Looking at some of the costumes from TRIBE and Bliss, so far, I am getting the idea that boots may not be the best choice of footwear in terms of aesthetic. I mean I CAN see boots if you are playing in Mongol Fighters, however if you are in Masai Tribal Warriors or Titans how would boots look especially if you want to preserve the theme of the costume?
This individual masquerader in Harts 2010 with the huge wings and Romanesque costume was on point with every aspect of the character from the body art to the footwear which is savvy pair of Gladiator Sandals! I love it to be honest, boots to me would not have had the same effect of completing this costume.
And I feel the same way about this masquerader in Brian Mc Farlane's Masai; her sandals are perfect for the costume which is beautifully accessorized, boots or sneakers would not have the same authenticity of presentation:
So my question to you is would you be open to wearing sandals to play Mas for Carnival? Yay or Nay?What are your concerns about sandals for the road? If you have worn sandals or open toed shoes what tips and advice can you give, what were the pros and cons? Have you ever worn the insoles for sandals and open toed shoes? Feed back on comfort would be much appreciated!
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16 comments:
I get your point but there is absolutely no way I would ever wear open toed anything on Carnival MOnday and Tuesday I would be too afraid of getting "mashed". These options are extremely pretty though - It would take someone braver than me though.
Agreed.
They would look brilliant with Titans, for example, but I think they're highly impractical for roadwear. They don't look like they'd offer the support you need for two full days on the road, not to mention my toes being exposed. I get a bad enough 'Carnival toe' from getting mashed when I'm wearing boots. I might end up with about seven toes if I were to go out with my toes exposed.
Having said that, I always see a few people on the road in slippers or some such, and I am always impressed with them for their bravery. If I were playing, and was able to find a really amazing pair of sandals that offered the proper support and looked wicked, then I might take the chance.
I agree with the above statement: I remember a couple of years ago when I wanted to wear gladiators with a costume. i brought it up in a facebook group and EVERYONE was concerned for my toes. I decided against them after that. Imagine everyone drunk and jumping up and me with my poor lil exposed toes...no sir! LOL
hahahaha...i totally decided on gladiators the minute i saw the costumes, even did an album on FB for sandals and monday wear to go with bliss' 'titans'. allyuh late!...lol
I thought about it and decided against it. Like everybody else said just the thought of my toes being stomped on made me shudder!! Uggghhhhhhh!!! LOL I've already decided to do boots but straight knee-high (no slouch) and faux leather (can't do real leather in Trinidad sun, LOL)...with a slight heel. I think that gives the costume a more superhero look, you know?
Hey Saucy... This is the masquerader from Harts.. I am really glad you liked my costume and my gladiator sandals.. totally flattered!! Figured I would give my perspective having worn sandals from 5am to 11pm on Tuesday... I completely understand the apprehension to wear sandals to Carnival especially with the open toes. So when I designed the sandals to get them made they had a fairly sturdy leather covering over my toes (picture the white front part covering the toes of converse sneakers). The same kinda thing was put onto my shoes so all my toes were covered... I also had straps around my ankles and part covering my toes that went across the top of my foot, and then wrapping up and around my leg up to right below the knee.... I was actually more worried about slicing my foot on some broken glass, so the straps really protected my foot... I actually can't remember if anyone stepped onto my foot at all... was too busy palancing....but I am sure someone must have.. but the front leather piece protected them... The design actually ended up looking better and sturdier because of the front leather protection... I was able to put in a Dr Scholl's foot gel into the sandal since it had a small sink in the sole.. this made the shoes soooo comfortable... My feet hurt more from my sneakers on Monday that my sandals on Tuesday... My one word of advice, as with all shoes/sandals/boots is to break them in in advance of Monday.. I got blisters from the leather straps of the sandals because I only got them a couple days before Monday and didn't get to break them in properly.. Otherwise, the sandals were the most comfortable Carnival footwear I have used to date... and no broken toes :)
So now to find my costume for next year! Can't wait!!
To justin above....wow that sounds like the perfects road sandals....HOWEVER I would not wear sandals on the road because when rain falls....and you jump in that water!!!!! I had a similar experience wearing slippers to the market and rain fell 0_o.....yup pretty nasty.
Well I wore flats this year. Not sandals really, no parts were exposed, but there was no support ofr my feet. However I did use Dr. Scholl's(r) Gel insoles and my feet did not hurt one bit for the both days. Getting stomped or Mashed is inevitable regardless of what you wear, if I were playing next year, I would opt for a gladiator sandal and possibly stick the gel soles in (they do not stick to your shoes) and find a way to decorate around it, so that it is cleverly hidden. Good luck to those who try the sandals, trust that if u on the road to be a poser and not busy wining and enjoying your day... YUH WILL GET MASHED AND FEEL IT...
Solid tips from Justin and Acacia-Victory. Footwear should not be an afterthought in the finishing of your mas.
Hey Justin, looks like you're ready for the "Barbarella" remake! Nice work. :)
I am sooo torn. I love being able to 'complete the look', but how much of a risk am I willing to take? Will I regret the whole sandal thing after my first sighting of broken glass? That's actually just as much of a concern for me at Carnival time. It is a very VERY dirty time in the streets: pee everywhere, broken bottles etc etc, plus the jumping. I worry about getting cut and/or picking up some sort of fungus ... lol. We will see if the drama of the costume overtakes me though .. IF my section and band of choice this year calls for a sandal :-)
To be honest, the two pictures shown are of the gladiator sandals that I played in Bindi along with my friend who played in Taal. For those who are in fear for their toes, dont worry. Neither one of us had a mash toe! When you on the road and busy with the constant jamming your feet are constantly moving, you dont get mashed. Then again, I've never had a problem with Island People either when others have.
Open toe shoes on Carnival Monday & Tuesday :-O
No Sir, No Maam....not me!
I seriously doubt I could work up the courage to expose the toes for Carnival. I'm more concerned about broken glass than anything else. And having seen my boyfriend get his foot stepped on by a horse a few years ago (I kid you not!), I have become a firm believer solid foot protection.
But every year in Harts, I see people playing in stiletto heels, sandals, flip flops, and all sorts of supposedly risky footwear. More power to them, I'm just not that brave.
Re: Insoles: Dr. Scholl's sells insoles that are specifically designed for open shoes.
http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/productSearch.do?method=doProductDetailsLookup&searchArg=60
Thanks for all the tips and advice! Justin I especially loved that you had your footwear made, I think I will follow that option and thanks for dropping by the blog.
Wow Justin: your entire costume, head to toe, rocked, You looked great, and it is very cool that you had your footwear made.
Not sure I could go open-toed on Carnival Monday & Tuesday. People stepping on mih toes, God-alone-knows what possibly being stepped in, questionable liquids all over...shudder!!
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