As someone who spends a lot of time working with livestock and managing farm tasks, I was eager to test the DryShod Evalusion All-Around Shoe, and they didn’t disappoint. After using these shoes for feeding livestock and washing 4-H show animals, I’ve found them to be a reliable and comfortable option for everyday farm work.
I’ve always worn a pair of waterproof boots for muddy days with livestock, and I even have a pair that I like to take skiing and hunting with me. However, I decided to give the Evalusions a try because tall boots are not exactly ideal for summers, and it’s a pain constantly taking them on-and-off coming in-and-out of the house.
The Evalusion All-Around Shoe is designed to be 100 percent waterproof, which proves valuable in wet and muddy conditions. Whether you’re working around animal pens or dealing with spills while washing equipment, the waterproof feature ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable.
Surprisingly, despite their waterproof nature, the shoes remained relatively cool during use. The Airmesh lining helps regulate temperature and keeps your feet from overheating, which is particularly useful when working in warm conditions or when the shoes are exposed to water and mud.
However, it’s worth noting that while the shoes are effective at staying cool in wet environments, they can still heat up on particularly hot days when water and mud aren’t involved. This is something to consider if you expect to be working in very high temperatures without the benefit of moisture to keep the shoes cool.
The advantage of a shoe over a boot is that, sometimes, you simply don’t need the full coverage of a boot. Shoes like the Evalusions offer the protection you need to keep your feet dry and safe without the bulk, allowing you to easily preserve your favorite sneakers for indoor use while still handling outdoor tasks.
Comfort is a standout feature of this shoe. Built on a running shoe platform and utilizing DryShod’s advanced Dureva outsole technology, the Evalusion All-Around feels almost like wearing a cushioned running shoe. This is particularly beneficial when you’re on your feet for extended periods. The shoe also includes a reinforced tuck board and a rigid nylon shank that provide additional arch support, helping to reduce fatigue during long days.
The rubber-boot-style shoe has several finish options, including Camo, Black, Brown, and Navy. Priced at $119.95, they’re not your typical WalMart version, but I’m hard on shoes, and these certainly stood up to the test, and a lot of miles washing and walking show livestock.
The Evalusion All-Around Shoe also stands out for its ease of use. Its design allows for easy slipping on and off, which is practical when frequently moving in and out of the house or barn. This convenience adds to the overall appeal, especially when transitioning between tasks or environments.
However, a significant drawback is that the Evalusion All-Around Shoe does not come in women’s sizes. This limitation may affect those who require a more specific fit. I wear a rather large shoe size (women’s 11/12), so buying men’s footwear isn’t a foreign concept to me. That being said, these shoes were pretty wide, and I did have some heel slip that at one point led to some rubbing. Better socks fixed the issue, but a version more tailored to women’s foot shape, and of course, one that gives us tall girls more options would be ideal.
Overall, the DryShod Evalusion All-Around Shoe is a solid choice for farm chores and general tasks. It offers effective waterproofing, comfort, and ease of use, making it a practical and versatile shoe for various farm activities.
Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.