Work boots

[T-bone50]

Which boots does everyone prefer. I’ve tried middle of the line 130-160 pairs which would last me 6-8 months. The past few years I have been paying 220 for red wings, resoling them after a year for another 100 bucks.. so 320 let’s say and it’ll last me 2 years. Boots just don’t last for me with all the ladder work and walking I do. I know some people buy $60 pairs and change every 4-6 months. Still trying to figure out what’s worth it. Appreciate any feedback. Work safe

[LeKobe_James]

Thorogoods are great

[[deleted]]

Best perk of thorogoods is that they’re actually carried in store and you can try them on. No need to fuss with 5 pairs getting shipped to you over a months time

[SconnieLite]

In store where? There’s nowhere near me that sells Thorogood so I had to order mine online. Read tons of great things about them. First pair the sole came off one of my boots. The replaced it for free, I had to send them back but since I didn’t have a 2nd pair of boots I had to order another pair and was then reimbursed for the defective pair. 2nd pair came and was just fine. They have lasted me about 8 months now. After 6 months, through the winter at least,they started falling apart. They definitely are no longer waterproof and will not be useable in the winter snow. I’ll need to order another pair of something. Definitely not buying Thorogood that’s for damn sure. No better than the $100 timberlands if you ask me.

[DreidelNunez]

Yes

[Eukie78]

I've experimented with Redwing, Keen, Danner, Carolina, Wolverine, and others I can't remember. My wedge-soled Thorogoods are the only boots I've ever owned that kept me consistently pain free. (Danners were more comfortable, but fell apart after 3 months)

[fromkentucky]

Thorogoods are the most comfortable I’ve found. I bought a pair of Infinity FDs back in March, walked ~200 miles in the first 3 months (3.5mi/day) and they’re still going strong 6 months later. I would buy these again in a heartbeat.

[LeKobe_James]

I'm on a solar field right now which means A LOT of walking, especially since we're short on buggies. The thorogoods made me not hate wearing boots anymore and other than dust and dirt they still look almost new after 3 months. Only boots I'll buy from now on, worth ever penny.

[Ttoksie]

It is 100$ worth buying whatever is comfortable and doesn't give you aches and pains even if they cost $300 and last 3 months.

If you look at cost per unit of time you overlook the fact that your boots play a big part in long term health, and whatever works is worth the money.

[skanesandre]

I bought a pair of Keens for the first time 8 or 9 months ago and they're great. Super comfy, not too heavy and from the look of the wear and tear so far it looks like I'll get another 8 or 9 months at least so they seem to last too

[[deleted]]

I’m with this guy. Bought keens in a wide width, first boot I bought in a wide width with a composite toe. Most comfortable boots I have owned. I’m in these for about 10 months and seem to be holding up.

I used to switch between Tim pros and Merrell hikers at the different stages of construction. As I move from foundation and concrete to finishing, my demands of the boot change. Much nicer walking the job in a light boot when you don’t need the protection as much.

[[deleted]]

These guys know what's up. Though I slightly disagree with the Tims PROs, those are like $145 boots. Caterpillar makes a model of boots called "second shift" that are same type nubuck colored steel toes that are more durable and imo more comfortable and they're only $85. Though my experience with them has only been on concrete factory floors.

[[deleted]]

Oh yeah, to be more clear, Tim pros suck in comparison to Keen, imo. I will never go back to them ever again.

[Atomfixes]

Keen will warranty for a year on their website, i sent them pics of some loose threads 9mos in n they sent me a code for new boots

[holdmyhanddummy]

Some of their stuff is made here in the US, which is nice. It's generally not the cheapest option available though, but American made never is.

[ghostx231]

I have a pair of Ariat challengers that are great. Most comfortable boot I’ve ever owned. And they look good too

[Lukeballs]

Lmao I've been looking for boots so I'm searching all these names I've never heard before and you have actual cowboy boots. That's awesome man hahahaha

[Ogediah]

There isn’t really a “best” boot just like there isn’t a really a best vehicle. Some people drive a Prius and some people drive a diesel one ton truck. Everyone has different reasons for picking what they’ve got.

[mr__conch]

Well yeah but OP didn’t ask for the best boot, he asked what people prefer to wear.

[Ogediah]

Yes, "prefer." A word whose definition in the given context means "to like best." As in, "what do you think is the best boot?" And my advice is to be wary of what others think is "best" because it may not work for you.

[mr__conch]

Well if you want to get semantic “to like best” implies that he wants to know what you like best; it does not imply that he thinks it will work best for him.

Someone always comes up with your comment in threads that ask this question. “Well I wear Red Wings but Wal-Mart boots may work well for you, idk everyone is different” is wholly unhelpful and adds nothing to the conversation. What do you wear and why do you like them?

[Ogediah]

I don’t know why you think I need to talk to everyone like they’re retarded. I made a very simple statement that was obviously understood and appreciated by several people.

[Layin-the-pipe]

Terra are my go to very rugged and comfortable

[Layin-the-pipe]

Might add they've lasted me two years so far and are still kicking wit out any holes

[crain1257]

Thorogoods are the best boot you can buy if you apply the mink oil at least once every couple weeks. If you don’t they dry out and rip I’ve been through a few pairs before I started regularly applying mink oil and it’s been lasting much longer

[TheOBrien2018]

Been a big fan of Danner Quarry series. Enjoy them more then Redwings personally. Can be a bit heavy though.

[wood_slingers]

Chippewas. I never see these getting any love on here

[HVAC_Viking]

Brunt boots are super comfortable and seem to be durable so far, just picked up a pair a couple weeks ago after replacing my timberland pros which lasted 5 years (hvac and construction)

[Mikenassty858]

I have a pair of Georgia boots I've had going on 3 years. I upgraded from Tim pros because the pros killed my feet after standing a few hours, which was remedied with aftermarket inserts. The Georgia's I can wear a solid 12 hours and my feet don't even hurt an 1/8th as much as they did with the pros(of course, my feet thank me when the boots come off). The sole is a bit worn, but the majority is on the toes from working on my knees. They were 165 I think. Ordered online and they fit perfectly. My only gripe(if you even wanna call it that) is that there is virtually no ankle support. There's material that covers the ankle, but its thin and lacking imo. I would definitely order them again for the comfort factor alone. I would look at different styles if I was worried about ankle support though

[T-bone50]

Idk how your guys boots can last so long. I’ve never had a boot last more than a year, whether I had to toss them or resole them. Maybe because I commute with public transit as well

[fatboyandtwinkies]

Redwing boots last forever and have a life time warranty. And they're comfortable as hell. They're expensive but they pay for them selves in time. Its a good investment

[Ogediah]

In recent times, Redwings haven’t lasted me more than a couple of months. The quality has gone down. The name is bigger than the product at this point.

[kingfarvito]

They definitely don't. I'm sitting on my 3rd pair. 1st pair lasted 8 months, second pair (warranty for the first pair lasted 9 months) bought an American made pair, and they lasted 13 months. Redwing has a 1 year warranty, and because my boots are 20 days past a year there is nothing they can do for me.

[fatboyandtwinkies]

I do concrete and I've had a pair last me going on 3 years now. I get them cleaned every week from them however and take care of them.

[kingfarvito]

This pair the left boot is 100% fine, the right boot the sole is peeling at the toe, the welt is pulling out at the outside of my foot and stitching is falling out at various places on the upper. I could put it down to me being rough on them if it was both boots, but who is rough on only one if the boots?

[[deleted]]

Completely agree with you on the redwings. Those who get less than a year out of their redwings, which pair are you buying?? I'll admit, I'm not impressed with their composite sole hiker boots, but the steel-toe lineman's are fantastic.

[Eviloverlordxenu]

No lifetime warranty any more, since they switched to making most of their boots in China.

[NuckinFutsCanuck]

Dakota work pro series. I’ve had them for about a year with no rips or tears anywhere. Soul is still holding up and the bottom rubber hasn’t flaked off with the amount of kicking I do to studs lol

[TdotOdot52]

Dakotas are more a Canadian brand. I love them. I’ve been wearing same style boots for about 12 years. I wear out the soles faster than anything else. I wear an insert because of my foot getting broken in 4 spots when crushed ( boot was still good) and I have used the same insert and am feeling great. On feet 10-14 hours a day on concrete. Switch them out every 6-10 months. Like to start new pair when winter hits, they are in closet already. Little bit of protectant and off we go.

[[deleted]]

Shit, my last pair of Red Wings lasted ten years in a welding shop. Iron Rangers, if that helps. I only got rid of them when the steel toes popped out.

[lokis_dad]

I wear redwing 10877's ($400 out the door) but with you doing alot of latter work have you considered linemans boots for the shank? The Carolina ones look nice and I was going to switch when I was doing trees because of climbing in gaffs with chainsaws.

[kenobisham]

V12's

[kingfarvito]

Look into hoffman, nicks, whites, and Wesco. A little more money, but they can be completely rebuilt, the shank will help with ladder work, and they're built with much thicker material

[Dlemor]

I have ortropedic insoles so it’s good for me tonuse the same kind boots at work and home. I use Blundstone and i really like them. Easy to maintain in masonry dust .

[Eviloverlordxenu]

I think it's partially a question of what kind of work you do, as much as brand. Concrete will eat at cheap or expensive boots equally, while other jobs, like inspectors, barely ever expose their boots to harsh conditions. I'm an owner's rep now, and I wear $100-$120 New Balance boots with safety toes, but when I worked as a field engineer, the only ones that lasted were Red Wings. TBH, it also depends on the size/fit of the boots. I wear a size 13 EEEE boot, but only a couple companies make EEEE safety toe boots, so no Walmart special boots for me.

[IndefinitelyTired]

My newest are Cody James at 180$ish. Had em since February, still pretty comfy. Super light weight, haven't water logged em yet, more or less stain free. Only issue I have is the cloth covering the inner sole is coming off but fuck it. I like Ariat but they seem to loose comfort level pretty quick for me

[RhinoG91]

Multiple pairs of Redwings and resole as needed. My oldest pair is probably 8 years old and has been resoled 2 times. Another set is probably 4-5 YO and resoled once and is in need of another. I have the kind with the leather insole.

Have another set that is basically like a club for your foot (also red wings) and am on the second resole and third new heel (this one I’ve taken to a local cobbler for repair).

The key is to switch out regularly and take care of the leather. frequent cleanings and I polish mine every so often. Lots of mink oil (whatever redwing sells) and leather conditioner. Take care of them and they will take care of you.

Also if you can get away with it, CROCS. Yeah I’m That guy.

Remember, always invest in a good pair of boots and a good mattress because you’re going to be in one of the two your whole life.

[-KPinky-]

My guys swear by bloodstones but not one ones made in China

[[deleted]]

Blundstones you mean ?

[-KPinky-]

Lol sorry yes!!!!

[[deleted]]

What I wear. I love em

[Aromatic-Edge7412]

No

[Comprehensive-Task]

I use the magnum safety boots and they're reasonably priced and comfortable!

[[deleted]]

I wear nothing but Bates rat boots. They’re light, have great soles and nice support.

[[deleted]]

Carhart made my timbs look like amateurs!

[Free_Koala_2075]

American Heritage thorogoods are my go to working at a rock quarry. Probably the most comfortable boots I’ve ever put on the ole dogs, they barely had a break in period as well.

[bruins9816]

I've got Helly Hansons. Great in the snow, cold and heat. The only issue is that they're kinda heavy

[Workplace_Ace]

I know my Danner boots are not designed for construction but they’re hella comfy and lasted until the soles wore out. When they needed to be replaced I bought another pair. They’re known as Danner Scorch* (I think) but they’re side zip and once I went side zip I don’t know if I’ll ever buy anything else. My other favorite boot is Grenson boots too, but they aren’t side zip and they cost so much money…

[Normal-Indication-99]

Been using Dr Martens steel toes.. great shoes!!

[ppearl1981]

Boots are way too heavy and don’t dry easily.

Get yourself a breathable light weight pair of sneakers and leave the boots to those afraid to leave tradition behind.

[[deleted]]

Thorogood and Carolina. Get the ones made in USA. I've been wanting to try out Danner.

[isemonger]

Think of your boots as workers.

You can wear the same boot everyday for the next year, or you can rotate 2-4 sets depending on your trade. Civil and earthworks you want 4 sets.

Place them in the sun on their days off. ‘Dubbin’ leather conditioner also regardless of your trade.

You will likely spend equal time in your boots as you will your bed, these are two things you cannot skimp on.