In a message dated 12/17/01 4:39:11 PM Pacific Standard Time, kg5u@hal-pc.org
writes:
> > I've stood on them for hours at a time and haven't had any
> > problems. I'll
> > bet you a nickel that the writer of this great "hint" doesn't have the
> > correct footwear for tower work.
>
> What IS the straight skinny on this topic, Steve?
>
> I've been using my 25-year-old Vibram-soled hiking boots (yes! They still
> fit).
>
> They don't allow my feet to feel the rung when standing for short or long
> periods.
>
> The space between the treads are such that they lock the boot to the rung.
>
> The boots are high enough above the ankle that I can't easily (and
> comfortably) rotate my feet up and down a whole lot at the ankle.
>
> Even though I have been using them for their intended purpose (hiking) a
> good 10 years before I started climbing towers, they have been a great
> tower-climbing tool for me.
>
What you want are boots that have a solid footbed which is accomplished
by having a steel or fiberglass shank in the sole. Some work boots and
climbing/hiking boots have them. Hold the boot in both hands and try to bend
the sole. If it bends under the arch - it ain't suitable.
I got started in the tower biz from my mountain climbing days so I've
always used my mountain climbing boots that had a stiff sole that you could
use with crampons.
Of course if you're going to try to work on a tower with tennis shoes or
any other soft soled footwear, you're going to beat your feet up real fast.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
Tower Tech
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