r/Boots Dec 08 '20

Discussion THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WORK BOOTS!!

999 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

Flaunt Birthday nbd!

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22 Upvotes

Girlfriend got me first pair of Chippewas at local boot store for my birthday. Orgionally got red wings but they were way to tight and not my style. These were on sale so I got leather laces with em aswell.

Wore them for a 10hr shift honestly like no breakin just a little uncomfortable for the last little bit of the shift. Maybe from being on my feet all day though. Darkened up like my thorogoods which i assumed they would. Either want to make or get kilties. Hopefully they serve me well


r/Boots 7h ago

Flaunt My old boots from Mexican brand

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19 Upvotes

This pair is from a Mexican brand called Paruno that i bought almost 10 years ago. This model should be a modern reinterpretation of hiking boots for urban use.

What do you think? They used to have a darker tabby pattern.


r/Boots 12h ago

Discussion What are you getting for the money with boots in the 500-600 range?

25 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I've just discovered the rabbit hole of higher end boots. Until now I've only worn Timberlands which cost 190 or so.

I've been looking at recommendations on this subreddit, and there seems to be alot of options in the 500-600 range.

I just wanted to ask plainly, what are the advantages of these boots that might make them worth triple a Timberland?

I'm guessing they have better construction and materials, do they have better longevity? Will they wear better?

I'm genuinely asking our of curiosity, not because I consider it an unreasonable amount


r/Boots 9h ago

Question/Help Dark marks on veg tan boots

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13 Upvotes

These Jim green Numzaan boots in natural veg tan are my first veg tan boots. After a couple of months the patina is starting to come in nicely, but one issue I have is on the toe area where the leather has been scratched and scuffed. These places have gone very dark. These are my "smart" boots, so I was hoping to keep them clean looking.

Is this just how veg tan behaves? Will the look even out over time? Is there a product that can help even out the scuffs? Am I just being too precious?


r/Boots 3h ago

Question/Help Is the leather cracked? Or is it normal

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3 Upvotes

Is the leather starting to crack? I never had this problem from any of my other leather boots so is the still leather okay


r/Boots 16h ago

Flaunt Red wing #8863 for $50 at a consignment store!!!

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28 Upvotes

r/Boots 1h ago

Flaunt 選ばれたのは

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Upvotes

エンジニアだったよ


r/Boots 19h ago

Discussion 旅に連れて行くならどっち?

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34 Upvotes

明日からバイクで2日間の旅に出るんだけど、どっちのブーツで行きたい?


r/Boots 7h ago

Question/Help Help finding similar boot

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4 Upvotes

I want to find a smooth leather chukka boot. I seem to prefer the chunkier style but can’t find many of them

-I have the Thursday roadrunners in Sahara and love them -I need another chukka that is a smooth leather for more of a daily wear. Need the thick sole -I like the tahoma moc from huckberry but sold out -added pics of all the ones that I like the design of

//roadrunner in smooth leather has a funny color sole or I would probably just get it. I don’t like how white the sole is compared to the leather lol //I kind of like the Barbour boots in the last pic enough to just get those even though the sole is kinda too white also, but they don’t have my size

THICK CHUKKA STYLES? Is there a name for this style better to find what I’m looking for. I want the Tahoma Moccasin from huckberry smh


r/Boots 2h ago

Discussion Recommend

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1 Upvotes

These are Carmina rain zip up boots, I believe this is one of the most beautiful shoes I've ever seen. They are 800 cad so getting them is out of question right now, my plan was to get blckbrd to replicate these for me. I however don't have any prior experience with them. If you have any ideas I'm open to hearing them, I can't get these shoes out of my head.


r/Boots 15h ago

Question/Help Best conditioner to use for Visvim mud dyed leather?

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9 Upvotes

r/Boots 7h ago

Question/Help Help with boots

2 Upvotes

Ok so let's break it down i need help finding a good pair of work boots. Ive used Danner and Georgia before doing wildlands firefighting and excavating and tree planting and capping but thats there Logger boots. I am currently working as an Arborist Groundsman so im on pavement and people's yards not crazy terrain and im blowing through boots about every 6 months due to the soles not holding up. I cant keep doing this. My budget is about 150. Im only going to be wearing them in the rain they are my winter boots.

Other arborist and groundsman Help!!!!


r/Boots 20h ago

Flaunt My Caswell Lisbon - Toscanello Horse TPR

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21 Upvotes

r/Boots 15h ago

Question/Help Angry itch boots?

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7 Upvotes

hi everyone,

i’m looking for a good 8 hole doc martins alternative for an everyday boot. i already have a pair of angry itch 14 hole boots, and i quite enjoy them. but because they’re so tall i don’t get to wear them very often, and also i’m in no way a boot expert, so i can’t comment on the quality too much.

i don’t have a huge budget, 350 dollars is the absolute maximum. but i’d really like to get a boot that lasts as long as possible while staying within that budget.

i’ve pretty much only heard good things of angry itch, but the issue is that there’s super few reviews as opposed to the big brands like doc martins, solovair etc.

i really like the burgundy rub off boots, from both solovair and angry itch, and i’d like to know which would be the better choice? i’ve heard that the solovair variant has a plastic coating which doesn’t sound very good longevity wise, im not sure if the angry itch version does

(also it’d be awesome if you could give opinions on rub off boots in general and how to care for them)

thanks!!


r/Boots 7h ago

Question/Help Help finding similar boot

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1 Upvotes

I want to find a smooth leather chukka boot. I seem to prefer the chunkier style but can’t find many of them

-I have the Thursday roadrunners in Sahara and love them -I need another chukka that is a smooth leather for more of a daily wear. Need the thick sole -I like the tahoma moc from huckberry but sold out -added pics of all the ones that I like the design of

//roadrunner in smooth leather has a funny color sole or I would probably just get it. I don’t like how white the sole is compared to the leather lol //I kind of like the Barbour boots in the last pic enough to just get those even though the sole is kinda too white also, but they don’t have my size

THICK CHUKKA STYLES? Is there a name for this style better to find what I’m looking for. I want the Tahoma Moccasin from huckberry smh


r/Boots 11h ago

Question/Help Dr martens alikes

2 Upvotes

So I have been looking for reliable and quality pair of boot that look like docs. I do have more of an alternative or punk fashion style so I’m open to suggestions on something different looking. I have worn some Harley Davidson’s they wear out pretty quick for me.The obvious recommendation is solovair but I have also heard mixed reviews about those.


r/Boots 9h ago

Question/Help Anyway to repair these

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0 Upvotes

These are a old pair of just rough out boots that have been conditioned, a couple weeks ago this semi hole wore in, it looks liek its just through a layer or 2 of the hide, curious if there is anyway to repair these at home so it doesnt get worse or if i need to take them to a cobbler? EDIT: sorry not waxed, i do not wax my boots like the military that would be weird. I condition my boots but the stuff I use feels like wax rather than what conditoner from the shower feels like. so call it wax. My bad


r/Boots 10h ago

Question/Help Why are jeffery west shoes still not as popular as other famous brands?

1 Upvotes

r/Boots 1d ago

Discussion Favorite Boot type?

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56 Upvotes

I’ll share if you do. Clearly I have a type, lol. I mean, boots, settle down. While I do have engineers, by far my favorite boot type is the “combat boot“. Here mine from John Lofgren.

Black Shinki Shell Cordovan
Natural Shinki Shell Cordovan
Olive Horween CXL
Roughout Horween CXL

What’s your favorite type? Monkey boot, engineers, cowboy or something else entirely?


r/Boots 12h ago

Question/Help Winter boot recommendations?

1 Upvotes

Hello! I (27F) recently moved to the Netherlands. I used UGG boots for winters in the Norway and Switzerland but was trying to venture a bit more. I was looking for recommendations for water proof, slip proof (now that it’s snowing more in the winter) boots. I would prefer calf length (mid calf) or ankle length boots. I will be living in the Netherlands but also travelling to much colder countries including the northern parts of Norway and was hoping I could buy boots that I can use for both cases (I was able to do this with my Uggs although I would’ve preferred if they were a bit more slip proof). I will be travelling to New York so I can buy one of the North American brands that are there. Are there any recommendations for this?


r/Boots 13h ago

Question/Help STEEL burgundy rub-off

1 Upvotes

Hey,
So I’m thinking about getting a pair of STEEL 10 eye burgundy rub-off boots. I just can’t find anything about how well the rub-off layer holds up, like how easy it rubs off or how well it can handle for example snow or water.
If anyone had any information regarding those point I’d be happy if you would tell me :)


r/Boots 14h ago

Question/Help What's on these boots, & how do i remove it?

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0 Upvotes

My sun bought these for me, used, about a year ago, & my plan was to dye them. Upon closer inspection, it appears there's some kind of something on the leather. Idk if it's a wax, oil or something else. The leather itself is soft & pliable & doesn't have a standard finish on it. i have a couple pairs of these ( Born ) & they make several styles that are raw or naked leather ( with dye thought ).

So, my 3 part question is ~ 1. Any clue as to what is on these? 2. Any tips for how to remove it? 3. If i'm successful in removing it, can i then dye them? Or would it likely come out too splotchy & uneven?

Thanks in advance for any help!

( The reflected light in these pics is not how they appear irl. The overhead light makes it look like there's a sheen to them, when in reality they are quite matte in appearance. maybe a slight sheen from whatever product was used on them )


r/Boots 1d ago

Discussion If money were no object, what would be your ultimate pair?

26 Upvotes

I’m thinking something leaning to the dressier side, but I’m curious to hear the community’s thoughts. Holy grail boot, whether that’s dress or work boot to you?


r/Boots 1d ago

Flaunt どうしてもブーツを履きたくなることってあるよね

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123 Upvotes

アメリカじゃ室内でも靴を履くって聞いて、少し羨ましく思った