Footwear for working on a yard in summer?

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Jinx94

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Any recommendations for protective, breathable footwear?

I work on an event yard, and my feet get really hot and sweaty and ick. Switched to wearing my ariat conistons over winter as the moisture build up in my wellies had me verging on getting trench foot!

Everyone else here wears trainers, but as I had a lot of soft tissue damage from an unshod youngster jumping on my (leather booted!) foot last summer, I'm reluctant to join them!!
 
I wear a sort of sturdy walking shoe in the summer, feel as protective as what I wear in the winter tbh (yard boots)
I get the walking shoes off a private sale website like privatesportsshop.com or sportspursuit.com

ETA they are much less expensive than Ariat terrains or similar
 
I would look at PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) websites and see what they offer rather than relying on 'horsey' brands! They must cater well for workers on construction sites etc in the summer.
 
I went for a pair of bareback equestrian ankle yard boots as I like having proper tread and ankle support. Been pleased with them so far, although back in the neoprene lined wellies at the moment as it’s so cold!
 
Thanks guys :) trawling the web for work boots/walking boots/all the potentially suitable things. I'm so bad at making decisions about things to buy for myself!

@Scotsbadboy, I'm happy for everyone to wear whatever they like! But last year I was non weight bearing for a while, and couldn't fit into anything other than crocs for weeks! Don't fancy that again while I have a yard to run :p
 
Despite being a big Ariat fan, if you want a lightweight summer boot that give protection and support, Salomon or Keen are excellent. I'm currently wearing Salomon Quest 4D 3 which are really comfortable and light.
Socks also make a big difference in keeping feet dry. Bridgedale are good, but relatively expensive. I'm still looking for the perfect socks that match both my expectations and purse.
 
I've got a pair of Noble Outfitters Muds Cool boots, they don't get too hot and are really comfortable.

Nobles aren't selling in the UK anymore but you can still pick them up from Ebay and some sellers.
 
Jinx94 said:
Any recommendations for protective, breathable footwear?

I work on an event yard, and my feet get really hot and sweaty and ick. Switched to wearing my ariat conistons over winter as the moisture build up in my wellies had me verging on getting trench foot!

Everyone else here wears trainers, but as I had a lot of soft tissue damage from an unshod youngster jumping on my (leather booted!) foot last summer, I'm reluctant to join them!!
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I wore Dr Martens when I was younger in the summer not the really long ones though, they can also be worn with shorts in the summer that's what like about them, I actually have the mountain horse classic short boots now and I tend to wear them with shorts in summer.
 
I wear my USA Western boots which have a hard toe when helping on a yard in summer. But mine are tourist boots so no sole for riding. Interesting to see other people recommending Ropers, because I have always felt a bit eccentric wearing mine.
 
I live in Ariat Telluride short zipped boots on the yard in summer. Yes, I mostly change into long boots to ride, but sometimes pop on old suede chaps over them for a quick pootle as the soles are fine for riding. Just remember to clean and treat the leather weekly, or they will crack eventually.
 
I wear the ugliest brown Sketchers ever manufactured, which are 12 years old. They dry rapidly and have a good traction bottom. They're also the heaviest sneakers I've ever owned. I'm not sure why I bought them, but I never wore them for anything else, so they became my yard labour shoes. My kids grimace when I wear them with shorts, especially when they're paired with black socks.
 
I also agree that socks make a huge difference. I have to wear safety boots at work and wear More Mile socks and they wick away the sweat from my feet. If I wear cotton socks over the top, the cotton ones get sweaty but my more mile ones stay dry.
I wear buckler boots if that’s helpful but I would look into getting some good sports socks. ??
 
A tip from combat boot days - if you have to wear welly-type boots in wet weather - a thin cotton sock on first then a thicker (preferably woollen) one on top. Keeps me going all day.

Sorry no idea for summer boots.
 
Scotsbadboy said:
I would look at PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) websites and see what they offer rather than relying on 'horsey' brands! They must cater well for workers on construction sites etc in the summer.
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^^^ This is what I do. I have to wear "protective" toe-caps for work and I managed to get a pair which suit me on-line. The ones provided by work were awful, really heavy clumpy things - but these are like trainer/ankle boots with the toecap in.

"Mountain Warehouse" do some very nice walking boots which if you choose carefully are nice and light; however as walking boots they wouldn't provide any protection to your foot.

One thing I would say, IF you are working on an equine yard, is to be aware of toe-cap tolerances - what is regarded as an "industrial" spec might be OK for say someone dropping a hammer on your foot or a weight dropping from a height, but it may not be sufficient to protect you from a horse stepping on you as this is a different type of weight. Some of the H&S tests might be for the hammer-drop but not for the slow-crush-and-weight of a horse on your foot; I say this as I have heard about a really horrible incident which occurred when someone was wearing steel toe-capped boots on an equine yard and had a horse tread on their foot, which with the prolonged weight of the horse on the person's foot the steel on the toe-cap then caved in and pressed on their toe .............. they couldn't get their boot off because the steel part had actually gone into their toe and it was apparently nasty, very nasty.

I occasionally work on a BHS training yard and was specifically told NOT to wear steel toe-capped boots whilst on the yard.
 
I was stood on twice at the weekend by daughter's pony. It bloody hurt but I think my blundstones saved me from more serious damage. I wear them for summer yard stuff.
 
Zombie thread but I'll post anyway, I'm increasingly convinced of getting out of shoes with a drop from the heel, a narrow toe box and a stiff or thick/squishy sole. Okay for riding and other sporting activities, worn only when necessary, but I've started wearing barefoot shoes for work and am feeling some benefit and not just in my feet. I'm doing some foot strengthening exercises too, a bit like taking a horse barefoot, it's a process. I feel I can move more quickly and avoid having my feet trodden on.

I have never worn steel toe caps and never would, thick leather and sole with some give could ultimately be better than a steel toe cap crushing metatarsals.
 
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