Most comfortable boot recommendations

[beowulf]

I told my wife that I know why old men walk like old men - their feet hurt. At 73 my feet are a bit less forgiving, with some periodic neuroma, and aches. So I want and deserve a comfortable boot. I don't need one that will last forever, but I do want comfort and reasonable wear. I have read some of the posts here re boots but not quite hitting the mark for me.

Anyway, this can be a short-lived post as I will be heading to town tomorrow to get a pair as mine finally gave up the ghost. Though, as this topic may be of general interest, I guess it can keep going after tomorrow.

I need the boots tomorrow and so will need to get them in a store instead of mail-order (which would make me nervous anyway), and my local options seem to be Boot Barn, T Supply Co., Dick's Sporting stores, Work World (only Wolverine brand?), and a local work clothes store. I think there is a Redwing store as well.

Any recommendations re brand, or a brand and model? I want one without a steel toe. I have looked on line at Georgia brand and they seem to have good reviews. There are other brands perhaps available to me in a store, Timberline, CAT, Irish Setter, Dickies and more.

Again, comfort is the most important thing for me right now - and I don't want a long break in period. So, hopefully, comfortable right away. Also, any information re cost and value would be helpful. Thank you for any help.

 

[Clay45]

Tony Llama

 

[mbohuntr]

Tony Llama

Ariat...very comfortable.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I will second for Ariat slip on boots, I get their top of the line slip on round toe cowboy boots and as long as they keep putting out a good product I will keep buying.

 

[TheMan419]

Ariat is way comfy.

Also don't laugh dr schols inserts. Don't spend the money on the ones supposedly designed for your foot.

 

[Msamt]

I'm pretty happy with the Hi-tec brand of hikers, I know they make something more work boyish than the hikers, but I find them very comfortable and dry when you get the waterproof ones.

 

[beowulf]

I am looking for a 6 or 8 inch lace up. I could go with a hiker boot if comfortable and that might make sense as they are built for comfort for those on their feet for long stretches. While I used to wear whatever I had all day, these days I will likely only wear them for about 4-6 hours a day and not every day - maybe 4 or 5 days a week. A lot of walking around the ranch here.

 

[sseelhoff]

I am on my second pair of Justin work boots. Extremely comfortable. I wore out the first pair. This pair is a square toe lace up. I can work in them all day with no problems.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Red Wing Irish Setter 83401's have been really nice for me. A hiker/work boot and soft toe. No break in needed. Probably switched numbers by now. They always do once I find something I like. About a 6 inch boot. I always use a gel insole. For me, it helps a lot. Used to get a K-Mart brand that was good leather years ago. They held up well. Of course they went downhill fast.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Red Wing #606. I'll never buy another work boot unless I need another pair of steel toes. Most comfortable work boot I've ever worn, and I'm on my 2nd resole of my second pair. I have difficult feet, high arch, other problems from a lifetime (trades) of working while standing on my feet.

Also, get the inserts that you toss in the oven and warm up first, then put in the boot and walk around until they form to your foot. For my feet, they are a must have.

The combination of the Red Wing #606 boot, and the self forming insoles is the best thing I've ever found. More comfortable than running/athletic shoes.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Rocky... best boot I've worn.

For years, I resisted, couldn't get past the cost factor. Brother in law has bragged on them for 20 years, I finally broke down and bought a pair, discontinued, on the discount rack... and my new job just bought me another pair. I work 12 hour shifts, walking concrete the whole time... under these circumstances, feet feel pretty good.

 

[Tomtint]

I'm on my feet all day. .. usually on concrete floor, construction site type settings. .. My feet were always very sore at night and really sore the next day. I have always worn Chippewas and they are comfortable on soft ground.. and for short days on hard floors. . About 2 years ago, a friend of mine told me about Magnum Boots. They are the ones all the cops wear on the streets. I bought a pair and have never looked back. Wearing them 4-5 days a week they will last about a year. I have since bought 2 more pairs and as one set gets really beat up I will phase in the new ones. .. they are really like slippers once you wear them for a few days. .. I think I paid 89.00 for the first pair and I bought 2 pairs when they were on sale for 75.00 .. I 100% suggest taking a look for them.

 

[JimRB]

I have some Red Wing 606s. Comfortable until the soles fell apart. I doubt I have a 100 hours on them over the few years I owned them.

I did like the old school hard Vibram black soles that lasted forever. Not as comfy and the 606 foamy soles.

 

[gsganzer]

If you like pull-ons, these are the ticket. This set of Tony Lama's are my daily all around work boot. They're by far the best pull-on out there. I've tried a few pairs of Ariat's, but the soles are too hard, if you're standing on concrete. Some of the other brands are too soft. This pair of Tony Lama's are a perfect balance between hard and soft.

If you want a pair of mid-height hiking boots, try Lowa Renegades Leather Lined (I don't like gortex because they're always too hot and clammy for me). I just did a 20 mile hike with mine yesterday in the same pair I've had for 5 years. They're the most durable and comfortable set of trekking boots I've ever had.

Regardless of what leather boot you get, use Obenauf's leather preservative It's the best leather conditioner I've used.

 

[Snobdds]

I did a noles class in highschool that trekked through the wind River mountain range in Wyoming for a month. Boots are so critical, they give you a pair of proven design as part of the course. The two choices we, Scarpa or La Sportiva. Now if you've never had the opportunity to wear an Italian made boot, well, they'll become the only boot you wear.

I still have that pair of Scarpas I got 20 year's ago. I purchased some La Sportiva boots 10 years ago and there as good as the day I bought them​. The leather is unbelievably thick and durable, throw a new foot bed every 5 years, and it's a lifetime boot.

I learned since being a teen, good boots are invaluable.

 

[moriboy]

Ariat square toe boots. No question, most comfortable boot for me.

 

[wngsprd]

I am looking for a 6 or 8 inch lace up. I could go with a hiker boot if comfortable and that might make sense as they are built for comfort for those on their feet for long stretches. While I used to wear whatever I had all day, these days I will likely only wear them for about 4-6 hours a day and not every day - maybe 4 or 5 days a week. A lot of walking around the ranch here.

I'm with you as far as how important the right fitting and feeling boot has become as I get older. I still haven't found the perfect work boots, but I have found the right hiking boot for me - Salomon, which makes a number of different waterproof models. My feet feel better with them on than they do with them off. For the comfort, I figure the extra expense of these versus some other brands is really worth it over the number of miles and years I'll use them.

Good luck with your search.

 

[coachgrd]

My hat is off to all of you who work on concrete floors. I'd be walking in the shape of a question mark.

 

[CajunRider]

I've been wearing Doc Marten boots 12 hrs a day 6 days a week for 20+ years. I like them.

 

[JK22]

I am looking for a 6 or 8 inch lace up. I could go with a hiker boot if comfortable and that might make sense as they are built for comfort for those on their feet for long stretches. While I used to wear whatever I had all day, these days I will likely only wear them for about 4-6 hours a day and not every day - maybe 4 or 5 days a week. A lot of walking around the ranch here.

In that case, Merrel. Awesome lace ups.