Best Shoes/Boots for Elderly Gardener

Grunntt on 24/12/2022 - 11:25

My 90 year old father spends a great deal of the day outside in his garden/vegetable patch.

He has no problem with most of the physical activities involved other than the struggle to put his shoes on and even more with taking them off.

He really dislikes slip on style shoes with elastic sides as he can't get them off. Lace ups are the opposite problem as he has trouble getting them on.

I am trying to locate something with maybe a zipper down the side but can't locate any that aren't designed for heavy labouring work.

Have anyone here found something that is relatively light but sturdy that may be suitable?

Fashion & Apparel Footwear

Comments

  • Nugs on 24/12/2022 - 12:04

    once someone else does the adjusting of the laces they might work?
    https://www.tradiesworkwearshop.com.au/products/zip-safety-b…
    .

  • woodg on 24/12/2022 - 12:38

    Have a look at Dr Comfort shoes. Some have velcro straps and others have elastic laces. Available from the Australian distributor https://www.djostore.com.au/our-catalogue.html?manufacturer=…. And also often available at podiatrists.

  • Almost Banned on 24/12/2022 - 12:55

    crocs?

  • apsilon on 24/12/2022 - 12:58

    Any work wear store will have side zip work boots, they're fairly common. Never used the zipper version but I'd recommend Redback but boots and comfort are a personal thing so I'd take your dad to the store and let him try them on and check the sizing

    • nubzy on 24/12/2022 - 15:56

      +1 to Redback Bobcat boots. You will not find a better quality and more comfortable pair of boots for $100. Yes they are slip on, but once broken in they slide off with ease. Ideal gardening boots, lots of professional gardeners and lawn mower men use them.

  • jv on 24/12/2022 - 13:58

    these ones from Kmart are really easy to get on and off…

    https://www.kmart.com.au/product/casual-boots-s150444/

  • starlightshine on 24/12/2022 - 15:41

    Thanks, was looking for walking shoes for an elderly parent (who has a similar issue), never thought of side zipper.

  • oscargamer on 25/12/2022 - 08:39

    https://zubits.com/

  • Grunntt on 25/12/2022 - 10:25

    Thank you for the range of suggestions.

    I'm pretty sure he will need to go with boots/shoes with a side zipper so will check out the Redbacks to see if they are not too heavy for him.
    (may be my next purchase for my own use though).

    We have a couple of retailers near here that carry them so will take him shopping in the new year (will try out the KMart ones too).

    He just laughed and shook his head when I mentioned Crocs.

    Zubits look really interesting - I've ordered a set so we can try them out - if he isn't keen on them then I may just have to reinherit them.

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