Beekeeping Shoes
Choosing proper beekeeping shoes may not be at the forefront of your worries. Yet, having appropriate footwear is important to beekeepers. The shoes need to be comfortable and fit well to provide protection from slips and other potential hazards in the bee yard. Ultimately, you will have to decide which ones are best for you. But, in this guide I will share my thoughts on the key characteristics of ideal shoes for beekeeping.
I’ll admit, I haven’t always made the best decisions when it comes to footwear in the bee yard. I’ve managed countless hives in worn-out sneakers, only to slip, fall, and even get stung thanks to flapping shoe tongues. If you’re serious about your beekeeping clothing and gear, this article is for you.
Why Proper Footwear is Important for Beekeepers
We beekeepers face a variety of environmental and safety challenges. Navigating uneven ground is a big issue for me. We have little flat land. My hives sit on a flat space that was made on the hillside. I need sturdy footing.
Another key reason proper footwear is important is reducing the risk of bee stings. It is difficult to make good hive management decisions when bees are stinging your ankles. Open-toed shoes or shoes with gaps lead to unnecessary stings on your feet and ankles.
Choosing the right beekeeping shoes that improves your beekeeping safety and make you comfortable – that is the goal.
Key Characteristics of Good Beekeeping Shoes
Choosing the right shoes is about more than just comfort. You must consider practicality and durability and other issues. And, if they are cute – that’s okay too! Here are some of the best characteristics to look for as you make your selection.
- protective material
- comfort and support
- slip resistance
- breathability
- durability
- ease of cleaning
Material
Choose footwear that has a durable outer covering. Leather sneakers are fine. I would avoid canvas shoes – especially dark ones.
Bees can and do sting though thin canvas or mesh fabrics. High-top or boot type shoes that help cover your ankles are a plus.
Comfort and Support
Most of you will not be commercial or migratory beekeepers that spend hours on their feet in the bee yard. Yet, comfort and support are important.
Look for shoes with padded insoles and a design that evenly distributes pressure. Beekeepers have to lift heavy hive components and need shoes that provide support.
Slip Resistance
Some slip-resistance is a must for beekeeping shoes. You will find yourself working on uneven, wet ground – possible carrying heavy equipment from one hive to another. You do not want to fall with a heavy super box full of upset bees.
Ventilation
If you are bothered by sweaty feet, shoes that offer breathability will be important to keep your feet cool and dry. But, finding a balance between ventilation and coverage can be difficult.
Here in the south, beekeeping in hot weather brings many challenges. Sweaty shoes don’t bother me because I’m so hot everywhere else.
Durability
Durability is a factor if you are buying special shoes that you need to last for a while. I tend to opt for things like plastic Sloggers – that I use a for season or two and discard.
Easy to Clean
Beekeepers end up in some muddy situations at times. It is a good idea to have beekeeping shoes that can be cleaned with water and brush.
They don’t have to look beautiful but cleaning off excess mud and wax makes them more enjoyable to use and safer.
Proper Coverage
Having proper coverage is one of the most essential characteristics in my opinion. High topped boots or shoes that fit snugly around your ankle offers the best protection.
While walking to the bee yard, I was stung by a red wasp that got caught in my shoe tongue. I thought that was ironic since I was wearing a full bee suit at the time. Wasps and bees are different but their stings cause pain just the same.
Types of Beekeeping Shoes
The most common shoes used by beekeepers fall into these categories:
- boots
- sneakers
- specialized bee shoes
Your shoes of choice will depend on your preferences, beekeeping situation and the amount of money you want to spend. There are many costs in beekeeping and you have to decide where to spend your funds.
Top Recommendations for Beekeeping Shoes
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Both of these products are suitable for beekeepers. Some like the tall boot – (white to match your suit or black)
Others others prefer the easy on- off and snug fit of sloggers. They come in many designs including bee themes for both a shoe and boot style!
FAQs
Yes, rubber boots are a great choice for beekeepers. They protect the ankles and are easy to clean. Do be sure that the tops are not loose to allow bee entry.
Absolutely wear socks with your beekeeping shoes. They will provide some protection from sticks. Choose socks that are light in color and extend up into the leg opening of your bee suit or pants.
If a bee gets inside your shoe, calmly move away from the hive. If you can feel where she is – do not put any pressure on that portion of the shoe. Hopefully, you can gently remove the shoe and allow the bee to leave.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy these tips to help you chose beekeeping shoes to use in our apiary. Learn what features are most important and what to avoid
There is no right or wrong choice and the best choice of beekeeping shoes will be the ones you prefer. Many a beekeeper has walked to the bee yard in their favorite pair of clogs (Crocs) – with all those inviting holes in the shoe. Perhaps that is okay – but I would not recommend them for the bee yard.