Hello to all,
Looking for a good pair of work boots that will last and not kill my feet. Thinking about redwings but they seem a bit much.
Thanks in advance, Turtleboy
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Replies
some people love them ... some hate them. Guess all feet are different.
Me ... I swear by redwings. Not very expensive at all when I consider the time I spend in them. Plus ... my potentially bad back feels good at the end of a long day.
little over $200 is well worth each of those pennies.
What other tool do U use 5+ days a week for 40-50-60 or so hours?
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I second Redwings.
Tim
Another vote for the redwings here. Yes they are expensive but they outlast cheaper boots which in my book is a huge plus.
K-mart, 29$ Great for the$
Jeffysan
Asolo Fusion 95 Gore Tex hiking boots. Comfortable, supportive, light, waterproof, stylish, ...
Around $150 and worth it (unless you need steel toe). REI has them online. They feel like magic on my feet, even when they are worn out.
I've been through 3 pair, just recently switched to the equivalent Vasque, and kind of wished I'd stayed with Asolo. My only gripe is the sole wears out a bit fast.
When I was 15, a long time ago, I found a pair of boots in a goat house that was part of the cottage my parents bought. Even back then I knew that I wanted to get into the carpenter trade, so I dusted them off and slipped them on, and I have to tell you I was in heaven. The were Greb Kodiak with foam insulation and leather lined. Because they were worn for a little time they were already supple, but the leather lining was unforgettable. Do any of you remember the Greb's??
Most boots today have thinsulite or similar lining, and personally I find them to be garbage. The lining wears out before the exterior leather or the sole. We spend 12 hours a day in our boots and I would kill for a pair of leather lined boots. I have chked the net with no luck. If I can find a pair of leather lined work boots I would be forever in your debt.
When I wore out my first pair of red wings they relined the inside with leather and they were stiff I bought a second pair while the first were being reconditioned I am just now wearing those out. I will have to start breaking in the first pair. Do the RW reps recommend getting a smaller size than you normally wear to allow for breakin that was my salesman suggestion and I am having doubts about his advice but I will have to admit that in the last half of their life they are comfortable. I also use a gel insole to reduce shock on my feet.
Still when I get up in the morning my first 20 steps are extremely painful but then gradually goes away and if I wear tennis shoes or any other light shoes my feet are killing me by the end of the day.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
Do the RW reps recommend getting a smaller size than you normally wear to allow for breakin that was my salesman suggestion and I am having doubts about his advice
That was somebody used to selling cowboy boots, not Redwings. I've been in Redwings for the last 25 yrs. 20 steps? Nope, comfortable from the get-go.
A good Redwing salesperson won't ask you your size, will insist on measuring you and proceed accordingly. But stay away from Redwing Worx, made in China and decidedly inferior. A huge blemish on their reputation. Made that mistake once, no more.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Youi miss understood me I meant that when I get out of bed my first 20 steps barefoot are excruciating but the pain fades quickly.
The sales rep did measure my feet and described his shoes as being larger than the same size shoe in other manufacturers products. Have you noticed this or are you RW only for so long that you can't compare?
mode l8581 with thinsulate size 10
ANDYSZ2
I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
Edited 9/19/2005 11:23 pm ET by ANDYSZ2
Right. I thought you were having trouble with Redwings for that first 20 steps. Which is not to say everybody can get a fit. Old acquaintance here has a funny toe. Doesn't fit Redwings' idea of width. He can't find a brand with consistant, for him, sizing. He has to put them on to tell. No problem at all for me.
I buy my boots on ebay. Mostly Redwings, but I've also bought Browning, Dan Post, Lucchese, and Edmonds. All fit just fine, all the same size. Even the Chinese boots fit fine for the first few weeks. Unfortunately they seem to fall apart fast, whether sold by Redwing (Worx) or anybody else.
The only idea I have about your salesperson's thinking is that with proper width, the size perhaps changes. I wear a B width and would probably need a different size to get a crappy-at-best fit to tie a standard D on my feet. That's how I found Redwing in the first place.
Bought some hiking boots that really fit, for the first time ever. Used to plan minimum one day rest after getting to the fishing spot. Could barely hobble around the day after the hike in, due to knee pain. First trip in with Redwings, no knee pain! They fit. I was sold.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Andy,<!----><!----><!---->
I'm not a doctor (but I play one discussion forums...), but it sounds like you might have PlantarFacitis. Search it under Google and you'll find lots of hits. Basically your tendon connecting the heal and the ball of the foot develops small tears. High arches or flat feet can contribute to the problem. I had it and found the custom orthotics, stretching and Advil helped. I now wear my orthotics all the time. <!----><!---->
My boots are Chippewa. I find them very heavy and will look at redwings or Asolo in the future.<!----><!---->
Michael
Anybody ever try carolina or georgia boots?Big Macs - 99 cents
I just bought a pair of carolina's. They weren't cheap about $144 at the local army surplus store. They are comfortable so far, a little soreness at the end of the day, but hopefully they will break in. Time will tell.
Yep - never got them worn out, cause they felt like two boards tyed to my feet
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I just ordered my fourth pair of Mason #958 upland insulated, waterproof bootsmost comfortable boots I have ever worn. They have leather lining, soft and supple. Red wings last slightly longer, but Masons are slightly more comfortable. Google the online catalouge up
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Some Masons are Redwings. Just cost less. First pair of Western Work Wellington's I bought, I was very surprised to see the Redwing logo in the sole (752, not 753 ). Real nice for 100 bucks.
Did you hang up your Dealer Certificate they sent you? It said "Suitable for Framing".PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Dealer?
I'm just recommending...I wonder if the whole boot was Redwing, or if they just sold soles off
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I thought everybody who bought from Mason was a "dealer". Used to always have two price lists, of course you bought at the dealer price. Maybe they've changed their sales pitch and I didn't notice. Been getting their catalogs for at least 12 yrs now. Just looked, the current catalog only has one price.
Several yrs ago I had a rather large guy working here. I'd just bought a pair of Wellingtons from Mason for $90. Pointed out the Redwing logo. He didn't believe it, insisted on paying $130 at a coop. His thinking was that $90 boots might be OK for my 180 lbs, but at 250 he needed something more expensive. When we compared boots, we couldn't determine any difference.
What factory(ies) they came from I don't know. Sure looked to me like the companies had struck a marketing deal.
DW's a sales rep for several apparel and accessory companies. This sort of arrangement is common.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
I've been wearing Vasque SkyWalks (hiking boots) for 7 years now. The first pair lasted through two years of landscaping and three years of construction jobs before finally wearing out. Was doing a torch down roof a few summers ago and the soles got so hot they melted an peeled off...my toes also felt like they melted and peeled off but somehow they didn't...
The current pair of Vasque Skywalks I'm wearing have a small hole worn on the side from rubbing against concrete and shingles, but are in great shape otherwise. They are the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and are one piece of leather with a Gore-Tex sock sewn in, up to the ankle. It's pretty cool to stand in 6 inches of water and not get my feet wet (which is why I bought them originally for landscaping). I got hooked on them, I just wish they had a steel toe.
I remember now. I don't think they could compete with internet onlione sellers and there was no cost to become a "dealer" so anyone could get the cataloue. It has been several years since they did waway with the dual pricing in there
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks Piffin,
I will chk out the Mason #958.
PS we don't get Redwings here ..maybe I should start a dealership.
Out here (Wisconsin) lots of people use Work & Sport's. 'bout $80.00 for a pair with safety toes. They are made in the USA, Sold at Mill's Fleet Farm, and Blain's Farm and Fleet.
WSJ
Another vote for Redwings
Coming to you from beautiful Richmond, Va.
redwings are the best but are very hard to break in. Thats why I willnot but another pair. But I have never worn out a pair of redwing. I switch to Justin. softer leather.
I've had great success with Redwings. I have a pair that I only wear when it's raining hard outside. I paid quite a bit for them and want them to last. I think this winter will be the 3rd.
I recently bought a pair of Timberlands http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1838140&cp=1762199.1780841.1780825&parentPage=family and they lasted about 5 months. I replaced them with the same style from Duluth Trading http://www.duluthtrading.com/items/97785+009+M.asp
I can't believe how nice and comfortable they are. I compared them to the same style Redwing and they were cheaper, but seem just as well made. So far I love them. I've had great success with everything from Duluth.
If you want a cheaper alternative or a second pair for abuse, find an army surplus store and see what they have in stock. Bought a pair of infantry boots awhile back and wore them for everything. For the price they were well worth it.
Thanks to all for the help, I'll have to see if they have an outlet store where they might be cheaper.
Turtleboy
"Thanks to all for the help, I'll have to see if they have an outlet store where they might be cheaper."
Red Wing out let store in Branson MO.
Tim
My feet are built like that, too, &I'm female...think you have trouble getting footgear to fit?
Also, my left foot is 1/2 to 1 full size larger - so quite a few fillers for the right. For slippers, & even for "dress-up", I sometimes buy 2 pairs a size apart, & ditch the unwanted ones.
My solution has been to wear men's shoes, quite a lot. The metrosexual look is a great boon for me -
Etonic sneakers, Merrills, & I once had a pair of Viet Nam surplus 'Monson last' boots that I wore to shreds.
Best of luck!
Redwings for years but the last pair had
a poorly fitted tongue (didnt notice until
I had wore the boot awhile) and they
now have a inner slip in special rubber
insole that feels great but hey , what
happens when it wears out?
I d rather they upped the price than
cheaped 'em out.
Still like them though.....
I wor out two pairs of Redwings ($150)--good durability and comfort at a moderate price with moderate weight. Then, in my fire fighting days, four pairs of Whites--great comfort, great durability at a high price ($350) and even heavier than Redwings. When I first started doing quality carpentry in Colorado the various lightweight hiking boots were very popular so switched to a pair of Asolo 535 leather hikers for $150. I've since gone through 3 additional pairs and now have switched to essentially the same boot with some fabric in the uppers ($90 on sale at REI) to ventilate a bit in this summer's 100 degree heat. Heck, in a few years maybe I'll be wearing sneakers.
~D
I would recomend Blundstone work boots (from aussie). THey make a camadian boot that is CSA approved. they are very comfortable and very durable. Expect to pay around $160 us if they are available. They are a slip on 3/4 cut boot, easy to get on and off if you have a lot of going in and out of places to do. Available at a very limited number of places.
renoboy
Because I take a 4e shoe I'm limited in choices which has led me to Dunham/New Balance.
I now like sturdy hiker's, not boots. I finally realized boots and the limited movement tire my legs, particularly calves.
Sturdy looks like these;
http://www.brownsnewbalance.com/shoe-detail.asp?productid=6631BR
I have the following pair of Timberlands and love them ( love them way more than any of the other boots I have had, and that includes a couple of pair of Redwings): http://www.vanderbilts.com/item.php?iid=4950.
This style of Timberlands fit my feet great, I have tried other styles of Timberlands and just didnt like them. Here is what I liked about them:
1. COMFORTABLE: I were them all day, and keep them until I go to bed. I even wear them to walk the dogs. My feet just dont get sore in them. The toe box is a little bigger so you dont feel the steel toe.
2. SUPPORT: The sole is a bit wider than the leather uppers, this seems to give a bit more stability. The heel area is pretty stiff, which gives a lot of support to the ankles.
3. DURABILITY: My first pair lasted me ~2 - 2.5 years ( thats wearing them pretty much 7 days a week). Im on my second pair.
As I said, this exact model worked great for me. Id say its worth trying to find someone who carries this model ( try Tractor Supply if there's one near you).
-m2akita
I got a pair of brahma's.......Still aren't broke in to my feet, and the darm soles are almost worn out! Get you get what you pay for though....cost me like 40$
Should probly go with redwings next time
When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!
Redwings for me too......
RTC
Sheesh. All you guys with pointy feet. To be able to wear Justins or Redwings or most other boots, I would need to at least cut off my little toes (which family legend has it, was what my uncle did with an axe in the woodshed...) My feet are shaped almost exactly like Birkenstock sandals - unfortunately Birkenstock doesn't make a boot. My ideal boot would be a size 12 with ball of the foot a EEE and a B heel. Once upon a time they made boots like this before they went to the "regular" and "wide" widths only system. (I had one boot salesman suggest that I use adhesive tape to tape my little toe so that it fold underneath my other toes so that I could wear his boots - wouldn't that be comfortable for a day of carrying CMUs around...)
Just bought a pair of Keen low top boots that are the only boots I have seen with an ample toe box. Felt good in the store but haven't taken them out in the field yet. However, what I want are 8" boots (would settle for 6") but can't find any that fit. Anyone with any suggestions for those of us who need boots shaped like swim fins?
Not really important, but I have to comment because I'm laughing. I wish I could sit in front of you and say try it, it ain't so bad. My feet are also a little arfed up. My pinky toe pretty much naturally just has this roll to it. I've walked on the nail for years. And they're wider in the middle - collapsed arches. But overall, narrow. 14B. You know, I finally tried a pair of Redwings after hearing everyone and their dog talk them up here. I don't suspect I'll ever buy anything else."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Ive worn Justins for a while now, and i tried wolverines, and month later guess what im back to. Ive been really happy with justins, their steel toes have a pretty big toe box, that why Iwhere them, i also have some ugly feet, and tese are really comfortable.
Been wearing the Wolverine soft soles (roofing boot) since 1998. Lasted a year a pair when roofing full time. Now I wear them on commercial trim jobs and they last longer. Still have last year's pair I use for yard work. The softer sole feels good over concrete and they're insulated. Only better boots I've worn were the Dr. Marten's and Matterhorn's I wore in the Army.
An italian company named 'cofra' makes some nice boots. I'm currently on my fist pair. No funny hooks and buckle just octagon eyelets for the laces, soft leather, reinforced toe and heal. Incredible traction, a month later and I'm still leaving foot prints on the roof. Much Much lighter than any of my previous boots, So comfortable I actually like them better than my runners. Kevlar plate covering the sole and toe cap also kevlar so you don't freeze in the winter. Worth a look, not cheap though.
Mason's catalouge has comfortable boots in sizes up to tripleE and 4E wide
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Spending money on good footwear in this business is a priority investment for me, the longer my feet are comfortable the better and more efficiently I can work in my opinion. After 20+ years in Red Wings I don't see ever changing. I have high arches on size 13 EEE or H feet and Red Wings are the only type I've found that accommodate that combination. My Main two pairs of boots now (about 3 years into these) are the Red Wings models 2406 and 2408 with the Aztec Supersoles (similar to the soles on the Doc Martins my son wears) they are the best soles Red Wing has produced so far in my experience. I also have a pair of insulated Red Wings for extreme cold days and they have lasted about 5 winters now ( similar to the model 2426 but with a Vibram type sole) . I wore Red Wing model 953's for a long time until I dislocated a couple of toes under a pile of sliding plywood and decided to move to steel toes from then on. I think that a $150-200 pair of good comfortable boots that lasts 3+ years really pay for themselves in the long run.
Edited 9/13/2005 11:53 pm ET by WoodWolf
I to agree with most of the replies, footware is one of the most important investments you will make and use when it comes to tools. I have redwings and I also have had good luck with a "SEARS" diehard shoe that models the redwing. Only problem with the sears product is the leather is a tad thinner then the redwing and they don't have the removable insole, however the sole is more durable. Best all around..............redwings.
PLP
Good times, riches and Son of a _itches
I've seen more than I can recall.
J. Buffett
I've had several pair of Red Wings that have served me well. I seldom wear a pair out though before I have to retire them due to a couple of pins in my ankle. It seems that I tend to wear the right outside heel off which gives me discomfort in knees and back. I currently have a pair of Carhartt boots that are doing the job for now. Someday I'll bite the bullet and get a pair of Danner Foreman boots. I also have these Chippawa's on my list http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2940013/c/29292.html . I hate cheap boots, especially speed lace hooks that flaten out.
Saw
Irish setters with the wedged sole. I do a lot of walking on all types of surfaces and don't mind a bit.
What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Oscar Wilde./
Redwings model # 914 Uninsulated, gore tex, non lug sole. Get the glue on toe guards about 8$. I just got a free replacement pair from Red wing as my feet got wet. Wore that pair for approx. one year. No questions asked, took them back to dealer new pair in 4 days. Cost about $175.00, but worth every cent, I wear my boots 7 days a week, would'nt ever change.
You did say the word good.
That means Redwings or Masons, IMO
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
I like Chippawas, they seem to fit my feet better. About the same price range though.
Redwing, good for the bad back
RED WINGS No question. Irish Setters Go to a real shoe store or cobbler, he will give you a better price. About $185 . Im in them 27-7, not by choice.
Now a days If you're looking for comfortable pair then I will suggest timberland, keen, Danner, Reed wing brands boots. They are bit expensive but has worth of buying them.
And according to my knowledge these are the only best brands that are producing top work boots now. I came across this guide https://shoesknowledge.com/best-comfortable-work-boots/ and they have done a fantastic job.
They reviewed some top quality boots.
Now a days If you're looking for comfortable pair then I will suggest timberland, keen, Danner, Reed wing brands boots. They are bit expensive but has worth of buying them.
And according to my knowledge these are the only best brands that are producing top work boots now. I came across this guide and they have done a fantastic job.
They reviewed some top quality boots.