please help me with boots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yoko

yoko

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i thought everyone here would be the best to ask about boots!

ill be back to work in a week since ive fractured my ankle and need some new work boots, im an automotive painter by trade so on my feet on concrete all day

i would like to find a 6" light boot with a zip up side so i can get my foot in and out of it easier , also would like to stay around 100 and the ability to get a wide size

theres 2 i like but cant find anywhere local that carries them


first up is the converse stealth boot

http://www.amazon.com/Converse-Work-Mens-Stealth-Boot/dp/B005FPMSNC/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_1

the other ive found is the 5.11 advance boot

http://www.opticsplanet.com/511-11007.html

any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

thanks
 
How to say this without violating the forum rules...

Search for the words "steel" "toe" and "shoes", all together. One of the websites that comes up will have only those three words in it's name. I have yet to find a site with a better selection. They also have a link to another site where non-safety versions are sold.
 
I'm not trying break rules or ask for best prices, just wondering if any had owned any of these boots or know some they can recommend

Links are just for reference
 
I meant me.

Don't usually go for zip-ups myself, but I know Rocky by reputation and they make a couple zip-side boots that ought to do. I've been wrecking a pair of pull-on boots by Wellco, and while their chemical resistance wasn't what I was expecting, they're pretty comfortable. Timberland also makes some good pull-ons if you decide to go that way.
 
I've never tried the two u listed, but I'm extremely hard on boots. I've been wearing rocky alpha force boots for over two years now. That's five days,50 hours a week in all types of conditions rain, snow, mud, and concrete. The only noticeable signs of wear are on the back above my ankles where it flexes when I walk. For the the price they've really done great for me.
 
I have been military for almost 7 years now, and would strongly recommend against the zip up boots. I have tried the rocky para-jumper boots and also the converse sage greens. In both cases the side zipper was destroyed very easily; rendering the boot useless. Also - don't forget to get some insoles, that slight cheap addition can make a world of difference for your day to day on your feet, I like to stick a gel / heel insole underneath my original insole, and it feels amazing. Steel toe also is not to be overlooked in your case too.
 
Thanks guys

The main reason I'm going for the side zip is that my ankle still hurts a bit, and I think the side zip will help me get them on and off
 
Hello,

Im an aerospace painter and Ive gone threw a lot of boots. If you dont wear boot covers, I dont, then the zipper will get filled with paint in only a few sprays. The two pairs of boots that have been the most comfortable and longest lasting are the Georgia boot Wedge Work Boot and the Timberland Pro 6" pit boss. They are both extremely comfortable and cost about $100. The Timberlands have better ankle support and better arch support but the Georgia's insole is a little more comfortable but not nearly as much ankle support. I dont ever buy steel toe, they are too heavy as it is then add a few months of paint overspray, it adds up. I have tried "tactical" boots before and they didnt last long at all. All the solvents and other harsh chemicals in paint ate them up and they fell apart.

http://www.georgiaboot.com/products/3703/1600G6152/Georgia-Wedge-Work-Boots/

http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4208215&prodFindSrc=search

Have a good one,

Chris
 
I know start you mean, my current wolverines have an 1/8 layer of overspray and spill in them lol
 
Look into the Magnum line of boots; in particular the Stealth Force. They come in 6" and 8", though I don't know if the 6" is available in side zip. I finally wore out my Stealth Force 8s a couple of weeks ago, I broke one of the zippers after 3.5 years of wearing them everywhere, everyday. I pulled out a lace grommet about a week after buying them because I have a habit of tying my shoes really tight, other than that they were constructed very well for a pair of sub $100 boots. I found mine at a local surplus store for $90, I think the are around $130-$140 on Magnums website. I also went against the instructions which said to untie the boots before unzipping them. I almost always left them tied and just unzipped to take them off.

I know this type of thing can be really subjective, but these were the most comfortable footwear I have ever worn. They are also very light for a pair of boots, almost as light as most of my tennis shoes. I found they give good ankle support without being too rigid. I recently replaced them with two different pairs of Magnums, and I wish I would have bought another pair of Stealth Force.
 
Just a quick personal suggestion....unless you are working with heavy machinery/construction site, DO NOT get steel toe boots. They are too heavy for your feet and with your fractured ankle you dont need the extra weight. Plus they're not good on your feet, they cant conform to your foot. I have worn some in my past and i will never get them again, I have learned to keep track of my body parts.
 
I actually went out and the magnum 8"(couldn't find a 6) side zip, they were very comfortable but I had a hard time getting the 8" boot on my healing ankle
 
Search Rocky Alpha Black. my brother had a pear a year or so ago and he said they where the most comfortable boots hes ever worn. He had the 8" with side zipper but they also come in 6"...I'm not sure it the 6" has a zipper. The boots are at your $100 limit though. he picked his up at Gander MT.
 
I can't recommend the Converse as while they were comfortable, they fell apart after a month. I recommend the Magnum side-zips. Wait until Botach has a sale and they generally go for $39.
 
For anyone who wears side zip boots and doesn't untie them, replace the laces with 1/8" bungee cord. This gives them enough stretch to be very comfortable. You'll probably have to relace them a few times in the beginning to get the right amount of tension, but they're very comfortable after that.
 
I've owned the Converse zip up's. The zipper busted in three weeks. Admittedly, I walk many miles in my line of work but while they were comfortable, they just didn't last. I should have reviewed (warned people) about them on my site. I really like the idea of zip up's, they allow you to tie the boots as tight as you want and just slide them on in the morning with a quick zip. However, like others have said, Zip-up's have historically had their problems, mainly with zippers coming apart. I'm currently putting a pair of Belleville TR960z Tactical Research Khyber (zip-up boots) through their paces. I've had them for three months, have put about 200 or so miles on them and they have held up fairly well. The zipper is still in place but the Velcro tab covering the zipper at the top has come apart. They are very comfortable BUT like most molded boots these days, they made in China. The boots I have had the best luck with are Danners for duty use and Keens, Lowa and Vasque for off duty hiking. I've got a brand new pair of Danner GTX's zip-up's sitting here awaiting their turn in the torture test. While Danner has historically been made in the US, these GTX's are made in China as well; but they look like typical Danner Quality. Time will tell. If you're not putting LOTS of miles on them like I do or a guy in the military might do, the one's I'm wearing right now, the Tactical Research Khyber's might do the trick for you; they are very comfortable. Good luck.
 
Timberland pro Wellington style pull on. Extremely durable and comfortable. Nice wide throat for a swollen ankle. These are my new favorites. Prior to these I only wore side zip boots. I owned a pair of Danners while living in Oregon. They were decent boots but cost twice as much as comparable rocky boot. Now maybe it is because I'm from ohio, but I don't think you can beat rocky for value. Also their site has a clearance section.
 
Also you can buy zippers that lace in where your laces go. So if you have boots that are in good shape and want to really save money you could go that route.
 
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