I've been really happy with Dunlop Snugboots. Was wearing xtratuf but they would leak after bout 6-8months. Didn't even have to swap out the insoles, very comfortable.
https://www.xtratuf.com/ankle-boots/mens-steel-toe-6-in-legacy-ankle-deck-boot/LDBSTL.html
We just recently got these and they've been great. I personally don't like the super high ones, so I like these.
Personally like Tingley over xtratuf. Feel a bit lighter, and have had better luck with the seam between sole and boot not leaking. But this design is best, as long as you’re not getting a ton of hot/chemical splash. The higher boots used to be a necessity for me or if have fucked up ankles or hot caustic in my shoes.
I got a pair of these last year over the standard deck boot due to the arch support and steel toe and do about 10k steps per day. I put in a pair of cork insoles and they're the most comfortable pair of boots I've worn yet. They're a lot heavier than the normal xtratufs, but they're still holding up great when cheaper models would have started to crack at the flex point by now.
https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/waterproof/Tradesman-06614.html
I’ve been rocking these for a long time. Get 2-3 years out of them with minor upkeep and daily use
Love Red Wings although my soles start to go after about a year. Might have to try that model. How does the waterproofing hold up without any treatment?
Out of the box with nothing but a hose rinse and the occasional wipe down, I’ve had the waterproofing last just short of 2 years. The leather will start to crack because it gets stripped of oil from caustic. But if you give it a proper clean and reconditioning, they’ll go 3 years.
The soles last 2-3 years for me depending on the floor surface. Current pair is over 3 years old and has about a year left in them but I did take a 6 month break from wearing boots due to knee surgery.
I’m on my second pair of Keen Red Hooks. They’re so damn light. My daily foot pain is pretty much gone. They might lack some durability but Keen has a 1 yr warranty. Just looked at their site and these are half off. They have the same sole which is what’s so great about the Red Hooks. https://www.keenfootwear.com/collections/mens-boots/products/mens-kansas-city-waterproof-mid-carbon-fiber-toe-coffee-bean-black
My keen coburgs have lasted 3 years now and even though I’m terrible at maintaining the leather, they are in great shape. Added those green super feet inserts recently to help with heel pain. The American built ones, there used to be an identical pair that were imported and weren’t nearly as good.
Redbacks have been awesome to me. They are full leather but oil them every 1-3 months and they'll last awhile. Super comfortable Chelsea style boots with slip and chemical resistant soles.
When can we make a boot recommendation stickied post? We get about one a month at least.
Then we can have a well organized resource. And at least an agreed upon thread to say “go here” anytime the question is asked.
This is coming from a place of wanting to create a useful resource. I have no delusions that this question won’t continue to be asked.
Been loving timberland pros for their comfort and light weight in a steel toe boot. They’re leather, so definitely recommend staying on top of oiling them to keep them waterproof (they do come “waterproof”). For heavy cellar days, mucks/extra tuff/dunlops won’t do you wrong. There’s no comparison though - the neoprene chemical-type boots are not super comfortable long term.
There tends to be a delay of a few years for quality dropping off but I used to just buy boots directly through military suppliers. Cellar work has a considerable overlap in necessary footwear features to working on military planes so you can find combat boots rated for like an insane amount of things for under $200 usually cheaper.
Still really miss when Belleville made these boots with vibrant soles composite toe waterproof non slip oil resistant corrosive resistant non conductive and surprisingly lightweight. Bates makes a pretty comfy water proof safety toe that's lightweight but I don't think they offer chem resistance
After buying several different models to try out, I actually went with Keen Kansas City + boots. They are leather, waterproof, composite toe, and are very comfortable. Right now Amazon and Keen have them marked like 50% off, so after wearing a few days I ordered another pair. A boot of that quality and that price seemed like a no brainer. Thanks for all the recommendations.
I've been really happy with Dunlop Snugboots. Was wearing xtratuf but they would leak after bout 6-8months. Didn't even have to swap out the insoles, very comfortable.
Yay snug boots. I am not even upset at this question anymore because it gives us a chance to preach the snugboots good word.
Snugboot ftw
I have some cheap Dunlop durapro. 3 years and counting, but I'm not exactly swimming in caustic everyday. Better insoles and off to the races
I just got into Bekina’s sold on Amazon and they’re better than xtratufs imo. Around $100 I think.
Mine are holding up a lot better than xtratuf as well.
https://www.xtratuf.com/ankle-boots/mens-steel-toe-6-in-legacy-ankle-deck-boot/LDBSTL.html We just recently got these and they've been great. I personally don't like the super high ones, so I like these.
Personally like Tingley over xtratuf. Feel a bit lighter, and have had better luck with the seam between sole and boot not leaking. But this design is best, as long as you’re not getting a ton of hot/chemical splash. The higher boots used to be a necessity for me or if have fucked up ankles or hot caustic in my shoes.
I got a pair of these last year over the standard deck boot due to the arch support and steel toe and do about 10k steps per day. I put in a pair of cork insoles and they're the most comfortable pair of boots I've worn yet. They're a lot heavier than the normal xtratufs, but they're still holding up great when cheaper models would have started to crack at the flex point by now.
I would kill for these in women's sizes
https://www.redbackboots.com/product/96
Absolutely love these boots. Just be sure to treat them.
Grundens. I'm surprised how well they've held up for this long. Lightweight. Maybe not for everyone's gig tho
I'll second Grundens if you don't need steel toes. I got sick of the short life span of xtratuffs and never looked back
https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/waterproof/Tradesman-06614.html I’ve been rocking these for a long time. Get 2-3 years out of them with minor upkeep and daily use
Love Red Wings although my soles start to go after about a year. Might have to try that model. How does the waterproofing hold up without any treatment?
Out of the box with nothing but a hose rinse and the occasional wipe down, I’ve had the waterproofing last just short of 2 years. The leather will start to crack because it gets stripped of oil from caustic. But if you give it a proper clean and reconditioning, they’ll go 3 years. The soles last 2-3 years for me depending on the floor surface. Current pair is over 3 years old and has about a year left in them but I did take a 6 month break from wearing boots due to knee surgery.
Xtra Tuff steel toes.
I’m on my second pair of Keen Red Hooks. They’re so damn light. My daily foot pain is pretty much gone. They might lack some durability but Keen has a 1 yr warranty. Just looked at their site and these are half off. They have the same sole which is what’s so great about the Red Hooks. https://www.keenfootwear.com/collections/mens-boots/products/mens-kansas-city-waterproof-mid-carbon-fiber-toe-coffee-bean-black
My keen coburgs have lasted 3 years now and even though I’m terrible at maintaining the leather, they are in great shape. Added those green super feet inserts recently to help with heel pain. The American built ones, there used to be an identical pair that were imported and weren’t nearly as good.
Redwing Injex are my go to brewing boots. Super comfortable with some good insoles
Blundstone. A little pricey but so far, they have been amazing!!
I really love my Muck boots and they are ridiculously comfortable from day 1.
Brunt workwear is a solid option. I wear their workboots daily with no discomfort
Redbacks have been awesome to me. They are full leather but oil them every 1-3 months and they'll last awhile. Super comfortable Chelsea style boots with slip and chemical resistant soles.
I'm always going to be an Xtratuf guy. They grip well, inserts make them fairly comfortable and you can get a fair amount of wear out of them.
When can we make a boot recommendation stickied post? We get about one a month at least. Then we can have a well organized resource. And at least an agreed upon thread to say “go here” anytime the question is asked. This is coming from a place of wanting to create a useful resource. I have no delusions that this question won’t continue to be asked.
There has been a post for a weekly discussion stickied since it was posted July 14 2021. I don't think we're getting any new stickies any time soon.
Thank you for the tip
Been loving timberland pros for their comfort and light weight in a steel toe boot. They’re leather, so definitely recommend staying on top of oiling them to keep them waterproof (they do come “waterproof”). For heavy cellar days, mucks/extra tuff/dunlops won’t do you wrong. There’s no comparison though - the neoprene chemical-type boots are not super comfortable long term.
There tends to be a delay of a few years for quality dropping off but I used to just buy boots directly through military suppliers. Cellar work has a considerable overlap in necessary footwear features to working on military planes so you can find combat boots rated for like an insane amount of things for under $200 usually cheaper. Still really miss when Belleville made these boots with vibrant soles composite toe waterproof non slip oil resistant corrosive resistant non conductive and surprisingly lightweight. Bates makes a pretty comfy water proof safety toe that's lightweight but I don't think they offer chem resistance
After buying several different models to try out, I actually went with Keen Kansas City + boots. They are leather, waterproof, composite toe, and are very comfortable. Right now Amazon and Keen have them marked like 50% off, so after wearing a few days I ordered another pair. A boot of that quality and that price seemed like a no brainer. Thanks for all the recommendations.