Shoes for Moos--Latest Statement in Barnyard Fashions

By now, Jim Wells is used to the laughs evoked by his product--cow boots.

But he says the number of dairy farmers who find it the perfect answer to serious hoof infections is increasing.

“That’s everybody’s first reaction. It’s comical to see a cow wearing a boot,” Wells said. “They come over, make a joke about it, then ask what the boot is for. Then I’ve got them.”

Since introducing the boot last August, Wells has sold more than 15,000 at $50 apiece in eight countries.

The boot--which looks like a shorter version of a firefighter’s boot--is made of black, fabric-backed rubber with two bright yellow straps and buckles to hold it in place. It has a textured pebble bottom for traction.