What kind or Footwear to use?

[SpudsM15]

This may sound like a wierd question:
What type of footwear do you guys wear while your working?
I use basketball sneakers when cutting and doing leaf clean ups.
Why because if I step in a hole or something atleast my ankle has some protection. workboots arn't comfortable enough for so much walking!
I wear work boots when doing installs.
:alien:

[Husker1982]

Boots Boots Boots. I have used tenny runners and too much grass in side and the get green quick and stink.

[Lanelle]

Steel-toe work boots offer the best protection. Step on a piece of broken glass and you'll know how worthless 'tennies' are.

Here's an oldie but goodie with lots of info on this topic:
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310&perpage=20&highlight=footwear&pagenumber=1

[Mykster]

Romeo's or Georgia's.

[Wesley's Lawn]

6" steel toe CAT work boots had em for three years work great/

[PR0 TURF]

Timberland Hiking Boots...not a work boot
Most of the guys around here have been changing over to them it seems...very comfortable & appropriate looking.

:blob4:

[1grnlwn]

If you are drivin a $10,000 mower, simple $200 boots Red Wing $200 junk, tennis shoes.

[walker-talker]

$20 pair of steel toed tennis shoes. Less than a year old and they are falling apart and ready for the trash. I am considering a pair of Doc Martins for $89. Last year was mounting my 52" deck on my Walker (about 350 lbs.) and came down near toes. It caught the edge of my tennis shoes, but did not get the toes. After that incident I swear I always wear steel toes. A friend of mine at work was trashing his steel toes. Before we trashed he drove a 4,000 forklift on top of the toe end of the shoe. He then cut the steel out of the shoe......no damage to the steel plate what so ever.

MATT

[Hookset]

Fin and Feather work boots by Mason shoes. Light as a feather, flat cushion sole. Got two pair and I alternate. $100.00 pair.

[Jusmowin]

I just buy a pair of those cheapo hunting boots you see at walmart, they seem too give a full season of service and then die! Ive never had much luck with really expensive boots, they have always made my feet hurt or fall apart in under a season.

[GarPA]

Red Wings with gortex....never had a drop of moisture inside...will get 2 years out of them with new soles this spring...most of my work day is on my feet, not on a mower so I will buy them again

[Bigfoot]

I also wear Fin & Feather boots by Mason. They are very comfortable & durable

[BobR]

Bates Enforcer - 9" with steel toes.. the tall boot keeps the junk out, it is totally waterproof, has good traction and will keep rour appentages attached. cost +/- $120 wear them every day, toss them after a full year - Oh I use a 'peet' boot dryer to keep them fresh.

BobR

[thartz]

steel toe boots from Hi-Tec.They look just like there hiking boot and are about the lightest steel toe I've found.Plus you don't look like some hack.Tennis shoes offer no protection.

[e-RoK]

Old sneakers if I'm on the walk behind and steel toes pretty much for everything else. I'd like to use the boots on the walk behind but they just aren't comfortable enough for walking however many miles I walk.

[fatboy5803]

Wolverine Boots is what I wear, Dur a shock soles are for me.
Have worn tennis shoes and by the end of the day my feet are worn out, No support. I wait till the major dept. stores have them on sale, buy one and get second 1/2 off. Not a real heavy boot.
That works for me !


Lou :blob2:

[ProMo]

the most comfortable boots ive worn are magnum hi techs

[Ed Ryder]

I use high-top type sneakers or sneaker boots. I get them at Kmart or Walmart for $15 to $30. They usually last 3 months. The main problem with footwear (for me) is they breakdown on the inside and begin to hurt my feet. When my feet start to hurt, that's when it's time to splurge on a new pair of shoes/sneakers :D I may even have a hole in the shoe after 3 months.

I also keep extra pairs for when one pair gets soaked from rain.

For me, it makes no sense to spend big dollars on shoes because none of them will last long. They are all throw-aways.

I like the high-top type to help keep grass out of the shoes, although it only makes a small difference.

Every time I buy shoes for grass cutting I think how great a country China is, since the quality is very good and the pricing is unbelievable.

[GLS]

I always wear steel toes while working.

I have a pair of timberland pro series 6" steel toe work boots right now. Very comfortable. I paid $90 a couple years ago. They have held up great.

[GrassMaster84]

I've always worn Timberland hiking boots, aslo. They are comfortable and not to bulky.

[Barker's Lawn Care]

I was wearing those cheap hiking boots from Wal-mart. But, at the end of the day my feet felt like they were pulling apart when I'd walk. So, last season I switched to Timberland hiking boots with A LOT of course tread and a high arch. The arch is what saves your feet. I've not had a problem since!

Btw, this spell check is neat and a great tool!

[baddboygeorge]

these boots are the best out . i require boots for the simple reason of safety! boots have much more protection than a sneaker .especially workin with mowing equipment or heavy equipment they are a must!! get some wolverines!!

[fatboy5803]

Wolverines have been my boot for a long time, I have flat feet so I need the extra support. I have a full time job and do lawn care part-time, my boots will last at least a year.... I have tried less expensive boots, but they don't hold up for me. So it's more economical for me....


Lou

[CMLLawnServices]

I always wear my tera steel toe work boots, for everything, i also wear `em for huntin some times , i was crow huntin with a group of people and we walked about 5 miles that day and my feet were still very comforable. Toe caps also make ur boots last longer, i won`t wear anything else to me if ur workin around some thing that has blades at ground level spinning at 18000 rpm , it only makes sense

[Roger]

I've tried several kinds of workboots -- would't think of any kind of athletic or walking shoe! I've had limited success with Wolverines, can't find Red Wings with traction soles, so have settled on Carolina. I use 6" high models.

Interesting that I don't think that anybody has mentioned the soles. In these parts, the terrain is often sloping, and also damp/wet in the morning when starting mowing. Therefore, I will only use something with good traction soles (why Red Wing was eliminated). Wolverine makes some nice boots with Dura-shock soles, but the traction issue makes them unacceptable for me. I want something much more agressive.

I have been wearing a pair of good wookboots out each year (mid-March through mid-December). And, I've used the same model of Carolina workboots for several years. However, I have a problem because the model that I found to have the best characteristics is phased out of production! Last year, I bought two pairs, after my local store ordered them from a limited left-over stock at the factory. What to do after I wear out my last pair ....?

[captken]

Been in workboots for 20 years. Worn Red Wings, Timberland, ect. You can't beat Walmart Herman Surviors high top steel toed. Under 50.00 everyday, Worn my last pair for over a year. Good tip, get a work boot with speed laces, especially on high tops. Makes a difference at the end of the day. Easy to take off.

[Jon99]

Depends on the weather.. When its colder, I wear work boots... When its warm, I either wear hiking boots or sandles depending on how much trimming I have to do...If I am doing big places and sitting on the ZTR all day, I enjoy the comfort and coolness of the sandles..

[sheppard]

Picked up 2 pair some months back. Cost about $30.00 each. Deathly afraid I'm going to cut a toe off or something. It's worth it to me to have the extra protection. I can hug the side of a ditch with those boots as well. Nothing gets me out of a ditch faster than those boots when Mr. Moccasin hisses at me. Tennis shoes just are too dangerous.

Cordially,
Sheppard

[yardman1]

Timberland hiking boots and wolverine dura shock lace up ropers.

[IBGreen]

The best thing to use in my opinion is Red Wing STEEL TOE Slip ons. VERY comfortable and very safe.

[brucec32]

I've tried steel toed work boots, but found them heavy and fatiguing and even a little clumsy. For the last decade I've been using Hiking boots by Hi Tec and others. Not nearly as protective, but I'm fairly careful and prefer the much lighter weight. I feel fresher and more nimble and that helps counter some of the loss of protection I feel, since tripping or getting too tired and doing something stupid because of it is a hazard unto itself. Most of my work is done on a ZTR rider or with string trimmers, and my walk behind work is done on level ground, so I feel pretty safe. But steel toed boots are definitely a good idea too.

[greenngrow]

I have tried them all..... Work boots that is NO tennies here.
I have settled on a pair of Wolverine's.

They are the called the "Compressor". I have had the durashock, but let me tell you the "Compressor" has both the durashock and a special inner sole the take the pounding. I have found them to be the most comfortable shoe or boot I have ever slipped on my little size 13 footsies.

I would highly recommend them to anyone...

[Mark P]

I wear Rockport hightop boots, ive tried the steel toes and the timberlines and they tear my feet up, blister city, so i went for comfort with the Rockport, I do sometimes wear Sears hightop workboots not steel toe for installs.......Marks Mowing Service

[Mark P]

I wear Rockport hightop boots, ive tried the steel toes and the timberlines and they tear my feet up, blister city, so i went for comfort with the Rockport, I do sometimes wear Sears hightop workboots not steel toe for installs.......Marks Mowing Service

[lawncare3]

Anyone here use TEVA's ?

[Mark P]

Clicked onece and got 2 post, bear with me, underusername Mark im on Webtv thats when i registered 3ys back now im on new Computer system and are just getting used to it, one week old.

[KirbysLawn]

Nike or Timberland boots, have a few pair of both.

[Organix]

Just got a pair of Dickey 6" steel toe for $29 at Big 5 Sporting Goods.

[65hoss]

Originally posted by fatboy5803
Wolverine Boots is what I wear, Dur a shock soles are for me.
Have worn tennis shoes and by the end of the day my feet are worn out, No support. I wait till the major dept. stores have them on sale, buy one and get second 1/2 off. Not a real heavy boot.
That works for me !


Lou :blob2:

Exactly what I wear. Extremely light and very comfortable. I can't wear anything else anymore. I keep a newer pair just for wearing around.

[excel25]

Red Wings, and Georgia boots, with thorlo socks. Very happy feet.

[GarPA]

THose of us with narrow feet (less than a D width) cant wear the Wolverine and other less costly stuff that the discount stores sell...thats why I had to go to Red Wings

[turfman33]

Steel Toe Red Wing boots, that come up above the ankle.Red Wings may be a little more money but I have never worn such a comfortable pair of boots.

Steve

[David Shaw]

I have a pair of Columbia hikers I wear. They've been real good. But I know the value of steel toes. Just get sick of wearing them on my other j. o. b. Did I see someone say sandals?! Man theres some toes just waiting to get loped. Dave

[Rhett]

Tried several different brands and though not the longest lasting boot I like the high tech steal toe. Don't weight much more than a tennis shoe and have the protection of a steel toe.

[IBGreen]

Anybody with me on the Red Wing slip on steel toes? Just curious.

[SLS]

Bob R sez:

"Bates Enforcer - 9" with steel toes.. the tall boot keeps the junk out, it is totally waterproof, has good traction and will keep rour appentages attached. cost +/- $120 wear them every day, toss them after a full year."


Same here...except I go for the 12" version.

The only place I've seen them, so far, is at a store that caters to LEO's and military personnel. Great boot. Looks like a black leather 'jump' boot. Lace up the front...zipper on the side.

[Hawkeye5]

A narrow heel is why I wear Wolverine Compressor steel toe boots. They fit my foot better than others and are light weight, comfortable to boot!

[yourlawnguy]

Hiking boots all the way. I've tried work boots, can't walk in them all day. Sneakers wear out to quick. Timberland or wolverine hiking boots are definitely the way to go, make sure you waterproof them before the first time out.

[Farbio]

Mowing- I use nike turf shoes. Intended for baseball. These shoes are comfortable and can take a beating. I have about 5 pairs of these from my college baseball days. Won't need shoes for awhile.

Landscaping- I use heavy duty Whites boots. It's a local boot comapany. very nice.

[JeffY]

Used tennis shoes last season, but now going with the new steel-toed Timberland boots.

[PRECISION LC]

I use old running shoes to mow in, and when it comes to landscaping, i use steel toed hunting boots. had them for 2 years and hold up great, except the laces.

[Shuter]

I like to wear work boots all the time when working. Always try to get Herman Survivors, now John Deere. Got stuck for new boots last November and got Timberland. Still like John Deere better.

[Heller Landscaping]

Wolverine with steel toe:)

[Piedmont Lawn]

Gang,

I’m not in the position to help you out with shoes/boots because of my current foot problem kind of makes me different. I have Peripheral Neurophy or nerve damage. But what I can help you with is this not happening to you. Have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. If you have flat feet like me look into a good pair of insoles like these http://www.spenco.com/polysorb.html they are the best. These will help also http://www.spenco.com/plygelmt.html

Don’t screw around with you feet! If they hurt then you have a problem don’t keep pushing it like I did and say they will get better with rest they won't! I can’t walk on a hard surface any distance or stand still more than 5 to 10 min’s (check out line’s are a pain) and it’s all because I thought they would get better..................NO

Good insoles, arch supports and proper fitting shoes will take you a long way

[lawncare3]

Anyone wear teva sandals?

[rkbrown]

Originally posted by GarPA
THose of us with narrow feet (less than a D width) cant wear the Wolverine and other less costly stuff that the discount stores sell...thats why I had to go to Red Wings

Discount house boots are out of the question for thiose of us at the opposite end of the spectrum, too. 7.5 4E here. I get mine through BA Mason or Sierra Trading Post. I have been wearing Dunham's lately and I like them quite a bit.

[outrunjason]

I use Enforcer Boots. They are not steel toed but they are comfortable.

Jason

[Scag48]

Lacrosse, not steel toe. I wanted to get steel toe, but dad talked me out of it, didn't need it at the time. I love mine. They're comfortable and are extremely waterproof after my waterproofing treatment of the wax type leather waterproofing where you heat it up and spread it all over, works great! Next time around I think I'll get steel toe, until I grow out of them or wear them out, I'm staying with my pair of Lacrosses.

[Gravely_Man]

Steel toe RedWing work boots. You are correct that you need to have ankle support when working on uneven ground.


Gravely_Man

[mklawnman]

Wolverine, though i don't think it has a steel toe in it, already went through one pair already with no problems, comfort is incredible and the tread on the bottoms is great, though once it wears down its not so good when pushing a mower on a steep hill and trying to keep balance and up on the hill.
Matt

[brucec32]

True story...someone I knew's parents used a leftover hippy guy from the 70's do mow their lawn. He always mowed in leather sandals, of all things. One day she called and said he'd had an accident in their yard and cut his foot. The next time he came back, she said she noticed he had a brand new shiney pair of BOOTS on!

[sunrise]

from my airborne days. a good pair of leg boots
or a least around the ankle, sometime on steep hill I use football cleats

[SpudsM15]

What stores do you guys buy these work boots at?

[sirsweatsalot]

rubber boots, my Caterpillar boots sometimes, Nike running shoes, and yes i do wear TEVA's only if im not doing anything besides mowing. there is one LCO in town that wears nothing but TEVA's...theres a time and place for those but not every day. i saw him one night at the video store after work and he was all cleaned up but his toes were still REALLY green! back when my dad was a kid on the farm he didn't wear shoes all summer. and he ran around in stubble fields, and gravel roads. thats the true test of tuff feet

[Roger]

On a related subject ....

Does anybody have a suggestion where to buy women's workbooks? We have looked for several years, without success.

The problem: She needs AAAA in width. (Sometimes also known as SLIM)

The only shoes for outside working/walking that she has found is Rocksports, but these are poor for mowing, etc. I have contacted headquarters at Red Wing and Wolverine, asking if they would consider a custom build. "No," was their reply, with no suggestions.

We've also looked for hiking boots, but without success either. The very narrow width is apparently rare.

[woodycrest]

Hey brucec32...what is your definition of a 'leftover hippy'?
THats too funny:D

Dave

[bob]

Timberlands from eBay. I'll add insoles and kevlar laces.

[crawdad]

Originally posted by JustALawnGuy
I use high-top type sneakers or sneaker boots. I get them at Kmart or Walmart for $15 to $30. They usually last 3 months. The main problem with footwear (for me) is they breakdown on the inside and begin to hurt my feet. When my feet start to hurt, that's when it's time to splurge on a new pair of shoes/sneakers :D I may even have a hole in the shoe after 3 months.

I also keep extra pairs for when one pair gets soaked from rain.

For me, it makes no sense to spend big dollars on shoes because none of them will last long. They are all throw-aways.

I like the high-top type to help keep grass out of the shoes, although it only makes a small difference.

Every time I buy shoes for grass cutting I think how great a country China is, since the quality is very good and the pricing is unbelievable.
The thing about them Chinese shoes, it's hard to find a pair that fit just right, so when I find some that do, I buy a bunch of them. I have a couple pairs in stock, and next time K-mart has a "buy one, get next pair for half price" sale, I'll get a couple more pair. No sense in dragging the weight of steel toes around, I'm behind the machine, not under it.
Crawdad

[brucec32]

Originally posted by woodycrest
Hey brucec32...what is your definition of a 'leftover hippy'?
THats too funny:D

Dave

LOL, a guy who dressed like he was at a love-in and it was 1969, but it was the early 90's and before clothing like that became fashionable again.

[brucec32]

Originally posted by crawdad
The thing about them Chinese shoes, it's hard to find a pair that fit just right, so when I find some that do, I buy a bunch of them. I have a couple pairs in stock, and next time K-mart has a "buy one, get next pair for half price" sale, I'll get a couple more pair. No sense in dragging the weight of steel toes around, I'm behind the machine, not under it.
Crawdad

Thank God for cheap forced labor camps! : )

[Ricks Z28]

Used to use Red Wing's but this year I am going to try Clark's with ankle supports. They are about 1/2 the price

[svlandscape]

Nothing but Redwings, I have tried cheaper brands but they are just not as comfortable as Redwings.:D

[o-so-n-so]

Wolverine Boots is what I wear, Dur a shock soles are for me.

[crazygator]

I have a pair of Redwings. I do love them and they are very very comfortable.

However I did get a pair or Wolverines for everyday use and I like them as much or better. Plus they are much much cheaper.

Both are very light yet offer very good arch support plus ankle support as well. These are the most important issue for me. I have high arch's and need a well built boot.

Funny how when you wear the wrong shoe or boot how sore your whole body is at the end of the day verses when you wear the right one! :D

[teegrace]

i have bought several pair of goe tex kangaroo leather boots from cabellas lightest most comfortable boots i have ever worn i believe they had 200 grams thinsulate worked good for mowing on golf course whether mowing by hand or rider

[MacLawnCo]

i usually wear flip-flops. After a few weeks, you get really nice "thong" lines :D ;)

[Rhett]

Hey Rodger, Try Sears. My wife has about the same problem. She found some dura shocks she liked. They order them and 3 days later she was sporting her new work boots.

[Gravely_Man]

RedWing boots are the way to go. You need to have steel toe (never know when an accident is going to happen) and ankle support. They are very comfortable boots and very high quality.

Gravely_Man

[Bouncer]

I prefer Carolina work boots. I've tried Wolverines and Red Wings but just got more comfort out of the Carolina's. Good quality footwear will definately payoff in the long run!

[J&R]

WOLVERINE has been the best so far.

[BB36]

Sneakers $20-45 pair,used them for years.

[Toro52]

went to payless and got a pair of stanley steel toe boots for $40.00, best piece of saftey equipment i ever bought