work boot recommendations?

I used to wear Danners. They run a little narrow for me. I have a $300+ pair that is very well built and by far my favorite boot but they just don't fit right. You never really know until you break them in and unfortunatley the Danners fit like I need a Wide version, with a 10.5 on one foot and an 11 on the other. It's truly odd. My right foot is slightly bigger but not by that much and the only brand that's given me issues with sizing because of it is Danner.

I've jumped to Thorogood boots. I got my first pair years ago and thought they were the stiffest, most uncomfortable boots ever. Turns out they are the most comfortable boots ever, lol. I recently got a second pair in black. Going through the process of breaking them in but it takes time, and most days I find myself just wanting to put on the already broken in pair because they are so comfortable.

I've had wolverines in the past that never held up, same with bates and other like brands but by far the worst was Merrell's "boots". Their classic lineup of MOAB are great, but that's about all they have IMO. The rest are total junk. Admittedly, when I was a mechanic I was wearing the Wolverines and never had an issue with them other than they just didn't last long enough. They started light brown and ended up dark black due to oil/fuel etc... but the soles just fell apart. I never have a problem with boots/shoes doing crazy stuff, I take care of my boots/shoes, but the Thorogood's I have are going on the longest running in my wardrobe while being the most comfortable and not showing any signs of wear and tear that is abnormal. When I clean them up every so often, you'd never know they were older aside form the discoloration from the mink oil.

The best part about those boots though? In "insert years here" I can just re-sole them and recondition the leather.

 

I hear you on the foot size.

I need a 9EEEE to properly fit. Many brands at most will be the Wide (D width). Redwings are about the only brand of boot/shoe that I have found in the width I need. Sport shoes are another issue. Typically, sport shoes are available in Medium (C width).......

My last pair of sport shoes were NB in a 10 ExtraWide (E width). Felt like stuffing my flipper into a sausage casing with a clown shoe toe. Hated the fit, but they lasted 14 months for dog walking. The NB didn't last long enough for the spend. So, back to RedWing.

The Mrs always grumps at me about the cost of my shoes, but she forgets....I buy about every 3-4 years. She also jokes that I should by 2 pair of cheap shoes, toss the shoes and wear the boxes.

 

I must wear either steel toe or composite toe workboots for my job. As it is in the Petroleum industry, the soles tend to wear out fast.

Thank goodness my company buys us a pair each year.

I have tried many, Redwings, Thorogoods, Wolverines, Justins, Rockys, and Caterpillers.

But the absolute most comfortable ones hands down, at least to me, is Georgia Boot.

They are even cheaper than some of the others but they last just as good.

 

Got these last year, and they're comfortable enough to wear them all day even after class/work.

Bought them for welding as I'm in school for it and work at a fabrication shop -



They meet several certs too -

 

+1 for redwings

 

of course U want to try them on

retail stores are scarce.................

most jobbers are required to be steel toe OR ‘ COMPOSITE '

best Iv had is ‘ ROCKY ‘

most comfy perfect fit ‘ ARIAT '

 

Red wings seem to be ok in my book. I like to try on the pair before I buy them. Not many retailers in my area to choose from.

 

I used to have a pair of Cat. They are well made in leather and have a steel toe. Really comfortable as well.

 

Huge fan of Keen Philadelphia+ in an 8" ankle with carbon toe. They make a 6" but I prefer the stability of an 8" ankle. They also make a Wellington style for the welders, fabricators, and machinists out there - or anyone who prefers that style. Keen also uses eco-friendly materials if possible (more in their casual line-up so their work boots aren't compromised or filled with synthetics), and a good chunk of their styles are built in the USA.

- CSA approved
- Waterproof via Keen.Dry membrane which is the Keen equivalent to a Gore-tex sock
- Micro glass fibres to increase cold weather traction (the regular Philadelphia - non + does not have this feature)
- Oil and slip resistant outsole which is heat resistant to 300`C and electric shock resistant
- ASTM/CSA certified non-metallic puncture resistant woven plate in the midsole
- My favourite feature - full grain barnyard leather, resistant to the breakdown or damage from numerous caustic chemicals and oils/fluids (such as petroleum products like motor oil, PSF, coolant etc)
- Weigh in at 1.26kg per boot

 

Update.
I got a new job. I wanted to start with a new boot, something that was lighter and I don't need safety toe boots at the new job.
I found Timberland's White Ledge hiking boot: https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/t...ng-boot---mens/193746?activeColor=001&size=11

Light and comfortable the first time I put them on. Not sure how long they'll last but they were only $100.

 

I’m a fan of carolina lytning, one of the better model EH rated ones I’ve had.

 

These are what I wear to work at Chippendales

 

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I have and probably always will be a Red Wing guy

 

Agree

 

I have to wear safety toe boots at my job and fell in love with the Ariat Turbo. I bought another pair just to have when I wear these out.

 

I’ve been wearing the Carhartt Force 5s with the Nano toe in them… light and comfy

https://workboots.com/carhartt-5-fo..._wcB#/34605/23059,5129,23538/1&dl=b&catr=true

 

I was in DSW over the weekend. Bought some Fila work sneakers.

 

I love my ariat work hog xt composite toe pull on boots. Super comfy, waterproof, and meets tons of certifications