Working outside and walking for extended periods of time require having the right shoe. With that said, we all have had our share of shoes that are tight, loose, cause blisters, get wet, don’t breathe, are too hot, and cause arch pain, etc. So in this segment we are going to talk about what would be considered the “right shoe” for lawn service technicians.
When I started work in the field I just wore the most comfortable available shoe that I had…my sneakers. Problem with that is these shoes don’t last very long. They’re comfortable but the abuse they get are more than what they were made for.
Now lets talk about what requirements one should look for in a lawn service shoe.
Shoes That Breathe
Find shoes that are made from materials that allow your feet to breathe. Your going to be doing lots of walking causing your feet to sweat. Breathable shoes allow this moisture and heat to dissipate.
Waterproof
Shoes that keep your feet dry from outside moisture is a must. Your going to be working outside when its wet due to rain, sprinklers, morning dew. The last thing one needs is to have water seep in and get your socks/feet wet. If that happens your going to be miserable for the rest of the day and could cause blisters. Been there done that….Keep those feet dry.
Confortable Inner Soles
The inner soles of shoes is very important. They are the shocks for your feet. When you do lawn service your going to need good inner soles to lessen the impact of so much walking. If and when the original inner soles wear out always replace them. Don’t be cheap, lawn service require healthy feet to do the job.
Arch Support
Shoes need to have good arch support. That is the natural curbed area of you foot. Shoe design and sole inserts will provide support to this part of the foot and avoid foot problems. Some people have flat feet, in this case orthopedic sole inserts may help in this area.
Tip: If the shoe does not feel right or the arch design is not in the right place don’t buy.
Shoes That Fit
Buy Shoes that fit from the first time you put them on. Don’t buy shoes that are tight or loose with the aim of they will okay once you wear them in. I’ve done that before and believe me you are going to end up in pain and a waste of money. Buy shoes that hug your feet and that don’t cause discomfort in any area such as pinching or poking.
My Recommendation
I’ve had my share of shoe experience over the years and am always on the lookout for a shoe that would provide that level of comfort and protection my feet deserve. This season i’ve settled on Men’s Chocorua Trail 2.0 Waterproof Hiking Boots by Timberland. The’ve met all my expectations so far. Only time will tell if they make it a full year of continued use. The verdict is still out and will keep you posted.
For those new to the lawn service business I hope this information will be of good use to you. For the veterans, its something to think about. If you have recommendations that can be of benefit to the lawn service community then please share.
My Disclaimer: I’m not a shoe expert and that my points may not be all inclusive of what others may/may not find as what constitutes a great shoe for lawn service. This is my personal opinion.
These are my thoughts on shoes for lawn service, what are yours?