Boots

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guitarguy1

Joined
Apr 14, 2009
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Howdy folks, I had a question for you in a general sort of way. I'm looking to buy a new pair of boots and wanted to know personal favorites. I've been wearing Original Swat for a few years now, on duty and off, and love them. I've heard good things about Danner, but have issues getting boots that fit since they run really narrow apparently. I wear a size 14 4E for what it's worth. Also, anyone who has dealt with a shattered leg and then having to be upright and on their feet for long shifts I'd love to hear from. It's been about a year since I broke my leg and it's still swollen about twice the size of my other leg. Apparently that's normal, according to the dr, for the amount of damage my leg took.

I don't mind buying a pair of 100 dollar boots every year and a half or so, but if a 200 dollar pair will last me 5 years I'd rather go that route.

Basically, what are a good pair of boots and why in your mind?
 
I'll be watching this thread with a great deal of interest.

I have neuropathy of unknown cause, and foot pain is a very real, day to day thing for me. Docs have prescribed Brooks Beast tennis shoes, and they're quite comfy, but they wear out in about 10 months, and cost around $150 per pair. I miss wearing a comfortable pair of boots.

Last week, I read that Redwing Heritage Iron Rangers, once broken in, are some of the most comfortable boots available. The downside sounds like two things: Cost (Around $300/pair), and the break in process, which I've heard is similar to walking through seven hells.

I like Redwing boots, and these do seem to be good looking boots, and I'm willing to pony up the 3 c-notes. I'd just like to hear from other owners of these, or others that have been good, durable, and comfortable.
 
I have 2 pairs of Redwing Beckmans. Break in can absolutely be rather painful. However I wore mine for about an hour a day for about two weeks prior to wearing them for a full day. This helped tremendously however I still experienced some pain even though I walked very little when initially breaking them in while sitting at a desk most of the time. I own a fair number of good quality boots and shoes and although these are great boots for the money I would rate them as some of the hardest wearing boots or shoes I own. By hard wearing I don't only mean substantial I also mean hard on your feet as well. They might be a bit better if sized up a tad and wore them with an insole. I strongly doubt that the Redwing Iron Rangers are that much better.
 
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I've been looking at getting a pair of Chippewa 20080 or 20081 boots for some outdoor work. I've heard some pretty good things about them. Does anyone here have any experience with these boots or know of alternatives?

OP — remember this, always: Goodyear welt is the way to go.
 
farmboy said:
I'll be watching this thread with a great deal of interest.

I have neuropathy of unknown cause, and foot pain is a very real, day to day thing for me. Docs have prescribed Brooks Beast tennis shoes, and they're quite comfy, but they wear out in about 10 months, and cost around $150 per pair. I miss wearing a comfortable pair of boots.

Last week, I read that Redwing Heritage Iron Rangers, once broken in, are some of the most comfortable boots available. The downside sounds like two things: Cost (Around $300/pair), and the break in process, which I've heard is similar to walking through seven hells.

I like Redwing boots, and these do seem to be good looking boots, and I'm willing to pony up the 3 c-notes. I'd just like to hear from other owners of these, or others that have been good, durable, and comfortable.
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If you have'nt done it yet, get a blood test to check A1c levels foot pain is a red flag for Diabetes, i'm on Metformin 500 mg 2x a day
can't wear regular street shoes , my day to day wear are Teva sandals & thick wool socks. When I do go to the boonies i wear Salomon Quest 4d 2 GTX
& pack extra pairs of socks , And change them a couple of times a day , along with inspecting for hot spots & blisters
 
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BTDT, 15 times over. I did end up with lyme disease right after it started, so they assume it might be nerve damage from that nightmareish episode.
 
SMBH said:
I've been looking at getting a pair of Chippewa 20080 or 20081 boots for some outdoor work. I've heard some pretty good things about them. Does anyone here have any experience with these boots or know of alternatives?

OP — remember this, always: Goodyear welt is the way to go.
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I bought a version of these are Cabelas in black when they were on sale for $100. They are well worth that. I use them as outdoor boots and can walk miles in them. They are well made bolts but you get what you pay for in materials. The leather is rather thin and from the less premium areas of the hide (but still decent American leather) and the midsole is fiberboard instead of leather which will wear out faster.

I also have a pair of Redwing Beckman's which are much nicer leather and similar construction. The Redwings have leather midsoles (really nice ones). Both boots are Goodyear construction and easily resolable. Redwing leather has always been incredible (they still own their own tannery). My Beckman's have creased incredibly tightly and evenly, I've never seen boots break in this well.

The Chippewa's can be an incredible value but don't expect Redwing materials. Chippewa makes a much better $100 bit in the USA than anyone else

I do also have a pair of Goodyear construction Danners and I wasn't horribly impressed with the design of leather but the craftsmanship and durability of craftsmanship is incredible.

For some really nice heavy duty leather boots that are an incredible deal, look up Alico boots. They are made in Italy and only sold through one online retailer. They are backpacking/mountaineering designs but when well for any use. I have a pair of Belunos and they are amazing lightweight boots made for years of use and priced about half of what Chinese boots cost.
 
I have been through Carolina, Danner, Red Wing, Georgia, Whites, and just about every other boot you can think of (not Nicks as of yet). I will wear Wescos for the rest of my life if possible. They are expensive (about 400-500 hundred dollars) but they will outlast anything on the market (fully rebuildable) and I have not found anything more comfortable for climbing poles and ladders than my Wesco Highlanders.

Red Wings and Georgia will last me about two years.
Carolina and Danner I can normally get a year out of.
Whites were so terribly uncomfortable I simply couldn't wear them.
My current Wescos are 8 years old and on the second set of soles still going strong.
 
My first choice are US made Danners, they come in widths but have to look to find a store that carries them or will order them.

An option to look into is the surplus market for all the tan military boots which are out there now. I would not buy used ones nor the Marine version (I'm not a Marine and don't want people to think I'm posing). They will be US made boots, good quality, and if you look around some there are great deals to be had.
 
I'm a big fan of Chippewa. I walk anywhere from 5 to 8 miles a day at my job, and neither my feet nor my back hurt when I get home. This is post back issues as well. Just plan on about a week of a couple hours a day each day for break in.
 
PatrickKnight said:
I have been through Carolina, Danner, Red Wing, Georgia, Whites, and just about every other boot you can think of (not Nicks as of yet). I will wear Wescos for the rest of my life if possible. They are expensive (about 400-500 hundred dollars) but they will outlast anything on the market (fully rebuildable) and I have not found anything more comfortable for climbing poles and ladders than my Wesco Highlanders.

Red Wings and Georgia will last me about two years.
Carolina and Danner I can normally get a year out of.
Whites were so terribly uncomfortable I simply couldn't wear them.
My current Wescos are 8 years old and on the second set of soles still going strong.
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I have been on the fence about buying a pair of wesco, specifically the voltfoe or groundout. i am done with hoffman after 3 pairs in 2 years, no thank you.


on the redwing iron rangers, there was no break in period for me, but they do get more comfortable after they have formed to your foot. the leather is pretty soft and pliable, and the sole isn't stiff at all. my only issue with them is the lack of tread, they're like a dress shoe.
 
I went with the Original Swat Classic 9" that I have in the past, but I also ordered a pair of Bates 8" Defenders. I'm hoping the Bates will be a good buy, and I know the Original Swat are a great boot for the price.
 
SMBH said:
I've been looking at getting a pair of Chippewa 20080 or 20081 boots for some outdoor work. I've heard some pretty good things about them. Does anyone here have any experience with these boots or know of alternatives?

OP — remember this, always: Goodyear welt is the way to go.
Click to expand...

I've had a couple of pairs of the 20080/81 also known as the 6" Chocolate Apache and in spite of the amusing name it is a very good boot. It is one of my favorite 6" outdoor boots along with the Danner Bull Run. Chippewa has basically the same boot in model 20066 with a Vibram Gumlite sole and I would avoid that one as the Gumlite sole wears quickly and offers little traction in the field compared to the lugged sole of the 20080/81. What I like about the 20080/81 besides the Goodyear welt and Vibram lugged sole is the fact that it is unlined and non-insulated which serves me well here in Texas when it is hot.
 
I've had Wesco boots since I started climbing (tree removal) around 1990. Highliners do it for me. My16" have been resoled 4 times n rebuilt once. Not bad for 25 yrs of service. My 10" highliners are pushing 15 yrs and resoled twice.
I love my custom harness boots too. Wesco may be pricey but they last.
American made Danner boots are good too. I've had my Canadiens around 20 yrs and they are in great shape. So are.my mtn light II"s.
Have at least 6 pair of different style Chippewa, but my favorite are the rallye model.
I tried the Hercules.model by COSMAS and found the real comfy rite out of the box.

I'd recommend custom wesco' s because it's really the only way to get a.properly fit boot. Most people's
feet aren't the same size. Once you do go custom you'll be spoiled, but anyone who is on their feet all day should really explore the options available.
Have a look at big black boots dot com for some quality stuff.

One brand that surprised me was redback. Really comfy, easy on n off and the sole wears very slowly for what it is. They impressed me greatly.
 
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I would have to recommend USA made Chippewa boots. The super logger is the most sturdy boot I've ever worn. If you don't like the bigger heel, they make a model (26330) that are great as well. I've had both and they are extremely tough and comfortable. They also come in wide sizes. I've had Red Wings and don't care for them. I think the materials wore and the leather stretched way too early for the price I paid. They also come in wide sizes, which can be a plus. Carolina boots are junk and I'll never spend money on them again.
 
Alright folks, I'm a month and some change in and the Bates are amazing. Once broken in they are insanely comfortable.
 
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