Mechanic's Work Shoes

[CommonRail]

What are all you technicians/mechanics wearing for footwear these days?

I'm looking for a new pair for work. I only wear the steel-toe sneaker type.

Must be-
-Comfortable on concrete
-Good tread
-Waterproof
-Sneaker type

Thanks in advance

 

[KCM1582]

Short of the sneaker part I wear Redwing boots and swear by them.

 

[wannab20hatch]

Ive been rocking reebok runtones for the last couple years. Like walking on clouds all day. Wore out two pairs and bought a third.

 

[JASTECH]

This was just covered a few days ago I think? Try the Search for it, there were a few brands on the thread and i'll be ordering one of the mentioned brands.

 

[JASTECH]

Here is the one I go with.
www.carolinashoe.com/category.asp?CatID=62

 

[RodneyPierce]

I am not a mechanic, but am on my feet all day, on concrete, and I cant stand a full work boot. My favorite so far, believe it or not is caterpillar shoes. I have had them all, and personally think redwing was the worst for me personally. I wore them for a couple days, and took them back. Could hardly walk at night. Georgia boot would be my second in line, behind these caterpillar shoes. Linked to below:

http://www.catfootwear.com/US/en-US...ns-Ridgemont-Steel-Toe-Work-Shoe?dimensions=0

 

[joe (pa)]

About 9 years ago the matco guy talked me into buying these Australian redback brand slip on boots. (they sell lace up also, but the slip on are sooo convenient) Well after just going through 3 pairs in 9 years they are the best for me. I tried redwings for about 6 months (paid about 250 for them) and gave the redwings away. These redback boots are absolutely comfortable, ridiculously light weight and are super slip resistant. I never weighed them but I don't think they weigh much more than a pound each. the soles are awesome like i said they don't slip in oil, coolant, water. When the other guys are slipping around I don't ever even think of traction. When I used to ride bike they were great too, when stopping at a light I didn't have to worry about slipping and tipping the bike over in the oil slick that is at a lot of traffic signals. As far as a good pair of boots go they are low price too. you can get them for about 125 shipped from australia.
http://aussiedirect.stores.yahoo.net/redbackboots.html
Just my two cents

What are all you technicians/mechanics wearing for footwear these days?

I'm looking for a new pair for work. I only wear the steel-toe sneaker type.

Must be-
-Comfortable on concrete
-Good tread
-Waterproof
-Sneaker type

Thanks in advance

 

[hammergodthor]

I wear Redwing 2406. Put a nice insole in them and they're golden! (The factory insole *****!!)

 

[Mario]

I also use Caterpillar Work Shoes.

They also hold up good.

 

[RodneyPierce]

I also use Caterpillar Work Shoes.

They also hold up good.

They hold up amazingly well! Im a big guy, 320 lbs and I have had my current set for almost a year. I usually have to put in at least 2 sets of insoles by this time, but not on the cat's. Still the original insoles. Couldnt ask for a better work shoe for the price. Heck, Ill go to say for 2x the price.

 

[bigdummy30]

I wear Redwing 2406. Put a nice insole in them and they're golden! (The factory insole *****!!)

isnt this like saying "replace the shocks on a brand new porsche and it finally handles ok"

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

When I worked at the shop, I always wanted some expensive (Cat,Wolf,Red wing) brand boots, but always ended up with replica cheap boots that only lasted 6-7 months, and my feet were killing me.

 

[softailgarage]

Redbacks from Matco and now Snap on. Paid about $135.00 3 years ago. Most comfortable boot I've ever worn.

 

[yasha32]

carhartt i have fallen in love with, super comfy, keeps the feet just the right temp and are slip resistant.

 

[scylla]

All the boots I have bought in the last 3 or 4 years have just seemed to be getting worse quality wise. Right now I'm getting ready to replace some Cat brand boots that have the whole bottom of the sole separating after 6 months. And those are $120 boots.
Guess I will have to pony up for some quality American made boots. Maybe those have kept a bit of quality in how they are made.

 

[Drew_flux]

Australian "redback" boots or "hardyaka" boots. When working in the wherehouse, have been known to wear converse chucks.

 

[xwarp]

u.s. navy issue flight deck boots.

 

[jvitez]

u.s. navy issue flight deck boots.

And where could a non-US civilian get his eyes and hands on pair of these?

 

[RodneyPierce]

And where could a non-US civilian get his eyes and hands on pair of these?

http://www.militaryboots.com/mens-wellco-8-navy-flight-deck-tw-st

 

[jvitez]

http://www.militaryboots.com/mens-wellco-8-navy-flight-deck-tw-st

Many thanks!

 

[JASTECH]

I have a pair that friends of mine bought me, they are the most comfortable in 30 yrs I have been in. They are Alico boots made in Italy. I have been plum tired of China boots not holding up and supporting China! So these came from Sierra Trading Company with best warranty ever. I too tried Redwing and they ****! Not worth the 300+.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[RodneyPierce]

Many thanks!

No problem my friend.

 

[shampoop]

What are all you technicians/mechanics wearing for footwear these days?

I'm looking for a new pair for work. I only wear the steel-toe sneaker type.

Must be-
-Comfortable on concrete
-Good tread
-Waterproof
-Sneaker type

Thanks in advance

I have some 6" caterpillar boots. I really like them ad think they're more comfortable than sneaker types. Sneaker type boots put a lot of pressure around the ankle area whereas 6" styles put almost no uncomfortable pressure on the ankle.

i'm on my second pair of the same style, the first pair lasted me around 4 years before the inside started to come apart. mine aren't waterproof but they do make models that are.

 

[Steevo]

I spent an hour in the Redwing store a couple of weeks ago, trying on work shoes for wearing when standing all day.
I went there specifically to get Redwing shoes, but after trying all of them, even the $176 pair, I ended up buying a pair of Keen shoes for $105 out the door.
They fit me better, felt more comfortable when walking, and have excellent toe protection (not steel toe) and oil resistant traction soles.

 

[Subyroo651]

I spent an hour in the Redwing store a couple of weeks ago, trying on work shoes for wearing when standing all day.
I went there specifically to get Redwing shoes, but after trying all of them, even the $176 pair, I ended up buying a pair of Keen shoes for $105 out the door.
They fit me better, felt more comfortable when walking, and have excellent toe protection (not steel toe) and oil resistant traction soles.

Do you know what model those Keen's are ?

EDIT: Followed the picture back to Dicks Sporting goods. Thanks

 

[Honda guy]

I just bought a pair of Australian made Redback lace-up boots. The sides were a little stiff at first, but after wearing them for a couple of weeks, I absolutely love the comfort and quality of these boots. They're lightweight. Soles feel "springy" when you walk. The leather is thick, waxy and supple. A friend of mine finally wore his out after wearing them to work every day for six years.

If anybody is looking for the Redback leather treatment that's been on backorder, I did a little research and found that Obenaufs is the supplier for Redback. Obenaufs Heavy Duty Leather Protectant is the same stuff. Plus, it's a little cheaper getting it straight from Obenaufs.

 

[JoeR]

Ive also got a pair of redbacks from the matco truck, I got the slip on ones and after a few days of breaking them in, they are very comfortable and have been holding up great

 

[Matt018]

I used to wear timberland 6 inch steel toe pit boss boots everyday and they were great and have taken the beating i give them in stride but i started wearing low vans sneakers to work and they hurt the balls of my feet all day because of the lack of support so I am rocking a pair of black high top nikes now and havnt looked back. If you need steel toes Id reccomend just going to a store and trying on shoes till you find one you like. Everyone feet are different.

 

[Hammer1963]

Ausie Redback boots PERIOD. I tried them all and these are by far the best I have found. I own 2 pair of Crazy Horse style lace up and love them. Add Pinnacle insoles and you are one happy guy.

 

[GoBlue]

I only buy Redwings American made boots. Uncomfortable at first due to the stiff heavy leather but the do break in and in 5 years they will still be your most comfortable boots...and still water proof. I hunt in mine as well...same boots i work in.