Most comfortable work boots?

[William Payne]

My feet hurt a lot due to the concrete floor at my current work place. They get very sore and swollen after a days work. Never had this issue in previous shops.

I am after the most comfortable safety cap work boot in existence. I don’t care what it costs.

Does anyone know where to find a work boot that is comfortable all day everyday?

 

[sparky 1971]

I have been in construction for 26 years. I have tried many kinds of boots from Wolverine Durashocks to Justin to Red Wing. After discovering Thorogood wedge soles, I will never buy a different brand. or style. They make a steel toe version, but I have not and will not try them.

 

[Bighead38]

Carolina boots for me. I have a lot of metal in my ankle so I need something that is comfortable.

 

[Skin]

Not really one right choice since everyone has different feet. For me boots that are hard wearing tend to not feel great as they take a while to break in while cheaper more pliable materials make for immediate comfort at the cost of longevity. For concrete you may also want to look into high quality insoles and anti-fatigue mats.

 

[Wamsutta]

Right now I have a pair of Red Wing 608. They're breaking my feet in very effectively. I keep a bottle of Ibuprofen close by.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Not really one right choice since everyone has different feet. For me boots that are hard wearing tend to not feel great as they take a while to break in while cheaper more pliable materials make for immediate comfort at the cost of longevity. For concrete you may also want to look into high quality insoles and anti-fatigue mats.

Superfeet green insoles have been a godsend, I always thought some shoes hurt after a few hrs now I can wear shoes all day everyday.

Most importantly as some people have already said. But it depends on what your feet are like; low/high arch, tendency to walk more on the ball of your foot, wide, etc.

And you’re going to have to try the boots on to find out, one size does not fit all, and boots especially took me a few tries. Make sure you get measured on a brannock scale too, a lot of people are wearing shoes/boots that are the wrong size.

Good luck!

 

[yrly]

Wolverine Multishox

 

[ezover]

are you asking about boots or shop style work shoes? I am going to guess a big difference in recommendations.

I would recommend going to a foot doctor and checking out some custom insoles. it helped me a lot. did not fix it completely, but now I can get out of my car and walk to the house with out being borderline tears from pain after work.

now that I think about this I am going to try going back to the old man style of work shoes. I have been wearing boots and gym style for years, maybe it's time to go back to a shoe.

 

[William Payne]

are you asking about boots or shop style work shoes? I am going to guess a big difference in recommendations.

I am asking about any kind of work boot or shoe that is comfortable. I am open to whatever will stop my feet from hurting.

 

[lardy1]

I have Rheumatoid arthritis in my lower legs and feet. I worked and lived on plate steel decks of freighters six months out of the year. I've had my boots/feet struggles.

I liked Irish Setters until they went overseas. At the time they didn't have safety toes either. I ended up in Carolina steel toe work boots and Keen sneaker type work shoes with composite toes.

I tried all the inserts I could find also and I found the cheap foam inserts, changed weekly worked best. The gel inserts felt good at first but after a few hours on my feet they became quite uncomfortable.

I feel for you, man. My rheumatoid went undetected for awhile and it was pure agony. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.

 

[bob15]

I like the US-made Chippewa boots. Used to have Wolverines but then I started having issues with the boot soles cracking completely through and all the way across the boot. Had 2 pairs do that and I gave up with them. I had one pair of Carolina's and they were OK. I tried Thorogood's and could never find a pair to fit me correctly, my heel would always move in the boot and blisters would then ensue.

 

[RustyJunk]

Been using these Belleville USMC desert boots for years, most comfortable boots I ever found and you can find them discounted on ebay. Also Danner and Bates make similar gov. approved boots.


http://www.militarybootsdirect.com/safety-composite-steel-toe-combat-boots.html

 

[William Payne]

Been using these Belleville USMC desert boots for years, most comfortable boots I ever found and you can find them discounted on ebay. Also Danner and Bates make similar gov. approved boots.


http://www.militarybootsdirect.com/safety-composite-steel-toe-combat-boots.html

It’s funny you mention military boots. I can get those easier than the brands mentioned and if anyone needs comfortable footwear it’s those guys.

 

[bugnut]

My experience led me to wearing 2 pair of socks and keens. I do find that a lighter weight and a more flexible ankle help me. Currently wearing basspro redheads, these are only mid high and not a full height boot.

 

[Maddog3355]

I would highly recommend Keen. I’m on my 3rd pair. They won’t hold up like the Redwings but you can buy 2 pair of Keens for the same price as a Redwing. I’m on concrete and raised catwalk all the time and get 18 months out of a pair.

 

[CJM8515]

Merill, make sure to get the insoles too

 

[427]

Irish Setter by Red Wing. Wedge bottom sole. I work on concrete 10 hours a day 6 days a week. They are great.

 

[woody6904]

I would highly recommend Keen. I’m on my 3rd pair. They won’t hold up like the Redwings but you can buy 2 pair of Keens for the same price as a Redwing. I’m on concrete and raised catwalk all the time and get 18 months out of a pair.

X2. Long time Redwing user, switched to Keens. Will NOT be going back to Redwings.

 

[bwringer]

Every foot is different, so you'll have to experiment. And as noted by many others, once you find the brand that works for you, for maximum comfort you have to be willing to replace the boots when the internal structure is starting to break down. That's going to be long before the exterior or soles are worn out.

There are some very expensive boots that can be re-soled, but re-soling is expensive and takes the boots out of action for a few weeks.

Another good tactic once you figure out what works for you is to buy two pairs of boots and alternate. If you're wearing the same pair every day, they'll deteriorate far faster.

The idea about frequently replacing insoles is worth a try too.

 

[Air21]

Bkundstones accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. I wore them everyday on a concrete floor in a machine shop. When I finally wore through the insoles I tried Superfeet and liked those too.

 

[Wamsutta]

Been using these Belleville USMC desert boots for years, most comfortable boots I ever found and you can find them discounted on ebay. Also Danner and Bates make similar gov. approved boots.


http://www.militarybootsdirect.com/safety-composite-steel-toe-combat-boots.html

What's the model number of the Belleville boots? The page you linked to has several different pairs of boots.

 

[NOZZLEMAN]

I wear Thorogood, but have tried them all & will tell you if price is no concern - look into Nick's boots.
I have had three pair and they use a fit sheet to custom make them to you. If you have any special needs you can call them and discuss it with them - great people.
My last tidbit is Don't care about what they look like - just get them to fit correctly.
I have had two back surgeries L4-L5 and a custom boot made all the difference for me standing & working in the shop all day

Good Luck !!

 

[Legion Prime]

Go see a podiatrist. First get a good quality boot (not a $30 pair from Walmart) then go see a podiatrist, make sure you don't have plantar fascitis and get some orthotics. Failing that start stretching and get at least a semi fit orthotic. A well fitting quality boot is only the first step.

 

[Benw455]

I have been wearing 5:11 Tactical side zip boots for years.

 

[xlowxyotax88x]

I have Rheumatoid arthritis in my lower legs and feet. I worked and lived on plate steel decks of freighters six months out of the year. I've had my boots/feet struggles.

I liked Irish Setters until they went overseas. At the time they didn't have safety toes either. I ended up in Carolina steel toe work boots and Keen sneaker type work shoes with composite toes.

I tried all the inserts I could find also and I found the cheap foam inserts, changed weekly worked best. The gel inserts felt good at first but after a few hours on my feet they became quite uncomfortable.

I feel for you, man. My rheumatoid went undetected for awhile and it was pure agony. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.

This 100% go get checked just in case, I started having foot pains off and on for about 2 years and about 6 monthes ago my ankles and knees started hurting I blamed it on concrete for being in a shop the last 15 years, well it got worse I asked my Dr and before my next appointment the same pain was in my hands hard to hold a wrench like that. I also have RA and now that it's calm for now it's so much better, so it might be worth looking into. Btw I bought some wedge sole danners a few kothes into the leg pain it didn't help that but now that the underlying issue is gone I notice how comfy they are

 

[AngryBeaver]

If you are on concrete a lot, Please do yourself a favor and try a pair of thorogood wedge soles. your feet will thank you after 12-16 hours on your feet

 

[Parrothead]

Nike Air Monarchs. The most comfortable shoe Nike makes, according to the shoes designer. Full length air, wide toe box, actual leather. Done!

 

[gmwelder86]

Thorogood or Carolina wedge soles boots slip on or lace ups all I wear on or off of work. Have had mutplie feet surgeries due to clubbed feet and sever flat feet and they are hands down most comfortable boots. Add the keen cushion insoles and you’ll be in heaven. Two says I week I teach at our hall so typically on concrete standing for at least 12-14 hours and good foot wear is a must. Tried everything out their outside of try custom Made boots and this has been the best combo. Union PipeFitter welder on them typically on concrete or steel

 

[JRC3]

This thread seems familiar...Is it a new week already? LOL



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I've bought from these guys for the past several years. I've never found a better price on my Wolverine oxfords anywhere else. Not sure if the pricing is as good on other brands but I would assume it is. Really reasonable return shipping too (like if the sizing is off). https://workboots.com/work-boots

 

[William Payne]

This thread seems familiar...Is it a new week already? LOL



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I've bought from these guys for the past several years. I've never found a better price on my Wolverine oxfords anywhere else. Not sure if the pricing is as good on other brands but I would assume it is. Really reasonable return shipping too (like if the sizing is off). https://workboots.com/work-boots

Haha I’m out of the loop I haven’t been on this forum on over a year. Thanks for the advice guys. Yes I am going to go to my doctor.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have thorogood moc toes with Scholl's custom inserts.

The big thing that alot of people here completely skip over is taking care of joint health. I take 3g of epa/dha quality fish oil and 3g of Cissus extract a day for joint health

 

[ChrisLS8]

Nike Air Monarchs. The most comfortable shoe Nike makes, according to the shoes designer. Full length air, wide toe box, actual leather. Done!

Those are shoes....

 

[JRC3]

Those are shoes....

Look, man, this is TGJF, aint nobody got no time to be readin no damn thread titles before clicking "reply".

 

[tc429]

redwings for me- many years of 80 hour work weeks sold me on them...that said though, couple years ago, recurring heel spur had me gimping around pretty bad- my boss handed me a set of 'airr-orthotic' brand 'skydex softsole' inserts he uses - WOW.

I was wearing thru dr scholl gel soles every 2 weeks, feet still hurt, the Airr-Orthotic's I replaced at a year just because they were old- but were still in perfect shape, felt great... they arent cheap, but if on your feet a lot, maybe best investment ever

 

[Skin]

There are some very expensive boots that can be re-soled, but re-soling is expensive and takes the boots out of action for a few weeks.

Most any boot can be resoled and if you have problems finding comfortable boots it's probably worth it. Cost is usually around $100. The harder part is finding a good cobbler so your new soles don't rip off after a few miles. Done properly they should come back to you feeling the same or better and last just as long as they did prior to repair. The only boot I'd balk at getting repaired is anything with a purely cemented sole. They generally don't repair well.

 

[RTM]

Back when I was in the brewery and on my feet all day, I found that soft soles worked much better than hard, long-wearing ones. My back and knees would hurt like hell after a day in the hard soled boots.

For my sport shoes, (volleyball player), I put these insoles in

https://www.sorbothane.com/sorbothane-insoles.aspx

 

[Honda guy]

Nike Air Monarchs. The most comfortable shoe Nike makes, according to the shoes designer. Full length air, wide toe box, actual leather. Done!

Everything you said, PLUS I get them when they're on sale for $50 and they last me over a year.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

My ol' trusty Georgia Boots. Been wearing them for two years on concrete and still going strong. I prefer US Made, these are not, but comfortable they are.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Everything you said, PLUS I get them when they're on sale for $50 and they last me over a year.

He's requiring a safety toe work boot, if you show up to a job requiring safety toes in a pair of floppy sneakers you'll get the boot to the *** real quick

 

[William Payne]

Thanks everybody. I appreciate all the suggestions and have looked at what is available in this part of the world. I found a military place that sells combat boots with a safety toe, they "claim" to be for people who stand and are on their feet all day so will have a look into those.