embarrassingly noobish question.

dr gonzo

Im sure youre all sick of me asking questions like this but im going on my first dig soon over to France and im just wondering if anyone can reccommend a type of footwear for it. Ive looked at boots and shoes and half boots/half shoes, some are waterproof, some are breathable, some couldnt take the mud, some need constant care, some are bad brands etc. I really just need a pair that can take a bit of a hammering without being over the top construction site type things.

Can anyone give me any ideas whats required of an archaeologist shoe and a reccommended pair?

Cheers again everyone.

shipwreck

Im a fan of Rigger boots that builders wear. They are fairly lightweight, water proof, steel cap toe (important!) and warm if the weather is cold!
I got my pair a few years ago in a camping shop on Mary st in Dublin...Ive been working indoors in the warm environs of museums in the past few years but when I was doing fieldwork they were great!

happyoutscan

Depends on your work area. Sometimes (when shoveling bucketloads of mud) wellies, other times a nice comfy pair of work boots. Always go for the steel toe-caps, they will prove at some stage to be a 'toe-saver'. Keep asking questions too, it's the best way to get yourself the info you need (whether it be on boards.ie, in the field, classroom etc!). Enjoy the dig and enjoy the few pints every evening hopefully!

Smartypantsdig

Riggers work well! Depending on the type of site though, I prefer high waterproof lace-ups for wet sites as there is less chance of them being "sucked" by the mud .

I also have steel-toe wellies, "borrowed" from a Fire Fighter I used to share a house with!

Enjoy the dig!