Shoes for horseshoers

[barefoot89]

Hi all, just curious as to what some of you have for footwear while shoeing. I should be starting up within the next few months and will probably soon be investing in some gear.

Ive been running a stable for the past 2 years, and purchased a pair of Ariat paddock boots last summer. Doesn't seem like they take well to lots of manure or urine seeing as they're now falling apart.

My farrier just wears plain old tennis shoes, but I was wondering if any of you wear something a little more sturdy or shoes/boots that will last longer than 6 months around horses. :rolleyes:

Thanks for any suggestions :)

[George Geist]

Get metatarsal boots. Steel toes are good but metatarsals are better. Have had my feet stomped on by Clydesdales without injury. Best boot for horseshoers by far.
George

[westtxshoer]

I've been wearing a pair of Georgia Boot "Mud Dog" boots for nearly a year now and I'm pretty happy with them. The bottoms are hard rubber type "stuff", waterproof with a safety toe (not steel) and the uppers are leather. They hold up well in mud and other such stuff as you might step in. They are insulated, but I live in West Texas and I haven't really noticed my feet getting too hot. You can get them at Academy for about $90.

[calshoer]

If you like broken toes, then wear paddock boots or tennis shoes.;)
Had my big toe shattered while shoeing in ropers. I now have plain steel toes but metatarsal protectors are better.

[Rick Burten]

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=metatarsal+work+boots&btnG=Google+Search

I like any of and have worn, at one time or another, most of the following because they are [comparatively] light weight and offer good protection.

http://workingperson.com/products/22_359_31/1/558/Nautilus_Shoes:_EH__Steel_Toe_Met_Guard_Hikers_N15 12.html

http://workingperson.com/products/22_359_31/1/1934/Nautilus_Boots:__Met_Guard_Black_Work_Boots_N1522. html

http://workingperson.com/products/22_359_31/1/2214/Converse_Shoes:__Athletic_Met_Guard_EH_Hiking_Shoe s_C4985.html

http://workingperson.com/products/22_359_31/1/7383/Worx_5584_Mens_5_Inch_Brown_External_Met-Guard_Work_Shoe.html

[Phil Armitage]

Now that is funny, someone signs in as barefoot89 and asks what shoes to wear. :)

[Jack Evers]

I'm sort of nonchalant about foot protection and luckily have never had anything broken, but the Metatarsal protection is a good idea. The most painful foot injury that I've gotten was when a big TB tried to stand up on my foot stand, slipped off and landed on my instep. Nothing broken, quick trip to Wal-Mart to buy some cheap work boots two sizes to big and a couple weeks hobbling, but it could have been far worse.

[Ray_Knightley]

"Foundry boots" have been mine for years now ..no strings and you can slip them on ,steel toes also you can get them off fast ...metertasal boot here get in the way as we knee down here alot .because of the different way we work here..

Ray knightley.farier .Germany.

[peter026]

I use pull-on boots with steel toecaps. Because they are classed as industrial wear we have no V.A.T. (sales tax) on them, so a bit cheaper than other types of boot

[barefoot89]

Now that is funny, someone signs in as barefoot89 and asks what shoes to wear. :)

;)


Ive been stood on by a TB (who was wearing shoes) while I was barefoot. And again by a rude Gypsy pony with huge feet. Don't remember the exact reason I wasn't wearing shoes both times, but it was my own fault. Nothing was broken either, just a couple bruises. Other than those unlucky times, Im pretty good about staying from under horse's hooves. :)

Thanks for your suggestions, everyone, and Im open to more. I'll check out a tack store Ive been in a few times to check on steel-toes, and I think Cabella's usually has a good supply of footwear also?

[Clint Burrell]

I've allways stayed away from steel toes,hurts like h e ll when they slip off the steel onto the flesh!Don't need them anyway,have naturally retracting toes.:D

Clint

[mustang farrier service]

full quill ostrich,resoled with work boot goodyear soles.no protection,but cant beat the comfort.-gary

[Spyrockman]

I have worn wesco lace to toe logger since 99' the same pair, I just had them rebuilt once. I know wear white's wildland firefighter boots, they should be my last pair of boots. Hope still 15 goos years left in me. The boots are a large investment but overall it works out to about 30 dollars a year and your feet are always feeling good.

[T. Wm. HALL]

I too wear Wildland Fire Boots (Hawthorne) I don't wear them as often as I should because they are heavy and hot, and I am mostly too lazy to lace them up, and they track a lot of gunk back in my truck....:rolleyes: The slightly elevated heels actually make my hips and back feel better when I do wear them.

My main shoe of choice is the Romeo Slip on made by Georgia Boot. My feet and toes have been smashed so bad in the past, (Forklift Accident and Welding shop work) that they are pretty much a lost cause.

[DoubleCFarrierService]

I wear a pair of ariat ropers, I tried steel toe and they were too bulky. In the winter time if it gets real cold I have a big pair of what I call moon boots. They are good to -40 but are heavy and bulky. Lucky I don't shoe much when its that cold.

[ollieolson]

I've worn Greorgia Farm and Ranch laceups for about two years. I love them. worked in ariat ropers before that, like them too, but there is nothing to protect the top of your foot.

[Rick Talbert]

I wear a pair of carolina work boots that come with a metatarsal plate and I wear a good insert with high arch support. That metatarsal plate is nice, and these boots are not overpriced. I can have peace of mind shoeing horses that can't or won't lift their hoof up more than a few inches by using my foot as a prop for the hoof. I also wear a pair of el cheapo lookin nikes that someone gave me for christmas, look like they came from the dollar bin, but they are easier on my back than the boots are if i'm on concrete all day. They give me a little more pep in my step than the boots do, so I rotate between comfort and protection depending on the day. I like shoeing in sneakers. I try to break the mold when it comes to the typical farrier dress code. Yesterday was hawaiin shirt day.

[ladyblacksmith]

Hi all, just curious as to what some of you have for footwear while shoeing. I should be starting up within the next few months and will probably soon be investing in some gear.

Ive been running a stable for the past 2 years, and purchased a pair of Ariat paddock boots last summer. Doesn't seem like they take well to lots of manure or urine seeing as they're now falling apart.

My farrier just wears plain old tennis shoes, but I was wondering if any of you wear something a little more sturdy or shoes/boots that will last longer than 6 months around horses. :rolleyes:

Thanks for any suggestions :)

Plain old cowboy boots. Durango has ranch boots for on the farm.

[barefoot89]

After reading everyone's comments and doing some online shopping, I think it's down to these 2 :

Plain ropers http://www.ariat.com/products_detail.aspx?pcid=9&cid=2&scid=16&pid=29

or these Pro Baby Lacers http://www.ariat.com/products_detail.aspx?pcid=9&cid=2&scid=17&pid=585

I like simple, and comfortable so I guess it depends on whats easier to get in and out of ;)

[Dances with Hooves]

I had a percheron stomp on my foot the other week and grin as he ground his foot around. I was fine as I wear metatarsal protective footwear when shoeing.

[khfs]

Invest in some boots with met guards. They are well worth the money and these Red Wings are comfortable, too. Mine last 5 years or so.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductResults.aspx?Query=&AttOption=Metatarsal%20Guard

[BS-Horseshoeing]

All I can add is if you don't like lacing them up, here's some slip on type I've been wearing for a couple of years. They have also had some big horses stand on them on not hurt my feet. They are made by Double H Boots. Go to doublehboots.com, click on men's boots and look in the drop down for specialty boots. They run between $140 and $150.


http://apps.hhbrown.com/HHBImages/WEB/140%20pxl/Double%20H/3100.jpg (javascript:goItemPage('3100'))

[Clint Burrell]

Mine last 5 years or so.




My carpus varus must be pretty severe.I replace boots once a year.(wolverine,justin,red wing) My Olathie's need resoled every other year. By then they have to be flipped around and leaned against each other when I take em off.:o

[PerformanceHorseshoeing]

I wear New Balances like my idle Jaye Perry. I don't do horses that want to stomp my a s s so no problem there.

[Bryan McElwee]

full quill ostrich,resoled with work boot goodyear soles.no protection,but cant beat the comfort.-gary

Im glad to know Im not alone! I wear Ariat ****e sole Ostrich. I use to work in the New Balance but after I tore a ligiment in my foot last year they kill me to wear them.

[oatey_hocking]

Found these in the search for new boots!

http://www.newbalance.com/sports/refereeumpire/MU450/

[Rick Talbert]

Jarred, I've been looking at those same shoes for a while, I think they will be my next shoe.

[calshoer]

Anyone thinking of shoeing in plain shoes or boots, I used to do that too.Then I had a big toe badly cut and broken right through my boot (ropers) one day.
The horse had been quiet as a lamb too. Really easy to work on. It was a freak thing. I had just rasped the foot flat and the edges of his foot were still sharp. Something caused him to startle out of the blue, and that hind toe of his came down like a chisel right through my boot. Jackhammered my toe. :eek:Steel toes for me ever since.

[westtxshoer]

Anyone thinking of shoeing in plain shoes or boots, I used to do that too.Then I had a big toe badly cut and broken right through my boot (ropers) one day.
The horse had been quiet as a lamb too. Really easy to work on. It was a freak thing. I had just rasped the foot flat and the edges of his foot were still sharp. Something caused him to startle out of the blue, and that hind toe of his came down like a chisel right through my boot. Jackhammered my toe. :eek:Steel toes for me ever since.
You should try a safety toe, Patty. A safety toe is the same as a steel toe, but made of composite. They are lighter, and cooler, but offer the same protection. We used them in Iraq because of the extreme heat.

[danverschild]

Found these in the search for new boots!

http://www.newbalance.com/sports/refereeumpire/MU450/

These are great, BUT they run small. If you're ordering without benefit of trying them on, be sure to order at least a half size larger than you would normally wear.

[Thomas_Ride&Drive]

I wear steel toe cap boots all the time for ground work and carriage driving.

Got a whole range of steel toe capped boots. Including wellingtons, Leather work boots and leather riding boots.

I'm of the strong view that anyone working with horses not wearing decent protective safety boots is most likely a fool or just waiting for serious injury and a few broken toes.

[Dan Puckett]

I have a pair of DoubleH Packers I wear when shoeing. They are comfortable and I am more sure-footed in them than anything else. Coupled with some Foot Levelers inserts, they give me the support I need with my duck-flat feet.

I stay away from steel toes if possible (i.e. I dont have a job that requires them). It seems most livestock can sense where the steel ends and my foot begins, rendering the "protection" of the steel moot.

[halfmiler]

nearly had my toes cut off by a pair of steeltoes when the cap cut thru the sole when a percheron nursemare stomped my foot. these days i wear a pair of kroop padock boots made in laurel maryland that ive had for years.

[michael flatters]

I have been wearing MBT trainers for shoeing in for the last couple of months,sadly no protection ,but i believe they do make a toecap shoe.The sole is shaped like a banana shoe to improve posture and they seem to keep my back much more relaxed.If they keep working real good i will buy the toecap ones.:)

[Luna butte]

i've been shoeing in Addidas "stan smiths" for years and i feel that once you get tired of being stepped on you will learn to anticipate the horses movements and avoid getting your feet squished. those of you who get stepped on quite often with steel toed boots probably just haven't had enough "incentive" to learn to move your feet.:D

i'm like the daggone gingerbread man;)

[NicktheShoer]

I wear Bruno Magli. I had them make me a custom steel toe for shoeing.

Very nice indeed. It is important to be well dressed when you shoe for high profile clients like myself.

[beslagsmed]

Been wearing Whites for about 30+ years. They give great support, can be rebuilt, and last. White can build them with extra support, what ever you need. I got flat feet and bad knees. They work great.

[Rick Burten]

It is important to be well dressed when you shoe for high profile clients like myself.
So you're the shoer, the high profile client, or both:confused: ;)

I've been wearing a safety toe/metatarsal boot built on a hiking boot platform(so its relatively light weight) for quite some time.

Besides, Bruno Magli, Sevasta Italiano, Giorgio Brutini. or otherwise, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Take these handsome devils for example: http://upscalemenswear.com/antonio-zengara-black-croco-print-patent-leather-shoes-w-side-buckle-and-metal-studs-at-the-tip-of-the-toe-a400521-p-3413.html?zenid=1fcf769ba6beffbaa1be99edb61ac276&cPath=150

And for the PC farrier:
http://upscalemenswear.com/fiesso-white-with-pony-hair-genuine-leather-loafers-fi6071-p-1685.html?cPath=150

[westtxshoer]

Hey, Rick or Mr. Burten, those are some seriously ugly shoes. If I even thought of wearing those shoes, my wife would likely divorce me and my family disown me. Little kids would throw rocks at a feller wearing those shoes.

[Brian Purrington]

Hey, Rick or Mr. Burten, those are some seriously ugly shoes. If I even thought of wearing those shoes, my wife would likely divorce me and my family disown me. Little kids would throw rocks at a feller wearing those shoes.

Now you know why Baron chose Rick as a moderator.....

[westtxshoer]

Now you know why Baron chose Rick as a moderator.....

Oh yeah, I forgot Rick was the moderator. Very nice shoes, Rick, very nice.:D;)

[Luna butte]

i think i'd have to kick my own bu++ if i ever caught myself in them suckas

[J.H. shoeing]

i think i'd have to kick my own bu++ if i ever caught myself in them suckas

I've got two pair with the pony hair. :cool:

[BS-Horseshoeing]

You don't wear a skirt with those do you Jeff?:eek:

[J.H. shoeing]

You don't wear a skirt with those do you Jeff?:eek:

not all the time.:rolleyes:

[Joey Aczon]

All I can add is if you don't like lacing them up, here's some slip on type I've been wearing for a couple of years. They have also had some big horses stand on them on not hurt my feet. They are made by Double H Boots. Go to doublehboots.com, click on men's boots and look in the drop down for specialty boots. They run between $140 and $150.


http://apps.hhbrown.com/HHBImages/WEB/140%20pxl/Double%20H/3100.jpg (javascript:goItemPage('3100'))

These are certainly gonna be my next pair of boots. I'm wearing a steel toe lacer right now, and last week I was under a horses hindend when it set back and froze against the cross ties with one foot on the cap of my steel toe.

It felt like I was pinned down for about an hour before he jumped forward and kicked at me. I was really wishing I had a pair of pull on boots that I could have just slipped out of and ran away. As it was I didn't get hurt, but it was close, and enough that I'm not staying strapped into my boots anymore.

[Cyber Farrier]

They're not slip-ons, but have you seen the safety shoes that are the first prize in the Vibram/F&HRC Co-Op Challenge? Top of the line!

Baron

[Box Forge]

I wear these Dr. Martin's everyday, I also have two sets of casual boots and a pair of their shoes. They are the most comfortable brand of work boots that I have worn. I personally prefer the lace-ups because I really like ankle support when I'm working under a horse due to the positions that we commonly find ourselves in. I think these are a part of Dr. Martin's "Industrial" line. Hope this helps.

[Joey Aczon]

Baron,

I must've missed that.

Phillip,

They still have the Air-Wair, and do they come in wide? I used to wear nothing but Doc's, but they're too narrow for me now.

[Box Forge]

Joey, I'm not sure, you'll have to check on the width issue, I just shoe horses I haven't started peddling boots. But yeah they do still have the Air-Wair sole and are just as comfortable as their casuals. Anything would be better than working barefoot as in your pic though.

[halfmiler]

the quality of the new docs is nothing close to what the old ones were that were still made in england. the new ones are made in asia. ive still got a pair of cherry red 14 eye and a pair of black 10 eye steel toes ive had for years.

[Rick Burten]

Phillip,

Those boots look some heavy. Do you know appx. how much they weigh?

[Box Forge]

Phillip,

Those boots look some heavy. Do you know appx. how much they weigh?

Being a single guy, I don't have any bathroom scales to weigh them on and I'm not too good at guessing weight. But I can tell you that I don't have an animated gait. If you look them up, you might could find a shipping weight or something. I really don't find them to be very heavy though.

[BS-Horseshoeing]

These are certainly gonna be my next pair of boots. I'm wearing a steel toe lacer right now, and last week I was under a horses hindend when it set back and froze against the cross ties with one foot on the cap of my steel toe.

It felt like I was pinned down for about an hour before he jumped forward and kicked at me. I was really wishing I had a pair of pull on boots that I could have just slipped out of and ran away. As it was I didn't get hurt, but it was close, and enough that I'm not staying strapped into my boots anymore.


Joey, they don't make that model anymore, I just tried to order them. There are other slip on's though. I just bought another pair that are from Work One. They have an internal met protector and I wasn't sure how well it would work. It works fine. Had it tested a couple of times. First one was just as you described with the hind foot going toe down on my foot. Boot deflect the blow though and no pain or bruising.