r/Boots Dec 08 '20

Discussion THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WORK BOOTS!!

Upvotes

Why do I call this the ULTIMATE guide? Because it involves YOU!

My old archived guide covered a lot, but I feel like I might have missed a few things. In this post, I added more info to my previous post made on Oct 19, 2019. If you read this and want to add more please do so!

I want this to be a reference that benefits the working class of the world! thanks!

  1. Don't buy cheap boots, even if they are on sale. Good budget boots should be $100 to $140. Great budget boots are $150 to around $190. Post $200 I feel the term"budget" doesn't really apply. Specialty boots like loggers, deep snow boots, ski boots etc are typically more expensive, but also can be in the budget range. If specialty boots are in the budget range you run the risk of buying pieces of crap. Don't buy walmart or target (etc) pieces of crap, they will destroy your feet.

  2. Don't buy leather outsoles if you work on concrete all day . Leather doesn't absorb stepping impact shock like Rubber soles do. Leather outsoles are okay for softer ground such as grass, forest, etc. If you work walking on concrete or any hard surface all day I suggest buying boots that have a crepe wedge outsole. Although this type of outsole is very shock absorbent, it does not last very long due to its softness. How long it last really depends on the abrasiveness of the surface you walk on and how you walk. A few companies like Keen have added a layer of durable rubber below the crepe sole to make it last longer, which helps it with longevity. There are also non-crepe sole technology options that are also great at absorbing shock. A few I suggest are: wolverine durashocks, Keens, carhartt, and Timbaland PRO, Chippewa (few don't have a name for their tech, but most come with it).

  3. Shock absorbing inserts are also a must if you walk on concrete or hard ground all day. DON'T BUY GEL INSERTS. I don't know why they even sell them, but all of them are pretty much a gimmick. Gel doesn't absorb shock, foam does. Right now my work boots are Wolverine I-90s that have a shock absorbing memory foam insert. It was okayish by itself, but I noticed I had some room still and decided I would stick another insert in for more support. I gone through trial and error and a bunch of research and finally concluded that layering shock absorbing material is the best method. My boots currently have three layers of shock absorbtion. The first being the outsole and the insole and another layer from this specific dr scholls insert. Why do I say specific? I found that these inserts were the thickest(in the heel area) out of all their products (excluding the custom ones) even the ones that were specified for heel pain. With these layers, I feel absolutely nothing after 8 hours of walking (well, including breaks duh) and after 12 negligible pain to sometimes nothing.

  4. If you find a boot that fits almost perfectly, but could use just a liiiiiitle more toe room, cut the insert that it came with just below where the toes start. If it still rubbing at a specific toe, I suggest toe condoms...I mean sleeves lol. Don't put them on all the toes because it will start to feel tight. Put it on one toe that gives you trouble the most (usually big or pinky).

  5. TALCUM/GOLDBOND POWDER IS A LIFESAVER. Friction and sweat are a bad combo so I use Goldbond Ultimate (the one with menthol) and it lasts me the whole day. Even if you don't have sweaty feet, still use it. What I do is put some in my sock then I close the top opening with my hand and just shake around so it gets all around the sock. It does stain your socks, but I have socks just reserved for work.

  6. There are different types of waterproofness for different work environments. If you are guarding against small to medium splashes and medium rain, buy the typical waterproof boots. But if you are working in a swamp, in mud or deep snow, I suggest neoprene boots, duck boots, some loggers, or dedicated snow boots. With those, you don't really need shock absorbing inserts (still could add them) because more than likely you will be walking on soft ground all day.

  7. Don't wear black or dark brown boots if you live in a hot area. Dark colors absorb heat more. Tan and lighter colors work best. Sure they look dirtier down the line, but its better at reflecting heat.

  8. If you work in environment where there is a likelihood of you slipping on ice, I highly suggest going to https://www.ratemytreads.com/ratings/ to look up any boots that have a good grip.Basically most of the boots that passed these ratings had and abrasive in the sole of the boot. For example, Wolverine teamed up with Vibram to provide boots with their "arctic grip" technology. Do be careful with these boots though and only wear them outside your house. You don't want to end up scratching your floor.

  9. Get boots with lots of stitching on the seams, 2 to 3 stitches per panel.

  10. Goodyear welt is not only good for re-soling, but for re-enforcement as well. Wolverine has a contour welt, which also works and Keen plus a few others have a 3/4 welt which also works (all equally imo). It adds more strength to the glue that meets the sole and the shoe. You don't really need a threaded welt, but it does make the boot last a bit longer. Another welt to consider is Norwegian welt,which offers the best in waterproofing, but usually are more expensive. Some boot brands have really good shoe glue that you don't really need a welt. Wolverine, Keen, Timbaland, Carhartt,Irish setter, Red Wings,Jim Green, Georgia, Carolina, Chippewa and Ariat have glues that last.

  11. Most workers don't reeeeally need steel toe, even if their jobs "require" it. I work in warehouse production, where the most heavy thing that will probably fall on your foot is a pallet from 4 feet, yet they want steel toe. The forklift drivers have barrier lights that shine on the floor that you can't cross so you won't get in the way of the fork lift tires. A lot of boot enthusiasts do a forklift test to rate the effectiveness of the toe, but if your foot goes under a forklift its not your toes that you have to worry about, its the whole foot (and leg). I would recommend steel toe in a few jobs, like logging, heavy machinery mechanic, brick layer, pipe layer, welding or any business where you lift 80 to 100 lbs constantly. Carbon fiber also works too in these situations, since its great at impact absorption. Aluminum and composites are great for warehouses, most field work, landscaping, electricians, etc. They also great if you are working in hot or cold ground since they don't conduct heat or cold from the surrounding environment.

  12. If you want more foot protection, MET (metatarsal) gaurds are quite handy (or footy?). There are both external and internal. Usually loggers, brick layers, pipe fitters, welders, and furniture movers wear them since they have more of a chance of something slipping from their hands and falling on their foot and not just on their toes.

  13. Another environmental hazard to look out for is sharp objects/nails. If you work in construction, you will more than likely have to follow a safety requirement for your boots.

  14. Don't buy new boots just because they are starting to look real ugly. If they still haven't lost their waterproof-ness, sole grip, or sole isn't coming off/eroding away then they still work. Don't buy boots for looks either, buy them for work. Make sure they are as comfortable as slippers, because at the end of the day, you don't want to be hurtin. As some dude told me way back: "good boots+good bed=good life.

Here I will highlight some good workboot brands split into three budgets. I will also mention what work environments they usually cater to.

GOOD to GREAT BUDGET BOOTS ($100-200) (sometimes around close to $100 if you get them on sale)

  • Wolverine (I am a wolverine fan man lol) (warehouse, construction, farm, pipe fitters, some have vibrams anti-slip ice tech)
  • Keen (warehouse work, construction, hiking, medium heavy duty work)
  • Carhartt (warehouse work, construction, hiking, light heavy duty work)
  • Ariat (farm, warehouse, construction, hiking, oil, snow, loggers, heavy duty work)
  • Carolina (warehouse, construction, oil, loggers, hunting,military? medium heavy duty work)
  • Thorogoods (warehouse, construction,loggers,hunting, medium heavy duty work)
  • Georgia (warehouse, construction, light heavy duty work)
  • Timberland PRO (warehouse, construction, light duty work)
  • Chippewa (construction, loggers, oil, medium heavy duty work)
  • Redwings (not the heritage line)(warehouse, Farm, hiking,construction, oil, medium heavy duty work)
  • Irish setter (same as redwings)
  • Danner (construction, warehouse, logger, hiking, oil, military, medium to heavy duty work)
  • Corcoran (mostly a military boot, but can take medium heavy duty work)
  • Jim(my) Green (construction, warehouse, hiking, medium heavy duty work)

Next list I will dedicate to those boot brands that you pretty much get what you pay for when it comes to their expensive price. These boots are expensive, yes, but they can last your for years/decades (depending). they are not entirely indestructible, but like really close lol

  • Whites, Wesco,JK Boots and Nicks are kind of all tied for first. All four mostly cater to loggers up in the Pacific NorthWest. They do custom foot fittings as well and they could go for up to $900 bucks. They also do pretty durable casual wear boots that are similarly constructed.
  • Danner also makes pretty decent heavy duty boots usually around the $300 to $400 range. not nearly as indestructible as the first three, but good enough.
  • Redwing also makes some pretty heavy duty work boots from the $250 to $300 range, but most of their all leather construction (or mostly) is aimed at casual wear/hiking to light to medium heavy duty work.

edit:2/22/21 * I would like to add the European brand HAIX to this tier because they are a dedicated foot brand for first responders (firefighters, police, EMT) They are a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. They even have a resole service on some of their boots!

*edit:3/07/21: added JK boots to the list of high end boots.

I would also like to point out that there are some dedicated snow boots (for snowboarding, skiing, etc) that are in this price range, but I don't know much about them or which brands to recommend. I live in a place where it never snows so I wouldn't be of much help there lol.

Again, if anybody has anything to add please feel free to do so in the comments. Much thanks!

-Sirmandudeguy

Edit: I added thorogoods because I completely forgot about them. Jim Greens is a new commer from south africa. Pretty great boot for a great price. Will keep adding more eventually as I keep learning about other brands.


r/Boots 2h ago

Flaunt Wolverine 1000 mile boots after 15 years

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

I purchased these Wolverine brand "1,000 Mile" boots in 2011 for about $350 US. I wore them almost daily during cooler months for a few years, and have worn them about 1x/week for the past decade. They've been resoled 2 or 3 times, and are probably due to be resoled again. I treat them with Doc Martens wonder balsam, never with dyed shoe polish (though a cobbler may have done so during resoling).

Overall I'm happy with them. The leather is soft and they remain comfortable. ✌️


r/Boots 2h ago

Discussion Just received

Post image
Upvotes

So just received my Galway 3s which ive been thinking over for the past few weeks. Over the moon with them, absolutely beautiful boots. Pictured near the pair of Eskdale 2s i bought used to try and tempt me off purchasing the Galways.... didnt work 😂


r/Boots 3h ago

Discussion Choose

Post image
Upvotes

If you’re on this site you may have a plethora of quality boots. You pick the scenario, zombie apocalypse bug out or rich relative last minute trip around the world and you have to pack light. Either scenario, you only get one pair of daily wear everything boots for a year. Choose….

Me? Truman JWF


r/Boots 9m ago

Discussion Black Lug boot recommendations?

Post image
Upvotes

Im looking for a good black winter boot, here are the specs I would want:

8+ inch height
Lug sole
• Wide widths
Lace up
• Below $400
No steel toe or cap toe

Although they won’t be used for hard work or anything like that, I want something that will last me a long time! (Also I don’t want Jim Green because the stock boots are not quite what I’m looking for and I don’t like the wait or lack of communication with their custom boots; I already have some customs I’m waiting on lol)


r/Boots 1h ago

Question/Help Combat work boots question

Upvotes

Howdy, everyone. So, I currently work as a landscaper, and want a really good pair of combat boots to replace my Justin's.

I have a pair of Wideway jungle boots and I like em, but they were $40 and I worry that im gonna get what I paid for. Any advice on a solid combat boot?

I had desert boots but I tore the toe up with a wood spike while cutting wood...


r/Boots 23h ago

Flaunt Native American Traditional Dance Boots

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

r/Boots 8h ago

Flaunt Alden Indy’s in dark brown rough out

Post image
Upvotes

Love these. A year old now - first outing of the season.


r/Boots 19h ago

Flaunt Nicks Handmade Boots Italian Brown Cypress leather on the Ivan boot

Post image
Upvotes

This Horween leather loves the sun


r/Boots 18h ago

Question/Help Did this with my laces. Does it actually do anything to make it not “bite” into the top of my foot?

Post image
Upvotes

r/Boots 3h ago

Question/Help Yohji cherevichkiotvichki Boots

Thumbnail gallery
Upvotes

r/Boots 3h ago

Flaunt Boot Deal Of The Day

Upvotes

How’s this. My daughter was at the Goodwill looking for collectible books (not a bad source if you know what you’re looking for). She picked up a pair of tall, zippered, suede, womens’ boots in dang-near-perfect condition. I gave them a quick brushing and they look new, from soles to uppers. Brand is “La Canadienne” and they are made in Canada of all places. Turns out, this is a known brand of womens’ boots and this model is found at $650 at higher-end retailers. She paid . . . $3.


r/Boots 1d ago

Flaunt Barefoot Shoes are so ugly guys

Post image
Upvotes

r/Boots 10h ago

Question/Help Recommendation for boots

Upvotes

What would be the best (in your opinion) pair/brand for a welder in a copper mine in Arizona. Square toe preferred cause i like the extra toe room. Waterproof and steel/alloy/composite toe required. Cost is not an issue, just looking for the best. Although some $600 and under options wouldn’t be terrible either


r/Boots 5h ago

Question/Help Need Help Choosing My First Pair of Boots

Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy my first pair of black boots and I'm stuck between these two:

  1. Allen Cooper Men Black Solid Leather High-Top Flat Boots – ₹1,790 +(300/- off on Myntra)
  2. Red Tape Men Round Toe Biker Boots – ₹2,298 +(300/- off on Myntra)

Both are size 7. I'm mainly looking for good build quality, comfort, durability, and something

versatile enough to wear with jeans/cargos and casual outfits.

Has anyone owned either of these brands/models?

also recommend other if any in this price range....


r/Boots 12h ago

Question/Help What is the recommended lacing pattern for this? The double holes are confusing me.

Post image
Upvotes

r/Boots 1d ago

Boot review I took some Meermin fashion boots hiking for some reason

Post image
Upvotes

Had a trip to Iceland, and didn’t have any actual hiking boots or the budget to buy nice ones so I figured I’d use what I did have: Meermin black waxy calf boots that I’ve left mostly untouched for a year now.

I covered them in as much otterwax boot wax as I could, slipped on some heavy wool socks, and it turned out… actually okay!

A few things; these have the hidden tread on the bottom, the gusset lip and what may be a stormwelt? (I’m not an expert so if it isn’t whoops!) so I figured it might just work.

They were actually pretty comfortable for both city and outdoor wear, water RESISTANT, and had enough grip for casual hiking up and down some trails, even in rainy conditions. I strolled through some streams and waterfalls perfectly dry but will admit that standing in a lake I felt water come through at the side somewhere.

Would I recommend this? Probably not, since if you like boots and hiking you already have a much more suited pair, and if you’re buying Meermin’s more fashion-y boots it’s probably not for their ability to climb mountains.

But hey it works! If I keep hiking more I’ll look for some actual mid-range leather hiking boots


r/Boots 7h ago

Flaunt Clean & Classic - Knee High Tan Leather Boots. Minimal branding, maximum leather. Would you wear these?

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

Made these tall riding boots in cognac full-grain calf leather. Handmade in our small workshop.

Side zip, leather lining and low block heel. Trying to keep the design clean and classic.

This pair is a UK 8 but we generally make from UK 6 to UK 14 on request.

Open to feedback on the pattern and finishing.


r/Boots 7h ago

Question/Help New boots question?

Thumbnail
Upvotes

r/Boots 7h ago

Question/Help Size 2 UK or EU 35 Safety Boots Recommendation

Upvotes

Hi all!

I am a gardener with tiny feet - Size 2 UK/EU 35 - and my work has given up on looking for boots for me.

They will pay £70 and I have to meet the difference if necessary. I believe they will do this once a year.

Boots that fit me are Size 2 Blundstones and Size 2 V12.

The V12 safety boots they provided me have fallen apart in a few months - they lost their waterproofing in a month. It could be that they are old as the EN ISO number says 2011 but please correct me if I am wrong.

They have to comply with the EN ISO number.

I am not fussy but if possible, ones without laces are preferable.

I am struggling to find a pair and would like some recommendations!


r/Boots 17h ago

Flaunt Vintage Packer find, first steps into Whites boots!

Thumbnail gallery
Upvotes

r/Boots 2h ago

Question/Help Timberland real or fake

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

r/Boots 11h ago

Question/Help Blundstones Died, need a comfortable next pair

Upvotes

My Blundstones went to the great cobbler in the sky. Looking for recommendations for a comfortable pair of boots for less than $350. I am down for a break in period, but would prefer if it was short.

I like chelsea boots and lace ups 6in or less in height. I wear custom orthotic inserts, so don’t like much of a heel. Want to wear them casually and to business casual workplace.

One thing to note: I’ve got small feet. Quite a few brands don’t come in my size and my feet are too wide for women’s.

Size: US 6, UK 5, EU 38

Thanks!


r/Boots 5h ago

Question/Help Help!!!!

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

This seller on Vinted is selling these boots and I purchased them but the seller hasn’t been seen online for ten months and I’m pretty sure the sale is going to cancel, but these are my dream boots!! Can anyone tell me what brand they are or basically anything to help me find them elsewhere??


r/Boots 23h ago

Flaunt My Red Wing Iron Ranger

Thumbnail gallery
Upvotes