The 10 Best Boot Scrapers
Special Honors
Manufactum Oak Tray Not everyone wants a bristle-covered rubber or metal shoe mat interrupting the decor of their home, and that's where this oak wood shoe tray from Manufactum comes into play. This handsome, minimalist option sports diamond-shaped rails that are positioned at just the right angle to remove small stones and debris, and is assembled with waterproof glue and rust-resistant stainless steel screws. Be aware that oak has natural tannins and can discolor sensitive surfaces. manufactum.com
Acorn RM6BG Third-generation family-owned company Acorn is one of the largest manufacturers of forged iron builders' hardware in the United States. They're known for high-quality pieces, and the RM6BG is no exception. This antique-style selection sports a beautiful mottled appearance and lovely scrollwork, and is furnished with expansion shields and lag screws. It's also backed by a lifetime replacement warranty. acornmfg.com
2 Point Offset by The Muddybootz Co For those who'd like a helping hand, the 2 Point Offset by The Muddybootz Co is just the ticket, as it has a handle that can help you stay comfortably on your feet. Designed for two people to use at once, it can be mounted in a fixed position or used freestanding, and it has an attractive green finish, so it isn't an eyesore. muddybootz.com
Editor's Notes
December 02, 2020:
We think you can keep mud, dirt, salt, and gravel out of your home with any of these handy models, but when it comes to quality and reliability, the Carlisle Chrome still comes out on top. It's rugged enough for your heavy-duty work boots, and we especially like that replacement brushes are available, so you don't have to reinvest in a whole new unit should your existing brushes wear out over time. Not only that, but it can be secured to the floor, although you'll need to provide the bolts yourself.
As for the popular Scrusher, we opted for the Scrusher Deluxe instead of the original model. It was created for large boots, so if you've got big, wide feet, it should be able to accommodate you. We kept the somewhat similar Mr. Boot Cleaner Commercial, as well. Both can be secured to the ground, but the Scrusher model is perhaps a bit easier to clean under, as it's raised a little higher.
For users who can get by with a lighter-duty model than the aforementioned, we kept the JobSite Scrubber and the Rubber-Cal Coir, but removed the Umien Deluxe over concerns about its long-term durability. Instead, we added the handsome Esschert Design LH90. It has a deer design that is certainly eye-catching, although it may not please those who dislike country or hunting themed decor. In this case, the Achla Designs BS-03 is a similar choice without bristles. Whichever you choose, be sure to put it where it won't be easy to trip over.
October 11, 2019:
Just like a good doormat, you'll have to consider a few factors when determining which type of boot scraper is right for you. These things are going to be placed outside of your home or business, so the climate you live in, whether you need something light or heavy-duty, construction, and aesthetics all play an important part.
All of our picks are meant to go outdoors, which means they've been constructed and treated to withstand the elements. That being said, some are better at it than others, so if you live in a particularly rough climate, you'll want to consider the Carlisle Chrome, Scrusher Original, and JobSite Scrubber. The Rubber-Cal Coir is also remarkably durable considering its budget price, but be aware that its wired base is vulnerable to corrosion over time.
If you're not in need of something that digs into tread via bristles, and also want an attractive option that isn't too conspicuous, the Achla Designs BS-03 is ideal. Its vintage appearance would fit in well with a country estate or Victorian home, and it's made to last. We also like that it doesn't require a complicated installation. One thing to bear in mind is that it's easy to trip over, so place it in an area where you can't accidentally walk past it.
While we still love the MaxxDry Mudd Stopper and think it an excellent choice, the original design became unavailable and since our list boasts similar selections already, we took the opportunity to recommend the Achla Designs BS-03. We also replaced the Rhino Bilt All-In-One with the better performing, similarly designed Umien Deluxe.
If you live in an especially wet or humid climate, consider treating any metal parts of your boot scraper with rust-prevention spray to extend its lifetime. There's a common misconception that stainless steel cannot rust. The fact is that it can, it just takes aggressive conditions to do so.
A Brief History Of Boots
Today, there's a wide range of boots to choose from, but for many people they're more a fashion choice than an everyday necessity.
Before boots came along, people had no way of telling if you were a cowboy, and it was basically impossible to describe the shape of Italy.
That all changed around 3000 B.C.E., however, when Persians became so fond of the footwear that they made their funerary jars in their shape. These early boots were more a collection of components than a single unit, though, as they were made up of separate leggings, soles, and uppers.
About two millennia later, these components were all fused together, creating footwear that stretched all the way to the knee. In addition to being stylish, they offered plenty of protection from the elements, as well as some shielding in battle. They were largely reserved for the wealthiest citizens, however, and many poorer subjects walked around barefoot instead.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, men of all classes wore thigh-high brown leather boots. However, this style was not deemed suitable for women, and in fact one of the principle charges leveled against Joan of Arc was that she was cross-dressing due to favoring this style.
The 17th century saw the standardization of military uniforms, and thigh-high boots gave way to polished jackboots, which were designed to protect the lower leg while the wearer was on horseback.
After the Duke of Wellington crushed Napoleon at Waterloo, his favored style of boot — one with a low-cut, calf-high heel — became extremely popular. Even better, they were easy to mass produce.
That doesn't mean that they were always made well, however. One of the chief complaints made by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War had to do with their shoddy boots, which fell apart easily and offered little protection in combat.
This created an opening for civilian boot makers to create superior footwear, and they answered with the cowboy boot. These became extremely popular among rural denizens by the 1880s, as they were both durable and surprisingly comfortable once broken in.
Once the 20th century rolled around, cowboy boots were largely limited to actual cowboys and farmhands. Meanwhile, blue collar workers favored work boots that had less-prominent uppers, plus laces and often steel toes.
Today, there's a wide range of boots to choose from, but for many people they're more a fashion choice than an everyday necessity. Still, given their long history and continuing popularity, it seems likely that boots will be around for quite a while yet.
The Proper Way To Clean And Polish Boots
You can tell a lot about a person by their boots. If they're dirty, dusty, and tarnished, it tells you they work hard — or they don't take much pride in their appearance. Shiny, well-maintained boots, on the other hand, let you know you're talking to a person to be reckoned with.
We're going to teach you how to be a person worth reckoning with.
Start off by purchasing a quality polish kit. At the very least, you'll need some saddle soap, a shine brush, a cloth, some polish, and a polish brush.
Begin by knocking off any obvious dirt or mud that's caked to your boots.
Begin by knocking off any obvious dirt or mud that's caked to your boots. Then, wet a cloth and rub a little saddle soap on there. Once you have a lather worked up, you can start scrubbing your boots in a small, circular motion. After you've soaped them up, wipe them off with a clean, dry rag.
Once the boots are dry, use your polish brush to put a little bit of polish on them (notice we said "a little" — don't go crazy on this). Like you did with the saddle soap, rub it in using small, circular motions, paying special attention to the toes and heels. Then, set the boots aside and let them dry for fifteen minutes or so.
At this point, they'll actually look quite a bit duller than when you started, and you may think you're wasting your time. That's when you pick up your shine brush and go to town.
Buff your boots vigorously with the brush, using long back-and-forth strokes. This both removes excess polish and rubs the existing polish deeper into the shoe. You should begin to see your boots start to really shine; continue buffing them until you're satisfied that they're sufficiently gleaming.
Now, go outside and find the nearest soldier — if they're not impressed with your handiwork, you need to keep trying.
Tips For Keeping Dirt Out Of The House
If you want to stop dirt at the door, buying a boot scraper — and actually, you know, using it — is a good start. Here are a few other ways to keep your home clean without a ton of hassle and fuss.
Door mats should be situated by every entryway that leads outside. They make for a potent one-two punch with your scraper; just be sure you vacuum or beat them regularly.
They make for a potent one-two punch with your scraper; just be sure you vacuum or beat them regularly.
Of course, having a no-shoes-inside policy is the absolute best way to keep dirt outside, so consider doing that. You should have a bench by the door so that it's easy to get your boots off, as well as a rack to contain your most-worn footwear.
Don't limit yourself to the doorway in your fight against grime, either. Having throw rugs placed further inside the house is a great way to capture the dirt that your door mat and scraper missed, and replacing a rug is a lot cheaper than pulling up your carpet.
Try to tidy up outdoors, as well. Sweep your sidewalk and patio regularly, and fix any leaks that might be causing mud holes. After all, you can't have a problem with dust and mud if there's no dust and mud around to begin with.