Favourite work boots?

[F-22]

As always, searching for the best quality/price ratio...

Really intrigued by the Jim Green boots. "Proudly made in South Africa", well to be fair I don't think I really own anything made in Africa. Last time I bought something with a similar slogan from a country known/considered for low quality production, was the Prusa i3 mk3 proudly made in the Czech Republic and it was an amazing product. I'm considering the "vellie", which seem to be the South African flavoured Chukkas. Or for a more proper boot, the African rangers look amazing for the price as well (but I already own moctoe redwings so I'm more in need of low shoes/boots). Simple thick leather upper and stitchdown construction for 109$... Seems they also had a 20% discount on last black friday and that tune is right around the corner too.

They're actually ~60$ on the South African site, but ~40$ shipping to Europe. If they offer a discount on black friday I'll definitely take them...

Stitchdown is a more simple (and very waterproof) type of a welt, but it is overall very comparable to a Goodyearwelt. From a purely functional perspective, stitchdown may even be a better choice (more waterproof, easy to swap soles, easier to make). Either way much better than generic glued/cemented boots that are the norm nowadays.

 

[mogandave]

I was always a fan of Wolverines, but have not bought a pair in about five years.

 

[mike93lx]

I've been buying timberland pro for years, both oxfords for work at the office/plant and boots while doing work at home. Generally happy, but I doubt I would classify any of them as best. Just what I know.

Work boot preferences will be as decisive as favorite ratchets and pickup trucks

 

[MooseCustomMotors]

I’m a cowboy boot style guy so the pull on Ariat’s are my choice. Waterproof, non steel toe version for me.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Depends on what I’m doing, for indoor and around the house i love the Carolina ca7011, super comfortable.

 

[lardy1]

When I worked as a carpenter it was Red Wings. Then Irish Setters. When I went sailing I switched to Carolina for the deck and Merril inside where safety shoes were required. In the pilot house I just wore New Balance sneakers or Skecher slip-on's. Most of the guys in the engine department (except the tight asses) wore Red Wing.

 

[redwrench60]

Red Wing 2408. My work is hard on boots. Heavy on mechanical and electrical with torching/welding/plas thrown in. Equal parts outside on gravel and inside the shop on concrete. I wear them all day every day so I buy quality and pinch pennies elsewhere.

 

[Rinspeed]

Made in Portland Danners.

 

[4xdog]

I like my made-in-Australia steel-toe Rossi Apollo boots. Been wearing these for twenty five years or so.

701 Apollo Safety Boot Black

701 Apollo is part of the Endura family, with the addition of a certified steel safety toe. Full grain kip leather, our iconic Endura sole with its Air Cushion technology contains spongy polyurethane for ultimate underfoot comfort. A Nitrile rubber outer sole which is slip, oil and acid...

rossiboots.com.au

 

[Stelzer]

Also a fan of Danners as well as Thorogood & Red Wings. When I don't need boots I wear Merrells. Comfy right out of the box and their Vibram sole has what I believe to be the best traction of any shoe.

 

[tarbellb]

Gotta do your research these days, MANY of the boot mfgs have switched the COO over the last 10+ yrs.

The Vellie boots posted look like a good deal @ $109, probably worth a shot

Personally love slip-on boots these days, best version ive found is Redbacks Chelsea (similar to the Rossi above).
Australian made, comfortable, tough.

Traditional Moc Toe wedge- gotta go USA made Thorogoods

 

[M6erfan]

Gotta do your research these days, MANY of the boot mfgs have switched the COO over the last 10+ yrs.

The Vellie boots posted look like a good deal @ $109, probably worth a shot

Personally love slip-on boots these days, best version ive found is Redbacks Chelsea (similar to the Rossi above).
Australian made, comfortable, tough.

Traditional Moc Toe wedge- gotta go USA made Thorogoods

+1. I bought my first pair of Redbacks a couple of years ago. I've used them hard both indoors (remodeling) and outdoors (field clearing, hinting, hiking, etc.). They are tough and holding up very well. Make sure you size up though, they run small (I went 1/2 big and they're still a bit tight, but broke in nicely). My only gripe is that the pull tab on the back is small and sometime I struggle with it.

I got the Bonsall which is the same as Escape but in brown.

 

[tarbellb]

+1. I bought my first pair of Redbacks a couple of years ago. I've used them hard both indoors (remodeling) and outdoors (field clearing, hinting, hiking, etc.). They are tough and holding up very well. Make sure you size up though, they run small (I went 1/2 big and they're still a bit tight, but broke in nicely). My only gripe is that the pull tab on the back is small and sometime I struggle with it.

I got the Bonsall which is the same as Escape but in brown.

^^^ its that damn Australian sizing that throws everyone off too. Agreed on that pull tab

* interesting note- my Aus size 9 fit my typical US 10.5 foot perfectly

 

[Trapps]

Danner and Timberland Pro wearer here. Both have served me well; Danner for decades. I'm new to the Timberlands but still happy after just a couple of years.

Stitch down welt for the win.

 

[Nthill93]

Redwing 2240’s

 

[Shiftless]

If you don’t need steel toe, go with these. Available in low cut like these or ankle high. I have both. My personal favorites for over 15 years.
Ecco Track

 

[JoeMcGov]

Another vote for Timberland Pro. 7+ years and still very happy with the myriad of models that I have.

 

[dchawk81]

Georgia Giants are the best most comfortable work boot I've ever worn. Been buying them for about 6 years now. They usually only last a year or two because they're so comfortable, I don't wear my sneakers anymore.

It's the soles that wear flat, the leather upper is fine.

 

[Blind1]

Danner vicious have been my go-to work boots for many many years.

My field work involves significant hiking, so a comfortable and light mid ankle boot is critical.

 

[sparky 1971]

Everyone has their favorite. Mine are Thorogood American Heritage wedge sole Moc toes. My boss has a very lenient dress policy so I wear 6" boots during the summer when I have the shorts on. In the spring and fall I go for the 8" because my pants get caught at the tops of the 6" boots and it looks stupid. For the winter, as long as I am going to be working inside I wear the 8" waterproof. If I'm going to be outside and there is snow on the ground, I have a pair of insulated waterproof Red Wings, but I absolutely hate those effing boots. Those are the stiffest, heaviest boots I've ever worn. The closest comparison I can come up with is a pair of concrete blocks. But, since I dropped about $250 for them, I will continue to wear them three or four times a year for the rest of my life.

At home during the summer, I wear an old beat up pair of Carolina 6" moc toes, those are almost as good as the Thorogoods and refuse to wear out. I had a run in with Carolina's customer service about a broken speed hook when the boots were less than a week old. Due the fact that they wouldn't send me a new hook, (I wasn't asking for a refund or to replace the boots, I just wanted a new hook and wound up going to a cobbler to replace all the hooks) I will never, ever, buy or suggest Carolina boots again. Fall, Winter, and Spring at home I am wearing Georgia Giant waterproof Romeo's. Those are comfy and great for tinkering around the house and in the shop, but I wouldn't wear them on a job site due to the lack of laces.

 

[mogandave]

I like my made-in-Australia steel-toe Rossi Apollo boots. Been wearing these for twenty five years or so.

701 Apollo Safety Boot Black

701 Apollo is part of the Endura family, with the addition of a certified steel safety toe. Full grain kip leather, our iconic Endura sole with its Air Cushion technology contains spongy polyurethane for ultimate underfoot comfort. A Nitrile rubber outer sole which is slip, oil and acid...

rossiboots.com.au

Did they not have any men’s boots?

(just kidding)

 

[CJM8515]

if i need an actual work boot tim pros are hard to beat, buy thier nice insoles they sell and they are very comfy. but they are heavy and I walk all day.

ive swapped to merill waterproof hikers. not as much protection as the tims but i dont need that level of protection anyways. the merills generally last me about 6-8 months or so before they are worn out

 

[F-22]

Did they not have any men’s boots?

(just kidding)

I see this Chelsea boot design a lot online, but they'd just be very unusual in my area.

Kind of sad how classic leather boots are quite uncommon here in central Europe. All "leather" European boots are made of multiple small pieces of cheapish "leather" and lots of textile padding etc...
Hard to find anything "proper". While I understand such boots are a lot more comfortable from since you buy them, I hate how disposable they are.

Those Redbacks look way more durable in the long term, despite having a huge elastic part.

I know the most fancy dress shoes are made nearby (especially in Italy), but for classic leather work boots the market is just really poor in Europe.

 

[genog]

Danner
Georgia Boot

I liked Ecco's for home use
Kind of lost track of them...

 

[mogandave]

I see this Chelsea boot design a lot online, but they'd just be very unusual in my area.

Kind of sad how classic leather boots are quite uncommon here in central Europe. All "leather" European boots are made of multiple small pieces of cheapish "leather" and lots of textile padding etc...
Hard to find anything "proper". While I understand such boots are a lot more comfortable from since you buy them, I hate how disposable they are.

Those Redbacks look way more durable in the long term, despite having a huge elastic part.

I know the most fancy dress shoes are made nearby (especially in Italy), but for classic leather work boots the market is just really poor in Europe.

Most people in the US do not realize how lucky they are as consumers...

I just bought a pair of all leather Rockport walking shoes for $49.95. About $90 by the I got them in Thailand, but still well worth the money.

 

[dchawk81]

Most people in the US do not realize how lucky they are as consumers...

I just bought a pair of all leather Rockport walking shoes for $49.95. About $90 by the I got them in Thailand, but still well worth the money.

My Georgia's are about $137 now. They used to be $90.

I wouldn't call that lucky.

 

[sparky 1971]

My Georgia's are about $137 now. They used to be $90.

I wouldn't call that lucky.

I just paid $260ish for a pair of Thorogoods that used to be $230ish. I'll get about a years worth of total wear out of them and do it again. It is what it is and I like my boots. The price of everything has gone up.

 

[JWC86]

Been wearing cowboy style work boots for the last few years. The Red Wings “Rio Flex” are the most comfortable but they don’t hold up at all compared to their more mainstream boots. Also not CSA approved if that matters.

Ariat are also good, require more break in but are holding up MUCH better than the RedWings. I have the insulated “work hogs” I think they are called.

The USA made danners are really good and also like Lowa boots.

 

[Jwallace1]

my latest pair is a pair of Keen 8" Cincinnati 8" with carbon fiber toe, they are a flat sole moc tow style i have had them about a year and they have held up well.

 

[TailGunner3000]

Current favorite is Carolina CA7541. Prefer pull-on these days.

 

[Under_Pressure]

For hard surfaces (factory, etc), Thorogood wedge soles all day long. For soft/mixed surfaces or when you otherwise want a heel, if you are going to just get molded heels like 90+% of work boots out there, I'd still probably go for a Thorogood moc toe with a heel- it's a quality USA made upper on a quality sole. However, for my heavy duty work boots- what I wear for most of my contracting work which often involves working in wet trenches, ladders, cutting/pouring concrete, etc.- I wear custom JK 10" work boots (what you might call logger style) with stacked leather heels and 100% rebuildable. The brand isn't important- Nick's, White's, etc. are at least as good- it's more about the design and construction of the boot, and all of these makers take the same approach. They're expensive (over 600 bucks when I bought these), and rebuilds will probably set you back close to what a pair of "good" mass market boots would cost, but in terms of fit and durability they are way ahead of the typical work boot and an investment worth considering for someone who really uses their boots hard. You can of course get any height you want, but I went with the 10" on JK's recommendation as it's kind of the standard for loggers, etc. out west, and I'm glad I did. It's kind of a pain when lacing up (lots of eyelets), but the support is unreal.

 

[crewchief888]

i wear red head brand (cabelas/basspro house brand) duty/tactical boots most of the year. they are lightweight, waterproof and available in wide widths. for winter use i grab whatever i can find in an insulated waterproof hunting boot. (this years selection was a redhead brand boot i found in wide width)
the tactical boots will usually last me for at least 12-18 months, hunting boots sometimes 2 winters before they are worn or start leaking.
i work on const eq as a field mechanic, oil, fuel, mud and snow play hell on everything

 

[dchawk81]

Been wearing cowboy style work boots for the last few years. The Red Wings “Rio Flex” are the most comfortable but they don’t hold up at all compared to their more mainstream boots. Also not CSA approved if that matters.

Ariat are also good, require more break in but are holding up MUCH better than the RedWings. I have the insulated “work hogs” I think they are called.

The USA made danners are really good and also like Lowa boots.

The Confederate States of America doesn't have as much pull as it used to.

 

[stillnostrebor]

I'm approaching year #4 on my current pair of Redbacks. Second set of inserts. They are bar-none the best work boots I have ever purchased.

 

[Snapped-off]

I like Thorogood. Very comfortable with no break in time.

 

[Wiz02]

You folks with standard or wide width feet have all kinds of choices, when you have narrow feet, not so much. I don't know who manufacturers BA Mason work boots, but they make narrow width boots and they are comfortable and long lived enough for a DIY guy. Plus they don't fall off my feet! (and adding an orthotic / insole to a standard width boot doesn't work for me)

 

[F-22]

Ordered the Jim Green Vellie, straight from South Africa. If I like them and they fit me well, I might order the african rangers on black friday if they give good discounts as they did in the past. All reviews say they're a good deal, just classic old school boots - not as comfortable as the new stuff, but simple, durable and functional. Also, just want to own a well made African product. Postage costs nearly as much as the shoe, but it ended up being around 100€ (so also 100$ in current exchange rate) and that's not too bad either.

 

[mogandave]

My Georgia's are about $137 now. They used to be $90.

I wouldn't call that lucky.

And I just bought a pair of Rockport Walkers for $49 I paid $80 for twenty years ago.

In the US you/we are able to buy a wide variety of high-quality products from around the World at (generally) lower prices than anywhere else.

And almost everything legally sold in the US is safe and of reasonable quality. In many countries, everything that is available locally is absolute junk, while anything decent is imported and costs twice what you would pay for the same thing in the US.

 

[mogandave]

Ordered the Jim Green Vellie, straight from South Africa. If I like them and they fit me well, I might order the african rangers on black friday if they give good discounts as they did in the past. All reviews say they're a good deal, just classic old school boots - not as comfortable as the new stuff, but simple, durable and functional. Also, just want to own a well made African product. Postage costs nearly as much as the shoe, but it ended up being around 100€ (so also 100$ in current exchange rate) and that's not too bad either.

Good luck with them!

 

[mogandave]

You folks with standard or wide width feet have all kinds of choices, when you have narrow feet, not so much. I don't know who manufacturers BA Mason work boots, but they make narrow width boots and they are comfortable and long lived enough for a DIY guy. Plus they don't fall off my feet! (and adding an orthotic / insole to a standard width boot doesn't work for me)

Have you tried Jimmy Choos?

But seriously, I think a lot of work boots are available in women's sizes, have you tried?