best boots for guys with back problems?

[fflintstone]

I don’t know squat about real back problems (I’m fat, my back hurts all the time)
I do however feel that the USA made DANNER boots are the absolute best you can buy.
I don’t own any of the Chinese DANNER’s.

 

[Flatland Dave]

If it is only a three hour drive to try on White's I would. Yea they are only as much as a Snap On torque wrench, but they will last as long. Last pair they built for me they took 30 minutes making sure I was in the right sized boot. In the PNW, they are a classic boot. different styles of boots for different needs/ foot types. I have had 3 pair over the past 20 years. $460 for my last pair, they will sure as hell outlast 10 pair of $100 boots.

 

[Garage-Junkie]

Was that the one that he built?

Yep, one in the same. Still have it, but a TON of work has been done since (motor, trans, tcase, fuel system, paint, bodywork, interior, roof rack, etc).


For the boots / back, I know what is wrong with my back and have had some opinions about what should be done to correct it, plus I know that based on my walking patterns my feet need adjustment. Just looking to see what other folks out there have used, which brands they liked / didn't like. The benefit here is that although there are a million and one brands, there are many that most of us would never see / hear of, except through a thread like this. Now I have a half-dozen or so brands that I'd never seen before that I can go and try out. While I don't like the idea of dropping $500 on a pair of boots, I would like to get a nice, quality American Made boot that is comfortable.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

White's. well worth the money.

 

[bart1]

If it is only a three hour drive to try on White's I would. Yea they are only as much as a Snap On torque wrench, but they will last as long. Last pair they built for me they took 30 minutes making sure I was in the right sized boot. In the PNW, they are a classic boot. different styles of boots for different needs/ foot types. I have had 3 pair over the past 20 years. $460 for my last pair, they will sure as hell outlast 10 pair of $100 boots.

Have you ever tried Wesco, or are you familiar with them?

 

[Hammer1963]

Redback from Australia

 

[imperialman]

I have been standing on concrete in a machine shop for 37 years , just go buy a pair of Redwings and be done with it

 

[mikester]

Ive got a bad back and Ive been wearing Wolverine 1123s for the past 10 years. Theyre very flexible, waterproof, and they have a steel toe. Plus they come in wide and I have a EEE foot and they fit well. The last pair came from bootbiz.com. They have a huge selection of work boots.

 

[Kevin54]

About the only thing I can wear are Florshiems as I have a bad back from getting kicked by a horse when I was young. You can were them 16 hours and not get tired of wearing them http://www.shoebuy.com/florsheim-occupational-fe665/221497/479492

 

[CGT80]

Very informative thread.

You just woke up a thread that has been dead for 6 years


I hadn't seen it yet. This year, I bought wolverine "Legend" boots. They discontinued the other wolverine boots I liked and the last two pairs were not all that great.

My back and neck are messed up, along with muscle tension throughout my body. I started doing construction work at 14 years old and got out of it around age 32. I still do metal fabrication, work on my own vehicles, the occasional side job and go in and out of retail stores where I am standing when I do sharpening or service as well as standing on concrete in the shop when working. Having comfortable boots is still critical for me.

The legend boots have lasted 9 months and just over the last couple weeks my feet are talking to me, but the boots have held up very well. The other woverines would be done by 6 months. Part of that could be that my thorlo hiking socks are getting thinner. These socks are $15 per pair but have a thick cushion and make a big difference in how my feet and back feel. I was able to order the soft toe boots from the local boot place, but will use amazon next time. The boot place won't give refunds and amazon will. The composite toe cut into my feet (a common problem with safety toes, so I don't buy them anymore). Amazon has more sizes than the local place as well. These run about $170 and are imported. I have not tried red wing or the more expensive boots. These also fit very well from the beginning.

 

[mbshop]

Redwing user here. Well worth the bucks.

 

[kctyphoon]

I've been going to pain management for my back for over 10 years. Have to take prescription pain killers everyday. Not "for when it flares up", just to live like a normal person. The most comfortable boots I've ever bought WERE from Lehigh, model 5030's I think they are. They USED to have insoles where the heel of boot was partially hollowed out, to accommodate really thick padding, and the insole at the middle of the heel was actually about 3x as think as the rest. I wore those boots exclusively for years because they were so comfortable, and not expensive either.. Now, of course, they stopped doing that and my feet always hurt in boots. I've tried like 4 different brands, even bought timberlands upgraded insoles. No luck.. you find a boot that's as comfortable as sneakers, you let me know.. I've resorted to only wearing my boots at work when I'm actually "working", and sneakers follow me everywhere I go.
Don't say "timberlands" people.. Timberlands are not like sneakers..

 

[skookum1]

My timberlands became extremely uncomfortable after 5 years of occasional home use. I went to redwing to try on what they had and came to the conclusion that they are not what I was looking for. The boots I tried were all stiff as a board out of the box and obviously made for someone that wears them everyday. I almost left.. until I tried on a pair of Irish Setter Wingshooters.. The hunting brand of red wing.. Fit like a glove out of the box and extremely satisified with them. I was looking for a soft-toe, waterproof boot that was comfortable.

http://www.irishsetterboots.com/USD/hunting-boots?category=upland

 

[Codejack]

I don't have the worst back problems, but I have a bad knee, and cheap boots kill me.

I've had good luck with Rocky for outdoor boots and Caterpillar for work boots (yea, yea, they're supposed to be under boycott), although I always replace the insoles with some good Dr Scholl's.

Timberlands are comfortable, but they just don't hold up; they're like Doc Martin's that way.

Red Wing is on my list for my next set of boots.

 

[Tonyuk]

Your back problems are probably more down to the lack of arch support in your boots rather than the brand themselves, i wear haix work boots with proper sorbothane insoles with a hard bit at the arch, comfort for days;

 

[bushmechanic]

Three degenerating discs, and three crushed discs.

The only pair of shoes I own are Danner Mountain Lights. Check some out.

Don't look like they'd fit the bill, but I assure you they are as good as the price indicates, and have a lifetime warranty. I've never even put insoles in the damned things.

They aren't ideal with a manual transmission, but it works.

 

[bcradio]

Your back problems are probably more down to the lack of arch support in your boots rather than the brand themselves....

Whether people want to hear it or not, most peoples back problems stem from being overweight. I would be willing to bet that most (not all, most) of those with back problems would have their problems be almost non existent if they were to get to sub 15% bodyfat.

 

[Dingleburry]

orthopedic inserts

 

[jabberwoki]

Whites boots out of Spokane WA.

 

[1982fxr]

The best boots are on the feet of the guy you now pay to do your grunt work.

 

[bushmechanic]

The best boots are on the feet of the guy you now pay to do your grunt work.

You just won ten Internets! Congratulations!

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

Red Wing 2408 boots with Powerstep insoles help some with my back. Good boots, comfortable from day one when new, however I put a lot of miles on them and only get about a year on the soles.

 

[nes999]

My doctor always said boots were the worst thing for my back. I would always complain and he would say to get rid of the boots. Eventually I accepted a note from his which I gave to my employer. I haven't worn boots in years.

My back issues got significantly worse as the day went on. 8 or 9 at night lifting a gallon of milk was all but impossible.

Since I stopped wearing boots I don't mind evening shopping trips. I can work on hobbies at night. The biggest thing. I have had a few days where I woke up without back pain.



Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[onthefence777]

Chiropractor.

As far as the boots, I've been rocking the Timberland Pro's that have the metal plate in the sole for puncture protection going on about 2-3 years now. That metal plate hasn't been tested yet fortunately, but if my boots ever do get punctured, I'm sure it will hurt a lot less with a bit of plate as the middle man.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I'm one of those morons that didn't listen to his old man when growing up, and used my back to lift things when I should have used my legs. As such, I can't wear much more than tennis shoes without having bad back problems. Occasionally I can get away with wearing soft-sole hiking boots, but nothing with a tough or rigid sole (my old Vasque Sundowner's kill my back in about 30 minutes). I was wondering if any of you folks out there that also have back issues can recommend what boots you have and why?

I know there are thousands of boots out there, and a couple dozen that folks here have recommended (coastals, US-made redwings, etc.) but I didn't see any mention of folks having them that also had back issues. Just curious.....post up

So what you want is a soft sole, and soft insoles.

I have back and knee issues (8 knee surgeries), and footwear is absolutely critical for me.

Ecco makes some great boots with soft soles, and they are very comfortable. You didn't say if you need a steel toe, they don't make those (that I know of). Check out the RUGGED TRACK GTX HI; great boot.

Merrell and Keen are two great brands also.

I just bout a set of Merrell Accentor Mid Hiking boots and thus far, they're working out well.

The important thing is to find a place with a huge selection, and try on boots until you're sick of it. It's time well spent.

 

[scubadoober]

I have had redwings and liked them. Currently have Thorogoods and like them as well. Thorogoods broke in much quicker with the oil tanned leather and wedge sole.

 

[kctyphoon]

I just ordered a pair from Keens. Suppose to be good boots. We shall see

 

[Jazz1]

Avoid cowboy boots. I got my back repaired so I wear Blundstones now. They are just plain comfy and CSA approved so yes, steel toe and steel shank.

 

[thefoobag]

Thorogood boots by far. Have gone through redbacks, redwing, cat (didn't last 2 days in a heavy duty environment), timberland pro and wolverine and probably more. The wolverines lasted the second longest but they don't make the model I had anymore. The thorogoods are good to the point that I haven't needed to upgrade the stock insole after 10 months of having them.

I'm a heavy duty field mechanic with finicky knees if that explains why i burn through boots .

USA made by union workers triple stitched and quality like redwing used to have. 200 bones too, not bad compared to cost/garbage other companies are putting out.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I used to wear Carhartt boots with Dr Scholls inserts, but for the last two years I've had Carolinas without inserts and I've never had more comfortable boots. Love them.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

I'm one of those morons that didn't listen to his old man when growing up, and used my back to lift things when I should have used my legs. As such, I can't wear much more than tennis shoes without having bad back problems. Occasionally I can get away with wearing soft-sole hiking boots, but nothing with a tough or rigid sole (my old Vasque Sundowner's kill my back in about 30 minutes). I was wondering if any of you folks out there that also have back issues can recommend what boots you have and why?

I know there are thousands of boots out there, and a couple dozen that folks here have recommended (coastals, US-made redwings, etc.) but I didn't see any mention of folks having them that also had back issues. Just curious.....post up

A lifting or moving belt does wonder regardless of boots.

 

[bushmechanic]

Chiropractor.

Pseudoscience quack-jobs.

Stick to boots.

 

[1982fxr]

You just won ten Internets! Congratulations!

Finally!

 

[1982fxr]

Pseudoscience quack-jobs.

Stick to boots.

Depends on the specific problems. I would probably be on disability without mine. But my problems can’t be fixed, only maintained at as little discomfort as possible.

 

[jumpdrive]

Danner Crafters and Danner Vicious for work, Danner TrailTek for other times.

 

[kctyphoon]

Haven't had a chance to wear my new Keens since they were delivered friday, but keens, thorogoods both show up listed as some of the most comfortable boots.. I have a pair of insulated Carolinas that are comfortable but are winter boots and way too heavy. Imma try these Keens for a while.. Thorogoods or Carolinas will be the next pair I buy if I wanna try something else..

It's though buying online too. You're always wondering if there was a size or width that might have fit better, and every brand fits differently. Some I can get regular sizes, others I need wide. I ordered the Keens wide, but now I'll wonder if I really needed them.

 

[jptbay]

^^ I bought a pair of Keen's. Thought they would be great, were comfortable until I wore them for the day. Feet sweated like being in a sauna. Supposed to be waterproof, but the membrane does not breath for a ****.

Tried to get them warranted, Keen said nope. Not warranted for comfort issues.

No more Keen's for this guy.

 

[Rubiman14]

^^ I bought a pair of Keen's. Thought they would be great, were comfortable until I wore them for the day. Feet sweated like being in a sauna. Supposed to be waterproof, but the membrane does not breath for a ****.

Tried to get them warranted, Keen said nope. Not warranted for comfort issues.

No more Keen's for this guy.

I've had the same issue with Keen's. I'm on my 2nd pair now, and only wear them in warmer months with shorts. 1st pair went through the soles in about a summer, they wouldn't do anything about it. My 2nd pair don't breath worth a damn, and the soles are super hard. This last pair was from the "Made in USA" line also. No more for me.

My feet don't have any comfort issues with 100% USA made Red Wings. After you break them in anyway. I wear the heritage series for casual stuff, and 2412's for daily abuse. Problem is the 2412's are insulated, so again my feet sweat like crazy while indoors. I just ordered my 1st pair of Thorogood's, and also put in a custom order with Wesco. Really hope the Wesco boots are worth it!!!

ETA: I did try the uninsulated version of the 2412, think it's 2408, and I ended up exchanging them for another pair of 2412's. For whatever reason, the 2408 wasn't as comfortable.

 

[Rubiman14]

One more thing to add.

Being the boss man at a manufacturing facility, I get asked this question frequently from new hires. From my experience, people don't give a good boot a chance and normally buy a size too large. They try them on thinking it should fit like Nike's and expect them to break-in like a pair also. That's just not the case. It takes time, care, and a little pain for a boot to become "yours". The heavier the leather the longer it's going to take to break-in. Frankly, I'd be pissed if I bought a pair of high quality boots and they fit like a glove from day one. I anticipate it taking 1-2 months of daily wear for my new Wesco's to become really comfortable.

We have a Redwing store about 2min from the shop, so most of my employees shop there. Almost 100% of the time they start off with the imported line, and quickly learn those don't hold up. Then they'll spend the $300 for a quality pair, still have bad luck, and scratch their heads why. When you're exposed daily to chemicals, cutting fluids, etc the boots need cleaned and oiled. It's a skin. I've taken the time to show a handful of my younger employees how to properly care for their boots...all of them still have the same pair (maybe resoled) and rarely complain about their feet hurting anymore. No matter what boot you buy, if you're on concrete 10+hrs a day, your feet will eventually get tired and sore.

As to the OP's question specifically, I find an elevated heel helps me out a ton. Which is a polar opposite from what I would have thought. I ruptured 2 discs in my back at a young age, racing ATV's. Standing still for hours is brutal no matter what boots or shoes I'm wearing. But certain styles seem to help prolong the inevitable. I tried a logger boot (easily available high heel design) and I couldn't get used to the weight. Felt like I was wearing clown shoes lol. But standing still was a real pleasure. So that's been my search...lightweight'ish', high heel, waterproof, and safety toe. I'm hoping the Wesco's I ordered fit that bill!