Favourite work boots?

[cannuck]

I spend a lot of time in workboots so really need something light, comfy, warm and csa approved (internal met protected 8"). Terra Barons were my choice (not actually very good past -20 C as soles got too hard and slippery) now replaced by Paladins that seem a bit better on ice. Terras are (were?) Canadian made. Get Redwings or Kodiaks for wife and daughter as they seem to have sizes that fit them better and whatever brand I could find for my grandson (11 YO has full PPE as he works in my shop and/or around farm every weekend). Real workboots for kids extremely hard to find but so important to get PPE habits established from the start it is worth whatever it takes. Most of above run in the $250-ish range, but that is in Loonies, not real money.

BTW: When my jobsite boots start to show any sign of wear they cycle to the back door for workshop use. I usually get a 2 to 3 year per cycle out of Terras. 1/2 that for liners/sole inserts.

 

[dchawk81]

And almost everything legally sold in the US is safe and of reasonable quality.

California disagrees. They think everything causes cancer.

 

[mogandave]

California disagrees. They think everything causes cancer.

I did stipulate legally...

And I think dope is still considered safe in California.

 

[dchawk81]

I did stipulate legally...

And I think dope is still considered safe in California.

No they put cancer warning labels on everything.

 

[Wiz02]

Have you tried Jimmy Choos?

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

Ha ha, Thanks for the suggestion, but I tried that once on a pair of sneakers, used a conversion chart to get the size, but the last was just wrong and the shoe didn't fit at all.

To be honest, I was just whining a little. In reality, I'm thrilled to just buy the BA Mason boots and New Balance sneakers and I hope that they continue to make narrow width products as the market share must be small.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

I used to have a set of Georgia Boot eagles that I purchased from TSC. They were pretty comfortable after a few applications of Bear Grease, but the soles wore out quickly (aided by ATV pegs no doubt). Unfortunately, the composite toe cracked when my foot was ran over by an ATV. They were donated shortly after.

Went awhile working office jobs where no work boots were needed. I bought a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile for general use. I've worn them for 12-13 hour days traveling with no issue. Probably the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever owned, except for a pair of Danner Crater Rim hikers. When I started wearing them around the plant, I noticed that the Vibram "coin" soles are almost dangerous in wet/slipper conditions. My leather-soled Allen Edmonds dress shoes seem more slip resistant. These are due for a re-sole soon, and will receive something a little better.

We have a shoe truck at my new employer and I tried a few different models on. Ended up with a pair of Twisted X Nano Toe western-style boots. So far they've taken some time to get broken in, but feel great on the foot. Next time around I'll try the Thorogood wedges (they did not have my size, hence the Twisted X purchase), a lot of the guys out on the floor swear by them.

 

[Shiftless]

“My leather-soled Allen Edmonds dress shoes seem more slip resistant.”

I was going to mention the Allen Edmonds company earlier. I like Ecco Tracks for working around the house and yard and for general walking/hiking shoes. My feet are average width.
But the big advantage of premium brands like Allen Edmonds and Alden is that they are made in so many different sizes and widths. Extra narrow AAA to extra wide EEE. I have several pairs of Allen Edmonds. Look and feel fantastic.
The Alden “Indy” boots as worn by Harrison Ford in the movies, is a fantastic boot that can be remanufactured by Alden when the soles and heels are worn beyond what you need. Your choice of several different leathers and sole materials and patterns including the lugged commando. Not cheap!

 

[Chris Christiansen]

My favorite work boot (with safety toe) is Thorogood, American Heritage .
Thorogood

My favorite work boot (non steel toe) is Red Wing, Iron Ranger.
Red Wing

But my favorite dress boot is Allen Edmonds.
Allen Edmonds

I wore Red Wing boots for several years until I swapped over to these specific boots. All are highly recommended, but all are a bit spendy - but worth every penny to me. And I tend to be a bit of a shoe snob, wanting to wear only USA made footwear.

 

[mogandave]

My favorite work boot (with safety toe) is Thorogood, American Heritage .
Thorogood

My favorite work boot (non steel toe) is Red Wing, Iron Ranger.
Red Wing

But my favorite dress boot is Allen Edmonds.
Allen Edmonds

I wore Red Wing boots for several years until I swapped over to these specific boots. All are highly recommended, but all are a bit spendy - but worth every penny to me. And I tend to be a bit of a shoe snob, wanting to wear only USA made footwear.

Cheaping out on boots is like cheaping out on a mattress.

 

[JimDon]

Kenetrek Boots, available in steel toe, plain toe, linemen, and smoke jumper style. stand up to daily abuse and my boot repair guy says they can be rebuilt as they get older, unlike a lot of boots out there now. Cheers. Jim Don

 

[kyrbz]

I have different boots for different task, but since I'm currently spending most of my days up and down scaffolding, I had to break out the old "Power Ace" Japanese steel toe tabi boots. They're almost like steel toe climbing shoes. Grippy rubber, very tactile with good feel for what you're standing on, light weight, and easy on/off. Amazon calls these "tabi" boots but my understanding is "tabi" means split toe. Mine are not split toe, but split toe work boots are quite popular with tradesmen in Japan.

 

[dchawk81]

I have different boots for different task, but since I'm currently spending most of my days up and down scaffolding, I had to break out the old "Power Ace" Japanese steel toe tabi boots. They're almost like steel toe climbing shoes. Grippy rubber, very tactile with good feel for what you're standing on, light weight, and easy on/off. Amazon calls these "tabi" boots but my understanding is "tabi" means split toe. Mine are not split toe, but split toe work boots are quite popular with tradesmen in Japan.

Are you spying on a Cornwell truck by any chance?

 

[mogandave]

I have different boots for different task, but since I'm currently spending most of my days up and down scaffolding, I had to break out the old "Power Ace" Japanese steel toe tabi boots. They're almost like steel toe climbing shoes. Grippy rubber, very tactile with good feel for what you're standing on, light weight, and easy on/off. Amazon calls these "tabi" boots but my understanding is "tabi" means split toe. Mine are not split toe, but split toe work boots are quite popular with tradesmen in Japan.

Flip-flop/Zorri/Go-aheads are popular in most of Asia..

 

[Shiftless]

I saw most of the construction workers in Tokyo wearing these boots. Steel toe models.
I have never tried them.

 

[mogandave]

I saw most of the construction workers in Tokyo wearing these boots. Steel toe models.
I have never tried them.

People that walk barefoot a lot have much different feet than people that don't.

 

[F-22]

I saw most of the construction workers in Tokyo wearing these boots. Steel toe models.
I have never tried them.

Such an odd design. You'd assume they're very soft to be comfortable, and probably without any toe caps. Wouldn't want something to fall on those...

 

[mogandave]

Such an odd design.

Not when you consider everyone is wearing some variation of this, every day, indoors and out.

You'd assume they're very soft to be comfortable, and probably without any toe caps. Wouldn't want something to fall on those...

I'm betting they have toe-caps.

 

[jwilson645]

I saw most of the construction workers in Tokyo wearing these boots. Steel toe models.
I have never tried them.

How do those even fit unless you have hooves?

 

[kjbenner]

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)

What size do you wear? I wear usually wear a 15A or B in shoes and most of my boots are Danner in D width. Their 650 last is pretty narrow compared to most brands. I have the alloy toe Quarry, and it's on the 610 last which isn't as narrow, but the lace-to-toe pattern helps and in combination with a heavier insole means it fits me well enough.

 

[F-22]

Not when you consider everyone is wearing some variation of this, every day, indoors and out.





I'm betting they have toe-caps.

Well, to be fair I do not enjoy wearing flip flops either...

 

[Shiftless]

Well, to be fair I do not enjoy wearing flip flops either...

I hate them so much I don’t even own a pair. Keen water sandals for me.

 

[MattN03]

Cabela's Rimrock have been the most comfortable non-steel toe boot I've ever had, by far! I use them around our 16 acre property, when I go four wheeling, when I go hiking, when it snows, when it rains, etc, etc. I'm on my second pair and will by another pair when it's time to replace the current ones.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-rimrock-mid-gore-tex-hiking-boots-for-men

 

[MattN03]

How do those even fit unless you have hooves?

That was my first thought as well...lol

 

[Odd-job]

OP is in Europe it seems. American made boots are going to be an arm and leg with the exchange rates right now. Also logistically hard to try them on I would think.

Birkenstocks though from Amazon DE to here are only $60

Have Thorogood wedge soles x3 plus a pair of Red Wing wedge soles. American made wedge soles seem to be a GJ endorsed product.

 

[Kurt4440]

Hands down, my favorite boots are the ones the company pays for.
I have probably tried every brand over the last 45 years. Find a high quality boot that fits properly and meets your safety needs. Danner, Red Wing, Timberland....

 

[jwilson645]

I've never worn a wedge sole. Is there any advantage to those or just personal preference?
My Georgia boots are steel toe and in my home shop, I'm working about steel, welding, plasma cutting, etc. I had my anvil fall over onto my foot one day and that steel toe saved my foot so I can't be without it. However, it also tore the leather where it hit so I could use some new boots. These are probably 10 years old now anyway.

 

[brownbagg]

it seem like in my yard, my back yard, you need steel toe boots. neighbor came by with flip flop. I about had a attack, with all the steel projects in my yard

 

[Under_Pressure]

I've never worn a wedge sole. Is there any advantage to those or just personal preference?
My Georgia boots are steel toe and in my home shop, I'm working about steel, welding, plasma cutting, etc. I had my anvil fall over onto my foot one day and that steel toe saved my foot so I can't be without it. However, it also tore the leather where it hit so I could use some new boots. These are probably 10 years old now anyway.

I think the main advantage is comfort when walking/working on hard surfaces, like a factory floor. They give great support, particularly compared to a mass produced boot at a similar price point. There probably isn't such a difference in comfort/support when compared to a high end boot with a well built shank but most sub-$500 work boots won't provide that. There are disadvantages- some would say they aren't good for climbing ladders, etc. as they don't have a distinct shank/heel in the sole to catch the rung and help locate your foot. I believe some employers/industries where this is a major part of the job don't allow them for this reason. They also can be slippery as heck on wet, slimy, or particle-covered surfaces, particularly when the tread wears off the sole (which doesn't take that long since the soles tend to be softer rubber to provide the required flexibility). Of course they can provide unbeatable traction on a hard, dry surface.

 

[F-22]

I've never worn a wedge sole. Is there any advantage to those or just personal preference?
My Georgia boots are steel toe and in my home shop, I'm working about steel, welding, plasma cutting, etc. I had my anvil fall over onto my foot one day and that steel toe saved my foot so I can't be without it. However, it also tore the leather where it hit so I could use some new boots. These are probably 10 years old now anyway.

On a hard surface the wedge soles are really comfortable and feel secure. On any softer terrain a classic lug sole offers way more grip. I had my moctoe redwings resoled with a classic vibram lug sole. It made them very clunky and loud when I walk down a hallway compared to the previous wedge soles. The softer wedge sole does make a big difference - more than you'd think at first.

 

[Formula]

I've been wearing Keen boots the past few years. They've been my favorite so far of all the brands I've tried over the years and I've tried a lot.

 

[carmantl]

I wear a 12B. Best fit I have found is Red Wing. My go-to boot, though, is NOS USA Military boots in 12N. They can be found in surplus stores but I've had my best results on Ebay. You can get summer weight or super insulated as well. Most have Vibram Kletterlift soles but this varies by the manufacturer. There have been several different companies getting the military contract through the years. My favs are Bates, Corcoran, and Danner. NOS usually less than a hundred, used anywhere from 10 to 50 bux.

 

[jwilson645]

On a hard surface the wedge soles are really comfortable and feel secure. On any softer terrain a classic lug sole offers way more grip. I had my moctoe redwings resoled with a classic vibram lug sole. It made them very clunky and loud when I walk down a hallway compared to the previous wedge soles. The softer wedge sole does make a big difference - more than you'd think at first.

Thanks. I'm on concrete in my shop 90% of the time but they serve multiple duties....... They are heavy (steel toe) and my legs/feet/knees get really tired. Time to start shopping around..........

 

[Wiz02]

What size do you wear? I wear usually wear a 15A or B in shoes and most of my boots are Danner in D width. Their 650 last is pretty narrow compared to most brands. I have the alloy toe Quarry, and it's on the 610 last which isn't as narrow, but the lace-to-toe pattern helps and in combination with a heavier insole means it fits me well enough.

Thanks @kjbenner, I too wear an A or B, but size 11. The few times I bought shoes that needed an insole to make it fit, they ended up in the trash, but I will look into the Danner boots, hopefully the last information is readily available.

 

[Chris Christiansen]

A thought regarding wedge sole vs a defined heel. On some construction sites that I have worked, a wedge sole is prohibited and therefore, a defined heel is required. This is due to wedge soles tend to slip off the scaffold rungs when climbing or descending. Personally, I have one boot of each sole type. I think the wedge is more comfortable and easier to clean snow and mud off. Both Thorogood and Red Wing make good wedge soled work boots. Danner is also excellent since they often have a wonderful, full lace system to get the perfect snug fit.

 

[Trm303]

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.

How do they hold up over time? They look comfortable and I’ve been looking at them to replace my Wolverines as I keep hearing the quality is going down hill but with the price tag of those boots I’d hope to get atleast 2 years out of them.

I’ve been wearing 8” Wolverine Raiders as my last 3 sets of work boots, pretty comfortable boots and light with the composite toe, I get close to if not 2 years out of a pair and that’s wearing them every day, welding/grinding, and when I’m not working, a fair share of walking.

 

[Certified Drunk]

Been wearing some Redwing's for several years. Replaced the insoles a few months back...
Composite toe and water proof.

 

[four.cycle]

Wesco Jobmaster

photos were taken Jan 2009 after Alex resoled them and installed a plate in front of the heel so I don't cut the sole in half kicking the back of a shovel.

Only brands on a par level with Wesco are White's and Limmers. None of the three are cheap.

 

[Blind1]

How do they hold up over time? They look comfortable and I’ve been looking at them to replace my Wolverines as I keep hearing the quality is going down hill but with the price tag of those boots I’d hope to get atleast 2 years out of them.

I’ve been wearing 8” Wolverine Raiders as my last 3 sets of work boots, pretty comfortable boots and light with the composite toe, I get close to if not 2 years out of a pair and that’s wearing them every day, welding/grinding, and when I’m not working, a fair share of walking.

I just ordered a new pair after 2.5 years. The leather will degrade with moisture and sun like any other boot. They get beat up like any other boot if you use them hard. It’s really about sole wear for me. padding/support/sole wear is consistent enough for me that I can replace them when the soles wear down.

Edit: the leather on mine looks similar or better than yours at 2 years. They are super comfy. This will be my third pair. I’ve got 2-3 years out of each pair and each pair could have gone longer if I needed to.

 

[allinon72]

This topic is highly dependent on the work that you do. I gave up on Redwings when they stopped being high quality, even the USA flagship models. I've been wearing Keens the last few years...they don't last quite as long but they are cheaper and I just plan on a new pair every 18 months or so.

 

[Wamsutta]