Preparing for BlizzCon: You need good shoes
by Robin Torres 
Jul 7th 2009 at 3:00PM
Even if you are taking my advice and training your feet and legs for BlizzCon, you are still going to need good shoes for all of those lines. The Anaheim Convention Center floor is hard and unforgiving, so your shoes will need to provide the appropriate cushion and support to make up for it. In many conventions, companies will put carpet with extra padding in their booths so that people will stand there longer for demos of their products and services. Unless something has changed this year, there is no padding -- no respite for the feet unless you go outside and find a patch of grass.
In general, most athletic shoes will do the trick. They provide the support necessary for standing in lines and have cushion in the right places. But they need to fit correctly and they need to be undamaged so that they don't rub you in the wrong places. Following are some tips for bringing the right shoes.
- Get a professional fit: Feet change sizes throughout your life for various reasons, so you should verify your size regularly. You can do it yourself, but you need a foot sizer for accuracy. Wear socks and stand when you take the size and make sure you measure both feet. If the shoes you bring are too tight or too loose, you will damage your feet and the pain will suck your BlizzCon fun.
- Your toes need room: Make sure your toes have 1/2" between the end of your biggest toe and the inside of the tip of the shoe.
- Wear laced shoes: Laces help you adjust the fit throughout the day as your feet swell. And they will swell after all that standing.
- Examine your shoes for damage: The part of your shoe that is next to your achilles tendon should be completely intact. Anything that can rub against your foot anywhere should be undamaged, or else you will get blisters and sores.
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
t0xic Jul 7th 2009 3:05PM
I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that people know they should wear comfortable footwear when attending ANY convention. Why do we need an article to remind us? That's like writing an article to remind us to pack our toothpaste isn't it?
Boydboyd Jul 7th 2009 3:49PM
^this
Manatank Jul 7th 2009 4:04PM
This whole series of articles are just completely patronizing and ridiculous. Do they assume all WoW fans are completely inept and have never been outside? It is really insulting. I thought reminding us that things cost money was bad, but comfortable shoes? Really?
Please, if you are a wow.com reader who is going to Blizzcon who finds this series of articles useful please let us know. I mean honestly, please explain how it didn't occur to you that things cost money, and that you will stand in a line, and that comfortable shoes are comfortable.
My prediction for the next article: "Preparing for Blizzcon: Take a Shower." After all, WoW fans may not know that there will be other people at Blizzcon who might appreciate it if they didn't smell like an unwashed beast. Or maybe: "Preparing for Blizzcon: Chew with your Mouth Closed."
jjcoola998 Jul 7th 2009 4:18PM
Ok I actually laughed out loud at "appreciate it if they didn't smell like an unwashed beast"
F***ing priceless!! :)
Clevins Jul 7th 2009 4:28PM
Having been at the 2007 Blizzcon I can report that more than a small number of con goes could have used the reminder to shower.
outlier Jul 7th 2009 3:06PM
Ok, i love the site and always have but I will be honest and say this article is a bit of a stretch. Comfortable Shoes? Um, ok...
Ohrioh Jul 7th 2009 3:07PM
WTS [Shoes of Gratuitous Stamina]
Equip: Allow standing on convention flooring for longer periods of time than normal.
Use: Minor increase to "spring in your step".
For real though, have fun at Blizzcon and find some moleskin to help with any blisters :)
Randy Jul 7th 2009 3:17PM
The convention center floor sure is unforgiving.....painted concrete oh how we hate thee....
Good article, especially since there is a lot of standing and walking. I ended up watching some PvP, WC3 and SC tournament play just so I could sit down for a bit. Also a reason I like panels....usually get to sit through them.
Oh and everyone....please remember hygiene....there were too many people there who were easily classified as the geek doesn't know how to shower and stinks player last year.....and I'm not talking at the end of the day, but at the beginning waiting to go in.
So please do me, Robin, and anyone else you might be within 10 feet of and shower.
WafNyao Jul 7th 2009 3:12PM
Given the nature of WoW, I wouldn't be surprised if this might be some attendees' first convention ever. When I was little I got dragged along to a Star Trek convention and a few ComicCons, so I kind of knew the drill... When I was heading to TGS with a few study abroad friends, they were kind of blown away by how tiring the event turned out to be- since it was about video games they expected there would be a lot of sitting down and idle time- not the case at all.
Kajira Jul 7th 2009 4:19PM
This is my first convention, and my first time traveling - ever. So these little reminders may come in handy for me.
For those of you who already know how to pack, travel, and what to expect - good for you. You'd be more helpful, however, if you could share some of your travel tips and advice instead of just mocking those who might need it.
Manatank Jul 7th 2009 5:42PM
@Kajira:
Fair enough, I guess there really are people out there who can get something out of these articles. What made you wait until an event like Blizzcon to decide to travel? There is a big world out there full of interesting things to see and do. Some other things to consider when traveling:
1. Bring what you will need (to wear, to wash, to clean your teeth, etc.).
2. Eat and drink at normal intervals.
3. Arrange for lodging ahead of time to make sure you have somewhere to sleep.
4. Wash regularly.
5. If you are going somewhere sunny bring sunglasses and/or a hat.
6. Arrange for travel ahead of time (this includes travel to/from the airport if you are flying).
7. Don't get lost (bring a map, or a gps, or a guide :)
None of these things have anything to do with Blizzcon in particular, so googling a travel guide should be helpful.
chevysdad07 Jul 7th 2009 3:12PM
I prefer my boots.If they can stand the test of my ranch they can stand the test of some convention(not going but still). IMO boots have some of the best long term protection and have the best fit allaround, boots=100% comfortability and support when you need it(and besides easyer on/off and no laces to get in the way). If they can handle a bronk or a bremmer then they can withstand the test of time IMO.But yea what he said you shouldnt have to waste time writing about shoes....if they can afford to get there just for a convention then i believe they will have comfortable shoes....(oh and house shoes work well to lmao) dont forget your toothbrush on account of havin to worry about your shoes lmao. yall have fun at blizzcon tho
chevysdad07 Jul 7th 2009 3:20PM
tony lama,justin,roper,heck even walmart brand i prefer to nike or addidas........Boots....say it with me.....
Boo-ts....cmon now your gettin it boots....try em they may not be "in" anymore but you dont have to worry about someone scuffin 'em or steppin in horse....um crap...
Clevins Jul 7th 2009 4:30PM
Note, though, that shoes that are good for outdoors might not be great on a very hard, flat surface. You don't need ankle support, you need cushioning.
Dbag Jul 7th 2009 3:22PM
This is about as superfluous as "Money, you're gonna need it".
Atlonthepalidon Jul 7th 2009 3:27PM
But mommy, i gots an owie on my feets. Can ooo pweas kiss it bettew?
Mordockk Jul 7th 2009 3:31PM
Woah! Did Dr. Scholl write that article?
Molagmal Jul 7th 2009 3:31PM
Converse FTW, they get my through festival season in Western Europe every year! forget Blizzcon, Wacken here I come!!
dabreeze Jul 7th 2009 3:52PM
I'm at work, refreshing this page occasionally to see the latest news. Needless to say, I'm somewhat disappointed to have an article who's essential message is "you need comfortable shoes if you're standing all weekend, and here's how to buy them" pop up. Although it's full of pro tips, like looking at your shoes to see if they're damaged (let's face it, if you have to inspect your shoes to know if they're worn out or not, you've probably not left your computer in a while...go enjoy the day moon).
For all those who are actually going to Blizzcon, enjoy!
t0xic Jul 7th 2009 3:57PM
^^ THIS. If you can't come up with better subject matter just make an open thread and we'll suggest topics for you to write on =)