Imagine starting to work on a farm for the first time. What might your experience be like? The varied tasks involving agriculture and livestock farming require considerable physical effort and a lot of energy.
In this context, wearing appropriate footwear becomes crucial. Safety shoes for farmers must be extremely durable, as they are always subjected to dangerous situations. In addition to this, these footwear must be versatile, adapting to various contexts such as the farm, workshop, fields, stables, and pig pens.
To deal with agricultural and farm activities, as well as the handling of machinery and heavy vehicles, it is essential to opt for sturdy and water-repellent safety shoes. These should adhere to strict safety standards to prevent foot injuries. Considering that farmers spend a large part of their time on their feet, foot care becomes, therefore, a priority.
Choosing the right shoes, suitable for the type of agricultural work and the surrounding terrain, is therefore essential. Selecting the best safety shoes for agriculture, gardening, and outdoor activities can be challenging. Comfort and protection are certainly key features, but it is equally important to consider how often and under what conditions they will be worn (rain, mud, water, exposure to chemicals).
All of these elements will help determine how long the shoes will last. In case you feel pain in your feet after a certain period, it is a sign that it may be time to replace your footwear.
If you’ve already read our previous articles on work footwear, you’ll remember the importance of following regulations. Currently, the S3 standard (safety category of safety shoes) is widely adopted in Europe and, consequently, also in Italy. The most common safety categories in agriculture and gardening are the S2 and, above all, the S3 which indicates water-repellent shoes with an anti-puncture foil.
The features of shoes for farmers
Activities related to agriculture and gardening require prolonged outdoor work, exposing them to highly variable climatic conditions. In addition to the inevitable exposure to rain, those who do these jobs may find themselves walking and operating on moist soils or having to deal with water during the watering phases. This continuous exposure is not limited to the rainy seasons, but lasts throughout the year.
To ensure dry feet and prevent any discomfort resulting from this constant exposure, it is advisable to opt for water-resistant footwear, such as the GRISPORT Poseidon safety shoe.
Photo credit: Grisport website
This shoe features a Dakar grain leather upper equipped with the original GORE-TEX Duracom MS Move membrane, giving not only water resistance, but also thermal insulation to deal with extremely low or extremely high temperatures.
Optimal safety footwear for use in the field ensures good breathability to the foot, a particularly crucial element during the summer months, which represent a critical period in which work is intensified, carried out for a longer period thanks to the extended hours of daylight and often in conditions of direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
In such circumstances, it becomes essential to avoid the use of excessively warm and heavy footwear, favoring lightweight and breathable models. Water-repellent footwear, while providing protection against moisture, can be an ideal choice, as it is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable during the summer season. It is also important that the sole is designed to absorb sweat easily.
In winter, on the other hand, it becomes necessary to resort to heat-insulating footwear, since those who work in the fields during this season are exposed to perceived temperatures that are even lower than the actual ones, due to ambient humidity or wet soil.
Another important feature is the non-slip soles, but we know that these are mandatory for all safety shoes, whether you work in the fields or if you work in construction. However, not all footwear with an additional slip resistance requirement (SRA/SRB/SRC) is suitable for work in agriculture and gardening: for outdoor activities, a shoe with good grip is preferable.
Muddy, damp ground not only subjects your feet to moisture, but also increases the risk of slipping and accidental contact with nails or other materials that could puncture the soles of your shoes. Therefore, it is crucial to opt for footwear that has excellent grip and meets specific slip resistance requirements. In addition, the presence of an anti-puncture foil (S1P, S3 or S5) represents an additional element of protection. Start of Module
Some tips for farmers
Still don’t know which shoes to choose? We’ll give you some tips!
Garsport safety footwear with Michelin soles is the ideal choice for those looking for a combination of superior features: they are lightweight, comfortable and offer high performance.
The collaboration between Garsport and Michelin has resulted in a range of shoes that stand out for their excellent combination of comfort and performance. The Garsport Heritage series, powered by MICHELIN® Soles, offers several models with unique features. The footwear in this line is equipped with an EVA midsole, characterized by extreme lightness and slip resistance. The properties of antistatic, heat resistance (HRO) and oil/acid resistance make these shoes versatile and suitable for a variety of activities, including agricultural and gardening work.
An aspect that is often underestimated, but of extreme importance, is the proper choice of socks to combine with safety shoes. It is essential to opt for socks made from natural materials, avoiding those made of synthetic fabrics that can promote moisture build-up and contribute to leaving the shoes damp, even if these have breathable properties. Selecting the right socks can not only improve comfort, but it is crucial for preserving the health of your feet.
We recommend the use of high-quality socks, preferably composed mainly of cotton or wool (at least 70% composition), as they offer greater warmth, breathability, cushioning and durability. The choice of natural materials helps to keep the feet drier and more comfortable, minimizing the risk of moisture and promoting better overall foot hygiene.
Here, then, is an overview of this tiring profession and some tips for choosing the most suitable footwear (and socks) to use in daily work activities!
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From the choice of footwear to the importance of socks: how to protect your feet in all outdoor working conditions
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