by "gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
Published 02/24/2017 at 17:30
by "gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
Published 02/24/2017 at 17:30
Tags: boots
STARS: 2
I’m starting a new job on Monday, and I’m going to need steel-toes. I’ve never bought a pair before, so I’m hoping some of you will have suggestions. I’m hoping to not spend an exorbitant amount, but quality and longevity are definitely important. The most important would probably be comfort, since I’ll be on my feet in them all day.
Venturi for your time
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
02/24/2017 at 17:34, STARS: 3
Used to, check sears(or amazon!) of all places for timberlands. for whatever reason timberland stores don’t even carry their steel toed boots but I was very satisfied with them.
Love these + they looked cool. worked many a 10+ hour shift on my feet all day.
"My X-type is too a real Jaguar" (TomSlick)
02/24/2017 at 17:35, STARS: 2
It has been 10 years since I needed steel toe safety shoes, but back when I needed them, Red Wing was what I liked the best, I tried cheaper, I tried more expensive, for comfort and long life, Red Wing was where I always ended up.
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
02/24/2017 at 17:36, STARS: 3
I don’t wear them at all anymore, but Red Wings are quite comfortable.
Fun Fact: Don’t wear steel toes if there’s a danger of getting something very heavy dropped on your foot (or getting your toes stepped on by a horse); the pressure might cause the edge of the steel to clamp down on or sever your toes.
"Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
02/24/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 1
I wear roughly the polar opposite of that. Blue suede UGG sneakers my gf got me for my birthday. They have wool on the bottom of the inside, it’s amazing.
"facw" (facw)
02/24/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 1
For a summer job nearly two decades ago, so I don’t have good advice. I had a terrible pair of sneaker like things from Sears. Luckily didn’t actually end up having to wear them often, since I was out of the warehouse most of the time.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
02/24/2017 at 17:38, STARS: 0
I would not have guess amazon, I guess I’ll see if things can be shipped here before Monday. Those look good, and as far as I know Timberland is a good name, thanks!
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
02/24/2017 at 17:38, STARS: 3
SR20.
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
02/24/2017 at 17:40, STARS: 1
I have a pair of Timberlands which I got back in high school for shop classes. They mostly see snow duty for me and they have held up pretty well. I don’t wear them to often anymore since I can’t drive with them on (they are wide enough that the dead pedal keeps me from getting the clutch past 75% and I can’t get to the throttle without hitting the brake). Though that’s more of a problem with my cars close pedals (sometimes I bump the dead pedal with my sneakers on) than the boots themselves.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
02/24/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 0
Didn’t the mythbusters bust that? I’ll check out Red Wings though, that’s two for them already
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
02/24/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 1
I can get about 1 year out of a pair of Keen’s (I’m getting
a third pair soon) and still have the first pair of steel toes I every
bought which are a higher end pair of Red Wings.
Keens are around $150 USD and the red wings are $200+ USD.
I guess it depends on the environment you are working in. The keens will do fine if mostly dry and not too rugged. They are very comfortable since they are molded after their hiking boots. The Red Wings are more of a heavy construction/logging etc. kind of boot and are made to kick ass and take names, they do however take some getting use to since they are heavy and very stiff.
Here
are side by side photos of my Keens that are about 3 years old and my
20 year old red wings. You can see how the lugs on the keen’s are
getting torn up and the sole has also started to separate from the body of the shoe. On the red wings the tread is worn a bit but otherwise I just oil them and they are fine.
"Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever" (rustanddust)
02/24/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 0
Wore steel toed Doc Martens for about 10 years for work, they were durable and comfortable, but a bit pricey.
Amazon was just running a work boot sale, look for Kinja Deals posts, it was within the last day or two.
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
02/24/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 1
But the other option is to let the heavy things just crush your toes. At least the steel absorbs some of the force.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
02/24/2017 at 17:44, STARS: 0
I got second tier walmart brand and put some scholl’s inserts in. Been good enough for on again off again factory/warehouse/temp jobs over the years.
"gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
02/24/2017 at 17:47, STARS: 0
Depending on what you’re doing, you may find composite-toes are better than steel. But if it’s saw work, or abrasion risk, steel will be better.
I’ll agree on the Timberlands. My Helixes are almost five years old now, and still awesome. Easily the most comfortable pair of footwear I’ve ever owned. My only complaint is they aren’t great on ice, but then any firm-soles boot will be that way. But I’ve worn them hiking, and they’re my go-to snowshoeing boot... I’ve even taken them out dancing. I picked them up on sale at Marks, but I don’t know that Marks carries them or any of Timberlands’ “Pro” workbook series any more... I haven’t needed to replace them yet.
Whatever you do, don’t cheap out. I had a few employers insist I take their voucher out and get myself a pair of steel toes to wear, generally in the ~$100 market. I’ve only gotten a year out of them at most. The $120 Dakotas Partsource got for me lasted all of three months before the sole started separating, and I went back to the Timberlands, which I’ve worn just about every day at work for the last three years and counting.
"Mid Engine" (jdlogan2006)
02/24/2017 at 17:47, STARS: 1
http://www.kodiakboots.com/6-inch-boots/rebel-6-inch/314062.html?dwvar_314062_color=Smoke#start=1
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
02/24/2017 at 17:47, STARS: 0
No idea. I know that, when I was an EMT, we had to cut off several rings off of people’s hands because they were crushed by something hard falling onto it. Same principle.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
02/24/2017 at 17:47, STARS: 0
Yikes
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
02/24/2017 at 17:48, STARS: 1
I’d rather have a possibly broken toe than a missing one.
Steel toed boots are good if you’ll be kicking stuff around or if, say, something 100 pounds might drop on them. Anything heavier, though...
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
02/24/2017 at 17:50, STARS: 1
Shoes are stupid cheap on amazon for some reason.
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
02/24/2017 at 17:50, STARS: 0
We had specific tools on our rescue truck for it.
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
02/24/2017 at 17:50, STARS: 0
I know a guy who managed to weld his class ring to an alternator.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/24/2017 at 17:51, STARS: 1
I had red wings when I was in the oil field, very comfortable would recommend.
"Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
02/24/2017 at 17:54, STARS: 1
"Nimbus" (nimbus1)
02/24/2017 at 17:54, STARS: 1
If you can get away with steel toe shoes I highly recommend Keen’s. Most comfortable work shoe I have ever worn. Significantly lighter than boots and long lasting, current pair is almost 2 years old and is holding up great.
If you have to have boots I suggest Red Wing’s or Irish Setter, Red Wing’s less expensive brand.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
02/24/2017 at 17:55, STARS: 1
YMMV, but I’ve found Walmart cheapies to last about a year. I finally saved up enough to get a pair of Red Wings, but I made the mistake of getting a canvas pair instead of leather. They’re starting to fall apart now (after about 3 years), which doesn’t justify the price I paid. I intend to get some good leather ones this year.
"NJAnon" (NJAnon)
02/24/2017 at 17:55, STARS: 1
Red Wing Shoes. At least they offer to clean up your shoes for free. Just don’t plan on getting them back the same day. :P It takes a while to get that much dirt and crud off work shoes.
"Pickup_man" (zekeh)
02/24/2017 at 18:01, STARS: 0
I’ve got Ariat Workhogs and love them. I had a pair of non steel toed that were going on 3 years with tons of life left in them, then my company started requiring steel toes, so I bought the same boot except with steel toes. New insoles every once in a while and they’ll last a long time. The only thing you may not like about them is they’re slip on “cowboy boots”, and mine have an orange upper, but I think they come in other colors. Cowboy boots just aren’t everyone’s style, but I love them.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
02/24/2017 at 18:01, STARS: 0
None of that, just hauling props around a warehouse, the biggest things are industrial fridges and stoves and stuff. There seems to be a lot more selection for composite toes, I’ll look into that.
Judging by these comments, Timberlands or Red Wing are the way to go, though I feel like Red Wing might be a bit overkill.
"vicali" (vicali)
02/24/2017 at 18:02, STARS: 1
Every Mark’s I’ve ever been to has a wall of them, they are pretty helpful too. Keen, Timberland, Dakota, CAT.. etc, etc..
I always like buying caulks there.
"unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)" (unclevanos)
02/24/2017 at 18:03, STARS: 1
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/24/2017 at 18:05, STARS: 1
“Not me,” said the nerdy sneakerhead with a casual desk job.
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
02/24/2017 at 18:07, STARS: 0
If you are dropping something heavy enough to chop your toes off with the steel in the boot you aren’t keeping those toes anyway.
"Birddog" (maintmgt)
02/24/2017 at 18:10, STARS: 1
Spend some money and grab some Red Wings.
Great warranty, they last for ever, free oiling and free relacing. Try a few different styles though some are more comfortable than others. “Irish Setters” are my go-to.
"EngineerWithTools" (engineerwithtools)
02/24/2017 at 18:15, STARS: 2
My current steel toes are Red Wings - actually, they’re aluminum. I’ve had Timberland Pros too, and they were great.
Two things to think about:
Make sure you understand the requirements of the job (and maybe plan to exceed them a bit). Some jobs require metatarsal protection, some require a certain level of electrical isolation, some a specific level of chemical resistance. Red Wing seems to have the widest variety if you find some unusual requirements.
Also, plan to replace them. (Many companies have yearly shoe-purchase allowances.) Don’t be afraid of a review that says “I wore this shoe every day and it was worn out in a year!” Daily wear really kills shoes, even heavy duty ones. Two pair, worn on alternating days, will last longer than two pair worn one-after-another. (Also gives you a backup if they’re a must-have-or-you-can’t-work.)
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
02/24/2017 at 18:26, STARS: 1
Like folks have said, you’ll get what you pay for. In the alternative, if you’re not really working in the elements, safety toe shoes are far superior to boots. They cost less, look like regular athletic shoes and are so much lighter and more comfortable than safety/steel toe boots. Back when I first started turning wrenches as a hydraulic mechanic, I bought a pair of cheap steel-toed boots. They lasted about six months, but it was long enough for me to determine if I was going to be at that job for long enough to justify spending more. I ended getting a pair of dark-colored safety toe shoes. They were far more comfortable, and we were a shop that primarily did components and not entire machines. It was a rare and bad day whenever someone brought us the entire machine to work on.
These days I have an office desk job. Now I just struggle to find causal, brown leather shoes that last for more than 6 months.
"Bowtie_Guy" (thatbowtieguy)
02/24/2017 at 19:17, STARS: 0
I’ve skimmed the comments here and while Timberlands and Red Wings are both excellent choices... I think they maybe overkill for you.
My suggestion for you is Cowboy boots! Super comfortable, look cool and you can have composite/ steel toes. Both Ariats and Justin’s are great brands
Do you a Tractor Supply local?? They have a nice selection of boots for around $100-125.
"leicester" (leicester)
02/24/2017 at 19:35, STARS: 1
I don’t wear them every day, but another vote for Red Wings. I’ve had this pair forever, take crap care of them, but they fit my feet.
That said, find what fits your feet the best. For any gear, the better it fits, the more likely you’ll wear it, and if it fits well, you’ll forget that you have it on at all.
"gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
02/24/2017 at 19:40, STARS: 1
I’ve heard people talk about Redwings, but they’re a pretty high-dollar item and it almost seems as if part of the attraction may be the high-dollar-ness of it. I’ve only ever met one person who owned them, tbh, but then I’m the only person I know with Timberlands and they’re not super cheap either.
I also prefer 8" boots as being more supportive. It might have to do with me being 6'2, as well, and needing that extra height. But I’m pretty sure this is what I have. https://www.timberland.com/shop/mens-timberland-pro-helix-8in-comp-toe-work-boots-87568
They aren’t available in black any more it seems but they can still be had in brown.
I’ve been sorta looking into getting myself some new boots, as I’m going to be needing something chainsaw-proof soon, hoping to find a 10" this time, steel not composite, with chain-jamming fabric (generally Kevlar or similar) under the leather.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
02/24/2017 at 19:52, STARS: 1
Red wings for the win, I’ve got three pair. Two insulated and two me pair non insulated. I’ve resoled the non insulated ones one time. If you’ll be indoors skip the insulated ones, but definitely red wings. They’ll even clean and replace laces at any redwing store for as long as you have them. I highly recommend the heat to form fit inserts as well. Definitely worth every penny. Put them in one pair that I wore out the original insoles and wow, I was hooked. I’ve since replaced the other insoles in all three pair. I’ve heard good things about Irish setters, but I don’t have any first hand experience with them. The red wings will be close to $200 all in with the insoles, but you buy them once..... or theee times if you work in different cities and forget them at home, or just don’t want to travel with them to job sites.... but normally, you buy them once. So it’s not a huge deal a few months down the road.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
02/24/2017 at 19:54, STARS: 1
That’s the one reason I didn’t go with a titanium wedding band. They said at the time that they had no way to cut them off. I kinda like my fingers.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
02/24/2017 at 20:14, STARS: 1
I’ve had good experiences with Red Wing boots and I know many people who swear by them. They come with a 1 year warranty too.
" The Compromiser" (charger)
02/24/2017 at 22:00, STARS: 2
I always go with Doc Martens. The ones I wear are light and comfortable. Ultimately you need comfort for standing and breathe ability so your feet don’t sweat too much and cause blisters.
And keep your toenails trimmed. They will cut through socks daily if they are even a little long. It’s a stupid problem, but I go through socks like a mother if I don’t..
"gmporschenut also a fan of hondas" (gmporschenut)
02/24/2017 at 22:37, STARS: 0
on Mythbusters: the force it takes to crush them, would turn your toes to jelly without them.
"Khalbali" (khalbali2)
02/25/2017 at 01:12, STARS: 0
I’ve got cheap ass brahma riots, like $30 at Walmart. Reasonably comfortable I guess, last pair lasted me over a year but I’m a mechanic so don’t see the point of spending more.