Make sure you’re geared up with a full range of festival footwear

The choice for men’s shoes is now almost limitless; so how do you know what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to 2008 feet fashion, and in particular, what to wear at the slew of music festivals taking place over the summer? Next to a sturdy tent, appropriate footwear is the next most important thing to take to festivals and many a festival-goer ignoring such advice will have plenty of time to rue the fact, as they nurse their sore feet.

So, if you are going to one or more festivals this summer then make sure you are equipped for all weathers and that includes taking appropriate footwear. The most important item on the festival goers list after a tent is a well-fitting, sturdy pair of Wellington boots — wellies — to see you through the all too familiar UK summer downpours and mud baths. Green wellies are popular, but there are also some funky alternatives to set you apart from the crowd.

Just in case a miracle happens and the rain fails to fall you should still pack some comfy shoes. Although flip-flops are light and definitely on-trend, trudging around in them at festivals is totally impractical and guaranteed to result in bruised toes as everyone else stands on them, but they do come in handy to wear in and around the tent. Make sure you pack a pair in which to relax at the end of the festival day, or if you intend to ‘party til you drop, to slip-on in the morning as you sit outside your tent and slowly recover from the previous night’s excesses.

Plimsolls are comfy, practical and are this summer offered in distinctive bright colours as well as the obligatory black, white and grey. Basketball canvass boots are also great alternatives to traditional men’s shoes and probably the best option for Festivals, when wellies are not required.

For the more formal night out ankle-length leather boots look great as they can be worn with smart trousers or jeans with equal ease, but they are a definite no-no for festivals, unless you are staying in VIP and the floor is covered in carpet!

Leather loafers should not be taken to festivals unless they are silver and you are top of the bill on the main stage, but for regular punters leave them at home! Loafers are beautifully comfy shoes, well constructed and moderately expensive, and totally impractical to wear in the grass, dust and mud.

But, if you take nothing else to the festivals, make sure you take wellington boots because you can still wear them even if the sun shines! Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.