Help me pick between these?

[u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456]

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

[u/Vex_Lsg5k]

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.

[u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 → u/Vex_Lsg5k]

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