I bought a cheap pair of rubber boots (I call them anti-snake boots) at Walmart late last year and they're already falling apart. I need a sturdy pair of reasonable priced, knee high rubber boots. What does everyone suggest? Have you found a brand that stands up to barn work, and mud?

Stacy Rohan in Windsor, NY

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), April 09, 2001

Answers

WELLINGTON

-- James (jamesj1592@about.com), April 09, 2001.

Stacy, Tractor Supply Store carries a brand called Northlander that I have used for years. I am very hard on them as we have a lot of Hawthorne trees and other large spined brush around here so I tend to go through a pair every couple of years. If you used just for the barn I think they would last a long time. My last pair that I bought this spring were $15.00.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), April 09, 2001.

I buy LaCross, the reason is the mens sizes are more women friendly. They also have reinforced cut off lines, so they can be any heigth. I prefer mine about 6 inches high, though I do keep a pair much higher for walking the woods pen. I like these thicker boots, they are very sturdy, even a buck stepping on my toes doesn't reach my toes, plus thinner boots, pull my socks down into the toes!

I have a great pair of Coleman slip on shoes I love for summers. I love the look of the clogs that are sold as Garden shoes, but they would only be practical for city gardners, and those lucky enough to have cement paths to the barn. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 09, 2001.

I bought a pair of La Crosse boots in 1995 for $12.00 from REI in Dallas- still wear them almost every day.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), April 09, 2001.

LaCrosse; Best, Made in the USA. TEK Supply. www.tekSupply.com or call 1-800-teksupply. write: 1440 Field of Dreams Way, Dyersville, IA 52040

-- JR (jr3star@earthlink.net), April 09, 2001.

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I'd love a pair of Wellingtons, or a pair of the Ariat Wellies (I live in Ariat Competitors) but they're expensive. I'll check out the Northlanders and LaCross.

Thanks again,

Stacy Rohan in Windsor, NY

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), April 10, 2001.

My wife has a pair of LaCross boot but I like Hunter's made in Scotland, I have 2 pairs, one is 9 years old the other 2 yeras. they are made of real laytex, not plastic, I use to go through a pair of the $15.00 boot in 6 months. Cabela's have Lacross, Gempler's & LL Bean have the Hunter, (also called "Wellies" about $50-60)

-- Hendo (OR)r (redgate@echoweb.net), April 10, 2001.

Stacy; Bar none the best rubber boots I have ever seen or worn are called XTRA TUFS. I practicly lived in them in Alaska. We called them Kodiak (or pick your coastal town name) Sneakers. It's what all of the commercial fishermen wear. My last pair has so far lasted me 5+ years. If they are good enough for the brave hearts that work the Bering Sea for crab they will serve you well on the Homestead! They ain't cheap though. They go for about $85 up in paradise. Perhaps you can buy them cheaper in the lower 48 without getting "ripped off" on the shipping. By the way they are not really insulated so your feet won't rot off in the warmer weather.

-- Roscoe Rotten (rkphipps@simflex.com), April 10, 2001.