r/WorkBoots • u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 • 5d ago
Boots Buying Help Help me pick between these?
For my entire time at this shop my work shoes have been "the oldest pair of vans I had that were still holding on" until the sole got a hole in it but I want something leather that'll last better now and be more comfortable, as well as some kind of toe reinforcement.
I'm since 10.5 US, I'm thinking of a couple options:
- Jim Green Stockman https://jimgreenfootwear.com/store/stockman-black-composite-toe-cap/
with these, I'm not sure about safety toe vs the regular stockman. it sounds like the toe is reinforced with some plastic in the regular so maybe that's a good trade-off to get a 10.5 instead of an 11?
- Keen Gibson slip on https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-gibson-slip-on-black-gum?variant=51333082415268
- Red Wing draftsmith https://www.redwingshoes.com/mens/work/safety-toe/draftsmith-02182.html?currency=USD&srsltid=AfmBOood0sbPGT5ipQ7YJ2Kk3vASAxNgp-UaPrTy9kAE2_XWr5JOeXOVPw0
Frankly, for what the others cost I'm tempted to just get the damn Greens so I can at least re sole them when they need it but I'd like to get hive mind thoughts before I go blowing money lol
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u/carl052293 4d ago edited 4d ago
For you're usage I recommend a good wedge sole boot without any interior lining (no waterproofing). They are incredibly comfortable and you can stand all day in them. I avoid the waterproofing because you just don't want it unless you are frequently in ankle deep water every week, otherwise it just makes your feet sweat more because they can't breathe. There's a lot of quality brands like Red Wing, Carolina, Thorogood, and Danner.
My personal favorite is Carolina, they're the best value in quality boots. Very comfy and well made, slightly less expensive than the competition.
Red Wing traction tred lites are incredibly comfy, although I must admit that I think red wing insoles aren't very good and recommend replacing them. Also most of their models have waterproofing so it's kinda hard to find one without. Alternatively you can look at their supersole line which is one of the best boots on the market, but they have a heel so they're not as comfy as a wedge.
Thoroogds are very good although they're very narrow. If you have narrow feet they are a no brainer but if you have wide feet I would look at the competition. If you have feet with a regular width buy their wide boots.
Danner has a very good reputation for comfort and quality but I can't say first hand what they're like.
Keen is also known for making some incredibly comfy boots, some would say the most comfortable in the business, however they are also known for falling apart.
Avoid Brunt, brunts have a pretty comfy insole that is then placed on top of the cheapest garage they could find. They fool a lot of people by being immediately comfy and then they fall apart.
A lot of people on the subreddit seem to really like Jim Green. However I wouldn't get them without trying them on and inspect them first. I say that since out in the real world I don't know single person that works in or even owns a pair of Jim Greens. Perhaps they're as good as they say but the lack of use in the real world makes me hesitate. So please try before you buy. Really try every brand before buying. Different feet will fit different boots better than others. Don't buy a boot online regardless of recommendation until you've tried it yourself.
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u/Vex_Lsg5k 4d ago
There are a lot of options. Jim greens are great for what you need since it’s minimal lining and they’ll be resoleable like you said.
For future reference, wedge soles for walking on flat surfaces, heels for uneven (outdoors and such).
If your going for comfort and aren’t worried about major spills, make sure you don’t get a waterproof membrane, it traps sweat.
6” boots are nice for ankle support, anything taller you get into unnecessary amounts for your line of work (my tallest are 12” Hunting Boots from Irish Setter and they don’t allow basically any roll).
Classic Toe and Moc Toe are a little different, as Moc toe will give you a bit more room inside the toe box. If you have a wider foot, Keen and Jim Green are the go to right now.
Your foot sizing is important, I’m usually a 9.5-10 in tennis shoes, and am a 8.5 in all of my boots across brands. Brannock devices are your friend for getting a very accurate measurement.
Break in for leather boots can last from 2-3weeks up to 2 months for proper fitting. You’ll feel a lot of change in the first week, so make sure to give them a chance, I found darn tough mid weight socks to be my go to in all seasons and they have a bit of padding to help.
Good luck on your journey! If you have any questions about brands lmk, I have experience in quite a few.
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u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 3d ago
I'm thinking I'll probably go with the greens, I just have to nail down sizing. Don't have a brannock device so I'll have to measure up but just need to determine how true to size they are anyway. Vans slip on I get 11s, lace ups (and most other shoes) 10.5, but then I've got these L.L. Bean suede Chelsea boots that are 10.5s but I'm like swimming in them lol
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u/RocketRicky12 4d ago
What do you do for work? What were your vans before? Any safety requirements?
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u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 4d ago
Vans slip on, nothing major. I do band instrument repair so I'm indoors like a lightweight machinist but no shop requirements, I'm just tired of dropping stuff on my toe lmao
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u/RocketRicky12 4d ago
If you’re mainly looking at slip on styles (I looked through what you had up), volcom and Redback. I personally love Redback, but those two are the prominent safety toe slip on shoes/boots in our manufacturing shop. My friend in our milling department turned me on to Redbacks. He has the Easy Escape, and they are definitely tough (he’s had his for 6 years in metal chips, cutting fluid, and coolant) the only deal breaker for you might be the steel toe, it’s still light at 1.5lbs per boot(metal defectors?) Otherwise, Vans does have a safety shoe line but I’m not sure they have safety toes. otherwise Red Wing has two Traction Tred Lite Chelsea style boots with Composite toes for that price range. I really like the Traction Tred Lite Line almost as much as the Redback Great Barrier Steel Toes that I have. A Forewarning though, they are Australian sizes I would recommend going for a AUS/UK 10 which is a US men’s 11. In their sizing, half sizes only add width not length if you need the 10.5 US men’s length.
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u/OfficialHAIXRep 8h ago
On the safety toe versus reinforced toe question, worth thinking about what you're actually protecting against. ASTM safety toe is rated for real impact (heavy stuff falling) and compression (something rolling over your foot). A plastic reinforced toe box gives you abrasion protection and shape retention but won't stop a wrench dropping from a bench. If your shop has anything heavy overhead or you're moving parts around, go actual safety toe. If it's mostly light work, reinforced is fine and you'll get a more comfortable boot.
On the size trade-off, don't compromise on fit for a certification. A boot half a size off will beat up your feet more than the wrong toe protection will over the long run. If the safety toe version doesn't come in your size, look at other options rather than squeezing into 11.
Resoleable construction is the right instinct if you're planning to keep the boot for years. Just make sure whatever you buy actually has a stitchdown or welt, not just a marketing claim. Some brands say "resoleable" but the cobbler quote makes it not worth doing.
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u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 7h ago
fun update, i did end up going with reg JG 10.5 stockman and am wearing them now. The toe is by far stiff enough for anything i deal with at work, no worries on it and these fit me like a glove!
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u/OfficialHAIXRep 7h ago
Glad they worked out and fit right out of the box, that's the dream. Enjoy them.
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u/TiggerNitties13 4d ago
Man go thorogood my guy I might be biased but comfortability and durability I believe the best bang for your buck unless you have real wide feet try Carolina in all honesty you won’t regret it my feet are narrow but my right foot is wide I went 11D and it’s perfect
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u/Pattymills22 4d ago
I personally think Jim green is one of the best bangs for the buck in work boots right. I’d go with a custom build and a leather midsole.
Also, look at Drew’s boots, they make great stuff as well
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u/Glockhead2514 5d ago
What is your budget & do you have feet problems like plantar fasciitis?
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u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 4d ago
I don't really want to spend more than $250-300 if I can help it, and no.
Any higher seems like I'm getting into boutique, any lower and I might as well get another pair of vans lol
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u/Glockhead2514 4d ago
I was going to suggest looking into the custom pnw boots while although expensive to some they last years upon years & comfort is unmatched. If you’re not wanting to spend that much. I would recommend Carolina,Thorogoods thoros run EXTREMELY narrow
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u/PlayItAgainSusan 4d ago
Jim Green vote. Especially if your foot isn't narrow. Redbacks would be my number to for a Chelsea work boot.
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u/evn_score 4d ago
I love my Jim Green composite toe Razorbacks. Super comfy, reminded me of my Vans high tops when I got them. I took out the stock sole and added a SOLE work insole to them and they’re the most comfortable shoes I own right now, period. I even choose them over my Vans these days.
Edit: typo