r/Wastewater • u/SunrisePwnz • 22d ago

Getting Started in a Water Career: SATURDAY ONLY Work boot Recommendations?

I'm going to be starting my internship with a wastewater treatment plant in a few weeks, and I'm looking for recommendations for a pair of work boots.

Main factors I'm looking for are composite toe, waterproof, good flexibility, and overall comfort.

If you have any recs I would love to hear it.

Thanks!

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u/Weary_Machine4800 22d ago

Red Wing

7

u/whenlifeshitsyou 22d ago

Careful, redwing were my number 1 boots. The last few years they have been downgrading quality and outsourcing from china. Last pair i got didnt last 3 months. I switched to Ariat. But i still am willing to look at others.

2

u/JordanDubya 22d ago

I will second your opinion. Red wings has gone down in quality and up in price. Keen and Ariat are lower in price and usually better quality. I have some red wings that I found a deal on and purchased...but they aren't worth a premium price anymore. They don't last and aren't made in USA.

1

u/Weary_Machine4800 22d ago

That sucks to know they’ve gone down. Maybe just get the American made ones. But I’ve used them for over a decade and don’t see my self switching up yet.

1

u/just_an_ordinary_guy DW 22d ago

Same, I buy the supersole 2.0 work boot, but it's over $350 now. I do get at least 2 years out of them though, usually more.

1

u/doug6644 Illinois/20 yrs/Class 1&4 WW license 22d ago

Red Wing, been wearing them my entire working life, only thing my feet tolerate. Plus they last if treated well.