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.

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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.

I have red wings irish setters for my hunting boots and they get used a ton. 6 years and they still work great and keep me warm and dry. This year I did buy some on sale that are amazing. I have used them a few times already this year to break them in and the quality is awesome

Feel your pain Mike. I tried all different types of boots and nothing would last. My wife just about shit kittens when I dropped 275.00 on a pair of Fabiano mountaineering boots. But the boots lasted 9 years and 3 re-soles. Pretty good when you break it down- 9 years of quality boot that boiled out to about 60.00 a year including the re-soles. They made it through mud, asphalt, concrete, Magnesium Chloride and all kinds of abuse.
Your a wrench IIRC so your boot killer (beside stinky feet [Tooth]) is the oil and diesel. They will rot seams and leather in an instant. Forget the mink oil and such- SnoSeal or NikWax work pretty well at keeping oil and diesel out. But you have to re-apply it 3 or 4 times a year. I have seen where guys will put hockey skate ProtecTo on the seams and it seems to keep the nasties out of the stitching.




Hey Byte- how come that link goes straight to red 6" Stiletto pumps?? [Muaha]

I got a pair of Redbacks two years ago and they are excellent. The toes are all scratched up but they are very comfortable. The soles barely show any wear.

For reference I am an Auto Tech so I am on my feet all day on concrete. I constantly have some oil or another splashing on my boots.

Dunno if its your style, but I wear Ariats... these ones, specifically: http://www.ariat.com/Western/Men/Foo...tageCrepe.html

Worn every single day for about a year now, been subjected to oils, grease, caustic chemicals, gravel and mud, stepped on by horses, etc., plus daily average wear and tear... no sole separation, no seam separation, the insole/liners are getting worn but those are easily and cheaply replaceable.
Paid $170 on sale.

If you are wearing out Redwings then you need to see a foot doc you got some serious prblems.
Or a back doc. get help.

Regardless of what boot you settle on, paint the toe of your boots with rubber bed liner material. Concrete finishers spend a lot of time dragging the toe of their boots across concrete and it keeps them from tearing the leather off of the safety toe.

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Originally Posted by twitchyfinger

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.

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+1 for the Cat's. I have 1 pair for motorcycling a "casual" and a pair for work, commercial construction sites for years. When the work wears out, I rotate in a new pair. I'm sure I could have them resoled or whatever, but new boots are nice too. Plus Cat makes em in 15.

The "Indianas" model are a high boot, steel toe, etc. Usually about $90-100.

Tried redwings once. Got custom fitted and everything. They hurt like hell! Everyone said they have to break in. 6 months later they still hurt like hell.

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Originally Posted by EvilRhino

+1 for the Cat's. I have 1 pair for motorcycling a "casual" and a pair for work, commercial construction sites for years. When the work wears out, I rotate in a new pair. I'm sure I could have them resoled or whatever, but new boots are nice too. Plus Cat makes em in 15.

The "Indianas" model are a high boot, steel toe, etc. Usually about $90-100.

Tried redwings once. Got custom fitted and everything. They hurt like hell! Everyone said they have to break in. 6 months later they still hurt like hell.

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Good lord that is a set of shit kickers.

I use bates boots. My last two pair were on sale for $25/pair. Paid $70 for the side zip model last week.

I get atleast 12 months depending on the project.

Sorry Martin, my back and feet are fine...for now. I've honestly got more use out of my Timberlands than any RW's I've had.

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Originally Posted by Graves

Sorry Martin, my back and feet are fine...for now. I've honestly got more use out of my Timberlands than any RW's I've had.

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I am telling you Redbacks are excellent.

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Originally Posted by BPTactical

Feel your pain Mike. I tried all different types of boots and nothing would last. My wife just about shit kittens when I dropped 275.00 on a pair of Fabiano mountaineering boots. But the boots lasted 9 years and 3 re-soles. Pretty good when you break it down- 9 years of quality boot that boiled out to about 60.00 a year including the re-soles. They made it through mud, asphalt, concrete, Magnesium Chloride and all kinds of abuse.
Your a wrench IIRC so your boot killer (beside stinky feet [Tooth]) is the oil and diesel. They will rot seams and leather in an instant. Forget the mink oil and such- SnoSeal or NikWax work pretty well at keeping oil and diesel out. But you have to re-apply it 3 or 4 times a year. I have seen where guys will put hockey skate ProtecTo on the seams and it seems to keep the nasties out of the stitching.

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Unfortunately, Fabianos are all but extinct. They were amazing boots. Alico is probably the next closest thing, but they are not Fabs... Norwegian welt boots are slowly dying away. I hope to get a couple of pairs before they die out and store them away.

As SA and BP have suggested, I'll likely go with a set of rebuildable boots and just keep a pair of backup timberlands on hand (they're running 40% off now).

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Originally Posted by tmleadr03

I am telling you Redbacks are excellent.

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I bought a pair from my Matco dealer a few years back and killed them within 7mo's. I did see a pair last mjbealer (users here) 3 years working right along side me however...but his boots spent more time propped up on the desk. [LOL]

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Originally Posted by Graves

I bought a pair from my Matco dealer a few years back and killed them within 7mo's. I did see a pair last mjbealer (users here) 3 years working right along side me however...but his boots spent more time propped up on the desk. [LOL]

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Mine have been going strong for about two years now. I guess YMMV.

After my experience with a pair of redwing boots, I would not take another pair if they gave them to me.

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Originally Posted by Marlin

After my experience with a pair of redwing boots, I would not take another pair if they gave them to me.

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That seems to be the general consensus in the shop here. The worst I've seen were from Snap-on, I've seen two pair crap out within a month. I think I may have settled on a pair of Danners, hopefully I can get some input there and find them locally. Size 13 seems to be hard to find for some reason. [Dunno]

well I Saw a few SF guys at a chowhall once...
some of us notice things...

one of the guys was wearing some Magnums. I Asked him how they wear and he told me.
Since then I haven't bought anything else.
I figure if they last when walking around Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan for years, it says something for the quality and construction.

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Originally Posted by tmleadr03

I am telling you Redbacks are excellent.

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I just bought my second pair of redbacks. My first pair was lasted 6 years. They are hard to find.

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Originally Posted by SA Friday

Unfortunately, Fabianos are all but extinct. They were amazing boots. Alico is probably the next closest thing, but they are not Fabs... Norwegian welt boots are slowly dying away. I hope to get a couple of pairs before they die out and store them away.

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Yup, I know[Bang]
When it came time to replace them I couldn't find even a pair of Vasque or Raichle's anywhere.
I was reluctant to try the newer generation of mountain boots but I ended up trying a pair of LaSportiva Makalu boots and so far they have panned out well.
I am not familiar with Alico's.

I run either Danner logger style(heel isnt as high as traditional loggers) or in all actuality Doc Marten Wellington pull on boots. I bought the Docs in August, but Im in the oilfield and so far they are holding up great.

Try Intermountain Safety off Mcintyre and 44th ave in eastern Golden. They have Carolina boots and they didnt have my size when I got the Danners or I would have those. I have worn Carolinas for 2 to 4 years (their loggers) and are exceptional for durabilty and wear. This was working in an industrial environment with 12 hour shifts.

http://www.danner.com/boots/quarrytm...ork-boots.html

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-331-2295-wellington.aspx

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Originally Posted by Bowtie

I just bought my second pair of redbacks. My first pair was lasted 6 years. They are hard to find.

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Any Matco Tools dealer can hook you up. I could forward my dealers # if you like.

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Originally Posted by mcantar18c

Dunno if its your style, but I wear Ariats... these ones, specifically: http://www.ariat.com/Western/Men/Foo...tageCrepe.html

Worn every single day for about a year now, been subjected to oils, grease, caustic chemicals, gravel and mud, stepped on by horses, etc., plus daily average wear and tear... no sole separation, no seam separation, the insole/liners are getting worn but those are easily and cheaply replaceable.
Paid $170 on sale.

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I second this, best work boots I have found.

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Originally Posted by Graves

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?

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I was on a wildland fire crew and bought a pair of both Nicks and Whites 12" unlined loggers steel toe both custom fitted etc and damn they where worth the money for what I was doing. I had the nicks rebuilt when i started wrenching and they lasted a 2 rebuilds. the Whites where cut off of me when I got hurt on a fire so no saving them. After 3 years the Nicks finally gave out and i bought a pair of the cat logger heel steel toe 12" they are the only shoes i wear. I pull 12 hour days wrenching in a 38 bay truck shop with a lot of walking and then after work they go right back on as the daily wear. DAMN good boots for the $120 bucks. about 9 months into this pair and still more than happy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graves

That seems to be the general consensus in the shop here. The worst I've seen were from Snap-on, I've seen two pair crap out within a month. I think I may have settled on a pair of Danners, hopefully I can get some input there and find them locally. Size 13 seems to be hard to find for some reason. [Dunno]

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I was gonna suggest Danner. I love 'em. Expensive but worth the money. The only thing that pisses me off is some of their models are made in China now. I only buy the made in USA models.

After you finally wear them out they'll "recraft" them, too.

I had good luck with Cardinals. Not sure if Dr. Martins are still making "real" safety boots anymore but I've had a pair of steel toed three hole greasers that I cannot wear out. If I needed safety boots again I'd look at Danners.

Another Magnum fan here. The Army Surplus store at Broadway & Hampden (285) has a good selection and great prices if you want to check them out.

Leo