldest/most comfy, supportive shoes that won't come off if you have to wade through mud and accept that this may be your shoes' last hurrah. And as they are on their last legs anyway that's ok. If they remain usable, that's a bonus, if not, their demise was simply part of the cost of attending Glastonbury.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:32 AM on January 24

I've been to a bunch of UK festivals in all sorts of weather, almost always by train/bus.

I usually take wellies, some flipflops (to wear in the showers or if it gets hot), and a pair of much worn walking boots, which covers all eventualities. The only time I didn't bother with wellies was during the drought in 2022 and it was so hot I didn't even bring a coat.

You could skip the wellies - in the case of disastrous mud, you can buy wellies on site, although it will cost more, and the few options will sell out fast. That could be your back up plan in case of very heavy rain.

That, or buy waterproof shoe skins/overshoes, to pair with the Docs. They come in a variety of materials and durability. I've only used the cheap plastic ones which fell apart quickly at a festival but there are fancier neoprene ones that could fit over other shoes. They look like they'd roll up for packing much smaller than welly boots. No idea if they are as good as wellies but worth a look.

I don't think your feet will smell after four days in closed shoes as I assume you'll be taking off your footwear to sleep and they can air out. You can also wash your feet with wet wipes or a damp flannel and soap, or in the showers.

I would'nt take only sandals. In anything except the hottest driest weather, you'll need something a bit more substantial if you're walking on dirt, grass, gravel etc.

I'd also gently encourage you not to worry too much about how you look in that style of boot. People at Glasto tend to be dressed in the most random assortment of gear. You could always treat yourself and buy a wild festival hat (wizard, rainbow, furry, light up?) to distract people from your feet...
posted by NoiselessPenguin at 3:46 AM on January 24

I second waterproof silicone overshoes/boots covers that you can wear over your docs. Super compact and have the benefit of turning any of your other shoes into waterproofs too.

I also don't love stuff between my toes and i spend the summer in extremely comfy, lightweight EVA foam sliders that have great arch support (à la birkenstock). Something like this. Comes in tons of colors. They are very easy to rinse/wipe off if they get muddy and can be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher. because they're so light and bendy they're perfect to pack.
posted by PardonMyFrench at 5:53 AM on January 24

Thanks everyone, this has been massively helpful. I had no idea that the waterproof silicone overshoes existed so I will definitely grab some of these. I also like the idea of just skipping sandals for the farm and taking some tent jandals etc. for loo runs.

The only thing that concerns me about taking trainers I already own is that they are very flatfooted (cons, vans etc.). So I think I will look into something like a walking shoe or lower profile boot that I can start wearing in now.
posted by BeeJiddy at 4:35 PM on January 24

FWIW you can wear basically any footwear you like - how difficult you find it to wear those will absolutely depend on the weather. Drainage may be better but that just means it won't be puddles, but it will probably turn into a mud pile somewhere if there's a lot of rain.

I went with just sandals the year that the whole site flooded. Would not necessarily recommend but I only got stuck in the mud twice, and people helped me out with great hilarity all around.

I'd take whatever you don't mind getting wrecked that's got the best tread on the bottom.
posted by london explorer girl at 5:14 AM on January 25

On the sandals question, I've found Keens to be fantastic at festivals here in the US. They have a sturdy rubber toe cap that can protect your toes from just about anything, including getting stomped on by fellow dancers. They're a little bulkier than a Teva, but don't take up that much room and should be equally usable outside of the fest.
posted by polymath at 11:12 AM on January 26