Work boot recommendations

[dparm]

I consider a pair of boots a tool so I figured I'd post this here. Mods, move it if you disagree.



Being promoted and that means I will spend some time overseeing a few people on our factory floor. Lots of big equipment, palletes, skid-steers, etc. Steel or kevlar toes are not required.

Was looking at a few of these boots. I'd like something that doesn't look too silly -- want to be able to just wear them with my regular outfit and not change into them at work. So basically a casual work boot.

A few I'm considering:

Red Wing Gentleman Traveler

LL Bean Katahadin Iron Works

Wolverine 1000 Mile

Timberland Earthkeeper



If anyone can help me out with what to look for, brands, etc, would appreciate it. We get a measly $50 stipend, but I will spend a lot if the boots are really comfy and durable.

 

[Steve S]

Well made boots are well worth the price . I have found the made in China boots are not the best choice . Said by my feet and the made in China boots fall apart better.

 

[bigmike]

Unless you're specifically looking for it, I'd skip on the high heel. Not only can it catch things while you walk (stairs, hoses, wires, pipes, etc) and make you off balance, but it might hurt your back in the long run. I think I'd lean towards finding something flatter.

If you're used to it, then no worries.

 

[dparm]

Not concerned with that. Our factory floor is concrete and I'm not climbing all over equipment. All of my dress shoes already have heels.

 

[jdog]

go redwings you cant tear them up

 

[lewdwig]

I'd recommend the Wolverine DuraShocks like these: http://www.wolverine.com/US/en-US/Produc...nt-6-inch-Boot. I'm on my third pair of DuraShocks.

Stay away from Iron Age boots. The company bought us Iron Age boots one year so everyone had composite toe boots. We got rid of them as fast as we could. I ended up wearing orthotics with mine; when I switched to DuraShocks my feet were better in two months.

 

[Jimmy9190]

+1 On the Wolverine boots. I love my old pair of Wolverine Multishocks that I got from Sears about 5 years ago. Best and most comfortable work boots I have ever worn.

 

[hardcore302]

've had two pairs of 5.11's. Very comfortable.

 

[bradepb]

I just got a pair of sears craftsman boots and they dont bother my toe that I broke several years ago,they are very comfy and my feet are particular,I walk on concrete most of the day,tried on most boots there in that price range and these were the best. on sale from 95 down to 75 couple weeks ago.

 

[LS2JSTS]

I have a pair of 1000 Milers. Keep in mind if you go with them, they will require some time to break in....longer than a typical rubber soled boot at least.

Now that I've had mine for a while, they are my favorite boot to wear. A little pricey, but Made in USA has it's cost.

That Red Wing boot you have linked looks nice as well, where is that made?

 

[dparm]

Made in USA as well.

The 1000 Milers have a nice look -- blend between casual and work. I'm sure they'll last a very long time.

Do they run narrow, wide, or true to size? My feet are a tad on the wide size.

 

[LS2JSTS]

I wear wide usually as well. I tried the D on for size and it was a bit snug for me, if you are "just" on the wide side, they may work for you.

I have the "Original" in EEE and I like the fit, but like I say, they did take a while to break in....3-4 months of use.

Not a boot to mail order imo, you want to try them on and walk in them a bit.

 

[pompadour]

those red wings look pretty nice. they would look better in black.

 

[bcossa2001]

+2 on the Wolverines. I have my 2nd pair of steel toed shoes and they beat the Red Wings for comfort 8 ways to Sunday. Very impressed with them...

 

[Herz]

Careful some wolverine models are chinese.

 

[babyjay8495]

I think the LL bean ones are worth looking at. With LL bean lifetime replacement policy hard to pass it up. If you have the ll bean card you get free shipping and return shipping if you don't like them. Worth a shot. I have a pair of red wings that i've worn for over a year and a half and look brand new.

 

[dparm]

Ended up with a pair of Timberlands for about $175. Seemed to be a reasonable boot for the money. Tried on the Wolverines and I really liked them...just can't bring myself to spend that kind of coin on a boot right now. Maybe down the road.

Thanks for the help, all!