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Work boots

Bowtie747

Bowtie747

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2021
Messages
1,811
Location
Ohio
Hey guys, I’m in the market for some new work boots. Steel toe and water resistant/proof are really my only requirements. Im used to needing steel shank boot so I don’t know who makes a decent normal work boot. Thanks!
What do you guys wear? And what do you like?
 
I’m the past I’ve worn Georgia, Carolina and Thoroughgood all worked well for me. Nicks are supposed to be good too.
My cousin used to do forestry work and swore by Georgia and Carolina.
 
I've worn Schmidt's for 30 yrs from TSC and love em. Naturally they quit making them. It appears Schmidt doesnt even make boots anymore. Red Wing makes one that looks like it but its $300.
 
I've used Carolina, thoroughgood, Justin work boots and red wing inn the past. Not a fan of Redwings any more as they didn't seem to hold up as well. Guy I work with has had good luck with them. He wears them down thru the sole. I'm in a pair of Carolina's ATM and pretty happy with them. I usually buy what's on sale or I can find a good deal on. I try to buy American Made boots for work. For what I do, I'm running a soft toe and sole since I'm mostly in door. 8" boot. I normally look at Unionbootpro, Harry's army supply, northern tool supply strangely had some, or others and just order them. Size has been pretty consistent. I have eye balled Georgia boots a few times. But haven't pulled the trigger on a pair yet. Steel toe and outdoor opens up more options than soft toe 8" boots.
If you have a good boot shop near by, they are always worth a look.
Good luck!
 
I wore out a pair of Georgia boots, but these were soft toe and (IIRC) no steel shank - the sole split across the forefoot. They were very comfortable and also the cheapest pair of roper-style work boots at the local fleet supply shop. I'd buy another pair, and would consider steel-toes from them if I needed them. I also had a pair of Rocky ropers (again, soft toe) shrink on me. Started out very comfortable, got them wet a few times, and now they pinch my toes. Very disappointing since their S2V or whatever 'tactical' boots are my go-to; I'm wearing my 3rd pair of them. They did offer a 25% coupon code but I'm kind of burned on their western boots after this.

I generally check Sportsmans Guide for boots, their prices are generally pretty good and if you happen to be in South St Paul you can stop by their store for deep discounts on clearance items - mostly returned items that get put out on the floor instead of re-stocked. Otherwise if you can qualify for GovX or ExpertVoice you can get some pretty impressive discounts.
 
I am very happy with my redwings. By far the most conferrable boot I've ever worn and hold up well to use.
 
I’ve used these for several years now. https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Wat...phy=&hvtargid=pla-4583589115170262&psc=1&th=1
I have one pair uninsulated and one pair insulated with 800gr. Thinsulate. I use them as a logger too but they are NOT steel toe. I take the stupid skirt thing off of them. They’ve held up pretty well and I know guys who wear them Every day for work. If you do a lot of blacktop nothing holds up too long to that heat. I have a pair of USA aUnion made Carolina loggers too but I don’t like the higher heal but they are steel toed.
 
When these wear out Labonville has some good boots and so does White’s but they’re a little
More coinage. If I had an employer reimbursement I’d go with something from either of those two places.
 
I have been wearing Carolina waterproof loggers Composite toe model CA7022
and every new boot gets KG's Brush on toe protection.
Great boots and the KG's make the toes never wear out. After 1 1/2 years the toes still look new

Links to Amazon

Amazon.com: Carolina Boots: Men's 8 Inch Waterproof Logger Boots CA7022 : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Buy Carolina Boots: Men's 8 Inch Waterproof Logger Boots CA7022 and other Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.
www.amazon.com

 
Bowtie747 said:
Hey guys, I’m in the market for some new work boots. Steel toe and water resistant/proof are really my only requirements. Im used to needing steel shank boot so I don’t know who makes a decent normal work boot. Thanks!
What do you guys wear? And what do you like?
Click to expand...

What kind of work do you do?
 
I’m never happy with work boots I buy. 2 years ago I decided to try a pair of composite toe Timberlands. I can’t believe I’m still wearing them every day. I do roadwork, masonry and tree work. Unfortunately they discontinued this model or I would buy as many pairs as I could. So comfortable too. They are a workbook in with a little bit of a hiking boot look. In December my job sent us to a redwing store and I bought a similar boot style but they just go scouting lol.
 
I wear em out quick....2 or 3 work shoe purchases a year on average. I've had expensive 1s and cheap 1s. The soles wear out first regardless of how much the boot cost and the cheapest I've found for a local resole cost more than the cheaper boot....I go the cheap route. The sportsman's guide brand, guide gear, makes a pretty nice work boot. Wedge sole mock toe is what I prefer. Mink oil once or twice a month keeps that leather looking good and water repellant.
 
White's, Nick's or Thorogoods can't be beat and they're all rebuildable. Thorogoods are probably the softest. White's and Nick's are stiff and take some patience for your feet to break in to the boot :)
 
Thorogood's get my vote. I just got my pair back that I had rebuilt. They are the first pair that I haven't worn through the toe cap and could rebuild when the sole was shot. My feet where very happy when I was able to get back into them.
 
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