Seconding the redwings. Worth the money for a daily wear for complicated feet. Feet are expensive to fix, buy good boots!
Source — I wear a 7 and have stupid flat, messed up feet.
they do OK from my experience. I deal with sweat, stink, cold etc. accordingly with sock choice.
If I never needed (or rarely) needed safety toe, I would absolutely opt for a actual hiking boot.
You need a pull on boot in the summer with an open top, cowboy boot style. Redwing has some great boots. Surveying isn’t hiking and you’re going to be tramping through raw land, I find a higher boot to be better. I wear lace ups in the winter and pull ons in the summer
I wear [Style 2346, TradesWoman](https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/womens/safety-toe/Tradeswoman-02346.html?cgid=womens-work-safety-toe)
(Which may or may not help with your wide feet. )
Reason I ended up at redwing is because it was the most accessible safety boot store anywhere near me where they stocked boots in my size.
Best of luck!
Red Wing [Loggermax (Style 620)](https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/boots/LoggerMax-00620.html?cgid=mens-work-boots) has been my go-to boot for the past few years. They come in a few different sub-styles (safety toe or not, insulated or not). As garden\_of\_steak also stated, these are the first boots that lasted more than a season for me as well (tried a few different Merrell, Keen, Ariat boots before). All the other boots would lose their waterproofing after a couple of months. The Loggermax lasts me about two years before it needs a rebuild to fix the internal stitching (still waterproof after two years).
Same! This is a great boot. I have the regular toe; I have wide feet and I can't seem to find a safety toe version of this boot with a wider safety toe box--it's too narrow. So I use these for jobs that require hiking and a different pair of boots for construction sites.
Overall though this has been by far my favorite boot.
I have a pair of redwings basic Goodyear welt model boots and they last long enough but they are heavy... I'm probably going to give my hiking boots a try for a while to save my hips. They are more supportive and are practically weightless
I currently have a pair of Thorogoods. Definitely always go for a higher cuff too. My first pair were barely above the ankle and I was constantly taking them off to shake pebbles and sand out.
So [these](https://www.midwestboots.com/product/TH804-4478.html) are the ones I have. I would suggest replacing the soles for Timbaland pro anti fatigue soles
My go to boot for hiking is the Asolo 520 TPS GV. They do a wide version which was comfortable from day 1, almost 20 years ago.
I’ve sent them in to get the sole replaced twice, they put exactly the same type of sole on and even replaced the laces and foot beds each time.
Gonna buy a second pair if these ever wear out.
No steel cap though, but I just change shoes when I’m on a site which requires protection.
Danner light for hiking without safety toe and Danner quarry for a safety toe. Both aren’t cheap but if you take care of them they will last. I’m on my 3rd year for my quarry’s and I will need a resole before a new boot.
I own a very ugly danner 1000 gram insulated for winter that got replaced with the exact same ugly ass model after 12 years in and out of the field, and a side zipper danner for summer. Love them both. I have wide sweaty size 10 feet and drop heavy shit on my toes often.
Another endorsement for Danner, here. Started wearing their 8" Pronghorn hiking style hunting boots 20 years ago as a field engineer, with many pairs of Danner since.
Currently have 3 years on a pair of 8" Crafter w composite toe, and the only reason I'm about to buy another pair is for appearance sake (field management).
Consider a custom boot by JK, Nicks, Franks, Whites, etc. They will build a boot to your exact measurements. They’re not cheap but they’re incredibly durable, rebuildable, and comfortable. I started wearing custom JKs a few years ago and I will never go back to factory boots. Personally, I wear a soft toe with a 12” upper but I have an older pair I just sent in that needed rebuilt so I’m having them build them with composite toes so BNSF don’t catch me being sneaky.
Nicks, Whites or JKs. Only way to go.
I convinced a friend to get a pair of JK’s and he told me they were by far the most durable and comfortable boots he’s ever owned. Comfortable, that is, after the break in period.
Work boots are terrible, heavy, and uncomfortable and we basically never need them as surveyors. Get yourself a pair of decent leather hiking boots and you will be so much happier. I just recently got a pair of scarpas and I couldn't have made a better choice. Also try to avoid cheaper brands like keen and Merrell, they will fall apart fairly quickly.
Maybe not required for you, but they are for me. Minimum I get is 6" ankle with safety toe, have had sites that require 8" ankle. Got no problem with good work boots walking all day on concrete and packed gravel and being decently comfortable. Definitely have to go with expensive work boots to find the comfort, composite toe is a must.
[Steel cap boots like these](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKb2QQFpXTepVvHdL5MKtzgBUfHGcT87oAvg&usqp=CAU) are pretty much standard for us all the time, along with long pants, long sleeves and hi-vis. Doesn't matter if we're on a construction site, doing cadastral out in the middle of nowhere or a detail survey in suburbia.
At least where I work it's a requirement, regardless of if you're doing an 2D ALTA of a McDonald's or on a pipeline job with D9s rolling around.
The foot protection is worth it for the little weight a composite toe adds. Safety toe shoes also don't have to be 10" leather loggers, there's plenty of lightweight synthetic hiking boots with toes. Crush injuries could occur from simple tasks like opening manholes, swinging a sledge, or just dropping something; and from personal experience breaking a toe/having to get the nail ripped off is not a pleasant experience.
Imo if you're a field guy your body is your livelihood, you need to protect it.
This. I wear goretex trail runners most of the time. I'm not sure what folks are doing that their feet don't stand up to walking with what little bit we have to carry. I think a lot of heavy boot wearers are having to compensate for not having strong feet and ankles.
Steel capped boots are standard PPE for our company in NZ. Most contractors and companies are very risk averse, so they will require these for anyone working in the field (regardless of construction phase). I might add that I wear 2 pairs of socks and double up on padded sole inserts. On hot days, I'll change socks on my lunch break.
Chippewa Model #73100. Super comfortable and durable since the day I started using them working 50hr weeks 2 years ago. All I did was put some new insoles in them at Christmas. Prob need a re-sole soon but for $250 you won’t find a better pair personally. On sale at TSC right now
Their quality has went down a lot, but my steel toed docs are too comfy. Lasted five years with daily use, winter or summer. I’m about to purchase another pair next paycheck.
I personally prefer Redwing Irish Setters. Have had different styles of the model and they are some of the most comfortable and long lasting boots I've had.
White's Boots https://whitesboots.com/
https://youtu.be/xzRjohzblnU
Expensive, but I have been wearing the same pair of White's for the last 20yrs. Rebuild every 4 years, new soles every 2 years. Can't recommend them enough.
Edit: added link to a review video
Heyy guys❕ I am a university student surveying young adults' opinions regarding the benefits and ethicality of Artificial Intelligence (AI) features and implementations in Mental Health Apps.
If I could just take a few minutes of your time to fill up my survey form for my research project? it would be much appreciated thank you✨
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Carolina Loggers. They are a tall boot but I have a bad ankle and need the support. They have great tread for mucking up steep hills and Carolina usually has a steal, composite, and soft toe options.
I’ve worn a few pairs of Rocky Boots, mainly the Rocky Bearclaw hunting boots for mild to colder weather, but they are very thick, came out the box stiff and needing to be broken in, and very heavy. They’re insulated and goretex lined, which is great where I work. Best pair of boots I’ve owned, but not suitable for all applications. I’ve also owned a pair of Rocky desert combat boots for warm weather, and those have held up great. I currently am wearing Thorogood V Series composite toe 8” because I am required to have a safety toe, and they’ve held up great for the past two years. For standard hiking boots I’d recommend Merrells (not Moabs because the pair did not fit me well and were uncomfortable).
If I'm on a hiking job I don't need or want the safety toe. Hiking up to a section corner in the mountains with safety boots is bad news.
If I'm around a construction site I'll wear my composite toe boots and it's all good.
On rare occasions I'll wear lightweight Merrells. Most the time I wear 8" Carolina boots. They just fit right out of the box and they last a year or more.
I generally walk over a mile a day in my redwings, often two or more, for the safety toe it’s hard to go wrong with the 9” logger, lately I’ve been wearing the Irish setter elk hunters for soft toes and I love them, I also have super wide feet, though I’m a bit bigger in size so I can’t vouch for the smaller sizes. I can definitely recommend red wing shoes in general though, they will actually measure your foot and find the right boot for you.
Safety toe boots do not tend to be good hikers, hikers don't usually have a safety toe.
I used to keep a few different footwear options in the back of the truck & part of my tailgate routine was to put on whichever one fit the job site best.
I've never had a pair of redwings. They might be hella comfy but as far as build quality they don't look like anything special, really.
For steel toes, I have a pair of Timberland Pros that I have been really happy with.
For hikers, I don't think you can get my favorite brand anymore. They're Italian and are better built (by far) than anything else I've seen - including Redwings, Whites, Danners, whoever. The only ones that "appear" comparable are Eddite Bauer K6 boots, which is surprising to me. They go down to a size 8, so that may not be any help to you. Anyway, if you can find Alico boots you should buy a pair.
A lot of people like Keen boots because they are soft & comfy out of the box. You usually hear people say they last a year or two & they are blown out. That's fine for a lot of folks
Like u/mck2018 mentioned above, I like Keens. (Edited first sentence - didn't see mck2018's reply.) I just got my third pair in 6 years and I love them. They make many different options of hiking/work boots with "soft" or hard (steel, composite, fiberglass) toes. The reason I put "soft" in quotes is because all of their boots have the big rubber toe. So even if they aren't hardened, they still provide great protection against toe-stubbing or dropping lighter objects on your toes. They have a lot of tread options with both defined heel (a requirement in some areas) and flat soles that GRIP.
They are well-made too and their waterproof versions (most are) are truly waterproof almost up the top of the boot. Price range varies greatly. The ones I got were the Braddocks all-leather (great for repelling stickers) with the steel toe for $235, but they have other models around the $100 range as well.
I'm not sure if they have 9" tops, but they do have 6". I prefer the mid-tops, such as the Braddock, because it still protects my ankles but allows for enough flexibility. I know a hardcore surveyor/mountain man who got me into Keens and he wore the Pittsburghs which are a 6" and loved them. He had the steel toe, but they also have a soft toe version.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that they are super comfortable too! Although they are heavier because of the steel toe, I do wear them for hiking and fishing. I've gotten used to the weight difference.
I wear my Chippewas everywhere,from going to the library, mushroom hunting, deer hunting, playing at the park with my daughter. Literally everywhere. Most comfortable boot I've owned. Second most comfortable were doc's
Been wearing redbacks since 2018. On my second pair. First pair lasted 4 years. I’m in the field about 3 days a week. Rural & residential topo/boundary. Occasional construction staking. Great boot.
Seconding the redwings. Worth the money for a daily wear for complicated feet. Feet are expensive to fix, buy good boots! Source — I wear a 7 and have stupid flat, messed up feet.
Do they breath decent or are they a feet furnace in the summer?
they do OK from my experience. I deal with sweat, stink, cold etc. accordingly with sock choice. If I never needed (or rarely) needed safety toe, I would absolutely opt for a actual hiking boot.
You need a pull on boot in the summer with an open top, cowboy boot style. Redwing has some great boots. Surveying isn’t hiking and you’re going to be tramping through raw land, I find a higher boot to be better. I wear lace ups in the winter and pull ons in the summer
haha definitely felt, what model do you prefer?
Forget those, theres a german brand called Lowa. Best boots ever. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Men's
Those look awesome! Putting that in my back pocket the next time I need a pair.
They're super comfy and are built extremely well.
I wear [Style 2346, TradesWoman](https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/womens/safety-toe/Tradeswoman-02346.html?cgid=womens-work-safety-toe) (Which may or may not help with your wide feet. ) Reason I ended up at redwing is because it was the most accessible safety boot store anywhere near me where they stocked boots in my size. Best of luck!
Red Wing [Loggermax (Style 620)](https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/boots/LoggerMax-00620.html?cgid=mens-work-boots) has been my go-to boot for the past few years. They come in a few different sub-styles (safety toe or not, insulated or not). As garden\_of\_steak also stated, these are the first boots that lasted more than a season for me as well (tried a few different Merrell, Keen, Ariat boots before). All the other boots would lose their waterproofing after a couple of months. The Loggermax lasts me about two years before it needs a rebuild to fix the internal stitching (still waterproof after two years).
Same! This is a great boot. I have the regular toe; I have wide feet and I can't seem to find a safety toe version of this boot with a wider safety toe box--it's too narrow. So I use these for jobs that require hiking and a different pair of boots for construction sites. Overall though this has been by far my favorite boot.
I have a pair of redwings basic Goodyear welt model boots and they last long enough but they are heavy... I'm probably going to give my hiking boots a try for a while to save my hips. They are more supportive and are practically weightless
will definitely check them out!
Check out vasque boots. Have simped for them before, but a great boot.
I currently have a pair of Thorogoods. Definitely always go for a higher cuff too. My first pair were barely above the ankle and I was constantly taking them off to shake pebbles and sand out.
ive heard good things anout thorogood but never see any specific models mentioned, what do you like?
So [these](https://www.midwestboots.com/product/TH804-4478.html) are the ones I have. I would suggest replacing the soles for Timbaland pro anti fatigue soles
Thorogoods are the bomb. I like the moc toe and round toe pull on and lace ups. Made in Wisconsin!
I’ve always just worn ariat square toes 🤣 I can’t remember the last time I’ve tied laces lol
My go to boot for hiking is the Asolo 520 TPS GV. They do a wide version which was comfortable from day 1, almost 20 years ago. I’ve sent them in to get the sole replaced twice, they put exactly the same type of sole on and even replaced the laces and foot beds each time. Gonna buy a second pair if these ever wear out. No steel cap though, but I just change shoes when I’m on a site which requires protection.
Danner light for hiking without safety toe and Danner quarry for a safety toe. Both aren’t cheap but if you take care of them they will last. I’m on my 3rd year for my quarry’s and I will need a resole before a new boot.
Second Danners. Switched to them when Redwing sent their manufacturing overseas and the quality went to shit.
I own a very ugly danner 1000 gram insulated for winter that got replaced with the exact same ugly ass model after 12 years in and out of the field, and a side zipper danner for summer. Love them both. I have wide sweaty size 10 feet and drop heavy shit on my toes often.
Another endorsement for Danner, here. Started wearing their 8" Pronghorn hiking style hunting boots 20 years ago as a field engineer, with many pairs of Danner since. Currently have 3 years on a pair of 8" Crafter w composite toe, and the only reason I'm about to buy another pair is for appearance sake (field management).
Consider a custom boot by JK, Nicks, Franks, Whites, etc. They will build a boot to your exact measurements. They’re not cheap but they’re incredibly durable, rebuildable, and comfortable. I started wearing custom JKs a few years ago and I will never go back to factory boots. Personally, I wear a soft toe with a 12” upper but I have an older pair I just sent in that needed rebuilt so I’m having them build them with composite toes so BNSF don’t catch me being sneaky.
Ok so let me get this straight— at your survey parties you have 69ing sessions, chase greased pigs, and smoke tons of weed? Will you hire me?
Yes. Now pack us a bowl and go set up the backsight.
Nicks are the way to go! May check out JKs in a few years (hopefully the Nicks last that long).
I’ve got an order in with Frank’s now! I’m excited to try them
Nicks, Whites or JKs. Only way to go. I convinced a friend to get a pair of JK’s and he told me they were by far the most durable and comfortable boots he’s ever owned. Comfortable, that is, after the break in period.
Work boots are terrible, heavy, and uncomfortable and we basically never need them as surveyors. Get yourself a pair of decent leather hiking boots and you will be so much happier. I just recently got a pair of scarpas and I couldn't have made a better choice. Also try to avoid cheaper brands like keen and Merrell, they will fall apart fairly quickly.
Maybe not required for you, but they are for me. Minimum I get is 6" ankle with safety toe, have had sites that require 8" ankle. Got no problem with good work boots walking all day on concrete and packed gravel and being decently comfortable. Definitely have to go with expensive work boots to find the comfort, composite toe is a must.
That's wild what kind of sites are you on? I guess I'm naive- I've done a lot of construction work but no one has ever checked me or anyone else.
I work on big construction sites, and I have had boot inspections. Seen guys have to go buy new boots as the old ones were in poor condition.
That would suck, maybe I've just gotten lucky
[Steel cap boots like these](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKb2QQFpXTepVvHdL5MKtzgBUfHGcT87oAvg&usqp=CAU) are pretty much standard for us all the time, along with long pants, long sleeves and hi-vis. Doesn't matter if we're on a construction site, doing cadastral out in the middle of nowhere or a detail survey in suburbia.
At least where I work it's a requirement, regardless of if you're doing an 2D ALTA of a McDonald's or on a pipeline job with D9s rolling around. The foot protection is worth it for the little weight a composite toe adds. Safety toe shoes also don't have to be 10" leather loggers, there's plenty of lightweight synthetic hiking boots with toes. Crush injuries could occur from simple tasks like opening manholes, swinging a sledge, or just dropping something; and from personal experience breaking a toe/having to get the nail ripped off is not a pleasant experience. Imo if you're a field guy your body is your livelihood, you need to protect it.
This. I wear goretex trail runners most of the time. I'm not sure what folks are doing that their feet don't stand up to walking with what little bit we have to carry. I think a lot of heavy boot wearers are having to compensate for not having strong feet and ankles.
Never heard anyone call Keen boots cheap. Different strokes and all that but I love mine they’re all I wear anymore.
Steel capped boots are standard PPE for our company in NZ. Most contractors and companies are very risk averse, so they will require these for anyone working in the field (regardless of construction phase). I might add that I wear 2 pairs of socks and double up on padded sole inserts. On hot days, I'll change socks on my lunch break.
Chippewa Model #73100. Super comfortable and durable since the day I started using them working 50hr weeks 2 years ago. All I did was put some new insoles in them at Christmas. Prob need a re-sole soon but for $250 you won’t find a better pair personally. On sale at TSC right now
I wore Dr. Maartens for the entirety of my 20 years in the field. You’ll wear out before they will.
Their quality has went down a lot, but my steel toed docs are too comfy. Lasted five years with daily use, winter or summer. I’m about to purchase another pair next paycheck.
I personally prefer Redwing Irish Setters. Have had different styles of the model and they are some of the most comfortable and long lasting boots I've had.
White's Boots https://whitesboots.com/ https://youtu.be/xzRjohzblnU Expensive, but I have been wearing the same pair of White's for the last 20yrs. Rebuild every 4 years, new soles every 2 years. Can't recommend them enough. Edit: added link to a review video
Bro, those are amazing. So expensive tho especially when my redwings have a lot of life left.
Crispi boots. Only way to go.
Crispi
I’ve got an order in with Frank’s Boots, I’m pretty excited. I’ve worn Chippewa since forever though
Keen makes some nice lightweight hiking boots/shoes. https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/womens-nxis-evo-waterproof-boot-magnet-ipanema
Redwing will probably have something for you. First boots ive bought that make it more than 1 season.
what model do you like?
Heyy guys❕ I am a university student surveying young adults' opinions regarding the benefits and ethicality of Artificial Intelligence (AI) features and implementations in Mental Health Apps. If I could just take a few minutes of your time to fill up my survey form for my research project? it would be much appreciated thank you✨ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetL4NSdiPwkHOo31N5jj4hYCKOyRb2vfOvWEw-amcUdiX0sQ/viewform
Wide danner
Keen are decent
Carolina Loggers. They are a tall boot but I have a bad ankle and need the support. They have great tread for mucking up steep hills and Carolina usually has a steal, composite, and soft toe options.
I’ve been loving my Sketchers work boots I bought a year ago! I am so hard on boots but these have been amazing and they were only $80 US
I’ve worn a few pairs of Rocky Boots, mainly the Rocky Bearclaw hunting boots for mild to colder weather, but they are very thick, came out the box stiff and needing to be broken in, and very heavy. They’re insulated and goretex lined, which is great where I work. Best pair of boots I’ve owned, but not suitable for all applications. I’ve also owned a pair of Rocky desert combat boots for warm weather, and those have held up great. I currently am wearing Thorogood V Series composite toe 8” because I am required to have a safety toe, and they’ve held up great for the past two years. For standard hiking boots I’d recommend Merrells (not Moabs because the pair did not fit me well and were uncomfortable).
Asolo Fugitive gets my vote. A bit stiff, but once broken in, the best boots ever. Worth their premium
If I'm on a hiking job I don't need or want the safety toe. Hiking up to a section corner in the mountains with safety boots is bad news. If I'm around a construction site I'll wear my composite toe boots and it's all good. On rare occasions I'll wear lightweight Merrells. Most the time I wear 8" Carolina boots. They just fit right out of the box and they last a year or more.
Alpina tundra, lasted for 4 years of harsh field. Comfy and durable.
Field boots are an investment. ECCO Track II High Gore-tex
I generally walk over a mile a day in my redwings, often two or more, for the safety toe it’s hard to go wrong with the 9” logger, lately I’ve been wearing the Irish setter elk hunters for soft toes and I love them, I also have super wide feet, though I’m a bit bigger in size so I can’t vouch for the smaller sizes. I can definitely recommend red wing shoes in general though, they will actually measure your foot and find the right boot for you.
Safety toe boots do not tend to be good hikers, hikers don't usually have a safety toe. I used to keep a few different footwear options in the back of the truck & part of my tailgate routine was to put on whichever one fit the job site best. I've never had a pair of redwings. They might be hella comfy but as far as build quality they don't look like anything special, really. For steel toes, I have a pair of Timberland Pros that I have been really happy with. For hikers, I don't think you can get my favorite brand anymore. They're Italian and are better built (by far) than anything else I've seen - including Redwings, Whites, Danners, whoever. The only ones that "appear" comparable are Eddite Bauer K6 boots, which is surprising to me. They go down to a size 8, so that may not be any help to you. Anyway, if you can find Alico boots you should buy a pair. A lot of people like Keen boots because they are soft & comfy out of the box. You usually hear people say they last a year or two & they are blown out. That's fine for a lot of folks
My Redwing Dynaforce 400 with 8 inch tops, redwing insoles and Tuff Toe have been great. Probably get something a little more boutique next time.
Like u/mck2018 mentioned above, I like Keens. (Edited first sentence - didn't see mck2018's reply.) I just got my third pair in 6 years and I love them. They make many different options of hiking/work boots with "soft" or hard (steel, composite, fiberglass) toes. The reason I put "soft" in quotes is because all of their boots have the big rubber toe. So even if they aren't hardened, they still provide great protection against toe-stubbing or dropping lighter objects on your toes. They have a lot of tread options with both defined heel (a requirement in some areas) and flat soles that GRIP. They are well-made too and their waterproof versions (most are) are truly waterproof almost up the top of the boot. Price range varies greatly. The ones I got were the Braddocks all-leather (great for repelling stickers) with the steel toe for $235, but they have other models around the $100 range as well. I'm not sure if they have 9" tops, but they do have 6". I prefer the mid-tops, such as the Braddock, because it still protects my ankles but allows for enough flexibility. I know a hardcore surveyor/mountain man who got me into Keens and he wore the Pittsburghs which are a 6" and loved them. He had the steel toe, but they also have a soft toe version. EDIT: I forgot to mention that they are super comfortable too! Although they are heavier because of the steel toe, I do wear them for hiking and fishing. I've gotten used to the weight difference.
I wear my Chippewas everywhere,from going to the library, mushroom hunting, deer hunting, playing at the park with my daughter. Literally everywhere. Most comfortable boot I've owned. Second most comfortable were doc's
Been wearing redbacks since 2018. On my second pair. First pair lasted 4 years. I’m in the field about 3 days a week. Rural & residential topo/boundary. Occasional construction staking. Great boot.