WORK BOOTS any real good ones?

[linky]

RED WINGS are the best that i have found. They are comfortable from day one.The soles are nearly treadless
and provide more traction than any other boot that i have tried. My only complaint is that i wear out the soft compound sole every three to four monthes. The sales person said they offer a harder compound soul, but with loss of traction and comfort. I guess i need a sulky. What do your feet like?

[lakegastonla]

I have tried all types of work boots from Georgia boot, Carolina, Red Wing, Wolverine, etc...
The BEST wearing boots I have found anywhere are made by HY-TEST. They are owned by florsheim shoes. They make many different styles with several soles available. Just make sure that the ones you get have the green stripe running through the sole. Salesman will know what I mean.

[excel25]

john deere made by florsheim also and have the green stripe in the sole. Only ones I found to last over a season. Most comfert on the feet also!!!

[SMB]

Hi-Tec Idaho ST Hikers from Red Wing are the BEST!

[stick9]

I like the Knapps ATV series ... very comfortable from day one ... they usually last me about 5-6 months before it's necessary to get another pair .. so, about 1.5 pairs of boots per season.


StICk-niNe

[Shack]

I like Cat. They last about 6 months, very good fit, dont have to worry about water on your feet wet socks.

[gusbuster]

I've stopped spending money on name brand boots.Why?? The soles only last me 2 to 2 1/2 months. On average, the boots I buy from Payless shoe source last me the same amount of time. The cost is around $25 to $45 depending if steel toe,waterproof, and sole type. As for comfort, nothing that a cheep pair of Dr. Scholz air inserts can't fix. Why spend $$$ on name brand shoes when the soles only going to last me 2 months and cost me between 35 to 45 dollars to re-sole.

Keep them feet dry, that's the trick to comfort!:)
Happy New Year
John

[pace lawn care]

I agree with Gusbuster, Wal-Mart or other discount stores has as good of boot as any. I finally learned this after buying high price boots for 20 years of working in the wood.

[Dan Stoms]

I have found Wolverine boots are comfortable with the Duro Shock sole,and the sole last a good year. I walk on cement and grating for eight hours a day,and they get wet alot too.

[bob]

Wolverine and Timberlands for me!

[sunrise]

Sears Die Hards
If tou wear them out in a year or less they are replaced Free. If the word Die Hard is weared off the sole there Free replacement

[Redmowers]

Carolina boots ,Best damn boot I have ever worn.No breaking in time needed, just take them out of the box and wear + they are affordable.I wear these on concrete and asphalt all day and lawns in the eves,and they are insulated.I got tired of buying stock in Redwing,they have become overpriced tough boots but not that good.

[Stonewall]

Go with Danner's Contractor boot. Looks nice and the soles can be replaced for about $50 or so at your local shoe store. Vibram soles. They are pricey though: $180+. But no more breaking in boots, just get a new sole put on it as needed. Mine are 2 years and no sign of wearing out. I've tossed several pairs of Carolina, RedWing, Georgia, and Hi-tech.

[lakegastonla]

Have to agree, Carolina boots were the absolute best next to the HY-TEST boots. But, the soles last way longer for the hy-test. Also, the boots wear better.
I have been through almost every boot known to man, as I work in a paper mill and have to walk concrete floors all day!! Years of experience, here and co workers agree so it's not just me. As a matter of fact, I was turned on to the hy-test boots by a co worker and now I don't buy anything else!! I replace my boots by appearance(and smell) instead of wearing them completely out. One year is more than enough for any boot, and the soles begin to compress over time. It happens so slowly, most people do not realize it. But, slip your foot into the same boot new and it is night and day! This is no bs, and these boots cost a bit more but are WORTH hunting down. Demand was so high, a traveling "shoe store" comes to the mill every few months and makes a killing.

[Ssouth]

Nike makes a boot. They are very hard to find but they are wonderful. They are light and durable. They do have a soft tread and wear out in appox. 4-5 months. They cost between $40-$70 and I would pay $100 for them. If you can find them try em out.

[Redmowers]

Both my pair of Nike boots broke on the back above the heel.A piece of plastic forms the support for the leather broke the same place both times different style boots.Life span 2-3 months they were comfortable to this point.would not invest in another pair till they correct this design.

[Redmowers]

Lake,Hy-Test where do I find them and how much $$$?

[Sammy]

REDWING !

[Bryant Bowman]

I agree with Stonewall. Go with the Danner boots. I use the Acadia black duty boots. They will last for a couple of years. The Kletterlift sole will last as long as the upper section. Nine inch boot gives me plenty of support,Gore-tex keeps me dry, and the Acadia is one of the lightest boots out there, ~2lbs 14oz. I have been getting mine through Cabela's.

[gusbuster]

If you have a pair of boots that the bottoms last you over a year, I think that you made a good investment. I might look into those type of boots if I can find them here localy. I doubt that they would last me though. I do both walking forward of course, but a lot of backwards walking. Makes for an uneven wear. I also tend to drag my feet more than lift them.

I still feel that you're throwing money away if you paid $50 or more and have to replace the soles in less than 6 months. The man who invents a comfortable boot,(waterproof,warm and cool) that the bottom and tops last me 2 years, I would be more than happy to fork over $150 or more for their boots. Otherwise, I'll stick to my "Payless" work boots for now.
Happy New Year everybody.
John

[Paradise Yard Service]

Go to safetyshoes.com and order yourself a pair of the Lehigh Safety Shoes #5421 and make sure they are the wide size you will not regret. Best light boot out for the price ($85.00). And they are way comfortable out of the box. Standard equipment for many of Hawaii's city and county (sitting and counting) workers. Had the bargin basement stuff all the way to Red Wing and then found Lehigh will never change. Sounds like those Cabelas models are worth looking into though. Feats don't fail me now. Little Feet Rocks!
Aloha,
P.Y.S.

[lakegastonla]

Check out "hytestboots.com" The ones with the green stripe are from the "footrests" line, and they are worth the extra money!! There are a couple of pairs called the direct attach boots, or something. Stay clear of those, and get your green stripes. I may have to set up an extra e-mail acct. to handle all the thank you letters coming in the future!!


PS If you get some, let me know what you think.

[G & S LANDSCAPING SERVICE]

REDWING BOOTS ARE THE BEST !!!

[Bob's Lawn Care]

Last spring I bought a pair of Irish Setters (made by Red Wing). They have been very comfortable and durable and they are lite weight. I might get another year out of them, but when they wear out, I'll buy Red Wing.
Bob

[jeffyr]

I like Chippewah (sp?)

[Runner]

I've had EXCELLENT results with Coleman hikers. My first pair lasted me a year and a half before the tops started tearing a bit at the seams.(Being wet so much). I then bought an eighty dollar pair of Airwalks. They lasted me 2 and a half months, and I blew the soles out. Now I'm on my second pair of Colemans, except these ones were about seventy dollars as compared to the 46 dollars I paid for the first pair. These ones have a GoreTex lining which I'm not sure if I'm going to like in the summer as they might be too hot. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. They ARE warm and dry in the winter though!

[LJ lawn]

i've been using DUNHAM boots for a few years now.they have the Vibram soles and are extra soft so you don't have to break them in.my last pair lasted me more than the season (but i wear em' till they're trash).

[Integrity]

I bought a pair of Caterpillars two years ago with steel shanks and toes. They are still going strong. I wear them everyday, all day.

[Jusmowin]

Timberland PRO series is what ive been useing for the last year now , even work well on the farm . They are really comfortable and they wear like steel.

[MLS]

Danner's are the best boot I've ever worn by far. The pair that I wear now are foure years olds and I'm just now needing to replace the soles. Also if they get to looking too bad then you can return them to the factory and have them refurbished.

[dmk395]

Spend a few extra dollars on a pair of Timberlands, they are worth the money.

[eslawns]

Coleman (I think from Target) or Brahma from Wal-Mart. $30-$40 or so, very comfortable, affordable and durable. Mine last a season as long as I make sure they don't hang over the sides of my Velke and scrape. I save the Timberlands for when I'm not working. They look good and are good comfortable shoes, but why spend extra money when you don't need to? BTW, if you pick something NOT posted here, let us know so we can try them too.

[lawnboy11]

JD boots suck. I've had two pair that are great at first and then they fall apart.

[Edited by lawnboy11 on 01-03-2001 at 11:10 AM]

[Eric ELM]

I wear Redwing 10" Loggers boots. The Gortex liner makes them completely water proof. They are over $200, but to me they are worth it.

[bondlawn]

About 4 years ago I injured my feet and spending all day on my feet dictates a good pair of boots. I was wearing Georgia Boots but the soles didn't last too long.

About 6 months ago this same basic thread came up and someone strongly recommended Wolverine with DuraShock liners. They have been GREAT boots - extremly comfortable from out of the box. This coming summer will tell me how long they last, but so far, great.

[Redmowers]

The only problem I have seen with Wolverne(sp)Durashocks is the leather being so soft is if the leather gets nicked it will soon split and then the steel toe is showing.A co-worker had this happen to his just after a few months.It just happened to mine so ther goes another pair,But they are so comfortable. I hate when the toe shows then my feet get wet.

[morturf]

My father has been in this business for over 60 years. He is 80 yrs old and still going very strong. His biggest caveat after doing the best work possible is that you need to take care of your feet.....they are making your living possible. He has never let price or who makes them or any other criteria limit his footwear choice. He has worn all the above choices at some time. I have been in this business for 30 years. I have also worn all the above choices. I sometimes will do 30 miles a day in my shoes. For the last few years it has been a single boot.

I have been using a boot sold by Cabelas under their brand name. It is the most comfortable and coolest boot I have ever worn. In Iowa the morning dew is usually very heavy.
By afternoon it can be 90 and very humid. I know I am not telling the guys down south anything new. At the end of the day when I take them off, my socks are dry, no perspiration or anything. Anyway, I found this boot to be very light, very durable, very breathable, very waterproof, and also very comfortable. Cabelas offers a 60 day money back guarantee, if you don't like them return them, no ?'s asked. There is one problem the insole leaves something to be desired. I change it to a different one as soon as I open the box. I will give you a site address to the boot itself. I consider it to be reasonable priced at $130. Hope you chose these, they are great boots. let me know what you think, better yet tell Cabelas so they keep making them.

http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998AGAn/XA234A

thanks

[ericksonbrad@hotmail.com]

sketcher (pistons ) believe it or not have proven to be the best boot i have found. my ankles are bad from years of abuse and i have to put dr scholes advantage work insoles in them but they are an excellent investment for around 50 per pair with agressive or non agressive tread patterns available. i would recomend agressive if mowing on hills. my last pair was on its second season when i caught it with the gas hedge trimmer tearing up the toe pretty bad. but for most they should last for at least a year if not more.

[Paradise Yard Service]

I don't know if any of these boots mentioned so far are 'Safety Boots'. Meaning steel toe boots. In this business I would'nt even think about wearing anything but safety boots like my Lehigh Saftey Boots #5421. Otherwise I would find me the lightest, cheapest cross-trainers from wal-mart I can buy. In my experience whenever I got steel toes I would be in pain the first week. So, I found the Lehighs to be the best out of the box safety shoes for the price and no pain. Those greenstripes and the cabelas look great but for that price they better be steel toe and feel good from day one.
One guy I know lost his toe for mowing in his flip flops. I just know now he is kicking himself for not using steel toes.
Aloha, P.Y.S.

[Vandora Lawn & Landscape]

My question, PYS, is can your friend still kick himself?

[DMC300]

I've been through most mentioned in this post,i seem to go back to the wal-mart Brahmas.The trick i use is 1/2" (fiber)carpet padding as insoles.The comfort level is x 200%.IT even kept me from throwing out my hated Carolina steel toes.Try it !!

[Paradise Yard Service]

Vandora, my friend can only kick himself after he's had a good six pack of Anchor Steam. Still don't feel the same as when he had all his toes!
Aloha, P.Y.S.

[RhettMan]

Wolverine are the best I also like CAT brand boots too

[Edited by RhettMan on 01-07-2001 at 09:07 PM]

[guntruck]

Got some cat brand at target let me tell ya, lasted quite some time through rough stuff and some minor salt and snow so far, still holding up strong and great price........40.00.

[LoneStarLawn]

I have CAT's they have lasted a long time. I worn them in a warehouse setting before starting my business.

[Mark]

I use Rockport hikeing boots, man are they comfortable compared to reg-work boots.

[Shelton's Lawn]

RED WINGS are the choice of winners. They are the best out there. Remember you only have 1 pair of feet and they have to last the rest of your life, take care of them.

[lawman]

I have been using good old Army boots. They are cheap and they last a good long time.

[linky]

Thanks for all of the replies. I think that i will check out a few of the mentioned boots. THANKS AGAIN!

[Nathan]

I know everyone thinks redwings are the best because they are the most expensive, but most the guys I have worked with wear them out so quickly in this industry that the money is not worth it. Go to gemplers.com and search BATA in the product search, they have a 5hole 6" lace up rubber steel tipped (BATA)is the brand name. Everyone that I have suggested them to have admitted that they are the best boots for messy work and lots of walking especially for dewey mornings. They last a long time and the best part is that they only cost $20. Try them it is definitely worth the $20. Order them about a size under your normal tennis shoes.

[Edited by Nathan on 01-27-2001 at 12:24 PM]

[PINEISLAND1]

We bought Rocky Gortex unisulated steel toes this last time around. Excellent quality and durability. The Workmax is the uninsulated model. They do take a day or two to break in the cordura, but once you get past that they are nice!

You do pay a price of extra weight for the steel toes however. I also like the Iron Age boots, with the plastic toe caps instead of steel. For winter wear they keep your toes from getting so cold like steel toes do. Still offer the same amount of protection as steel.

[Redmowers]

I just bought my second set of Carolina boots,1st pair ($125.00)insulated loggers made almost 2 years ,May have the sole fixed ok for dry weather.My recent purchase stock#1778 $89.50 for insulated ,waterproof and steeltoe + comfort out of the box.My Wolverines in wide width need a little more width ,EEE width are not as common as they ought to be.But Carolina seems to fit my feet like a glove.I see they make EEEE width anyone require this width?

[SpringValley]

I have tried $200 Ecco boots, Nike boots, Coleman, Georgia boot, and probably some more. I give all my old shoes to my dog who gets more use out of them than I do. Personally, I wear John Deere boots made by Florshiem. Both pairs that I have had have lasted more than two years. Florsheim makes great boots.

Matt

[rdh]

for mowing (alot of walking)its nike hiking boots .
for rough use kicking ,shoveling,and 300 degree black top i can wear any boot that has stitches going through the sole all the
way if no stitches in the hot top you will walk right out of
the souls so to me the stitches is the best


[Edited by rdh on 01-28-2001 at 12:20 AM]

[jasonp]

The best I ever wore was Iron Age boots, my dad told me to try these he works at a paper mill and has walked on concrete for years and he says these are the best feeling to him. Which I can tell a big diffence between like the wal-mart brand and the more costly boots.