Awesome Boots. Our test editor liked the fit and feel of the supple oil-tanned leather and lightly padded liner, saying they were up to the task of a days work, right out of the box. Although I didn't buy another pair, i bought helly hansen boots and they are just as comfortable so far. I recommend that OP go to an outfitter store and find a good fit boot with Vibram soles and add in a good insert. The higher the number, usually the thicker and warmer the insulation. Add in the fact that they are still waterproof AF after multiple nail punctures and extremely warm in the winter and I will never look elsewhere. A composite safety toe, nonmetallic construction (theres no steel shank in the outsole), a cushioned insole, and a contoured footbed with rebound foam help give the Excavator Superlite its springy, athletic-shoe feel. From Steel Toe, Composite Toe, Aluminum Toe, Carbon Composite Fiber Toe, Electrostatic Dissipative,, Electrical Hazard,, Metatarsal, Carolinadesigns and builds footwear to accommodate different job requirements using industry-specific designs and sophisticated construction techniques. Have a pair of Timberland Pros that Im loving. Depends on how hard you work in them, but Thorogood. My experience with one pair of redwings was pretty bad. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Men's Boondock Waterproof 6'' Work Boots - Composite Toe, Men's Waterproof 6 inch Moc Toe Dark Brown Wedge Soft Toe Work Boot, Men's Endurance 6'' Work Boots - Steel Toe, Men's Rugged Flex Waterproof 6'' Work Boots - Composite Toe, I-90 EPX Men's 6 inch Work Boots - Leather Composite-Toe - Black 10.5EW, Men's Rugged Flex 6 inch Composite Toe Brown Work Boots, Men's Direct Attach Waterproof 6'' Work Boots - Steel Toe, Men's Legend Waterproof 8'' Work Boots - Soft Toe, Men's Core Waterproof 6'' Work Boots - Steel Toe, Men's Helix Waterproof 6'' Work Boots - Composite Toe. They are extremely comfy and warm (needed in the Uk), Thorogood moc toe steel toe. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. We appreciated the padded tongueand thin webbing attaching it to the upperwhich helped keep things comfy when we had the boot laced up firmly. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. My Twisted X boots lasted 10+ months (each pair) and I'm extremely hard on my bootsplus, my Twisted X boots are the comfiest and easiest to break in. Had mine for a year and a half and still going strong -- best boots and as comfortableas they get. Line 2 identifies user gender (M/F), and classification (50, 75) for I, C, and Mt. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Boots are great. They are half the price of 875 from Red Wing. Thorogoods are by far the best and have lasted the longest for me. Great fit. Leather is oil-resistant, but typical synthetic threads or materials used in constructing the upper may break down in the presence of petroleum-based liquids like oil, diesel fuel, and kerosene. The Romans had two choices of sandals: with or without hobnails for traction. Today, there are boots designed for every job. I've never had trouble with them breaking in or ever had a pair that didn't last at least 2 years. My boots always last for years if you take proper care of them. I have pancake flat feet. Im a landscape gardener in the Uk. I spent $300+ on a pair of high end Danner bootsand they didn't loo any better than a $150 pair of Ariats did after a year. They're built from top-quality, full-grain leather. I wish Red Wing made a steel toe in their "Heritage" line (the line with the replaceable good year weld sole). Have loved them. So, we probably wouldnt recommend these for landscapers who may be frequently walking through wet grass. Once I broke them in they were incredibly comfortable. Ive always worn red wings. I have a soft toe pair about 10 years old -- still wear them. So its probably not the best option for heavy construction, or similarly extreme conditions, on a daily basis. 16-18 hrs a day. I go through work boots a lot because I work with corrosive fluids so I've had a chance to order several different models. Cowboy style for the most part Ariat says its products "deliver superior technology and performance.". The Tobacco Plain-Toe has a classic work boot profile, just with the unexpected comfort of running shoes, no break-in period required. One feature the Perkins has that were starting to see more of is sturdy lacing hooks that you can also feed the lace through, like an eyelet. I went to complain when this happened with my old redwings, and they sold me this stuff for like 30 bucks. They're expensive $250-$300 a pair, but you will never find a better boot. Lacrosse boots have always been of good quality. Brunt is a relative newcomer to the work boot world, with an aim to make no-nonsense, durable boots for tradesmensold direct to you, without markup by distributors or retailers. "Timberland PRO boots are ready for the job site and long, hard days. A boot's last is the shape of the footbed. So, it may not be the best option for heavy construction or extreme conditions on a daily basis. They both have their advantages. Georgia boots. If you're interested in applying, feel free to check out our job board or contact our recruiting department at (888) 243-7202 to learn more about ongoing and upcoming projects. Not much but a little bit. Comfy out the box. The toe and heel of the boot are wrapped in thermoplastic urethane (TPU) to protect these abrasion-prone areas, and theres a hard lip at the heel to facilitate pushing them off with your other foot. Boots with this feature have been tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). My favorite are Oboz right now but only because how they fit me specifically. MADI places traveling skilled and unskilled labor nationwide for temporary, contract, and seasonal staffing projects and we're always looking for new talent. See the list below, with links to each brands' website for easy browsing if you're in the market for a new pair. I'll never buy another boot again. Our feet stayed dry during early-morning testing in tall, wet grass and brush, thanks to a light waterproof lining and that tongue webbing that continues almost to the top of the boot. We called in a range of boots and distributed them to our test editors, who used them in typical work boot situations, including: lawn mowing, raking leaves, loading/unloading trucks, snow blowing, construction projects, cleaning gutters, landscaping, cutting firewood, and working while standing on a concrete floor. According to Keen, the Pittsburghwith its waterproof upper and anatomically shaped, asymmetrical steel-toe insertsis a medium-duty boot. I picked out a pair of ariat boots from a local supplier and I was happily surprised with the results! What you need to do is find the boot with the last that fits your foot, and then stick with that and you'll be fine. Good boots. Over 100 men and women provided input about their preferred brand(s) and their top choice by far, was, Employment - Industrial Manufacturing Jobs Available Nationwide, MADI places traveling skilled and unskilled labor nationwide for temporary, contract, and seasonal staffing projects and we're always looking for new talent. Timberland makes boots, hiking boots, work boots, shoes, clothing, accessories and more. Thorogood lace up's all the way!! I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to traditional stee ltoe work boots vs. new age composite toes I was quite skeptical. Privacy Policy Terms of Use SitemapFeatured logos are trademarks of their respective owners. Testing during the summer made us thankful for the breathable, waterproof lining, which helped keep out feet dry and comfortable on humid, 90-plus degree days. Very happy with the boot. The outsole is made from a rubber material that resists slipping in both wet and oily conditions, confirmed by our tester in both the workshop and hiking a long, wet, rocky trail that followed and traversed a creek. A place for professionals to discuss the construction industry. Around the year 1800, workers got the choice between laces and buckles. Whether youre in the factory or on the construction site, these kicks protect your feet. Twisted X bills itself as the most comfortable handcrafted footwear with a clear focus on cowboy style pull-on and lace up work boots and moccasin styles too. And I usually buy 2 pair so I can rotate them out when one pair needs to get resealed I can let them sit for a day. I will neverspend that kind of money on Danner bootsagain. Pretty sure Keen ever makes steel toes since they cater to many industries. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Over 100 men and women provided input about their preferred brand(s) and their top choice by far, was Thorogood boots with Red Wing coming in as a close second. I've had several different styles of Ariat, and haven't been disappointed yet. Westcolineman's boots. The steel toe cap (safety toe) has largely been the standard in toe protection since it was developed in the 1940s. I liked my Timberland's for awhile, but they weigh a lot and standing in front of my press for 12 hours a day sometimes my feet get to hurting pretty bad. I use saddle soaps and mink oil to condition my boots about once a month. In these same conditions, the lugged outsole provided adequate traction without fear of slipping on side slopes. Havent looked back. Thorogood. Pricey but comfy. Like pillows. Who makes the longest lasting, high-demand work boots? We may earn commission if you buy from a link. According to Keen, the Troywith its waterproof upper and anatomically shaped, asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toesis a medium-duty boot. Composite is lighter and wont conduct electricity, but its often more expensive. I bought Timberland PRO series. Still havent found my boot of choice but not sure i would ever suggest redwing sadly. Thorogood wedge soles lace ups; best investment you'll ever make in your life. The Excavator Superlite runs true to size and meets ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75, EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection. Third party trademarks, logos and trade names appearing on the site are the property of their respective owners 2017 MADICORP. Tobacco Plain-Toe, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The features and choices have snowballed since then. But Thorogood just as comfortable, not sure if they'll out last but definitelyhalf the price. Like most things in life you can pick 2 of the three. Granted Im used to the 875 which are pretty rigid. It does feel a little twisty in the forefoot though. Excellent quality. Last but not least, there's no secret boot that is both good and cheap. One of our favorite aspects of Thorogood boots is that theyre fully serviceable; once youve put many miles and years on them, you can take advantage of the refurbishment program the brand offers to give them new life. Since good work boots are not cheap, we compiled a list of the top 13 brands of work boots that employees swear by, and also why they like 'em. The wider toe box gave my feet more "wiggle room" and the boots were lighter and more comfortable than some of the steel toe boots I'd tried on. As advertised, the Acadia runs narrow and longunless you have narrow feet, consider an EE width and buying down at least a half size. This is honestly the luck of the draw, as they sayits a possibility with any boot. "long lasting, comfortable and nothing too over priced". Exactly. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Rugged, Comfortable, Long Lasting, More Expensive. Lines 3 and 4 identify the specific hazards the footwear protects against. I also bought a pair of steel toes about 2 years ago. If it's under $150 per pair it may be comfortable, but it won't hold up. Keens Troy work boots meet several ASTM standards, including: These Elm work boots by Carolina are traditional, eight-inch, all-leather loggers. Red Wings. In fact, our tester decided to do some hiking to gauge the Hellcats comfort and reported that the boot was supportive on uneven, rocky surfaces. That's what most people do, and it's why they think everything but X is garbage. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Get the Right Multitool for the Right Situation, The Best Safety Gear for Every Part of Your Body, Cory Keen Builds Skate Ramps for a Higher Purpose. Its a nice option if you have issues with laces loosening and coming off the hooks. Either 1132 or 875. The word you need to understand is 'last'. Pipefitter here. The theme of flex and comfort continues with the insole and outsole, which are designed to absorb shock and return energy. Oh, and they are crazy comfortable. Get them dipped. Unfortunately, they keep them more of a "dress" line. Here, check out quick info on the best boots from our test, then read on for what you need to know before buying and in-depth reviews of these and other top performers. All I've owned for the past 8 years are Red Wings. Cat Footwear Excavator Superlite Waterproof Nano Toe, Thorogood American Heritage 8-In. Cool as nothing and holding up very well. Low break-in period, great leather and soles, after a year, most comfortable footwear I ownbesides my brooks. Break-in was less severe for us than what other owners say theyve experienced. Lasted a year and still going and super comfortable. We found it to be true to size and comfortable in daylong outdoor use during the humid heat of an eastern Pennsylvania summeralthough it did take a couple of days for the webbing on the tongue to settle into place. We had one complaint, though: The collar can create hot spots where it overlaps the tongue. Havent taken them off since. The paint mix is sold in boot shops for around $15 to $20. The Acadia comes with a composite safety toe, and the lugged outsole maintains traction on dirt inclines, wet rocks, and oil-slicked asphalt. As burly as Timberland Pros Work Summit looks, the upper is comprised of multiple materials and padding that make it quite flexiblewe were surprised how comfortable this rugged-looking boot is. You can also paint over the steel toe with a Kevlar coating from Red Wing that will keep the leather from wearing out. Despite the classy appearance, the Pittsburghs meet ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH footwear safety standards. Insulated boots typically have a layer of polyester or other polymers between the liner and leather for heat retention. While the boot we tested has a plain toe, a steel-toe option is available, should you need that level of protection. Unfortunately that's going to require you to physically walk into an actual store and sit there and try on a bunch of different boots until you find the one that fits right. And according to one tester who typically complains about boots being awkward or clunky, These conformed to my feet right away, and theyve only gotten more comfortable as Ive continued to wear them. With the trend in work boots toward more fashionable styles, our tester stressed that they really like the way this Keen looks, and has added the pair to the rotation in their daily wardrobe. More recently, composite toe capsmade of Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglasshave gained popularity. They are indestructible and worth the price. I had mine for about 5 years and just bought some more like 6 months ago. Rugged, Durable, Comfortable, Breaking In, Long Lasting, More Expensive. I've been wearing steel toe Twisted X cowboy boots for the last year. As a concrete finisher I had the same problem. Line 1 identifies the specification: ASTM F2413. Lacrosse says it "makes the best rubber boots built for toughness, durability, and comfort.". I've had my Red Wings for 5 years and they're finally breaking down. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(313330, '79dbc1d1-4503-4284-9706-ced52fd68a69', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); We'd love to hear from you too, so feel free to continue the conversation in the comments below -- the more input, the better! The Perkins we tested is a pretty standard safety-toe work boot with a couple of nice features. Carpentry, concrete, steel, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, equipment operators, etc. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and designers, and use our own experience with these brands and styles to determine the best options. Carolina'salso keep your posture correct so it's less strain on your back. Will last forever and always comfortableon your feet. Steel is better at protecting against punctures and cutting, although it conducts cold well, which isnt great in the winter. The tobacco oil-tanned, full-grain leather is soft and pliable right out of the boxwe liked it so much we were reluctant to put the boot on and scuff it all up. Some work boots provide protection from electrocution by preventing electrical current from completing a circuit to ground. Timberland pro with met guard - I have 3 pairs and love them, I have worn Timberland pros with met guard for years they last at least 3 years wearing daily plus your strings don't get burned and if you drop a block it has top of foot protection. Mt: Metatarsal impact, to protect the top of foot from impact. And the Perkins meets all ASTM F2413-18 standards including impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazards. CS: Chain saw, to provide cut resistance. Used to have back pain and sore feet. They have loosened up a bit. Great Value, Comfortable, Tricky to Fit & Adjust, Made in USA (mostly). Comfortable, with minimal break-in required, Covered by Thorogoods refurbishment program, ASTM F1677-96 MARK II, non-slip standards, ASTM F2412-17, F2412-18, F2413-17, and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH for impact, crushing, and electrical hazards, ASTM D471-06 903 oil and isooctane chemical resistance for the midsole, Forefoot outsole may be too flexy for some. Like with other tall boots, operating the gas pedal in some cars could be a little uncomfortable, due to the height of the boot collar. I'm an iron worker, I climb steel all day. Red Wings I been wearing them for 4 years I work on my feet 12 hrs a day and there pretty good. Classic looks with the feel of a running shoe, Hardcore appearance with the rugged features to match, Time-tested aesthetic with capability for the building trades, Spot-on sizing conforms quickly to feet and breaks in well. For over 50 years, Double-H has been crafting innovative work western styles designed for today's new breed of cowboy -- the hardworking men and women on the millions of farms, fields, and ranches across America who demand durability, performance, comfort and style. Extremely comfortable, and with my aging ankles, the high top helps support, My thoroggods were pretty comfortable but the middle of the soles don't hold up well to shoveling. They offer good traction in wet and icy conditions, and when stomping around in gasoline and diesel fuel. The Hellcat Ultraspring meets ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection. They are well manufactured and you definitely get quality for your money. LaCrosse Footwear makes multi-season leather and rubber boots, hunting boots, waders, work boots, safety boots, safety apparel, uniform boots, fire boots and more. With the proper inserts (also Keen brand) I have noticed a improvement in back and calf strain as well as foot fatigue. EH: Electrical shock, resistance to protect heels and toes from connecting to ground. I used them when I was a lineman, now I use them as a welder. The Troy has a partial rubber cap around the front of the toe where leather boots frequently get cuts or scuffs, a feature weve come to appreciate. I've got Danners. Or you can just burn money on different boots until you finally settle on one. Wolverines Hellcat Ultraspring, with a smooth, seamless toe and thick chunky outsole, sort of resembles a traditional hiking boot. Some bootmakers have one last. Georgia offers a wide variety of work boots including: Steel Toe Boots, Waterproof, Insulated, Protective Toe, Non-Protective Toe, Electrical Hazard, Static Dissipative, Lace-to-Toe. Carolina makes an all composite toe and shaft very light, comfortable and water proof. You can even run in them, though lighter boots do exist.