Gators

[hihobaron]

No, not the reptile!

Charliehorse mentioned the issue of pebbles and sand getting in his tennis shoes/low boots when hiking the San Rafael Swell.  He thought he might try gators.  I have trouble with cheat grass and weed seeds getting in my boots when I hike.

I found these at REI and have been wearing them all week around the farm and when hiking.  I love them!  No more cheat grass and weed seeds!

http://www.rei.com/product/856690/rei-tr...ng-gaiters

REI also has a similar gator that velcro on and off so you don't have to put the gator on before you put your footwear on but the cheat grass and weed seeds in my area love velcro and I try to steer clear of it.

http://www.rei.com/product/856691/rei-tr...ht-gaiters

 Hello All you Gator people   
I have worked with horses in the brush and sand most all my life.
You would never catch me  in tennis shoes or low boots Now I am adding goats to the list.
Goats require a lot of walking, when you take them anywhere.Right? Goats will step on your toes right?
My question why are you putting your feet at risk, your ankles etc by not using a good trail boot at least 8 inches high for protection.foot support, traction etc. OK you say they are to hot or to heavy ?
I served in Afghanistan (with horses and donkeys) for 4 years and always had Desert boots even to ride in although we did a lot of walking too leading pack Donkeys etc for supplies. My personal favorite riding boots are a Packer that is 12 inches tall typical stacked heel and semi-pointed toe with vibram soles. I can walk well in the ,ride safely and be around horses that love to step on you and then give you that look you know "DAAA ME" Goats probably do it when they are standing on your toe with those little pointy hoofs. Right? 
In ending why not just get a good pair of boots that have tall enough uppers that lace up to support your foot,ankle and lower leg?
If your on your feet most of the day under different walking condition go with a good fitting boot and you just put it on in the morning and off at night for bed. Even my night time "Have my jump into them fast boots ready for night time happenings around a farm. They are 10 Wellingtons with vibram soles.
In ending something to think about for yourself, We all know how important or goats feet are to keep them working.
Why risk your own foot and leg heath in Tennis shoes or low boots? 
If I get hurt or blister up my feet I can get out on top of a horse, If you just have pack goats you do not have that option.
Take care of your own feet as well or better than you do your working stock. 
Happy Trails
hihobaron