Real Work Boots

After several years and thousands of dollars dumped into footwear, I've grown tired of boots that won't pull their weight any longer than a year...If I'm lucky. I've tried a few different pairs of Timberland pro's, Redwing's, and Wolverine's and have had stupid problems with them within a couple months (exposed toes, split soles/seams, liners wearing tearing, etc.). I figured spending $100-$200 on a pair of boots should get me through the year but that's usually not the case so I'm looking for some suggestions here - where can I find some real work boots locally? Anybody ever try some of the upper tier makers like Viberg or White's?

what I wear...

http://www.militaryboots.com/mens-magnum-8-elite-spider


they last me about 2 years daily service
I run 2 pairs, alternating daily


I bought my last set(2 pr) in Oct 2009
I am just about due for another set

I was in the same boat as you. Was tired of 200.00 boots lasting a year at best. Last year I tried these.
http://wardenssupplyco.com/cart/inde...products_id=81

I wore them everyday on concrete and the soles are now thin
No issues other than a shoe lace. For 40.00 well worth it
They are light weight, comfortable, not sure there waterproof.
The soles are slippery on ice. Have a handle on the back for pulling them on and speed laces. Getting ready to buy another pair.
these are made by Belleville......... they sell em for 180.00

Did you contact Red Wing with your problems? After 5 years I had the liners fail in a pair that I bought in Minnesota in 2005 that were pretty well worn out to begin with. The lady at the Red Wing store in Silverthorne sent them back for me. Red Wing said they were unrepairable and they gave me a $75 credit towards a new pair of boots.

I have a pair of Red Wing Irish Setter hunting boots I've had re-soled several times that I bought when I was 18, back when you didn't really have to wear steel toed boots on a job site. They are still in good shape and they're 19 years old now.

Another vote for Red Wings, loggers. ( No Byte not the red wings you are thinking of. )
Had a pair for almost 15 years, they were on their second resoling. I cleaned and used boot oil from RW almost every week, but 15 years of real construction work daily, also applied toe protectors.

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Originally Posted by SideShow Bob

Another vote for Red Wings, loggers. ( No Byte not the red wings you are thinking of. )
Had a pair for almost 15 years, they were on their second resoling. I cleaned and used boot oil from RW almost every week, but 15 years of real construction work daily, also applied toe protectors.

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Red wings $30 shoes $90 Name and 200 price tag..


and Bob... screw yerself.

I know Redwing backs their boots most of the time but I wasn't too worried about it since the shop I was with at the time gave me a boot allowance. I'm a med/heavy duty wrench so I spend a lot of time on concrete and occasionally asphalt (rolling on a creeper, on my knees, and kicking grease covered heavy sh*t into place) so the sides and toes usually get the crap beat out of them. With the upcoming season, I'm looking for some waterproof safety toes with insulation, being dark in color helps since I'm working with messy crap.

I am having great luck with my RedWings and they are the "Clapton" model. Little tag sewn on inside of the tongue shows, "Made in U.S.A." Been resoled once and I really like them because my feet NEVER sweat in these boots/shoes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graves

I know Redwing backs their boots most of the time but I wasn't too worried about it since the shop I was with at the time gave me a boot allowance. I'm a med/heavy duty wrench so I spend a lot of time on concrete and occasionally asphalt (rolling on a creeper, on my knees, and kicking grease covered heavy sh*t into place) so the sides and toes usually get the crap beat out of them. With the upcoming season, I'm looking for something waterproof safety toes with insulation, being dark in color helps since I'm working with messy crap.

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Matterhorn thinsulated boots.

You can get just about any boot rebuilt for about $70. They can probably put a protective coating on the toe too. Find boots that you like and rebuild them when they get hammered.

Second option. Find cheap boots that are cutting it and just replace them when they get hammered.

Bellville boots are the current military manufacturers. They make a dozen or so different steel toed boots, can be resoled, and it's the inserts you put in them that makes them comfortable.

Some people are just hard on footware. I'm one of them too.

Working offshore in the oil industry and riding motorcycles for most of my life I have been through many kinds/types of boots until one day a buddy of mine turned me on to Caterpillar boots and it's been nothing but ever since. They are the most rugged and comfortable boots I have ever owned. Army surplus carries a good selection also.