New work boot opinions.

[cjcutter1]

I wear boots all day every day, last few years I have had wolverines with good luck for $100 boots they have to be at least waterproof most lately have been gore-tex with little or no insulation. I have had rocky,timberland,georgia,muck,carolina and others.I am goin with redwings this time heard good things about them they are waterproof,softtoe,eh,wellingtons (pullon style)1170's. Any one have any favorites or opinions. Thanks

 

[Blacksmith58]

You can't go wrong with RedWings! I have the Lace Up High top witj Steel Toe. Wouldn't trade them for nothing!

They are rugged enough for a Fulltime Blacksmith Operation and they can take it!

 

[rags]

You can't go wrong with RedWings! I have the Lace Up High top witj Steel Toe. Wouldn't trade them for nothing!

They are rugged enough for a Fulltime Blacksmith Operation and they can take it!

2218's?

rags

 

[Marshwheeling]

I have had several pairs of Red Wings. Most recent was a pair of Gore-Tex and Thinsulate lace-ups. They gave me over fifteen years of hard use, including lots of winter motorcycling. I also have a pair of steel-toe Wellingtons that's 35 years old. They don't get worn much because I have never been able to stand steel-toed boots.

 

[dave b]

Last year I got a pair of Cabalas "Ridgeline" lace up Gore tex boots. They are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. They are pretty light and all leather on the outside. I doubt they will last 15 years, but they were only about $75.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

I refuse to buy any more boots Made in China, and that's becoming harder every time I need a new pair. I found these at Cabela's and they are Made in Germany. It was the first boot I have ever owned where I could wear it for 8 hours the first day and not have sore feet. Mine are now 6 months old and the sole still looks almost new. Super comfortable...will but another pair if and when these wear out.

Cabela's: Cabela's &#34Perfekt&#8482&#34 7" Hikers by Meindl

 

[gunnut44]

I buy Thorogood. USA made, Union Made. That is important to me. And cheaper than Red wings.

 

[wuluf]

check out Danner boots... I'm on my feet all day long, these are the best, and made in Oregon.

Danner - Since 1932

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

check out Danner boots...made in Oregon.

Unfortunately, many of the Danner boots now have the Made in China label.

 

[cjcutter1]

The redwings are made in the usa(with imported materials). I had Georgia wellingtons for about three years and loved them but my feet changed and they wore out, so I wanted to go with a pair of slip ons again they are hard to find with good tread on them the winter means snow and ice and mud and I do alot of hiking,walkin, hunting and am on concrete all day at work my boots get soaked every day at work water,santizer,blood,meat.And steel toe is not necessary so I prefer softtoe.

 

[dmar]

Unfortunately, many of the Danner boots now have the Made in China label.

Danner, like other higher-end boot manufacturers have lower cost lines that are made in China, and high-end models made in USA. I'm sure this is done in order to remain competitive with all of the other made in China boots/low cost boots out there (Rocky, Timberland, etc.). Danner makes boots for our GIs (made in US), and they are good boots. Some of the major boot/shoe brands that used to make a great product, have resorted to putting out low quality, cheap Chinese products, real shame. Corporation's insatiable need for higher profit margins drive this dynamic.

Other quality manufacturers, that have some models made in USA are Red Wing, Justin, and Chippewa. There are others, but those are the ones that I have bought, and been very happy with the quality. Definitely check to be sure the specific model you are buying is made in the USA, I think there is a noticeable difference in quality. It was sad to see Justin and Chippewa (I believe they are the same company now...) come out with made in China lines, but at least they still have their made in USA lines, so I continue to support them.

Quality boots cost more money, but last much longer, and are more comfortable. The longer service life makes up for the higher price, plus you support our workers. I will not buy made in China boots.

 

[DeathGrip]

I need to get me eyes fixed.I thought it said New York boots.

 

[jkc]

I really like the Irish Setter (Redwing) GoreTex Kangaroo Chukkas, for general purpose "boot" use. These are not suitable for very demanding uses such as off-trail/load carrying, etc., but are sturdy, fairly light, waterproof, and would be nearly perfect if equipped with Vibram's Montagna lug sole --- the factory issue is inferior, but still, pretty good.

 

[blujax01]

Another vote for Red Wings. And if you have a Red Wing Store nearby, all the better. They fit you to the shoe (when's the last time you had a salesperson use one of those footwear measuring thingys?) and you can take them back and talk face-to-face in the event you're not satisfied.
Expensive? Yep.
Worth the extra cost? You bet.

 

[cjcutter1]

Thats why I have had trouble lately my feet have changed a little and getting your foot measured in most stores is like asking for a million dollars or something, the place that has the redwings is knowledgeable and actually has coblers or shoe experts there and will measure your feet and actually give a hoot.

 

[OFT II]

I wore Redwings for years when working in the oilfield. Great boots and if you wear lace-ups they will replace the laces for the life of the boots at no charge.

 

[Marshwheeling]

The best pair of boots I ever bought came from Gokey's, in St. Paul. They were custom made for me in 1973, at a cost of $110, expensive at the time, but not out of reach. I still have them. They fit me perfectly and never gave me a blister, but they are a little snug now.

Orvis bought out Gokeys some years ago, and they still offer similar boots, but they are not the same. If you want the same thing, you have to go to Lyle MacRostie, one of Gokey's old bootmakers.
MacRostie Leathers - Catalog of Boots, Shoes and Moccasins

He's getting old, and is not real eager to crank out boots these days, so he has jacked the price way up. It would be hard to say any pair of boots is worth $5000. Just a few years ago, they cost $1100, and I know guys who were glad to get them at that price. I would say his oxfords, at $625, are still well worth the price. I have a pair that I got at Gokeys in the early '70s, that I need to send him for soles and refurbishment. They are worn, but indestructible.

 

[captorquewrench]

My husband has quite a few pairs of work boots, since he gets a boot voucher from work before the old pair wears out. I think he he has a good 4-5 pairs of steel toes. he wears them ALL THE TIME Some of his favorites? Yes...the Red Wings!

My daughter wears only Wolverine steel toes or Dinkles band shoes. I think she just likes to quote the Wolverine jingle at people when they ask her about them

 

[CelticSire]

made in China boots/low cost boots out there (Rocky, Timberland, etc.).

Rocky boots are not all made in China, the majority of their lines are made in the USA, including the S2V lines which have rapidly replaced Danners as the boot of choice for SPECOPS.

 

[harleyvato]

My favorites are my West Coast Shoe Company Jobmasters. I think to replace them now would be about $500.00 or so but they are(IMHO) every penny.They can be custom made to your feet for a minimal cost and the boots can be rebuilt.Amricam made,the way you want, American materials,about 6 week turnaround on a custom order,real people answering the phone, what's not to like?