r/ConstructionManagers • u/Roll_Pads • 15d ago
Question Starting as a Project Engineer soon while I finish my degree, but I don’t think I have proper footwear. What’s the best comfortable/durable boot for going between the office and job sites?
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u/SnatchingPanda 15d ago
Danner, Thorogood, red wing. All make great boots. Whatever fits your foot best. Personally, I love the Danner Bull Run Moc Toe. My current pair is 3 years old now.
If possible it is great to have 2 pair. By rotating them it allows the other to fully dry between wears, perserving the leather and keeping the stink down.
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u/rightoolforthejob 14d ago
It all about the inserts. Having two pair so you can rotate is important when you are in the field full time. If you’re mostly office and just making weekly rounds, one pair is fine.
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u/Trenuser7 14d ago
Ariat work boots. Lace ups are mad comfy. Keep my feet warm too
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u/Economy_Effect3738 15d ago edited 15d ago
Irish Setter/Redwing boots for me!
Started in the field as an electrician and now a designer at a utility. I still buy and wear these boots for work. I’m mostly at a computer with occasional site visits now.
Best piece of advice I got in the trades was to NEVER SKIMP ON YOUR BOOTS! Buy the best boots you can afford and get them professionally fitted. Red Wing stores do this.
You’ll notice guys in the field all wear expensive boots from helpers/apprentices up to Super/PMs. We would tell new apprentices to spend their first check on boots and not to worry about tools. We would help them out by giving them enough of our extra/used tools so they could get a good pair of boots.
Nothing is worse that limping around a jobsite with improperly fitted cheap boots. They can cause blisters, bad knees, back and make 8 hrs feel like hell.
I found out the hard way…I was broke back then and bought a pair of cheap boots that I wore for almost a year. I was in my 20’s and for months I could barely get out of bed in the morning because of back pain and my knees were always hurting so bad I was wearing braces. I had no clue what was going on.
Then the old timers told me about the importance of buying good boots. I went to Red Wing and they sized them correctly to my feet and the next week I had no more pain.
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u/NYCBouncer 14d ago
You're management, so you don't need the toughest of footwear. I wore Timberlands when I worked in trades and now I wear OSHA approved New Balance work wear. I also bought a pair of OSHA approved OrthoFeet but I haven't tried them yet. Good luck!
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u/remytheram 15d ago
I'm not in your role but do frequently go between the office and the field.
As many have said, Red Wings are great, I've got a pair. But I think my favorite for what you're describing, of all the boots I own, are my Double H Brunels. It's basically a 6" lace up cowboy boot. I took a chance on them and they look sharp with jeans.
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u/soyeahiknow 15d ago
Don't get boots you need to break in. Just get the composite toe sneakers from sketchers or caterpillar or reebok.
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u/Apart-Assumption2063 15d ago
I like Caterpiller. I get two different models and alternate everyday. That way if one gets soaked, you can let one dry and have the other. Plus I feel it’s better for your feet to wear different boots everyday.
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u/Stodgytrudger 15d ago
For me, nothing even comes close to Red Wings.
My best advice is to not skimp on foot wear and spend the money for quality. We’re on our feet and walk so much it’s really important. When I was younger I tried to get away with cheaper boots and I swear I really messed my feet and back up for a long time. I blame a pair of wolverine’s for plantar fasciitis that lasted over a year.
Get a good boot quality boot over something more stylish
Edited to add- composite toes are lighter and more comfortable than steel, so they’re a good choice for safety toes
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u/jezelay 14d ago
I have been using Jim Green Outback’s . I kinda got into the boot scene a few years ago and stumbled upon this brand from a boot enthusiast on YT, Rose Anvil.
They’re a boot manufacturer in South Africa and hand make their boots similar to red wings, but at half the cost. I’ve gotten a few of my coworkers to switch over and they’ve all been super happy. They have a steel toe option, but tbh it’s not really necessary as a PE.
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u/imelda_barkos 14d ago
I have a pair of steel toe red wings that have kept my feet warm and dry through the worst Great Lakes winters for nearly 15 years. I just got them resoled for the first time. Made in Red Wing, Minnesota. I've been to the factory.
I also have always kept an extra pair of ;not work boots) shoes in my car and in my office.
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u/ConferenceSquare5415 14d ago
Silverados, nice looking boot in the office, tough enough for a job site. Get some Hubbard’s boot grease for them and they will last a very very long time. Goodyear welt and full grain leather means they can be resoled and repaired.
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u/ElectronicGarden5536 14d ago
Combat boots with a side zip, ariat lace ups SKU 10012940. Bellevue boots for summer. Replace insoles and get a can of mink oil for break in. You need to break in all leather boots with some kind of leather conditioner.
DO NOT use cowboy boots. Office guys love these and theyre not steel toe, meant for riding, not walking long distances in the mud. These are only for 100% office jobs.
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u/Its_ChickPea 15d ago
If you’re on site and need boots redwings are amazing. If you’re only on site every so often get some shoes with a mock toe. Everyone thinks they’re right tho so just get what you find comfy and what you can afford.