Footwear for the Female in the Field
Becky Lou Lacock 05.04.11
Finally SAFE from the VENOMOUS SNAKES in my LACROSSE “VENOM” Snake Boots!
Shoes to fit the occasion is just one of the challenges women can face while tromping around in the woods. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and will have to admit that most of that time has been with my little “tootsies” tucked into shoes designed for men.
Years ago, before embarking on my outdoor adventures, I had no interest in shopping the Men’s Shoe department, but when the need arose, it found me desperately seeking the smaller sizes of rubber boots or hiking shoes, in alas, the Men’s Shoe section. Although many styles were offered in smaller sizes (my women’s size 8 would be a men’s 6) very few stores had them in stock. One tip I did not know until then, is that men’s shoes typically run much wider, so even if I was lucky enough to find a size small enough, it would usually require 2-3 pairs of socks to fill the gap!
A short time ago, I was fortunate to be included as one of several women for a Turkey Hunt to be filmed for an episode of “Benelli on Assignment” in South Texas (Rattlesnake Country). A lot of the women were from states that had very few if any poisonous snakes, and became extremely anxious about the thought of a rattlesnake attack, thus set the stage for a “Snake Boot Shopping Spree”. Our entourage of 5 vehicles with 12+ passengers, then proceeded to maneuver in and out of 3 Sporting Goods stores, . After several hours, the final outcome was 1 store with women’s style snake boot, with very limited stock on hand, which only provided 2 of the women with satisfactory protection from the dreaded snakes. All 3 stores carried men’s style snake boots, but did not stock the smaller sizes to accommodate our dainty feet. I found it hard to believe! We were in Texas, the American Southwest, Rattlesnake Country! Quickly realizing that although the manufacturers were beginning to address women’s needs in the field, the retailers must also realize the need, and order the product!! Hopefully after our visit, those 3 stores in Victoria, TX will consider putting some girly shoes on the shelf.
After spending a week in the woods, with only my rubber boots which would provide only a slight deterrent for that dreaded Rattlesnake, I immediately returned home on a mission to find a pair of Snakeboots. I began with Lacrosse Footwear, as I have some Lacrosse rubber boots that have served me well for 8 years, and have been very comfortable. They are a men’s style boot, but available in sizes small enough for women. I am now the proud owner of a lovely pair of Lacrosse “Venom” Snake Boots! Although not specifically designed for women, but designed with the woman in mind. The “Venom” comes in smaller sizes and with the standard extra padding, provides a very comfortable fit for everyone! The laces make is easy for you to adjust for a perfect fit from your foot up to your calves, and the side zipper acts more like a quick release without readjusting the laces! They have combined several proven patented materials for a scent-free, waterproof boot with 360 degree protection from those ferocious fangs! These boots are extremely light, weighing only 2.5 pounds each, and after walking in them all day, that makes a huge difference for me! Lacrosse also has women’s rubber boots available, and As per Erin with Lacrosse, there will also be a women’s hiking boot “Big Country” available in the fall of 2011. If these boots are hard to locate, you can go directly to the Lacrosse website and place your order, www.lacrossefootwear.com
There are several other leaders in the industry of quality footwear that have begun to recognize and address the needs of women’s feet in the field inlcuding Irish Setter, Danner, and Cabelas also has their own line.
Conclusion: If you are an outdoor woman, and finicky about your footwear, the word is out that women are about…. and Glory be for you and me!
Born and raised in Louisiana, my Outdoor adventures began just a short time ago, with a weekend workshop, B.O.W. 'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' in the Spring of 2000. A nationwide program , in Louisiana it is facilitated by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Educational Dept. I was feeling a little adventurous, and chose “Intro to Shotgun” as one of my 4 workshops for the weekend. I had never had the opportunity to shoot guns, and decided that this would be the perfect place to give it a shot! This course required a detailed Firearm Safety course held in a classroom the day before various guns handy for some “hands on” instruction. I was very anxious the day of shooting, but as it unfolded, with patient expert instructors by my side, (helping to muffle the voices inside of me shouting NO! NO! NO! You're a Girl! Its gonna hurt!) I hit the second clay target, thus began my passion for Shooting! I absolutely LOVED it!! I have always loved to fish, sharing many hours with the only outdoor influence in my life growing up, my mother Tommie Lou. She and I spent many hours in the Freshwater Marshes of SW Louisiana, searching for that elusive HOG (Large Mouth Bass) but also pulling in huge Redfish, Speckled trout & Flounder in and around the salt water lake "Big Lake". I always joke that we had to use our running lights to get out to the fishing spots, and we had to also needed them to come in, as we would spend all of the precious daylight fishing hard…. the days were always too short. That was the limit to any outdoor activity for me, but shortly after my "Shooting Incident" I met my husband Lou, and was introduced into hunting, starting with a west Texas whitetail hunt, at which point my life took a drastic turn from inside to "EXTREME OUTSIDE"!! Without a doubt, I am all girl, I don't like bugs, critters, or Snakes, but because of my willingness to Take a Chance, I have learned that a little DIRT..or even or a TICK will not keep me from this new adventure!
With the first hunt of my life being shortly after the workshop, I understand first hand the skepticism that some women have to step outdoors, and I believe that most women just need to be aware of the resources readily available to them, along with a little pinch of encouragement. I have been fortunate to have both, for without it I would not be doing what I am today.
With great encouragement from Greg Martin of RealHuntersJournal, an online resource for outdoor information, I began writing, and going to the industry shows such as Shot Show, ATA, NWTF, and others to review the latest and greatest products in the industry. I met several wonderful people, and began to realize that the people behind the products, TV shows, and outfitters were just down home people, real people just like me! I think of it as a large family, and like most, they may not always agree on every method, design, or camo pattern, but all share a common dream, and ultimately work together to make that dream a reality for the rest of us. I have been blessed with a lot of energy and enthusiasm that just seems to spill out onto everyone around me, I love people and Lord only knows how I like to talk, and over the past few years I have been encouraged to take more of an active part to promote women in the outdoors. I was invited on several exciting hunts to experience many new adventures, and share them. With a style all my own, I have really enjoyed writing. Loaded with lots of adventures and information to share, I started my own website in 2009, www.BeckyLouOutdoors.com. The following year I was asked to participate in a Reality Television series with 5 other women, consisting of 11 episodes. Somehow with my determination, some skill, and a lot of luck, I won the first season competition!! The show was a success, and continues on each year for a new season with 6 new contestants and many new challenges. . In 2010 I was honored to be named Pro Staff for Commando Call Products. I do a lot of freelance writing for many websites and most recently InterMedia Outdoors with an article in print for Dec/Jan 2011/2012 nationwide Game & Fish and also Sportsman. I have a trademark phrase, “Camo can be Classy”TM for women like me that are 110% all girl, but can enjoy the outdoors to whatever level we desire! I have grown to believe that if you Love Life it will Love you back! I hope to provide some information, encouragement and inspiration for women to get out in the Great Outdoors. It has made such a difference in my life, and I truly believe that I am Happier and Healthier because of it! Shooting may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth a SHOT!
