I need a decent pair of workboots....

[darkmother]

Ok, I've been lurking around here for some time, and I can't help but notice that many of the regulars here have rarefied taste in high quality goods of all kinds, (both of the the bicycle and non-bicycle variety). I was hoping that some of you might point me in the right direction with a footwear purchase: I need to replace my lackluster workboots. They are around 6 months old, and are pretty much trashed on the inside-the foam in the sole has lost it's elasticity and shape. They have little or no support for my foot, and my arches are starting to hurt as a result. I have had more or less the same experience with other boots of various styles and brands. I work in a rail yard, and do a lot of walking on coarse gravel and pavement. I don't consider this particularly 'heavy duty' use, but the modern boots I have encountered seem to be designed for comfort in the extreme short term (i.e. in the store when you try them on), and disposable in the long(er) term. A similar trend exists with most goods, including bicycle parts.

I would like something better. More durable- and with a stiffer sole. I am willing to pay a premium to keep my feet happy, and hopefully get a couple of years of use in the process. I am required by my employer to wear a boot with a steel toe, (CSA approved) a minimum 6 inch height, with laces and a defined heel. What say you, Salonistas? Where to find such a boot? If you say Marks Work Wearhouse, I may be forced to kick you in the groin with my crappy, sad, soggy boots. It won't hurt like a kick with a proper work boot might, but it will be unpleasant.

[jscottyk]

One word. Redwing.

[jscottyk]

Check it.

If it were me, these would be my choice.

[maunahaole]

Go look in the Garro threads - there is some boot worship going on over there.

[bellman]

You need you some Danners; Danner - Boots

The goretex Rainforest models are good for about two years of FULL imersion doing heavy concrete construction before they might let a little damp thru. Just walking around with an occasional puddle or even all day rain won't even begin to phase them and wil last years and years.
Even if they say 'non metalic' saftey toe they may meet your employers requirements.
They really are the shit, there is legions of heavy construction workers in the PNW that simply won't buy anything else

[caleb]

A rail yard with a pronounced heel and steel toe makes me think of something from White's. The Logger if you want to go really heavy, the Sportsman for something in the middle, or have them add a steel toe to a pair of their Classic Workboots for something really nice looking.

[sonny]

You need you some Danners; Danner - Boots

short of some white's
i think this is the best option

[54ny77]

i'd give 2 thumbs up for anything from the timberland "pro" boot series. i wear mine pretty much all the time. incredibly comfy and supportive footbed, and once the boot wears in (they're stiff at first, depending on model) they really are good for everyday wear.

Timberland - Timberland PRO® - Workboots

[mainemike]

i've had a pair of these for 15/16 yrs. still in use / Clothing

[Human Epic Jolt]

get a pair of tap shoes and learn to dance.

[j44ke]

My favorite boots are the Frye prison boots that were made originally for selling to penitentiaries with convict work crews. Frye still makes the boot, but now it is a fashion item. And they've changed the name to Arkansas boot. And there's no steel toed option. And it is more expensive. Mine won't wear out though, so that won't matter for a while.

[Jacques]

Good thread! Not to hijack the OP, but does anyone know of any simple stylish low-cut boot with a safety toe? I work indoors (machine shop) and would like something a bit more classic and spartan than the hiker or Oversized Monster-Energy-Drink-Crushing Construction Worker aesthetics that are in safety footwear.

[PJC]

I have had Carolinas and Redwings. Both very nice....Bought the Carolinas in 92 and another in 96. Both are still in wearable shape...

[PJC]

....the Redwings in 96...not another pr of Carolinas

[darkmother]

Thanks to all that replied. Lots of good choices out there. I'll let you know what I end up with.

[bellman]

Good thread! Not to hijack the OP, but does anyone know of any simple stylish low-cut boot with a safety toe? I work indoors (machine shop) and would like something a bit more classic and spartan than the hiker or Oversized Monster-Energy-Drink-Crushing Construction Worker aesthetics that are in safety footwear.

I buy steel toed blundstones on ebay pretty regularly.
Nice slip on boot.

[Clyde]

+1 for Whites. I have 3 pairs. Awesome. Spendy, but worth it.

[edoz]

You need you some Danners; Danner - Boots

The goretex Rainforest models are good for about two years of FULL imersion doing heavy concrete construction before they might let a little damp thru. Just walking around with an occasional puddle or even all day rain won't even begin to phase them and wil last years and years.
Even if they say 'non metalic' saftey toe they may meet your employers requirements.
They really are the shit, there is legions of heavy construction workers in the PNW that simply won't buy anything else

Danner makes some really nice military boots, too.
Mine probably kept me from getting frostbite in Germany.

[Kumo Cycles]

Make sure you get something with a stitched welt, I see too many boots with injection moulded construction start to break down and provide no support at all to the foot.
Danners are a good example.
Also if you are having arch problems consider getting an innersole with comprehensive arch and heel support like the green superfeet innersoles, they will help stabilise your foot in the boot.

[sonnybiker]

check out redwing
check out thorogood also

couldn't be happier with my redwing steel toe work boots. on my feet for 12 hours a day, ride to and from work in them also..