When you unwrap a new tripod it’s inevitably equipped with standard rubber feet. Rubber is an ideal multi-purpose solution and offers decent grip on all sorts of surfaces. However, it isn’t always the best solution.On soft ground, such as sand, snow and even grass, you’ll find rubber feet can sink in and won’t create the stable base you’re after. Equally, wet rock and other hard surfaces can be a real issue with rubber feet sometimes not finding purchase.Thankfully some manufacturers are well aware of the issue and give you the option to change the tripod’s feet to match the location.
Let’s take an in-depth look at a few common foot options available for 3 Legged Thing’s range of tripods.
Tripod feet for everyday use
The rubber feet, or BOOTZ in the case of 3 Legged Thing, are an ideal multi-use solution. As previously noted, these are the standard option for all 3LT tripods.
As rubber is naturally grippy, the BOOTZ hold firm in most situations once they’re positioned properly. That means you get a firm, steady base for your camera.
However, there are some situations where the humble rubber foot will slip, sink or disappear, and this is when you need to look for an alternative.
Stop your tripod from sinking
The most common situation where you’ll find the rubber foot comes unstuck is when shooting on a soft surface like sand or snow.
In these situations, you need a foot with a wider surface area that spreads the weight of the tripod. This is where the elegantly milled 3 Legged Thing CLAWZ comes into play.
The curved claws dig into the ground while the wider surface area stops the foot from sinking, making them an ideal solution for sand, snow and other malleable surfaces.
Soft ground isn’t the only place where the CLAWZ will provide you with the grip you need. The design of the CLAWZ edge means they dig into ice and other surfaces, giving you decent purchase and support.
Tripod feet for rocky surfaces
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Rubber may be grippy, but on some surfaces, no amount of grip is going to help, and that’s when the HEELZ comes into play.
From hard rock to thick packed grass, the HEELZ spiked design ensures they dig in and grip.
Hard, uneven surfaces such as rock or concrete can be an issue for rubber feet, but the small surface area of the HEELZ’s spike ensures the foot digs in and holds the tripod firm.
Longer grass and foliage can also be a nightmare for rubber feet as they sit and bounce on the surface. Pushing the foot through to the ground beneath can be difficult, but with the HEELZ attached, the spike drives through the thicket to the firm earth below.
Protecting your tripod legs
Finally, there’s the STILETTOZ. These are extended HEELZ with a long metal shaft that raises the legs above the surface cover.
Like the HEELZ, the STILETTOZ feature a spike that drives into hard and soft surface alike to ensure that you get the firm shooting base you need.
The longer profile of this foot means that the legs are raised above mud, water and gravel, which helps to protect the tripod leg sections from damage and ensures a long life for your tripod.
Designed for longevity
Your tripod is an investment and it can be the small features that elevate one model above another. One such feature of 3 Legged Thing’s tripods is the rubber washer that sits between the foot and the leg. This helps to prevent the feet from accidentally working loose.
The 3LT FOOTWEAR range is also adaptable. Each model features dual 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads so they fit all 3LT tripods. However, it also means that they can be used with any other brand of tripod with either of these thread sizes in the base of the leg.
To find out more about the 3LT FOOTWEAR check out https://www.3leggedthing.com/accessories#content-section-footwear-accessories