reccomended boots?

boggen · Apr 30, 2011

some sort of steel toe or composite toe. something to protect your toes. been there done that. and it has saved me from doing a hip hop as i walked many times.

personally do not prefer boots that require long socks that go half way up your calves. the only time i needed that high of a boot. is when in a feed lot and pitch forking cow manure.

myself prefer something that just goes over the ankles. there are many times walking in rough ground and out in pasture and like. that having that extra ankle support helps out a lot.

anything above the ankle. ends up being an annoying irritation to my skin. and i end up having sore ankles. due to trying work against the shoe/boot. as i wiggle my feet across rough terrain.

anything less than the ankle. just does not give a lot of ankle support. and for me, i have to many hills. and end up in slippery situations. were my ankles would of taken a tore if wearing tennis shoes or like.

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i gave up trying to find a good long performance shoe that last a few years. and just buy a new pair every year. and get cheap ones. that feel good on the feet.

i also prefer as someone else said. a full tongue. that is sewed in. to many times i have gotten into wet mushy areas and like. (then again when it is winter or i know i will be going through wet areas. i will just slip on 2 wal-mart plastic bags over each foot. then put my shoe on.

if i am going through woods with thorns and bushes, i may use some duct-tape on my pant leg and top of shoe. to keep tics, bugs, and other thorns out of my shoe. though i gennerally do not do this, i do, do the plastic bag thing. you might look like a fool. but boy does it keep your feet dry, and in that warm in the winter.

bullbreaker · Apr 30, 2011

Some good boot company's already mentioned here IMHO(Timberland,Red Wing,Carolina,Georgia).If you don't want to spend over $150 I think Justin makes some good work boots. Like their Ropers or Ranchers.
As for me I just put on my old beat up western(cowboy) boots I no longer feel they are worth re-soling(Tony Llama,Ariet,Justin).

Boone

frischtr · Apr 30, 2011

Some Red Wings models are made in China, but many are still made in the USA... At their website, it will tell you where a particular model is made on that models detail page. You can even search for boots based on country of manufacture.

I have been wearing Red Wings for about 10 years at work, and I find that they are the most comfortable shoes that I own. I routinely wear them for 14-16 hours every day. Model 2218 Loggers...

dex3361 · Apr 30, 2011

I buy only the USA made Red Wings and have for years. They hold up and I find them comfortable. I have tried a lot of other boots but they just do not last. I even tried the China made red wings and they were not good.

CurlyDave · May 1, 2011

I wear Danner's if no steel toe is required, Red Wing if I need the steel.

DW has been encouraging me to get a pair of White's, but they are very pricey.

farmgirl3970 · May 1, 2011

I've never been comfortable in work boots, but have found Muck boots to be great.....they come in different varieties as well as steel toed.

crazyal · May 1, 2011

I've thought about getting a pair of the Muck Boots for the colder months when things get kind of wet. They don't look like they would be good for things like working in the garage and other places were a good leather is really needed but for out in the woods in the mud I think they would last longer since leather can only get wet so many times before it gives up.

Men

patrick_g · May 1, 2011

Get toe protection, steel or otherwise. Don't shop price alone. A good pair of boots will last long enough to amortize the cost nicely in most instances. I have Redwing steel toe wellington style that are pretty comfortable and are about 10 years old. I still have a pair of "jump boots" I bought at the Base Exchange at Lackland AFB in late September of 1963, resoled over the originals and way too heavy for hiking about but great for dirt biking in rough terrain.

Quality leather boots will last a good long time but man made materials that breathe out moisture and do not admit liquid water can be fine too.

Think of the cost of ownership per year not just the purchase price and buy GOOD boots. If your feet aren't comfortable YOU aren't comfortable. Boots are like your foundation. If the foundation is not properly supporting the rest of the structure (YOU) will suffer.

Pat

brandoro · May 1, 2011

patrick_g said:
Get toe protection, steel or otherwise. Don't shop price alone. A good pair of boots will last long enough to amortize the cost nicely in most instances. I have Redwing steel toe wellington style that are pretty comfortable and are about 10 years old. I still have a pair of "jump boots" I bought at the Base Exchange at Lackland AFB in late September of 1963, resoled over the originals and way too heavy for hiking about but great for dirt biking in rough terrain.

Quality leather boots will last a good long time but man made materials that breathe out moisture and do not admit liquid water can be fine too.

Think of the cost of ownership per year not just the purchase price and buy GOOD boots. If your feet aren't comfortable YOU aren't comfortable. Boots are like your foundation. If the foundation is not properly supporting the rest of the structure (YOU) will suffer.

Pat

+1 Comfort and protection are what good boots are about. I went cheap once, won't do that again. My steel toed boots are the most comfortable footwear I own, consequently that's what I wear most of the time. This is a good thing since I am so used to the protection I am not as carefull as I should be when wearing soft toed footwear:shocked: just lucky I didn't break my toe once while wearing sneakers.

56FordGuy · May 1, 2011

I've been wearing Red Wing boots for four or five years, and I'm disappointed. I've worn the 4420 models because I have to have steel toe boots at work, and I like the high tops and good soles for traction in the mud. Unfortunately, my big toe wears through the inner lining of the boot and then the steel toe begins destroying my socks. Good to know I'm not the only one with that problem!

I'm not sure what my next pair of boots will be, but I'm pretty confident that they won't be Red Wings. I think I should be able to get more than 1.5 years out of a $200.00 pair of boots.

forgeblast · May 2, 2011

Timberland pit boss steel toed boots they have them in 6''. I am on my second pair, and will be going for my third pair when these are done. I did take out the insoles and put in superfeet inserts made a big difference.

frischtr · May 2, 2011

56FordGuy said:
I've been wearing Red Wing boots for four or five years, and I'm disappointed. I've worn the 4420 models because I have to have steel toe boots at work, and I like the high tops and good soles for traction in the mud. Unfortunately, my big toe wears through the inner lining of the boot and then the steel toe begins destroying my socks. Good to know I'm not the only one with that problem!

I'm not sure what my next pair of boots will be, but I'm pretty confident that they won't be Red Wings. I think I should be able to get more than 1.5 years out of a $200.00 pair of boots.

As was stated earlier, the Chinese Red Wings are crap. Try a USA model before you write them off... Try the 2218 loggers, I have gotten 4 years each out of 3 consecutive pairs.

wvpolekat · May 3, 2011

I have a pair of Timberland Mudslingers that I am happy with. Timberland Mudslinger Mid Steel Toe Hiking Boot

They are not waterproof and that is my one complaint, but other than that, they wear like tennis shoes and are steel toed.

I also have a pair of Wolverine Wellingtons, but they bother my big toe after a few hours.

Then I have a pair of non steel toed Schmitt (TSC brand) that are not steel toed, with leather around your foot and canvas above it. So far, I like these where I don't need steel toes.

Also have a pair of steel toed, insulated Survivors that are great for ATV rides, but you have to adjust your shifter to get your toe under it. They are waterproof, but the sole does not do well on slick rocks or in mud.

But, for most of my tractor work, I wear a pair of Teva "Dozer III" sandals. Teva | Sandals and Shoes for Your Next Adventure... Anywhere! I don't do many things that require on/off a lot, so I am not too worried about foot protection.

LeadPoison · May 3, 2011

I have been a fan of Georgia Boots for 4-5 years now. They aren't the prettiest but they last me at least two years and take a lot of abuse. They were also the most comfortable for me as I have a narrow heel.

Dargo · May 4, 2011

Who was that lady in South America who had all those shoes, Amelda Marcos? My wife accuses me of being her when it comes to work boots. Everything in my barns seem to be heavy. I always wear steel, or composite equal, toe boots. I agree with most everyone here with the exception of Red Wing. I've wasted more money on them than I'll mention. They have all been uncomfortable and not lasted. If a steel toe boot is uncomfortable when you put it on, it's unlikely to break in!

I personally like Rocky, Carolina, Timberland (very comfortable and light composite toe), Georgia and Bates boots. I'm sure there are other good ones, but I'm extremely picky with my shoes and boots. If they are not comfortable, I get rid of them. Being that I always seem to have one pair of boots somewhere in the process of being cleaned and polished, I rotate through what I wear and don't really have any favorites besides possibly those composite toe Timberlands. They feel like tennis shoes but are boots. They can't weigh much more. My vote would buy quality boots that feel good the first time you walk around in them.

nwltruck · May 4, 2011

Georgia comfort core cowboy boots. They are available in steel toe and are the most comfortable I have ever had. If you aren't use to CBB they would take some geting use to but they are worth it. Naturally water proof and you can step in a 6" to 8" puddle with out a problem. I haul fertilizer that ruins boots and they still last me 3 to 4 years

sfloggie · May 5, 2011

We have 112 acres with thick brush, some swamp, etc with snakes everywhere and other things that hurt!
I have been wearing the Red Head 18" insulated (Gortex) Snake book for over a year including summer floods and winter snake. Warm throughout the year (note summer also) but no leaks and no snakes got in (hopeful never).

Jim

Denwa · May 5, 2011

ctgoldwing said:
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?

CTGoldwing, (got a name?)
I presume from your handle that you are a motorcycle rider, and likely are more aware of boots than a lot of folks. And, you likely have concluded that your MC boots are not what you want to be wearing to work on your tractor.
I don't want to subject my MC boots to those possible abuses.

Boots or footwear in general for outdoor use are a tool. As with other tools, one should pick the correct tool fort the job. Low/high/steel/light/traction/etc.
For *maximum/ideal* comfort and function it all depends on what you are going to do while wearing said foot protection.

That being said, ONE pair, that will handle the extreme needs of any of your tasks may be the best choice, just in case you decide to multi task in your wood shed when you just went out to water the lawn.

For me cost has always been a factor, but my personal cross is that I have EEE feet that are a size and a half different. Makes getting a good fit with one pair a particular challenge. LOTS of choices out there if you have "normal" feet, aka D width.

Wood cutting and related activities are one off my primary outdoor tasks, and I live in the NorthWet. Design parameters I feel are needed in a good boot are over ankle protection, boots long enough to be covered by my pants so they don't fill up with sawdust when I chainsawing, waterproof, comfortable. Should be able to take a hit from the saw without cutting
through, so composition's out. Steel toe and shank are great, IF the toe box does not rub your meat.

Have wasted money on three pairs of Red Wings. the soles popped off of two off them at the heel, NO warranty support. The other pair was like walking on cement after a few days.

Basically figure out what you need as far as protection and function and the go shopping for the best you can afford.

Dennis (WA)

CurlyDave · May 6, 2011

One of the best things you can do to improve the fit and comfort of a pair of boots is to remove the stock insoles and add a real set of footbeds.

I prefer the SOLE footbeds Softec Ultra Custom Footbeds | SOLE which you heat in a very low temperature oven, put in the shoes and then stand in to mold them to your feet.

This makes a huge comfort increase.