Pants/shoes advice for ya.....to beat the heat

[Vibe Ray]

For those of you who wear pant or blue jeans....I would HIGHLY reccomend Purchasing some pants that are 70% cotton/30% Nylon......I have been wearing these types of pants for years and especially while working......They are much cooler feeling and when you start sweating they do not feel nearly as bad.....not to mention try to get some w/ some sort of zipper pockets, so that way you can put your wallet and cell phone in it and never ever have to worry about losing them (or dropping as I have read that many of you do).

I also have some good shoes reccomendations for you. Now they may not look like they would make good work shoes, but they actually hold up pretty well and are extremely comfortable. The brand name is Merrell. They have some shoes (the ones I am referring to) that have no laces. They are not hi-tops, they go up to just under the ankle. They just slip on and off (just get the right size). Which is really really convenient. They have a few different styles of these. I have never had any problems with them slipping off and the leather holds up nicely and they are as I said extremely comfortable. The ONLY problem with them is that it seems as if the sole tread wears quickly. And best of all, they look nice enough to be going out shoes.

Heck you know what? I'm just gonna post a pic! I bought these a few months back for about $60 (keep in mind they have been through a few months of tough work!), but then I later I found out that Dillards had some on sale for $20. I would've bought as many pairs as they had, but unfortunately I only found one pair in my size (slightly different style, but still nice)....sorry for babbling on lemme try to post a pic of the shoes:

[Vibe Ray]

Her ya go!

[Vibe Ray]

Anybody use these already or have any othe advice or comments?

[lee b]

You're joking about the shoes, I hope.

[MLI]

n/m

[DLS1]

Do they have steel toes in them. If not, your risking your toes around mowers or dropping landscape timbers,etc on your toes.

[wattsup]

OSHA? I wear these shoes. The only OSHA I am worried about is ME. They are not safety shoes, but they are comfortable. Is OSHA going to come and inspect your shoes? Not a chance! Do not do anything stupid and you have no worries. If you have steel toed shoes they will still crush your toes if you screw up bad enough. Go for comfort, stay smart, and you are good.

[DLS1]

Originally posted by wattsup
OSHA? Do not do anything stupid and you have no worries. Go for comfort, stay smart, and you are good.

So you never heard of accidents like your feet slipping under a mower. I have heard of one guy on this site saving his toes from steel tipped shoes when his feet ACCIDENTLY slipped under the mower.

So do you wear ear and eye protectors?

[Guido]

Its kind of scary. I brought this point up in a discussion on another forum and I kind of got shooo'd there just like you are here.

I've seen some nasty accidents, and I do all that I can to keep myself from making mistakes, BUT...we are all human, and every now and then, accidents do happen.

I think steel toes are a pretty important thing. Like was said to me before, YES, there are great safety features on todays mowers, but still, the chance is there for a dangerous situation.

You don't have to be doing something stupid for an accident to happen.

I wear steel toe boots 12-16 hours a day, I don't find them uncomfortable??

I also asked the question there, does anyone actually govern the safety procedures used in a Small Business? I know OSHA is out there, but I thought your business has to be a certain size before they are allowed to mess with you because of the amount of money involved to adhere and follow a lot of their guidelines.

I don't know about you, but I rather be safe then sorry!

[TurfGuyTX]

Thanks, but I prefer steel toe work boots. The ones I wear are waterproof and have wicking to keep my feet dry. I'm never comfortable around mowers and such without steel toes. I guess if you are, then good luck.

[ant]

i use the same style shoe(sketcher) i don't mow just applicate useing my ride-on....when spraying i use lehigh rubber boot.

if i were mowing steel toe a must...

ant

[DLCS]

Well, like the majority of people here, I were steel toes too. I wear steel toe boots more than any other kind of shoe. I always find them comfortable, if you buy a good pair. It only takes one time to slip and get a foot under a mower. I don't think I would take that chance. Safety is #1.


Mike

[TLS]

As for the steel toe crushing your foot and making you loose your toes.....

If something heavy enough hits your steel toed boot hard enough to crush the steel toe and cut your toes off, the same "heavy" thing would do even MORE damage if you were wearing the shoes pictured above. Both ways, you piggies are toast!

But, I like the protection that steel toes give. And if they give me a 1/10 of a second advantage with possible blade contact, I'll take that! Good steel toes aren't that much heavier, and are just as comfortable. If your complaining about how a boot fits or feels, then you haven't found the right boot. The boots I buy ALWAYS feel like the ones they are replacing....COMFORTABLE as a tennis shoe!

As for OSHA, they cant touch us solo operators.

Carry on../..

[Phishook]

I bought my first steel toes last fall (2001).

Carolina low top's. Light weight, non-insulated, and less than $100.

Hard to find though. I'm definatly ready for a new pair. Everything I find is a high top or way too much insulation.

[darryl gesner]

Steel toe work boots here too. I bought a pair of Caterpillars this summer and like them so much I bought a second pair as a spare (I hate when they discontinue stuff I like). Roomy, comfortable, fairly light and not to hot.

I think shoes like those pictured 1) look unprofessional 2) don't offer any ankle protection, and 3) look like my favorite slippers.

I recently ran over a stick about 1 inch in diameter while cruising on my WB stand-up sulky. The stick came up through the slots in the platform and jabbed into my ankle. If I was wearing those shoes, I'm sure it would have been an emergency room visit for me.

[Tony Harrell]

The fabric idea is a good one but I'll stick to my steel toe Red Wings.

[Vibe Ray]

Ok OK....you guys only wear steel toes. I get the picture. Completely understandable. Maybe I'll switch after I get a few toes mown off too, but I have never had any problems with hurting my toes in any way thoughout my life (knock on wood). Except for stubbing them, but any shoes protect that kind of minor accident.

BUT what do you guys say about the pants idea?

[scott's turf]

Never have worn boots. Hard to think of cutting off my toes on my lazer when I can't even get off the thing with the blades turning. To each his own I guess.

[TurfGuyTX]

I agree with you on the pants. I'll start another thread and find out some more about accidents.

[roscioli]

A note for those who MAY think steel toed boots are indestructable: My employee (since fired) attempted to fit my 27 L/C lazer between a tree and my trailer, and ran over the corner of my gate WITH THE BLADES RUNNING. It promply cut through the expanded sheet metal, and THE WELD. I will take pics to post. Frightening sight. If it can do that to weld (which is generally considered stronger than steel due to heat treatment), what can it do to your steel toes?

[hnter]

good boots are essential (and pretty much a no-brainer when it comes to safety)...as for clothing, forget cotton (or just about any natural fabric) entirely and go with some of the new performance fabrics...coolmax will keep you cool when its hot, gore-tex will keep you dry when its wet, and polartec will keep you warm when its cold...might cost more than cotton but worth it in comfort...try cabalas 'guidware' supplex shirts and zip off pants/shorts or the 'liquid crew' by sierra designs...just my $.02

[TurfGuyTX]

I don't think they are indestructable. I just appreciate the added safety. Much like a helmet offers. A bullet proof vest helps, unless the shot is in the head. Any added safety measure is an improvement.

[Phishook]

Originally posted by Vibe Ray

BUT what do you guys say about the pants idea?

ZIP OFF PANTS.

perfect. Cargo styled, zip off at the knees when you are mowing, zip on when you are trimmin'. Tan w/blue stripes down the side of the leg, elastic waist for growing room. Nylon/Cotton blend for that crisp clean look.

[HLC]

If something heavy enough hits your steel toed boot hard enough to crush the steel toe and cut your toes off, the same "heavy" thing would do even MORE damage if you were wearing the shoes pictured above. Both ways, you piggies are toast!

TLS......Thanks. This sounds just like the arguement about not wearing seat belts.."If I crash into a river I may not be able to get out with my seat belt on:rolleyes: "

I wear steel toes as well. I have a new pair of Red Wings on order right now. Red Wing just came out with a sneaker style steel toe shoe that looks good enough to wear out on the town. If they live up to the rest of Red Wings shoes reputation they'll be exceptionally comfortable as well.

[m&m]

cant say that i like steel toes.........never found a pair i felt comfortable in that didnt feel like they were digging in my toes and cutting em..........and dont even say get right size cause i have tried every size there is...........ill stick to my justin workboots or my nikes.........to each ,his own

i agree with the added safety 100 percent, but i aint gonna make myself uncomfortable to do it

[Gravely_Man]

I am a huge RedWing fan. You can get the steel toe safety boots or in a shoe style. As for the pants I go with 100% cotton work pants. These breathe well enough for me.

[parkmaster]

steel toe is the way to go i prefer RedWings myself. wouldn't go around a mower with out them.
i like a polyester/cotton blend pants the same with t-shirts they dry fairly quickly.



_________________________________
you plant it, I'll maintain it

[HarryD]

no way cant stand heavy work boots !! man my feet hurt just thinking of wearing them . I myself perfer hiking boots they breath much better .
some one posted this link the other day i will post it agian there are some real nice deals on boots and shoes here

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

[TurfGuyTX]

I like that site. Thanks. I'm saving it to my favorites to look at from time to time. My steel toes from Cabella's are comfortable, and waterproof. I alternate my boots from day to day give them a little rest . :)

[jrodgers]

I think leaving your saftey switches hooked up is the best answer to preventing cutting your toes off. I guarantee you that a vast number of you disconnect them because they are inconvenient and just dont say so on here, because you dont want to sound unprofessional and that is way worse than any slipper looking shoe you can wear! If your hands arent on the handles or your but in the seat the blades shouldnt be spinning anyway. Am I right or am I missing something here. People have to bash on the poor guy when he is just trying to give what he thinks is some useful information.

[Vibe Ray]

Originally posted by jrodgers
I think leaving your saftey switches hooked up is the best answer to preventing cutting your toes off. I guarantee you that a vast number of you disconnect them because they are inconvenient and just dont say so on here, because you dont want to sound unprofessional and that is way worse than any slipper looking shoe you can wear! If your hands arent on the handles or your but in the seat the blades shouldnt be spinning anyway. Am I right or am I missing something here. People have to bash on the poor guy when he is just trying to give what he thinks is some useful information.

You tell 'em JRodgers!.....That's exactly what I'm trying to do!........Just one small problem......You better not be refering to MY shoes as "slippers", cuz they are "WORKHORSES"!!!:)LOL
And great point about the safety switch.

As for me...I don't have to get one single toe mown off to understand to be careful not to put my little piggys or anything else under there!

[f350]

shell toe addidas

[Tim Canavan]

I wear Timberland hiking boots and love them. as far as the steel toe thing goes, I've never even thought about wearing them. No need to because I'm not going to stick my foot underneath my mowers while they are on. Yeah, I know. It's a safety issue, but
maybe if you had on the steel toes, you would think you could get closer than normal and it would have a reverse effect. I am very safe as it is, so it doesn't bother me. Whether you wear steel or not, just be careful. Sounds like a plan to me.:cool:

[morturf]

Just a note about those shoes, not knocking the safety thing. I would have to say that only a young man could wear a pair of shoes like that and walk all day. I remember when I was like that too. Now I have found shoes and boots that work with my feet to keep them from getting tired, wet, sore, crushed, dirty, and I really could care less what they look like if they provide all of the above. I am big on FUNCTION OVER FORM.

Here is a site that will provide you with almost any type of steel toe shoe available. Anything from a running shoe ( yes a steel toed running shoe) to Hikers to bonafide workboots.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/search/search-results.jhtml;jsessionid=PGUS4TTK5LC4SCWQNVECFFAK0BWUMIV0?SearchTypeOrArea=0&QueryText=steel+toe&%2Fcabelas%2Fcommerce%2FCabelasCatalogNumberFinder.giftCertificateURL=..%2F..%2Ftemplates%2Fgiftcert ificate%2Fgiftcertificate.jhtml%3Fid%3D0005586990011a%26podId%3D0005586%26catalogCode%3DIB%26navActi on%3Djump%26indexId%3D&_D%3A%2Fcabelas%2Fcommerce%2FCabelasCatalogNumberFinder.giftCertificateURL=+&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fleft-nav.jhtml

I love Cabelas cause they care about the customer. If you have any compaint with a product.....send it back no questions asked.

Have at it Folks. And yes the safety switches work on all my equipment.