Quick answer
Mow in closed, sturdy shoes with good traction, and a safety toe is better still. Never mow in sandals, flip-flops or bare feet. Our top pick is the Timberland PRO Keele Ridge, a waterproof hiker-style boot with an ASTM-rated steel toe and a slip-resistant sole. The NORTIV 8 Steel Toe is the budget pick, and the Kujo Yard Shoe is a light, breathable option for summer mowing.
Wet grass is slippery, slopes shift your footing, and mowers throw sticks and stones. The CPSC and mower manufacturers’ manuals tell operators to wear sturdy, closed footwear. A safety toe adds protection against dropped equipment and crushing. No shoe will stop a spinning blade, though, so keep your feet clear of the deck.
| 1 |  | Timberland PRO Keele Ridge Steel ToeBest Overall | Check price |
| 2 |  | NORTIV 8 Waterproof Steel ToeBest Budget | Check price |
| 3 |  | KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Steel ToeBest for All-Day Comfort | Check price |
| 4 |  | Muck Chore Classic Steel ToeBest for Wet Grass and Mud | Check price |
| 5 |  | CAT Mae Waterproof Steel ToeBest for Women | Check price |
| 6 |  | Kujo Yardwear Yard ShoeBest for Hot Weather | Check price |
The best shoes and boots for mowing
1Timberland PRO Keele Ridge Steel ToeBest Overall
A hiker-style work boot with a steel safety toe (ASTM F2413-18 impact and compression), a waterproof membrane and a heat-, oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole. It’s lighter and more flexible than a traditional work boot.
- Toe: steel, ASTM F2413-18
- Waterproof: yes, membrane
- Outsole: slip/oil/abrasion-resistant rubber
- Extras: EH-rated
Best For: Push mowing, slopes and wet morning grass.
Pros:
- Safety toe
- Waterproof
- Hiker comfort
Cons:
- Warm in high summer
- Break-in time
2NORTIV 8 Waterproof Steel ToeBest Budget
A low-cost waterproof boot with an ASTM F2413-18 steel toe, a rubber lug outsole and a cushioned insole. It also has a rubber toe bumper and a reinforced heel.
- Toe: steel, ASTM F2413-18
- Waterproof: suede plus membrane
- Outsole: rubber lug
Best For: Occasional mowing and yard work on a budget.
Pros:
- Low price
- Safety toe
- Good grip
Cons:
- Less durable than premium boots
- Runs warm
3KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Steel ToeBest for All-Day Comfort
A 6″ nubuck boot with a waterproof build, steel toe, removable dual-density EVA footbed and KEEN’s roomy toe box. It’s made for long days on your feet.
- Height: 6″
- Toe: steel
- Upper: nubuck leather, waterproof
- Footbed: removable dual-density EVA
Best For: Big properties and long weekends of yard work.
Pros:
- Roomy fit
- Very comfortable
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavier
4Muck Chore Classic Steel ToeBest for Wet Grass and Mud
A 16″ 100% waterproof rubber and neoprene boot with a steel toe (ASTM F2413-11), a steel shank and reinforced toe and heel. It’s ideal for dewy mornings, ditches and muddy ground.
- Height: 16″
- Toe: steel, ASTM F2413-11
- Waterproof: 100%
- Comfort range: subfreezing to 65°F
Best For: Wet lawns, mud, and cool-season mowing.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof
- Protects the shins
- Easy to hose off
Cons:
- Hot in summer
- Bulky
5CAT Mae Waterproof Steel ToeBest for Women
A women’s waterproof full-grain leather boot with a steel toe (ASTM F2413-11), a slip-resistant rubber outsole and EH protection. It has an EVA footbed and a breathable mesh lining.
- Toe: steel, ASTM F2413-11
- Waterproof: full-grain leather
- Outsole: slip- and oil-resistant rubber
Best For: Women who want a true women’s fit with a safety toe.
Pros:
- Women’s last
- Waterproof
- Slip-resistant
Cons:
- Some break-in needed
6Kujo Yardwear Yard ShoeBest for Hot Weather
A breathable, water-resistant yard shoe with a coated toe, a cushioned EVA midsole and an aggressive lugged rubber outsole. It has no safety toe, but it’s far safer than sneakers or sandals and much cooler than boots.
- Toe: SPU coated (no safety toe)
- Upper: breathable air mesh
- Outsole: lugged rubber, slip-resistant
- Sizing: unisex (women subtract 1.5)
Best For: Riding-mower use and summer yard work.
Pros:
- Light and cool
- Good grip
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- No safety toe
- Water-resistant, not waterproof
How to choose mowing footwear
Traction
Deep rubber lugs grip wet grass and slopes. Avoid smooth, flat soles.
Toe protection
An ASTM F2413 safety toe guards against impacts and crushing. Choose one if you push-mow or handle equipment.
Waterproofing
Morning dew soaks mesh sneakers fast. A membrane or rubber boot keeps feet dry.
Ankle support
Mid or 6″ boots help on slopes and uneven ground.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need steel-toe boots to mow the lawn?
They’re not required for home mowing, but a safety toe adds real protection against impacts. At minimum, wear closed, sturdy shoes with good grip.
Can I mow in sneakers?
Sturdy sneakers are acceptable on dry, flat lawns. On wet grass or slopes, lugged boots are much safer. Never mow in sandals or bare feet.
Will a steel toe protect me from the blade?
No. A mower blade can cut through boots. Keep your feet away from the deck, never pull a push mower backward toward you, and mow across slopes with a push mower (up and down with a rider).
Related: Mowers for steep hills · Self-propelled gas mowers
How we chose: This is a researched guide. We compared toe protection ratings, waterproofing, outsole and comfort features from current product listings, along with standard mower-safety advice. We didn’t field-test this footwear.
Update log: November 2026: rebuilt the guide. We replaced water shoes and garden clogs with safer closed footwear, added ASTM toe ratings, a buying guide and safety FAQs.