Work Boots

[AgronAlum]

After burning through another pair of Danners in about 9 months, I’m looking for some recommendations on work/daily wear boots. I’m getting sick of buying 150-200 dollar plus boots every year when my main job is at a desk. I walk fields certain times of the year (need waterproof) and do some construction type work on the side. Ive mostly gone with leather uppers but will consider a fabric type hiker this time too. Would also take a recommendation for a good leather repair place in DSM.

I’ve tried the ones below most recently outside of a number of crap steel toes I had to wear for awhile. The Merrill’s lasted a month before the heel started separating. All the stitching pulled out of the danner quarries. Busted out the side stitching of the other danners a couple weeks ago on a roof. I had a pair of Justin slip ons and after about 6 months the plastic starting cutting into my heel. I have an old pair of Danners that are great except I melted the sole off them and never found the same ones.

 

[NWICY]

Well the ones I usually turn back to are RedWing calf height 953 is the style. Just leather not truly water proof and no steel toe. My favorite winter boot is a pair of Salomon hikers 100% fiber pretty warm and water proof, no steel toe I've had the same pair of them for 5+ yrs usually only wear them when going to be out in the snow for a bit or on ice they have a soft sole with a pretty good grip on ice. The Red Wings SUCK on ice.

Also not near DM at all but Weaver Leather Goods up in Buffalo Center does leather repair, resoling etc... Just had them resole my Red Wings.

The Red Wings I referred to are about the same height as the Danner Quarry's you posted minus the aggressive lugging on the soles.

 

[Scott34]

I love Rocky's and I prefer an 8" boot but the problem I'm having is stores are keeping very little stock in these boots and it has me irritated. I'm in the same situation as you are. I am in construction and don't mind spending 150-200 on a pair of boots but im struggling to find a brand and style I like. I have never been a fan of Redwing because of the style and fitment. I've heard some good things about Thorogoods and thats the next brand I'm tempted to try.

 

[AgronAlum]

I love Rocky's and I prefer and 8" boot but the problem I'm having is stores are keeping very little stock in these boots and it has me irritated. Im in the same situation as you are. I am on construction and don't mind spending 150-200 on a pair of boots but im struggling to find a brand and style I like. I have never been a fan of Redwing because of the style and fitment. I've heard some good things about Thorogoods and thats the next brand I'm tempted to try.

Im right there with you. I’ve never found a pair of redwings that really felt comfortable. The top picture I posted above were the most comfortable Ive bought recently but they’re hikers, not work boots, and really didn’t hold up. I’ll check out Thorogoods and see if anything trips my trigger.

 

[peteypie]

Can't go wrong with Redwing. Mine would last 2 years in tough chemical environments. Though I recently bought a pair of Walmart cheapies for $35. Did that twice, both times lasted about a year, so $70 every 2 years, or quality to last you a couple years for $150 plus

 

[AgronAlum]

Well the ones I usually turn back to are RedWing calf height 953 is the style. Just leather not truly water proof and no steel toe. My favorite winter boot is a pair of Salomon hikers 100% fiber pretty warm and water proof, no steel toe I've had the same pair of them for 5+ yrs usually only wear them when going to be out in the snow for a bit or on ice they have a soft sole with a pretty good grip on ice. The Red Wings SUCK on ice.

Also not near DM at all but Weaver Leather Goods up in Buffalo Center does leather repair, resoling etc... Just had them resole my Red Wings.

The Red Wings I referred to are about the same height as the Danner Quarry's you posted minus the aggressive lugging on the soles.

I was thinking about giving redwing a try again. It has been 5+ years since I’ve tried one on but when I did, I never really found them comfortable. The part about sucking on ice concerns me though because I’d like to wear them all winter. I don’t need to be falling on my ass left and right like I did on campus with the ice polishers they used to move snow when I was there 12 years ago.

 

[JimDogRock]

Well the ones I usually turn back to are RedWing calf height 953 is the style. Just leather not truly water proof and no steel toe. My favorite winter boot is a pair of Salomon hikers 100% fiber pretty warm and water proof, no steel toe I've had the same pair of them for 5+ yrs usually only wear them when going to be out in the snow for a bit or on ice they have a soft sole with a pretty good grip on ice. The Red Wings SUCK on ice.

Also not near DM at all but Weaver Leather Goods up in Buffalo Center does leather repair, resoling etc... Just had them resole my Red Wings.

The Red Wings I referred to are about the same height as the Danner Quarry's you posted minus the aggressive lugging on the soles.

Love the Weaver Leather mention, such a great place to get boots. They'll tell you that the Red Wing 953 is their top seller, and it is a strong recommendation here too.
I've worn them as a primary daily wear for years at jobs that go from desk work to dirty work in the same day. Just clean and condition the leather when needed and they'll last.

 

[JimDogRock]

I was thinking about giving redwing a try again. It has been 5+ years since I’ve tried one on but when I did, I never really found them comfortable. The part about sucking on ice concerns me though because I’d like to wear them all winter. I don’t need to be falling on my ass left and right like I did on campus with the ice polishers they used to move snow when I was there 12 years ago.

The full grain leather uppers on classic Red Wings start stiff and do take a little time to break in. I'd say after 20 hours in them they're much improved and another 20 you'll be good to go.
The ice traction concern is real and I wouldn't do roof work in Red Wings with their SuperSole, but I've never fallen in them. It's a more smooth and ridgid sole that has great support.

 

[AgronAlum]

The full grain leather uppers on classic Red Wings start stiff and do take a little time to break in. I'd say after 20 hours in them they're much improved and another 20 you'll be good to go.
The ice traction concern is real and I wouldn't do roof work in Red Wings with their SuperSole, but I've never fallen in them. It's a more smooth and ridgid sole that has great support.

Thanks for the advice. I don’t normally do roof work with my leather boots since it tears the crap out of them but I guess one day with the Danners did them in. After spending 3 or 4 weekends on a roof over the last couple months, i told my wife I was done. Hopefully I am.

 

[mcblogerson]

I like the Rockys Alpha Force. I wear them all year, and find them as comfortable and lightweight as a regular shoe. Waterproof, breath well, great traction.
Only knock would be they arent insulated and can be cold in the winter, so I wear wool socks. Only $90 or so.

 

[DJSteve]

I've been wearing Skechers Verdict boots the past few years (which I bought mostly on a whim after eyeballing a bunch of "nice" expensive options like Danner) and been very happy with them for the cost. The first pair lasted two full farming seasons... with new insoles I think I probably could have gotten another year out of them if I really wanted to, but the tread pattern was starting to get worn in the middle/ball area and they're cheap enough I figured it was worth just buying new. I think they're pretty comfortable as work boots go (minimal break-in required), pretty waterproof and stayed that way, and leather/soles/laces all held up great.

I have a pair of Salomon hikers--they seem to be built better than the Merrells I had before, but I don't think they would stand up to "work" as well as a leather booth. (I had sort of a love/hate relationship with the Merrells... they were pretty comfortable and I put a bunch of miles on them, but despite paying extra for gore-tex I think my feet got wet anytime I passed within 10' of a puddle even when they were brand new, and I lost count of how many time I glued the soles back to the foam cushion.)

Keen is also probably worth a look if you're considering hiker-style options. I would probably be considered fairly average build... have a good friend who's on the larger side who swears by Keens.

 

[DeereClone]

Redwing 953s are my go to. They take a little while to break in, but once broke in I think they are really comfortable. Smooth bottom sole is great for not tracking mud and dirt everywhere you go, but it is horrible on snow and ice and not recommended in the winter at all. Ankle support and stability in the boot is second to none.

I wear my 953s off and on to town and for short stints for a month or so to break them in before wearing them for work all day.

 

[Clonehomer]

I love my keen steel toes. Not necessarily boots, but they're super comfortable in the office and the shop. Typically last about 2 years as a daily wear for me.

Men's Work Shoes | KEEN Footwear

Our men's work shoes keep you comfy all day, whether you need something waterproof, slip resistant, or other safety features. FREE SHIPPING on orders $100+!

www.keenfootwear.com

 

[JP4CY]

Have you looked into Timberlands?

 

[tolstoy]

Blundstone

 

[CyCrazy]

I love my keen steel toes. Not necessarily boots, but they're super comfortable in the office and the shop. Typically last about 2 years as a daily wear for me.

Men's Work Shoes | KEEN Footwear

Our men's work shoes keep you comfy all day, whether you need something waterproof, slip resistant, or other safety features. FREE SHIPPING on orders $100+!

www.keenfootwear.com

Agree with this, I hate wearing boots so I go with Keens steel toed as well.

 

[CyJeans]

Can't go wrong with red wings

 

[CYme]

Ariat Workhog

Been running these for 3 years, if you don't mind a western style workbook.

 

[NWICY]

Side note to make up for the poor traction of 953's on snow and ice, I slip tingley low top's over them helps keep your feet dry, add a little warmth and gives you better snow and ice control. Your not a fashion statement with them but I gave up on that a long time ago.

 

[CYEATHAWK]

After burning through another pair of Danners in about 9 months, I’m looking for some recommendations on work/daily wear boots. I’m getting sick of buying 150-200 dollar plus boots every year when my main job is at a desk. I walk fields certain times of the year (need waterproof) and do some construction type work on the side. Ive mostly gone with leather uppers but will consider a fabric type hiker this time too. Would also take a recommendation for a good leather repair place in DSM.

I’ve tried the ones below most recently outside of a number of crap steel toes I had to wear for awhile. The Merrill’s lasted a month before the heel started separating. All the stitching pulled out of the danner quarries. Busted out the side stitching of the other danners a couple weeks ago on a roof. I had a pair of Justin slip ons and after about 6 months the plastic starting cutting into my heel. I have an old pair of Danners that are great except I melted the sole off them and never found the same ones.

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Don't know if you have a Mill's Fleet anywhere near you.....I purchased a pair of Ad Tec for about $60 over a year ago, and they are still going strong. Nothing is falling apart(new laces) they are fairly water resistant(not proof by any means) and the only steel toe I have ever owned where I can work outside in brutal cold all day......with regular socks.....and my toe's never get cold. Maybe I just was lucky and purchased the best pair they ever made I don't know. But when these give up the ghost....I'll look for another at that price.