Best way to keep the gravel out of your boots?

[Steve Fox]

As the title suggests, Does anyone have any useful suggestions about how to keep the gravel out of your boots? No matter how hard I tie my shoelaces up and roll my socks down I still get gravel in my boots when charging off the bank. I know the best way is to become post chief but they don't like trainees doing that kind of stuff ( )

I'm sure that this has either been covered many times before or that it is obvious, if it is either of those I'm sure someone will point it out.


Steve

[flagwaver]

I think it is a variation of S@ds law, that a stone will find it's way in no matter what you do.

Suggestions have ranged from waders to snow shoes, to the more popular get somebody else to go (as you alluded to) The most obvious one of drivers not going into the gravel traps in the first place is usually met with much laughter.

[Bodysnatcher]

Originally Posted by Steve Fox

I know the best way is to become post chief

Oi!
I got gravel in me boot last week - and you was there!
I found out that spending the weekend in the passenger seat of an M3 works.

However, as a solution to your problem I suggest an old remedy from the early 70's
"Leg lag"
That'll be £100 pounds as my consultancy fee please.

[exflagman]

Originally Posted by flagwaver

I think it is a variation of S@ds law, that a stone will find it's way in no matter what you do.

Its the gravel pixies - I used to regularly find gravel in boots/socks/pockets etc even though as a flag marshal I didn't frequent gravel traps with great regularity

[Steve Fox]

Originally Posted by Bodysnatcher

Oi!
I got gravel in me boot last week - and you was there!
I found out that spending the weekend in the passenger seat of an M3 works.

However, as a solution to your problem I suggest an old remedy from the early 70's
"Leg lag"
That'll be £100 pounds as my consultancy fee please.

I think everyone on post 4A got gravel everywhere last week, (Lucky I have no hair to speak of, otherwise the title of the thread would need to be altered somewhat) But people will drive these sports cars at us! (and iirc you where the only one not to duck)

[Micky.H]

Old School, long socks pulled up over overalls then doubled back down over top of boots.

[Steven Humphrey]

I can honestly say I've never had gravel in my boots in 3 years of marshalling! And before you ask, yes, I have been in plenty of gravel traps-just ask any of the Vale Out team from last years Britcar 24hr!!!

[chezza]

In about 10 years of marshalling don't think i've had gravel in my boots either...and i've certainly spent my fair share of time in gravel traps. Not really sure what the solution would be.

[NewYankee01]

i can kill 2 birds with 1 stone here, walk completely round the gravel trap and then by the time youve done that the accident may have sorted itself out or somebody else would have got to it...

seriously though im sure gaiters are another option, though i can still see the odd piece finding its way through. you could always become a flaggie, that chooses to stay on your podium all day. kind of like me except i like to always do track inspections... well not like me!

[terence]

Always try to get on a post with tarmac?

[LandieLad]

A pair of stop tous (ankle gaiters) are good. Designed for walking but they work well and very low cost.

[Dave Brand]

The best way to keep gravel out of your boots is to stamp on his fingers if he as much as tries.

. . . oops, maybe we're not talking about Gravel monkey. . .

I've never had a problem with gravel in my boots, maybe because the boots I wear have bellows tongues.

[White flag man]

If you're on "The Beach", you should be wearing filp-flops!

[deadsquirrel]

Leave your boots at home?

I wear 'bovver' boots, so above the ankle - these don't let gravel in

[M Greenslade]

I find that Hush Puppies are rather good and comfy.................

Bladders.....

[Steve Fox]

Thanks for the suggestions, It does look as if most people get away without doing anything special but the "tech" that I had in mind was certainly going to be along these lines:

Originally Posted by Micky.H

Old School, long socks pulled up over overalls then doubled back down over top of boots.

I will get some long socks (which I normally find quite uncomfortable) and try Micky.H's idea.

[Mike Kelly 1]

It all depends on the type of boots that you wear. If its the rigger type of boots then due to the open nature of these pull on boots then stones may well get into the boot. A remedy for this is go to your nearest store that sells ex military kit and buy a pair of "twists". These are elasticed loops with hooks that you put round your boot tops then tuck your probans into them provided a seal around the top of your boots. You can also use these on the high leg lace up boots i.e. military boots. If you cant get the twisters then strong elastic bands work just as well. If you know any ex Army guys then they will tell you what i'm on about.

If you are wearing ankle boots then you will not be able to avoid stones getting into the boots in the area just below the ankle joint, advice here is buy high leg boots.

[Woolley]

Goodness, I know have this image of Mike Kelly in thigh-highs.

Never sufferred gravel in boots as far as I can remember. Walking boots and long socks here.

I've had it in my bag, courtesy of Vincent Radermecker in F3 climbing the wall at Coppice and emptying everything he'd collected in his sidepods over the top. Took me ages to get rid of it all, I was still finding bits months later. If I could have carried it home as it was I could have done my driveway quite nicely!

[JimW]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PAIR-COMBA...#ht_2042wt_905

[TFHarv]

Would have thought best way was to be on a post without gravel or even a circuit without gravel - pop up to cadwell park next weekend and have a day without gravel in your boots

[Mike Kelly 1]

Originally Posted by Woolley

Goodness, I know have this image of Mike Kelly in thigh-highs.

Pervert. By high leg I mean military boots that go above ankle height.

[Mike Kelly 1]

Originally Posted by JimW

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PAIR-COMBA...#ht_2042wt_905

Thats the ones Jim. I used them whilst in the Army and still use them whilst marshalling.

[Steve Fox]

I've just bought some and will report their efficacy in due course.
Thanks for the suggestion.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly 1

advice here is buy high leg boots.

Apart from lessening the likelihood of stones getting in they give the all-important ankle protection.

[Mike Kelly 1]

Originally Posted by Steve Fox

I've just bought some and will report their efficacy in due course.
Thanks for the suggestion.

You're welcome.