Muck Boots

[Liz P]

I need some new boots for working in muddy fields and have decided to finally try Muck Boots. I am not sure which ones are best for working with livestock. Is one particular style more durable? More comfortable?

 

http://www.muckbootsonline.com/

[stockdogranch]

Hi. I briefly looked at the link, and am not sure which ones mine are. They have the curvier bottom/sole. They are the 12" tall. The sole is better than the more standard/flatter one, I think, especially when working young dogs (ie. moving a lot, and quickly). They're really easy to move around in. I absolutley love them, and they are worth every penny!

Anna

[Sue R]

Liz - I absolutely LOVE mine! I have a set of the shortie ones, tall ones, and Arctics (with a set of Yak-Trax, which were a life-saver with the ice we had a couple of weeks ago and that persisted). They are comfy, have good traction, aren't real sweaty (in my opinion - some others find them damp), afford great insulation from the electric fence, etc.

 

Muckboot Company (or Muck Boot Company) -- Arctic Sport & Tack Classic

 

Best wishes!

[SoloRiver]

I can't stand shoes that don't breathe. An alternative might be to check Sierra Trading Post for shoes that have Gore-Tex in them. I got a pair of low hiking shoes with Gore-Tex for $30 from STP that are totally waterproof and let my feet breathe. They're also comfortable to walk in, have great traction, and seem to be indestructible.

[Maizy]

I especially like my low hiking boot as well; however, I tried on the low Muck Boot this past weekend and I liked it. The only thing I didn't like is the lack of arch support. All-in-all they were very comfy on the bottom of the feet though...much better than my hiking shoe.

[kelpiegirl]

I bought muck boots online in the fall. They had them at tractor supply, but not my size (of course!). I love them. I bought the higher up on the leg boots. One negative is the lack of arch support. BUT, they are great for the real sloshy wet ground being that they are so high up. They are easy to get on/off. I plan on buying a pair of the boots that are more "shoe" like for spring work in wet, but not deep dirt.

Julie

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

CHore boots hands down for heavy work. the reinforced toe will save your toes many an insult, and what I like about mucks in particular is the way they seal up around your calf, so even if you end up in mud or water over the top of your boot, it will be a while before it makes its way in. The down side is that they are quite heavy.

 

If you are just training dogs in mucky or damp conditions, the shorties or even the little shoes are great and allow for more freedom of movement.

 

I do agree that if you have arch problems, the mucks are not the way to go.

 

IF you don't mind looking kind of silly and being pegged instantly for a slicker, the company that makes Crocs has a boot out now. They weigh practically nothing, feel like you are wearing nothing on your feet, except with better support. They also insulate completely in icy conditions. They are more of a puddle boot than a chore boot, but for training dogs in foul weather or just slopping around a wet field or barnyard, they are perfect. One caveat, you'll feel every rock you step on. http://tinyurl.com/ncbvt

 

I stopped wearing lace up type anything out to do chores, a long time ago as it's such a pain to de-muck them. You can't just hose it all off.

[KathyF]

Liz-

 

I use the Hoser Classic in the winters here in Minnesota and I love them. They keep my feet warm enough to do chores and still keep my feet dry. Granted when it gets way below zero I do have to wear wool socks to keep my feet warm. And right now with all of the melting, running water and mud here I am able to walk through all of it with no problems. In the summer when it's raining I love my Muckster shoes. They keep my feet dry so that I can work dogs or do my IF lessons. I have been really happy with the Muck Boot lines. I do have fallen arches but I don't seem to have too many problems wearing their boots. I have kept my boots on all day while at a trial without having any foot problems.

 

Kathy

[juliepoudrier]

I have the Mucksters (I think that's what they're called) and I wear them year round. I like the ease of cleaning, ease on and off, and of course the waterproofing. I have high arches, but as I spent my early years largely going barefoot, the lack of arch support doesn't bother me.

 

I was a the feed store the other day talking to a lady who says she prefers the taller boots, and just rolls the neoprene down in hot weather.

 

After looking at the website, I think I would try the Jobbers (mid height like a paddock boot so probably still easy to pull on and off) since the biggest complaint I have with the Mucksters is that they don't keep my feet warm in winter. Well, that and if you step in deep mud or water, your feet will get wet. But anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I live in my Mucksters, and when I'm not in those I'm wearing my Muck Boot clogs (Super Clogs, I guess)....

 

Anyway, after using this pair constantly for nearly three years, they are beginning to crack, so I'm adding them to my list of something I will soon have to buy. I might buy a replacement for these and then get the Jobbers next fall for winter wear.

 

J.

[ccnnc]

I USED to swear by Muck Boots, now I swear at *uck Boots!!!

 

First mucky day here last fall I pulled on my *uck boots and went out to feed the sheep. After a couple of steps in the muck I picked up my right foot and wondered "What the *uck is going on?????!!!"

 

Well, it turned out the entire bottom of the boot had come unglued and was open all the way to the heel -- had to throw that pair of socks away!

 

Called *uck Boot company and told them what happened. *uck Boot person said "What do you expect us to do?????"

 

I replied, "Well, LL Bean has a life time warranty on their boots, expected you to match that."

 

Needless to say, my next call was to Bean.

 

I got a pair of their Comfort Boots -- light weight, easy on and off, waterproof, warm and cuddly -- for the princely price of $39.50 -- wore them all winter with no problems.

 

Mentioned my problem with *uck Boots to the guy who delivers our sheep feed, he said his have separated like that and he has to glue them back together several times a season.

 

Colin

[Maizy]

Colin - that is good to know and you always make me laugh!!!

 

I think that Becca and Julie are really just envious of my pink boots with flowers all over them that they just can't admit it...plus you can't find them anywhere unless you are MY MOTHER!!!! What was she thinking???? Oh well, my mud boots definitely stick out in a crowd and I haven't had a problem with them yet!!!

[NancyO]

I've had 3 different muck boots, would suggest going to Tractor supply and trying them on.

 

Tack Classic- fit very well, somewhat difficult to get off, I feel every pebble as the bottom is thin

 

Chore- this boot is much wider than the Tack Classic, if you have a narrow foot, this might not fit, nice sole

 

Artic- great for winter, feet never cold

 

Muckster- either too big or too small, can't move fast in them.

 

I like the 13" ones except for in winter, my tack classics are always turned down.

 

I also like Bogs http://www.bogsfootwear.com and have bought the Rancher and they fit better than the chore boot.

 

I have had my boot pulled off in the mud!

 

I've also bought llbean's storm chaser clogs, for quick trips when it is not too muddy. They stay on my feet pretty well.

 

Melanie,

the problem I've had with the goretex boots, is that the wet smelly mud gets onto the shoe and then the shoe stinks. My feet are dry but don't want to where the boot anywhere again. I do like them for trialing when it begins to warm up and the ground is wet.

 

Nancy O

[Liz P]

Hum... All great info. The field I work dogs in most of the time is muddy and rocky. I have been wearing those cheap rain boots from Walmart since my waterproof hiking boots fell apart. I did go and look at some gortex hiking boots thinking I would kill 2 birds with one stone, or rather, one pair of shoes since I also like to go hiking on the weekends. I didn't think about the gortex stinking if it got muddy all the time. I tried on every LLBean brand shoe the last time I was in Freeport and none of them fit me right. I wonder if I would have the same problem with their boots?

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

Bean's "thing" is kind of their boots, so I bet they could help you there.

 

Odd about the Muck boots, Colin. Patrick's extremely abused Chores are still going strong after six years. and I had a friend who had a problem with her mucksters soon after purchasing them, and they made good and then some, no questions asked. That was when they first became available around here. In fact, I had to get mine direct from the company because they WEREN'T widely available yet. The company has changed some, I guess. Too bad.

 

I love my Crocs clogs - I won't wear anyting else now. I look kind of silly at church but I rarely even wear dress shoes anymore, either! Fortunately they've come out with several dressier styles so my wardrobe will be expanding soon.

[ccnnc]

Hey Becca,

 

The *uck Boot folk probably have a short term warranty, mine were just over a year old so probably out of the warranty.

 

Now, I DON"T work for Bean, but they do graciously accept returns for any reason.

 

Hurdle Mills Feed and Farm Supply has a bunch of *uck Boots in stock, was in there on Saturday. Probably everything BUT what Patrick needs.

 

Colin

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

I got my little horsey looking Muck Boots at Hurdle Mills in the fall. One thing Crocs don't do well is keep a foot in a stirrup, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone by getting new mud boots in a style I could wear a-horseback in a pinch, and they were on sale for about $30. They've served me well this winter.

 

I don't think Patrick will ever kill his Chores. It's really amazing how they've held up, considering they really weren't that expensive a boot. I'll probably get him a pair of L.L. Bean slip ons next time for a better fit, however - he's got a more narrow foot and I think the Chores are a bit wide.

[KathyF]

I have had my muck boots for going on 6 years now with no problems. I have been spending the last 3 - 4 days walking through mud and muck without any issues. I still will swear by mine and certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair.

 

Kathy

[Overlook]

Loved Muck boots for years and still do for certain situations...but highly recommend a new shoe I've been wearing for mucky conditions. Clarke's. It is very supportive, your feet are not tired at the end of the day and absolutely dry...unlike Muck which eventually makes you perspire a bit and offers little if any support. Moving quickly about (quite the gazelle in the shedding ring--haha) I worried about losing my mucks on occassion and on a muddy field had them sucked off a foot more than once.

 

Clarks has a waterproof shoe in brown and black. I wished i could think of the style name.but it is easily found on the web. it does have a half zip which concerned me in the beginning but i can get them on and off without it if need be. I absolutely love these shoes.

 

advice from someone that has learned to take care of their feet!

 

debbie B

[Bill Fosher]

I had a pair of Muck boots -- Wetlands, I think? -- that started to leak after less than six months. My feet were always boggy in the, even with wool socks. I've gone back to the LaCrosse Burly boot with the air sole design. I've been wearing them for a year and they are still in fine fettle.

[Overlook]

I found the model name it is Ice by Clarks..here is the link if you are interested..in searching i noted they also have a high top version. Anyway, excellent support and feet stay dry!

 

http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/20283136/c/70354.html

 

 

[Liz P]

I found the model name it is Ice by Clarks..here is the link if you are interested..in searching i noted they also have a high top version. Anyway, excellent support and feet stay dry!

 

http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/20283136/c/70354.html

 

 

Is this the one you are talking about? It is a very good looking boot.

http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/p/7132277.html

 

I do tend to have bad luck with zippers. I worry that if I get sand/mudd into the zipper it will break and the shoe will be useless.

[Guest pax]

Well, I must say I'm gobsmacked! What's the matter with you people, you can't be working real sheep dogs in Muck Boots. That's just wrong.

 

It must be traditional Scots Wellys!

 

 

 

 

These are partial lyrics to Billy Connelly's Ode to Wellys song. If you ever get a chance to hear him sing it, it's a funny bit.

 

 

 

wellys they are wonderful

wellys they are swell cause they keep out the water

and they keep in the smell.

and when yur sittin' in a room

you can always tell when some bugger takes aff his wellys.

 

Or when your out walkin' in the country wae a bird

and your strollin' over fields just like a farmers herd

and somebody shouts keep aff the grass

and you think how obsurd

and Squelch you find why farmers all wear wellys

 

 

 

 

PS...I had Mucks and I killed them, the mucking out just killed them and they fell apart. They lasted, I don't know, a couple of months. Not worth it for the price unless you can find them cheap cheap, imo.

 

PPS. "a bird" means a girlfriend

[Bill Fosher]

Here's the boot I like:

 

http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merchant2/m...de=LaCrosseMens

 

I don't know why there aren't more boots with soles like these. They grip on everything -- wet rocks, snow, ice, clay -- and they don't track very much in.

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

I had a pair of the LaCross half-height laceup boots that I practically lived in for years. I did finally kill them, then I couldn't find any like them again. This was before I did much heavy farm chores, too - I'd hate the laceup business now. Wellys of any kind kill my feet now. It's so hard to find durable, comfortable, women's boots that don't cost a fortune. Most people marvel that I do most chores and training in my Crocs clogs, but as much as I'm on my feet it doesn't make sense to wear something else, when these are the only things that keep me out of the podiatrist's and orthopaedist's offices.

 

My kids live in boots all winter. But most kids' boots are not designed for "real" use. I usually end up buying them two or three pair of boots per winter. I was so disappointed last year in a pair of Wellys I purchased from LL Bean for PJ, who wanted a pair "just like Mr. Jack's." They were the ONLY ones I could find over here, though I could pay a fortune and buy some from plenty of UK stores. PJ split them after just a couple months. This year I bought each of them a pair of the Croc boots and the boots look brand new here at the end of winter.

[Liz P]

Here's the boot I like:

 

http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merchant2/m...de=LaCrosseMens

 

I don't know why there aren't more boots with soles like these. They grip on everything -- wet rocks, snow, ice, clay -- and they don't track very much in.

 

I like these http://www.onlinebootstore.com/Merchant2/m...=LaCrosseLadies I wish they were 12 inches tall but they could work for training dogs. Have yours held up to abuse?