Expensive vs Cheap Work Boots
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- I hear it all the time: why would you spend so much on work boots? They're just gonna get destroyed, ruined, and thrown away. The truth is that if I have to be on my feet all day, I want something well made between me and the ground. This is why people swear by Red Wing Boots, Chippewa Boots, Whites Boots, or Wesco Boots: they make your job easier and last a lot longer.
This experiment began when I forgot my trusty Red Wing Moc Toe Boots at home on the way to work, and since I was too far to turn around I just swung into Walmart for some cheap boots. I ended up grabbing a pair of Brahma steel toed boots for about $25 and went to work. That week was one of the most uncomfortable and fatiguing days of my career as an electrician. Simple tasks like climbing ladders, walking on concrete, or using man-lifts became a real hassle and I couldn't wait to get out of my boots at the end of the day. Forgetting my good boots at home was something I never did again.
In this video I cut open these hateful boots to show you why they are so uncomfortable and unsupportive, and I compare them to a couple much better options: Nicks Boots, and Red Wing.
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Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well, and allows you to buy less and buy better.
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." Saw this quote on the wall of the Wesco Boots factory showroom in Scapoose, Oregon. Particularly accurate in this context, I couldn't agree more with the sentiment!
Two things in life worth spending money on, your bed and your boots, because if you're not in one, you're in the other.
just sleep on the floor no issues whatsoever
I would say boots, a jacket, and food. A bed for me is great but a cheap bed or sleeping on the floor is no problem for me
@Bob Harris lol
I bought a casket
@@measure2ice712 😂
I'm retired now. I've worked as a logger in the Pacific Northwest. As a union boilermaker as a young man and the balance of my working life as a maintenance mechanic in water and wastewater plants. I bought the best boot I could afford in each career. And never regretted it once. There are other things you can cut corners on. NEVER cheat your feet!!!
Absolutely agreed!!!!
RED WING BUT THE TREES KILLING PEOPLE AND BOOTS. FEET MATTER.
Thanks for that.
Nice. I'm a wastewater operator grade 3 out in southern cali.
@@dougcarter1924 red wings are the most uncomfortable, low quality, pieces of garbage out there.
I wear Irish setter 10" logger boots. They turn 19 this year. I retired about 10 years ago and still wear them all summer.
I Believe it, mfers are built to last
Need to get me some of those
There made in China now cause yours made in the USA lasted to long lol
Shit I can’t even get 6 months out of trash ass red wings
@@justinw123
I thought it was Vietnam.
Having worked (and still working) in the trades for several decades I agree with Carl. You certainly don't need to own custom made boots to survive to an age of 60+ in the trades industry, I haven't, but you sure as heck do not want to cheap out, either. My advice, and something often missed in these "boot videos" is this - find the highest quality boot that you can afford, and buy 2 pairs. Switch off every day with a fresh pair, while the other pair of boots rests and thoroughly dries out. My current pair x 2 of Red Wing work boots are closing in on 7 yrs of work, and still have life in them. Not even so much as a resole. Take care of your boots, and your boots will take care of you. Good luck folks.
Oh my god, I remember when I was 18 my mom bought me “work boots” for my birthday cuz I had just started my first construction job. She bought me Walmart bramas. I stepped on a rock like the 2nd day and nearly went home. I’ve learned so so much about quality and the differences in good boots. Your videos help too man, you’re literally educating. And I appreciate that.
Never skimp on a mattress, shoes/boots or an attorney.
Good advice right there!
aMomentOfScience. STL Agreed, I like the saying “ Don’t skimp on shoes or a bed because If you’re not in one you’re in the other.
Haha..true!
Or an airplane.....
Beds are way over priced bc theres only 4 companies that have monopoly on the industry were all getting screwed there
I really appreciate your philosophy on work boots.
I'm a machinist. I consider my vehicle to be my
most important tool. It gets me to and from work.
My work shoes are definitely my 2nd most
important tool. They help me stand for 12 - 16 hrs.
a day.
Cheap is expensive in the long term
Precisely!
Not always. For example. If "good" product costs $200 and lasts a year and the "cheap" product costs $50 and last six months. The "cheap" product is better deal. I bought alot of Brahma boots. Because they were cheap. Yes they only lasted three months. But at the time Redwings were four times the price and only lasted a couple months longer.
Thorogood boots
@@mjp5429 good day sir, do you have your own, separate insoles when you wear your cheap boots? :)
@@joshuasim8019 sometimes
It's not only your feet, knees, and back are directly impacted... over a period of time, those things count... big time.
Steve Mackelprang You’re damn right
Yep. Good point.
I work in the steel industry for over 30 years. I remember my dad taking me to the Red Wing store and buying me my first pair. I did the same thing to my son.
Carl, you are so right. Don't skimp on a good pair of boots. I just retired after 37 years working for a beverage company. When I started I was a delivery driver, did a lot of walking. I always bought Red Wing shoes. Started off buying oxfords then eventually started using six inch boots. Never had any problems with my feet. I eventually moved into driving Big Rigs for Transport and I thought I could skimp on shoes. (as Red Wings were getting more and more expensive.) I bought Die Hard boots and then Caterpiller, those gave me sore feet. I went to the Red Wing store and bought a pair of the 676 boots with the wedge sole. Problem with my feet went away. Like you say, you can't skimp on a good pair of boots. That particular pair of boot I found out that Red Wing doesn't make anymore. Mine are about five years old, still look and feel great. When the sole wear out, I'll take them back to Red Wing to get a new sole put on. Definitely don't skimp on a good pair of boots.
I’m a shoemaker and cobbler and I have to say red wing boots are amazing for the work I do fixing other people’s boots all day! I stand and move around and they look good can’t beat that price for $300 a pair. If I were to work outdoors though I’d say red wings are a bit more on the flimsy side and you’d want something more like a pair of Wesco’s or Nick’s type of constructed boots where the welt is hand sewn into the leather insole the way old shoemakers used to do in the past. That being said it is absolutely true you can never go cheap on your feet if you’re working and moving around all day! It really does give you a additional 3-4 hours of energy in the day and is something you will cherish for a very long time. Great video sir :)
I went with the 8" thorogood moc toe boots. I have to say that they are the best boots I have ever bought. I keep them polished and conditioned and I believe I will have them for years to come. My uncle has a pair that he has had resoled atleast 3 times. As a welder I believe that its important to have comfortable boots because as long as I am not focusing on how bad my feet hurt I can make a much better and much more consistent weld.
I work on rail cars, tankers in particular, up and down all day and in and out not to mention the top running boards are almost as sharp as knives, needless to say we do NOT wear cheap boots, our company gives us 800 a year for proper footwear. It's a must
Alex Burr wow sounds like a good company. Mine give us $100 once a year. I probably need about 2 pair of good $200 pair of boots per year. Wish they throw us a little more cash...
Try thorogoods
@@NealZ31 Same here, my employer only gives us $100 a year which they used to just reimbuse us for when we provided a receipt. A few years ago they added our boot allowance on to our tool allowance of $250 dollars which comes on a payroll check that they take taxes out of!
Care to send a guy a pair of nicks? (; joking of course, but that sounds Like an awesome company!!
I had a pair of 10 inch boots made for me by Westco in Scappoose, Oregon, 1974. After 1980 I stopped wearing them regularly. I can still wear them now in 2020. The cost in 1974 was $125. Each boot handcrafted for each foot. Beyond well worth it, I treasure them to this day.
I was blown away when I saw the layers in that Nick's boot. That was insane
As a 5'7" dude the first thing I thought was how I should get a pair of those for the height advantage lol
You do a great job of 'presenting". I think Ive watch this video 3 times. I'm learning to make my own boots, and its good to see the "cutaway" view.
I agree with you 100%. Some people call me stupid for spending almost $700 on a pair of Whites Packer boots but those same people wear tennis shoes in a work boot environment and complain of back and knee pain all the time.
Idk man, I def wouldn't wear those boots in my trade, maybe light duty stuff but def not masonry and sheet metal
“The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.
Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.
But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.
This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.”
― Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms: The Play
GNU Terry Pratchett
I just commented on how I bought a pair of redwings for 200 dollars that I now wear everyday and every place I go. that for me would have out lasted probably 4 or 5 pairs of tennis shoes in my 3 years of ownership. Before I bought my first pair of redwings, I would buy discounted nike's for around 50 or 60 dollars unless I could find them cheaper because due to me being fat they wear out within a year of purchase. But these redwings even abused and neglected probably have another year or two in them,
It's true, in a sense, but most poor people in America make plenty of money, they just spend it on the wrong things. They are cheap where they shouldn't be, and extravagant where they shouldn't be. For example, if you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, at $8 a pack, you're spending $2900 a year on what is essentially a luxury good.
No matter how much i spend on boots they never last more than a year
@@whitemakesright2177 Not just a luxury good, but a dangerous one at that. But, people become addicted to them and can't help themselves.
It's a fairly vicious cycle, one I am glad I never got on.
This guy is absolutely right on everything he said..and to answer the question of which boot I use in my line of work. I go with RedWings. Very comfortable and durable.
Buying top quality work boots will add years to your life. It will not only save your feet, but your knees and back too.
"I cut these boots in half"
Phil Swift liked that
my vans have more rigidity than those first boots
True, I still work in my skate shoes "Etnies Callicut" And they work just fine, Alot of people underestimate skate shoes, But them fuckers are built to last..
My Skechers Afterburns have a thicker sole.
Lmao agreed
I dunno about skate shoes lasts 5+ years while still being super comfy
That was a bloody good monologue at the end, Carl. The argument is over. It is 100% worth it to invest in quality.
Thank you! Always quality over quantity
I want to add something on top of the content of this video, it's all based on my personal experience.
I'm a mechanic, although just in this trade for a year or two. I had a lot of money went into my boots, they served me well whether I'm working on cars or just hang out with friends. I ONLY buy relatively expensive ones, ones that were made in USA with Goodyear construction, ones that doesn't make your feet smells like dead fish after one day.
I want to point out few things. For anyone in any trades, footwear is where you should invest your money on. I say invest instead of spend because you will really appreciate your decision afterwards.
In general, here is what I think. Red Wing makes some decent boots, so does many other boot makers. I will never wear red wing heritage models to work because 99% of them don't have steel toe. However, I will continue to buy and wear 877/ 875 and many other iconic rw models till the day I die. Won't recommend anything other than the heritage line, because many of them were made in China or somewhere else, not bad but you can definitely get better boots at that price. Thorogood is another decent brand, their stuff may seems bit cheap compared to red wings, especially boot laces. In fact, they were also build to last. Their leather is pretty soft but breath very well, most of their boots has the comfortable and removable insoles. I love how easy they can be break in, like, 2 mins. At this price range, Danner is another one for you to consider. Most of their boots are made in Portland, Oregon. They tend to make their products for serious outdoor/ military use, but their bull run models are one of my favorite. The draw back I could think of is their leather are stiff which do cost you more time to break in. Once you get used to it, they feels like second skin. Currently I haven't try anything else yet, because it seems 5 pair of work boots are going to last me pretty long time.
Again, if you are in the trades and don't have a good pair of boots, save some money and go buy one that fits you, you will like it :)
When I got out of Trade School and was going to my first job, my dad sent me down to the local shoe store to get a real pair of work boots. This was in the 80's. They were really expensive for the time. If it was up to me I would have bought a pair of K Mart Texas Steers. I still have that pair of boots today to remind me that you don't skimp on your comfort and safety and my dad loved me enough to spend the money I didn't have on me.
What a great dad. I love stories like that 👍🏼
I work in a warehouse where boots are a requirement, and I agree with you 100% concerning the importance of investing in quality footwear. Being on my feet approximately 12 hrs a day, my feet are essentially my lifeline. Good video...great advice👍.
I do a lot of walking on my job (7 miles avg/day) and all the boots, which I've spent just under $100 on, have fallen to peices in under a year and a half. I finally went out amd bought some Red Wings and they've been holding up like a charm! And they feel so much better!
If you have flat feet, good footwear is even more important
Same goes for high arch
Here that so many boots out there just cant decide witch boot to get for flat feet
@@jimgibson7550 I got a pair of doc Martin iron bridge. Literally the most comfortable boots I've ever had I absolutely love them. I usually have doc Martin Keith's which are kind of a shoe boot, but the iron bridge are way more comfortable and they are a sturdy boot
Ive worn cheap work boots since i was 12 at a horse farm. I am 30 now and just bought my first pair of red wings... Need less to say i have not have foot or knee problems from my feet being supported. I highly advocate the messege you are trying to get out.
RED WING CRAZY FAN. Unbeatable mofos.
Facts
Maybe you will like thorogood too
Thorogoods for me
Three phrases to live by when purchasing anything. (1)There is nothing made by man that can't be made cheaper and worse !(2) It only costs a little more to go
First class! (3)The quality lives on long after the price is forgotten! You've demonstrated that well! Thanks!!
This is the first time checking your channel out, and WOW! You just go into detail as to why some thing just don't work out. Like cheap boots for example, huge fan already!
I am on a quest to find the best do it all boot. From working the day away to hiking into the sunset. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thankyou.
What’s your favorite work boot? Let me know in the comments!
Justin Work Boots...MADE IN THE USA!
I had a pair of American made Keen work boots that went through 3 years of straight abuse and threw them out after my socks started getting wet. I replaced them with a pair of American made Danner boots. They look and feel well made.
Viberg boots for the win! I don’t think you can get lineman or logging boots etc online tho. Edit; you can they have two sites one for workboots one for casual.
I have a pair of Carhartt work boots that have lasted for 8 years that I bought when I started in the welding program I was in and they have pretty much been through hell and back with me.
I like Irish Setter Marshall
To anyone who watches this, it's very true that the Iron Rangers are not work boots, I have 2 pairs of them and also have their Chinese Irish Setters, the Irish Setters are work boots.
Everything you mentioned is on point, it’s the exact reason for wearing quality expensive boots. Work boots, you get what you pay for, I work on an engine assembly line, it’s fast pace, physically demanding work, we’re actually called industrial athletes, and without a good high quality expensive work boot, it’s pretty much impossible to do it for me. I wear Redwings, on that job I make sure they’re USA made, because that’s where the quality is. My company offers me a boot voucher so I can get the expensive Redwings, and I only have to pay the difference which is less than 30 dollars in most cases, so for the price if the cheap Brahma boots from Walmart I get quality USA made Redwings can’t beat it lol. Wearing a good quality boot now, will help ensure you’re ist will remain in good shape in your later years. There’s two things a working man should invest in and that’s work boots, and the bed, cause if your not in one your in the other.
you want to see industrial athletes? go hop on a crew building a WWE show in a major market 50-100 53' box trucks unloaded everything in them assembled and flown then disassembled and put back onto the truck in under 18 hours with 6 hours in the middle to fix any problems and do the show in the middle of that Ive done corporate conventions where in the first 2.5 hours of unloading trucks full of cases weighing 200lbs or more we walked 10 miles
During my apprenticeship I went through 6 pairs of RW, 2 pair of Carolinas, and a pair of thorogood wedge soles. Even the toughest RW I could find only lasted 7 months. Most pair were done in 6 months. The thorogoods lasted 1 month. I should have known by how soft the soles were, but they were extremely comfortable. Now the only boot I wear is the Ariat catalyst VX. My first pair have lasted me a few years and are still in good condition. I haven’t changed how rough and demanding I am on my work wear. These are just what seems to last. Full grain leather and protected toe guard. They are pricey, but you can set an alert on one of those price drop apps and get great deals on them. They are hands down the toughest boot I’ve worn to date. I’m in them 16hrs a day and my feet have never once begged me to take the boots off.
So glad I came across this review. I just bought a pair of walmart brahmas. I am very skeptical about cheap shoes. I knew a bought a POS before looking at them but for my purpose I am currently going to work a summer internship so I figured my situation doesn't justify the $70-$300 work boots. However If I was a full time employee at where I will work at. I would buy what you have in a heartbeat.
Love this video! Wanted to share my experience because I realize its incredibly uncommon. So I work as a Locate Technician for Dominion Energy, and my job requires me to walk between 1-5 miles a day, and lots of crouching. I started my job about a year ago, and bought myself the Doc Martens 6" Heritage Ironbridge ST (retail $134.95) and within 3 months the sole of the right boot had split down the middle, and made the sole completely seperate from the boot. It was the middle of the work day, so I had to make a quick trip to Walmart where I picked up the exact pair of Brahma boots as shown in your video. While they were terribly uncomfortable, the lasted longer than my Doc Martens by about a month. The bottoms eventually started cracking and water was seeping into my boots from the bottom. I then replaced them with the exact Colemans that you have in the thumbnail (retail $69.99), and they took the cake for the most uncomfortable boots I've ever worn. Within an hour of wearing them I had sores on my heels that had been caused by the steel shank in the heel of the boot, they had torn through my Carhartt boot socks, and have absolutely no support anywhere at all. Comparing the Brahma and Colemans I would take the Brahma 10 times out of 10. Needless to say I returned them the following day. I am now on my 4th pair of boots within the last year, and they are the Denali Bullseye (retail $44.99, purchased on sale for $29.99), and so far they are up to par with my Doc Martens as far as durability goes. They are not as comfortable, but absolutely a step up from the Brahmas and Colemans. From my experience, you shouldn't settle on the cheapest boot, but paying an absurd amount may not be the best option either. Venture out and try a variety of different boots until you've found the ones that best suit you.
Great points, Carl. The same applies to shoes. For example, Allen Edmonds shoes have an inner cork sole. If you're an office worker, good shoes are as critical as good boots to tradesmen. Thanks for the review.
Just life in general- people should be wearing quality footwear and rarely do. It's no accident that so many people wear athletic shoes everywhere now. Most don't even know where to find a comfortable, well made shoe that our recent ancestors would have worn.
Great point! I saw Allen Edmonds came out with a model for people who stand/walk all day. They have removable insoles on top of their leather ones.
Greg Kosinski any recommendations on sneakers? I love my running shoes but I have to switch shoes every couple days so my feet and everything else doesn’t get sore. One shoe I do find comfortable are my asics onisutka tigers, they have no padding in them, it’s hard kind of cork material.. I’d have to do research, but I find them very comfortable
Especially if you have a standing desk and are one your feet for 8 to 10 hours a day, it wrecks any cheap or mid grade office shoe. I have a pair of Florsheim shoes and after wearing them for about 2 weeks the elastic on the top fell apart which caused part of the leather to rip. I think im going to grab some Red Wing Rovers with the crepe sole when I get the money as they look perfect for that role.
Went for an interview in 1989 Eljer cast iron sink and bathtub foundry. Landed the job and my dad took me straight to the boot shop to meet Terry. And 190$ later I had my first pair of 965 8" steel toe red-wings. 29 years working, playing kids, ect... I just bought my 6th pair of work boots. They are almost 300$ now but every pair was resoled at least once and my only seam failure was fixed in 10minutes while I wanted. About 1000$ thats it. 29 years only 1000$. Probably 80 pairs of bramas honestly. Thats about 3500$ and my boots are on another level of comfort!
Great video Carl. I wore those Red Wings for many years. They have to be the most comfortable boots. I switched to the Pecos and now wear Die Hards which are more affordable, fit better than RW's and may even be built better. They also accomodate my width now.
Great video, as usual,,,,,Oh, and I'm a big fan of that Oris Aquis you're rocking on your wrist. Very nice. My Thorogood Moc Toes just arrived today and I love them. Thanks for the great vids!
When I started with AT&T I was advised to buy Wesco boots. I did and was very happy. Buy the best and cry once.
Wescos rock
Nothing worse than being in a pair of spurs 30 feet up a pole and your feet start killing you from your crap boots and there's still terminals left to repair
I have never heard the expression "cry once" and I like it. I'll use it at work. Wristwatches come to mind.
I had a pair of highleg Redwings for 9 years before the uppers gave out. Resoled with Vibram open tread. Best boots I have ever owned. You are totally correct, look after your feet, they are the only ones you have.
I'm retired military and coming from Army Aviation, Danner are the best pair I ever had. I also buy them nowadays, just not the military version for the Winter.
I was ready to get a pair of Red Wings, Chippewas or even Georgia... but neither make boots in my small size of 7. So Danner it was.
Thorogood...for work, concrete, and such...way more comfortable, last longer.
Companies like whites nicks Wesco will make you a custom pair of boots in your size and will actually fit your feet like you wouldn’t believe for roughly 100$ more then danners and not just selling snake oil it is worth it especially you having a irregular size they would last you 10+ years
Also Whites, Wesco, Nick's and Viberg in Canada. Friend of mine worked on concrete for 15 years in a print shop. He's 45 now and has had back problems for years.
I live by the danner factory in Portland (they make some over seas also now) and my neighbor works for them making boots.
I also wore them for several years when I needed boots at work.
They were absolutely awesome. Expensive. But well worth the money.
My Wesco logging boots are 35 years old and have been resoled twice . I still use them for climbing and they're still in decent shape .
I’m an Ironworker I buy thorogood boots and they last a long time.
They might not be the most durable. But Timberland Pro’s are definitely the most comfortable, and warm as well at 20 degrees fahrenheit. Thanks for the review.
Plenty of people agree with you! 👍🏼
Timberland pro boondocks have done me very well. Very comfortable too.
Truer words were never spoken. Your feet are your contact point with your environment 99% of the time you’re out of bed , therefore the best protection possible should be worn. This means not just the toughest, most comfortable and durable footwear but the most APPROPRIATE footwear for the task. If you’re cutting trees in the northwest or drylinning in a city your footwear needs differ. I have several pairs of boots made in the northwest and they’ve worn and protected me very well in all kinds of environments. I also have Uvex safety shoes and they’re light, comfortable, flexible and fit for purpose.
These shoes are also durable and good value and are widely available. I can use stilts with them and after a long day on hard floors they help reduce fatigue. Right tool, right price, effective operative! If you want to be mean to your feet, you’re entire being will suffer and long after your working day, week, year and life ends you’ll pay in pain and misery!
The first time I saw this video I just wanted to see my favorite boot and all that to justify my purchase but now I’m back, I’ve started my first big trade job, and boy am I glad I listened and got a real leather rebuildable boot. Lifesaver
Never heard of Nick's boots before. They look beautiful. Will take your advice into consideration. Thank you for the video.
I wear White's boots (Spokane WA) custom built to my feet (my feet are 2 different sizes). They're expensive new but I've had 2 pair since 1994 that I get rebuilt (not resoled) every 2 to 3 years. They tear them completely apart and if needed will replace everything but the uppers
Whites got bought out and quality has decreased. Nicks is better
@@nonyobussiness3440 when did that happen my last rebuild was a year and a half ago.
Cbmech probably five years ago
I also have 2 different size feet. I will look up on this. The right foot is somehow wider at my toes.
@@vatorob702 they'll send you catalog with an order form and a measuring sheet
Be sure to remove the boots before cutting them in half.
Now he tells me...
Thanks, Carl Murawski, for this rather informative video. I stopped wearing boots years ago because within about a year's time they felt exactly how you described. I also got them at Payless before Payless Corporate crashed and burned. It's rather nice to know getting cheap boots was my entire problem. If I can afford the better boots I'll give them a shot instead.
I know you’ll change your mind with a good pair!
Good job young fella,i'm a veteran of the printing trade the only work boot that stand up to solvents;oil; grease, etc. are red wing at least of $150 or more.
After ages of buying up to 3 pairs of cheap work boots a year and suffering through foot pain and fatigue that works it way up my legs I was gifted a pair of Red Wing boots for Christmas by a relative who works for Red Wing. At first I hated them because for a week or two during the break in period my feet were aching at the end of each day and I couldn't wait to get them off. However, after they broke in I was amazed at how comfortable they were. So much that I started going out after work without changing into shoes. More importantly, that first pair lasted me 2 years before the sole needed to be replaced. I was gifted another pair which I use while riding motorcycle because, after having the original pair refurbished for about $100, I still use the old pair for work. They don't look the greatest anymore but they are really comfortable and worth the cost. Even without the hookup I'd still buy them.
I own a pair of Nicks and Whites. Wesco does not offer the reinforced arch-ease. That is a feature well worth investing in. My only complaint is they are on the heavy side. they make up for it in balance and protection to your feet.
White's loggers since 1994. I was wearing Redwing and my feet were killing me.
I'm 47 years old, i currently were Georgia Boots. I work outside cutting trees, building retention walls, mulching and landscaping. Its my second pair. They are "broke in" comfortable right out of the box. I was wearing Asolo between Georgia boots. Alsolo's are very high performance, rugged outdoorsman boots but i would wear my Georgia's into combat. No joke. Thanks for the research.
I Spent $300 on a pair of steel toe Red Wings they're so comfortable I would jog in them.
great video man. excellent. what people dont forget is the feet starts the chain to your knees, hips, spine, and neck. especially if youre a heavier guy, clomping all day on concrete. if youre back hurts check your boots first!!
Nick's Hotshots are awesome. I bought them for a season with the Forest Service 4 years ago and they are still going strong. I just use them for hiking and hunting now but they have held up way better than I thought possible.
I've been working in the oil and gas fields for almost 10 years now. Red Wings are the only boots I've bought that have lasted for more than a few months. From 120 degree heat all the way down to the low teens my feet have appreciated the money I spend on my boots.
I worked as a machinist and welder for 8 years. I always wore timberland or red wing knock off. Standing in one place was hard but, I was young
Time is an astounding thing, I used to be much less fussy when I was younger.
I went through a lot of work boots and honestly it is worth every penny for more expensive quality boots cause trust me tearing your feet up at work isn't cool.
Thorogood is my all time favorite bar none the only thing I wish is that they offered more boots with a vibram lug over the crepe soles but other than that they're incredibly comfortable, long lasting boots that I've personally been able to get multiple resoles out of and wouldn't trade them for a second
I wear Thorogood mock toe, waterproof 8". Worn for the last year and a half. Best boots ever, still as comfortable as the day I bought them. The sole is showing wear so I plan on having them re soled. Got the wedge sole now, keeping the same sole. I'm outdoors on construction sites all day, rain, snow, mud, rough terrain... swear by thorogoods.
Absolutely love my Chippewas. Only on my second pair in 11 years and the only thing the first pair need is to be resoled which I think they will do for only $75.
Can’t beat that!
Well spoken, well said. I was a restaurant manager and even in that business I had never skimped on cheap footwear. We had to have shoes that looked good but to be worn all day even in the greasy kitchen. Great video.
so glad i saw this video! i am a 22 year old going into the trades and this information is priceless! great video
Excellent! Good luck out there man!
Noah Harrison but the best most comfy boot and you won’t have to for a long long time ! Carolinas red wings Irish setters are good Georgia boots are garbage they’ll fall apart right after they break in probably the most uncomfortable boot I’ve bought and I spent 150$ on em you need to drop like 200$ for good long lasting boot
You can't take off your feet at the end of the day. Boots are tools
Thorogood. ..flat bottom for concrete.. my favorite
Lug sole for loose stuff and flat bottom for everything else. If boots are gonna take abuse then moc toe is most durable upper. 8" offer most support and protection. Non-insulated with the right socks good to 15deg. F. A one mile walk on a sidewalk will break in most boots and establish your "footprint"
Good explanation of the value of workboots. That solid support will help avoid lower back and knee issues in the long run. My favorite work boots are a pair of Viberg Foreman's. Viberg sells a lot of expensive fashion boots to the Japanese and urban Hipster markets, but they made their original reputation building extremely sturdy work boots. If you don't have time to learn about insoles, midsoles, heel counters and all that stuff that makes a high quality boot, just pick them up. Leather is heavy and good boots are heavy boots. My Vibergs are 6" and they still way over six pounds the pair. Leather everywhere. They take longer to break in, but when they're broken in, It's such a perfect mold to my foot, I wouldn't dream of skimping on cheap boots. My back and knees and feet are worth it.
Red wing wingshooter... Its technically a hunting boot but its my favorite boot for work
My dad bought a pair of redwings when he got out of the Marine corps because he missed the feel of lace-up boots. He's had a job as a hand on off shore dredging rig, a carpenter, and an offshore diver and wore them everyday. Now it hurts his back to bend over so he gave them to me and I wear them every time I work on something. They've only been resoled once and they still feel incredible.
The first two things I was taught In my 35 years of heavy electrical construction was...shit when you have to.. and buy good boots.
Was mostly a red wing guy until they went chinese...Thoroughgood boots for me now.
MrADjam5 maybe the best advice ever! And I agree redwing has gone down hill.
Bought a pair of Whites several years ago. There's a saying I heard. There's two things worth spending your money on. Your boots and your bed because if you're not in one you're in the other. I have had them rebuilt due to wear and tear but hands down the most comfortable boots I have owned. Well worth the money
My new pair of Wesco boos just turned what could have been an amputated foot into one broken bone. Accident was almost a month ago. I am wearing my Wesco boots now because they give me more support than the boot the doctor gave me. Headed to an X-ray next week. I fully expect good news based on how my foot looks and feels. I have been a carpenter for 25 years. Have gone from Sears Diehards, to Thorogoods, to now Wesco's. I will never go back. Truly believe this accident would have ended my career in any less of a boot!
Damn! There’s some real life experience. I hope your recovery is quick and complete, good luck!
What Wesco model were you wearing?
Wooooow awesome!!!!! This is a testimony of life!!!! Wesco Worth every cent, you spend on it. God bless you.
Wescoast are great
Westco has REALLY gone down hill...
I used to wear them, not again....
Get some Whites and you will never look back. Odds are if you got out with just a broken foot in Whites might have ended up just a bruise.
I've been a PileButt for 38yrs and I see all kinds, and fads come and go. One thing stays the same. After a few years of pain they all end up wearing Whites.......
At least your Brahma boots still have a sole on them. I bought a pair(don't ask me why) and the sole started coming apart in no time.
My favorite boots are timberland pro ripsaw boots as a pipeline welder they take a beating but they last years. Great vid
I love my timberland pro anti-fatigue insoles. They’re a game-changer.
I totally agree. I finally broke down, bought a pair of USMC 590 hot weather boots at AAFES 139 bucks tax free and free shipping. What a difference. Feet have no pain. Vibram soles. Military boots made to carry load. Also fire retardant unlike red wing boots. Never a Wal-Mart shoe again. Also, try sportsmans guide surplus boots. I ordered Swiss Army boots, waiting to try them at 45 bucks free shipping via AAFES marketplace link. (Are you a veteran?)
I went with Thorogood Moc Toe boots. They are comfortable from day one, and their MaxWear outsoles have better grip and are longer lasting than Redwings. They are also made here in Wisconsin, always a bonus for me.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Thorogood from coworkers.
I might need to check these out. I have a pair of Thorogoods but finding the options I want with water resistance and safety toe didn't seem to show me much available in the style I wanted. I can't find anything with a 90 degree heel notch with these options and I can't use wedge soles for work.
Heath Spence Go to midwestboots.com. I wear thorogood wedge heel and I will never wear anything else. I go 10 hrs a day 5 days a week in them.
Hands down the best I’ve worn is thorogoods as well! I’m a cement mason and I’m on concrete all day long on my feet. I’ll even choose to wear my work boots on the weekend instead of tennis shoes. They are that comfortable
Isaac Fink Same here. I work construction. I’m on ladders all day and uneven grade. It’s the only boot I’ll ever wear.
Hello Carl, wear a 9.5 4E Dunham Addison mid cut boot. I totally agree with everything you have said. I work security and walk 3 to 5 miles a day at work. Socks are another thing not to skimp on. "+MD" branded diabetic cushioned socks I have found to be good.
Love my Nick's Falcons. They're just a casual boot, but with 6oz leather and all the same heavy duty construction as their work boots and I find it harder and harder to make myself wear my other boots. I'm definitely buying a pair of their safety series boots for work. Given they can both be resoled and rebuilt, they'll easily last me until I'm in a retirement home.
I’d love to try Nicks casual line, they look amazing!
My converse all stars have out lasted every single boot I’ve had, except for one... Harley Davidson biker high tops
And I’ve subjected my shoes to masonry , tiling , framing , floor installations , and roof shingle work
I have a pair of Danners my Dad gave me after he wore them in the woods for 10 years.. I have now had them for 15 years and they are finally falling apart. So Danners super rain Forrest for me all the way!
@guess what Ahaahah
I know what you mean, I have the rainforest for 21 years, second soles , still waterproof.
guess what no he actually isn’t cheap at all ... I was only planning on using them until I got a pair of my own but I never needed too... Also they were super comfortable from the day I started wearing them
guess what what do you buy your kids Danners for? Do they actually work in the woods? Or just for looks 😂
Wtf Danner is straight trash. I’ve had the Workman, Crafter, and Bull Run. They all had problems. The Crafter leaked on day 1 despite being waterproof. The Workman didn’t last me more than a few months. The bull run sole wore out within 5 months.
I wear the Red Wing king toes. They are direct attached, so they can’t be re-soled. But they are so comfortable. I’ve had them for 3 years and they’re still going strong. I also bought a pair of Red Wing 10877 a couple of years ago. I only wear them when it’s above freezing - not a fan of cold feet. They are fantastic. I’ll never buy another cheap pair of boots again.
Hah, I've been spoiled by seeing cross sections of Pacific Northwest boots for too long...that Brahma cutaway was terrifying.
Hahah right??? Cardboard, or manilla folder material as a footbed!!! 🤢
My brother was working construction and he was wearing bramas.. could hardly walk at the end of the day. For Christmas.. I took him to get some redwings.. next day at end of day.. he was still upright and good to go.. Worth every cent to watch that change in 1 day.
I wore wally world boots for years. Do yourself a favor, don't do it!! You will throw your back out, you will fatigue your torso to muscle failure. It will cause other problems such as a hammer toe. If you have a high arch your arch will collapse you will fatigue your feet. Very painful. Take it from a guy who's been there done that. Spend that $150- $600 on a good pair of boots. Take care of your feet, take care of your boots because your feet make you money. $2000 worth of medical bills and lost time isn't worth it. That $2000 could have been used on tools or a vacation or a new toy. I do understand that guys starting out may want a wally world pair of boots until they save enough money to buy something good. There are things you can do until you get a good pair of boots. If you Get a pair of wally world boots you get a full size up add material like leather and cork. Buy a good gel insole. It's better than nothing until you get your first paycheck to buy a pair of decent boots. If you are making a career in any trade get yourself a pair of Wesco's, Nick's, or white's. Until then get a pair of Timberland pro's, Keen, Carolina's, Redwings, Chippewa's, Danner's or Thorogood's. Get what ever feels the most comfortable and that best suits your job.
When I bought my first pair of Red Wings the older salesman told me something I'll always remember.
He said you can always change your shoes but you can never change your feet.
I only buy Chippewas Loggers, close to $300.00 but worth every penny. Comfortable from the minute you put them on but haven't worn a pair out yet.
I learned all of this from living in Japan, and having a few of my friends tell me this stuff. Now, Im a believer. Thing is, I remember going to thrift places in the 90s and seeing red wings and such for $1-5 dollars and not knowing anything about the name...
I might be a dumb backwoods hillbilly but I started wearing Redwings in about 2013. Was driving a truck and m lower back and knees killed me. A budy of mine swore that they would fix a lot of the pain from working. The first week I had them I have never felt better it's now all I wear.
I wear thorogoods and I love them, first pair of expensive boots I ever bought and they are amazing. You have to take care of your feet
Thorogood pull on is what I wear, they feel like slippers now lol
Security guard here so I don't need stuff like steel toe or metatarsal protection.
Had a pair of Worx (by Redwing) that were about $120 in that 'tacticool' half leather half black nylon style. Side zip, composite toe (I used to be around a lot of electrical equipment). Got some of those plastic reinforced insoles. They were fine but after a while the top of the boots sagged and I somehow managed to wear the hell out of the insides. When I went back to the store to shop for another pair (they didn't have any in stock) I learned that the rep gave me a pair that was too wide, even though I stood on the sizing machine (think she wanted credit for a sale or a commission or something). Didn't inspire me to go back.
Next was a pair of EMSs by Danner for $250. Ho Lee Fuk. All leather, no metal, antimicrobial (sp?) insides and with some Protalus insoles, these were night and day better for $100 more. Like the Worx you can't resole them but four years and they're still good.
Timberlands PRO oil resistants and still toe also a great comfort plus you just have to select the right ones
As long as my feet are dry and comfortable, I can persevere through anything. I wear a variety of Dabber boots for work or play. Worth every cent. I still have my first pair of Fort Lewis 10" jump boots. From 1992! Still wearable, and can be refurbished. I totally agree with you having tried cheap vs. expensive boots.
Dabber boots
Excellent point in regards to being refurbished, they’ll end up costing less than their cheap counterparts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
"I never cut corners when it comes to my "work boots".. "OR! my "knee pads"... I'm a Union Carpenter/ concrete finishing