Right Up There With Jimmy and Manolo

The photo above is graphic evidence of why I invested in a pair of good boots a couple of months ago. When I go out to help Anthony and Carol Boutard of Ayers Creek Farm (see post below) get ready for the Hillsdale Farmers' Market, these come in mighty handy in the muddy, wet fields while harvesting mustard greens, cabbage and chicory (below left) or picking baby broccoli and arugula for our lunch.

The snug stock keeps rain from seeping down my pants legs and into my socks, and the padded, insulated shoe keeps my toes snug as bugs. They're even comfortable enough to wear while tromping a couple of miles around our neighborhood with Walker. And when a street drain gets clogged and it's time to clear the lake that forms around it, I can wade right in without a care.

Now to find some rain pants that will be equally worthy…

Boots on the Ground

It was time to get serious. I could no longer countenance the flooding of my sneakers whilst slogging through the rain with the dogs, much less face water pouring in the tops or the blisters caused by ill-fitting wellies. And heaven forfend having to cancel a farm trip or mushroom foraging expedition for the want of adequate footwear!

A quick tally of those better-informed on the subject than I resulted in a landslide vote for the Muck Boot, a well-treaded, waterproof boot fit for city walks or country rambles. The breathable, flexible stock hugs the calf and doesn't gap at the top, and the shoe is insulated and padded to keep feet warm even in freezing temperatures. Plus they only come in goes-with-everything black.

The place I got them, called Hank's Boots & Workwear, was also a new discovery, with work boots and Carhartts and nary a candy-colored city lady boot in sight. And the price was less than the fancy name-brand boots at the department stores, a win all around. I've already mucked out a clogged street drain…now to go get in some serious mud. Bring it on, winter!

Details: Muck Boots at Hank's Boots & Workwear, 8878 NE Sandy Blvd. at the intersection of Prescott and Sandy. 503-253-7098.