Steel Toe Boots

[SpydieFan]

Howdy folks. I have been working on a farm since the start of high school, and now I'm doing welding. I've always used my cowboy work boots with great comfort and I'm very happy with them.

This summer I'm working for the State, and they require steel toe boots (rolls eyes), can't wear just plain leather ones either... so anyway, I've never gotten steel toe boots before and I was wondering what has been the most comfortable for YOU.

I don't want to hear what you've heard from other people or any other information besides information from YOU. What are YOUR experiences with the boots? What do you recommend?

Thanks

[Blerv]

I vaguely recall wearing Wolverine shoes as a tire installer in my younger years. They weren't bad and weren't boots but rather low-cut black formal shoes (kinda).

I would probably just try on a bunch because it's a personal thing. Or if you are more anti-social Zappos is a great site where you can buy a bunch, try them on, and ship back the ones you don't like. I think they pay shipping both ways:

http://www.zappos.com/steel-toe-shoe...lesStyle/desc/

[SpydieFan]

I vaguely recall wearing Wolverine shoes as a tire installer in my younger years. They weren't bad and weren't boots but rather low-cut black formal shoes (kinda).

I would probably just try on a bunch because it's a personal thing. Or if you are more anti-social Zappos is a great site where you can buy a bunch, try them on, and ship back the ones you don't like. I think they pay shipping both ways:

http://www.zappos.com/steel-toe-shoe...lesStyle/desc/

Nah, I was planning on going and trying some on, but eventually ordering online, because prices in stores suck lol. Same thing with knives Anywho I was just looking for some sort of direction. I'm definitely getting 6" boots, if not 8"... and probably waterproof for the hell of it.

[Switchback]

I'm on my fourth or fifth pair of Ridge Air-Tacs. Started wearing them in 2003 I think. The 4-5 day break in period is a real PITA but once broken in they are the most comfortable boots (steel toe or otherwise) that I've ever worn. I wear these all day everyday at work because steel toes are required here. Good stuff but you have to endure the break in.

http://www.firestoreonline.com/ridge...tsteeltoe.aspx

[rosconey]

doing tile i go thru shoes like crazy-

for me american made redwings have been very good-all the chemicals and portland based things eat shoes and seams-havent had a blow out on my last pair that have done 2 seasons(most times i get 1/2 a season a pair of cheap boots) and my legs dont get tired like they do in cheap shoes


had a pair of offshore carolinas that were nice-

[thog94]

All I wear is Chippewa boots, IMO the best boot out there. After trying most of the major brands, these just stand up to what I need them to do and they are really comfortable. I have 3 pairs including a pair of work shoes. I hate wearing steel toed boots, but these are so comfortable for me that it doesn't really bother me.

[Sithus1966]

I have to wear them every day at work, they are required. It's not a bad thing to have when you have to deal with steel drums who's contents can weight from 200-800 lbs. My current pair are Caterpillar boots. I think I'm on my 3rd pair in 8 years, my job is hard on boots, but considering what we deal with it's not a surprise.

Bit of advice, wear them before you have to wear them. Break them in before you work, not the first day on the job. Cushioned insoles help too if your going to be on your feet all day. I am on concrete 40 hours a week and with insoles I never have sore feet.

[SpydieFan]

I have to wear them every day at work, they are required. It's not a bad thing to have when you have to deal with steel drums who's contents can weight from 200-800 lbs. My current pair are Caterpillar boots. I think I'm on my 3rd pair in 8 years, my job is hard on boots, but considering what we deal with it's not a surprise.

Bit of advice, wear them before you have to wear them. Break them in before you work, not the first day on the job. Cushioned insoles help too if your going to be on your feet all day. I am on concrete 40 hours a week and with insoles I never have sore feet.

Yep I know my way around boots, definitely wouldn't wear them fresh out of the box first day...

Thanks for the tips... I guess another thing I should mention is that I have VERY VERY flat feet, so I need something comfortable for that too.

[Slash]

Go to a local store that sells boots and try some on. If you have a Sears near you go there. They usually have a good selection.
Wear them around the house indoors to break them in and find out if you have any of your toes rubbing on the steel.
If you have a problem, then return/exchange them. I'm sure you'll have no problem if they don't look worn.

I once exchanged a worn pair I got at big 5 w/o an issue.

When you go to the store to try them on go later in the day after being on your feet. Wear a pair of socks that you usually wear for work.

[Evil D]

I've worn many many brands of steel toe, worked in factories for a few years on my feet for 12 hour shifts running up and down flights of steps, so comfortable boots were mandatory. For starters, you need to just come to terms with spending a lot of money. Don't bother going to a department store and expecting to get comfortable boots, it won't happen unless you have skinny ski feet. I have feet like Fred Flintstone...wide foot, even wider toes, so when i step my toes are grinding into the side of the steel cap which is hell on your feet.

That said, i've tried just about every brand you can think of...Doc Martin, Wolverine, Dickies, CAT, Carolina, you name it. The absolute BEST pair of steel toe boots i've ever had my foot in were Hytest Footrests. They're a boot that you have to try on to believe how comfortable they are. They have the most generous sized toe cap out there and the soles are made out of urethane like what's used in high end car suspension bushings, so they're like walking on air (if you work on concrete floors, this is a blessing). When i was working factories, i actually wore these boots daily, even on off days because the steel never bothered me. They're the kind of boot you'll hate to replace because they break in and are so comfortable.

Here's the boot in question http://www.hytest.com/Shop/detail.as...59&sid=&stid=M

Like i said, don't worry about price. $200 is a small price to pay when it comes to steel toe boots and not having to deal with sore feet and they will last you forever.


Another tip i'll give you, and this may sound trivial but it can make a world of difference. If you go to a boot shop to buy boots, try on EVERY pair they have in a particular style of boot, because of manufacturing tolerances not all boots will fit your foot the same. When i bought my first Footrests, this old man at the shop literally wheeled out every pair of size 12s they had in stock and i walked out with one boot from one box and the other boot from another box. It really made a big difference. Personally, i would drive 100 miles to the nearest boot store before i ordered them online without trying them on first.

[rosconey]

All I wear is Chippewa boots, IMO the best boot out there. After trying most of the major brands, these just stand up to what I need them to do and they are really comfortable. I have 3 pairs including a pair of work shoes. I hate wearing steel toed boots, but these are so comfortable for me that it doesn't really bother me.

i have a pair of chipps but they arent steel toe so i didnt mention them- they are quite comfortable-
imho-americans still make the best work boots for the money-

[razorsharp]

I have my grandads old "John Bull" boots. They are very rugged. The boots have been worn for im sure about 6 years, but look a year old. They are solid. I use them on farms, welding, working at the local engineering workplace etc. They are very comfy too

[C.L.L 97]

My dad and brother have worn wolverine workboots(I know my dads are steel toe, but idk about my brothers) for maybe five or six years and their still really good... I know you said only your own opinion, but I don't have a need to wear workboots unless I'm at my grandpas pasture

[xceptnl]

SpydieFan, I have been wearing Timberland Pro Wellingtons (steel-toe and nonsteel-toe) since 2003. The slip on an off with ease and are almost as comfortable as regular cowboy boots. The pairs I own have been long discontinued, but I believe these are the current versions.
http://www.google.com/url?url=http:/...9DBGZzExQXEgQE
You get what you pay for with boots. I still have the first pair that I bought in 2003.

[springnr]

Timberland Pro for me.
I can do without all their marketing - green this an that... not so big on guns, etc

but
Timberland Pros come in wide, combine that with the composite toe for light weight,
and you have a winner.

Really the first pair of safety toes for me that the toe box does not rub or annoy you all day long and light weight too boot!

[mkd]

spydie! if your going to be on concrete all day get a softer sole not a vibram lug made for outside wear,your ankles and feet will fare much better. get a lace up boot and high enough to at least be above the the bottom of the legs of your pants,don't want no sparks down the top of the boot.also for breaking the boots in get pecards boot oil or a product called lexol leather conditioner and apply liberally with a 1" paint brush before and during break in.you want the boots to conform to your feet not your feet to conform to your boots!lexol or pecards will soften the leather and save wear and tear on your feet.i have worn redwing boots for work since 1992 and before that danner boots,i also have a pair of chippewa engineer boots for mc riding,and 2 pr of tony lama cowboy boots.all i can say is you get what you pay for!get the best you can afford your feet will thank you for it!

[Clip]

Timberland Pro here too. I used to wear their Power Welt, the one that looked like it was hit with some spray-in bedliner.

Currently wearing the Helix with the new anti-fatigue blah blah and I gotta say I love the composite safety toe as opposed to the steel in the Power Welt. Also the insoles are very comfortable. They come in non- and waterproof too, and are pretty light considering how big they are.

Would highly recommend them!

[SpydieFan]

I got Ariat Slip On Steel toes with the square toe. Can't feel the steel toe at all and they fit like a glove. I've been wearing them for 2 days and even through the break in period they've been pleasant to wear!

Thanks gentlemen!

[darkstar29]

I've been wearing steel toes for 15 years at work.
When I'm in the office, and need something that looks nice and is comfortable, but still has steel toes,
I wear a pair of Dr. Martins.
When I'm on the floor and need a tough, sturdy pair of steel toes, I wear Chippewa.
Both brands are great, imo.