Comfortable Construction Work Boots

[Chili Palmer]

For the last 10 years I've been wearing Timberland Hyperion boots with a composite toe, they kind of look like a hiking boot, but have a the non-marring sole, doesn't conduct electricity, waterproof, and are pretty damn comfortable. It appears that they stopped making them and whatever is out there has almost doubled in price, now it's time to look for a different boot. What are you guys wearing, and don't say Red Wings, the last pair I had were some of the most uncomfortable and poorest built boots I've ever owned. I'm open to pull-ons or traditional lace ups, I'm looking for something in a 6" high boot and I don't necessarily need the safety toe.

Whatcha got and what works for you? Thanks.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Following! I was seriously about to post this same thread on Sunday.

Had an ad pop up for Brunt Work Boots so wanted to see if anyone has any experience with them, as well as other suggestions.

I don't work on job sites, but do walk them and do moisture readings after demo. I personally make dump trips once or twice a week, depending on work load. Not sure if I need steel toe.

 

[DMF]

Red Wings went to shit for me about 10 - 12 years ago. I switched to Thorogood and love them. They are American made as well.

 

[Done-it-again]

My last 2 pair have been either Georgia boot or timberland pro. Either boot is wedge style. I’m needing a new pair now, just not in the field much anymore, but still wear them daily. I like the look of a worn boot vs new.

 

[Bpracing1127]

im a huge fan of Georgia boots

 

[Joker]

Thorogoods

 

[timstoy]

Red Wings went to shit for me about 10 - 12 years ago. I switched to Thorogood and love them. They are American made as well.

Some Red Wings are still made in America but most boots are Chinese made. I also switched to Thorogoods. Unfortunately most boots are being made in China.

 

[CLdrinker]

This is RDP. The answer is the most expensive boots you can find are the only way to go. Buy once cry once.

 

[MPHSystems]

im a huge fan of Georgia boots

My last set were Georgia giant’s I re-souled them twice and wore them about 5-6 years. They are chi-com but still a good boot. Currently, I’m wearing Doc Martin Air walkers. I’ve had them about 2 years and they are about done. They were a bit to get used to because they are so light and the heel is shorter so for the first bit I would feel a bit like I was falling backwards till I got used to them. Now I really like them. The heal strap is really strong and easy to get your finger through so I‘m not struggling to get them on or afraid I’m going to rip it off, just stick your finger in and pull as hard as you want. Good support, comfortable no Goodyear stitch but the leather wears out about the same time as the soul so no big deal.

Redwings come in 2 flavors Chicom for ~$200 or american for a lot more than $200. The chicoms suck balls from what I read.

if you really want to go down the boots rabbit hole, try this thread:

https://www.akfiles.com/forums/threads/work-boots.200907/

Doc Martins on my feet:

 

[MPHSystems]

This is RDP. The answer is the most expensive boots you can find are the only way to go. Buy once cry once.

You are going to spend over 2,000 hrs a year in your work boots. Probably over 6,000 hours before they are worn out. So yea, if I found the perfect boot for $1k that lasted 10,000 hrs, I’d buy it.


With boots it’s not “buy once cry once”. A good boot take about a week to break in, you are crying the whole time.

 

[TrollerDave]

I have Timberland Pro that are really comfortable and have lasted almost 3 years. They seem to be made well. They’re not pretty any more but have held up good and the sole is still together.

 

[Chili Palmer]

I used to buy my Timberlands on Amazon and get 2 at a time, I just dug into my last pair, but my left boot has a hard bulge in the inside that’s pushing right up against my inside ankle bone and bugging the F out of me and it hurts. So much for my 30 day satisfaction warranty.

 

[jet496]

Georgia is all I buy anymore. Maybe there's others like them but I just go straight for that brand. They are great.

 

[81Sprint]

I used to buy Georgia's but they didn't seem to last. I am on my second pair of Cody James now ( I walk ALOT for work) and they are like walking on a pillow! great boots and no break in period. Got 'em at Boot Barn which also offers union discounts.

 

[waterboy]

Following! I was seriously about to post this same thread on Sunday.

Had an ad pop up for Brunt Work Boots so wanted to see if anyone has any experience with them, as well as other suggestions.

I don't work on job sites, but do walk them and do moisture readings after demo. I personally make dump trips once or twice a week, depending on work load. Not sure if I need steel toe.

I change over to Brunt and have no complaints, just got my 4th pair. The hiking boot, the slip on boot and on my second lace up lined boot. All waterproof, but the hiking boot stated leaking where your toes bend. The others no leaks yet and all are comfortable from the start.

 

[rickym20]

After abandoning Red Wings, I went to thorogoods for a few pairs then recently tried the Danners around that same price range. Good boot but not as comfortable as the thorogoods. Next pair, I will be going back . Both are wedge style which I like for the uneven surfaces I work on .

 

[badgas]

I have some 30 year old Red Wings that I wear occasionally when walking jobs. My Son who is in the field daily swears by Thorogood boots

 

[Luvnlife]

Red Wings went to shit for me about 10 - 12 years ago. I switched to Thorogood and love them. They are American made as well.

I did the same and it’s worked out great for my feet. Very comfortable and well built.

 

[WildWilly]

Danners and Georgia's for me

 

[Desert Whaler]

Somewhat of a subjective topic.
These are very well made . . .

The Official REDBACK BOOTS

100% Austrailian made. Work boots built as tough as the people that wear them!

www.redbackboots.com

 

[beerrun]

I like CAT steel toe

 

[FasterBae]

Crocs in construction work mode

 

[renodaytona]

I have been wearing Irish Setters on the daily, tried the Brunt boots, they are comfortable but I don't like the upper lacing system. Recently bought a pair of Ariat work boots and they are super comfortable and light.

 

[RogerThat99]

I used to buy Georgia's but they didn't seem to last. I am on my second pair of Cody James now ( I walk ALOT for work) and they are like walking on a pillow! great boots and no break in period. Got 'em at Boot Barn which also offers union discounts.

View attachment 1282825

cowboy boots are my daily in the Winter. I have a problem with one foot right now, and have been looking for something like this, or at least a rubber heal, to wear when I will be on my feet all day. I don't care for the orange on the sole for casual wear. I will take a look at what they have.

 

[81Sprint]

cowboy boots ate my daily in the Winter. I have a problem with one foot right now, and have been looking for something like this, or at least a rubber heal, to wear when I will be on my feet all day. I don't care for the orange on the sole for casual wear. I will take a look at what they have.

They have a bunch of styles, these are just the ones I wear. I also have a pair of CJ casual boots

 

[Willie B]

I did the same and it’s worked out great for my feet. Very comfortable and well built.
View attachment 1282833

… Those look almost identical to the boots that I wore in the early 70s while pounding nails up in Mammoth… early 70s… if I remember correctly, that’s kind of like all that was available at least that is what most everybody wore… I have no clue as to who the manufacturer was???… but they were so comfortable. I had worn them …prior…during my hippie college days.???… buying them at JC Pennys… comes to mind… But I don’t really know???…

 

[TrollerDave]

Crocs in construction work mode

Crocs in construction mode to match your hard hat.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I am also biased as I get 50% off everything from boot barn lol

 

[white tortilla]

I used to buy Georgia's but they didn't seem to last. I am on my second pair of Cody James now ( I walk ALOT for work) and they are like walking on a pillow! great boots and no break in period. Got 'em at Boot Barn which also offers union discounts.

View attachment 1282825

Ive been in redwing mocs for 6 years and just changed to these, amazingly more comfortable.

 

[Nordie]

Danner Bullrun Moccasin 6" is what I wear. Really comfortable boot

 

[Livewire Fabworks]

Love my Doc Martins work boots. Super comfortable, light, and the laces last.

 

[Taboma]

My last set were Georgia giant’s I re-souled them twice and wore them about 5-6 years. They are chi-com but still a good boot. Currently, I’m wearing Doc Martin Air walkers. I’ve had them about 2 years and they are about done. They were a bit to get used to because they are so light and the heel is shorter so for the first bit I would feel a bit like I was falling backwards till I got used to them. Now I really like them. The heal strap is really strong and easy to get your finger through so I‘m not struggling to get them on or afraid I’m going to rip it off, just stick your finger in and pull as hard as you want. Good support, comfortable no Goodyear stitch but the leather wears out about the same time as the soul so no big deal.

Redwings come in 2 flavors Chicom for ~$200 or american for a lot more than $200. The chicoms suck balls from what I read.

if you really want to go down the boots rabbit hole, try this thread:

https://www.akfiles.com/forums/threads/work-boots.200907/

Doc Martins on my feet:

View attachment 1282821

Ole Sparky tip of the day ---- these types of "Anti-Static" soles are not for use while working on potentially energized electrical circuits as they will ground yo ass

 

[MPHSystems]

Ole Sparky tip of the day ---- these types of "Anti-Static" soles are not for use while working on potentially energized electrical circuits as they will ground yo ass

I always assume I’m grounded If working over 110V


That said, I work 110 hot on slab with these and they don’t short me out.

I won’t be getting the “anti-static” again. They were a 1 time job requirement when working in a server farm.

 

[hallett21]

Legit old school red wings.

My 2 pairs are 10 years old. Might be time to get a new pair. They cost $350+ but they’re honestly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. You just need to have a cobbler take care of them.

I resole them every 6-12 months for $100. Worth every penny.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Been sporting these wolverine boots for atleast 15 years now. Typically replaced every 2 years. I have composite tow and regular, 6inch and 8inch versions depending on jobsite. I used to replace them every two ish years but now i do it yearly with my end of year bonus just for the hell of it and the old ones move to garage/weekend pair.
Mocktoe Guys give me shit on every job until they try them and never heard a complaint from anyone.
I have done multiple redwings, whites, danners, thorogoods and with my flat ass feet i was never comfortable! Especially for the money spent.

I order direct as the headquarters is so close to me. Usually get them in a day or 2.

Fiberglass shank which is good for me being in MRI Rooms
Also really like that the top around the ankle is fabric padded and not raw leather so it does rub off the leg hairs haha

I-90 DuraShocks® Waterproof Insulated 6" Work Boot

Shop I-90 DuraShocks 6" Waterproof Insulated Boot - offers shock absorption and all-day comfort for tough work conditions. Shop now for rugged boots!

www.wolverine.com

 

[Done-it-again]

Legit old school red wings.

My 2 pairs are 10 years old. Might be time to get a new pair. They cost $350+ but they’re honestly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. You just need to have a cobbler take care of them.

I resole them every 6-12 months for $100. Worth every penny.

Who does the resole?

 

[RogerThat99]

Been sporting these wolverine boots for atleast 15 years now. Typically replaced every 2 years. I have composite tow and regular, 6inch and 8inch versions depending on jobsite. I used to replace them every two ish years but now i do it yearly with my end of year bonus just for the hell of it and the old ones move to garage/weekend pair. Mocktoe Guys give me shit on every job until they try them and never heard a complaint from anyone.
I order direct as the headquarters is so close to me. Usually get them in a day or 2.

Fiberglass shank which is good for me being in MRI Rooms
Also really like that the top around the ankle is fabric padded and not raw leather so it does rub off the leg hairs haha

I-90 DuraShocks® Waterproof Insulated 6" Work Boot

Shop I-90 DuraShocks 6" Waterproof Insulated Boot - offers shock absorption and all-day comfort for tough work conditions. Shop now for rugged boots!

www.wolverine.com

I have a pair of Wolverine 8" or 9" waterproof boots I wear in wet / mud environments. I have has 3 pairs, and they work great. Comfortable also.

 

[hallett21]

Who does the resole?

So I’ve had independent shops and red wing shops do them. I have to say the redwing stores have a better sole IMO. And by that I mean it’s softer/wears out sooner.

But for like $25-50 they also repair the leather, replace eyelets etc.

I’ll be the first to admit, breaking them in is brutal. But if you oil/wax them (not sure what that product actually is) and have them tuned up annually they last a long time.

 

[Dr Rob]

Somewhat of a subjective topic.
These are very well made . . .

The Official REDBACK BOOTS

100% Austrailian made. Work boots built as tough as the people that wear them!

www.redbackboots.com

I get over two years out of a set of slip on steel toe Redbacks. Very comfy.

 

[JDKRXW]

Timberland Pro for heavier duty stuff. Blundstone pull-ons for lighter stuff or lots of walking.

 

[Chili Palmer]

Lots of choices here. Looks like I’m heading to Boot Barn this weekend and will be there for a while. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Taboma]

I always assume I’m grounded If working over 110V


That said, I work 110 hot on slab with these and they don’t short me out.

I won’t be getting the “anti-static” again. They were a 1 time job requirement when working in a server farm.

Yup they get a bit fussy around servers. I know the resistance varies shoe to shoe, or if it's ESD approved, versus simply Anti-Static, but I'll admit to having never tested to find the point it goes from a tingle to an "Ahhhh Shit". I'm chicken, I've stuck with better insulating soles.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Ariats. I buy a new pair every 3 years or so, and that's only because the topsides get to looking like crap. I don't spend as much time in the field anymore but I have to wear protective footwear everyday.

 

[Howardflat]

I wear steel toe, waterproof pull on boots. I've been wearing the brunts and they are alright. Waterproof but wish they were a little more comfortable. I used to wear Oliver boots but the quality went downhill. I wouldn't mind finding another that suits my fancy but I like to try them on before I buy them and I went through everything they had at boot barn.

 

[hallett21]

Here’s a better question. What’s your comfort worth?

I fought my dad left and right over buying redwings. At $20 an hour they were still a good purchase

 

[OCMerrill]

Timberland Pit Boss. In 20 years I think I'm on my 5th pair.

Once broken in they are like heavy slippers to me. The steel toe was put to test a few years ago with no damage to my foot when a cement truck trough slipped out of the drivers hands during put back.

 

[traquer]

Would tactical boots work? My dad wears what I call the "punisher boots" he always gets a kick out of that

 

[oldschool]

Thorogood are by far the most comfortable boot I’ve found. Danners were good once they broke in, but not as good as the Thorogood (IMHO). Getting ready to send mine in for a restoration for $125.00.

 

[warpt71]

I had Timberland Pro Resistors and loved them! They only offer them in wheat color right now and I want a dark boot

Men's Timberland PRO® Resistor 6" Waterproof Insulated Comp-Toe Work Boot

Shop Timberland.com for Men's Timberland PRO® Resistor 6" Waterproof Insulated Comp-Toe Work Boot. FREE shipping with membership! from Timberland US's official online store.

www.timberland.com

Brunts have been on my radar and Ill likely be buying a pair next month for the winter. I dont work in these boots anymore so they are just for cold nights/mornings here in the desert. Basically any time I dont want to be wearing Vans or Converse.

The Marin 8" (Comp Toe)

The Marin 8" offers more support for people who those who need it. Everyone from iron workers to farmers love thecomfort and performance features the Marin 8" has to offer. Combining a classic time-honored look and high-quality durable construction, this boot is designed to keep you comfortable...

bruntworkwear.com

 

[H20beater]

I’ve been buying Keen work boots super comfy, and they’re waterproof.