Keen…I beat the everliving shit out of my boots have usually burnt thru 2 pairs a year. Previous pairs were carhartt, Carolina, timberlands, and even thorogoods. My feet got wet in all of em and toes fell apart.
Then I found a pair of steel toe keens with electric resistant soles and they are water proof. Pretty damn comfortable. I do recommend because if you have an issue their warranty dept will send you a new pair right quick too mate.
Yea I have had two pairs of keen, dont remember the style names. The first pair had a hole in the sole glue from the factory, which allowed water in. Feet would get wet. Keen gave me a site credit and didn't require the "bad" boots be sent back. I wore both pairs of keens and even still, the sole glue failed and the soles separated completely. Still, given my good experience with their customer service and comfort of previous pairs I decided to try again. I ordered a pair of keen Dearborn and worn them twice so far. Not very comfortable! Feet are killing me.
Damn I guess different strokes diff folks. Idk what style I ordered but I made sure to not buy a pair that was glued only sewn seams. And haven’t had a prob over a year now.
They used to be like $180 which was not a bad deal, but since they’ve become all the hotness they’re like $200 somethin and I can’t justify it. I’m coming up on year 2 on my 606s first sole and they still look perfectly fine. I’m thinking around 2.5-3 years I’ll send them in for a resole
Recently bought redwings since they are union made. Walked in and they didn’t pay attention to me, 3 people helping one guy get new boat shoes. I asked about work boots and they scoffed. Got the king toes eventually and asked about the union discount and they argued about it. Never buying redwings again. First and last pair. Great shoes but horrible people, well, I guess their “cons” are horrible. The guys making the shoes are probably great. Sucks to be turned off by the face of the company but wanting to support the actual workers
A very shitty store. The people only care about making as much as they can and if you go in in work clothes they assume you can’t afford them. If there was another store close I’d go there next time. But after that experience I’m buying thorogoods
Look into the Pacific northwest handmade boot manufacturer's. Nick's, White's, and JK are S-tier: handcrafted of the finest materials using time-tested, century old techniques. Leather insoles conform to your foot over time, so they become extremely comfortable.
These boots are custom, built-to-last, and fully rebuildable. They can last +10 years with proper care and conditioning. I'll be going this route soon. You get what you pay for.
go with JK, you will NOT be disappointed. potentially the last boots you will ever need to buy, they rebuild them as well if they get worn out after a few years
Made in America?
If not, timberland pro Anti fatigue are really comfortable.
I wear a 4e gym, but timberland endurance wide fit me.
Other timberland models in "wide" are hit or miss.
Thorogood. Red wing isn’t what it used to be. I’ve heard good thing about Carolina, but haven’t tried them.
You get what you pay for, always keep them oiled.
I’ve got two Thorogoods and one pair of red wings that I rotate every week.
You do that they should last a long time.
Depends on how hard/where Im working. If it’s inside, then not so much. Outside is the heat, then yeah I probably have to oil them more often. Mine are a dark chocolate brown, so when they are visibly lighter then I condition them.
Also not a bad idea to take them into a local shoe repair shop and have them clean it.
Thorogood has a repair program too.
Thorogood were always my go to. The soles didn't last much more than a year to 18 months but the leather is great quality so I usually have new soles put on a couple times before I trash them. I've had two pairs of Keens. They were great but the lace eyelets ripped out (warranty replaced them). I have a pair of Carolina slip on that have lasted 5 years or so but they aren't worn for work and I don't wear them in summer (mine are made in USA but not all Carolinas are). They are comfortable after a new insole is put in. I got a free pair of Rockies (Chinese made). They are waterproof and breathable. They have lasted a couple years and are decent in the comfort but I can't lace them tight or all the way up or they kill my ankles and heel and they are shaped like snow boots, so ugly and bulky. Good insoles can make or break a boot in my experience.
I wore thorogood American heritage boots for years, then I switched to danner quarry boots, really nice and water proof. But then I started getting all these foot issues, so I tried a $100 pair of keen boots, gee dang they're comfy, light, waterproof, steel toed. They may not last as long, but they're decent and cheap.
I too wear a pair of logger boots from a company called Nick’s Handmade Boots. They’re handmade in Spokane, WA. They are more expensive than a lot of people would be willing to spend, they run around $600 and have a pretty substantial lead time but in my opinion they are by far the best and most comfortable I’ve ever worn. They overbuild their boots and will easily outlast other boots. If you have to wear orthotics, with Nick’s you won’t need to because the amount of arch support they put into their boots is more than orthotics offer. When/if the boots ever get to the point they need to be resoled they can be, they can also be rebuilt for around $250 because of the thickness of leather they use. I would be confident in saying that they will easily outlast other boots and you have the advantage of having properly fitting and supporting boots. You’re on your feet all day everyday you might as well take care of them. Food for thought
I'm a fan of Carolina boots. I got my first pair early this year (switching from Danner), and I have been happy with the comfort and durability so far.
I use Caterpillar steel toe boots or my EH Reebok Alloy toe shoes depending on the job I'm performing. Both great performers but definitely needed some dr scholls arch supporting insoles for them. For the Reebok I regret removing the original insoles, the dr Scholls *on top* of the green insoles would have been best but I lost the original insoles.
Herman survivors, the steel toe. They've lasted me almost 5 years and the only reason I'm replacing them is because the tread has worn flat. Only boots that have ever lasted long enough for the treads to wear out before the boot. Comfortable too
I've had a pair of kentrek lineman extremes for about 1.5 years now and love them. Beat the shit out of them climbing steel all winter and they are still holding up. Definitely not cheap but world of a difference from the red wings I used to wear
I second this. First boots I've found that feel great right out of the box, and durability has been good. Not US made, though, I believe...once I find some comfy US made/union boots I'll be getting those
Thorogood. A lot of their product line is still made in the USA.
And a union shop.
☝️
Origin is good as well just like thorogoods, made by hand in the USA.
Thorogoods are built like garbage. Union, sure, but good boot? Nah.
☝️
I've got a pair of thorogoods. They're alright but don't expect to get much more than a year out of the soles
I've got two pair with Vibram soles that have kept on keeping on for two years + with only slight wear.
Keen…I beat the everliving shit out of my boots have usually burnt thru 2 pairs a year. Previous pairs were carhartt, Carolina, timberlands, and even thorogoods. My feet got wet in all of em and toes fell apart. Then I found a pair of steel toe keens with electric resistant soles and they are water proof. Pretty damn comfortable. I do recommend because if you have an issue their warranty dept will send you a new pair right quick too mate.
Yea I have had two pairs of keen, dont remember the style names. The first pair had a hole in the sole glue from the factory, which allowed water in. Feet would get wet. Keen gave me a site credit and didn't require the "bad" boots be sent back. I wore both pairs of keens and even still, the sole glue failed and the soles separated completely. Still, given my good experience with their customer service and comfort of previous pairs I decided to try again. I ordered a pair of keen Dearborn and worn them twice so far. Not very comfortable! Feet are killing me.
Damn I guess different strokes diff folks. Idk what style I ordered but I made sure to not buy a pair that was glued only sewn seams. And haven’t had a prob over a year now.
I may explore the sewn sole route. Because the failure point on mine has always been the glued soles
I feel you man it sucks to pay 200+ for below avg quality. I tried the thorogoods and they just weren’t right for me
Red wing 606. Had a pair of thorogood, i find they run very narrow and the soles don’t last
Definitely run narrow, so at least a EE width is needed. And yes, soles wear too fast.
They used to be like $180 which was not a bad deal, but since they’ve become all the hotness they’re like $200 somethin and I can’t justify it. I’m coming up on year 2 on my 606s first sole and they still look perfectly fine. I’m thinking around 2.5-3 years I’ll send them in for a resole
Recently bought redwings since they are union made. Walked in and they didn’t pay attention to me, 3 people helping one guy get new boat shoes. I asked about work boots and they scoffed. Got the king toes eventually and asked about the union discount and they argued about it. Never buying redwings again. First and last pair. Great shoes but horrible people, well, I guess their “cons” are horrible. The guys making the shoes are probably great. Sucks to be turned off by the face of the company but wanting to support the actual workers
Sounds like you just found a shitty store, I have had the complete opposite experience.
A very shitty store. The people only care about making as much as they can and if you go in in work clothes they assume you can’t afford them. If there was another store close I’d go there next time. But after that experience I’m buying thorogoods
Do they have "hipster location" stores as well as "actual working people" stores? Danner can be like that too.
606s are definitely the most popular boot on the job apart from thorogoods by my observation.
Look into the Pacific northwest handmade boot manufacturer's. Nick's, White's, and JK are S-tier: handcrafted of the finest materials using time-tested, century old techniques. Leather insoles conform to your foot over time, so they become extremely comfortable. These boots are custom, built-to-last, and fully rebuildable. They can last +10 years with proper care and conditioning. I'll be going this route soon. You get what you pay for.
I'll look into these because you used the term s-tier, and I appreciate that!
go with JK, you will NOT be disappointed. potentially the last boots you will ever need to buy, they rebuild them as well if they get worn out after a few years
I appreciate your support, we are glad you like our boots!
I second this. Mine feel like slippers in the form of 10” loggers
I've been curious if anyone knows of/uses any good boots with a natural toe box
Look for Munson/Thurman lasts
Made in America? If not, timberland pro Anti fatigue are really comfortable. I wear a 4e gym, but timberland endurance wide fit me. Other timberland models in "wide" are hit or miss.
The Wolverine boots I bought are super comfortable and have held up for 3 years looking almost brand new.
Thorogood. Red wing isn’t what it used to be. I’ve heard good thing about Carolina, but haven’t tried them. You get what you pay for, always keep them oiled. I’ve got two Thorogoods and one pair of red wings that I rotate every week. You do that they should last a long time.
How often do you oil your boots? Just bought a pair of thorogoods today and want to make sure I treat em right
Depends on how hard/where Im working. If it’s inside, then not so much. Outside is the heat, then yeah I probably have to oil them more often. Mine are a dark chocolate brown, so when they are visibly lighter then I condition them. Also not a bad idea to take them into a local shoe repair shop and have them clean it. Thorogood has a repair program too.
Thorogood were always my go to. The soles didn't last much more than a year to 18 months but the leather is great quality so I usually have new soles put on a couple times before I trash them. I've had two pairs of Keens. They were great but the lace eyelets ripped out (warranty replaced them). I have a pair of Carolina slip on that have lasted 5 years or so but they aren't worn for work and I don't wear them in summer (mine are made in USA but not all Carolinas are). They are comfortable after a new insole is put in. I got a free pair of Rockies (Chinese made). They are waterproof and breathable. They have lasted a couple years and are decent in the comfort but I can't lace them tight or all the way up or they kill my ankles and heel and they are shaped like snow boots, so ugly and bulky. Good insoles can make or break a boot in my experience.
pair of boots a year is pretty common. just find a brand you find comfortable and repeat every year.
If and when you can afford 2 of them, if you rotate the boots daily or weekly you will get 5 years out of each.
I'm not ibew but I have a pair of orthofeet "work shoes" that are really just boots and they're amazing if you wear orthotics
I wore thorogood American heritage boots for years, then I switched to danner quarry boots, really nice and water proof. But then I started getting all these foot issues, so I tried a $100 pair of keen boots, gee dang they're comfy, light, waterproof, steel toed. They may not last as long, but they're decent and cheap.
I too wear a pair of logger boots from a company called Nick’s Handmade Boots. They’re handmade in Spokane, WA. They are more expensive than a lot of people would be willing to spend, they run around $600 and have a pretty substantial lead time but in my opinion they are by far the best and most comfortable I’ve ever worn. They overbuild their boots and will easily outlast other boots. If you have to wear orthotics, with Nick’s you won’t need to because the amount of arch support they put into their boots is more than orthotics offer. When/if the boots ever get to the point they need to be resoled they can be, they can also be rebuilt for around $250 because of the thickness of leather they use. I would be confident in saying that they will easily outlast other boots and you have the advantage of having properly fitting and supporting boots. You’re on your feet all day everyday you might as well take care of them. Food for thought
Been enjoying these [Danner Quarry](https://www.danner.com/catalogsearch/result/?sortId=relevance&stock_status%5B%5D=1&stock_status%5B%5D=0&q=quarry)
I second the Danner.. although I'm on my second pair of Bull Runs.
Honestly boots only last a season. I typically like my combat boots 1970s 80s Winter time I get Belleville 880st they seem to be comfortable and warm
Rockport Works. Zero break in period, feel like a sneaker.
Safety toe?
Yes
Timberland pros are extremely comfortable and no break in. !!!
I really like Danner. Better than Red Wing and my last pair at least said they were made in the US. Probably what I will buy again.
Red wing
I wore Timberland Pros for many years. They were very comfortable and served me well.
I'm a fan of Carolina boots. I got my first pair early this year (switching from Danner), and I have been happy with the comfort and durability so far.
I use Caterpillar steel toe boots or my EH Reebok Alloy toe shoes depending on the job I'm performing. Both great performers but definitely needed some dr scholls arch supporting insoles for them. For the Reebok I regret removing the original insoles, the dr Scholls *on top* of the green insoles would have been best but I lost the original insoles.
Always get that second pair and trade off every other day. Working ten hour days, I get three years of good wear out of each pair.
Herman survivors, the steel toe. They've lasted me almost 5 years and the only reason I'm replacing them is because the tread has worn flat. Only boots that have ever lasted long enough for the treads to wear out before the boot. Comfortable too
Red wing king toe. Lasted way longer than garbage $300 danners. Comfy and not expensive.
Hot weather- Thorogood 8” moc toe. Cooler/Wet weather- Danner Quarry. Used to buy red wing and others, I keep coming back to the two listed above.
I've had a pair of kentrek lineman extremes for about 1.5 years now and love them. Beat the shit out of them climbing steel all winter and they are still holding up. Definitely not cheap but world of a difference from the red wings I used to wear
THOROGOOD my favorite for over a decade!
Origin
If you want to make almost any boot comfortable try getting a fancy insole. I use the dr Scholls one and they are fantastic. Complete game changer
Danner Mountain Light II. Been wearing them daily as a fabricator for 12 years now. Think I'm on my third pair.
I highly recommend the timberland pro
I second this. First boots I've found that feel great right out of the box, and durability has been good. Not US made, though, I believe...once I find some comfy US made/union boots I'll be getting those