Steel Toe Work Boots

[KarlHungus]

I need some steel toe work boots that will last. I'm tired of buying new ones every couple months. I work highway construction during my summers (laboring and heavy equipment operating).
So... I want them to be waterproof and steel-toed and I have a pretty narrow foot. I've been looking at Red Wings, Danners, Georgias, etc...
Any input from those man (or woman) enough to spend your work days in boots would be much appreciated.

[LaramieSkiBum]

my CAT's are indestructable (yes they make or put their name on boots), going on 3 summers now w/ 2 new sets of shoe strings. Not much for warmth or padding, but indestructable.

edit: these are also really good in water, if you oil the shit out of them. Their first year was in the oil fields, so they never have been oiled.

Other option: Instead of buying one pair of $200 boots, keep buying pairs of $50 kmart boots, even if it takes you 3 pairs in a summer you come out ahead.

[P_McPoser]

I rock these. Bomb-proof and pretty comfy. I don't where em' all day everyday, but depending on which projects I am working on at work, I sometimes have to spend 12-14 hour days underground with the miners, doing hard work in them, they are pretty nice, VERY water friendly. and quite warm in the winter.

They run about 250-300 depending on retailer.
http://www.georgiaboot.com/lehigh_sh...d=georgia_boot

[truth]

Red Wing's

[altagirl]

I have a pair of Red Wings and my only complaint was that they're too narrow, so they were never really comfy (not that I had to wear them all that often). So if you're looking for narrow, there ya go.

[Conundrum]

Whites-custom made to your foot for the same price off the shelf, $325, I don't know how much a steel version is, handmade, I've worked four summers in a metal shop in these and they are barely showing wear, easily resoleable, these are what most wild firefighters wear.

Hawthornes-same thing as Whites but not handmade so cheaper, also not customizable.

These are super comfortable once you get used to them-they have a little higher heel.

[Spats]

It's less important what brand you get than that you soak them down with this stuff:

http://www.mtpitchblend.com/

[Toby]

I hate Red Wings. I bought a pair on reputation. I wore a hole through the sole by digging in hard ground with a shovel. In one day. Took 'em back and the shop wouldn't give me a new pair on the spot, they had to send them back to the manufacturer first. Even though I was careful months later when I finally got a new pair, they wore through in no time too.

[Flake]

Red Wings

[shirk]

I hate Red Wings. I bought a pair on reputation. I wore a hole through the sole by digging in hard ground with a shovel. In one day. Took 'em back and the shop wouldn't give me a new pair on the spot, they had to send them back to the manufacturer first. Even though I was careful months later when I finally got a new pair, they wore through in no time too.

Lots of digging with the Mexican Banjo will kill most all boots. Also kicking water and sewar pipes together kicks the crap out of the soles just infront of the heel. I used to just get new ones each spring and consider them disposable by September. Terra were the boots of choice for this.

[Toby]

Lots of digging with the Mexican Banjo will kill most all boots.

Never did with my $80 beaters before or after. I just thought I'd treat myself to some fine boots, but regretted it. I've gotta say, they were comfortable, but comfort was a secondary factor to longevity when I was stuck out in the Australian bush for weeks at a time.

[Arty50]

I've owned the same pair of Red Wings for over 10 years. I've only had to resole them once. Awesome boots.

[BakerBoy]

Red Wings blow, Cat's blow, steel toes blow, and a boot over 8 inches high blows... But that's just me. You're welcome.

[ill-advised strategy]

West Coast Shoe Company.

WesCo. Their fire boots are probably second only to White's or Nick's...I'm sure they make something you'd like.

[powpowpowderwheels]

Lots of digging with the Mexican Banjo will kill most all boots. Also kicking water and sewar pipes together kicks the crap out of the soles just infront of the heel. I used to just get new ones each spring and consider them disposable by September. Terra were the boots of choice for this.

Its all about the sole. Shovels eat vibram soles. I dug all summer on my non-vibram redwings and there is no sign of wear. A good bootfitter would not have sold you vibram sole boots if you told him you were going to be doing a lot of digging. Redwings kick ass, mine are comfy and held up to full work weeks for four months so far. Whatever boot you get, keep it nickwaxed. Dry leather is sad leather.

[Sundancer]

Karl- I used to build roads in the summer also. I purchased a pair of Red Wing comfort force boots. They have lasted four years and are still going strong. Red Wing stores will oil the boots for you for the life of the boot, also if something goes wrong they have an excellent waranty. I have tried many other brands and nothing has been this durable. I have had them in mud and water numerous times. I will nevr buy another boot but this one.

[H-man]

Road builder here checking in. I have had great luck with Iron Age boots in the past. I will also second Red Wing.

[ill-advised strategy]

I purchased a pair of Red Wing comfort force boots.

Aqua Teen Comfort Force!!!

[SLCMunchie]

we used to use red wing here back in the day, but their quality has gone to shit. we use a company called iron age now. they have lots of different styles and brands of boots and are a good deal price wise. we are a foundry/machine shop here, so they get exposed to both oil/grease and high heat. everybody who has bought these have had only good things to say about them.

[descender]

I have some Cats which are very sold. But I am sure there are better higher end brands too.

About the steel toe... I have heard the theory that they are not safe. The logic is that if something really heavy lands on your foot (like a tree or machine), then the steel toe will either slice off your toes, or crimp them, making a very difficult job of getting your destroyed foot out of there. IE they could make a very bad accident worse. Now if you drop a hammer on your toes they would come in handy.

[Spats]

www.carolinashoe.com

The Made in USA stuff is what you want. My 12" engineer boots have survived two motorcycle wrecks. They have no padding at all, though...you'll need insoles.

[KarlHungus]

unfortunatley I have to buy steel toes because if we work on any railroad jobs they're required. Oh, about them being more dangerous, Myth Busters did something with that, found they're better than without steel.


Thanks, this is all helping mucho.

[DJSapp]

I have some Cats which are very sold. But I am sure there are better higher end brands too.

About the steel toe... I have heard the theory that they are not safe. The logic is that if something really heavy lands on your foot (like a tree or machine), then the steel toe will either slice off your toes, or crimp them, making a very difficult job of getting your destroyed foot out of there. IE they could make a very bad accident worse. Now if you drop a hammer on your toes they would come in handy.

Watched a presentation on this topic with a very convincing analogy.

Get a hot dog, a knife, and a hammer. Slice off the end of the hot dog, this is what you are saying steel toes will do. Doctors may be able to reattach the toe. Now hit the other end of the hot dog with a hammer. Doctor will be forced to amputate. Choose wisely.

Also, keep in mind there are different ANSI ratings for steel toes. Figure out what kind of protection you need before buying.

[schuss]

They also make boots with high end composite toecaps now too. I had a pair of these that were pretty good. Also good as they don't conduct electricity and served as insulating contacts.

[Viva]

Get a hot dog, a knife, and a hammer. Slice off the end of the hot dog, this is what you are saying steel toes will do. Doctors may be able to reattach the toe. Now hit the other end of the hot dog with a hammer. Doctor will be forced to amputate. Choose wisely.

Suppose you went ahead and ate the hotdog instead. Would the doctors be then forced to go though your shit in order to find and reattach what's left of the hotdog to your foot?