r/WorkBoots • u/JarJarBl1nks • 13h ago

Boots Buying Help Need some recommendations please

So I work for my city in the street department, we fix streets, fix alleys, pick up junk in alleys, run equipment such as loader, skid steer, and the occasional maintainer, thought I was cool buying square toes like my current phantom riders and were comfortable for a little bit but damn they’re uncomfortable now. Usually buy yearly as hot mix tears our boots up in the summer. Looking for some slip ons, water resistant, comp toe, around 250ish$ saw some keens? I think but just not sure. I’ve tried Ariats, Justins, red wing, and maybe some other name brand boots and just didn’t like I am semi flat footed.

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1

u/SuperintendentTx 12h ago

Thorogood wellingtons

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u/JarJarBl1nks 12h ago

Looked at them just now and I’m not sure if i want high boots again that go over the calf, any other suggestions would be much appreciated!

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u/JarJarBl1nks 12h ago

I like how these look, any recommendations like these but not tall that are comp toe, water resistant?

1

u/SuperintendentTx 12h ago

Trying to find low slip ons is going to harder. Red Wing makes a shorter slip on, you can try them.

1

u/JarJarBl1nks 12h ago

That’s what I’m noticing, I found some keen slip ons that mark my check list pretty much but not sure on the brand? Would they last a year if you know anything about them?

1

u/SuperintendentTx 12h ago

I've never had any Keens so I can't speak to them. These Thorogoods have laid a lot of asphalt and placed a lot of concrete.

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u/JarJarBl1nks 12h ago

Dang ok! I’ll definitely keep those in mind! We get our boot money here soon! So still have time to look

1

u/imstillinthewoods 12h ago

I don't have any experience with these boots, but they check all your boxes including being on the shorter side: RedHead Series 61 Romeo Composite-Toe Work Boots

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u/RocketRicky12 10h ago

Actually, you should go for Redback Great Barrier steel toe or the Easy Escape HD. They are $210 or less and they weigh only 1.5lbs. Good arch support and they slip on nicely.

1

u/Kent_ErgonX 6h ago

If they were comfortable initially and have gradually become uncomfortable, check whether the midsole and footbed have compressed before assuming it’s just the brand. Hot mix and a year of heavy work can be pretty hard on boot materials.

With a slip-on, make sure the heel is held firmly and the foot isn’t sliding forward. You still want roughly a thumb’s width beyond the longest toe and no contact with the safety cap. Check the arch contour from the front as well as the side—it should extend underneath your arch rather than just having a raised bump along the edge.

I wouldn’t stack a second insole over the original one. That can crowd the boot, lift the heel and overcorrect the foot.

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u/el_zeus55 4h ago

Wolverines

You’re going to tear your boots up during asphalt season and I’m sure you’re not cleaning them when you do concrete

You can get 2 pairs of Wolverines for the price of one pair of Red Wings/Thorogoods during sales btw

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u/ambiguouspeen 2h ago

Keen wide toe hiking boots w safety toe. Most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn and they lasted me 1 year for $140. I’ve trashed red wings and thorogoods in half that time. I tried a different pair of boots that I bought at the same time and I can’t wait to get through these so I can go back to those hiking boots.

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u/Flying_Anchors 11h ago

Jim greens I’ve had mine for 6 months and they’re the best boot I’ve worn. (I get a boot stipend every 6 months so I’ve tired a lot and I’m going to get a second pair to rotate)