Top 10 Best Work Boots For Farmers (Good For Ranchers Too)

Hey there. Welcome to our best boots for farm workers and ranchers review for 2022.

In A Rush?!

Overall, The Most Versatile Work
Boots For Farm & Ranch Workers

We’ve put together a list of top 10 work boots that are great for farm and ranch workers and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research is the Muck Wetland boots

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To bring you this article we’ve researched over 57 websites, looked at 29 different work boot brands and models and we have read dozens of customer reviews and feedback for each make of boot that made the cut, as well as a few that did not.

Overall, we’ve spent over 47 hours of our time looking into all of these farmer work boots to bring you the most important information for each boot.

In this article, you’ll learn about which are some of the newest and most rated farmer work boots.

What accessories are available, comparisons with other brands, plus some things to consider before buying your farmer work boots. (and much more). We’ll even look at important features to consider when buying your farmer work boots.

So keep reading. There’s a lot of good information in this article.

Who’s working on this page

Jimmy Webb
Author & Researcher

Victor Adrian
Researcher & Editor

Our list of the top 10 work boots for farm work (cattle, horse riding, and more)

Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which work boots I’ve included in today’s round-up.

1. Muck Boots

• 15.5″ shaft
• Neoprene & rubber
• Soft toe

Rubber & Neoprene Farming Work Boots

More details

2. Georgia

• 11″ shaft
• Leather
• Soft toe

Good Boots For Horse Riding At The Ranch

More details

3. Wolverine

• 11.5″ shaft
• Leather
• Steel toe

Square Toe Safety Work Boots For Farm Work

More details

4. Servus

• 15.5″ shaft
• Rubber
• Steel toe

Budget Rubber Work
Boots For Farmers

More details

5. Tidewe

• 15″ shaft
• Rubber & neoprene
• Steel toe

Steel Toe Neoprene & Rubber Farm Work Boots

More details

6. Ariat

• 8″ shaft
• Leather
• Soft toe

Comfortable Farming
Work Boots For Women

More details

7. Bogs

• 6.5″ shaft
• Rubber
• Plain toe

Slip-on Low Shaft Boots
For Farm Work

More details

8. Dan Post

• 12″ shaft
• 100% leather
• Composite toe

Cowboy Style Work
Boots For Farmers

More details

9. Oristaco

• 6″ shaft
• Synthetic
• Steel toe

Lightweight Work Boots
For Hiking At The Farm

More details

10. Deer Stags

• 6″ shaft
• Leather
• Plain toe

Farm Boots For Kids That Like To Help At The Ranch

More details

Features to look for in a good pair of farmer’s work boots

1. Shank support

A work boot shank is a solid material that usually lays between the midsole and the insole to help provide good support for your foot.

A shank is an integral part of most heavy boots, designed to distribute the wearer’s weight over a larger area, which puts ease on the foot arch.

The typical reasons for needing the shanks on a ranch are:

• being on your feet for many hours, especially over rough terrain.
• giving extra support when riding. Your full weight bouncing on that small area can put a strain on the feet.

Traditionally shanks are made of steel, one of the toughest materials on the market.

However other materials are available such as kevlar, fiberglass, and plastic. The latter tend to be lighter in weight, and so are becoming more popular.

The majority of PNW work boots used by wildland firefighters and loggers among others (Nicks, Whites, Wesco, JK, Frank’s, etc) are using leather shanks.

2. Slip resistant outsoles

Anti-slip outsoles are crucial in industrial workplaces, both inside and outside where there is a high risk of slipping.

On the ranch, wet weather conditions will be the main threat. But you also have to think about spillages. Particularly oils from the machines.

There are many different materials that can be used for slip-resistant outsoles. Some are also chemical resistant. And some can withstand either extreme cold or extreme heat.

When purchasing, you’ll need to be aware of the environment you work in, and what you’ll be working with. Then research each boot’s specs to know which brand is best for your task-specific needs.

3. Waterproofing

If you are a farmer, there will be days when you are outside and it will be raining. Unavoidable. Some people aren’t worried about getting wet feet.

The problem is, over time continual exposure to water – particularly when cold – can cause joint problems and the possibility of arthritis.

So what can you do to ensure your feet stay dry through whatever weather conditions they face?

• First, the membrane. This goes inside the boot. Think of the membrane as a wall with holes that allows vapors to escape, but don’t let liquid through.
  
• Full leather uppers can provide a certain amount of waterproofing, but they need some assistance from yourself in the way of treatments. There are a few ways you can treat your boots. The most popular one is using mink oil. The more regular you treat them the better.
  
• Rubber boots: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene, polyurethane (PU), or just plain rubber. Whatever you want to call them. This is the most reliable material for waterproof work boots because they generally don’t have holes or stitched joints that can allow water in.

The issue with this type of boot is that they can make your feet sweet, and don’t usually have insulation, so your feet can feel the cold in freezing conditions.

But remember. Waterproofing is never guaranteed. Wear and tear sometimes takes their toll.

Seams or welded joints can come apart allowing water in, or penetration of the boots by sharp objects. Abrasion will also gradually wear the material away.

It’s like anything. Nothing lasts forever.

4. Insulation (if you’re working in cold conditions)

Most outdoor workers will need insulated work boots at some point. They aren’t important in the warmer months, but will definitely be worth investing in during the colder seasons.

You may live or work somewhere that is cold all year round. If so, a decent pair of insulated boots will be crucial.

The insulation comes with different weight categories. Here is a guide to help you understand what each category works best for.

• 200g: Little to no activity in cool temperatures, or high activity in cold weather.
• 400g: Moderate activity in cold temperatures.
• 600g: Low activity in cold weather conditions.
• 800g: Low activity in very cold conditions.
• 1000g: Very little activity in extreme cold weather conditions.

Thinsulate is by far the most popular type of insulation. But there are others on the market.

5. Comfort

Every job requires comfortable footwear, right? The ranch is no different.

Imagine being out working for hours on end with the toe boxes nipping at your toes, or with blisters on your heels, or the boots constantly sliding up and down because they don’t fit properly.

Ill-fitting boots can not only cause problems with the feet. They can also affect the Achilles tendons, calves, hips, and even as far up as the back.

6. Toe protection

A lot of people prefer not to use toe protection for a few reasons. It makes the boots heavier, more expensive, and sometimes uncomfortable. But it is crucial in a lot of physical work.

Most workplaces make using toe protection mandatory since work boots are PPE. But with farmwork, because they are on private land, the regulations might be less strict.

However, I’m sure there are farm workers out there who have dropped a tool on their toes, or driven a fork or spade onto their foot, or had a wayward hoof of an animal step on their trotters.

This is why it’s always advisable to use toe protection. It usually comes in steel or composite.

The steel toe cap is tough, but makes the boots slightly heavier, and can get picked up if you have to use metal detectors.

The composite toe cap, although not quite as tough as steel, as some people might say, is lighter and won’t set off metal detectors.

How to choose a good boot if you work at the farm?

First, you need to know the climate in which you are working. Constantly cold and wet climates will need waterproof boots with insulation, whereas milder climates won’t need those as much.

You’d then probably need lighter boots that don’t make your feet hot.

You need to be aware of the sort of work you’re doing. If hard graft is involved, like lots of digging or working in very muddy or rocky areas, then a heavy-duty, rugged boot will be needed.

For another example, if you purely drive a machine all day, think about more lightweight, casual boots that won’t necessarily take a battering.

Always research the boots when shopping. Check the specs, the size guides, and what standards each feature conforms to. Read the reviews, good and bad.

And if on Amazon, always look at the questions and answers. Regardless of what the manufacturers and retailers say about the products, the customers are the ones wearing them day-in day-out. They have the ones to be listening to.

Can you wear rain boots for farm work?

Many farmers only wear rain boots. In fact, when The Duke of Wellington revolutionized this style of boot in England way back in the day, farmers everywhere took to it because it meant they could stay out in the fields much longer with dry feet.

Obviously, as time has gone by, footwear has evolved tremendously, so there are many other boots to fit many purposes, but nothing is as waterproof as a rain boot.

Although usually cheaper than most boots, and there’s no having to mess around with laces, there are drawbacks. They’re heavy, and at times cumbersome.

They can make your feet hot and sweaty because there’s no ventilation and often no breathable lining.

PROS

• 100% waterproof
• Usually cheaper than other boots
• No laces to worry about
• High shaft keeps splashes out of top easier
• Easy to wash clean
• Deep sole lugs for grip
• Often come with kick lips at the back of the heels

CONS

• Heavy
• Less breathability than most boots
• Can make your feet hot and sweaty
• Difficult to repair
• Less ankle support
• More difficult to repair

Do you need safety toe protection boots if you work at the farm?

Accidents on farms have a big impact on many factors. The families of the victims lose income.

Farm business could be affected. i.e deadlines, revenue. The farm animals that rely on the worker could suffer. Over 170,000 agricultural workers are injured yearly.

With this in mind, using toe protection on farms is always advisable. There is a high risk of dropping tools or objects on your feet. But the most common occurrence is probably animals stepping on your feet.

Leather or rubber boots? What’s best for farming tasks?

This is very subjective, but can also relate to task-specific jobs.

Rubber boots can sometimes be quite heavy and stiff. They can also make your feet sweat, because of the lack of breathability. But they are perfect for doing extremely wet and muddy work.

So, if you’re out in downpours or in very muddy fields a lot, then rubber boots might be your preferred choice.

But, if you do all-around work, and move around constantly for long days, you might prefer the comfort of leather boots. They’re generally lighter than rubber, more flexible, and usually have more features.

In these pros and cons, I’ve only listed the leather boots to save repetition, and not because they are the better option. You can decide that for yourself.

Leather boots pros

• More flexible
• Lighter
• More breathable
• More styles and options available
• More features
• More ankle support
• Easier to repair

Leather boots cons

• Usually more expensive
• Less chance of 100% waterproofing
• Harder to clean
• More chance of scuffing and abrasion
• Less chance of lips at back to kick boots off
• Lower opening allows mud and splashes on top
• Usually shallower treads in relation to grip and slip-resistance

What’s the best place to buy work boots for the farm workers?

You can buy your favorite pair of work boots at your local store but I believe the best place to buy farm boots is at the online stores.

For the simple reason that you can access lots of brands and models from the comfort of your home. Plus the delivery, many times is free.

Here are a few stores you might be familiar with:

• Amazon
• Zappos
• Home Depot
• Boot barn

Reviews of the 10 best work boots for farmers

Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these farming work boots we’ve included in today’s round-up.

1. Muck Wetland

Best Rubber & Chore Boots
For Farm-Related Work

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If you want an all-around boot that keeps your feet dry and comfortable while working on the farm, then you wouldn’t be disappointed in these Men’s Chore Classic Rubber Work Boots.

At 2.9 pounds, they’re very light for this type of boot, due to the thin shockproof neoprene and nylon upper, making the boots 100% waterproof.

These upper materials make the boot very flexible and easy to get on and off. The only downside to both the thin neoprene and nylon material is that it gives a risk of penetration by sharp objects that you’d find on the farm, like blackthorn or other spiteful bushes.

The high snug fitting top also helps with waterproofing by keeping water and mud from splashing over the top, which sometimes happens with boots that have wide openings at the top.

This style of boot is known to make feet warm, so is better suited to the colder months. But there is a breathable lining that reduces humidity and perspiration, which helps air travel around the boot.

A steel shank helps support the foot over rough terrain, especially when walking for long periods.

The heel has a kick rim to help get the boot off without lots of tugging, and the outsole is durable and slip-resistant.

The great thing about these boots is that you can easily and quickly spray off mud, wet concrete, horse muck, etc to keep the boots clean, helping them last longer.

2. Georgia Farm & Ranch

Great Western Style Work Boots
For Horse Riding At The Farm

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Wellington-style work boots tend to be a favorite for farm work. So these Men’s Carbo Tec-M Georgia Farm and Ranch Boots fit the bill nicely.

These are fully waterproof, with a high shaft to help keep water, mud, and dirt from flicking over the top. The top also has that typical V cut out back and front for style, and to give extra freedom of movement at the calf and shin.

The 11” upper is made of SPR leather – a durable material that is able to withstand oils and chemicals found in barnyards or fields, without drying up like other less expensive types might.

It is said to be three times stronger and two and a half times more abrasion resistant than conventional leathers.

No toe protection is provided. This may not be overly important for most farm workers, but if it is, Georgia does a similar waterproof boot with composite toe protection here.

This boot is highly suitable for horse riding on the ranch. The round toe makes sliding the feet into the stirrups easy, and the heel helps to hook on for grip. Also, a composite shank helps to give extra support.

Not only does it give support on the stirrups, but also when walking for long periods on rough terrain. Added to this, a Comfort Core Insole with memory foam technology helps make those long days more bearable.

This boot is one of the more pricey in this round-up, but it seems you pay for quality.

Out of all the reviews, comfort is big on the agenda, with many customers more than happy. And a 4.4 star rating from 586 global ratings, at the time of writing, makes this boot a great choice.

3. Wolverine Rancher

Square Steel Toe Cap Work Boots
For Ranch And Farm Work

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If you’re doing quite hardy jobs, or lifting things that could damage your toes when dropped, this 10” Rancher boot has strong steel toe protection meeting ASTM standards.

It also has a steel shank that will give extra support when on your feet all day on rough terrains and in the stirrups when riding. The heel will also give that extra grip on the stirrups.

If you would rather have the soft-toe work boot version, you’ll find a very similar one here.

The square toe should give extra room and comfort, particularly if you have wide feet. But be careful with this.

Lots of reviews say to order at least half a size smaller than your size, because they come up quite big. Although the seller advises to be careful if doing this, because the steel toe won’t allow flex if the boot is a little tight.

No waterproof lining comes with this boot, but regular treatment with mink oil will really help to keep the water out.

A moisture-wicking mesh lining helps to keep the feet cool, and a durable, slip-resistant outsole helps to keep you upright.

Not only will this boot keep your feet safe and comfortable, the western style design and stitching will keep you looking good while you work away.

4. Servus Honeywell

Cheap Rubber Boots For
Farmers On the Budget

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Certain climates need certain boots. Rainy, muddy environments need boots that are going to keep your feet dry. That’s where rubber boots are very useful.

As with most rubber boots, this Honeywell Ademco men’s steel toe boot is 100% waterproof. Ideal for all those messy jobs.

After you’ve waded through mud, wet concrete, horse poo, cow, poo, or anyone else who wants to use the ranch as a toilet, these boots can be easily cleaned with water and a brush or sprayed with a hose.

There are other factors that make this boot ideal for industrial work. Steel toe protection will help protect you against falling objects or clumsy hooves standing on your toes.

There is also chemical resistance to help preserve the boots against oils, field sprays, wet concrete, etc.

Steel shanks will help to support your arches. Especially during long periods, and when walking on rough terrains.

Arch and heel supporting insoles will also give extra support. These form to the contours of your feet. They’re removable, washable, and replaceable.

As with all boots of this style, there is no lining, so you might want to wear thick socks, particularly in the winter. But, the problem with boots that are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is that they can make your feet sweat because there’s no breathability.

They can also become heavy and tiring to wear after long periods.

Be mindful if you do want to wear thick socks with these. Many reviews say to order at least half a size down.

Another thing that is commonplace with this style is that they’re very affordable. Some people just buy them cheap for task-specific jobs.

Then again, other people like to wear them all day and everywhere. There is one review where a gentleman says his wife gets annoyed with him because he wears these everywhere he goes. Even to church.

5. Tidewe

Best Waterproof Boots For
Working At The Farm

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Most rubber boots can be quite heavy, cumbersome, and cause sweating. These look different.

At 3 kilos, which is still heavier than most regular boots, they’re on the lighter side for this style, and although they are rubber, they have a breathable lining to allow air circulation.

I’m sure at some point on the farm, you’ve dropped something on your toes, or have had a horse or cow tread on your foot (probably as payback for letting the vet stick an arm up their bum.)

Well, the sturdy, steel-toe protection should keep you relatively safe.

Your feet should stay dry in the rain and deep puddles because they are 100% waterproof, and the high shaft helps to prevent splashing over the top, helped by the clasp that tightens the opening, closing the gap, and creating a snugger fit.

You should also be safe from slipping in those wet conditions due to the deep treads on the anti-slip outsoles.

Most of the reviews rave about how comfortable these boots are. This, along with the steel shanks that give extra arch support, will help when on your feet during those long farming days.

At the end of those long days, you can kick the boots off using the lips at the back.

Some of the review comments complain about the durability. But, I think you’ll find it very difficult to find any boot that everyone is completely happy about. Plus, for the very reasonable price, you shouldn’t expect premium quality.

However, these boots don’t seem too far away, making them incredible value for money.

6. Ariat Fatbaby

The Most Rated Women’s Boot
For Farm & Ranch Work

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Wow. These women’s western boots almost look too stylish to wear on the farm. In fact, one of the reviewers said these are so cute they didn’t even make it to the ranch. The four row stitching creates beautiful patterns in wonderful, bold colors.

But what happens when they do get on the ranch? You’ll be hella comfortable, that’s what.

So many people have commented on how comfortable these are. Probably has to do with the 4LR lightweight shank, the Everly soles, and the Pro Crepe Light outsoles. All giving that extra support and cushioning.

Also, the toe area is quite wide, which gives that extra bit of space. But if it is at all tight, it will stretch over time.

Now, although these boots have been approved for riding, a couple of people have said they are too wide and spongy for riding. They tend to get stuck in the stirrups because of the grip on the outsoles and the wide fit.

Speaking of wideness, the mid/lower shaft is wider at the top than other Ariats. For some, this might take a little getting used to, due to the extra space.

But then, the odd plus-size ladies have said they prefer this because it gives that extra space for their larger calves.

There’s no waterproof membrane, but decent treatment can create good water resistance.

There is also no toe protection. But who cares about these tiny little details when you can swan around looking at the business? Let other people do all the hard, mucky work.

7. Bogs

Low Shaft Slip-on
Work Boots For Farmers

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These slip-on work boots are ideal for light duties. There is no toe protection, and from what I can see there are no shanks to give arch support.

But they’re comfortable (when the correct size is chosen). Many comments say they run slightly narrow, so choose a slightly bigger size.

Also, they’re deemed to be quite difficult to get on. Although, once one, they are very comfortable.

3mm Neo Tech waterproof insulation makes them 100% waterproof. The waterproofing shouldn’t make your feet sweat, because the Bogs Wick is designed to keep moisture away from your feet.

They also come with DuraFresh organic bio-technology to help rid odors. Nobody wants stinky feet, right?

Mild/cold temperatures are best suited for this boot, so bear that in mind if you live somewhere that has extreme winter conditions, like Alaska, or near Santa at The North Pole.

If you do happen to work in slippery conditions, the BioGrip slip-resistant outsoles should help keep you off your back.

You have the benefit of three colors to choose from with these boots: Black, Sage, and Mocha.

8. Dan Post Albuquerque

Cowboy Work Boots For Farm And Ranch Workers

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These men’s Albuquerque 12” boots look nice without being extravagant. They could easily be used for casual wear.

They’re slightly more pricey than most of the boots in this round up. Let’s see if they warrant the cost.

Firstly, many of the Amazon reviews comment on how comfortable these are. Dan post combines comfort technology with traditional flare of the western boot.

An internal bootie makes for extra waterproofing to the full leather. And they advertise as having composite toe-protection. Although, there are many comments saying this isn’t the case.

Whether these people had been shipped the wrong boots or it’s false advertising, I don’t know. But I suggest checking before you purchase.

The moisture wicking lining allows breathability by helping to draw moisture away from your feet. This is a must, because waterproof boots generally don’t allow the feet to breathe without this kind of technology.

As is typical with western boots, these should be suitable for riding. The round toe will help to get the feet into the stirrups easily, and the heel helps to lock the stirrup in place.

Unfortunately, I can’t find anywhere if these have shanks, so I can only assume they don’t.

This means the extra arch support for in the stirrups and walking for long periods won’t be there. However, they do have dual density insoles, which should help.

And they are removable if you’d rather add your own specific ones. All in all, this seems to be a good all round boot.

9. Oristaco

Great Lightweight Work Boots
For Hiking Around The farm

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These boots are designed for mid/light work rather than the real nitty gritty work that’s going to give them a battering.

But don’t let this fool you. They do have steel toe protection, so you’ll still have some defense against those animal hooves.

And they also have puncture-proof midsoles to keep those tetanus-filled rusty nails from puncturing your feet.

I wouldn’t wade through deep water and mud, because these aren’t waterproof, so they won’t keep your feet dry. But they do keep your feet cool, due to the breathable upper, which releases heat from inside.

Also, the moisture-wicking lining fights to keep moisture away from the foot.

Some of the reviews say that they can be difficult to get on because the openings are quite small, but once on, they don’t want to take them off.

They’re very lightweight. Almost like sneakers, which makes them really comfortable, helped by memory foam insoles. This will make those long hours on the ranch less tiring, especially if you have lots of hills to climb.

In fact, at the end of the long day, you should still have enough energy for a run. And you won’t even need to change out of these boots into your running shoes.

10. Deer Stags Kids

Great Boots For Kids Who
Want To Help At The Farm

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There’s not much more satisfying than our little ones being out with us in the fresh air. Doing their bit with jobs, riding around the ranch, or just messing around in their own little worlds.

Either way, they need decent footwear that’s going to keep their little feet warm and comfortable.

That’s what these Tour-K boots do. 200g Thinsulate insulation helps to withstand snow, and temperatures as low as -25°F.

Although not waterproof, they should do a good job of repelling water, and some treatment should add to that.

One questionable factor is the durability. A noticeable amount of reviews say they scuff easily, or that some of the material can peel off.

Is that due to kids being kids, or is it the quality of the boot? Regardless, for the price, you should ask yourself if it really matters.

Your kids will look cool with the design on the shaft that has a hint of camouflage. And they won’t have to mess around with laces, or constantly ask you to help tug them on and off because these boots come with a zipper. This will make life so much easier and quicker.

One final advantage of these kids’ boots is that they are mostly made in the USA. So, by buying these boots, you are supporting American jobs and American families.

Last words on these boots that are good for ranch and farm activities

To sum up, safety and comfort are key. You want boots that you can wear all day without being desperate to take off. And need to keep your feet protected, so as not to cause both short term and long term damage.

Be aware of the climate you work in to decide what features you need in a boot, like waterproofing, insulation, and breathable linings.

Think about if waterproofing is important to you. Water has a tendency to degrade things. That means it can eventually degrade the inside of your boots, and constant water will eventually make your feet suffer.

Know your working environment and task-specific requirements before deciding what safety features you need.

You can’t go wrong wearing toe protection. It’s not much of an inconvenience, especially when there are lots of things on the ranch that could damage your feet. No feet, no work, no income.

Think about the shanks. They spread the impact of what you’re walking on over a wider area, giving you more support. You’ll feel the benefit after hours of work.

The higher the boot’s top, the more protection it will offer from cattle kicks and other hazards.

Make sure you get the right fit. Ill-fitting footwear can cause problems both at the feet and further up the leg, right up into your back.

One of the most popular work boots
in the farming community

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jimmy Webb – Writer And Researcher

Hey, Jimmy here. I’m one of the researchers and writers here at BestForMyFeet.com.  I’ve been wearing work boots all my life working as a forklift driver, landscaper, groundworker, and now as a tower crane operator so I know a few things about footwear and footcare in general. I’m also working on my first novel. So writing IS my passion. When I’m not writing I love to spend time with my wife, two children, and furball.

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!