Lawn Care Work Boots specially designed for
lawn care business workers.

Reviewed by:
Start A Lawn Care Business.
 

Hi everyone.  I want to take a few minutes to write a preliminary
review on a pair of "LawnGrips" steel-toed lawn care work boots
that I got a couple weeks ago.
They are only two weeks old so check back in a couple months for a long-term quality update.

To purchase your own pair of LawnGrips (Pro8), click the Amazon.com link below:

I first saw the LawnGrips brand while touring the 2008 autumn lawn care expo in Louisville, Kentucky.
I was immediately impressed with the professional look, design, and construction of these boots.

Lawn Care Footwear

With blades spinning and rocks and sticks being thrown up by commercial lawn mowers and weedeaters, sturdy footwear is essential for any lawn care professional.  I have always been a big believer in quality footwear for lawn care business owners.  I cringe when I see LCOs mowing grass in sneakers or other less-than-substantial work shoes.  Thousands of lawn mower related injuries per year could be prevented with a simple effort of wearing proper footwear. 

Since my old trusty Caterpillar work boots have seen better days,
I decided to acquire a pair of LawnGrips "Brutus" Work Boots.

Initial break-in period

I am going to begin with the only negative complaint I have with this boot.  This is relatively trivial but it is something that needs to be pointed out.  All boots have break-in periods.  Some break-in periods are more uncomfortable than others and some break-in periods last longer than others.
Since the LawnGrips are waterproof, they require the tongue to be sturdily attached to the sides of the boot.  The attachment with LawnGrips is a thick layer of leather.  When I first wore the boots and tied the laces, the waterproofing material folded within the boot and pressed against each ankle.  It was quite uncomfortable for the first several days.  After a week of constant wear the leather began to condition and the fit was much more comfortable.

The water proofing feature is comfortable once the break-in period is over. 
Your feet stay dry even after walking through mud puddles.

When you buy a pair of LawnGrips, get them well in advance of your needing them to work in.  Wear them around your house for a few hours each day instead of immediately trying to work.  I can't imagine trying to work/walk for 8 hours in these when they were brand new. 

Now that I am two weeks into owning my LawnGrips, I am quite pleased with the comfortable feel of the boots.   Walking with a commercial walkbehind lawnmower all day should not be an issue now. 

On a positive note; I have found that the longer it takes a pair of boots to break-in, the more durable and long-lived the boots will be.  I expect to be wearing my LawnGrips for years to come.

Steel-toed work boot

For most of my work career in the lawn care industry, I have worn non steel-toed work boots.  Until about a decade ago, steel toed shoes were very bulky compared to ordinary shoes.  For me, I felt at greater risk of tripping and misstepping when wearing shoes with steel toes.  Also, there is continued debate within the lawn care industry at the effectiveness of steel toed shoes to properly stop a lawnmower blade without the blade mangling the steel safety plate and causing foot damage.  My understanding of OSHA's rules for footwear has been nebulous as to when steel toed boots are required.  In May 2008 OSHA introduces a few new rules which clarifies regulations for lawn care and landscaping businesses.  These rules also clarify who is responsible for purchasing protective equipment in an employer/employee relationship.  It also provides for training of this equipment.  So, for everyone who runs crews and has employees, you need to look into these regulations and consider the purchase of proper footwear for you and your employees.

Low profile steel toe design makes walking a breeze.

Now that I see changing attitudes within OSHA and also after wearing my new LawnGrips work boots with steel-toed protection, I am also changing my attitude concerning steel toes.  The Lawngrips boot's profile is as low as any other workboot I have ever worn.  After wearing these boots extensively for the last two weeks, I have not tripped once due to what I thought would have been an unbalanced feel to the boot.  With a greater understanding of crush protection, impact protection, and cut & amputation protection, I am now of the belief that LCO's should wear steel-toed boots during their work unless OSHA specifically states that steel toe protection is unnecessary for their specific lawn care employment.

OSHA Safety Guidelines for Steel-Toed Work Boots

LawnGrips meet the current specifications.  The certification number (ASTM F2413-05,M/I/75/C/75) is printed on the inside label of these boots.
 

Grippy, Waterproof, Self Cleaning Soles

In my area of Tennessee we have received unprecedented rain for the last several weeks.  Mowing wet grass is especially treacherous because grass gets clogged within the treads of most boots.  LawnGrips have a patented self-cleaning Grip'n'Go outsole with steel shank to protect against shovel work.  The design of the tread allows grass to fall out instead of becoming clogged.  When I first heard this idea, I thought "yeah, right."  But, it really does work.  Even with the rain soaked grass we are experiencing this time of year, clogging is not an issue. 

To test the boots, I have made specific efforts to climb wet grassy inclines and muddy patches.  The boots really dig in.  Even when descending with my lawn mower, I feel very confident that I am not going to slip.  Confidence in my footwear is very important to me especially when I am operating mowing equipment on a customer's lawn.

Patented self-cleaning sole.

Secure on many surfaces:   Last week I had to run into the grocery store.  I came in out of the rain and expected to have loose footing on the wet store floor.  This wasn't the case at all.  The LawnGrips gave me a solid feel and I wasn't worried about slipping.

One more thing about the outsole.  Since the sole is a one piece rubber unit, leakage is not a problem.  I have sloshed around in mud and water puddles really testing the waterpoof'ness of these boots.  These boots do their job and my feet have stayed dry despite the rain.

Ankle support

I like high-top boots for a few reasons.  One reason is for ankle support and protection.  LawnGrips offer a double padded ankle cushion and collar on both sides of the boot.  I cannot tell you the number of times a stick or rock has kicked up from a lawn mower or weedeater and clipped me in the ankle...it hurts.  With extra padding I don't have to worry about getting nicked in the ankle.

Ankle support, high rise with extra padding, and
catchy logo make LawnGrips a professional looking, quality boot.

Eyelets

I know you have seen boots with eyelets that fall off after a few month's use.  Eyelets falling off is a pet-peeve of mine.  The eyelets here are double protected with a metal grommet and a protective hard plastic edging.  These eyelets will stay put for a long time.

Overview

Overall, I am very impressed with these boots.  It is nice to see a pair of workboots specifically designed for the lawn care industry.  In addition to their being well-made and comfortable, they are professional looking boots.  The bright red logo on the tongue and the sole brings attention (to anyone who might notice such a thing).    When giving price quotes to customers you are judged by not only your price quote but also by your knowledge and appearance.   Appearance counts and LawnGrips will give you a leg up in comfort and appearance.

Order LawnGrips Workboots from Amazon.com through the links below: