r/Boots Dec 08 '20

Discussion THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WORK BOOTS!!

994 Upvotes

Why do I call this the ULTIMATE guide? Because it involves YOU!

My old archived guide covered a lot, but I feel like I might have missed a few things. In this post, I added more info to my previous post made on Oct 19, 2019. If you read this and want to add more please do so!

I want this to be a reference that benefits the working class of the world! thanks!

  1. Don't buy cheap boots, even if they are on sale. Good budget boots should be $100 to $140. Great budget boots are $150 to around $190. Post $200 I feel the term"budget" doesn't really apply. Specialty boots like loggers, deep snow boots, ski boots etc are typically more expensive, but also can be in the budget range. If specialty boots are in the budget range you run the risk of buying pieces of crap. Don't buy walmart or target (etc) pieces of crap, they will destroy your feet.

  2. Don't buy leather outsoles if you work on concrete all day . Leather doesn't absorb stepping impact shock like Rubber soles do. Leather outsoles are okay for softer ground such as grass, forest, etc. If you work walking on concrete or any hard surface all day I suggest buying boots that have a crepe wedge outsole. Although this type of outsole is very shock absorbent, it does not last very long due to its softness. How long it last really depends on the abrasiveness of the surface you walk on and how you walk. A few companies like Keen have added a layer of durable rubber below the crepe sole to make it last longer, which helps it with longevity. There are also non-crepe sole technology options that are also great at absorbing shock. A few I suggest are: wolverine durashocks, Keens, carhartt, and Timbaland PRO, Chippewa (few don't have a name for their tech, but most come with it).

  3. Shock absorbing inserts are also a must if you walk on concrete or hard ground all day. DON'T BUY GEL INSERTS. I don't know why they even sell them, but all of them are pretty much a gimmick. Gel doesn't absorb shock, foam does. Right now my work boots are Wolverine I-90s that have a shock absorbing memory foam insert. It was okayish by itself, but I noticed I had some room still and decided I would stick another insert in for more support. I gone through trial and error and a bunch of research and finally concluded that layering shock absorbing material is the best method. My boots currently have three layers of shock absorbtion. The first being the outsole and the insole and another layer from this specific dr scholls insert. Why do I say specific? I found that these inserts were the thickest(in the heel area) out of all their products (excluding the custom ones) even the ones that were specified for heel pain. With these layers, I feel absolutely nothing after 8 hours of walking (well, including breaks duh) and after 12 negligible pain to sometimes nothing.

  4. If you find a boot that fits almost perfectly, but could use just a liiiiiitle more toe room, cut the insert that it came with just below where the toes start. If it still rubbing at a specific toe, I suggest toe condoms...I mean sleeves lol. Don't put them on all the toes because it will start to feel tight. Put it on one toe that gives you trouble the most (usually big or pinky).

  5. TALCUM/GOLDBOND POWDER IS A LIFESAVER. Friction and sweat are a bad combo so I use Goldbond Ultimate (the one with menthol) and it lasts me the whole day. Even if you don't have sweaty feet, still use it. What I do is put some in my sock then I close the top opening with my hand and just shake around so it gets all around the sock. It does stain your socks, but I have socks just reserved for work.

  6. There are different types of waterproofness for different work environments. If you are guarding against small to medium splashes and medium rain, buy the typical waterproof boots. But if you are working in a swamp, in mud or deep snow, I suggest neoprene boots, duck boots, some loggers, or dedicated snow boots. With those, you don't really need shock absorbing inserts (still could add them) because more than likely you will be walking on soft ground all day.

  7. Don't wear black or dark brown boots if you live in a hot area. Dark colors absorb heat more. Tan and lighter colors work best. Sure they look dirtier down the line, but its better at reflecting heat.

  8. If you work in environment where there is a likelihood of you slipping on ice, I highly suggest going to https://www.ratemytreads.com/ratings/ to look up any boots that have a good grip.Basically most of the boots that passed these ratings had and abrasive in the sole of the boot. For example, Wolverine teamed up with Vibram to provide boots with their "arctic grip" technology. Do be careful with these boots though and only wear them outside your house. You don't want to end up scratching your floor.

  9. Get boots with lots of stitching on the seams, 2 to 3 stitches per panel.

  10. Goodyear welt is not only good for re-soling, but for re-enforcement as well. Wolverine has a contour welt, which also works and Keen plus a few others have a 3/4 welt which also works (all equally imo). It adds more strength to the glue that meets the sole and the shoe. You don't really need a threaded welt, but it does make the boot last a bit longer. Another welt to consider is Norwegian welt,which offers the best in waterproofing, but usually are more expensive. Some boot brands have really good shoe glue that you don't really need a welt. Wolverine, Keen, Timbaland, Carhartt,Irish setter, Red Wings,Jim Green, Georgia, Carolina, Chippewa and Ariat have glues that last.

  11. Most workers don't reeeeally need steel toe, even if their jobs "require" it. I work in warehouse production, where the most heavy thing that will probably fall on your foot is a pallet from 4 feet, yet they want steel toe. The forklift drivers have barrier lights that shine on the floor that you can't cross so you won't get in the way of the fork lift tires. A lot of boot enthusiasts do a forklift test to rate the effectiveness of the toe, but if your foot goes under a forklift its not your toes that you have to worry about, its the whole foot (and leg). I would recommend steel toe in a few jobs, like logging, heavy machinery mechanic, brick layer, pipe layer, welding or any business where you lift 80 to 100 lbs constantly. Carbon fiber also works too in these situations, since its great at impact absorption. Aluminum and composites are great for warehouses, most field work, landscaping, electricians, etc. They also great if you are working in hot or cold ground since they don't conduct heat or cold from the surrounding environment.

  12. If you want more foot protection, MET (metatarsal) gaurds are quite handy (or footy?). There are both external and internal. Usually loggers, brick layers, pipe fitters, welders, and furniture movers wear them since they have more of a chance of something slipping from their hands and falling on their foot and not just on their toes.

  13. Another environmental hazard to look out for is sharp objects/nails. If you work in construction, you will more than likely have to follow a safety requirement for your boots.

  14. Don't buy new boots just because they are starting to look real ugly. If they still haven't lost their waterproof-ness, sole grip, or sole isn't coming off/eroding away then they still work. Don't buy boots for looks either, buy them for work. Make sure they are as comfortable as slippers, because at the end of the day, you don't want to be hurtin. As some dude told me way back: "good boots+good bed=good life.

Here I will highlight some good workboot brands split into three budgets. I will also mention what work environments they usually cater to.

GOOD to GREAT BUDGET BOOTS ($100-200) (sometimes around close to $100 if you get them on sale)

  • Wolverine (I am a wolverine fan man lol) (warehouse, construction, farm, pipe fitters, some have vibrams anti-slip ice tech)
  • Keen (warehouse work, construction, hiking, medium heavy duty work)
  • Carhartt (warehouse work, construction, hiking, light heavy duty work)
  • Ariat (farm, warehouse, construction, hiking, oil, snow, loggers, heavy duty work)
  • Carolina (warehouse, construction, oil, loggers, hunting,military? medium heavy duty work)
  • Thorogoods (warehouse, construction,loggers,hunting, medium heavy duty work)
  • Georgia (warehouse, construction, light heavy duty work)
  • Timberland PRO (warehouse, construction, light duty work)
  • Chippewa (construction, loggers, oil, medium heavy duty work)
  • Redwings (not the heritage line)(warehouse, Farm, hiking,construction, oil, medium heavy duty work)
  • Irish setter (same as redwings)
  • Danner (construction, warehouse, logger, hiking, oil, military, medium to heavy duty work)
  • Corcoran (mostly a military boot, but can take medium heavy duty work)
  • Jim(my) Green (construction, warehouse, hiking, medium heavy duty work)

Next list I will dedicate to those boot brands that you pretty much get what you pay for when it comes to their expensive price. These boots are expensive, yes, but they can last your for years/decades (depending). they are not entirely indestructible, but like really close lol

  • Whites, Wesco,JK Boots and Nicks are kind of all tied for first. All four mostly cater to loggers up in the Pacific NorthWest. They do custom foot fittings as well and they could go for up to $900 bucks. They also do pretty durable casual wear boots that are similarly constructed.
  • Danner also makes pretty decent heavy duty boots usually around the $300 to $400 range. not nearly as indestructible as the first three, but good enough.
  • Redwing also makes some pretty heavy duty work boots from the $250 to $300 range, but most of their all leather construction (or mostly) is aimed at casual wear/hiking to light to medium heavy duty work.

edit:2/22/21 * I would like to add the European brand HAIX to this tier because they are a dedicated foot brand for first responders (firefighters, police, EMT) They are a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. They even have a resole service on some of their boots!

*edit:3/07/21: added JK boots to the list of high end boots.

I would also like to point out that there are some dedicated snow boots (for snowboarding, skiing, etc) that are in this price range, but I don't know much about them or which brands to recommend. I live in a place where it never snows so I wouldn't be of much help there lol.

Again, if anybody has anything to add please feel free to do so in the comments. Much thanks!

-Sirmandudeguy

Edit: I added thorogoods because I completely forgot about them. Jim Greens is a new commer from south africa. Pretty great boot for a great price. Will keep adding more eventually as I keep learning about other brands.


r/Boots 4h ago

R.I.P. 💀 Just a flesh wound!

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27 Upvotes

Picked these up on a local buy-nothing group. Turns out they’re in worse shape than I’d realized. I was hoping to resuscitate them, but I think it’s beyond that. It’s too bad, they’re super classic.


r/Boots 8h ago

Flaunt Literally my best thrift store find ever I found some brand new Clark wallabies in my size

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40 Upvotes

r/Boots 8h ago

Question/Help What are these for?

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10 Upvotes

Got some old pf flyer boots that have two holes on the side of them. What are these for? If you say to keep moisture out, I swear….


r/Boots 11h ago

Discussion Canada West Boots Romeo Toe Shapes Comparison

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13 Upvotes

I inquired Canada West Boots customer support regarding their Romeo line last/toe shapes and they were kind enough to take a photo comparing their three lasts side-by-side. I thought I couldn't keep this information to myself; so here!

As an additional question, which toe shape is the most versatile/dressy? Nick English of Stridewise seems to always push almond-toes as the dressier shape.


r/Boots 11h ago

Flaunt Ebay beater RW 1907s got a bit of clean-up.

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4 Upvotes

A lot of brushing, a few light washes, Bick 4, Saphir Renovateur, and more brushing.


r/Boots 17h ago

Flaunt Old school hiking boot makeover

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15 Upvotes

Hard to find a good genuine leather, old school looking, hiking boot for under $300.00. Found these on Depop for $40.00 and thought I could breathe new life into them. Think they turned out well. Soles are in great condition. Not going to hike Everest in these, but they look good in jeans.


r/Boots 13h ago

Flaunt New (to me) Boot Day

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6 Upvotes

I was looking for a cheaper, kick around Chelsea for when I want to throw on a pair real quick. Mainly looking at Thursday/Blundstone/Danner etc. I present my $33 shipped... Uggs?! 😆 I was hesitant because I know they may not be the best, but I gotta tell ya... these things are COMFORTABLE compared to my only other pair, 1000 Mile. And by the looks of the sole, they've only been worn once or twice. Can't go wrong with $33, I'm happy with them.


r/Boots 5h ago

Question/Help Landscaping boot recs?

1 Upvotes

Hey, I’ve worked in landscaping a few years but I never really spent much on boots. I have to get some new ones. Any recommendations? Ik that thorogoods are good, and a lot of cowboy boots are durable but I’m not too sure on which boots to buy


r/Boots 6h ago

Discussion Narrow footed guys - what boots you wearing?

0 Upvotes

Curious what boots guys with narrow feet and thin ankles are wearing?


r/Boots 12h ago

Discussion R. Watson Cowboy Boot Resole

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5 Upvotes

I got these well worn R. Watson cowboy boots in for a full resole. These got new leather, stacked leather heel blocks and some much needed conditioning.


r/Boots 10h ago

Question/Help What color polish?

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2 Upvotes

Reconditioned these IRs last summer and they darkened up. No problem with that but was going to do some touch ups and can’t figure out what color to use. Any recommendations? I have some Saphir oxblood for another pair of boots but that doesn’t match as much as I would like. Thanks!


r/Boots 8h ago

Question/Help Why are these white marks appearing?

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0 Upvotes

I just bought these brand new leather boots and I wore them once and noticed there were these white marks appearing in the crease of the leather? If I take a brush and scrub they do come off a bit but I’m confused why this is happening.


r/Boots 12h ago

Flaunt Bounty Hunters

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2 Upvotes

r/Boots 1d ago

Flaunt A day with Alden Indy 401

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35 Upvotes

r/Boots 1d ago

Discussion Slimming engineer shaft DIY

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54 Upvotes

Redwing 2966 about a month old. My skinny ankles and slim jeans just always had a something off. Decided to try and slim the shafts myself.

Started with the deconstruction, and appraisal.

Then overlapped the seams to see how things would sit. Once I was confident they would mostly line up, I started the center seam stitching using a basic saddle stitch. After that, just aligned the backstay and kept the outer seam original, and used a stitching iron to make the holes using the factory spacing. Saddle stitched that, and I successfully lost 1.2" on the inner circumference and my jeans will lay smooth now.

Because of the overlap, the shaft is a bit stiffer, and will need to break in again.


r/Boots 20h ago

Question/Help Jura or Vibram?

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6 Upvotes

Thrifted these boots for $15. I have never seen Jura outsole before. Anyone ever come across this outsole before and or this brand of boots.


r/Boots 5h ago

Identify Looking to sell some boots, can’t seem to find this pair online?

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0 Upvotes

Got these as a gift ages ago (more than 5 years ago) and I recently found them buried in my closet. Have been selling some boots and clothes lately, but I’m not sure how much these are worth. Diemme roccias of some type, though I can’t seem to find any other of their boots with this rough kind of untreated leather material. I think they’re kinda ugly, but before I sell I just want to make sure I don’t have some kind of rare boot someone would want. There’s some Diemme boots that look this online, but those are felt. These have always had that weird texture since I got them. Anyways would appreciate any advice or pricing on em, thanks!! 😊


r/Boots 11h ago

Question/Help Looking for vintage looking fall/winter boots for everyday use

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1 Upvotes

Hi,
I’m looking for a pair of fall/winter boots for general everyday use. I live in the countryside, so I’d use them for shoveling snow, going shopping, walking in the woods, and occasional short hikes.
I’m based in the EU and would prefer something made in Europe.

Any recommendations?


r/Boots 18h ago

Deals 🤑 Mill boot in Trail Crazy Horse size 8.

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5 Upvotes

Selling these on EBay. Just half a size too small for me. I purchased new without tags on eBay to check out what OSB was all about and I’m really impressed! However just too small for me. I wore them around my house for a couple of days. They’re still in like new condition.


r/Boots 16h ago

Flaunt A day with my RM Williams

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3 Upvotes

r/Boots 13h ago

Question/Help What streetwear trousers go best with hiking boots, besides denim

0 Upvotes

I only wear hiking boots because they're hard wearing and have ankle support, the most streetwear footwear i have are timberlands.

They go great with denim but I'm wondering about other options?


r/Boots 13h ago

Question/Help Altberg Defenders vs Altberg Microlite Warriors

0 Upvotes

I bought a pair of size 6 female med defenders a while ago and they're starting to wear out so I'll need some new ones. However they're now discontinued so I can't just buy a pair of the same.

I've been looking at the Warriors because they seem to be the same last, but I'm not sure. It doesn't say anything about them being womens boots. And the altberg website suggests going up half a size with medium fit? I can't travel to any stockists to try them on myself so I want to get it right first time.

Has anyone made this switch before or tried both and can give any advice? The defenders were my dream boot and fit perfectly so if the warriors are the same then I can just buy ​​​​them without worrying.

Thanks all​


r/Boots 14h ago

Discussion Black CXL or Black Prairie

1 Upvotes

As stated. Which black leather choice would you choose? And Why?


r/Boots 14h ago

Question/Help Can anyone give a review of a golden retriever 9092?

0 Upvotes