Folks,
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights on sore feet.
The question raises another thread – what do you wear and like?
I see Redwings, Birkenstock, Doc Martin and the Sierra Trading Post mentioned.
I have worn out various pairs of Redwing crepe sole, moc. toe boots. I dislike the Vibram sole models because they are superb at collecting mud for later release. (Mud is a vital ingredient of our job sites, along with expansive soils.)
Last time, wanting a steel toe, I went to a Redwing with a heel. Not my favorite. Now I am clumping about in Wolverines or in Dr. Scholls’s sneakers. A bone spur limits my choices.
ToolBear
Replies
Govt.Issue Jungle boots..complete with do not boils..the best.
complete with do not boils..the best
Ah, the new poron liners are way better (both Altama & Danner).
Safety man will occasionally give a person a double take when they ask "Steel Toe?" and you naswer "Spike Protective."
Confuses them a bit more when you say, "Sure, Non-conductive" . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
took me a half hour to get my foot out of a steeltoe, after the forklift went over it..lol
Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?
get my foot out of a steeltoe, after the forklift
Yes, too true, the classic arguement against ST (and for metatarsal instead)--but hard to convince Uncle after a rule has been made, we must comply and obey . . .
LCU(L) ramp versus well deck gate creates a similar situation--I jext never lost any more than leather, though . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
other points indeed...for em an against them.
The reason I wont wear speed laces on a roof, get one loop that is double knotted caught in the hook on the other boot..an try to take a step with a arm load of stuff..BTDT.Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?
Don't put your foot there, ya putz
tool... for 20 years i've worn Dexter work boots with a flat crepe sole and a low heel..
can't stand lugs and the debris they bring into my customer's houses..
now Dexter is out of the workboot business and i'm looking around myself.. most workboots are lug sole, so i'm having a hard time.. i like a light boot, 7 to 9 eyelets, speed lace top, uninsulated for summer (7 high ) and insulated for winter (9 high)
anything out there? oh yeah... i've never paid more than $80 for a workboot.. usually get them on sale for $49 or so.. since i rotate 5 pairs, my boots last about 6 - 7 years
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I wear the Red Wing moc toe with the flatbottom crepe sole. Red Wing does a nice job of doing a complete resole when I need it.
Check out Redwing. I have two pair (worn out) of the flat crepe sole boots. Like them.
tool... i went to the redwing site... none of the ones they showed had a flat sole... all had a lug pattern on the bottom.... one was not much lug... the sole was called "crosswire"..
what model are you wearing ? .. they usually stamp the model number inside the uppersMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike, I wear Timberland Pro, 6" contractors boot. Got them from Duluth. Soft from the start, wedge sole, moc toe & very comfortable on the feet for a big guy (6'4", 300). Duluth has their own line now as they seemed to be unhappy with the Timberlands. Catalog sez they get the new ones made by a longtime bootmaker in Wisc. IIRC. Who would that be? Also, can't beat the Duluth kevlar boot laces!
Duluth is running a clearance on their remaining Timberland stock - orig. $90-100, now something like $50-70.
Also, I have an extra pair of brand new of size 12 that I never sent back - my regular size but seems the moc toes run about a half size bigger than other boots. Anyone interested? E-mail me, or I'll keep 'em for double socks if we ever get a winter here.
DocA shortcut is the longest distance between two points.
Merril gore-tex hikers for the lighter stuff, Red Wing insulated loggers for the heavier stuff. Slip on moccasins when I'm on Breaktime.Greg
90% of my time is inside peoples houses.
Newbalance Running sneaks or crosstrainers or tennis shoes.
Replace the factory insole with one with better cushion(I forget the name)
and my Custom orthotics (from a reputable podiatrist)
and good quality cushy socks.
Got some redwings for framing in mud and cold.
Got a 20 y.o. pair of Sorells with LLBean liners for really cold days.
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
I have to agree with the Red Wing fans that have spoken up so far. They do make a ton of models and that can make it hard to decide. I used to go with a soft, black, not too aggressive sole, but, eventhough it was great on feet/back, it wore out too fast. Last time I got a new pair the salesman talked me into tryin their urethane super sole, or something to that effect, it still barely even shows signs of wear, after 2+ years of heavy use. These are the best, and consistantly most comfortable boots I've ever worn.
Mike,
The label shows: Irish Setter Sport Boot by Redwing. Very worn pair. Old. Probably very obso. Anything good is usually discontinued as soon as the fact is discovered.
Lugs are all the thing nowadays - until you deposit the first load of mud on the wife's carpet and she Share Her Thinking with you.
TB
i've never understood lugs... maybe for rock climbing.. for anything else... they do nothing as soon as they clog....or they catch on something and trip you or twist your ankle..
they reduce your grip on a roof by reducing the contact area.. and anything that will cause a smooth sole to slip will also cause a lugged sole to clip..
anyways .. i'll continue my quest for a SMOOTH sole work boot witha low heel and speed laces..
thanksMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
i've never understood lugs...
Follow me around on these slopes while wearing smooth soles and you will. Do y'all really not remove your boots when you go inside? How uncivilized. Or maybe, as Frank Z. used to say, "STINKFOOT"?PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
apparently you don't do roofs and you don't remodel...
we protect the floors... but 3 - 4 guys going in ...and going out.. hah, hah, hah.... take off their boots?... yeah... after the wood floors are finished and the carpets are down.. but in the meantime ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
apparently you don't do roofs and you don't remodel...
You're correct there. Neither occur in my woods. Actually I do a little roofing, usually wearing Bean boots. I understood your dislike of lugs, but what you said was:
i've never understood lugs...
Like most things, they have their place. And their out-of-place. When I lived and worked urban/suburban I wore pull-on Redwings with a smooth sole. That way I could slip them off whenever we didn't have floor protection. For client meetings, it was greatly appreciated when I automatically took my boots off, even when they were shoed (shod?). Works the same here, though I spend little time in client houses.
All our guests are offered slippers. My deepest pocket client here requires all workmen to remove their shoes/boots unless there's a major remodel going on with floor protection. Losing time? No problem, charge for it. Can't abide by it? Go somewhere else. That's one of the things they really appreciate about me. Consideration. PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Hey Mike,
After many years of loyalty to Red Wing, I came to the unavoidable conclusion that the quality wasn't what it used to be, certainly not enough to justify the price.
The local HyTest dealer (I think they are owned by Wolverine)keeps me in comfortable boots for about half the price of RedWing.
I'm sold on the composite safety toes. The steel is just too cold. The composite is well made, you don't even know it's there.
BTW, regarding the scare stories about steel toes -- given the amount of force it takes to crush a steel toe, if one were to not have them, what would lead a person to believe that there would be anything left worth removing from the boot?
I'm pretty sure the safety toes have saved my feet a few times.
Anyway, I'm with you -- less heel is better, less lug is better.
My favorite for sumer wear is the Bates (kinda like a combat boot w/ side zippers) modest lug, low heel, composite safety toe, might be some puncture protection there, too, I don't remember. It does track a little mud, but it's a real light boot, dries out really fast and holds up to everything.
http://www.workwearboots.com/index.cgi?page=catalog_detail&item=2230
For year round wear there's a HyTest with a composite toe, insulated, electrical and oil resistant, relatively smooth sole, very low heel, feels like slippers with a safety toe.
http://www.hytest.com/products/productgallery.asp
Both of these types seem to be holding up real well to mud, diesel fuel, abrasion, and general abuse.
I put Spenco padded insoles in and they are about as comfortable as workboots could be.
DRC
Rock climbing is where the Vibram sole originiated and it works well - there. Much better friction - and the absence of friction in rock climbing is often very painful, when you stop.
It looks manly and cool, so let's put it on eveything from sneakers to tea towels.
I find the flat bottom crepe sole works best in construction. You can scrape the mud off and don't get as much in the first place. The traction is just fine.
TBear
http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=3588
I think this is what he's talking about I love mine. They're about the only soles I have for work boots. Who Dares Wins.
even better than the dexter... no heel... that always catches the dog doo
thanks.. i'm looking at the redwing shoestore map nowMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thought I'd ring in b/c I have very picky feet. Old injury makes it hard to find something comfortable. I gave up on work boots and now I go to REI or similar outdoor outfitter and find the best fit I can. Hiking boots are pretty well engineered for support, super-lightweight, and ventilation, all pretty helpful on site. Most workboots are technologically sorry by comparison. But of course, a lid for every pot, a shoe for every foot.
Eli
It is interesting all the interest the footwear threads recieve. I'm in my work boots more than anythng else I wear on my feet so I want them to fit well. But every time I find a pair that meets my requirements the mfgs. seem to change them after a few years. I'm with Mike in that I want something that won't track in crud. I used to buy Carolina's, but they started making them off-shore and screwed up the fit. I have one of the new model, but I had to go up a half size, and they just don't fit as good as the old ones. So, now I wear three different boots.
Colombia insulated boots that have replaced my old LaCrosse pac boots. Fit great, warm. It's been below zero (not wind chill) here most of the week and my feet have been mostly warm.
A pair of Merrell hiking boots for other outdoor work, They fit and feel great like the Colombia's
The above mentioned Carolina's when I have to.
I wish the shoe industry would make a decent smooth-sole work boot for us remodeler/finish carpenter types
Sounds like same as mine - very shallow crisscross pattern, low heel, 7" uninsulated boot. Inside the tongue were the letters ANSI Z41 PT91, above MI75/C75.
Close as I could come to no tread soles with heel and steel toe.
Hope that helps. Rich.
I've got a pair of redwing boots with no lugs, more of a sneaker-ish bottom good at not collecting to much mud, slicker than snot on ice is the only problem. Cost around 90 bucks or so last year.
I have had the expensive boots like Cat and General and found they last me 2 years. Now I buy Terra at Walmart at a quarter the price but they last a year. Obviously everyone's feet are different but they work for me. Terra are Canadian made and they have a fabulous winter boot with liner and fibreglass toe and shank that is the warmest, lightest thing I've ever worn. I also have a pair of steel toed sneakers for roofs and indoor work.
I like Red Wing work boots. They seem to have a good reputation.
Just bought a new set 2 weeks ago. This time I decided to try the ones with the metatarsal guard. Here's a link:
http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=4488
Still trying to get 'em broke in. Anybody else use boots with the metatarsal guard?
I saw a bank that said if offered 24 Hour Banking but I didn't go in. I didn't have that much time.
I have several pairs. Last fall the owners of our local shoe store retired. They had a going out of business sale and started at fifty percent off on everything, by the time it was over, they were up to seventy five percent off, even their Redwings. So I'm stocked up for a long time.
Enough bragging. My main work boots are a pair of Redwings with the wedged sole. They are real comfortable. I work up to 36 hours straight sometimes and my feet are the one thing that never really bother me when I'm wearing them. And I have had plenty of foot problems in the past. They're worth spending the money on. Lacrosse make good comfortable boots to.
Who Dares Wins.
I stick by Redwings ...
even though as soon as I find a model I really like ...
they discontinue it and I gotta start all over.
Might just get my butt in gear and get a low pair to replace the old ...
I usually have both low over the ankle ... 6"?
and a low pair below the ankle...
Last time I was in there ... they were out of the new low hiking style I wanted to check out.
I'm not sure which soles I currently have ... that are lugged and have a heel ...
but the lugs are wide apart and not too deep ... same deal with the heel ..
So they're pretty self-cleaning as far as in and out of the house goes ...
Not Vibram deep lug at all.
I also have a pair of Rocky insulated for mostly all day work ..
And I have a pair of insulated/waterproof hunting boots for all day outside ...
I picked up a pair of Merrils after reading about them here ...
Nice for weekend wear ... but too much like sneakers for real work ... my feet and back get tired and sore .... I need real support for work ... they're too flexible.
I only buy steel toe for work ....
The Redwing hikers .. I believe ... come in steel toe too.
Even the Rocky's for cold weather are steel toe ... never understood that steel toe in the cold weather myth ... been wearing them all my life ... and Pgh get's kinda cold every now and then ... 4deg today.... maybe I got thick socks?
I have a touchy back .. won't say "bad" till I'm over 50.
I have to hit the chiro twice as much if I try to work in anything other than a good set of work boots ...
At $200+ a set ... they're not cheap ... but divide that out by the time spent in them ... cheap back insurance.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
my favorites are a pair of manolo blahnik's in black suede with about a 5" stiletto heel...
m
I have had Redwing, wolerine, H&H, Carolina. All good boots but right now my favorite are. Justin wookboot.
Redwings are real good but damn they are hard to break in. Real thick leather but good. the Justin are a soft leather so no breakin.
Danner! I'm a railroader and I'm on rough terrain all day. Swear by them.
Wolverine "Durashock" - great support with no break in. I work on steel all day and so far these are the best I've found
I like "Bog Boots" for working in the mud. Warm and comfrtable and they keep my feet nice and dry.
http://www.bogsfootwear.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
looks like they'd be great for clamming for quohaugs at low tideMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
They are great for clamming Mike, except for goeduck clams, you have to dig to China for those.
They are truly the most comfortable boot you will ever wear. Do give them a try."Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Around here we call those "Hog boots" instead of "Bog boots".
That's the kind that all the fashionable hog farmers are wearing.Q: What is the difference between men and pigs?A: Pigs don't turn into men when they drink.
Look like the classic English "Wellies" or the Sitka Sneakers favored in the South East (Alaska, that is.).
Might be a bit warm for sunny SoCal. Would they clash with my shorts or go with my tan?
TB
Don't think anyone has mentioned socks...almost as important in winter as the boots.
Best thing I've found so far is 75% - 85% lambswool with nylon and acrylic blend. They do an amazing job of wicking moisture away from your feet into the second pair...wool or cushion cotton...hence much warmer feet when working in a mixed environment like single digits outside and 40+ inside.
Found 'em at Sam's Club ~$11.00 for three pair. They are in dark colors so you can wear them to church too.
Birkenstock makes a hiker I wear on the site. Great for the trail as well. Great fit and feel for my foot. Expensive!! Although, you probably spend a lot for good tools don't you?
Seriously good tip. I won't even tell you what I just paid for warm socks, but I will say I may be paying a visit to Sam's Club.
Thanks!
DRC
Socks are critical -- No cotton in the wet and cold. Wool or wool and microfiber only. I'm thinking of looking into the HyTests, if I can find a local dealer.Andy Engel, The Former Accidental Moderator
Well how about that,a thread where the majority of the posters agree on buying American made goods.
I got pissed at the Redwing store on my last pair,so went with Chippewas this time.I can't wait for them to wear out,which they don't seem to be doing,because the mf's feel like they weigh 10 lbs. a piece.
ib... i bought some nice smooth sole chippewas at Workin-gear.... on sale..
$29 bucks.. i wore them for a week and gave them to the salvation army.. i could barely climb the stairs in them.. i've never had a pair of boots that weighed that much...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
those smooth sole boots I mentioned above were not redwings, they were/are wolverines speed lace the top 3 laces with eyes for the very top, which I don't use, 9-10in I believe.
just wanted to correct my earlier post to you.
I don;t even think Redwing uses vibram soles ....
They use ... "redwing soles".
Here's what's on the bottom of my feet most days ....
Lugs ... but like I said ... they don;t track and hold mud/snow like a vibram.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
that's a pretty cool pic ...
If I see that in any ad's ... I'm gonna sue!
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Dammmm son..you can walk on water.
With those BOATS.<G>
Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?
maybe I oughta take other pics ...
for the wife ...
I got small feet ... they did look big, huh?
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
10.5 here..but real skinny..the sides overlap..dems big on my laptop..gunna hafta fire up the 19'' monitor ...need a quarter or sumptin fer scale..LOL..
Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?
size 8 ...
the boots, that is.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
i'll see your 8's and raise you a 10 1/2..
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
are those the "Official Lion King" boots I've heard so much about?
Lion Tamer's ... that's what they're called, right?
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
As I believe I've mentioned in another post. I spent three hours trying on every boot in the store. Lots of RedWings and Wolverines and a few others of various brands (Carolina was one of them).
The boot I bought was a Wolverine:
http://www.wolverinebootsandshoes.com/catalog/detail.aspx?pid=7541&stid=
I was pretty sure it was the one when I got to it half way through, but I kept looking just in case.
My biggest complaint about steel toe is that the leather exterior of the toe gets beat up a lot quicker since there's no give beneath it.
I was surprised when the salesperson told me that the life expectancy for a work boot was one year...
I was wondering about my options if I took them home, put them on in the morning and realized I didn't want them, so I asked about return policies. She tells me the one year expectation....
Most comfortable shoe I've ever worn was a Carolina Comfort steel toe shoe. I probably didn't get much over a year out of them.
When I'm on the roof I wear some ten dollar slip ons.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
What store were ya in?
I know sears just started carrying a few models of Redwing ...
but as far as I know ... they only sell them in Redwing stores?
At least that's the way it is here ...
Go into the Redwing store ... and all they got is Redwings.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
"What store were ya in?"
A locally owned shoe/uniform store. Lots of Redwings and Wolverines...
Rich Beckman
Time to dump the federal Dept. of Education
you lookin for sox
Thorlo is the name might even have a pair for your bike boots = if not you'll choose to wear sox alone
I see your 10 1/2 and raise it to 11.
Jeez what's the matter with this picture it's 11:00 on a Saturday night and I'm posting pictures of my boots on the internet. View ImageWho Dares Wins.
Jeez what's the matter with this picture it's 11:00 on a Saturday night and I'm posting pictures of my boots on the internet. View Image
Really ...
buncha grown men ... big tough carpenters ...
shouldn't we all be looking at porn or something?
At the very least ... tools?
Instead we're boot shopping like a bunch of chicks!
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
"Instead we're boot shopping like a bunch of chicks!"
I feel shame.Who Dares Wins.
But these boots are tools...
TB
Make that a 12 and ya got a deal....
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Put up or shut up. Where's the pics?Who Dares Wins.
Sent 'em... They were priceless...
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
LMAO yea they were.Who Dares Wins.
Then there is this set that's better than priceless.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
I like the lioness best.Who Dares Wins.
You want the erasers to go with that???
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
ROAR! Yea you should have sent those to.Who Dares Wins.
I found the copy of The MSDS you wanted... Stand by....
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Got em. I just want to say one thing. View ImageWho Dares Wins.
I got the bid on the new job. Won't be till summer but the perk package is outstanding....
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Hubba da hubba da!Who Dares Wins.
dood...you're like the rich, super-duty electrician....
get some NEW BOOTS!
<
I like dressing down. It makes me feel like one of the people. :)Who Dares Wins.
Roger that. I wish I had sprung for all these high dollar socks years ago.
DRC
I've worn Knapp for many years and found them to be extremely comfortable. You have to be sure to get the ones with the laminated soles- soft in the middle and a little harder on the outside.
The local Knapp store just closed, so I thought I'd try Red Wings. I bought these and they fit my 13EE foot right out of the box!- Expensive though! $199.
http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=877
That looks very much like what I have in the closet, but $200! No wonder I have been off to Wal Mart in recent years. Which is probably while my feet are flatting.
TB
Been through them all and without question the best for me is Wolverines Durashock.
I slip into the Wolverines when I get home from work. There slippers are the best. "Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Since we had a cold snap this week I had to break out the winter boots. these guys will go through everything but it's got to be cold. Got them for seventy percent off.
http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=8588
Who Dares Wins.
Edited 1/31/2004 11:21:07 PM ET by Gunner
So what do you all use on your boots to protect and preserve. I've tried neatsfoot oil, lately a little armoral (sp?), not really satisfied with either.
I try to build up a protective layer of dirt.
Leave it there till they wear out.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
I have been using Snow Seal for decades. REI carries it. Used on mountaineering boots. Warm the clean boot in a 150 oven, then rub the wax in until it can't take anymore.
Even treated my Oxy leather bags with it and they shined up nice.
ToolBear
The wife took me to the Walking Company store where I stood upon their electronic mat and got a foot scan. Shows the pressure points of the feet. My feet come in two sizes, 13 & 14. Makes for fun shopping. The size 14 is the problem foot.
I selected a Lynco L400 footbed - sports cover, neutral heel, supports arch, heel to toe. After a week of wear in sneakers, work boots, etc., I can say that it seems to work for my feet. The arch pain is gone. Now, about that lower back pain. I suspect a lot of this come from poor foot support.
TB
Your feet are definatly the key to your back. What kind of boots were those? Got a link?Who Dares Wins.
Toolbear,
You know that's a great idea. I don't know how many times I've been to that store and never had the scan done. I ususally don't have any problems with my feet or my back (but I'm young and have lifted weights since I was 10), but I do have flat feet so it would be wise to get that done.
My father has a bad back and as long as he wears his inserts, he can walk all day. Thanks for the tip. Next time I'm in that store I'll get the scan done.
Not boots, but footbeds at (ouch) $60 the pair.
http://www.feetrelief.com/feetrelief/Lynco_L400.htm
Do a google on apex lynco L400 and you will get a lot of pages. Here is one.
I have worn them in my sneakers for a week on concrete and Wolverines on our town home project. My feet feel much better than the prior week.
Seems a lot cheaper than doctors and such. Good first stop. If these didn't work, I'd consider spending more $, but I don't have any. Have to support a tool a day habit.
TB
I've been wearing White's for the past 16+ years and they are a very good boot. They are expensive though.I am on concrete floors all day long and they give me the support and protection. I believe you can get a style that is insulated with a layer of wool.
I wear custom fitted Wesco's. Ver similar to Whites. $350 and worth it
I have some stunning red 6" CFMP's, but I feel I should go from boxers to briefs when I wear them ...
The High Desert Group LLC
If you do, you might have a shot at Janet Jackson's next half time show.
From what I saw, I suggest red or pink brief briefs.
TB