Ok, for some reason none of my posts are showing up here, so…
I’m looking to buy a new pair of work boots since mine are well worn. I would like some suggestions of comfortable to stand in all, insulated, great traction, and oh yeah comfortable.
Thanks,
Barney
Learn more about the pros and cons of single-room ERVs.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I like justin, but 99% of through here wear Redwing so give it up early
Ha ha, that is funny I just bragged to a guy the other day and told him about my great new Red Wings, his reply "Red Wings suck, Justin are better".
Moral: Just get boots that fit well, and dont tell anyone, they feel compelled to teach you about the merits of their choice.
But Rockys are better still.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Ok, I'll conceed that I've never worn Rockies so I can't compare. Curious if you've ever tried Ariats? I'll certainly conceed that you've probably logged a few more miles in your work boots than I have. I'll give the Rockies a look see next time around.Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
I like outfitter boots they are based out of Watertown South Dakota they design and out source the manufacturing at the carolina boots factory and get yourself a set of aeroglide 7 insoles like walkin on air!!! Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
Read many opinions.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=33942.1
Jon Blakemore
Just bought a pair 10 days ago. I tried on every decent pair in the store, I don't care what the brand or what they cost as long as they feel good, lace up, have a steel toe and shank and a padded tounge.
"Your feet are your bread and butter", my Grandad used to say.
This time I settled on a kelvar toe instead of steel, I think the heel has kelvar too and the shank is steel, the boot is a little bulky but they are light. Got a rubber toe guard this time cause I always wear out the toe first.
So far so good, no blisters. Probably another week before I get them broke in.
Thats the difference, you break in a good pair of boots, and a cheap pair of boots break "you" in... ;)
Turtleneck
that steel toe must be a union thing. cold steel around my toes in winter i dont think so. mistakes dont happen around me cause i surround myself with pros and idiots go bye bye without getting permission from a stewy. knock on wood
Danner.
"that steel toe must be a union thing. cold steel around my toes in winter i dont think so. mistakes dont happen around me cause i surround myself with pros and idiots go bye bye without getting permission from a stewy. knock on wood"
If you read my post ....my new boots have a Kelvar toe, steel shank, Kelvar heel and rubber capped toe. They are not dancing shoes. They are not sneakers. They are a work boot.
Some 20 yrs ago I used to work as a Union Carpenter, I learned alot, from some of the most highly skilled Tradesmen I have ever met. Sure, I've worked with some excellent Carpenters since...but never so many in one place.
Steel toe is not a Union thing, it's a Smart thing.
Turtleneck
Vasque hiking boots fit best for me. Sometimes Rocky's but they are heavy and bulky anymore, not light like they used to be, those with that two tone sole years ago.
Ariat's are way too narrow for me, just sent some back today, sad to say, as they were very nice.
Intrigued by the Danner's, will try them some day.
No steel toes around horses. That is the best way to get toes amputated if stepped on.
Not many work shoes to choose from for women.:-(
I was just today thinking about those leather Redwings I've been wearing all these years. I bet with all the synthetics available today they make work shoes that are more weather resistant, lighter and every bit as comfortable as leather.
How about it? Any of you hikers or avid outdoor types got any suggestions besides leather?
I'd certainly be willing to take a look. I like the feel of leather okay, but can't help but think there has to be a better way, by now.
Steel toe is not a Union thing, it's a Smart thing.
Steel toes aren't the smart thing, NOT dropping heavy chit on your feet is the smart thing!!!
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
I won't do a hard sell but I sure wouldn't set your mind on anything until you've tried on a pair of Ariats. I've owned several brands from the cheapest of cheap on up to Red Wings. My present pair of Ariats are far and away my all time favorites by a wide margine. As an added bonus, they retailed for less than the Red Wings I initially went into the store where I found them to buy.
Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
redwings
I personally have a pair of Timberland steel-toe "Pro" Series boots, and they are by far the best work boots (or boots period) I've owned. I got the recommendation from a fellow carpenter (who just bought his second pair, BTW). My buddy also bought a pair recently and likes his also. I paid about 85 bucks for my pair...they are available from Duluth Trading online.
Jason Pharez Construction
Mobile, Alabama
General Carpentry, Home Repairs, and Remodeling
When quality is your only consideration
to show how different everyone's feet are ...
just about 2 weeks ago those same great looking Timberland Pro boots I'd seen in Duluth were on sale at a local store ... I made a point of leaving work early one day to go steal them at that price ...
They even had my size ... got all excited .... till I put them on.
They hurt my feet just standing in the store.
Man I was pissed ... great looking name brand boots at rock bottom pricing.
Laced the redwings back up and left empty footed ....
I have a pair of insulated Rocky's for outsied/winter work. Pretty good boots ... fairly water resistant and pretty warm. All my redwings have been uninsulated/6" so I can't compare them.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I have also found Timberlands to be too narrow and uncompfortable. I think they focus too much on fashion footware anyway.
Thanks for the info. I just bought a new pair of the Timberland Pro 6" Pit Bosses last night. They feel great. I'll just have to wear them everyday to break them in now. LOL!
I have really bad knees because of medication I have to take daily. Its really done a number on my knees over the years.
Thanks again,
Barney
"I'll just have to wear them everyday to break them in now. " Actually you'll get longer life by wearing another pair of boots every other day. It gives the boots a chance to dry out.
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.
Barney,
I swear by wolverines, worn out 3 pair and working on the 4th.
Everybody's feet are different, try on the favorites here on BT and see which ones fit YOUR feet.
SamT
Timberland PRO Rock Rambler Steel Toe # 44020 is what I wear along with a lot of others at the plant. It's OSHA required PPE. I bought the shoes a 1/2 size longer and for the first time don't have the steel shield hurting my toes. To each their own.
How do they feel standing on your feet all day?
So far so good, for a year. The sole is kinda molded to support your foot. I put a gel pad in the right one in as much as I have a leg slightly shorter thanks to a 10th grade football injury. Broke both bones. Anywho, that's my experience and they're not too expensive. I'm happy."I am not young enough to know everything."
- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I have already called a place near me to reserve a pair to try on this Saturday.
Thanks,
Barney
My steel toed Redwings are great in the summer but suck in the winter.they really messed with me toesies.
My high top Keds rock....
My Rockies rule
and my clogs are da bomb after work
Be well
andy
My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
i vote for the redwings too allthough i also wear hiking boots (3/4 golashes all winter) but ive found the real kicker was the 3/4 length insole from birkenstock they made 14 to 18 hour days on concrete floors no problem about $45 but well worth the cost the only thing is you have to commit from day one as they raise your heel a bit so your boots feel wrong without them
noah
IMHO, I wouldn't want a steel toe. It is supposed to protect your toe when something heavy falls on it. But if it can't support the weight, it folds, and doesn't bounce back. Not good.
I would look at other options for the protective aspect.
I would also buy based on four items:
-Appropriate protection (Toes and stepped on nails)
-Warmth
-Waterproof
-Comfort
Not sure which brand will yeild the best results for your feet, but if you get the above features, you should be happy.
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
I hear that steel toes are dangerous arguement a lot, is there any real proof of it or is it just an imaginary thing. I have to admit it does sound pretty gruesome to have your toes pinched into a steel cap and slowly crushed off. It sounds like it could happen but id bet they stop far more injuries than they create. Anybody have any firsthand experience with the steel toe decapitation theory? By the way I have been wearing rockports for the last couple of years and they are great for my wide feet. They are non steel toe but I was so used to wolverine steel toe that i sometimes drop boards on my toes purposely to cushion their fall and realize that I dont wear steel toes anymore. My biggest problem is it is hard to find a sole that stays clean enough to walk in houses with.
I have also been curious about the pros and cons of steel toes. My problem is that I have not been able to find steel toed boots that are wide enough in the toe box (I just read an article that said that 20% of people studied could not get shoes that fit because of similar problems). The only study I found on steel toes in a quick web search was a Canadian study of firefighters that seemed to indicate a positive benefit for steel toed boots (not terribly exciting reading...):
http://fire.feric.ca/36092001/FootwearAdvantageReport.pdf
If you get off on seeing mangled toes, you might want to check out:
http://www.safteng.net/Accident%20Photos/Foot%20&%20Toe%20Injury%20Page.htm
Oh, and I vote for Danner. The Danner's were reportedly the footwear of choice for special forces and others in Iraq (I own a custom made pair of Danner boots, not the ones on the page listed here):
http://www.danner.com/categories.asp?catid=12
I wondered when someone would recommend Danner. I have a pair of light weight hiking style Danners that have been comfortable. The grip well and are the stickiest shoes or boots I've worn when I'm sheathing a roof.
Around here (Seattle area), Danners are the boot of choice.
I have Redwings that I like too and are waterproof so I only wear them when it's raining.
I've got a pair of Georgia Boots that I love. They have a very low heel and smoother sole (as opposed to a lug sole) than most other work boots I've worn. This makes the boot very comfortable (the low heel) also provides more surface area in contact with whatever you are standing on. These boots are the bomb for sheathing roofs...stick like glue. Also, the less aggressive sole is great for not tracking clumps of mud everywhere I go. They've made it about six months now and are still going strong, six months is usually about as long as I get out of boots. The sole does make them a little slippery on wet grass and in mud, so they're pretty much fair weather boots (although very waterproof)
I usually buy boots around $80 to $100. I bought one real expensive pair a few years ago....they were Chippewa's and were a little over $200. Those boots almost killed me. Took about two months, no joke, to break 'em in. By the time they were comfortable I had begun to wear through the toes. Gave up on the big money boots. Starting to consider a pair of Red Wings now after hearing so much good stuff about 'em.
Had a pair of Danners once when I was in the Marines. Our Colonel bought them for my platoon as a going away gift on our way to Norway (don't ask). Those were great boots. The uppers lasted through 3 pair of Vibram soles. Would get 'em again if I found the same pair somewhere.
Hey dieselpig, why were you going to Norway?
HA! There's always gotta be one in the crowd.
Jim, to tell you the honest truth, I still don't have any idea why we were there. I was technically in an ECC (Extreme Cold Climate) Unit, however, most of the time we were stationed at 29Palms, CA...the Mojave desert. They told us about a week ahead of time that we would be shipping out on a drill to Norway. We went there and set up (I was a 2531 field radio operator), called in a bunch of live fire to the flyboys and went home two weeks later. Strangest thing. I tend to think it had something to do with the USSR, but at the time Gulf War I had just ended...so who knows.
A long time ago a freind got his foot in the way of a very heavy peice of metal. Much pain, even after the metals removal. The reason? Crumpled steel toes.
On one hand, he was saved by the steel, but getting his mildly injured toes out was a bit dicey.
Idealy, I would want something that had the same strength as steel, but was more able to spring back. Carbon/kevlar? Maybe that would be too brittle. Any material experts out there?
(Maybe it's like the old seat belt arguement. People don't want to wear them for fear of being "trapped" and burned to death. That arguemnt fails due to statistics, of course, but also because you need to be capable of removing yourself from a burning car after the impact! Doubtful that you would be capable of anything after a hard crash without seatbelts!)
I like the idea, but just think the application needs improvement.Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
My only real negative experience with steel toes came when I didn't have them on. After I Got used to the sledge hammer on the end of my foot I started using it for a tool. I was Used to being able to kick hard on a tacked down wall to align it on layout. Wore tennis shoes one day and broke my middle toe.
You dont have to say it. I know it was stupid! :)
the tips of my steel toed Redwings are broken leather from kicking studs in place.My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
How do you recognize a trimmer. . . holes in the knees.
How do you recognize a framer. . . holes in the toes.
How do you recognize a plumber. . . holes in the head. (Navy joke.)
How do you recognize an electrician. . . holes in the pliers.
How do you recognize a woman. . . holes...never mind.
SamT
precious!!!!!!!!!! Way cool!
Be well
andyMy life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
One more -
How to recognize a hack?
holes in his heels - he's always kicking back and taking extra long breaks.
Excellence is its own reward!
I like the Red Wings with the double layer of leather on the toe. Smooth sole so they don't track too much into the house and very comfortable.
You mentioned insulated - when working outside in the cold I like my Rockies. Real high boot. Heavy lugged sole. Leather and nylon constuction. Gore Tex liner with thinsulate insulation. Best I ever wore for outdoor work in the Minnesota winter.
For sitting around outside Sorels are nice, but too bulky and hot for working in.
That might be Style# 982 ........... got 2 pair, one of which is on the second sole. The extra leather on the toe works well. It provides some protection and your toes don't freeze like they do with steel toes.
I can't spend much, but I just get Mack boots from Target. They are $30 or so, and I just put in better laces. I have a pair that I still wear well over a year later. I had to put sole inserts in ($10), but I think that was worth the price.
In my scan of the replies, I am surprised no one mentioned Caroline. I love my Grizzly 8510's http://www.workbootsonline.com/catalog/item/450332/147655.htm
Someone mentioned Vasque hiking boots... I agree that hiking boots can be a great option but expect you would pay too much for a boot optimized for an alternative use. I also have a couple pair of Vasques (a size 8 that is too small for me if you're interested) and they are incredibly comfortable.