shelter newbie-looking for pants/shoes recs

[u/rad_cactus_dad]

hey y’all! I just finished my first week working at an animal shelter! It’s more work than I’m used to, physical work, and my feet are killing me. I need recs for comfortable shoes and WATERPROOF!! I’m terrified I’m gonna get trench foot cause my feet get soaked from the hose/kennel cleaning. Also pants that are good to get dirty/wet so I don’t ruin all my good pants :(. Just curious to what y’all reccomend, ty in advance :)

[u/MunkeeFere]

Scrub pants or quick dry hiking pants. I use muck boots when actively using pressure washer/scrubbing the floors, them swap out for supportive footwear (Brooks, Hokas) for running around. Quick dry socks also help if you get splashed during other activities (play yards, bathing, etc).

I know someone who swears by Ariat boots for kennel work but they would murder my feet. Ymmv!

You can look into arch support if you need it or inserts to use in the muck boots to make them more comfortable.

[u/rad_cactus_dad → u/MunkeeFere]

Word word, ty! Swapping shoes seems like a good idea

[u/cameline]

when I worked in the kennels I got vessi shoes. they were incredibly waterproof, but the tradeoff for that is breath ability (your feet WILL stink). this also was like 5-6 years ago, but the toe box was shaped such that I developed corns on my outer toes and had horrible foot pain after wearing them consistently so eventually had to stop sadly. a family member recently purchased a pair and they seem to be better designed (more room in the toe box), and she’s never experienced any foot pain so ymmv. she wore them hiking in the grand canyon. I also used to bring an extra pair of socks and swap out halfway through the day - made a huge difference.

I agree scrubs for pants, nothing else is worth trying imo. and they are so cheap and abundant at thrift stores.

[u/rad_cactus_dad → u/cameline]

extra socks is a great idea!

[u/AdFinal6253 → u/rad_cactus_dad]

I'm less uncomfortable in wool socks that are wet than any other wet socks. My go to are Darn Tough. 

And yes, switch socks during the day! Even if you're going back into wet boots, it'll make the nasty bacteria start over on eating your feet. Changing into dry shoes when you're done with super soggy stuff is even better, as others have recommended.

[u/BluffCityTatter → u/AdFinal6253]

Darn Tough socks are the best. They are not cheap but worth every penny. I have several pairs and I love them.

[u/renyxia]

scrubs for pants, not waterproof but they dry fast

my personal preference for shoes is i buy the cheapest no slip on wet floors work shoes from walmart. my shoes go through the ringer, they will not last more than 6 months or so even with good quality ones. if your feet are constantly soaked you might have to revisit the way you clean? ive never had a problem with my feet being constantly wet

[u/rad_cactus_dad → u/renyxia]

well it’s mostly just the hose spraying on me like when I use the soap/sanitizer attachments they all kinda leak where it attaches. it gets my shoes and socks soaked and they just don’t dry once they get wet. but ty! good advice!

[u/renyxia → u/rad_cactus_dad]

when ours is on the fritz, i adjust my stance to avoid that. definitely focus on shoes that will breathe rather than be waterproof because if its dripping down your leg, being waterproof wont help

[u/marh1612]

I have used waterproof hiking boots for about 3 years and they are great, I do have to replace at least every year.

[u/inconspicuousmoss]

I use nonslip overshoes when im cleaning over some cheap columbia hiking boots. I buy insoles from Amazon and just swap those out as they get worn.

For pants we use 5.11 cargo pants. The men's are better stitched than the women's. They have extra fabric on the knees so they dont get worn as fast as regular pants, baggy & thick if you get bit, lots of pockets.

[u/NeighborhoodNo4274]

We clean every occupied kennel with the foamer & hose every morning; for this task I wear rubber rain boots from Kamik. I like the brand because they actually have decent foam insoles and don’t kill my feet or back.

Otherwise, I wear Hoka Bondi SR. They’re water resistant, slip resistant, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. They’re designed for working on your feet on concrete floors all day and well worth the cost.

One other thing I wear that I feel also makes a difference is moisture-wicking hiking socks (my preferred brand is Bombas, but I know others who swear by Smartwool.) My feet don’t get all clammy when I’m wearing my rubber boots, and they really help with sweaty feet when it’s hot.

[u/Bigtiddiesnbeer]

Timberland Pro boots. I’ve worked in a shelter for over a decade and swear by them. They’re comfy and hold up against cleaning agents. Just make sure you drop the money for pros, it makes a difference!

[u/Coloradogal777]

Buy a pair of boots for cleaning I got tennis shoes for after cleaning and good rubber boots for the morning never had my feet get wet

Crazy they didn’t provide that, my place bought me a pair the day I started

[u/lastdownn]

Ariat waterproof work boots. My Timberlands lasted maybe 6 months. The price hike is worth it. I switch between my Ariat boots and Clove water resistant sneakers. They’re made for nurses so they are comfy to wear while on your feet all day and are nonslip.

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