“There is one item of GI gear that can be the difference between a live grunt and a dead grunt. Socks. Cushioned sole, OD green. Try and keep your feet dry. When we’re out humpin’ I want you boys to remember to change your socks whenever we stop. The Mekong will eat a grunt’s feet right off his legs.”– Lt. Dan Taylor
We definitely are not heading into a war zone and, most likely, we won’t be trudging through jungle swamp, but Lieutenant Dan had the right idea to pass along to Forrest and Bubba as they arrived in Vietnam in the movie Forrest Gump. I feel this is an appropriate way of getting to my obligatory ConExpo issue rant on the importance of making sure that your feet are comfortable, safe, and healthy as you navigate your way around.
As we previewed in the January/February 2020 issue of Grading & Excavation Contractor, this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a record-breaker with more than 2.6 million net square feet of exhibits. The show has an expanded footprint with a connected campus consisting of the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby Festival Grounds amounting to a total of 10 areas to explore. There are two locations for the Tech Experience being Silver Lot 3 and the Festival Grounds that are definitely “must sees.” You’re going to be spending more time on your feet than you ever have at any previous ConExpo.
Fortunately, there will be options that can help keep your pedometer count lower. The show has new and expanded transportation options. This includes hotel shuttles and intra-show shuttles. On top of all that, your show badge gets you a free monorail pass.
Just in case you do need to sit down for a moment to recharge and rest your feet, this issue will help round out your show experience. Carol Brzozowski has put together a revealing excavators article titled, “Big, Brawny, and Brainy.” Check out Lori Lovely’s piece on loaders, “Loaded to the Max.” And take a long look at Daniel P. Duffy’s feature on machine control, “In Control of the Situation.” This issue is more than enough to fill your downtime.
On the topic of comfortable footwear for the largest construction trade show in North America, I’ve had several discussions recently about comfort versus fashion. My personal priority is comfort. But I also believe in the importance of style and presenting oneself in a clean and professional manner. I guess I would conclude that comfort is style. It doesn’t look very professional to have a gait that lets everyone know your feet are aching. (Note: If your comfortable shoes are a mess, be sure to clean them up!) So if you see someone who has chosen comfort over style, please pay them a compliment.
And just in case you’re wondering about my choice of “kicks,” I’m sporting two different Nike Air Force 1 ‘07s as well as a pair of Jordan Proto Reax.
