Work Boot Recommendations?

D1omedes

D1omedes

Joined
May 3, 2009
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Hey all. I need some advice for comfortable work boots that won't break the bank. I just got a job at Best Buy (seasonal work) that requires me to move merchandise and wear steel-toe boots. Even though I've painted professionally for a number of years, I've never worn boots. I have wide feet and found that sneakers felt the best.

I know there's Timberland, Red Wings, and a bunch of other companies. I also know that many of you guys wear boots on a regular basis. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :thumbup:
 
boots in a knife discussion forum?

Na off it goes where it should have gone.
 
Redwings here as well. I get the chukkas (non steel toe, but you can get either). A pair will last 2 years plus and the shop will repair stitching locally for FREE!
 
Redwings are good. But if you do alot of walking..I haven't found a boot that will last more than 7mo. But good boots you can get resoled for @$40 as long as the leather is good it's worth it. I spend +$250 on my RedWings or Danners don't last forever. Indoor work get some cheap Georga or Wolverings if you are buying cheap. Try them on
 
Try Carolina Engineer boots. They look like biker boots. Pull on, very comfy.
 
I also have wide feet and I've had good luck with Red Wing.

If you are new to steel toes, a word of advice: When you try a pair on, if you can feel the steel toe with any part of your foot, you won't be comfortable wearing that shoe for long periods of time and you need a different style or a different size.
 
If you go to Redwing, check out their Worx brand. Its what my last 3 pairs of shoes have been and I wear a 13 2E or 4E size. The Worx's are imported and little cheaper, but come in a composite toe vs. the normal steel toe which makes them lighter while still providing about the same amount of safety.
 
I'll put my vote in for Rocky Ironclad work boot.

Non steel toe, waterproof leather.
 
I have some Danner Ft. Lewis "Go Devil" boots that I bought way back in 1990, and they are excellent.

And I recently bought some Carhartt Pull-up water-proof boots that are simply outstanding.

Either choice would be fine.
 
Also check out Corcoran jump boots.
 
D1omedes said:
Hey all. I need some advice for comfortable work boots that won't break the bank. I just got a job at Best Buy (seasonal work) that requires me to move merchandise and wear steel-toe boots.
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http://www.timberland.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2187523&cp=1779791.1761081

The Timberland Pro boots offer a good blend of safety, comfort, and price. I actually wanted to buy a set of Red Wings but, the local shops didn't have good inventory were not helpful regarding ordering a boot. I shopped a little more and I'm glad I did.

I purchased the Timberland Pro model with the puncture resistant footbed (Canadian certification). These boots are cut very generous in the footbed and the cushion sole really is soft and comfy. How long the soft footbed will last is still an open issue since I only have a couple of months wear on them.

Since you are doing seasonal work, you probably don't want to spend $200+ so, skip the Red Wing store. The cheaper boots are serviceable, especially if you have good feet. However, I think the extra expense is worth it for Timberland quality and comfort (obvious I guess since that is what I spent my money on :p).

As a side note, I previously purchased a set of Justin steel toe boots. They are real torture to wear for any length of time. A half hour in the store - no problem. Several hours in the "field" - no way. That was ~$100 wasted ... :foot: With cheaper boots, make darn sure you can comfortably wear them all day if they have steel toes. Steel toes kill the flexibility in a cheaper boot. A stiff boot on concrete is torture. Finally, a lot of the people that recommend cheaper boots use them in the dirt where the surface gives way and softens your step - concrete will not yield so all the GIVE must come from the boot itself.
 
I have worked in the construction industry for 35 years, and to me, it is most important that footwear be as comfortable as possible. If my feet hurt, it takes the fun out of everything. I had to find boots that performed well on dirt as well as concrete. Working at Best Buy, you will be walking on a concrete base, so if I were you, I would check into boots that have soles made specially for wear on concrete surfaces. Redwing, Rocky, Georgia Boot Company, and Wolverine, in my opinion, are the 4 top work boots makers. I have had my best luck with Georgia Boot Company and Wolverine. The key is to find a boot that fits you well, and stick with that model. It may take you a time or two, but if you go at it systematically, you will eventually find your boot. Right now for me, it is the Wolverine stock #01195 Leather Upper in Pigskin. Check here
http://www.wolverine.com/US/Main.aspx
 
I haven't worn steel toed work boots in a long time, so I won't offer any advice on that.

I will suggest that if you camp or hike at all, consider a pair of steel toe hiking shoes if that meets the store requirements. You might be able to get more use out of a pair of hiking boots compared to a traditional work boot for a seasonal job.

Something to consider. Good luck.
 
I like chippawa boots. They can be a little pricy but when they wear out you send themback and they refurb them for about half the price of the msrp. I have 2 pairs I rotate to get fixed each year
 
Dag-nabit said:
Red Wings, they are all I ever wear now, good quality, and fit great.

Kevin
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puukkoman said:
Red Wings. All the positive things you've already heard, and they last forever.
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Edro20 said:
Redwings here as well. I get the chukkas (non steel toe, but you can get either). A pair will last 2 years plus and the shop will repair stitching locally for FREE!
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SCme said:
If you go to Redwing, check out their Worx brand. Its what my last 3 pairs of shoes have been and I wear a 13 2E or 4E size. The Worx's are imported and little cheaper, but come in a composite toe vs. the normal steel toe which makes them lighter while still providing about the same amount of safety.
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+1 to Redwing. :thumbup:
 
Redwings are solidly built. Poudly made in Redwind, MN. Some of them anyways. Field and streams are good value.
 
Masteroffajitas said:
Redwings are solidly built. Poudly made in Redwind, MN. Some of them anyways. Field and streams are good value.
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USA made ones are great, WORX (china made) are fine. I picked up a pair of WORX by Redwing boots for $100 even. A solid boot.
 
Over the years I've been through many different brands and styles...but for the last five years or so I've been wearing Doc Martens. I've also had good luck with Redwing and Timberland.
 
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