Work Boots

[Slickhill]

I get a boot allowance from work, use it or lose it every year so I buy a new pair of wedge sole Thorogoods every fall. I stack them in my closet for a rainy day because I always get at least 2 years out of a pair. They generally require one or two shifts to break in and after that they’re golden. I regularly wear them around the ranch or town even on off days, have killed a bunch of game in them on after work or warm weather hunts too.

A cheaper alternative that is comfortable to me but doesn’t last as long is the RedWing Ashby. They’re a low top, I always called them a carpenter boot because they were who I saw wearing them growing up. About 2/3 the price of the Tgoods and made in Vietnam or somewhere last time I bought a pair, but decent kicks for the price.

 

[devildog.34]

Nicks Builder pro

 

[timmymac24]

Thanks all for the input helps me with the feedback appreciate your time and effort in posting.

 

[Sound5150]

In search of a nice pair of comfortable work boots. No steel toe needed. I have worn hiking boots in the past for support, comfort and not cooking my feet. Tried some Carharts at TSC this am but waited. Have been looking online at JK Boots, Whites, Thorogood, etc. Would prefer 6" boots. The reviews are all over the place on many brands. I realize that it's best to have the option of trying before buying but the custom boot sellers don't have stores in my area. Any input on what to avoid or what has been good would be appreciated. I do some construction part time and work for a local farmer part time beside the typical yard work needed on my property.

I bought a pair of Thorogood boots and have been my favorite. I use them for every day use, riding, and work. Similar to the Redwings, but a little less $$.

 

[WPFY543]

Full transparency - until recently, I got a paycheck from Nicks.

I think the advice you have gotten here is spot on and it really comes down to what is most important to you. Nicks, Whites, and JK are all similar and you can't go wrong with any of them. I know for a fact that Nicks are 100% made in a single factory in Spokane. Do your research if 100% Made in the USA is important to you. At the end of the day, they are all fantastic boots that will last 20+ years with some minimal maintenance and a rebuild when necessary. Given this, an "expensive" boot can actually be the best long term investment. Think of these boots as the Landcruiser of the boot world - you pay for it up front, but you know it will last most guys for a lifetime. There are brands and specific models within the PNW space that offer better value than others. Sizing, fit, ordering, and break in are all part of the experience - DM me if I can help.

The next tier of boots, such as Thorogoods, Origin, some Red Wings, Tecovas (maybe) are like an F150. It isn't going to last forever, but the value is strong and a lot of guys trust them every morning on the job site. Comfort out of the box is going to be higher, but you will see comfort deteriorate at a certain point as the boot breaks down. As long as you know these aren't going to last forever and you replace them 6 months before you actually think they are shot, they get the job done with a reasonable initial investment. I still have a pair of boots in this category and I reach for them often.

What I would recommend you avoid is the heavily branded boots. Cat, Carhartt, Ariat, Keen, Brunt, Danner build a boot that is comfortable out of the box but designed for replacement. Sounds like you know this already!

For the most part, I wear some version of a Nicks Boot daily but hunt in a Crispi. Let me know if I can help.

 

[timmymac24]

Thanks for the above post. I am getting a pair of Redwing 606's for now. I have Nick's or JK's on my bucket list for the reasons you stated in your post. I truly appreciate all the input as I previously mentioned. I use Crispi's for hunting and love them. Thanks again.

 

[thisguy]

Redwing moc toe made in USA version. Pricey but very comfy once broken in. And they last. Might not be what you're looking for if you want more aggressive tread and ankle support, but shop work and farm work I wear them all the time. Wearing them to town right now

 

[def90]

I'll say the same thing i always say for boots no matter what they will be used for. You HAVE to try them all on, everyone's feet are different and every boot has a different shape. Buy a boot that fits right out of the box.

 

[Dave Thomas]

Redback boots have been great for me. I'm an auto mechanic and most boots don't last and kill your feet by the end of the day. The Redback boots last a few years for me and are much more comfortable than anything else I've tried.

 

[Cjackson51591]

I have had good luck with Irish setter, Danner and my most recent pair is Georgia boots and I really like them. They are comfortable and really support the ankles. I’m notorious for rolling my ankle so ankle support is a must.

 

[bielenbm]

I was a DANNER guy but the quality isn’t what it used to be.
I’ve been running the thorogood boots absolutely love them.

 

[OKHunter84]

Working in the oilfield for several years I tried quite a few different kinds of boots. My dad, uncle's and most old timers swore by red wings. I've had a few pairs of red wings I liked a lot. I don't think the quality is the same as it was twenty+ years ago and they're expensive. I've also had some Ariat and twisted x lace ups I liked. Last pair I really liked were Oliver All terrains.

I had really bad luck with Justin and Carhartt boots.

 

[speakforthemind]

I wear KEEN from work boots to hiking, though not daily. I know there are some bad reviews out there but there will always be defective units when you make millions. All of mine have held up great. Two of my friends in trades wear them too. I am in a bit of a unique situation though, I have flat feet so most boots don't work for me. KEEN is wide in the center where my arch should be, anything that gets narrow my foot will roll over the sole.

 

[SuperSeal110]

20yrs in steel toes. 8hr - 16hrs in them. I've had a few different brands over the years, such as, Ariat's, Justin's, Irish Settler's, Red Wing, and Wolverine.

So far, my Irish has been the most comfortable and long lasting out of the bunch. They're 1.5yrs old and still going strong. No blowout, no stitching coming apart & no inside heal fabric ripping or blowing out.

 

[SaltiestRomo]

Haix or Redbacks are my go-tos.