Boots, what are you wearing, what do you recommend?

[Number15]

Fairly new to the rural life. Quickly learning sneakers do not cut it for most things I am doing on the property. I have a pair of Keen Durand boots and I like them but I am looking for a second pair. I learned from my time in the military that it is good practise to rotate boots.

So I am looking for recommendations from the people out there. Just fyi I don't skimp on footwear or mattresses as most of my life is spent in one or the other

So whatcha got and whatcha recommend

 

[sea2summit]

What kind of work? Love my White's for forestry and some tractor stuff but if it's commonly muddy I won't wear them in that, Muck boots are pretty good but hot, lots of options depending on the need.

 

[Number15]

What kind of work? Love my White's for forestry and some tractor stuff but if it's commonly muddy I won't wear them in that, Muck boots are pretty good but hot, lots of options depending on the need.

So I would say general yard work, tractor work, lawn mowing etc. I have ~85 acres I am taking care of now so I will have some future tree work, general cleanup and a small ~1 acre garden. Looking for something that will handle feet getting wet from dew, small puddles and a little mud. Nothing to heavy but durable. I feel the sole of my durand are wearing to fast because I think they are meant more for hiking but time will tell.

tl:dr a general "work" boot style I guess is what I am looking for. Also interested in what others use/like.

 

[Darryle]

Double H & Carolina, comfortable and made in the USA

Good place to start:


American Made Work Boots

 

[Number15]

Double H & Carolina, comfortable and made in the USA

Good place to start:


American Made Work Boots

Thanks. Forgot to mention bonus points for USA built. My Keens are USA built from domestic and imported parts LoL

 

[herm0016]

project farm recently did a boot test. the keen workboots were highly rated. i may try a pair of their slip ons next time. i do like my current wolverines, and they were my favorite while working offshore in the oil industry. I did not know keen was making stuff in the USA. wolverine is based in Rockford, Michigan and also has some made in USA stuff. i wore out redwings and several other brands before i settled on the wolverines, and I used them for my last few years in the field. composite toe.

i doubt any manufacture has all the components come form the USA. thread, rubber, foam, leather, laces, eyelets, etc.

 

[ponytug]

For mud, I like the Gemplers "Brown Bear" rubber (PVC) work boots, comes in steel toed and not. Their tread is really good about shedding mud.

Leather...sorry. I don't have a recommendation.

All the best,

Peter

 

[oosik]

During the dry times - a low cut pair of Keens. When & if it ever gets wet - Mucks. Winter - Sorels.

 

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

My everyday work boots are Red Wing upper leather with composite toe, for out side snow/rain work Mucks are used. The Red wings are water resistance where as the Muck are water proof. Also use motorcycle boots as well.

Dave

 

[jjp8182]

+1 on the wolverines (or its sister brand: Bates). I have had a few pairs of each that have held up relatively well and I tend to be rather rough on footwear. However, needing a wider shoe/boot also cuts down on the brands that could/would fit my feet so.

Have also learned it's worth getting footwear that fits both length and width when new as it makes for longer wearing and a more comfortable time - and that's especially true with any type of safety toe footwear.

Though whichever brand you get, if you start frequently snapping boot laces it might be worth getting a pair of kevlar laces (while they aren't cheap, they can/do outlast the boots).

 

[Jchonline]

Justin cowboy with a rubber sole for most around the property stuff. I have some labonville Kevlar's for heavy forestry days, but I find they aren't the most comfortable if I am on slopes/rocky terrain. Ill look at a few others but yes American made is also my preference.

 

[herm0016]

Though whichever brand you get, if you start frequently snapping boot laces it might be worth getting a pair of kevlar laces (while they aren't cheap, they can/do outlast the boots).

I use the ITS tactical ones. bought 3 pair years ago and 2 are still in the packaging.

 

[Jchonline]

Does anyone feel Keens are hot? I usually shy away from waterproof boots because they don't breathe well. I see most of the Keens are waterproof. Feedback appreciated.

 

[kenmbz]

The keens do run warm as waterproof. But I still use them in the current heat and not too bad.

 

[oldballs]

It all depends on what I'm doing...........e.g. snow.....below freezing.....mud....really muddy... chain sawing......mowing.......sloppy painting or caulking......dragging my feet on concrete or rocky dirt.....getting on the roof or standing on a ladder..........dressed up for church.....

I must have about 15 pairs of assorted boots....some fairly new....some shot to hellz but usable....... and the appropriate sock to go with them.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Root Cause]

I am clearing land with a lot of underbrush, pine cones, mud and it is steep in places.

Solomon hiking boots. Great traction on loose soil, silt, or leaves. Good support on ankles for rough terrain.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have a pair of Danners that have lasted for years. More recently, I had a pair custom made for my feet, which cost me $350, about $50 more than the Danners cost years ago. Keep them greased and use cool circulating air to dry them, never get them hot, and they will last and last. My Danners have gone through two sets of vibram soles, and have thinsulate lining that used to be waterproof but is getting pretty worn. The guy who made my boots said if I want waterproof, buy waterproof socks.

Never pour concrete in leather boots. It will ruin them. Muck boots are your friend.

 

[m7040]

I use Nicks boots with the logger heel. Made to your feet by measuring and sending you try on boots to check the fit. After that your boots are made and shipped. After break in those are the most comfortable boots. All US hand made. Expect to pay around 500 dollars

 

[Solitary Man]

DANNER BOOTS. Some of the best out there, and some are USA made.

 

[Darryle]

Good to see more people doing their best to buy American.

We can turn the tide in this country just by spending our money domestically.