I never thought about writing about footwear for photographers until today. Typically, what’s top of our mind is what’s in our camera bag. We’re not thinking about our feet. That is, until they hurt. Or, our feet get wet and the outcome is a blister with a mile walk ahead of us. Ouch!
Part of successful outdoor and nature photography starts with our own personal care to our feet, hands and overall protection from the elements. When we’re not 100%, we feel it and it may even show in our work. We lose endurance and focus (pardon the pun).
Keeping our feet strong, healthy and dry starts with solid footwear, the right socks and foot care when we’re back at home. As I’m in the field a few days each week, I’ve traded cute shoes and flip flops for photographer footwear. While that’s not a category in a store, there are great products that fit our needs.
Clothes and accessories designed for outdoor sports, hiking and adventure activities play just as well for us too.
Footwear for Photographers – Keep It Simple
Thank goodness we don’t need footwear for every outfit in photography and adventure sports. Since many of us are on the road, keeping our gear simple for packing and travel is a must. Multifunctional footwear keeps packing light.
Socks that Rock Through the Seasons
Thorlos Socks – I can’t remember not having Thorlos Socks in my hiking, walking, running and snow skiing arsenals. They are still a go-to brand for my active feet across all seasons. As my feet have many miles on them, their Thorlos Socks XEOU Experia® Compression Socks Over-Calf serve me well in the cooler months or when hiking with a lot of gear. In warmer climates and general fitness routines, their Thorlos Socks XECU Experia® Compression Socks Low Cut make the feet happy.
These Boots Were Made For Walking, Hiking and Adventuring
Ask five people what their favorite hiking boots are and you’ll get five answers. My hiking boot shopping experience at REI in 2017 (yes, 2017) resonates to this day. From narrowing it down to a couple of brands/styles based on my criteria to a solid test-the-fit actions, the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry Hiking Boots have been hitting the trails, terrain and adventures for three years. And yes, they’re still going strong!
Hiking boots are not just shoes. They are a form of your transportation in the elements and terrain. Giving them a good fit test in the store with an expert prevents pain and anguish!
Foot Cream to Squelch the Scream
At the end of the day, our feet have been through carrying weight, varying weather conditions and walking many steps. Sometimes we forget to give them a little extra care. For tired, dry feet it’s time for either my hubby or me to give the feet and toes some TLC. It starts with massaging the feet with Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme or Trader Joes Organic Coconut Oil. Then, after leaving the moisturizer on overnight underneath a pair of socks, the feet look and feel ready to roll the next morning.
Starting the day with the right footwear and care for photographers keeps our feet happy, healthy and able to go the distance!
A quick read on a photographers “checklist”: Our Checklist: It’s Not About What’s in Our Camera Bag
