Boots?

[Kevin]

I’ve been listening to this podcast about work boots. “The Stitchdown Shoe Cast.” That and a YouTuber who cuts boots in half to study how they are constructed.

And I got hooked. Most of these boots are made in the USA and the leather used is usually of good quality, much like the leather holsters of @Bob Wright

So I bought a pair of boots. Redwing Mock Toe’s. They are about a month old now and still need broken in a bit more, but they are incredibly comfortable.

I lnow people here have written about cowboy boots, but what about work boots? There are quite a few brands all made in America. It seems many of them are in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are the Redwing Mock Toes the day I bought them.

They have a layer of cork under the insole. That layer molds to your foot which makes them uber comfortable. This model doesn’t have a shank either. The Redwing Iron Ranger does for example. The shank makes them more stiff and more of a work boot.

I got these to walk the dogs and just put some miles on them. I think they are going to do the job pretty great.

 

[Bob Wright]

As to work boots, "cowboy boots" are made as work boots as well. Many of the men on our job sites (many years ago) wore western style work boots. As we were working with concrete, the mosr desirable feature in work boots was to have thick soles as we were walking around on aggregate most of the day.

Bob Wright

 

[WAYNO]

In the trades, we all wore heavy work boots. Many folks preferred moc-toed boots. And that's fine for them. For me, and for others that waded in water, mud, or other wetness the entire shift, every stitch in that style was just one more place to leak, And they did.

Redwing was my preferred boot.






.

 

[MinorLV]

Redwing makes a great boot! Didn’t know they had a cork footbed…even better!

 

[Kevin]

As to work boots, "cowboy boots" are made as work boots as well. Many of the men on our job sites (many years ago) wore western style work boots. As we were working with concrete, the mosr desirable feature in work boots was to have thick soles as we were walking around on aggregate most of the day.

Bob Wright

True that Bob. I don’t mean to imply Cowboy Boots are also work boots at all.

That podcast I mentioned they have separated the two. Basically it’s just cowboy boots and boots with laces. They (the podcast) do have a couple episodes with some cowboy boot makers in Texas. One guy who makes custom boots in Austin. And holy cow, they are around $4,000 per pair, yes you get two boots one for each foot! And there is a waiting list for his boots! Crazy…. But a stiff sole boot would be good for work on gravel like you say.

 

[contender]

Boots? Shoes? What are these things you speak of??

 

[jav]

I swear by redwings work outside my whole life as a landscaper best boots ever now that I am retired and older I like the Eastwood boot it’s a work boot but much much lighter I wear them like tennis shoes

 

[Jeepnik]

Redwing, like Keen still make boots in the US. But if you look most of the models are made overseas. My preferred work boot was Red Wing Pecos. I always had a pair of regular and steel toe. Unless the steel toe was required on a job site I used the regular. I usually got three or four resoles out of a pair.

 

[NC FNS]

Back in my treeworking days, my buddy that I worked for would measure his feet about 20 different ways, then send off to somewhere in the northwest to get custom made boots. He did all of the climbing, so really needed them to fit correctly.
Me, being of lesser means, and not "needing" a custom fit, settled for a pair of "Cat" labeled boots sometime around 1990. Still have them, had to glue the soles back on, but well broken in and comfortable still. Was a little disappointed to find a Made in China label on them a few years back, but they’ve been great over the years. Nowadays, I wear them to the range, when doing yard work, and when riding the motorcycle.

 

[Fox Mike]

I have a pair of Red Wings that I got in 1976 and still are looking great. One new set of heels but otherwise like new. They, however, do look like they have been worn a bit.

 

[Watertender]

Boots? Shoes? What are these things you speak of??

Not everyone has feet like Fred Flintstone! Boots and shoes are something that people wear sometimes on their feet to protect them. Your feet should be studied as the prototype for bulletproof material!

 

[freakindawgen]

My work had a plan that provided $150 towards a pair of boots per year. I got a pair of Wolverine Durashocks. These are like moon boots, there is a chamber of air in the sole of the boot. I could walk 100 miles in these, but could not stand more than 5 minutes. My job required lots of standing. The air chamber in the heel popped one day was walking with a flat.

 

[Bob Wright]

Boots? Shoes? What are these things you speak of??

We speak of encounterments for civilized men. Walking on shards of steel, sand and rock, broken glass is very unpleasant for the barefooted sects. Also those who work around the coarser envoirments and wear those, still have all of their toes and on both feet.

And, they are a mark of civilization!

And, those who are in the craft of making such footwear, are so honored that they have a desert named for them.


Bob Wright

 

[contender]

I KNEW I'd get a good rise out of a few folks! It's all in fun!!!!

And Bob,, I understand your thoughts. And you are mostly correct.

But here's a different viewpoint.

God created me, and gave me a good pair of feet. Man designed shoes. Who's perfect? (I was always taught that God was the only perfect being.)

And yes,, man is the one who feels the need for clothing for protection,, and modesty.

But just being barefoot isn't a sign of not being civilized. I have,, in my past,, walked on beds of hot coals,, broken glass, & nails. (Martial arts.)
Daily walking on dirt, sand, gravel, allows for my feet to become tougher and allows for air to circulate around them. I don't suffer from sweaty feet, smelly feet, or weak skin that cuts & tears easily. And the natural way,, allows for better muscle working,, and balance. There have been many times that being barefoot has been a blessing & allowed me to do all sorts of things that shoes or boots could have made a bit more cumbersome.

Yes,, I do have & wear shoes of different types depending upon my needs. Daily,, most of the time,, I wear sandals when I need some form of shoe,,,, kinda like Jesus. And I do have a few pairs of shoes & a few pairs of boots when the need arises.

But to all,, please take my original comment as it was meant,, purely in jesting a bit.

Good boots,, (or shoes) can be a true pleasure to wear if they are comfortable & fit as they should. And as with anything,, top quality is proven by the craftsmen who make them.

 

[Hertervillian]

Feel like I’ve had every style out there. For many years it was an 8” Redwing with the rubber cork mix sole, then same with the super sole. I worked in the fertilizer industry and leather suffered 18 months was a pretty good run.

Changed jobs changed boots, more of a hiker style. Lots of deliveries lots of miles. Weight became an issue as was traction. I wear out the sole on just about anything in 9-12 months.

My walking under “heavy loads” is minimal now I’ve changed to a Chelsea boot. After 40 years with laced work boots it’s a strange feeling.

 

[Kevin]

There was a trend to go barefoot running I don’t know if it’s still popular now or not

But Contender, I’ve seen you walk barefoot, I feel like a big softie in comparison. I’ve gotta have good shoes on.

 

[DerekR]

My most comfortable pair of shoes are my Redwing 1178s. They are incredibly comfortable.

 

[Watertender]

There was a trend to go barefoot running I don't know if it's still popular now or not

But Contender, I've seen you walk barefoot, I feel like a big softie in comparison. I've gotta have good shoes on.

Why stop with just the feet!!! Let it ALL hang out!!!

 

[blume357]

I'm a tenderfoot.... and also I like to have my ankles protected along with my feet. I only wear boots and all of them are 8" tall boots. In addition to that I only buy boots made in the USA,walk into a work clothes store and ask for this and watch the face on the clerk. Last time I did that the guy laughed and said he had one pair that claimed assembled in America and this meant they put the laces in here. I bought Red Wings for years, two things happened the last time I bought a pair... first the person at the store when I asked for work boots showed me a wall of plastic molded boots made in China and I had to explain more better what I wanted... then the clerk talked me into the boots most roofers buy.... these don't come with the quick lace thingies and then I could not get them to break in, in the past it took a couple of weeks.... also the clerk talked me into buying a Red Wing insert for the boots... when I got home I realized I'd paid $80 for this Dr Shoals copy. To be honest in hind sight, this was about two years ago, I think the fit problem is my feet are changing as I get older. I ordered a pair of Thorough Goods and it took about 2-3 weeks to break them in. These are my work boots.... My other two boots I got through Duluth about 6 or 7 years ago. One is a pair of work around the house and go to town boots. And the third pair are my Sunday Go To Meeting boots, I only wear these on Sunday mornings and if my wife and I go out to a fancy restaurant.

 

[Jeepnik]

As a kid I would wear shoes to school. But after school and most of the summer I would go barefoot. My soles were pretty tough. Heck they were black from walking on asphalt.

Along about junior high I began wearing shoes more. By high school it was pretty much full time. My feet softened up.

I suppose I could go bare foot again, but the pain required to toughen up my feet just isn’t worth it.

In fact I spend quite a bit on very comfortable shoes.

 

[KIR]

Only buy American? One reason to only buy American is the so called alleged higher quality of American products. The better quality allegedly comes from all the government rules. Something conservatives hate - too much government overseeing what, when and how we do things. However, there have been instances of poor quality of things from foreign countries no doubt. Cases in point, lead in toothpaste, poor quality rubber in tires, poor design and workmanship, etc. etc. etc. which causes recall and outright termination of many products made overseas...and yet there are some things that are better made overseas and costs are cheaper. Buy American is strictly a patriotic thing to do, showing support for your country. It is a mark of isolationists, people who want to dig a hole in the ground, hide in it and hope the rest of the peoples don't bother them and just go away. It doesn't work that way.
Milleniums ago, there were only small families, which grew to become tribes, villages, towns, cities, states countries and we seem to have stagnated at that point for now. Currently we have basically two groups, freedom loving people and those who cannot get rid of their dictatorial leaders.
Many do not believe in life on other worlds, but we are slowly discovering life, albeit small minutiae that exists within our own solar system. I wonder if in the future we will find life that is larger than our own insignificant lives on other planets. I will be long gone by then.
<Getting off soapbox now>

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Contender,
Those of us that know, know of what you speak of.
As far as steel toe work boots. I bought a pair of steel toed Cowboy boots just about the dumbest thing I have ever done. Next was a pair of redwing steel toe Tenners very good. Went back to get another pair years later NOPE so bought a pair of steel toed work shoes. BP didn't like them because they didn't cover your ankle. I did so I wore them.
I now where nothing but Tenners since I have bunions on both feet due to those POS Boots. Son has had to have both feet operated on due to wearing flight boots and yes he bought Redwings.
Kevin, first time I have heard of Dog walking work boots. I guess I just didn't know, but now you are protected from falling dog turds.

 

[Kevin]

Only buy American? One reason to only buy American is the so called alleged higher quality of American products. The better quality allegedly comes from all the government rules. Something conservatives hate - too much government overseeing what, when and how we do things. However, there have been instances of poor quality of things from foreign countries no doubt. Cases in point, lead in toothpaste, poor quality rubber in tires, poor design and workmanship, etc. etc. etc. which causes recall and outright termination of many products made overseas...and yet there are some things that are better made overseas and costs are cheaper. Buy American is strictly a patriotic thing to do, showing support for your country. It is a mark of isolationists, people who want to dig a hole in the ground, hide in it and hope the rest of the peoples don't bother them and just go away. It doesn't work that way.
Milleniums ago, there were only small families, which grew to become tribes, villages, towns, cities, states countries and we seem to have stagnated at that point for now. Currently we have basically two groups, freedom loving people and those who cannot get rid of their dictatorial leaders.
Many do not believe in life on other worlds, but we are slowly discovering life, albeit small minutiae that exists within our own solar system. I wonder if in the future we will find life that is larger than our own insignificant lives on other planets. I will be long gone by then.
<Getting off soapbox now>

That is one wild hypothesis for people buying made in America. I try to buy products made here, but not because of extraterrestrials.

@Wyandot Jim … Dog walking is how I get my steps in! Only in the summertime is so blazing hot, sometimes we just take the dogs for car rides instead. Can’t let their paws burn.

 

[Cholo]

↑ Yeah, but that 195* sidewalk is a dry heat LOL

 

[mirglip]

When you buy boots with a cork or foam insole, just remember this. Although they are more comfortable, the boots will be a lot looser when they break in. No problem for lace up boots, but if you buy western slip on boots, you will be sorry, as I was, when your feet slop around in them, especially when traversing steep terrain..

 

[Hertervillian]

When you buy boots with a cork or foam insole, just remember this. Although they are more comfortable, the boots will be a lot looser when they break in. No problem for lace up boots, but if you buy western slip on boots, you will be sorry, as I was, when your feet slop around in them, especially when traversing steep terrain..

Try wearing heavier socks to take up the room. That’s my strategy with my knee boots. Need to be a half size but after 12 1/2 you get full size. I have extra support insoles and the heaviest merino wool socks REI sells. Those things went from shoe boxes to comfortable boots just like that. With the added benefit of those socks absorb much more sweat.

 

[Mobuck]

Hot pavement??? My first off farm job was working as a flagman for the highway dept. My boots gradually built up a 1/2" thick layer of tar and road dust. It was flexible enough to not crumble off and resisted any attempt to physically remove. Hot can't begin to describe the heat radiating from melted tar in mid-summer.
Other than rubber chore boots, I haven't bought a new pair of boots for a long time. Much easier on my mangled feet to buy light to moderately used mil-spec footwear that doesn't 'pass inspection' any more.

 

[tazbigdog]

Work boots were Ariat. First pair lasted 7 years, second pair is going on 8 years now. Broke in and very comfortable. Steel toe is Redwing.

 

[Cofaler]

I used to buy Doc Marten work boots, wide toe box and the gum sole was super comfortable out of the box. They quit making the ones I liked so I bought Red Wings, very nice boots but break-in takes forever. I bought a pair 0f Ariat work boots mainly for working in the woods in winter, comfortable but they take some getting used to, rubbing on my calves and dragging my socks down around my toes... I'm used to tall lace-up boots from my army days, I still wear jungle/desert boots quite a bit. I bought a pair of Keen shoes and loved them, the second pair I bought kept failing at the glued joints, Shoe Goo helps. Flip flops around the house or slip-ons, About the only places I go barefoot is in the shower or bed.

 

[Bob Wright]

In the trades, we all wore heavy work boots. Many folks preferred moc-toed boots. And that's fine for them. For me, and for others that waded in water, mud, or other wetness the entire shift, every stitch in that style was just one more place to leak, And they did.

Redwing was my preferred boot.




Another disadvantage of moc-toed boots is that molten metal will be contained by the stitched rim. It happpens.

Bob Wright

.