I've worked on my feet in mfg for 20 yrs. Swore by my Red Wings. Then they went to the 'poured' sole, non-resoleable outside the factory. They now cause me continuous pain; feet, ankles, knees & hips. Tried Justin lacers, they did real well, but I like wellingtons. Tried some Justin wellingtons. first pair the heel collapsed and wore away in 6 months. Justin warranteed them, and the 2nd pair did the same thing. I had like the lacers so much, I tried yet another pair in a slightly different style; same rapid wear to the point of causing pain in 6 months. Tried wolverines, also painful. Now have a set of lace up Zcoil steel toes. Ugliest boots I ever saw. Pain is gone and they have yet to show any wear on the outsole. Only complaint I have is that they do not provide decent traction on snow or ice. My pain level was starting to make me wonder how I was going to support my family, these zcoils have made a HUGE difference, I don't care what they look like or what they cost ($300) and they are 100% made in USA.
dave