‘My feet hurt!’ How to put your best foot forward for Calgary Stampede

Calgarians and visitors debate the best choice of shoe for long days at Stampede Park.

Footwear may be the most important part of your Calgary Stampede outfit.

Whether walking, watching or waiting you spend a lot of time on your feet during the 10-day festival so what your wear on them matters a lot.

It takes about 1,000 steps just walking from the north entrance to the south entrance of Stampede Park for instance.

A Calgary podiatrist says boots, sandals and sneakers can all be good, but it’s the fit and quality that matters.

“Well-fitting, well-supported shoes with a stiff sole, nice heel, something that can provide a lot of cushion on the pavement,” said Dr. Karim Manji.

He says a sturdy supportive heel can help relax some of those tissues in the back of the ankle and the heel and says flatter shoes can sometimes make things worse.

“Looking at a flat flip-flop that doesn’t have a lot of support. I think it’s going to tell you the middle of the day that you might need to consider wearing a different shoe.”

‘Boots for Stampede’

A couple visiting from Denmark says boots fit the bill best for the occasion.

“Well, of course we have to have boots for Stampede, cowboy boots, very comfortable,” said Lone Larsen from Jutland, Denmark.

Some swear by sandals instead because the pavement holds a lot of heat.

“Decided to wear some sandals,” said Eric Beaulieu from Calgary.

“These ones have really good support. They’re not as soft as some of my running shoes but in the heat, these are better.”

No matter what you wear, your feet will likely get weary.

“(I) definitely feel it at the end of the day. It’s not easy walking in boots all day. They’re not the most comfortable because they are wooden soled,” said Kailah Gougles a baritone horn player with the Calgary Show Band.

Band members rack up a lot of steps with five daily performances throughout the grounds, in between the band gathers outside the park, then there are extra steps on parade day.

“The day of the Stampede parade I tracked around 30,000 steps that day and since then I track around 21,000 steps,”said Gougles.

They don’t have a choice of footwear and all wear marching red cowboy boots, so the pro tip from Show Band members is cushioned insoles.

Then there are those not happy with their choice of footwear.

“To be honest they just went with the outfit but I’ve been here for an hour. My feet hurt already so to be honest I wouldn’t recommend these,” said Yokabet Ejigu from Calgary who says her high heeled boots were not the best choice.