I've had a few offers over the past 6 months to write reviews or accept pre-written content for my blog (not going to happen, I have zero interest in masquerading an ad as an original post for compensation). But until just recently, I hadn't received an offer that I really wanted to jump on. But finally...swag:
What you see there folks is a brand new pair of Muck Daily Garden Shoes courtesy of http://www.gardenshoesonline.com/. My mission was to try the shoes out, review them on my blog, and link to their website in that blog post. I can do that -- and probably would have even if they hadn't given me the shoes for free!
First, my compliments to Dave of Garden Shoes Online. Our first contact took place at end of business on April 7th and I had the shoes in my living room on April 13th. I chose Plum Vine shoes (not clogs) in size 10. I wear a 9.5 wide, but since that's such an odd size I generally end up wearing 10 mediums. The 10s were very comfortable, but without socks I was walking out of them. I contacted Dave to see if people generally wore these shoes with socks and his response was to send out a pair of size 9s with a return label enclosed so I could return the pair that I didn't want. Excellent customer service! I had them a few days later and liked the size 9s without socks better (not a big fan of socks when I can avoid them and Dave did say some people opted for no socks).
I'm looking for a few things in a pair of garden shoes 1.) Comfort - not a big help if my feet hurt too much to garden; 2.) Stability - with our hilly garden I am climbing up and down more often than not and really don't want to turn an ankle; and 3.) Cleanable - without fail, if there's some nasty surprise in our garden, I will step in it.
1.) Comfort -- They really do feel like slippers on and really comfy on my wide feet, so those of you with narrow feet, this might not be the right garden shoe for you. I wore them for a few hours on Saturday without walking around much, mostly crouching and sitting on a stool weeding, very nice. On Sunday I spent a lot more time walking around the garden and developed a blister on my heel, but that's what happens when you get monthly pedicures and don't wear socks. I'm sure I'll get used to them.
2.) Stability -- I climbed up and down the slope next to the house and even balanced on tree roots to plant a large container that I wouldn't have been able to lift once it was full of dirt. VERDICT - I didn't fall on my ass. I would not have been able to do that in Crocs.
3.) Cleanable -- I replaced all the non-working portions of my complicated hose system on Sunday, so with running water I was able to test the ability to wash these shoes. I ran water over the shoes (still on my feet) and they rinsed clean easily -- and added bonus -- my feet stayed dry!
I will continue to wear these shoes as I garden and I'll let you know how they wear over an entire garden season.
Bottom line would I pay $50 for Muck Daily Garden Shoes? Yes, but I'm glad I didn't have to!
And would I buy from http://www.gardenshoesonline.com/? Yes, but I'm hoping they'll send me some more free stuff to review!
