New Job at Deere..Need safety shoes with internal metatarsal protection

I'd second/third/whatever the Red Wings. If you go to the Red Wing shoe store, they are really good about listening to what you will be doing and getting you the right boot. Having to get metatarsal protection kinda sucks (it's a plate in the tongue of the boot that covers the top of your foot - can be inside the tongue, or sometimes it laces in and is removable). I think they re-sole your boots for free if I remember right. They also have a bunch of insoles and can fit them to you and your boots if they start to wear out.

It sucks to spend $200 on work boots, but as a contractor I assume it's at least tax deductible. And those things will last FOR-E-VER.

G&L Clothing is a store with a good selection as well. For the office professionals at Deere it seems like the Florsheims are pretty popular, and the Converse are really comfortable as well (these are the ones I have).

Shop Men's Met-Guard Boots at G&L Clothing Online
Florsheim Euro Casual Internal Metatarsal Oxford | FE2440Z
Converse Men's Internal Metguard Sport Hiker | C4333Z

Pretty sure my Dad got them through Deere when he worked there and also pretty sure he got an employee discount.

Get a pair of these!

http://www.shopcaseih.com/imagesEdp/p150247b.jpg

I work at the Ankeny plant, id go with G and L over red wing, red wing are very expensive and not comfortable. There are companies that come to the plant and sell them. red wing doesn't have stylish office type dress boots, i work on the floor and wear them.
They do have slip on protection that you can use temporarily if you don't have them first day, but you'll sound like a Clydesdale.
There is an employee discount, but not sure if contingent employees receive that.

If you're still in Ames, Theisens carries pretty decent ones.

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Originally Posted by besserheimerphat

I'd second/third/whatever the Red Wings. If you go to the Red Wing shoe store, they are really good about listening to what you will be doing and getting you the right boot. Having to get metatarsal protection kinda sucks (it's a plate in the tongue of the boot that covers the top of your foot - can be inside the tongue, or sometimes it laces in and is removable). I think they re-sole your boots for free if I remember right. They also have a bunch of insoles and can fit them to you and your boots if they start to wear out.

It sucks to spend $200 on work boots, but as a contractor I assume it's at least tax deductible. And those things will last FOR-E-VER.

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its no different than those of us who have to spend that much on dress shoes every year

Spend the money on good boots. You will hate your cheapness if you don't and end up spending more time on your feet than you think you will.

Get these
http://wpecdn.com/media/catalog/prod...mage_67519.jpg

OK my first post on here but a long term Deere employee. I would go to either Red Wing or G and L and ask for the safety shoes approved by Deere. save your receipt and see if there is a reimbursement option. Pick some that are most comfortable. Do not follow all these recommendations for places other than the above. There are other places but I can tell you Theissans isn't one of them.

It is interesting how those who have no idea about where to go will volunteer shabby info. Deere is a great company. Good Luck.

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Originally Posted by Heisenberg

I'm sure most Deere locations are similar but I know that the Ankeny plant has a shoe cart at the facility certain days of the week that you can purchase this type of shoe from.

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Shoes are available at the facility or at stores that Deere will name as preferred suppliers.

Many companies subsidize the costs for steel toed shoes. Companies allow one pair per employee per year. Don't buy until you find out about the Deere program at the specific location.

Surprised they haven't supplied a subsidy, unless they pay you back. I've worked two internships that have given me $75 and $90 respectively for safety shoes. Red Wings are definitely pricey, but worth it. I have no experience with the internal metatarsal ones, though.
EDIT: What leroy said.

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Originally Posted by kevdiv48

Surprised they haven't supplied a subsidy, unless they pay you back. I've worked two internships that have given me $75 and $90 respectively for safety shoes. Red Wings are definitely pricey, but worth it. I have no experience with the internal metatarsal ones, though.
EDIT: What leroy said.

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There is a world of difference between full-time company employees and contract employees. My employer pays for all sorts of safety equipment for me. Our contractors have to buy it all out of their own pocket.

All the Deere facilities I have been in have 'moon boot' protectors that you slip on over your shoes/boots and hopefully you use until you find out more information, but I would check first.

I got mine at Quad City Safety. Might be a similar store in the DSM area. Most larger retail stores (Farm and Fleet, Theissens, etc ) don't carry them, they seem to only carry steel toe. I've got Timberland, pretty comfortable, but I only wear them sparingly.

To the guys that said wear Case or Cat, my first pair were Cat and I made sure my pants covered all the logos when walking into a Deere Facility.

I'm also a Deere employee. I can tell you that they will have "strap-on" (don't get any wrong ideas guys) steel toe/metatarsal protection for your normal shoes while you arrange for some of these. Deere normally participates 50% on shoes and has a vendor we go through, mine are wolverines. Would suggest you wait until your first day and then arrange quickly after, as the strap on deals are not all that comfortable.