Work Boots

[skb12172]

Keep wearing the Wally World versions, but invest in a decent set of inserts, such as Dr. Scholl's. It makes a huge difference.

[Steamforger]

Keep wearing the Wally World versions, but invest in a decent set of inserts, such as Dr. Scholl's. It makes a huge difference.

Brahmas can qualify as torturous devices in some states. Seriously, little better than walking around with bricks tied to your feet.

[Cobar]

Keep wearing the Wally World versions, but invest in a decent set of inserts, such as Dr. Scholl's. It makes a huge difference.

Brahmas can qualify as torturous devices in some states. Seriously, little better than walking around with bricks tied to your feet.

Been doing that for too long. That is why I am looking for something better. I am willing to pay more for comfort, but I really do not want to spend tons on something that should last for years then cut up the leather long before they are worn out.

Like I said the redwings are cheaper than I remember, but the made in china may explain that. It is nice to know that the axles I work on beat the foreign manufacturers on price. Would be nice to see american boots beating foreign manufacturers.

[rightisright]

Bates Lites. I've buy one pair a year. The old pair becomes hunting boots, the two-year old pair goes in the trash.

I bought a pair of Bates Lites for warm weather wear. They are as comfortable as a good pair of running shoes.

[evan price]

Plus one for the Red Wings. I like a mid height. They used to have a black upper with a Goodyear Aquatread pattern sole, with fiberglass toe caps and soles sold as electrician's boots. They were a lot better at not freezing your feet in cold weather and lighter to boot. They were strong enough that they did what I needed- some would point out that if I dropped a heavy enough item the fiberglass would split, but I also pointed out I'd seen a lot of steel caps that the back, open side would crush down on your foot.
I have had problems with the leather toe caps wearing through so I buy a set of toe protectors now for steel toed boots. Make sure you get the leather good and clean and scuff it up, then epoxy the toe protectors on there and let them sit overnight. Went from getting 9 months out of a pair of boots to splitting the sole before the toes wore through. I used to kneel down all day to work on electrical panels on machinery in factories and I ate through the knees of my pants and the toes of my boots.

Wolverines, Red Wings, Iron Age, whatever floats your boat, but spend the money on some GOOD work boots that fit you properly, maybe throw in some gel insoles, and your whole body will thank you. I may be a tightwad on a lot of things but going cheap on shoes only hurts you in the end.

I've got a pair of 1229 Red Wings, not steel toed, but Goretex lined, which are probably the best cold weather outdoor work boots I've owned.

[Cobar]

I am still trying to make myself make the trip to get some redwings. I have some Carhartt boots that fit like a glove, but are not safety toes. So I know the advantage of a good pair of boots. I just look at the toes of the pair I have now and wonder if a good set will just get destroyed. Good leather should hold up much better though. Does anyone have experience with those protective caps on some of the redwing models, like the LINK