Most people do not walk into a hardware store expecting to find Patagonia jackets, Hoka running shoes, and Blundstone boots. That is exactly why Johnson Hardware & Rental in Johnson, VT surprises people. Behind the Milwaukee tools, building supplies, and equipment rentals, there is a clothing and footwear department stocked with name brands you would normally associate with outdoor specialty shops and high-end retailers.
Johnson Hardware & Rental carries Patagonia, Hoka, Blundstone, Prana, Toad & Co, Bogs, SmartWool, Carhartt, Timberland Pro, Ariat, Dovetail, and more, covering everything from professional workwear and outdoor adventure apparel to casual everyday clothing for the whole family. It is a selection that does not make sense until you walk through the door and realize that this is not your average hardware store. This guide breaks down the brands we carry, who they are designed for, and why a converted dairy barn in Johnson, VT has become one of the best places to shop for clothing in the region.
Patagonia: Outdoor Performance with a Purpose
Johnson Hardware & Rental is an authorized Patagonia reseller, and we carry a curated selection of Patagonia apparel for men and women. Patagonia has built its reputation on making durable, high-performance outdoor clothing while maintaining a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. Their products are designed to last, which aligns perfectly with the Vermont mindset of buying quality over quantity.
Our Patagonia selection includes jackets, fleece layers, base layers, and seasonal pieces chosen for the way Vermonters actually use them. A Patagonia down jacket that keeps you warm during a November hike works just as well on a cold morning commute. A lightweight rain shell designed for trail running handles a sudden afternoon storm during yard work. The versatility of Patagonia's designs means you get more use out of every piece.
For Vermonters who care about where their clothing comes from and how it is made, Patagonia's commitment to fair labor practices, recycled materials, and environmental activism adds value beyond the performance specs. Shopping Patagonia at Johnson Hardware & Rental means supporting an authorized local retailer and a brand that puts its money behind the causes it promotes.
Hoka: Comfort and Performance for Every Step
Hoka has transformed the footwear market with shoes that deliver maximum cushioning without sacrificing performance. Originally developed for ultramarathon runners who needed to protect their joints over extreme distances, Hoka's oversized midsole technology has since earned a devoted following among hikers, walkers, nurses, tradespeople, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet.
Johnson Hardware & Rental carries Hoka shoes for customers who want the combination of comfort and support that the brand is known for. Whether you are logging miles on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, standing on concrete all day at a jobsite, or simply looking for a walking shoe that does not leave your feet aching by evening, Hoka delivers a noticeably different experience than traditional footwear.
The beauty of shopping for Hoka at Johnson Hardware & Rental is that you can try them on in person. Hoka's unique cushioning system feels different from anything else on the market, and putting your feet in a pair is the fastest way to understand why the brand has built such a loyal following. Our staff can help you find the right model for your primary use and the right fit for your foot.
Blundstone: The Boot That Does Everything
Blundstone boots have earned a reputation as one of the most versatile boots you can own. Originally from Tasmania, Australia, these elastic-sided, laceless boots slip on and off in seconds, provide all-day comfort, and transition seamlessly from the barn to the brewery to the trailhead. They have become a staple in Vermont for a reason.
Blundstone's classic Chelsea boot design works for nearly every occasion that does not require a safety toe. They are comfortable enough for a full day of walking, durable enough for light outdoor work, and stylish enough to wear out to dinner. The leather construction breaks in quickly and develops character over time, and most Blundstone owners report getting years of daily wear out of a single pair.
Johnson Hardware & Rental stocks Blundstone boots in multiple styles and sizes. If you have been curious about the brand but have not tried a pair on, our store is the place to do it. The fit runs slightly different from most American footwear, and our team can help you find the right size.
Prana and Toad & Co: Casual, Comfortable, and Built to Move
Not every clothing need is about performance or protection. Sometimes you just want something comfortable, well-made, and versatile enough to wear from a morning yoga class to an afternoon hike to an evening out. That is where Prana and Toad & Co fit in.
Prana specializes in clothing designed for movement. Their pants, shorts, shirts, and layers use stretch fabrics and relaxed fits that feel natural whether you are climbing, hiking, traveling, or just running errands around town. Prana has a strong following in the yoga and climbing communities, but their clothing works equally well for anyone who values comfort and freedom of movement in their everyday wardrobe.
Toad & Co takes a similar approach with a focus on casual, easy-wearing clothing made from sustainable fabrics. Their designs are clean and understated, with the kind of versatility that lets you pack fewer items for a trip without sacrificing style or comfort. Toad & Co clothing is built for the person who moves between outdoor activities and social settings without wanting to change outfits in between.
Johnson Hardware & Rental carries both brands for men and women, giving you options that fill the gap between technical outdoor gear and everyday casual wear. Stop in and browse the selection to see what fits your style and your lifestyle.
Bogs: Waterproof Boots for Vermont's Wettest Days
If you live in Vermont, you need a pair of waterproof boots that you can trust in mud, snow, slush, and standing water. Bogs has built its entire brand around that need, and their boots are a go-to for Vermonters who work and play in wet conditions year-round.
Bogs boots use a seamless waterproof construction that keeps water out completely, not just for the first few months but for the life of the boot. Their insulated models handle Vermont's coldest temperatures, while their uninsulated options work for spring mud season and fall rain. They offer boots for men, women, and kids, which means the whole family can stay dry.
For homesteaders, gardeners, farmers, and anyone who spends time in the barn, the garden, or the field, Bogs boots are a practical investment that pays off every time the weather turns. Johnson Hardware & Rental stocks Bogs boots alongside our other footwear brands, so you can compare options and find the right boot for your specific conditions.
SmartWool: The Foundation Layer
Great footwear starts with great socks, and SmartWool has been the gold standard in performance socks for decades. Made from merino wool, SmartWool socks regulate temperature, wick moisture, resist odor, and provide cushioning in the areas where your feet need it most. They perform in both hot and cold conditions, which makes them a year-round essential in Vermont.
SmartWool's product line extends beyond socks to include base layers, mid-layers, and accessories that use the same merino wool technology. A SmartWool base layer under your work clothes in January or your hiking shirt in July keeps you comfortable regardless of how much your activity level and the temperature change throughout the day.
Johnson Hardware & Rental carries SmartWool socks and apparel for customers who understand that the layers closest to your skin have the biggest impact on your comfort. Pair SmartWool socks with Hoka shoes, Blundstone boots, or Timberland Pro work boots for a combination that keeps your feet comfortable from morning to evening.
Workwear Brands: Carhartt, Timberland Pro, Ariat, and Dovetail
Johnson Hardware & Rental's clothing department does not stop at outdoor and casual brands. Our workwear section is one of the largest in the region, carrying Carhartt, Timberland Pro, Ariat, Dovetail, and Keen Utility for professionals who need gear that performs on the jobsite.
Carhartt provides the rugged outerwear, work pants, and cold-weather layers that Vermont tradespeople have relied on for generations. Timberland Pro delivers work boots with anti-fatigue technology and jobsite-ready clothing. Ariat specializes in performance workwear and flame-resistant clothing for electrical, utility, and welding trades. And Dovetail makes workwear designed specifically for women in the trades, with fits and features that address the needs that men's workwear has always ignored.
Having workwear and lifestyle brands under the same roof is one of the things that makes Johnson Hardware & Rental unique. A contractor can pick up Carhartt work pants and Timberland Pro boots for the jobsite, then grab a Patagonia jacket and Hoka shoes for the weekend, all in the same trip.
Kids' Clothing: Brands They Will Actually Wear
Finding quality kids' clothing in Vermont that holds up to the way children actually use it is a challenge most parents know well. Kids are hard on clothes. They climb, dig, slide, splash, and generally test every seam and fabric in ways that adult clothing never has to endure.
Johnson Hardware & Rental carries kids' clothing from brands that are built for that reality. Our selection includes sizes from newborn through youth across casual, outdoor, and seasonal categories. These are not throwaway fast-fashion pieces. They are well-made garments from brands that prioritize durability and comfort, which means they hold up through the wear and tear and can often be handed down to younger siblings.
Men's and Women's Clothing: Something for Everyone
Johnson Hardware & Rental's clothing department is organized to make shopping easy for the whole family. Our men's clothing section covers workwear, outdoor apparel, rain gear, swimwear, casual clothing, and accessories. Our women's clothing section offers options for work, outdoor activities, travel, and everyday comfort.
The selection changes with the seasons. Spring and summer bring lightweight hiking pants, UV-protective shirts, swimwear, and rain gear. Fall and winter bring insulated jackets, fleece layers, wool socks, and cold-weather accessories. Throughout the year, the core brands, including Patagonia, Prana, Toad & Co, Carhartt, and others, remain in stock with seasonal items rotating as conditions change.
Product availability, colors, and sizes do vary throughout the year, so if you are looking for something specific, give us a call at 802-635-7282 before your visit to check stock.
The Hardware Store Advantage: Try It On Before You Buy
One of the biggest advantages of shopping for clothing and footwear at Johnson Hardware & Rental is the in-store experience. Online shopping has made it easy to browse, but it has also made it easy to end up with a closet full of returns. Sizing varies across brands, materials feel different in person than they look on a screen, and you cannot assess the fit of a boot or the drape of a jacket from a product photo.
At our 25,000-square-foot store in Johnson, VT, you can try everything on. You can compare the feel of a Hoka trail shoe against a Blundstone boot. You can check whether a Prana pant stretches the way you need it to. You can layer a SmartWool base under a Patagonia shell to see how the system works together. And you can talk to our staff about what works best for your specific activity, body type, and Vermont lifestyle.
That hands-on experience is something no website can replicate, and it is especially valuable for footwear, where the wrong fit leads to blisters, pain, and wasted money.
Visit Vermont's Most Surprising Clothing Store
Johnson Hardware & Rental is not the store you expect it to be, and that is exactly the point. Behind the hardware, the tools, and the equipment rentals, there is a clothing and footwear department stocked with Patagonia, Hoka, Blundstone, Prana, Toad & Co, Bogs, SmartWool, Carhartt, Timberland Pro, Ariat, and Dovetail. It is name-brand clothing for work, outdoor adventure, and everyday life, all under one roof in a converted dairy barn in Johnson, VT.
Stop by our store at 1442 VT Route 15 in Johnson, VT to browse, try things on, and discover why the trip to Johnson is always worth it. Give us a call at 802-635-7282 with any questions, or explore our clothing, footwear, outdoor apparel, and workwear pages online