What are your favorite work boots?

[mlroseplant]

I had mentioned the idea of starting a work boots thread in the past, and here it is. Not high heels of course, but I think there are enough boot guys here that this subject will be a conversation starter.

As many of you already know, I am an electrician by profession, and my jobsite conditions vary wildly. Right now, I'm working on concrete, but just a couple of months ago, I was in the mud doing underground utilities. Sometimes I walk miles and miles every day, and sometimes I am working out of an elevated work platform, and walk hardly at all.

Over the years I have tried many different kinds of work boots. The one thing that remains fairly constant is that I have almost always owned two pairs simultaneously, and switched off every other day. I feel like this is better for both comfort and foot health. There may be nothing to it, but it's just what I've done for nearly 30 years, and I am now too old to change. I started off as a Red Wing guy, and I remained a loyal Red Wing guy for the better part of two decades. Red Wing boots are made (or used to be made) in Red Wing, Minnesota, not all that far from me. The reason why Red Wings were so cool is because they made almost every boot style in every size, not only by length, but by width. Therefore, I could get my 7 1/2 Bs which fit perfectly instead of having to put up with 7 1/2 D, which is "medium" width for men's shoes. Then, in what I can assume was a cost cutting measure, they quit making my size in most styles, which irritated me very much. In addition, during roughly this period of time, they also moved a lot of their production to China. Therefore, it was time to try something new.

It was then that I went through my Doc Marten phase. By this time, I was wearing high heels in my non-work life, and I found some Dr. Marten boots with rather giant heels, and I had to give them a go. I rather liked getting away with wearing 2 1/4 inch heels to work, and the boots eventually broke in to where they were reasonably comfortable. It was at this point when I went from men's 7 1/2 to women's size 9B, which is still the size I wear fairly reliably. I gave up the Doc Martens for two reasons: 1) They were almost too squidgy. I don't like a lot of padding to begin with, and these boots were sort of like walking on pillows. Who the hell wants to walk on pillows? I think it takes a lot more effort to walk on pillows. I'd personally much rather just walk on the ground. Because they were squidgy, bending conduit with a hand bender took some getting used to. When using a hand bender, a lot of foot pressure is required to get it to come out right. In fact, in certain regions of the U.S., they call the exact same tool a "foot bender." 2) Later that following winter, I discovered that those squidgy soles do not like the extreme cold at all. Both pairs I had split clean across the balls of my feet when the temperature got down below about -15º C. I am deducing that it was the cold because both pairs failed within a week of each other, just from walking.

I then went to Ariat boots, in a women's size 9, which is where I'm at today. I've tried several different models, and of course they have stopped making my favorite model. Pictured here are Ariat's "Scout" model, which are a step down from my preferred "Heritage Breeze" model. The differences are subtle, but noticeable. Both are marketed as a "paddock" boot, suitable for riding horses. There is even a spur rest built into the back of the boot. The reason I like them for work is that they are very light and flexible, and the tread pattern is minimal, meaning less mud collection. Despite having little in the way of tread pattern, they are quite grippy on low friction surfaces. For being very affordable (less than 150 USD, depending), they have proven to be durable and just plain different enough that I like them. I seriously doubt whether many of my colleagues in construction would like them. I feel as though they are too light and the soles are too thin for your average construction worker. The soles on my older pair (not pictured here) are now so worn as to be almost literally paper thin. If I am standing on gravel, I can count the number of stones beneath my feet by feel. I don't think most people would like that. Those are now relegated to lawn mowing and other soft surface work. I am considering the purchase of another similar pair in the near future.

My newest pair of boots is the Thorogood Model 814-4200 (made in USA). This moccasin toe, wedge sole style of boot is extremely popular in my area at the moment. Every other worker, or at least every other electrician is sporting this style of boot in one brand or another. My company gave me a voucher for 250 USD to purchase a new pair of work boots at a particular retailer. I didn't really love any of the available selection, but 250 bucks is way too much to leave on the table, so I settled on these Thorogoods, which cost somewhere north of $250, so that I wound up paying about 40 bucks out of my pocket after sales tax. They were the only boots I tried on in 7 1/2 that I didn't feel was way too wide. In fact, even though they are labeled 7 1/2 D, they sure feel a lot more like a B width, and I'm really halfway between B and C width. I guess they're ok, but I'm not crazy about them. Certainly at first, and to some extent even now, they feel a bit like wearing hollowed out logs on my feet. They do not cause pain, but I just don't feel very graceful wearing them. Also, despite having fairly soft soles which show wear quickly, they're not all that grippy. I discovered this initially while riding my motorbike to work, and putting my foot down on some sand at a stoplight. Appearances can be deceiving. I kind of like the way they look, but there's no way I would have paid nearly 300 USD for them.

I hope others will share stories and perhaps pictures of their favorite (or perhaps least favorite) work boots. Just in case there is any confusion (I'm sure there won't be), the black ones are the Ariats, my favorites, and the tan ones are the Thorogoods. And I obviously didn't clean either of them up for the photos. This is how they might actually appear on the job.

[CrushedVamp]

I am an electrician too, but while I climb a lot of ladders, and thus liked high heeled boots, what I called a Logging Boot because of the way the rung locks in the sole of the boot, I have now switched to Sketchers slip in work shoes.

They are better and worse. Worse because they have a level sole (no heel so no grabbing rungs of a ladder better), but better because they are a composite protected toe and meet the stringent requirements of electrical grounding. Since I work with ultra-high voltage in substations, this appeals to me. It goes without saying that I like the slip-in feature of the work shoes as well, and find the insole comfortable enough so I do not have to buy additional insoles to be comfortable on my feet all day. 

[Shyheels]

Great topic! Although my interest in feminine boots stemmed from a liking of go-go boots, I’ve always been partial to boots over shoes and with the exception of my cycling or running shoes, I only ever wear boots - and gave done since adolescence, growing up in the mountains. I lived in hiking boots through university, where I studied geology and archaeology, and my choice of career has allowed me to continue in the same vein. I’ve no neckties but plenty of pairs of boots.

My oldest pair, and still much in use, is a pair of Scarpa mountaineering boots, made of a very tough suede with heavy Vibram soles. Been to Antarctica many times - warm and sturdy and although now 25 years old are still going strong with plenty of use left in them. I still wear them occasionally on the towpath.

I’ve a pair of De Walt steel capped work boots as sometimes I land assignments where safety footwear is mandatory.they are all right, not uncomfortable if worn with thick socks, and pass muster when I need to get access to industrial sites.

I e several pair of knee-high biker or engineering boots from Jean Gaborit which I absolutely love. My present go-to boot is their Kansas patrol boot in heavy black leather which has seen much service over the past year (and looks it - I need to buff them up) I’ve a pair of their chocolate brown knee high Vezin engineering boots which I also love. They are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned and would wear them more except they are so hard to get off. Getting them on is easy - a bit if a push - but removing them is hard. While they are on they are wonderful comfortable. I had an assignment once where I was pretty much in my feet for 36 hours and wore these the entire time without the least discomfort.

Since I often wear heels while writing or editing, I suppose I could call those work boots too, but I shall stick with these!

,

 

[bluejay]

My favorite work boots are from Red Wing #202 which I have been wearing them for the last 25-30 years or so. Before that it was Knapp work shoes for 25-30, after which that company went out of business. I really like the style and comfort of the Red Wing #202. The Laredo , slip on boots are also fair. I did have a pair of them over the years but those gave me very little support for my feet but they were easy to get on and off. I don't wear steel toe work shoes as I do not need them, as I'm the owner of my business. I have enclosed a link to the Red Wing # 202.

But my real liking is to wear heeled knee boots and or heeled booties.

Happy Heeling.

bluejay

https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/soft-toe/supersole-00202.html  

[CAT]

I’m have bounced around over the years but never in redwings but was told to try them.  Timberland pros I did not like as the soles were so slippery in cold weather 2 falls and I took them back.  I have been pretty happy with Wolverines or there  Caterpillar branded.  Always steel toes since I was 10 years old.   Even my office boots are at least composite toes.   Boots last me less then a year as they get beat up from the jobsite and the earthwork I get into. 

[pebblesf]

Great topic indeed.   Have always worn timberlands with taller shafts.  I have always wanted a nice pair of "riding boots" also.  My ultimate in "work boots" dream would be a pair of Wesco boss/big boss harness boots.   Recently, I bought a pair of those gloss black "Hunter refined rain boots".  Nice tall shafts, much simpler lines/design that the usual Hunter boots.  Love how they fit nicely over my levis, I got three compliments while out doing chores yesterday.   Sure, I realize these are not actual "work boots", but I will find any excuse to wear them, especially when dealing with the snow.  

[mlroseplant]

15 hours ago, pebblesf said:

Great topic indeed.   Have always worn timberlands with taller shafts.  I have always wanted a nice pair of "riding boots" also.  My ultimate in "work boots" dream would be a pair of Wesco boss/big boss harness boots.   Recently, I bought a pair of those gloss black "Hunter refined rain boots".  Nice tall shafts, much simpler lines/design that the usual Hunter boots.  Love how they fit nicely over my levis, I got three compliments while out doing chores yesterday.   Sure, I realize these are not actual "work boots", but I will find any excuse to wear them, especially when dealing with the snow.  

I see what you mean--the "refined" is quite a bit sleeker than the original. And yes they ARE work boots! I forgot to mention my muck boots, which I wish I didn't have to own. Mine are the cheapest farm store brand, because I refuse to pay $150 for a pair of rubber boots that I completely despise, and despise doing the work for which they would be required. Those who have spent the $150 for a better brand, such as Muck brand, say they are quite comfortable. I don't doubt it. Having said that, I did once purchase a shiny black pair with a 2 inch wedge heel that are more along the Hunter Refined lines, and those are OK. I've worn them maybe a dozen times over the last decade, as their application is limited. Maybe I'll have to dig them out and take some photos.

19 hours ago, bluejay said:

My favorite work boots are from Red Wing #202 which I have been wearing them for the last 25-30 years or so. Before that it was Knapp work shoes for 25-30, after which that company went out of business. I really like the style and comfort of the Red Wing #202. The Laredo , slip on boots are also fair. I did have a pair of them over the years but those gave me very little support for my feet but they were easy to get on and off. I don't wear steel toe work shoes as I do not need them, as I'm the owner of my business. I have enclosed a link to the Red Wing # 202.

But my real liking is to wear heeled knee boots and or heeled booties.

Happy Heeling.

bluejay

https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/soft-toe/supersole-00202.html  

I would wear those. But they don't make a B width in anything smaller than a 9. Evidently, the only people with skinny feet are people with long feet. I have done the Red Wings women's thing, but back in the day there were only half a dozen different styles.d Maybe it's changed today.

@CAT I get you about going through boots pretty quickly. I typically get 2-3 years out of mine, but I also am running two pair at the same time, so halve that. I've heard stories, mostly from people like Shyheels, about hiking boots lasting decades, but I have never been able to get 3 years out of any given pair, even with resoling, which I've done exactly once. Even with careful oiling and the like, boots just get beat to hell in construction. And I'm just a pampered Sparky!

[Shyheels]

My Scarpa mountaineering boots - purchased 1999 - were top of the line boots, and Scarpa is a very respected boot maker. I don’t know where they make them now, but mine were made in Italy of top quality leather and heavy Vibram soles.

I have had other hiking boots, some from reasonably well known high street brands, that barely lasted a year. You really do get what you pay for in a lot of cases (but not all!)

[Cali]

My favorite work boots are my Jessica Simpson suede knee high stilettos. But then all I do is talk, write, think, and go to meetings.

I know, it's a tough life, but someone has to do it.

Edited December 9 by Cali

[Shyheels]

Like you, I do have stilettos that I wear while working, so yes, I suppose they’re technically work boots - my favourite being a pair of lovely black suede OTK boots with 4” heels by Jean Gaborit 

[pebblesf]

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/hunter-womens-original-refined-tall-gloss-rain-boots?ID=4320410&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Remarketing-Criteo-_-CriteoRemarketing_2024_400770347_592803215_219989378&cto_pld=lxClVCwMAADVBj3NXDLNtQ&dclid=CNaFjdzkn4oDFT0KaAgdVLwAMw

These are the Hunter boots that I recently bought.  No heels, but nice tall/shiny shafts that fit perfectly over my snug levis.  Got them from Bloomingdales also, but didn't wait long enough to get them at this price.  Love wearing them and get at least one compliment on every outing.  I like this nice simple styling also.  

[Shyheels]

Hunter boots are great, when I used to travel to Antarctica regularly I wore them a lot - great for Zodiac landings but sturdy enough for moderate hiking as well. I did the last five miles of Shackleton’s hike across South Georgia Island in a pair of Hunter boots 

[CrushedVamp]

On 12/11/2024 at 9:10 AM, Shyheels said:

Hunter boots are great, when I used to travel to Antarctica regularly I wore them a lot - great for Zodiac landings but sturdy enough for moderate hiking as well. I did the last five miles of Shackleton’s hike across South Georgia Island in a pair of Hunter boots 

Wow, I am so jealous. South Georgia Island is one place I have never been but always wanted to go.

I saw one time that they were looking for Electricians to go down to Antarctica and maintain their powerplants and I almost signed up. Heck I still might. I do generation here in the States so would be well qualified. Unfortunately, I have a wife that would not like being alone for 9 months.

Everyone at work wears Keen boots because of the composite toe and high voltage safety features, but for whatever reason they hurt my feet.

[Shyheels]

2 minutes ago, CrushedVamp said:

Wow, I am so jealous. South Georgia Island is one place I have never been but always wanted to go.

I saw one time that they were looking for Electricians to go down to Antarctica and maintain their powerplants and I almost signed up. Heck I still might. I do generation here in the States so would be well qualified. Unfortunately, I have a wife that would not like being alone for 9 months.

Everyone at work wears Keen boots because of the composite toe and high voltage safety features, but for whatever reason they hurt my feet.

South Georgia is absolutely amazing. It has everything that is special about Antarctica crammed into one island. I haven fortune enough to go there several times. I hope you manage to get there too.

It is (or was, it’s been a while since I used to travel there regularly) possible to get jobs on some of the bases for just the summer months, a three month contract

[CrushedVamp]

3 minutes ago, Shyheels said:

South Georgia is absolutely amazing. It has everything that is special about Antarctica crammed into one island. I haven fortune enough to go there several times. I hope you manage to get there too.

It is (or was, it’s been a while since I used to travel there regularly) possible to get jobs on some of the bases for just the summer months, a three month contract

You are very fortunate, to which you can read that as 'I am so jealous of you', but in a good way of course. 🙂

I have always loved Shackelton and read all the books and accounts and as odd as this sounds, as much as I would love to see Antarctica I would prefer to see South Georgia Island more I think. To see Sir Shackelton's grave would be an honor. Such an upright good man.

The advertisement for that job I saw said 9 months, but three would be better. I do have the mental capacity to winter down there I think, and might, but there is the marriage thing. Charlie Munger called it "Opportunity Cost", that is where when you commit to one thing, it prevents you from committing to another. He was referring to money, meaning if you put money in bonds the same money can't go to stocks, but it is the same with marriage. Being married I have to consider her needs too, and that is okay. Marriage has many perks as well. I would definitely sign up for a 3 month stint, but admit I really, really, really considered that 9 month job. I used to travel for 5 months away from home. 9 months is a lot, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Again, so jealous of you, but in a good way. I am so glad you got to experience it. Good for you!

[Shyheels]

I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of the settings associated with the Shackleton story - South Georgia, Paulet Island (where they were hoping to go) Elephant Island (where they did go) and I’ve been into the Wendell Sea in an ice-strengthened yacht. On the other side of the continent I’ve the original Discovery hut, flown up the Beardmore Glacier and stayed at the South Pole.

I also toasted The Boss with a shot of good Irish whiskey at his grave at South Georgia.

An over winter experience in Antarctica would be incredible. I’ve never don’t that 

[pebblesf]

6 hours ago, CrushedVamp said:

Wow, I am so jealous. South Georgia Island is one place I have never been but always wanted to go.

I saw one time that they were looking for Electricians to go down to Antarctica and maintain their powerplants and I almost signed up. Heck I still might. I do generation here in the States so would be well qualified. Unfortunately, I have a wife that would not like being alone for 9 months.

Everyone at work wears Keen boots because of the composite toe and high voltage safety features, but for whatever reason they hurt my feet.

LOVE my new Hunter gloss black tall "refined boots"

[Cali]

Back in the late 70's, I almost did a 6 month scientific stunt in Antarctica. Came very close to applying for it.