Suggestions for light/medium duty steel toe work boots in $150-200 range

[snickers muncher]

Work requires steel toe boots, but it is ignored in my department all the way to the top since we do not really face any of the hazards that would require them. However, they still give everyone a $150 boot allowance. Hey, free or mostly free boots!

Main use would be for weed eating on a steep bank for about an hour every other week, moving one ton+ pallets around with a pallet jack every few weeks, and loading several hundred pounds of dry chemicals into hoppers once a week. 95% of the time I'll be wearing my Asics sneakers. I'll get another pair of boots next July if I want.

Thanks for any suggestions

SM

 

[loganb]

I've been extremely happy with Brunt. They're a newer brand and was skeptical but very comfortable, easy to get on and off, hold up well

 

[Cheesy1]

I work in 4 plants around the country, so get to acquire lots of boots. In that price range I really like some Ariat moc toe boots I got from a local farm store.

If your budget was bigger I’d say Thorogoods moc toe, they’re my favorite.

 

[mike93lx]

I am an office dweller, but do try to get out on the floor as much as possible and can spend a lot of time on my feet doing stuff like inventory, safety/gemba walks and tours.

I've worn a bunch of different boots over the years and switched to keen utility sneakers a few years ago. They breathe better and are really flexible, plus the composite toe is lighter and can get through tsa without taking them off.

Properly fitting safety shoes is a little different than regular shoes as your toes need room in the front to have room for absorbing frontal impacts. 10-15mm from your longest toe to the inside of the front of the shoe is what's recommended, but this can be tough to evaluate as you can't squeeze the toe. Going somewhere that can actually measure your foot is worth it

 

[gleman]

I like these.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I recently bought a pair of these Georgia Boot Eagle 1's and like them. Important to me that they are waterproof and I can get in & out of them without fussing with laces. Would have preferred composite rather than steel toes but these are fine...

Georgia Boot Eagle One Steel Toe Waterproof Chelsea Work Boot

These Georgia Boot Eagle One Chelsea work boots feature a steel toe, georgia waterproof system, full-grain spr leather, a memory foam footbed and meets the ASTM F2413 electrical hazard standard. Order today!

georgiaboot.com

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Always wore Timberlands but with Composite Toes. Even going to big Box stores I wear them.

 

[mike93lx]

Work requires steel toe boots, but it is ignored in my department

Be careful. A lack of compliance in the department doesn't mean it won't be a problem for you if you get injured without safety gear or if someone catches you.

My employer has policies that could get someone fired if they bypass safeties, including not wearing ppe when required.

Good safety shoes can be quite comfortable, so I see no reason to not comply

 

[jack stand]

I have some lighter weight "boots" that only offered a composite toe, no steel. Maybe I've just never experienced the right accident or condition but I have had a manlift drive across my toe! Now this was in the dirt and air tires on the 40' JLG, but I was impressed with the performance and have since added a couple of similar light and cool type of these boots.
One pair of Keene and another cheap "RedHead" brand from Cabellas. I just got another pair of Keene for replacement of my old pair that I've been wearing the last few days.
Old boots are as hard to leave as getting rid of your favorite old ragged recliner!

 

[Roert42]

I like Thorogood Boots as well, but they are normally over $200 for their Steel Toes.

A lot of the guys I work with like the Keen Boots, they are more like hiking boots instead of traditional work boots.


If you are mainly working inside, or outside on nice days, I prefer to have boots that are not advertised as waterproofed. The waterproof liner they use traps in the moisture and causes my feet to sweat moreso then usual. Obviously if you work somewhere with a lot of water on the floor or outside in all weather it's better to have the waterproofed boots.

 

[mrb1]

Almost thirty years of wearing them and Keen (just mentioned twice^^^) was always my pick (since 2003). We received an allowance also and I've tried a bunch. Closest thing to "normal" shoes to me (14W). First wore their boots, then went to a low-mid upper. Very comfortable. Last pair I wore five years ago are hanging out in the garage now. Can't get rid of 'em. Still wear when splitting firewood. $150 and less. Used to have all the trucks come in and sell a couple times a year. I'd say Keen was #1 for the whole plant.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=keen+steel+toe+shoes+for+men&crid=39IFF7VVU9K2M&sprefix=keen+steel+toe+shoes+for+men%2Caps%2C225&ref=nb_sb_noss_1&tag=atomicindus08-20&tag=atomicindus08-20&tag=atomicindus08-20&tag=atomicindus08-20&tag=atomicindus08-20

.

 

[mike93lx]

These are the ones I am using
KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Low Height Sneakers Composite Toe Industrial Work Shoes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JPP7P4F?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not a lot of options at a size 15 and the lack of half sizes make good fitment a challenge. Keen and RedWing both seem to work for me in safety toe

 

[txvwnut]

I'll second Brunt, by far the most comfortable work boot I've worn.

 

[snickers muncher]

Be careful. A lack of compliance in the department doesn't mean it won't be a problem for you if you get injured without safety gear or if someone catches you

I appreciate your concern. I got to thinking about my own safety and figure I might get by for the rest of my career or for another week. Better safe than sorry. I will keep the boots by the door for when I do the things above. I put on all other PPE when needed so why not boots too.

 

[jhendric]

At your price point I would also jump on the Keen Bandwagon. My criticism of Keen is that they seem to come unglued for me around year #2 weather or not I've used them much. Keen has a wide toe box by default, for me that is a big deal. Many other brands even in a wide are too narrow at the toe box.

 

[mikedodge]

For the limited time you'd be wearing them you could check the reviews of local places that sell them and try some on, see what feels the best and easiest to get on and off. Don't have to go crazy with it.

 

[Rinspeed]

Lately I've been wearing Keen, Thorogood and Ariat. The Thorogood are great boots that should last a very long time, I don't have them fully broke in yet and they are quite stiff when new. They were also closer to $300 than 200. The Ariat fit me very well and I've been wearing them the most lately, they were cheap too at only $130 so I would suggest taking a look at them.

 

[AJHD]

Redback boots. On my 2nd pair, still wear them everyday and I've been out of a shop environment since 2024.

 

[decableguy2000]

Keen's for me, just got new style for me, the moc toe composite toe. So far so good for about a week. Have wearing a hiking boot style of Keens for a couple years. Will never own another pair of Georgia's again. We use to be able to get Rocky's and loved them , but safety policy changed and can no longer wear them.

 

[charbar]

Sounds like they will hardly get worn, I'd imagine anything you think looks good and is comfortable will hold up just fine.

 

[a6hux]

Always been happy with my Timberland’s, work just bought me a new pair!

 

[Al Borland]

Keens Last and have boxy toes. Carolinas fall apart fast. Thorogoods are hard to find locally. Red Wings are expensive but very comfy.
Timberlines... Pointy tiny toes (Boo!!!)
Old Doc Marten's were great, and then they were sold to China. Now they ****.

 

[bcschief]

I would recommend Red Wings.

 

[LopezBart]

I wear Keen Dover work boots w/ a composite toe. I'm about to order my third pair; they last about two years of daily use before they
start leaking (it's often wet around here). Very comfortable, does not need break-in.

 

[AdAstra]

Redback Great Barrier Steel Toe. I've hiked 12+ miles in them and they're quite comfy. Gotten 7+ years of frequent wear out of a pair. Made in Australia unlike Blundstone. Mind the weird AUS sizing.

https://www.redbackboots.com/collections/redback-boots-copy/products/great-barrier-steel-toe?variant=47706867073342

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Not only safety but fatigue as well. DIY good pair $200+ should last up to 2 years depending on use; carpentry, concrete work, etc. If using every day will last up to 6 months, 10 hours per day on your feet. $400+ per year but your feet and body is worth more Nice boot dryer also helps.

 

[Damon L.]

I used to get a wide variety of different work shoes, but would always run into issues with the soles breaking down or other wear-related issues in 9 months or so. Boot allowance was annual, so I would suffer until the eligibility rolled over. About 4 years ago I transitioned to Keen, and have not looked back. I have had some of the ones listed above, and the all worked well.

I am an office dweller, but spend a lot of time on the shop floor.

Another note, I had the Keen Vista Energys a couple of years back, and they wore thru the fabric just above the safety toe about 11 months in. Keen replaced under warranty, and I used my allowance to get a different pair of lace-up keens. Still have the vistas for around the house stuff.

 

[mngundog]

I've had good luck with both Timberlands and Danner. We have a $300 boot allowance, haven't seen much difference between a $160 and $350 work boot, and I get about a year out of all of them.

 

[finn]

I bought a pair of Sketchers composite toe slip on’s with the no hands design, or whatever they call it.

No laces to deal with, no bending down to wrestle them on, and, despite being a little stiffer due to the thicker sole, they seem to be doing ok after a week or so.

I missed having some sort of protective toe since my last “safety toe” work shoes wore out a few years ago. These fit the bill.

Got mine from Amazon.

 

[mp23]

Thorogood hands down. Pay the extra your feet will thank you.

 

[bigredcornhead]

I like these.

Im going to second these, comfortable as **** and its my first attempt at wedge soles which seem to give a little pep in the step forward. I have to admit i still can understand why all wedge soles have to be white, i can get to the color but would prefer black or dark soles odd thing.

 

[Rinspeed]

I've had good luck with both Timberlands and Danner. We have a $300 boot allowance, haven't seen much difference between a $160 and $350 work boot, and I get about a year out of all of them.

I've owned Danner's for over 20 years, mostly the made in Portland ones and they last a long time if taken care of. If you want boots to hold up the best thing you can do is have a couple pairs and rotate them. My favorite Danner is the RAT and seeing they are surplus you can get a $400 pair of boots for a little over $100.

 

[Rinspeed]

Im going to second these, comfortable as **** and its my first attempt at wedge soles which seem to give a little pep in the step forward. I have to admit i still can understand why all wedge soles have to be white, i can get to the color but would prefer black or dark soles odd thing.

When I bought my Thorogoods I almost went with the wedge sole just to try out, never had a pair of them. Seems like there were some negatives but I can't remember now what they were.

 

[gleman]

Im going to second these, comfortable as **** and its my first attempt at wedge soles which seem to give a little pep in the step forward. I have to admit i still can understand why all wedge soles have to be white, i can get to the color but would prefer black or dark soles odd thing.

I use to get an allowance and I could get two pairs of the Irish Setter or one pair of the Red Wings per year.

The wedge sole seemed to really make a difference on longer shifts.

Solovair were great for me as well, really cushy sole.

 

[snickers muncher]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The overwhelming advice was to go with Keen, so I did.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KK79Z1?tag=atomicindus08-20

I wanted to try a wedge sole, but like the poster above I am adverse to the white color. Mine would quickly get stained. Most of my time will be spent in my Asics sneakers as they will most likely be the most comfortable for my needs. I will revisit this thread next year.

Thanks again guys,
SM

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The overwhelming advice was to go with Keen, so I did.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KK79Z1?tag=atomicindus08-20

I wanted to try a wedge sole, but like the poster above I am adverse to the white color. Mine would quickly get stained. Most of my time will be spent in my Asics sneakers as they will most likely be the most comfortable for my needs. I will revisit this thread next year.

Thanks again guys,
SM

Do you wear a 15 as well? #bigfeetgang

 

[snickers muncher]

Do you wear a 15 as well? #bigfeetgang

No, 12 wide. Your Amazon account knows you want new boots too.

 

[mike93lx]

No, 12 wide. Your Amazon account knows you want new boots too.

Lol. I even clicked on a 14, then back on your link and it still opened to a 15

No new boots for me. I already have too many

 

[vpd66]

These are the ones I am using
KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Low Height Sneakers Composite Toe Industrial Work Shoes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JPP7P4F?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not a lot of options at a size 15 and the lack of half sizes make good fitment a challenge. Keen and RedWing both seem to work for me in safety toe

I just bought a pair of these a week ago and I'm very pleased with them. I work standing on concrete floors for 10 hours straight and my feet feel great with theses shoes. We will see how well they hold up.

 

[mike93lx]

I just bought a pair of these a week ago and I'm very pleased with them. I work standing on concrete floors for 10 hours straight and my feet feel great with theses shoes. We will see how well they hold up.

Your usage is much more than mine for sure. Hope they hold up well