Footwear question

[scatyb]

The place where my family is moving too can get rather muddy durring a rain or after a snowstorm and we are looking to get some decent footwear for such occasions.

I'm not terribly picky, but my wife tends to a bit more style in such things.

What is the difference between rain boots and "going out to feed to pigs in the rain" boots? Wife found this: http://www.target.com/Ditsy-Dots-Rai...e=1&rh=&page=1
She likes them, but I'm a bit skeptical.

Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks folks.

[7thswan]

I love crocks.

[freeinalaska]

I don't see why those boot wouldn't work, but I wouldn't expect them to last too long. We use Xtratuff rubber boots. While they aren't so stylish and certainly not so cheap, more like $75, they last for YEARS.

[Katey]

I like Muck boots (also expensive) for the simple reason that they are the only rubber boots I've ever had that don't suck my socks down!

The neoprene tops are stretchy and comfortable and can be folded down without damage. They fit over even large calves with jeans on, if that's a problem. A friend of mine did manage to get her neoprene sliced by a rooster's spurs, though.

By the way, Ice-and-Water Shield, that extremely sticky roofing membrane stuff, is the only thing I know of that will patch rubber boots effectively for any length of time.

[Caitedid]

I wear steel toed chore boots from Wally World. My concern with the more fashionable boots would be the soles. Good work boots have shanks and thicker soles with more traction. I do have a "fancy" pair of rainboots for going to town when it's gross out, but I'd never wear them for work. The bottoms are too flexible to be stable in deep mud, and it's easier to puncture the bottoms if you step on something. I prefer the steel toe boots because new boots are a LOT cheaper than the ER bills (ask me how I know...) Caite

[bookfarmer]

For real farm work, I second either Muck boots/shoes or steel-toed. Get the Target ones "for pretty," like going to town.

[Jenn]

I wear crocks all year long- with socks for work I might get slivers, and thick socks in colder times and change the socks and crocks if they get wet. In your type of weather I went through a lot of rain boots or Wellies and have only this advice:

You can't leave them outside when it's warm enough for spiders or snakes.

A large bucket of water- I learned it from the egglady in England who kept them under her rain spouts for constantly clear water- works to plunge your muddy booted foot into one at a time and swish off the mud prior to walking across a cleaner outdoor area or when going places you can't cross contaminate manures or whatever.

[o&itw]

I wear work boots when it is dry, but when it is wet I wear my cheapo wornout athletic shoes from wally world. I get the kind that velcro on, wear them for general daily use, and always have 3 or 4 pairs of half worn out ones.

If they get wet and muddy, I just put on a different pair and spray them (muddy ones) off with a hose. Part of the reason, is that I can't stand rubber boots, if it is above 50 degrees, my feet sweat in them and my socks are wet anyway, if it is below 40 degrees, my feet freeze in them. The better insulated ones are the same... just the temp at which this happens is different. I also can't stand taking a step out of some muck and having my boot stay behind. I have good leather work boots, that I keep well oiled and are fine in the snow etc., but for the really sloppy days of spring, i just wear worn out sneakers. Take them off on the back steps and leave them outside or in the garage. I don't have 50 head of cattle in a lot.... so I don't run in to deep manure problems.

[Brynne]

I have a pair of those polka dot ones that my mother got me. the tread is pretty good, and they are fine for running down to feed the chickens, or other "minor" mud situations. Since they are pretty cheap, I'd try them, and if they didn't work out, she could always just wear them for rainboots.

[scatyb]

Thanks folks. Alot of good suggestions. I think we'll go ahead and get the ones she likes and have a pair of good ones for. That way, when her's crap out, I can say "Guess what?" and run away before she slaps me.

[foxtrapper]

It's her feet, she gets to wear what she wants. And at $24,99, you should be appreciative. She could have found those $138 designer boots.

As for my boots, I generally don't get but 2-3 years before the sole splits. The really cheap ones don't usually make it a year.

[Kathy in MD]

Another Muck lover here….rubber boots tend to hold the cold in….Mucks are lined and usually keep the feet warm…

[Menglish]

I had heard about Muck boots for years but finally broke down and got some last fall. I needed something for feeding the cows and such. I absolutely love them. Best rubber boots I've ever owned by far. They seem to be sufficiently rugged and they are very comfortable...even for my fat wide feet!

Mike

[RideBarefoot]

I live in my Muck boots all winter- by far the best boots I've ever had. When it gets really cold, I slide sheepskin liners in them, and have never had my feet get cold. I found the liners in a tack shop, they were meant for tall riding boots. And they make my Muck boots super cushy!