How to save money on farm boots is important when you’ve got multiple tasks to complete, like mucking stalls or digging potatoes, that each require the right types of farm boots. Having what you need can keep you safe, dry and efficient—whatever the day’s tasks throw at you. Mud and wet terrain create unsafe conditions without proper traction, and a pair of rubber-coated, waterproof boots that can be hosed off quickly can mean the difference between getting back to work fast or losing half a day waiting for boots to dry.
A good mud boot shouldn’t be too light to protect against penetration hazards like nails or broken glass, but it also shouldn’t be so bulky that it traps excess mud and weight on the soles. Look for boots that reach high enough on the leg to prevent leaks when walking through deep mud, bedding, or wet fields.
Most farmers own two to three pairs of task-specific shoes in addition to their mud boots. These can include a quality pair of steel-toed boots for working around construction materials, as well as riding boots for those who depend on horses to keep their farms operational. Other types of dedicated footwear include snow shoes, protective gardening clogs and hiking boots. Your foot wardrobe will depend largely on the terrain and climate of your area, as well as your farm’s outputs.
Some jobs even require a second pair of the same style. Angela England, author of Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less) (Penguin Group, 2012), keeps an extra pair of mud boots just for working with chemicals or quarantining new livestock. In snowy climates, having a second pair of snow boots stored in the car can be a winter lifesaver.
So, how can today’s small-scale farmer afford so many boots? Start by using these five smart, budget-friendly tips:
1. Look for Boots with Warranties & Guarantees
Choose farm boot brands that offer a money-back guarantee or a generous manufacturer’s warranty. Premium brands tend to offer protection against premature aging, wear and flaws in the materials, and might offer a refund or replacement if they don’t meet expectations.
2. Skip the Fancy Patterns. Go for Performance
While colorful boots may look good in the store, seasoned farmers skip the cost of a pretty-patterned pair in lieu of trusted, plain, high-performance farm boots brands that perform for decades.
3. Buy Off-Season and Ask About Sale Schedules
Want to save 30% or more? Buy farm boots off-season to save on shoes aimed at a particular climate, like those made for winter or rainy weather. Ask your local farm-supply store when they put their boots on sale. Many offer clearance sales at predictable times.
4. Always Try Boots On Before You Buy
Fit matters. Specialty footwear, such as steel-toed or insulated boots, can fit wide or narrow compared to fashion footwear. Try on boots in-store to ensure proper fit. Don’t assume that you’ll wear the same size even in the same brand.
5. Extend the Life of Your Boots With Care
Get more value from your farm boots by maintaining them well. Use waterproofing sprays, swap worn laces for high-quality replacements, and dry boots properly using racks or boot dryers. Just be sure any modifications won’t void the warranty. Don’t, however, do anything that will void your warranty!
How to Save Money on Farm Boots: Final Thoughts
Investing in the right farm boots doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little planning, smart shopping, and proper care, you can build a boot collection that keeps you safe, comfortable, and ready for any job the farm throws your way—without overspending.
This article about how to save money on farm boots was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.
