When you’re trying to win the award for the most beautiful lawn in your neighborhood, you need the best kit. We usually tend to spend more on better tools and machine but this comes at the cost of our comfort and personal hygiene. Most homeowners use an old pair of sports/running shoes during lawn maintenance.
But these shoes aren’t designed to protect you from the bacteria growing in the soil. Many people often suffer from bacterial growth and foot infections. So do your feet a favor and invest a little on a good pair of lawn mowing shoes. If you need some help then check out our list on the best lawn care shoes available today
Looking for some great lawn mowing machines? Check out our articles on the Best Electric Garden Tiller for the Money and Best Garden Hose Reels for Hassle-Free Yard Maintenance
Table of Contents
Best Lawn Mowing Shoes
You spend all day with your feet in water and mud. At the end of the day, you end up with wrinkled, stinky feet. This can make it a pain to keep your feet(and shoes) dry and clean. In this section, we have reviewed our favorite lawn care shoes that are not just easy to maintain but will also protect your feet from a lot of pain.
Kujo Yardwear
- SIZING GUIDE: Sizes are listed as mens but these are unisex in design. For womens sizes subtract 1.5 from the mens size displayed.
- SPU Toe Material has waterproof coating, is easily cleaned, and abrasion resistant
- Cushioned EVA Midsole and Removable premium insole for added comfort
- Durable Rubber Outsole will last with aggressive Lugs for slip-resistance
- Breathable Air Mesh keeps feet cool with "Flex Window" over the toe, and "Flex Grooves" in the sole allows great flexibility
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As the name suggests, Kujo Yardwear shoes are designed specifically for yard work. They were built with the excessive wear and tear that lawn shoes face in mind. But at the same time, they are pretty comfortable to wear.
Apart from Kujo, there is not much competition in this niche market. Although the company is pretty young, the origin of the brand started from a desire to do yard work without worrying about wet feet and bad traction.
Material Used
To keep your feet dry during yard work, Kujo has made this shoe water resistant as well as breathable. This is a huge deal.Water resistant shoes are usually very stuffy. And while they do protect your feet from getting wet. Things can get very uncomfortable and hot if you wear waterproof shoes for a long time. Kujo solves this problem by embedding an SPU (Special Protection Unit) to support both(water resistance & breathability). This helps keep the shoe hydrophobic and breathable at the same time
This durable rubber outsole will allow you to maneuver easily. The shoe sole is similar to the ones you see on boots as it comes with an aggressive rubber grip. This style of rubber outsole also makes it slip resistant.
The mesh lining on the sides makes it breathable. Many reviewers were worried about the mesh lining allowing dirt to enter the shoe. But even if the wet dirt gets into the shoe, you can easily wash and wear it again without any hassle
Although color choices are the last thing you’re thinking about in a lawn shoe, this model is available in green and grey.
Inner Lining
With the perfect balance of rigidity and durability on the outside, Kujo has implemented a very high level of comfort within. Buyers loved the cushioning provided on the inside. The best part? It has an extra layer of anti-microbial liner added
This lining will protect your feet from any bacterial growth and you do not need to worry about smelly feet even if you had a long day.
Things we like:
- SPU to add ventilation and water resistance at the same time. This is something most shoes cannot offer.
- Antimicrobial liner.
- Aggressive rubber grip for traction.
Things we didn’t like:
- Expensive.
- Not completely water-resistant. Kujo has sacrificed some water resistance for comfort.
Merrel Moab 2 – Best For Hard Terrain
- M Select DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you're on the move
- Performance suede leather and mesh upper
- Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Vibram TC5+ sole
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For hard terrain, grabbing Merrel Moab 2 is definitely the wisest choice. Merrel usually has a name for manufacturing shoes for hiking. Since gardening on hard soil mirrors the same rigorous drill, Merrel shoes are a great fit for lawn care use.
We found that Moab 2 is one of the most durable shoes when there is a lot of rototilling work to do. The shank (structure in between the insole and outsole ) is made from a nylon polymer. This promises to reduce the load on your feet while working
The Merrel Moab 2 comes in 7 different color variants. Our favorite is the granite.
Material Used
The upper is made from a combination of multiple materials. It uses suede leather which then interlaced with mesh to make it breathable While this prevents the Merrells from being waterproof, they are still fairly water-resistant – to a point.
Traction is a major concern for any lawn mowing shoe. The Vibram TC5+ sole provides plenty of traction and control. To avoid toe injury, it has got an extra lining of rubber in the toe cap. Looking at the lug pattern, Moab 2 has got a lug depth of 5mm. That adds up to more traction so that the outsole helps your foot move through dirt, trail, and ground with ease.
Inner Lining
Moab 2 is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. In order to keep the inside warm and dry, Merrel used its indigenous M Select™ DRY technology. This technology releases the internal moisture from your feet and blocks precipitation and wind. It essentially adds another lightweight layer of waterproof material between your feet and the world outside
With all the outsole features to provide a rough exterior, Moab 2 has pretty well-designed insoles to provide great comfort too.
Things we like:
- Indigenous M Select™ DRY technology. This patented tech by Merrel helps keep your feet warm and dry
- The Vibram TC5+ sole is another selling point of the Merrel. It offers one of the best tractions of all the shoes we have reviewed so far
- Lug depth of 5mm. This huge lug depth only adds to the traction we spoke about earlier.
Things we didn’t like
- The Merrells are designed to be hiking shoes. This can make them pretty pricy to be used for lawn care
- At this price point, you expect to get a steel toe cap however the Merrel Moab 2 still features a Rubber toe cap instead.
XTRATUF Performance Deck Boots – Best Waterproof Choice
- Shaft Circumference is 12.6 inches
- Toe Box Height 1.19 inches
- XPRESSCOOL Liner
- Recommend half sizes order up
- Measurements were taken from a size 9. There may be slight variations based on size.
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We found the XTRATUF(pronounced “Extra Tough”) Performance Boots are the best waterproof boots to work on your lawn. Technically these are boots and not shoes. However, they give you a higher cut and better protection from both water and debris than most shoes can.
XTRATUF specializes in shoes that are worn in marine settings. This is seen in the quality of their performance series boots. They completely insulate your feet keeping them as dry as a bone.
Unfortunately, these boots don’t come with laces for a tight fit, which makes it more of a wading boot instead of a regular shoe. However, this makes the boots easy to wear. You can easily slip in and out (with or without socks) and still not feel the weight.
With all other shoes requiring after-market insoles or periodic cleaning, we found these boots as a great low maintenance option.
Material Used
XTRATUF is made up of 100% rubber with a tight sealing, preventing any water from seeping in. To maximize the traction, these boots come with chevron threading. This makes it even easier to brush off the clingy dirt. The chevron outsole restores the stability and makes it slip resistant. They have also added convenient pull loops for faster handling of the boots.
The pull loops also help the boots look more sporty as well. Since it is 100% rubber, this amplifies the protection of your feet while heavy working.
Inner Lining
These boots come with an Xpress cool lining which helps to keep your feet dry and cool. According to the manufacturer, they have also added some microbial resistance which many reviewers claim to be effective up to a certain degree.
Since these boots don’t come with laces, they are pretty loose fitting. Thus offering a lot more ventilation to your feet. While the insoles fit great, they do not provide enough comfort to your feet. We recommend getting an extra pair of orthopedic insoles to significantly increase the warmth and coziness inside. Without the extra sole, it still manages to work pretty well even if you wear the boots for hours at a time.
Things we like
- 100% rubber
- Cut height of 6inch. This keeps water and dirt from seeping from the top
- Pull loops for easy handling which also gives the shoes a sporty look
Things we didn’t like
- lack of inner comfort and breathability.
- Have to know the correct size to get a well fit in.
Timberland Pit Boss
- STAY ON YOUR FEET: Our Pit Boss is everything a steel toe boot should be: Safe, tough & comfortable. These leather work boots meet ANSI safety standards and feature slip-, oil- and abrasion resistant outsoles for traction & padded top collars for comfort.
- SAFETY AND COMFORT: PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology is a unique comfort system that meets the most rigorous work site demands -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It helps reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and cushion every step.
- A SOURCE OF PRIDE: We know you take pride in your work, so our soft-toed shoes and boots and steel-toe boots and shoes are designed to provide you with enhanced job performance day in and day out. Wear them at work well as at home with comfort & style.
- QUALITY WORKWEAR: Timberland PRO assesses the unmet needs of those who work in the most demanding environments and then develops solutions that deliver ultimate comfort, durability & protection—all day long—from work boots & shoes to anti-fatigue insoles.
- Rugged nubuck leather with breathable and moisture-wicking lining , built with goodyear welt construction for a durable mechanical bond
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Timberlands are meant to be used as work boots. This made them the obvious choice for commercial landscaping. We found their Pit Boss shoe series to be a great option for lawn care. For one, the shoes come with a steel toe which will protect you from blades, wheels and other heavy machinery. The steel toe combined with the other safety mechanics make this shoe the safest pair of lawn mowing shoes you can wear.
The shoes offer a 6″ height which should be adequate enough to keep mud and water from getting into them as you are cultivating your garden.
Material Used
The steel toe which is one of the main selling points for someone looking to purchase lawn mowing shoes is up to code. The material and dimensions meet ANSI standards which is great news. In fact, the shoe offers a roomier toe box than almost every other boot.
Looking past the steel toe, the Pit Boss boots also features a classic leather upper and thick rubber sole. These shoes are clearly intended to be used for a lifetime. Additionally, the manufacturer uses Polyurethane midsoles which typically hold no memory even after a hard decompression
The upper part is made up of leather, making it very flexible and allowing the shoe to stretch to the shape of your feet. The pair also has an unsurpassed traction-grip for working on wet and slippery mud. The use of leather and rubber also double as anti-shock material to protect you from electrical hazards( in case there is a possibility of leaking current while using the electric tiller or cultivator).
The abrasion-resistant outsoles make these shoes stand out as well. You are probably going to be wearing these work boots for hours at a time, this makes the comfort of the shoe even more crucial. The timberlands come with padded top collars which offer added comfort. Additionally, the arch is pretty sturdy and helps in cushioning every step. Overall, the shoes are pretty comfortable and fatigue isn’t really something you have to worry about.
Inner Lining
With a tough structure outside, Pit Boss has remarkable comfort inside. A removable sock liner inside protects your feet from painful blisters no matter how long you wear the shoes. These shoes are not advertised as waterproof but if the ground is not too wet then the insides stay pretty dry. Timberland’s patented comfort suspension technology absorbs the stress and strain completely. The anti-fatigue insoles guarantee that your feet don’t feel exhausted.
Things we like:
- Extremely comfortable suspension offered by the shoe
- Steel Toe is extremely roomy and also protects your feet from injury
- The Upper is made from classic leather.
Things we didn’t like:
- Despite the appearance, the shoes are pretty heavy to wear. This is exacerbated by the fairly heavy steel toe.
Larnmern LM30K
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Larnmern has been operating since 1972 in the field of producing standard safety shoes. LM30K is the perfect example of their product quality. With a very reasonable rate, they have built up an almost perfect pair of breathable sneakers. LM30K comes in 12 amazing colors. Knit Black and Pure black are our favorites (as they hide the dirty sole). LM30k is the best economic shoes with proper safety measures. Lanmern has also taken care of maximum breathability so that your feet don’t sweat out while cutting grass. We found these to be a perfect combination of working boots and casual outdoor sneakers.
Material Used
Made using rubber ad Flyknit [newest technology even incorporated in Nike] it covers a layer of protection as comfort together. The Flyknit yarn variations are precisely engineered only where they are needed for a feather weight, form-fitting and virtually seamless upper. You can skip wearing socks and still feel the comfort on your feet. The best thing, the steel toe, can withstand about 300J {that is like getting hit by a 66-pound rock}. It absorbs the force and keeps your toe intact. These pair contains a lug depth of 3mm from arch which makes it more flexible and shock absorbent. The outsoles are well designed to be sleep resistant and be anti-static in nature. Moreover, the add-on design of reflective lines is very useful, especially while working in low light.
Inner Lining
With the Flyknit technology, it is very lightweight and comfortable to wear and work. It can take long hours and still not get you fatigue. The breathable fiber cotton inside gives a feeling of warmth and dry. The mesh lining makes these puncture proof. Wet cloth and a hard brush are all you need to keep it clean and hygienic. The insole is of pvc which we recommend you to get changed after it starts wearing out. We suggest Dr. Sholl work boot insoles replacing the PVC insole with add extra comfort to your feet.
Things we like:
- Flyknit technology.
- steel toe (withstands max 300J).
Things we didn’t like
- Insoles do not have less comfort.
Adidas Men’s Tech Response
- Thintech, adituff, thintech cleat, traxion, adiwear
- Lightweight mesh and synthetic upper for enhanced breathability and comfort
- Soft eva insole for lightweight comfort and cushioning
- 6-spike configuration with thintech low-profile technology for improved traction and stability
- 91 day comfort guarantee
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Adidas is a fairly well-known and respected maker of sports shoes with many people likely using an old pair as their grass cutting shoes right now. However, purchasing a pair of the less expensive models of Adidas can yield some great functional results. For those who do not have to worry about water much, these might be the best option for you. So simply by repurposing the shoes, you can start working in your lawn.
Material Used
Aside from the fact that they are inexpensive, the Tech Response also features one of the best one-two combos for a tread with the THINTECH and TRAXION grip. The combination of these two types of tread allows them to seamlessly transition from the floor to the ground. On top of that the Cloud-foam sock liners are just icing on an incredibly comfortable cake. The upper part is made of microfiber leather and mesh which makes your feet breathe well.
Inner Lining
They come with soft eva insole for lightweight comfort and cushioning. Adidas even guarantees 91 days of comfort if you are carrying a new pair. But if you are dealing with water puddles on your lawn, your feet will barely stay dry since it does not come in waterproof condition. Being a golf shoe, the tech response gives a real cozy feel around your feet.
Things we like:
- tread with the Thintech and Traxion.
- upper with microfiber
Things we didn’t like:
- Not waterproof.
- Sacrificed a lot of protection to keep the shoe light-weight
Things To Consider
Here are some of the factors you might want to consider when buying your next lawn mowing shoe.
Upper
When it comes to shoes for cutting grass, you need to make sure that they can handle the abuse that they will inevitably go through. It is also important to consider that these shoes will likely be used not just for cutting grass, but also for a number of different dirty tasks. As such, one of the more preferred materials to use for the upper is leather because it is incredibly durable and mostly waterproof – so long as it is sealed and sewn properly.
Rubber is our second choice, it is completely waterproof. This makes it a better material for uppers than leather in wet areas. However, rubber is not as durable as leather and has a greater chance of tearing apart. That said, leather is also a heavy material, especially compared to rubber or any kind of synthetic used today. And while synthetic materials offer a ton of durability, they do not compare to leather which is considered the gold standard for shoe durability.
Design is yet another element to be considered which features ways of either making it more water-resistant, breathable or more durable. You should be able to generally strike a balance between the three or heavily favor two.
Cut
Cut, as the name suggests, it refers to how high up the shoes go. Most of the people prefer a higher cut as it prevents debris from getting into your foot and also prevents water from getting inside. However, a higher cut comes at the cost of breathability and mobility. Shoes with higher cuts often restrict the mobility of your ankles and reduce breathability as you walk around. Additionally, lower cut shoes will also be much lighter than a high cut boot made from the same materials.
Outsole
This is one of the most important factors when choosing shoes for cutting grass. The outsole will ultimately determine the kind of traction the shoes will provide. When trying to predict the quality of the traction, you want to look at a combination of the material used in the outsole and the tread. Manufacturers often use soft tip cleats to provide better traction on soft ground. In addition to this, it is pretty important that your shoes have a hard rubber outsole instead of gum. Gum rubber is the same material you might see on basketball shoes, they offer great traction indoors but is too soft to be functional for outdoor use. Most gum rubber outsoles begin to lose their grip after a could of days of rough outdoor use
Toe
Though this is not usually that big of a concern for most shoes, it is something homeowners should consider. The equipment used to cut grass is pretty dangerous, so features designed to protect the first part of your foot may be vital. In this instance, the best solution is to simply get a steel-toed boot or shoe, so you do not have to worry about it. However, steel toes are fairly heavy and will significantly increase the amount of fatigue you feel when wearing them compared to shoes without a steel toe.
In the end, you will have to make a tradeoff between comfort and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably still have a ton of questions about lawn care shoes. Hopefully, the section below should answer most of them and make your buying decision easier.
How to choose the right shoe size?
We always recommend buyers to wear the shoes at least once in the stores before you buy them. This will give you a pretty great feel of how the shoe fits and if it is right for you. However, if you must buy your shoes online then check out our guide on picking the right shoe size.
Step 1: Measure Your Foot Length
You need the right estimate of your foot size before you can pick your size. Keep your feet touching the ground. Then with the help of a marker, mark the spot where your feet end. Next, you will want to measure the length of your foot with the help of a scale or tape from heel to toe. In this case, it will be from the wall to the line made by the marker.
Step 2: Convert cm to US Shoe Size Standards
Convert your feet length in cm to US Shoe Size Standards. Use this table to find the correct shoe size for your feet length. For example, if you have a measurement of 24cm then a shoe size of 6.5 is best(for men)
Step 3: Adjust According Feet Shape
While measuring, if you observe that you have broader feet then we recommend you to take a shoe size +1 bigger than your usual. So if you have broad feet that are 24cm long, we urge you to get a shoe size of 7.
How to keep your shoes clean?
Before cleaning your shoes, you will want to check out the upper material and sole type.
- For rubber, gently rubbing the shoe with a soap-soaked cloth and a brush will do the job.
- For leather, you will need to be a bit more careful. It has to be cleaned twice. The first time wash the shoe with soap water and then again with a damp cloth.
Avoid using too much soap on leather as it may damage the material. Cleaning out the debris is also pretty important. Use a rough brush to clean out any pebbles or chuff that may have got caught in your shoe. After wet cleaning, keep the shoe out to dry before using it again. But avoid keeping the shoes in direct sunlight when drying them
How to remove the foul odor from the shoes?
Stinky shoes are the worst. One of the best ways to get rid of the foul odor from shoes is by cleaning it. Refer to our answer to the question above the learn the best way to clean your shoes. But cleaning may not always be possible(or your just feeling lazy). In this case, you can sprinkle some powder inside. The talcum will absorb the moisture inside the shoe and drive away the bad smells.
Precaution is better than cure. Make sure that you are always wearing socks when doing lawn care. This will drastically reduce the chance of smelly shoes. Your socks will absorb all the sweat and grime from your feet instead of letting them enter your shoe.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a wide variety of options to choose one. In the end, the right shoe for lawn care comes down to your specific circumstances. Our personal favorite is the Kujo Yardwear as it is the most versatile lawn care shoe option for most people. It is also the only shoe made specifically for yard wear. However, shoes like the XTRATUF will definitely be a better option for areas with a lot of water.
If you are looking for a good deal, then take a look at the Lammen & Addidas, as these shoes are great value for money options. However, these shoes also sacrifice some protection in order to keep their costs low.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you need a pair of shoes that can handle professional-grade jobs, both Timberland and Merrel has great options. Our shoes for cutting grass picks have better and added traction, more comfortable and also long-lasting. So before, you buy any shoe mention, read through our full review of the product above.