Lightning Myths: Rubber shoes or boots offer protection from a lightning strike.

MYTH: Rubber shoes or boots insulate and therefore protect against a lightning strike. By DAN ROBINSON Storm Highway Editor/Cameraman TRUTH: Air is also a strong insulator. A lightning bolt (on average) has pushed its way through miles of air, so it won't be stopped by a half-inch of rubber, or several hundred feet of rubber, for that matter. People who have been struck by lightning often get their shoes (and/or clothes) blown off or blown apart from the powerful shock wave produced by the lightning stroke.

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