Work boot suggestions

[Ron Citerone]

Hey All,

Been wearing New balance sneakers for some time, but my feet are giving me some problems and I know years ago when I mixed up my shoes I had better luck with my feet. Used to wear the old Carolina low work shoe, but I think they stopped making them. Any suggestions appreciated. I have a working gear near me and will probably go shopping for them in next week or so. I last had a pair of Red Wing and while they were nice boots, my feet never felt comfortable i them.

Thanks,
Ron

[Scott T Smith]

I wear safety toe work boots on the farm 12 - 16 hours a day 7 days a week.

After trying just about every major brand over the years, what currently is the most comfortable for me are boots made by Keen. I wear their "Assembled in the USA" Detroit model, and also their Mt. Vernon boot which is fully mfg in the USA.

They have a spongy insole which helps on concrete surfaces, and the shape of the boot fits my foot.

[Ruperto Mendiones]

Custom orthotics or semi-custom [Dr Scholls etc] might make red wing the ticket--at least it works for me.

[Jim Koepke]

I last had a pair of Red Wing and while they were nice boots, my feet never felt comfortable i them.

My feeling is the same on that one.

A friend in nursing told me about Chippewa shoes:

https://www.chippewaboots.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA4OvhBRAjEiwAU2FoJQpjXJRywzVNWw1-072ZQOFcegbBdvnU--bod7fK4rnlNafzK-Q27BoCeEMQAvD_BwE

You might check to see if there is a retailer in your area.

You might also ask folks in professions who spend a lot of time on their feet like police officers, nurses and doctors or even clerks at the grocery check out.

jtk

[Tom Bender]

I buy my footwear a bit oversized and add insoles to make a good fit and add padding. My arches are high and insoles that raise the arches are hard to find so there's that. (most raise the heel) And custom orthotics are expensive and tend to be hard plastic which lets your heel slip around.

If you don't mind tying your boots then boots are fine. Since we switch to slippers in the house and I am in and out a lot and in the shop a lot, that doesn't work for me. Most of my footwear slips on and off. Just leave the laces tied very loose.

My usual shoes are Keen sneakers.

[Jim Becker]

I use Sketchers Go Walk 4 shoes with "off the shelf custom" inserts to correct for posture, etc. (there's a machine in places like Bed, Bath & Beyond that helps determine which insert to use) Since I started working in my shop this way, I've had much less issue with body pain. I use the same inserts in my non-work footwear now, too, for consistency. Some folks will want or need actual custom inserts, but I'm lucky enough to be able to use the packaged versions successfully at much lower cost.

I have never been able to wear "work boots" comfortably. The one exception has been Ariat Terrain paddock boots because they have an actually well designed instep. But even those are not as comfortable as what I describe in the first paragraph of my response.

[Roger Nair]

I have used Wolverine Dura Shock boots for years along with Red Wings. Look for boots that are designed for work on concrete floors. Be fussy over proper fit, do not accept what is in stock at a particular store when you know that the fit is not right. Look for a shoe store that services industrial companies and has a retail outlets near you. E-business is not your friend when looking for fit.

[Adam Herman]

I spent 7 years working in the field on oil rigs, on shore, off shore from north Dakota and Wyoming at 30 below zero to the center of Australia at 135 degrees.

I wore and still have my last pair of composite toe wolverine boots from the field. I tried several other brands and always came back to wolverines
I have seen other boots fall apart due to the glue melting in the heat and crack due to the cold.

[Ron Citerone]

I spent 7 years working in the field on oil rigs, on shore, off shore from north Dakota and Wyoming at 30 below zero to the center of Australia at 135 degrees.

I wore and still have my last pair of composite toe wolverine boots from the field. I tried several other brands and always came back to wolverines
I have seen other boots fall apart due to the glue melting in the heat and crack due to the cold.


Thanks Adam, I hope you are well compensated...........................Those are extreme working conditions!

[Ron Citerone]

Thanks everyone for your time, I will be going shopping with those suggestions in mind.

Ron

[Jerome Stanek]

I am fortunate to live near the Amish and they sell many brands of boots that are really good. I normally buy Red Wing and from the stores down there they are a lot cheaper then the Red Wing stores in the city.

[Andrew Hughes]

I wore Red Wing 2156 Truwelt when I was full time Roofing it’s darn good boot. Really comfortable
I wish I could afford a pair today my feet hurt.

[Jerome Stanek]

I wore Red Wing 2156 Truwelt when I was full time Roofing it’s darn good boot. Really comfortable
I wish I could afford a pair today my feet hurt.

They are cheaper than having to go to the doctor. I had heal spurs and the Doc suggested
Red Wing shoes and orthotics. I have been doing this for 25 years now and my feet are still good.

[Wade Lippman]

Make sure you are wearing the right size.

I thought I was a 10.5EE, but a competent shoe guy said they were uncomfortable because I was really a 11.5D. A lot of extra room in the toes, but otherwise a good fit. Go figure.

[Bill Bukovec]

I have a pair of Danner Trackwelt, 8" tall. I always liked boots with plenty of ankle support. I also like Merrill boots as well.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I use Sketchers Go Walk 4 shoes with "off the shelf custom" inserts to correct for posture, etc. (there's a machine in places like Bed, Bath & Beyond that helps determine which insert to use) Since I started working in my shop this way, I've had much less issue with body pain. I use the same inserts in my non-work footwear now, too, for consistency. Some folks will want or need actual custom inserts, but I'm lucky enough to be able to use the packaged versions successfully at much lower cost.

I have never been able to wear "work boots" comfortably. The one exception has been Ariat Terrain paddock boots because they have an actually well designed instep. But even those are not as comfortable as what I describe in the first paragraph of my response.

Funny- I walked across Italy in a pair of Sketchers, and then went to France the following year- same pair- walked a good way across France.

For the OP: I am glad you posted this, because I'm also looking for some good work shoes/boots. I considered having a pair made, and was searching for custom-made work boots, and found that Timberland actually allows you to customize a limited number of their boots for less than half what a true custom-made boot would cost.
https://www.timberland.com/custom.html

I don't know what your price range is but it's around the price of RedWings at just over $200, which is much better than a true custom-made boot, which is more than double that. I have a wide foot, and I'm also really picky about boots ever since my cowboy days and I used to have my boots made by Olathe Boots.

[michael langman]

I wore Wolverine Durashock and Carolina r boots in the shop, but grew up on Moccasin Wedge boots. I finally found Timberland Barstow Wedge Boots for a good price, and they are very comfortable.

[Neil Gaskin]

I like my Chippewa work boots.

[Mike Weaver]

I buy my footwear a bit oversized and add insoles to make a good fit and add padding. My arches are high and insoles that raise the arches are hard to find so there's that. (most raise the heel) And custom orthotics are expensive and tend to be hard plastic which lets your heel slip around.

If you don't mind tying your boots then boots are fine. Since we switch to slippers in the house and I am in and out a lot and in the shop a lot, that doesn't work for me. Most of my footwear slips on and off. Just leave the laces tied very loose.
..

I do this - BUT, I choose boots that have 'speed laces' at the top - no untying needed; they slip off & on. The 'speed' is a hook rather than a hole for the lace to go around instead of through.
I bought Wolverine boots - Black Friday.

After 10 years, I'm on my second pair (similar to Chainhand but don't recognize the name and not near them at the moment - waterproof, uninsulated, 6")

I also have some less 'work boot-like' boots that I do the same thing with - Merrell and Columbia come to mind but have owned numerous brands with speed laces for easy on/off and comfort with extra store-bought insoles. We walked ~7-8 miles a day in Phila last Oct and the Merrell Moab 2 with extra insoles worked very well.

Wish I had known the 1/2 size larger trick when I got my Red Wing boots as a teen! Still have them, but rarely need the steel toe anymore.

-Mike

[Lisa Starr]

My husband lives in work boots all winter and work shoes all summer. He says Keen are the best for both comfort and durability.

[Jim Becker]

I just scarfed a pair of Keen utility boots with a hard toe on clearance from Duluth Trading...this after sending back a pair of the heavier, leather type I did a try/buy from Amazon. I could not stand the weight of the leather work boots in any way, shape or form. The Keen Utilities I got are heavier than the Sketchers I normally wear every day (I have a shop pair and a "dress" pair :D ) but are reasonable in heft and comfort. 'Still have to use my insoles in them, however.

[Malcolm McLeod]

A bit of an old thread, but FWIW I live in these (https://www.ariat.com/GROUNDBREAKR_SQ_ST_M_FOO.html?dwvar_GROUNDBREAKR__ SQ__ST__M__FOO_color=BROWN_EMBER). If you want lighter, they offer a carbon toe - but price is higher.

Great soles - for walking or standing. Slip on is great, so I don't get tempted to wear them into the SWMBO domain!:o

[Jim Becker]

Malcolm, I had a pair of Ariat Terrain boots for years and they were actually comfortable. They are a little different than you show, of course, but I bought them originally for riding (equestrian) before I bought tall boots for that activity. Ariat tends to put good arch support in their shoes which is important to me. I almost tried something from them for my "construction" need for 2022, but the Keens I mentioned suddenly became a no-brainer cost wise to buy.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

I have been wearing Keens lately they have a nice roomy toe box. The glued on soles are a weak point.