Steel-toe work shoes... what's your brand?

[JohnE]

I really like Redwings. I've got a boot and a penny loafer.

I tired a pair of slip-on Worx (by Redwing) and they fit great, but the tops fit wrong on my foot and gave me tendonitis.



Ignore the brand and price and find one that fits your foot and work position. Some co-workers have great luck with $30 specials from discount stores. Why do my shoes always cost $$$ ?



I thought the Arial name sounded familiar. Used to date a horse girl, make that girl into horse riding.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Andy,



I support one of our local NW boot companies, White's in Spokane.



I have not had one of their steel toe versions, but they would probably be good. I had to get a pair about 4 years ago and did not have time to order the Whites's. I bought a pair of Justins after trying just about every local store. IMHO, none of the steel toes off the local shelf were comfortable, the Justins were just less uncomfortable. They have not been a very good boot.



I just got my year 1990 White's (non steel toe) rebuilt for the 2nd time, $175. 00. They are very comfortable, durable and made locally (for us, anyway) and would be my choice. Expect to pay something on the oder of $400 for a new pair.



Shelby

 

[waterdonkey]

I like Danner. I have worn most of the boots listed in the thread and have ended up with the Danners. I have always shied away because of the price but once I tried a pair I was sold. I like the different options they have to offer.

 

[Steve M]

The Iron Age steel toe shoes just gave up with only 250~ miles on them. ( I walk an average of 2. 5 miles a day, usually with a toolbox) The sole on the right shoe split and a chunk of rubber sole broke out. They must really be cheap. But they cost alot!

Andy, I had the same problem with my steel toe shoes. The salesman at Redwing said I need one size larger for steel toes. He was right. since I went from 10. 5 to 11, I haven't rubbed a hole in my socks or shoe liner with my big toes. Even with the Caterpillars (made by Wolverine) I haven't had the problem again.

One thing I like about the $140 Cats is, they don't have "steel" steel toes. It's made of something else that's non conductive and not as cold. It's also lighter. We've been directed to buy steel sole as well as steel toe (the green triangle) for contruction site safety. Someone must have stepped on a drywall screw...

I'll probably go back to Redwing for another try.

 

[Champane Flight]

pros and cons

I am now in a pair of Cats, they hold up fairly well, around a year for any boot I have owned. Our company reinburses $160 per pair a year. Some of the guys have gone to Redwing, but the price has gone to the 180+ price tag. The Cats do fine unless you are doing a lot of digging, the insole tends to tear up in this case from jumping on the shovel. The price is right at around 60-100.

 

[bnelson]

Nick's Boots, also of Spokane, WA can't be beat. My son went to Nick's for a re-build on his first pair of White's; at my suggestion. He was estatic about the results. Said it was the first time in his life he had a pair of shoes that fit. The podiatriasts (foot doctors) are referring thier patients to Nick's for custom boots as an alternative to foot surgery, which it seems they (the Doctors) are not comfortable with. Nick's is not the biggest outfit, but they only have people selling shoes who understand shoes and proper fit, unlike the other Spokane custom boot maker.

 

[jwilliams3]

Iron age is junk IMO.

Red Wings are top dog, just make sure to get the boot that suits your work environment.



--Justin

 

[Dieselnut59]

I have had great luck out of the Made In USA Justins. Just about every boot maker has the premium line that is made in USA and the cheapie chinese line. Like most anything else, you get what you pay for. it is sad to see all these reputable companies sending their manufacturing overseas. I buy AMERICAN when possible, but it is getting tough to do, unfortunately.

BTW, I have two pairs of the Justin Lacers, one pair of Justin Ropers, two pairs of Justin steel toe work boots and a simple pair of slip on Justins. I have had decent wear and longivity from the Justin steel toe's, even in my harsh wearing environment. they are around $120 and have the cushion, insulated sole that stays dry.

 

[FreeBMW]

I am an EMT and need a good boot... ... needs steel toe and sole plate. plus it needs to be warm and waterproof.





I choose this boot based on co-workers recomendation and love them!



http://www.redwingshoes.com/shoe-zoom. cfm?style=2426

 

[JR2]

I work in the oil fields of Alaska. Everyone wears red wings up here. I have weak ankles (sprain easily) so I tried some lace up red wings and I did not like them at all. . next I tried some Wolverine durashocks. These are far more comfortable than the red wings and the soles seem to be lasting better.



So I vote for teh Durashocks. .