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Need Boot Suggestions

Relex

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2011
Messages
12
I'm in need of a long(er) lasting pair of boots for work. I've been at my job for a little over 6 months and I'm on my second pair of boots.

The picture below is of my latest pair of Red Wings that are barley two months old. It's a little hard to tell by the picture but the boot showing the bottom, the top is almost flat with the rest of the sole. I'd get them resoled but the only place that does it around here, their soles are like 2x4s on your feet.

I work for for my local recycling center. I work out in all weather and get in and out of a truck 300-400 times a day while sorting bins. I'm looking for some suggestions on a good pair of boots that might last a little longer in my line of work and steel toe is a must.

DSC_0823_zps2d1e4476.jpg
 
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shanker

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2005
Messages
1,259
Location
Portland, TX
my last pair of redwings cost me 84 dollars after tax to be resoled...the redwing store had a 10 day turnaround...they sent them back to the factory to be done
 

volvo92906

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 30, 2012
Messages
280
Location
Northwest Ohio
I hate Redwing boots (I have a pair) and prefer my CAT boots (I have two pair). Although I must say, Redwing boots are made to last with better materials so if youre wearing them out that quick, I am at a loss. Wolverine and Browning are the other two that come to mind. Also RedBack.
 

b7labelle

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
665
Location
Michigan
My cat boots were disappointing, have had 2 pairs. The tongue cracked real bad within a few months of purchase, and the metal grommets for the laces all popped off after about a year.

My last two pairs of boots have been Timberland ProSeries with the non metallic toe. Bought some of the Kiwi Mink Oil, and my 2nd pair of these is holding up pretty well. I wear them everyday at the office and at our test track. The offer good support for my ankles...but thy is another issue I guess. Id chose these over my office shoes any day. The soles haven't worn down really either, again wearing them everyday.

Whatever you get, get some of that mink oil. It helps a lot at least with the leather holding up.
 
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b7labelle

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
665
Location
Michigan
My Coleman boots held up better and longer than my cat boots...both with no proper leather care.
 

elderstarr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 7, 2011
Messages
98
Been working as a Diamond Driller for 5 years. My profession is one of the hardest on footwear, being outside on sharp rocks, climbing ladders, stepping on pipe wrenches, etc.

Have yet to find a pair of boots that last over 3 months.

Tried 3 models of CAT boots, all of which de-laminate at the sole within a month.

RedWing isn't sold locally (British Columbia), have yet to try a pair.

Dakota (Marks Work Warehouse) is Chinese junk.

Dunlop boots (the green rubber boots) seem to have the softest rubber... doesn't crack but will wear the sole off the quickest.

Looking for a good set of boots as well
 

bobcatdan

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
9,948
Location
Kaukauna,WI
Cat boots are the biggest piece of junk shoes made. I've tried many brands and average about 6 months. Cats made it three. I got 2 years out of my first pair of redwings and they are still in overall good shape. Im on concrete all day, easily 8 miles according to my pedometer, I don't wear shoes that bad.
 

b7labelle

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
665
Location
Michigan
Another comment about those timberlands...a large boot truck comes to our location every 6 months, and these boots are what most people choose.
 

CWP1616L

Banned
Joined
Aug 31, 2012
Messages
3,297
Location
USA
The problem I have with Red Wings is that I wear out the headliner above the toes. Then I gotta headliner hanging down in the way of my foot. I've owned several different models and they all do that. I'm done. I'm gonna try Danner next time.
 
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JJThrasher

Well-known member
Joined
May 30, 2013
Messages
1,416
Location
Indiana
http://www.georgiaboot.com/

My last pair was close to $250 after tax. By far one of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. I wear my boots 365 days a year and I'm coming up on the 2 year mark with this pair. I'd say mine are 2/3 of the way gone.
 

rockchucker

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
1,764
Location
Seattle WA
If the problem is in the sole wearing down then get a different sole material.


Something like this? Should last you 30,000 miles or so? lol



No reason at all why you can't resole your own Shoes. It is not Rocket Surgery. Try it with an old pair and if you fail then who cares. If it is a success you will make your shoes last until the uppers wear through.
 

mattamd_xp

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
161
Location
Springfield Mass
http://www.chippewaboots.com/

Best boots I've ever had. Worked in industrial construction and have pairs that lasted over 3 years of daily use, still have them 7 years after leaving the industry and they aren't in too bad of shape. Most comfortable boots I've ever worn and last way better than anything else I've tried. Make sure you get the made in USA ones as there is a cheaper line that is made overseas that have the sole only glued on. The USA ones have the soles sown on still.
 

volvo92906

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 30, 2012
Messages
280
Location
Northwest Ohio
Like my boss once said to me:

"CAT doesnt make boots, they make machines"

But my boots hold up well on concrete floors, metal, in dirt and mud, water, and on rock. They dont last 5 years, but at less than 100.00 a pair, plus an 85.00 work boot rebate, im not complaining. They are the most comfortable boots, in my opinion.
 

BeaterGoat

Active member
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Messages
33
Location
SW Ohio
Thorogood work boots are the best I have found and I have tried many. Very comfortable, tough and a very good value. Union made in Wisconsin. I buy mine from workingpersonstore.com
 

bibman

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
390
Location
NEBRASKA
I bought Keen Steeltoe boots last January. I have no complaints. Sole is wearing better than the RedWings I bought the year before. Very Comfortable too.
 

reptilezs

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
1,015
buy 2 pairs of quality boots. chippewa whites danner thorogood usa made and then mail them to a good cobbler to resole them. rotate the other pair every day
 

Dberglind

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 26, 2012
Messages
221
If any of you have problems with the toe wearing out before the rest of the boot like me, take some "Original Shoe Goo" and coat the toe area. Will make it last longer.

200px-Shoe_GOO_3_7floz_carded_tube.jpg
 

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
Had my first pair of Wolverine's good for about 6 years, then again it's not hard use, just "on your feet" use (machinist), but they were my only pair for just about everything.

Now I'm wearing Danners.. break in was tough on the feet, but they feel great now. Nice and light composite toe, but you can get them with steelies if you want. My Wolverines were steel, and part of the reason I wanted to ditch them for a new pair.
 
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