Brewers boots...

[David Hicks]

Im In the market for some brewer's boots, ive never owned a pair before and am wondering what I should look for. What kind of height? Steel Toes? Is there any material that is better than the rest?

[BrewinLou]

Boots are just a big bucket to hold lots of hot water. I have a pair of all rubber Birkies. They go on and off in seconds, and do not slip much at all.

[tarmadilo]

After using big rubber boots for years, I wised up and got something like these LL Bean style boots:



Worked great for me!

Tim

[JMBrewer]

For general everyday wear, I use Timberland Pro 6" Waterproof boots.

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/067B0044000

For heavy cleaning and such, I use just some standard rubber boots.

[brewingnewbie]

if you work in slippery than normal conditions (slick floors, walking through kitchens, etc.) i like the shoes for crews brand guardian 3 boots. non-slip!, knee / shin high black rubber, steel toe, pretty decent support - $40

[gitchegumee]

See also this thread:

http://www.probrewer.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5748&highlight=boots

[J.M.Martin]

Steel toe

Anyone who works with kegs (delivering, cleaning or filling) or is moving heavy equipment should wear steel toed boots. You can easily lose a toe by dropping a full keg on it and even dropping a empty one on your foot sucks.

jamie

[Ted Briggs]

Muckboots.com
I use the Hoser 14", choose the chore-boot for steel toes; 12 or 14"
"I have a pair of all rubber Birkies." Wearing flipflops, Berkenstocks, Krocks or anythig like that is unsafe and should not be allowed in a brewery.

[S.Brewer]

Don't Forget About The Socks

If you do go with rubber boots, it's also important to keep your feet dry and comfortable. With my first PPE issuing I got these blue booties called Bama Sokkettes that fit over your normal socks, and almost 10 years later I still wear them (not the same ones, they do wear out). They pad pretty comfortably (more so than regular sole inserts, IMHO) and help pull moisture away from your sweating feet. I'm not sure how widely distributed they are, but Sanderson Safety Supply in Portland, OR carries them. If you try them, just be sure to have boots that are 1/2 or 1 size larger than you'd normally wear to insure your feet aren't all scrunched up.
Good luck with finding the best foot coverings!

[TL Services]

If you're using glass, eg. bottling, then it's a good idea to look for a pair with a steel mid-sole. That way you don't risk broken glass piercing the sole.

Just as an historical note, it was common to find boots with copper nails in breweries up until quite recently (I can remember them being used in yeast-handling areas when I joined the industry in the 1980's...).

The reason was that copper has a bactericidal effect, so prevented the spread of spoilage organisms from one area to another.

Copper or brass fittings have much the same effect

[jrbeck]

Remember socks too!

I second the Muck Boots, safety toe version. Pretty comfortable, a little hot and sweaty if your brewery is in a warm climate, but tolerable with the right socks. They are tight around your calf to help prevent them getting filled with anything you spill. Lots of places sell them online. Every other shoe or boot I have worn has been worn down to nothing in about 6-9 months. Don't overlook the importance of socks as well. Good socks may seem overpriced at $10-15 a pair, but your feet will thank you for splurging.

Cheers,
Jason

[Jephro]

I have to give a big second on the Timberland Pro series work boots, waterproof, non-slip, shank, and steel toe.
The ones i have have an abrasion resistant cover on the toe and back of the heel which also prevents cracking of the leather, and most of all they are Very Comfortable!!

[Lex]

Plus Sized Rubbers

If you are blessed with extremely large & wide feet, rubber boots are damn near impossible to source. After many years of soggy hiking boots, I acquired a pair of Thorogood fireman boots in extra wide; they fit my Clydesdale hooves remarkably well, & are built to withstand hellish conditions. The downside is they weigh allot & are expensive, however I don't have the foot binding toe crushing sensation of medium width boots.

[jrbeck]

Anyone ever worn these?

http://www.labsafety.com/search/Onguard+Industries/24544696/?type=brand

Insulated, PVC, steel toe, so could be good winter brewery boots.

Cheers,
Jason

[Lex]

Mickey Mouse Boots

I had a pair of these for shoveling out a Pugsley mash tun; the double insulation kept the walking on hot coals sensation to a minimum. The only problem (aside from weight), is that they aren’t very tall so care must be taken while trudging around in the mash tun.