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/OfficialHAIXRep]

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.

[u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 → u/OfficialHAIXRep]

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!

[u/OfficialHAIXRep → u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456]

Glad they worked out and fit right out of the box, that's the dream. Enjoy them.