Getting your footwear right is crucial if you want to perform effective farm work. Farmers work exceptionally long hours, beginning their day at sunrise and often remaining on their feet until sunset.
They work all year round, in every type of weather condition from pouring rain and high winds in winter, to burning heat in summer. They have to feel sure-footed and comfortable on rough and unpredictable terrain, and they need to be sufficiently protected from the hazards of heavy machinery, livestock and dense crops.
Becoming uncomfortable or injured during farm work can have a disastrous impact on productivity and profits, so ensuring that footwear is correct is of utmost importance.
Rubber boots are an excellent choice of footwear for farmers and farm hands because they are durable, comfortable and protective. There are a wide range of rubber boots available to buy online which vary in price, size, weight, shape and feel.
The right rubber boots for you will ultimately depend on what style of farming you specialize in and the environment that you work in. Some farmers will value waterproofing and warmth over a steel cap and a sturdy heel, whilst others will differ.
We have put together a list of the 10 best rubber boots available today, bearing in mind the many demands and tasks that farmers are required to perform and the key qualities that they value in their footwear.
Best Rubber Boots For Farm Work
Best All Round Rubber Boots For Men
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The Muck Boots company was founded in 1999 and they have been making highly reliable and affordable products ever since. Their Chore Rubber Muck Boots are no exception. For durability, comfort and protection they score top marks.
These Chore boots are made of neoprene fabric which fits snugly around the leg for comfort and security. The neoprene is flexible, resilient, waterproof and shock absorbent so ready does it all. The boots have an easy to clean rubber outsole which will speed up washdowns at the end of the day.
They are also fitted with a breathable air mesh lining, which helps with perspiration and humidity in the summer months. You will feel very safe working in these boots due to the reinforced toe and heel sections and the steel shank.
For all round fit, safety features and durability these Chore rubber boots are excellent. The only downside is that, though advertised at unisex, the sizings do not convert easily for women’s feet.
Pros
- Flexible and fitted neoprene fabric
- Highly waterproof, resilient and shock absorbent
- Easy-to-clean outsole
- Reinforced toe, heel and steel shank
- Breathable air mesh lining
Cons
- Sizings don’t correlate with women’s feet easily
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Best All Round Rubber Boots For Women
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Next up we have our pick for the best overall rubber boot for women’s feet. These stylish and practical Roper rain boots are made from 100-percent rubber and neoprene.
The neoprene upper is stretchy for an excellent fit which is neither too tight nor too loose, and makes these boots very easy to pull on and pull off. They are fitted with a molded ethylene-vinyl acetate removable sock inside, meaning that they can be worn without socks!
The non-marking outsole has a printed rubber foot which grips the ground well and it is lightweight so won’t make weary legs feel like lead. There is a cushioned footbed which prevents sores and blisters from forming under foot on long and tiring days.
And, best of all, these Roper boots have a fun floral print which looks great with any farm outfit and will brighten up your day.
Pros
- Stylish floral print
- Stretchy neoprene upper hugs leg perfectly
- Waterproof, wind proof, and durable
- Printed outsole grips well and protects feet
- Cushioned insole prevents blisters
- Can be worn without socks!
Cons
- Get quite hot in summer months
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Most Comfortable Rubber Boots
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Now for the most comfortable women’s rubber boots, since comfort is of utmost importance whilst farming. These mid-height chooka rain boots are made from 100% rubber and are both functional and fashionable.
There is a 5 mm removable memory foam insole inside the shoe. This is moisture absorbent so it assists comfort both as cushioning and stops feet from becoming clammy and hot. The rubber outsole has a self cleaning tread-pattern that can gain traction even on slippery surfaces, and the whole boot is 100% waterproof.
These boots have attractive leather accents and are a great height for wearing both in summer and winter as your legs will get plenty of aeration. They come in a range of calf sizes suitable for everyone. It is clear to see, Chooka really have put comfort at the forefront of their design.
Pros
- Short boot height for summer and winter
- Memory foam insole for cushioning and moisture absorption
- Self-cleaning tread for traction on wet surfaces
- 100% natural rubber is waterproof and durable
- Range of calf sizes for ideal fit
Cons
- Lower height is less protective of shins
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Most Protective Rubber Boots
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Wow, are Tingley’s rubber boots strong! These resilient work shoes have a 15 inch height for maximum protection from your toes to your knees. They are steel toe capped, which is great for guarding against injuries to your toes from falling objects or animal hooves.
The flexible rubber upper remains supple even in cold temperatures, so that you can continue to move freely even when the farm has frozen over. Their tough outsole is very resistant against abrasion and won’t wear down easily, making these boots a fine investment of your money.
Speaking of money, these Tingley boots are excellent value considering the toe to knee coverage they provide and their thickness. For heavy duty jobs on the farm or on a construction or industrial site, Tingley’s steel toe rubber boots are a winner.
Pros
- 15 inches in height for toe to knee coverage
- Steel toe capped for protection
- Supple rubber upper, even in cold climate
- Thick and sturdy outsole for incredible durability
Cons
- Some customers have noted that the rubber smells
- The tall height is not suitable for light scale farm work
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Best All Day Rubber Boots
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Crocs men’s rain boots provide everything you need from rubber boots with none of the heavyweight and inconvenience.
They are 100-percent waterproof and will keep your feet dry even in a rainstorm with no risk of leaks. They have a roomy fit which is perfect for wearing thick socks in the winter, however some customers have complained that the shank opening is a little narrow so you may want to buy a half size up.
The insoles of these rain boots are cushioned for comfort and the whole shoe is very lightweight, meaning that you will be able to work quickly and your legs will stay energised rather than feeling weighed down by excessively heavy footwear.
These boots are ideal for day-to-day use on the farm as they slip on and off effortlessly and have a great non-slip tread which is easy to wash down when it becomes muddy and clogged.
Pros
- Mid-shin height is lightweight and convenient
- 100 % waterproof
- Cushioned insole for comfort
- Effective, non-slip tread
Cons
- Narrow shaft opening – recommend half size up
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Kanik’s Ranger Rubber Boots
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Kanik have been making outdoor wear since 1898 and are an incredibly well respected company. These stylish Ranger-style rubber boots will keep your feet warm and dry no matter how muddy and sludgy the ground may be underfoot.
The high-quality outsole is 100-percent waterproof and has an elevated heel for maximum traction even on slippery surfaces. The outsole also has an easy to clean design so that you won’t have to spend your day scraping slop from between the treads.
The black and brown design is incredibly stylish and, what’s more, these boots are made from 100% recyclable materials. The only downside is there are not more colour combinations available to choose from.
Pros
- Company have been open since 1898
- High quality, reliable rubber
- Non slip
- Stylish black and brown design
- Detailed sizing chart
Cons
- Only available in one color
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Western Chief Printed Tall Rain Boot
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We love how many fantastic patterns and colors these Western Chief printed rain boots come in. From polka dots to Paisley, they will brighten up any farming outfit and put a smile on you and your colleagues’ faces.
At knee height, they provide plenty of protection for your lower leg against rain, wind, and heavy objects. They have a soft and cozy cotton lining which will keep you warm and dry, and the cushioned insole is very handy when you are required to stand on your feet for many hours a day.
Better still, the insole in these Western Chief boots is sweat and moisture resistant, and can be removed so as to be cleaned and dried.
Debris and mud will not be a problem due to the self-cleaning outsole, which is also slip resistant so that you can walk confidently about the farm. These boots air dry in no time and have an excellent construction so that there are no leaks in weak spots or at the seams.
Pros
- Great array of colorful designs and prints
- Removable insole, anti sweat and perspiration
- Self cleaning outsole
Cons
- Buckle is not sufficiently attached
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Magreel Waterproof Rubber Boots
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Magreel have designed a rubber boot that does it all. The 4mm neoprene fabric incorporated in the leg section of these rubber boots makes them flexible so that you can move freely, and they are highly protective.
The rubber shell that encases the upper of this boot is waterproof and guards against toe and foot injuries which are all too common in farming life.
These boots will keep you warm in rain and even snow, which is why they are recommended for hunting, fishing, construction work and even mining. They have a ridged rubber outsole which is specifically designed to be anti-slip so that you can get stuck into whatever jobs you need to do, feeling sure-footed and on balance.
Pros
- 4 mm neoprene fabric for flexibility and protection
- Rubber shell for waterproofing and protection
- Anti-slip enhanced rubber outsole
- Warm even in rain and deep snow
- Ideal for farming, hunting, fishing, building and mining
Cons
- Some customers have experienced the sole splitting
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Dunlop Chesapeake Protective Footwear
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Dunlop have been making fantastic footwear since 1904 and all their products are made in the USA. These Chesapeake rubber boots are 25% lighter than other PVC boots of a similar size and shape, which means that you will be able to perform all your daily tasks without feeling weighed down by bulky footwear.
The BAY-LOC outsole is not only shock absorbent, protecting your joints from repeated impact, but also has specially designed channels which repel water and self clean, saving you a lot of time.
These Dunlop boots are 100% waterproof and also protect against chemicals and heavy objects. Considering all the incredible design features that these boots offer they have a very reasonable price point.
Lastly, the handy finger hole at the top of the leg shaft makes these boots easy to pull on in the morning and to hang up on a hook if you so wish.
The only downside to the Dunlop rubber boot is that some customers have found the sizings are on the small side, so we recommend buying a half size up if you intend to wear thick socks under your boots.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- 25 % lighter than other PVC boots
- BAY-LOC outsole is shock absorbent, resilient and repels water
- 100% waterproof
- Protects against chemicals and injuries
Cons
- Sizing on the small side
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Muck Boots Hale Multi-Season Rubber Boots
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And finally, we absolutely love these Muck Boots Hale multi-season rubber shoes, both for style and practicality. The 5-mm neoprene bootie retains heat so that your legs will stay warm even in winter.
The fabric is also highly resilient and flexible and fits snugly enough to make you feel secure whilst also leaving enough room for you to tuck your jeans into the shaft and protect them from mud and dirt.
The stitching is reinforced throughout the boot so there are no weak spots where water can leak through and leave you feeling soggy and uncomfortable. Better still, the entire boot is 100-percent waterproof so you can wade through puddles, ponds, and even lakes feeling fully protected.
Like other Muck Boots these multi-season shoes have a breathable mesh lining which allows them to be worn with or without socks, making them ideal for the summer months when you don’t want an additional layer of insulation.
The leg shaft is flexible enough to be foldable, so can be doubled down and worn at ankle height if desired. The hot pink outsole Is not only vibrant and fun, but also ribbed for maximum traction on slippery surfaces and easy cleaning functionality.
Pros
- 5mm neoprene bootie for warmth and protection
- 100% waterproof
- Breathable mesh lining
- Easy access pull on-off tab
- Ribbed outsole is easy-to-clean and very grippy
- Foldable leg shaft
- Hot pink outsole is vibrant and fun!
Cons
- On the pricey side
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Buyer’s Guide
Here is a comprehensive guide to what key qualities and features you should look out for when buying your next pair of rubber boots. These criteria are aimed specifically at farmers and take into consideration many of the environmental and physical challenges that you will face every day when working on a farm.
Material
Although it may seem obvious, rubber boots should be made of good quality rubber. Plastic and fabric alternatives are not as effective, so don’t be drawn in by their alluring price tag or appealing aesthetic. They will not perform the job as effectively as a true rubber boot will.
True rubber boots are made from rubber or rubber and neoprene. This material is waterproof, durable, flexible, long-lasting, protective and easy to clean. Rubber can be stretched if you so desire, and also doesn’t conduct electricity so can prevent against electric shocks.
Although it is not the most breathable material, it is windproof and will keep your feet warm in the winter months, so be sure to check the product specification on Amazon and make sure that it cites ‘rubber’ as the material before you buy!
Sizing
When it comes to rubber boots, even the most high quality pair will be of little use if you have not got your sizing correct. Ill fitted boots will rub around the heel, ankles and even shins and can cause blisters and sores which could eventually develop into an injury. Sore feet will slow you down and, in some cases, cause you to take time off work!
For this reason you must consider not only the size of the shoe in relation to foot length, but also width and height. If your boots are too narrow they will cause blisters, and if too wide they will cause your feet to slip and slide about inside them.
Similarly, boots that are too tight around the calf and shin area can chaf and irritate the skin, whilst boots that are too baggy will allow water and dirt into the footwell.
Consult the size charts on Amazon to ensure that you order the correct size boot for you – and always measure your feet with a ruler or tape-measure rather than guessing or approximating. It may seem pedantic but you will save time and energy in the long run.
Toe Style
Rubber boots can have a round toe, square toe, pointed toe, or broad toe. The different shapes are designed to accommodate different foot shapes, and you should therefore consider your own foot shape in order to select the appropriate rubber boot.
Getting the right toe style will increase your comfort and movement when wearing your boots and so is a very important detail.
Color
Most rubber boots come in darkish colors like black, green and grey. These colors are desirable because dirt and mud doesn’t show up too badly on them and they are somewhat camouflage in the farm environment.
However, colorful rubber boots are available if you are willing to search for them and can really add some fun and individuality to your farming attire. So when it comes to color, don’t hold back!
Weight
Although a heavy rubber boot will provide lots of protection underfoot and will inevitably be long lasting and durable, a more lightweight option will be easier to transport and will not tire your legs out as much over the course of many hours wear.
It is therefore key to consider how light or heavy you need your boots to be in order to best serve your purpose on the farm.
Traction And Durability
The outsole of your rubber boots should be thick and sturdy if you want it to last a long time and not become scuffed and thin after one season’s wear. Investing in boots with a reliable outsole will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them quickly or repair and resole them for many years either.
The tread and grip on your boot should also be effective if you don’t want to slip and slide on uneven ground. It will also help with shock absorption so that your joints don’t have to feel the full force of every step you take.
Protection And Comfort
The insole of your rubber boots should be cushioned and supportive in order to prevent hotspots and pressure build ups in certain areas of your feet. A solid instep and plush heel section are ideal to keep you moving as freely and effectively as possible.
What is more, a reinforced steel toe-cap can be a brilliant addition to any rubber boot if you know that you work with heavy machinery or livestock, because it will protect your toes from harm.
Style
Although style is not at the top of every farmer’s list of priorities it can be a fun consideration and can also relate to practicality and comfort.
As well as looking good, choosing the right style of rubber boot for you will dictate how tall or short the leg shank is and whether you can wear your trousers tucked in or out of it. This will affect your freedom to move and also how hot you become, so it is important to bear in mind.
Budget
Finally, it is important to note that your rubber boots are not your only concern and that farmers have many, many outgoings. Although it is advisable to buy the best quality boot you can afford, it is also worth hunting for as good a deal as possible so that you don’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Rubber Boots Useful For Farm Work?
Rubber boots are waterproof, windproof and incredibly durable. They protect your feet and lower legs from many of the harsh and challenging conditions on a farm.
They are also comfortable and protective, so guard against injuries and nagging ailments that could otherwise develop. They are sturdy, secure and easy to clean down, making them the perfect choice for farmers.
Where Else Can Rubber Boots Be Worn?
Rubber boots can be worn for many activities including walking, hunting, and fishing. They can also be a great choice of footwear in industrial and agricultural environments because they are hard wearing and practical. For this reason, a good quality pair of rubber boots is a very worthwhile investment.
