Work boots

[John Timmins]

I retired deep sea, an engineer on mostly diesel ships butg I started with steam ships.

I tried Diehard (slippery on oily decks), Thorogoods once, ARMY combat boots, Redwing once and eventually I only used Wolverines . Unfortunately the sewn soles they made in the early 1980s have been changed to a molded sole onto the leather and are made in Chine. The Wolverine sewn sole boots are now about $500

I'm retired but if I still shipped out I would buy 2 pairs of Wolverine without the steel toes. They are not slippery on oily decks, and I've never had a shoelace break. They were comfortable from the first day to the last.

I also used to buy some Redwing shoes. Extra comfy ! They are like nurses shoes but they are black or brown.

 

[rtz]

Interesting commentary on the DieHard boots. Also the comments below about supposed better boots:

 

[Bdemutis]

Yes that's how I'm able to afford Snap-on tools; that plus doing without pizza.

I try to get most of my snapons used off eBay and the flea market allot of them are new barely used.

 

[Bdemutis]

I retired deep sea, an engineer on mostly diesel ships butg I started with steam ships.

I tried Diehard (slippery on oily decks), Thorogoods once, ARMY combat boots, Redwing once and eventually I only used Wolverines . Unfortunately the sewn soles they made in the early 1980s have been changed to a molded sole onto the leather and are made in Chine. The Wolverine sewn sole boots are now about $500

I'm retired but if I still shipped out I would buy 2 pairs of Wolverine without the steel toes. They are not slippery on oily decks, and I've never had a shoelace break. They were comfortable from the first day to the last.

I also used to buy some Redwing shoes. Extra comfy ! They are like nurses shoes but they are black or brown.

I had redwings before when I was younger when I did construction with my dad I always tore the soles with shovels never tried them as a diesel mechanic yet maybe I’ll give them a try.

 

[Bdemutis]

This is the insole I have, 6 months and going strong and very comfy https://www.timberland.com/shop/timberland-pro-anti-fatigue-technology-insoles-91621000#hero=0


I think your issue is your using the same pair every day, you need to alternate and have a 2nd pair you swap with every few days.

I’ll probably have to try that I mean I do wear them every day except weekends and they sit in a locker overnight so they don’t dry out. What timberlands do you wear like model.

 

[colin39]

I’ll probably have to try that I mean I do wear them every day except weekends and they sit in a locker overnight so they don’t dry out. What timberlands do you wear like model.

I feel ya pain bud, tbh i think its the job , i too am a commercial engineer i work on busses coaches lorrys here in the Y-uk. You could almost say the nature of the work shop we are in ,a council yard, is almost fastfit , we have to turn everything from tyres to engine rebuild out the same if not next day. So the work area gets pretty messy until the job is complete.
My boots last a max of 6months ,but as the company supply them then so be it.


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[topchedda]

I had redwings before when I was younger when I did construction with my dad I always tore the soles with shovels never tried them as a diesel mechanic yet maybe I’ll give them a try.

Get a pair with Vibram soles. I think most are sewn on and can be replaced. The molded soles will separate and slowly fall apart.


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[CJM8515]

I’ll probably have to try that I mean I do wear them every day except weekends and they sit in a locker overnight so they don’t dry out. What timberlands do you wear like model.

I wear the wheat colored ones 6”. Just the basic pros, nothing special. For you, you might want the pitboss ones since they have the reinforced outer toe and stuff

 

[Air21]

I'm a conventional machinist so my boots live in oil and coolant and chips. I bought a pair of Blundstones a little over two years ago, the soles are essentially new with no sign of delamination, I put some kiwi on them a few times a year but the shop fluids seem to strip it right off. The pair has picked up some nicks, the steel toes have saved my toes, they're surprisingly light, never leak, and they are easy to take off so I don't track all that crud into my house.

My only complaint is after two years it feels like they've opened up a half a size so I double up on socks. All I've had to do was replace the insoles.

 

[Ericmacc]

I would recommend red wing boots. Im a welder and they have held up great for me.

 

[yost69]

I used to go through boots about every 6 months. The soles would separate from the toes. I went through several brands trying to find something that would last. I switched to these https://www.carhartt.com/products/6-Inch-Bison-Waterproof-Work-Boot-Safety-Toe-CMW6220 and have not had that issue. So I continue to purchase these.

Racking cars all day I do wear the toe covers down to the steel in about 8 months but I am not sure that there is a boot made that won't wear out the toes with this kind of work.

I replace these once a year.

 

[Jazz1]

I wear Blundstones. Comfortable and durable. They are also available with a welders cap on toe.

 

[cutt]

I work railroad construction. Have tried many a boot brand in my 19 years. Georgia Boot are what I have used the most. Comfortable.

 

[bibman]

I have worn Keen's for years....zero complaints....I also bought a pair of Ariat WorkHogs with the square toe ... I didnt think i would like the cowboy style boot....but i swear by them now....two years on the Ariats without any issues.

 

[Cheepbeer]

I can't recommend any boot if redwings or timberlands don't hold up. They're as tough as it gets. I would gob the toes with the boot toe ****.

I've worn all brands of boots in a road paving environment and most lasted a year. That walking in 300° asphalt, soaking them in diesel fuel, hydraulic oil and any other nasty hot goo you can think of.

 

[racinfarmer]

Surprised no one has mentioned Carolina brand boots yet. I've had good luck with Red Wing and Carolinas myself.

 

[Cheepbeer]

My neighbor bought the same Redwing Pecos boots for 40 years or so. All of a sudden they discontinued them. He's been on the hunt for replacements for years now. Once these companies offshore their production, their products went straight to hell. Rocky boots is one good example.

 

[Jazz1]

I'm a conventional machinist so my boots live in oil and coolant and chips. I bought a pair of Blundstones a little over two years ago, the soles are essentially new with no sign of delamination, I put some kiwi on them a few times a year but the shop fluids seem to strip it right off. The pair has picked up some nicks, the steel toes have saved my toes, they're surprisingly light, never leak, and they are easy to take off so I don't track all that crud into my house.

My only complaint is after two years it feels like they've opened up a half a size so I double up on socks. All I've had to do was replace the insoles.

Double up the insoles instead of socks. I wear the same boots. My Blundstones are 3 years old and the soles show no sign of separation and all stitching is intact

 

[Finky198]

Check out Hoffman boots out of Idaho. They are big in the logging and tree industry as is wesco yes there expensive, but they will last much longer. I’ve got 7 years on my current pair working as a tree climber, mechanic and fabricator. They will need resoled soon, they are vibram soles, but others options are available as are numerous different boot designs.

Well worth a look I’ve gotten used pairs on eBay at deep discounts.
The company sells seconds as well...

I were their lineman’s boots and insulated winter caulks... I do maintain them with boot dressing or saddle soap its not much work but definitely extends the life of them.

http://hoffmanboots.com

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

The Red Wing 2408 steel toe boot is the most comfortable safety toe boot I've worn, but can't get more than a year out of soles if that much. It may be cattle waste that does them in, not sure, but usually the right heel that goes first.

 

[mowkep]

I've worn Wolverines for years as a machinist. I've only found 1 pair I like. Some of their lightweight nylon boots are garbage and fell apart after a couple of months.

 

[Bdemutis]

I feel ya pain bud, tbh i think its the job , i too am a commercial engineer i work on busses coaches lorrys here in the Y-uk. You could almost say the nature of the work shop we are in ,a council yard, is almost fastfit , we have to turn everything from tyres to engine rebuild out the same if not next day. So the work area gets pretty messy until the job is complete.
My boots last a max of 6months ,but as the company supply them then so be it.


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I wish my boots were supplied I wouldn’t care then lol.

 

[Bdemutis]

I would recommend red wing boots. Im a welder and they have held up great for me.

I had the redwing US model after 8 months or so they got extremely lose fitting and the toe cap is about out on the left boot. I still have them I wear them in the mud and snow now.

 

[Bdemutis]

Check out Hoffman boots out of Idaho. They are big in the logging and tree industry as is wesco yes there expensive, but they will last much longer. I’ve got 7 years on my current pair working as a tree climber, mechanic and fabricator. They will need resoled soon, they are vibram soles, but others options are available as are numerous different boot designs.

Well worth a look I’ve gotten used pairs on eBay at deep discounts.
The company sells seconds as well...

I were their lineman’s boots and insulated winter caulks... I do maintain them with boot dressing or saddle soap its not much work but definitely extends the life of them.

http://hoffmanboots.com

I can’t wear anything with a heel anymore my chips are still good but I can’t wear them they kill my lower back anymore their basically brand new I used them last winter in the snow that was about it and a few times at work.

 

[Bdemutis]

The Red Wing 2408 steel toe boot is the most comfortable safety toe boot I've worn, but can't get more than a year out of soles if that much. It may be cattle waste that does them in, not sure, but usually the right heel that goes first.

Had them and loved them but I tore through the leather pretty quick on the toe cap and then they lost all support after wearing them for so long new insoles didn’t even help anymore. I might try them again.

 

[Bdemutis]

Any one ever try the Cat work boots?

 

[Finky198]

I can’t wear anything with a heel anymore my chips are still good but I can’t wear them they kill my lower back anymore their basically brand new I used them last winter in the snow that was about it and a few times at work.

They don’t all have heels they offer plenty of regular work boot options.

They also Carry some other brands, I would thoroughly look thru their site... they carry a lot of boots.

 

[Bdemutis]

What’s a good boot protector/ treatment I use mink on all my cowboy boots but for work boots should I use scotch guard or kiwi ?

 

[Bdemutis]

They don’t all have heels they offer plenty of regular work boot options.

They also Carry some other brands, I would thoroughly look thru their site... they carry a lot of boots.

They make some really nice boots but I can’t swallow that price tag again for another pair this year. I ordered a pair of timberland pro pit boss series ordered toe protectors to put on them also. Now just gotta see how thorgood wants to handle my boots that are basically brand new I know I’m not paying to ship them back lol.

 

[Sloper0204]

Any one ever try the Cat work boots?

I had a pair of CAT boots about 20 years ago now, right about when they first came out. They lasted pretty good, made almost a year with them.

I used to wear out a pair of Danner steel toes every 6 to 9 months. Wolverines would last 3 months until the soles would delaminate, Doc Martins lasted one job, etc. Caustic is hell on leather boots, I wore them every day including the weekends and would just throw them in the dumpster and pull a new pair out of the box. Now I have what is essentially an office job so my Thorogoods and Wesco's are all coming up on three years old with one resole each.

With that said, look into a style of boots called "Mining Boots." They have beefy outer toe protection and are generally designed to be ankle deep in ****** conditions day in/day out.

Something like:
http://www.midwestboots.com/product/MHMT803.html

 

[Sloper0204]

What’s a good boot protector/ treatment I use mink on all my cowboy boots but for work boots should I use scotch guard or kiwi ?

https://www.obenaufs.com/heavy-duty-leather-preservative-s/111.htm

That is the only way to go when dealing with chemicals that eat leather. Designed for firefighters using fire suppression foam, I've used it on my boots in the mines, out in the oilfield, on gas plants, and on refineries now since the first time I found it back in the 90's.

It was how I was able to make leather boots survive more than a week at the soda ash mines.

 

[Bdemutis]

I had a pair of CAT boots about 20 years ago now, right about when they first came out. They lasted pretty good, made almost a year with them.

I used to wear out a pair of Danner steel toes every 6 to 9 months. Wolverines would last 3 months until the soles would delaminate, Doc Martins lasted one job, etc. Caustic is hell on leather boots, I wore them every day including the weekends and would just throw them in the dumpster and pull a new pair out of the box. Now I have what is essentially an office job so my Thorogoods and Wesco's are all coming up on three years old with one resole each.

With that said, look into a style of boots called "Mining Boots." They have beefy outer toe protection and are generally designed to be ankle deep in ****** conditions day in/day out.

Something like:
http://www.midwestboots.com/product/MHMT803.html

I’ll give them a try in the near future thanks yea I guess it could be my fault also for not taking care of them with all the chemicals I deal with every day.

 

[Bdemutis]

https://www.obenaufs.com/heavy-duty-leather-preservative-s/111.htm

That is the only way to go when dealing with chemicals that eat leather. Designed for firefighters using fire suppression foam, I've used it on my boots in the mines, out in the oilfield, on gas plants, and on refineries now since the first time I found it back in the 90's.

It was how I was able to make leather boots survive more than a week at the soda ash mines.

I’ll give it a try thanks I appreciate it.

 

[Bdemutis]

I appreciate all of the feed back and suggestion I’ll start taking care of my boots and try switching them out every so often also. Thank you you’ve all been really helpful I appreciate it.

 

[orangeblood]

one last vote for redwing and neatsfoot oil

 

[Jazz1]

I had picked up a pair of Snap On boots few years ago. They were junk, returned them for refund after a month

 

[maydaymike]

I wear these Carolina loggers.

https://www.carolinashoe.com/CA9824.

They seem to hold up pretty well. I get about 18 months out of a pair, wearing them both for work and riding motorcycles. I'm an LTL truck driver, and the cheap boots I tried seem to die early with the sole breaking or seperating from constantly climbing up into the tractor and trailer on the steel steps. My local boot store guy showed me the Carolinas and said he sells a lot to the railroad guys that have the same problem with the rough steps.

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[Wamsutta]

Any of you guys have narrow feet? There's no way to get a deal on boots for narrow feet. Most all the nice boots like the ones the Australians make are not even available in narrow widths. It *****.

 

[driftpin]

I work railroad construction. Have tried many a boot brand in my 19 years. Georgia Boot are what I have used the most. Comfortable.

I'm not a mechanic, I'm retired from fire rescue. The boots I have now and like the most are Georgia Workboots. They are very comfortable, and were right out of the box. I apply some brown shoe polish when they get scuffed. I wear them cutting the lawn or working on construction or other projects around the house. They don't leak. I've had several of the named brands here, but I will replace these with another pair if they give out. I still am waiting to replace the soles which don't need it yet.

As said, buy 2 pair & rotate them.

 

[JJ99SS]

Jesus I thought I was hard on shoes. I wait tables and my $200 USA Redwings are great, and I walk about 5 miles a day. Four years and going but the floor chemicals have weakened the soles and one split. The uppers are cracked all to hell but they are intact.

Cleaning and oiling are the only thing that help shoes last. If I had jobs like some of y'all, I'd be tearing through boots too.