Dumb Feet Smart Boots

[SLOBuds]

There was a good thread in January about boots. If you don't mind I would like to ask a more targeted question. I am looking for new comfortable boots.

My feet are wide, with a high arch, and picky toes. Many of the 'wide' boots are not wide enough. And the toe box of the boot needs to be squared off so my darn toes don't complain. The high arch I can take care of with inserts.

Does anyone have similar needs and found something comfortable and lasting?

Most of my shoes aren't quite right. They are either too flimsy for field work (and comfortable!). Or they are sturdy but the wrong width or such and leave me cripple by the end of day.

Let me know if you've had success with a similar foot.

 

[podagrower]

I don't know if you are looking for cowboy or work boots, but for work boots, I have had good experience with Timberland boots. My feet are a little on the wide side, and have never felt comfortable in steel toes. The most recent pair of Timberlands I bought have a composite (plastic?) steel toe. They weigh no more than your average boot without steel toe, and are almost too wide in the toe for me. They are also listed for electrical work. Purchased at Sears, about $140
Good Luck

 

[WayneB]

Here in the east many of us buy from LL Bean. Might want to take a look at their work boots?

Katahdin Iron Works Engineer Boots: Casual at L.L.Bean

 

[PBinWA]

I use New Balance leather shoes when the weather is good.

For real hiking I love my Vasque Boots

"boots" from REI.com

Remember, rarely is something good ever cheap.

 

[HappyCPE]

You can fool around with manufactured footwear and never find the right thing. I would suggest Wesco:
Wesco Boots
They will do fully custom boots for you. They're expensive, but not if you factor in a closet full of ill-fitting footwear.

 

[RayH]

I think you need to be more specific about the use of the boot you are looking for but I'll give it a shot anyway.
I have similar needs as far as width and toe room. My previous job required steel toes and I always had problems finding a boot that fit properly until I tried on a pair of Rockys. Nice wide square toe.

 

[LMTC]

12 EEE, high arch (I have custom orthotics) and I was always comfortable in Rocky boots. Haven't used them for several years, as I really don't do anything requiring boots anymore, but wore them for probably close to 20 years and preferred them to all others I tried.

 

[SLOBuds]

I think you need to be more specific about the use of the boot you are looking for but I'll give it a shot anyway.
I have similar needs as far as width and toe room. My previous job required steel toes and I always had problems finding a boot that fit properly until I tried on a pair of Rockys. Nice wide square toe.

The January thread also had quite a few Rockys fans. I will take a look.

The boot will be used for assorted works on a small farm. Usually stuff like digging trenches, and minor construction. Tractor work. Felling trees. Nothing like 8 hours of working with broken cement or such.

I do enough work around heavy material that I guess it would be safer to use a steel toe. But I've had steel toes before that wracked heck on my feet and toes. Some times I take running shoes out to work in, and I don't really feel safe from the light protection.

Thanks

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Timberland. I wear them for much the same reasons as you described. They have the widest toe area per size of any boots I've found. Very comfortable. Long lasting and high quality.

 

[billbill1]

After wearing steel toed boots for the past 38 years, I would sign a waiver to be able to stop wearing them. When I was younger, they didn't bother me but the older I get, they kill my feet. Cheap or expensive, it doesn't matter. I'm just wearing out, body and all.