How to Survive Anywhere: A Guide for Urban, Suburban, Rural, And Wilderness Environments by Christopher Nyerges

Author:Christopher Nyerges [Nyerges, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-10-30T17:15:00+00:00

". . . put thy shoes upon thy feet ..." Ezekial 24:17.

Shoes should be well-constructed as well. Shoes need not be waterproof, though that's a great feature if available.

One of the problems with footwear today is that so many are "disposable," and fewer manufacturers make a shoe that lasts long enough to be resoled, over and over again. Shoes that can be resoled seem to have died out with the family farm. Yet, they are still out there. Some brands that can be resoled are Whites, Ecco, Danner, and Asolo. There are others too-just ask for them.

So, unless you make your own shoes, look for well-constructed shoes with as many of the ideal features as possible. Of course, purchase on sale where possible.

So far, I've been speaking of commercially manufactured footwear. But it wasn't that long ago (especially if we think in cosmic terms) that everyone went barefoot or constructed their own footwear.

Going barefoot isn't really viable in urban areas, due to the ubiquitousness of broken glass, pieces of metal, and other items that will cause discomfort and even harm. There are other issues about going barefoot also. For example, even the harmful sound waves that our bodies will experience through our feet in the city can be harmful. You need footwear, period.

By the way, when I first met Cody Lundin, founder of Aboriginal Living Skills School in Arizona, he was barefoot in the city. He told me he goes everywhere barefoot, unless forced to wear footwear. I was impressed. He was well-versed in the philosophy and pragmatics of going barefoot, and I am certain he learned a lot by this chosen nonattire. If you choose to also experiment along these lines, keep in mind the warnings I have given and proceed like a scientist. Monitor the results, attempt to view what is happening objectively, and keep notes. I'd love to hear about it. (If you want to know more about Cod_v, contact him at alssadverntures.com or at Box 3064, Prescott, AZ 86302.)

Many of the traditional sandals of the past are worthy of note.

One of the simplest sandals is made with a thick piece of leather or rawhide, to which two straps are attached at the top to secure it to the foot. Such a sandal will look like so-called flip-flops or beach walkers.

If leather or rawhide is unavailable, you can make a fairly good and serviceable pair of sandals by cutting two soles from plywood or other hardwood. The straps can be riveted into the wood, or you can tack in a broad piece of leather that goes over the top of your foot. These are quickly made and are akin to Dutch wooden shoes. Master jazz musician Juno Lewis used to make and wear his own "African shoes" just this way-a thick wooden base, over which he tacked a strip of leather.

Slightly more complicated leather sandals have been made for centuries by the Plains Indians and others. One of the best descriptions of how to make these can be found in The Indian Tipi by Reginald and Gladys Laubin.

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