Nailed shoes, also known as "screed shoes", are an uncomplicated and helpful method for lawn aeration. To do this, you simply have to pull the overshoes over your regular shoes and walk across the lawn - done. You can find out which models are recommended and what else you should pay attention to by reading this guide.
Spiked shoes are a simple, fun way to aerate the lawn
Our recommendations
our recommendation
EEIEER lawn aerator lawn aerator scarifier lawn scarifier lawn nail shoes for your lawn or yard
24.99 EUR To the product| material | Plastic / stainless steel |
|---|---|
| attachment | 4 adjustable and 1 elastic strap |
| nails / spikes | 26 spikes approx. 5 cm long |
| size | fits all sizes, men and women |
| Height Length Width | 1.6cm / 29.7cm / 13cm |
These inexpensive nail shoes are delivered disassembled. As many Amazon buyers report, assembly is easy and the manufacturer even supplies the tools required for this. Furthermore, the very good price-performance ratio is praised - the aerator shoes are very robust and would work without any problems even on heavily compacted and stone-mixed subsoil.
The spikes made of stainless steel are very durable, and the fasteners also hold firmly on the shoe. However, it is reported that the wearer should have as large feet as possible - at least shoe size 39 - and wear sturdy shoes (no sandals!) so that the nailed shoes fit optimally.
our recommendation
Nailed shoes professional - nailed sole - screed shoes made of high quality nylon FULLY ASSEMBLED
19.12 EUR To the product| material | Nylon (unbreakable) |
|---|---|
| attachment | 2 straps with buckle closure |
| nails / spikes | 11 nails, each 3.5 cm long |
| size | 31 x 13.50 cm (sole) |
| Height Length Width | 32.5x14.5x11cm |
These nailed shoes impress with their excellent price-performance ratio, which the numerous Amazon reviewers repeatedly emphasize. The overshoes, which can be put on over sturdy shoes such as work or outdoor shoes, are stable and would also carry higher weight classes (100 kilograms and more) without damage. However, you should check the tightness of the screw nuts before use in order to tighten any loosened nails.
The only negative point is the long straps, the ends of which are difficult to "hide" or knot and are therefore constantly in the way. Here, the manufacturer recommends simply shortening the overly long ends. The plastic sole is not flexible.
our recommendation
GRÜNTEK lawn aerator spiked shoes for lawns up to 120 square meters with 4 clamping straps and rustproof spikes for scarifying the lawn. Lawn Aerator Sandals, Lawn Aerator Shoes
21.38 EUR To the product| material | Plastic / stainless steel |
|---|---|
| attachment | 4 Velcro straps (adjustable), with metal buckle |
| nails / spikes | 13 steel nails, 5.9 cm each |
| size | Universal size, for all shoe sizes |
| Height Length Width | 9 mm (sole) / 33 cm / 13.3 cm (front), 10.3 cm (rear) |
This model also scores with its very good price-performance ratio - you get robust, stable lawn aerator shoes for little money. The numerous Amazon reviewers are mostly very positive in their evaluations, noting above all the ease of use and the good results. When delivered, the spiked shoes must first be assembled, but this can be done in a few minutes with the tool provided.
The shoes are perfect for users with large feet from shoe size 40 / 41 - various customers reported that there was still plenty of room with these sizes. Before each use, the nuts should be checked for tightness.
Purchase Criteria
scope of application
Nailed shoes are primarily used in the construction trade so that wet surfaces - such as freshly applied screed - can be walked on without leaving footprints or the like. For the purpose of lawn aeration, you should buy models that are explicitly labeled as lawn aerator shoes (or similar terms). These have longer and more stable nails than screed shoes, are therefore more robust and penetrate deeper into the turf. A nail length of at least five centimeters is ideal for lawn aeration.
material
The sole and fastening straps of nailed shoes are usually made of plastic. This should be robust and resilient - when purchasing, be sure to pay attention to any information on the maximum resilience of the individual models! If you are a bit heavier, you should read the customer reviews carefully before you buy - here you can often find corresponding empirical values. The nails should be as thick as possible and made of stainless steel - so they don't break off as easily and don't rust.
Replaceable nails / spikes
Even with high-quality models, it can happen that a nail occasionally breaks off. This is not at all improbable when used on hardened, stony ground. In this situation, you don't have to throw away the nailed shoes right away - instead, buy a model in advance where you can replace the nails if the worst comes to the worst. Anyway, most lawn aerator shoes come ready to assemble, so you have the tools you need right at home.
Flexibility / Customizability
Nailed shoes are always worn over a sturdy shoe. Since most models are sold in one size, flexible locking options make sense. You can only do the strenuous work of aerating the lawn if the shoe fits firmly and neither slips nor is uncomfortable. So make sure you have flexibly adjustable, robust straps with strong buckles. The sole, on the other hand, should not be flexible, but rigid - you walk in such a shoe very differently than normal.
fit
Some nail shoes have an extra shaped heel, which ensures a firm hold and a good fit. You should always prefer these models to those with a "simple" sole. With regard to the fit, please also consider that most aerator shoes are made for people with large feet - depending on the make, you need at least shoe size 39 or even larger for the overshoes to hold up. They are not very suitable for people with small feet.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
How to use nail shoes correctly?
Basically, you walk across the lawn with your nailed shoes on. However, you can't walk as usual with the overcoats - instead, your gait appears more like a paling. Don't roll your heels, but sink the nails vertically into the ground and pull them out again vertically.
Where can you buy nail shoes?
Of course you can get nail shoes from Amazon in a large selection. But these practical shoes are also available in other - stationary and online - markets. Take a look around in garden or DIY stores, at construction equipment suppliers and their online shops. Sometimes ventilation shoes are even available in the non-food section of large supermarkets or in wholesale markets.
Which well-known manufacturers sell nailed shoes?
The classic brand manufacturers for gardening needs such as Gardena, Wolf-Garten and Co. tend to have other lawn scarifiers (€36.96) in their range - such as a manual scarifier (€157.99) in Gardenas Combisystem, the rolling lawn scarifier from Fiskars or the Pendulum scarifier from Wolf-Garten. You will not find spiked shoes in their range, as they come from the construction sector.
How much do nail shoes cost?
For good, high-quality spiked shoes, you should plan a price between 20 and 25 EUR - cheaper models are often poorly made and break quickly. Keep an eye out for deals because the good shoes are sometimes sold for a lower price as part of discount campaigns.
Can I build spiked shoes myself?
Basically, you can build spiked shoes yourself from a suitably sawn piece of plywood - a maximum of one centimeter thick - some straps or ropes and a few long and thick steel nails. You can also stick the nails through the solid soles of old shoes or rubber boots and fasten them - this also works well if the sole is stable enough.
Can I wear spiked shoes when mowing the lawn?
Sometimes spiked shoes for lawn aeration are advertised, with the hint that you can mow the lawn and wear these shoes at the same time. That usually doesn't work because you can't walk with it normally and "strolling" is physically very strenuous, especially over larger lawns.
equipment
Soil test to measure the pH value
our recommendation
Neudorff pH soil test to determine the soil pH value of the lime requirement 8 tests in a set
8.98 EUR To the productAerating the lawn is not enough to remove unwanted weeds and moss. In many cases, in addition to the lack of ventilation, an incorrect pH value is the cause. A practical pH soil test for home use quickly provides certainty about the values. You can then take the appropriate countermeasures and either sand the soil (if the pH value is too high) or lime it (if the pH value is too low).
Long-term lawn fertilizer for a lush green lawn
our recommendation
COMPO long-term lawn fertilizer, 3 months long-term effect, fine granules, 20 kg, 800 m²
39.99 EUR To the productAll care efforts are doomed to failure if the lawn is not supplied with sufficient nutrients in the optimal composition. Grasses have a high nutrient requirement so that they can grow quickly and vigorously. A special long-term fertilizer also helps to avoid overdosing. After all, the nutrients here are not released all at once, but gradually.