A header for an agricultural harvester including a skid shoe that is resistant to penetration into soil. The skid shoe includes a central portion having a fore end, an aft end, and first and second lateral sides extending between the fore and aft ends. At least a first upwardly directed surface extends from the first lateral side and defines a first soil deflecting surface configured to resist penetration of the skid shoe into soil. The header includes a chassis that experiences upwardly and radially directed applied loads during operation, including during turning of the header. The skid shoe is operable to receive such loads while effectively deflecting soil as the header traverses a field being harvested. As a result of the upwardly directed surface of the skid shoe, less damage is inflicted on the field and the crop growing therein.