reccomended boots?

[forgeblast]

Timberland pit boss steel toed boots they have them in 6''. I am on my second pair, and will be going for my third pair when these are done. I did take out the insoles and put in superfeet inserts made a big difference.

 

[frischtr]

I've been wearing Red Wing boots for four or five years, and I'm disappointed. I've worn the 4420 models because I have to have steel toe boots at work, and I like the high tops and good soles for traction in the mud. Unfortunately, my big toe wears through the inner lining of the boot and then the steel toe begins destroying my socks. Good to know I'm not the only one with that problem!

I'm not sure what my next pair of boots will be, but I'm pretty confident that they won't be Red Wings. I think I should be able to get more than 1.5 years out of a $200.00 pair of boots.

As was stated earlier, the Chinese Red Wings are crap. Try a USA model before you write them off... Try the 2218 loggers, I have gotten 4 years each out of 3 consecutive pairs.

 

[wvpolekat]

I have a pair of Timberland Mudslingers that I am happy with. Timberland Mudslinger Mid Steel Toe Hiking Boot

They are not waterproof and that is my one complaint, but other than that, they wear like tennis shoes and are steel toed.

I also have a pair of Wolverine Wellingtons, but they bother my big toe after a few hours.

Then I have a pair of non steel toed Schmitt (TSC brand) that are not steel toed, with leather around your foot and canvas above it. So far, I like these where I don't need steel toes.

Also have a pair of steel toed, insulated Survivors that are great for ATV rides, but you have to adjust your shifter to get your toe under it. They are waterproof, but the sole does not do well on slick rocks or in mud.

But, for most of my tractor work, I wear a pair of Teva "Dozer III" sandals. Teva | Sandals and Shoes for Your Next Adventure... Anywhere! I don't do many things that require on/off a lot, so I am not too worried about foot protection.

 

[LeadPoison]

I have been a fan of Georgia Boots for 4-5 years now. They aren't the prettiest but they last me at least two years and take a lot of abuse. They were also the most comfortable for me as I have a narrow heel.

 

[Dargo]

Who was that lady in South America who had all those shoes, Amelda Marcos? My wife accuses me of being her when it comes to work boots. Everything in my barns seem to be heavy. I always wear steel, or composite equal, toe boots. I agree with most everyone here with the exception of Red Wing. I've wasted more money on them than I'll mention. They have all been uncomfortable and not lasted. If a steel toe boot is uncomfortable when you put it on, it's unlikely to break in!

I personally like Rocky, Carolina, Timberland (very comfortable and light composite toe), Georgia and Bates boots. I'm sure there are other good ones, but I'm extremely picky with my shoes and boots. If they are not comfortable, I get rid of them. Being that I always seem to have one pair of boots somewhere in the process of being cleaned and polished, I rotate through what I wear and don't really have any favorites besides possibly those composite toe Timberlands. They feel like tennis shoes but are boots. They can't weigh much more. My vote would buy quality boots that feel good the first time you walk around in them.

 

[nwltruck]

Georgia comfort core cowboy boots. They are available in steel toe and are the most comfortable I have ever had. If you aren't use to CBB they would take some geting use to but they are worth it. Naturally water proof and you can step in a 6" to 8" puddle with out a problem. I haul fertilizer that ruins boots and they still last me 3 to 4 years

 

[sfloggie]

We have 112 acres with thick brush, some swamp, etc with snakes everywhere and other things that hurt!
I have been wearing the Red Head 18" insulated (Gortex) Snake book for over a year including summer floods and winter snake. Warm throughout the year (note summer also) but no leaks and no snakes got in (hopeful never).

Jim

 

[Denwa]

Now that I have been spending more time in the woods with the tractor I realize sneakers just don't make it.
So the question is what are good comfortable work boots that you use? Are steel toed boots the right choice?

CTGoldwing, (got a name?)
I presume from your handle that you are a motorcycle rider, and likely are more aware of boots than a lot of folks. And, you likely have concluded that your MC boots are not what you want to be wearing to work on your tractor.
I don't want to subject my MC boots to those possible abuses.

Boots or footwear in general for outdoor use are a tool. As with other tools, one should pick the correct tool fort the job. Low/high/steel/light/traction/etc.
For *maximum/ideal* comfort and function it all depends on what you are going to do while wearing said foot protection.

That being said, ONE pair, that will handle the extreme needs of any of your tasks may be the best choice, just in case you decide to multi task in your wood shed when you just went out to water the lawn.

For me cost has always been a factor, but my personal cross is that I have EEE feet that are a size and a half different. Makes getting a good fit with one pair a particular challenge. LOTS of choices out there if you have "normal" feet, aka D width.

Wood cutting and related activities are one off my primary outdoor tasks, and I live in the NorthWet. Design parameters I feel are needed in a good boot are over ankle protection, boots long enough to be covered by my pants so they don't fill up with sawdust when I chainsawing, waterproof, comfortable. Should be able to take a hit from the saw without cutting
through, so composition's out. Steel toe and shank are great, IF the toe box does not rub your meat.

Have wasted money on three pairs of Red Wings. the soles popped off of two off them at the heel, NO warranty support. The other pair was like walking on cement after a few days.

Basically figure out what you need as far as protection and function and the go shopping for the best you can afford.

Dennis (WA)

 

[CurlyDave]

One of the best things you can do to improve the fit and comfort of a pair of boots is to remove the stock insoles and add a real set of footbeds.

I prefer the SOLE footbeds Softec Ultra Custom Footbeds | SOLE which you heat in a very low temperature oven, put in the shoes and then stand in to mold them to your feet.

This makes a huge comfort increase.

 

[jimmysisson]

Curly, those add $45 (+ shipping) to the price of the boots? They must be pretty darn good...
Jim