reccomended boots?

[ctgoldwing]

Now that I have been spending more time in the woods with the tractor I realize sneakers just don't make it.
So the question is what are good comfortable work boots that you use? Are steel toed boots the right choice?

 

[3930dave]

I've always believed in steel toes. I've had good service out of some basic Kodiak boots with steel.

That being said, a guy I was working for got me a great deal on a pair of Dewalt boots - my first pair with composite toes. Now, I'd have a hard time going back to steel, the composite toes are so much nicer in the cold - and, at the same time these Dewalt boots seem to breathe better, my feet stay cooler in hot conditions.

I'm not sure I understand the USA ratings on safety boots. Up here, a green patch means you have a steel shank too - I wouldn't wear boots without the armoured shank either. Had a quick look at boots the last time I was in Upstate NY, I couldn't decide if the ANSI rating included the shank - I'd guess yes, but don't know for sure.

Cold may not be an issue for you (I'm in Canada), but some guys like the composite safety boots for the lighter weight.

Spend the money on a decent boot, some people buy a cheap boot then end up avoiding using them because they are uncomfortable.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

#1 I go for comfort. I have to try them on. Fit, support, and cushion. I like a tongue that's attached at the sides to keep dirt & debris out. Light weight is a huge advantage. Alloy toes like the Timberland Titan are another lightweight alternative to steel. Sometimes I forgo the safety toe for a lightweight hiking/hunting boot.

 

[BethesdaEC]

I have a pair of Red Wing Big Box (Bigger toe box) composite toe shoes. The comfort is amazing and the composite toes are much lighter. You really notice the difference at the end of the day.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I like these: :thumbsup:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/2193319-post7.html

 

[whistlepig]

I have to wear steel toed boots at work and prefer not to wear them at home when I don't have to. I think the Redwings are made in China now. People at work that have bought the Redwings made in China say they tear up their feet and will never buy another Redwing again. I hate that. I have been wearing Redwing boots for decades.

 

[looknlearn]

Here is a company that custom makes the boots to your feet. I have never had some but I hear they are comfortable.

I have some Carolina's that I have had for years. Right now they are having the soles replaced due to wear but the leather is still good. I oiled them consistently and they have lasted. Hope they last many years more. Can't weight to get them back cause the other pair I have aren't as broken in and my feet are sore.

 

[CWOSCSU]

Now that I have been spending more time in the woods with the tractor I realize sneakers just don't make it.
So the question is what are good comfortable work boots that you use? Are steel toed boots the right choice?

I got a pair of low-cut boots made by Lawn-Grip for Christmas. Stihl sells the them (with their Logo), but I guess you can get them from other sources. Anyway, they are designed for landscapers and are rubber/leather uppers, waterproof, steel toe, shank, and a special sole to grip on vegitation. I love them. The grip on wet grass is amasing. Way better then any other sole, except for football spikes, which is what I was using to mow steep slopes before I got these. Down side is they suck in snow/ice, no grip at all. I've worn they almost daily for the past month or so, and they are holding up well.

Mike.

 

[mjncad]

I can't stand boots and I found these Converse tennis style shoes to be comfortable.

Converse Work C1930 - Taupe - Free Shipping & Return Shipping - Shoebuy.com

My only gripe with them is that they are made in China.

 

[grnspot110]

I use Carolina Loggers, they are available in steel toe or without steel. I can't wear steel toed boots because of "hammer toe", the steel toe wears the skin off my toes!

The loggers saved my toes once when I was limbing a pole & the sprocket bearing "disintegrated" on the saw, causing it to jump! Cut through the heavy leather & my sock, but not my foot! Would have been just behind the steel anyway. ~~ grnspot

 

[TripleR]

I no longer wear work boots, but always use to buy Redwing. I was disappointed in the last pair I bought. Several old favorites have suffered in quality since relocation of manufacturing facilities.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I worked in a machine shop area many moons ago where steel toed boots were required. I was working 10 hour days. The onsite shoe truck came around and had steel toed tennis shoes. I still have them they are great for being light and good traction. A few years ago I bought Red Wing steel toed boots. I even had them fitted properly I thought. A couple of years later wearing them and after about 2 hours my toes are getting rubbed raw. Now I have to wear two pairs of socks. If you get boots get them fitted right. Your foot expands if you are standing on them all day.. Doing tree work now I wear a pair of old goretex full leather hiking boots.

 

[ctgoldwing]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I have a few places to look now. I agree with the comments about getting them fitted correctly - especially with my fat feet

 

[brandoro]

These are what I've been wearing for quite a few years. Outstanding boot and still made on this continent.
Terra Footwear

Sorry to hear Red Wing has moved manufacturing offshore, I have worn their boots in the past and thought highly of them.

 

[glastron23]

use to wear Kodiak's but they went down hill fast, changed to Terra's 20 years ago.. still wear them and only them.
Terra Footwear they are STILL made in Canada

 

[farmboy12]

I used to get Survivor model Tim. Then they stopped making them and I got a pair that was full leather and I like them but they squeak a lot and they're a little uncomfortable. I also have a pair of Survivor taller boots as well. I guess I've been through about 8 pairs, I change up about once a year or so because I wear them all the time, I buy a new pair, they become my "Church Boots", and my previous "Church Boots" become work boots. I have about 3 pairs at a time. All Survivors, now my dad wears them too. They sell them at Wally World and I give them the best rating possible, as HVAC contractors, small farmers, hunters, dirt bikers, and do everything else, our boots get abused. All of them are waterproof and steel toe and these are the best ever. I also have a pair of really tall muck style boots, not sure of the name but I found a pair of steel toes and they've held up pretty well, just got them over winter for hunting and muddy or snowy conditions. I'd go Survivor all the way.


Kyle

 

[yomax4]

Look up Rocky Mountain Stalker boots on the Cabelas web site. Awesome cushion, comfort and Unmatched traction. Best boots i have ever had on my feet. Hunting in the Mountains, Making Wood or general construction. I still wear tennies when I shouldn't however.

 

[TripleR]

The thing I really liked about Red Wing was on certain models to order a pair of different sizes for a really good fit on both feet.

 

[schoolsout]

I've worn Georgia boots for a while and they are nice. Just picked up another pair for $45 plus shipping from Sportsman's Guide

Men's Georgia Boot Work Hikers, Chestnut, Men's Footwear, Georgia, Georgia Boot Mens Footwear Work Hikers Chestnut Design Color Pattern at Sportsman's Guide

They've got a good selection of other boots as well.

 

[richamor]

I've had just about all of 'em. Right now I've got a pair of Bates and Carolina, both steel toe. Wal Mart sells a hiking boot with a steel toe and Gore Tex for around 30 bucks under the Cat brand. Great work boots.