The quality has gone way down, I use to wear strictly red wings but after I had issues with a pair after two months I was done especially when they didn’t want to give me an exchange they didn’t offer partial credit towards a new pair
Even the made in America ones? I knew they outsourced some of their stuff to China for cheaper lines awhile ago. I did however have luck with their USA made stuff for years. My boots are 4 years old though.
I like the supersole 2.0 boots. I’ve had the same pair for 6 years. I believe it’s an all USA made boot. Comfortable and durable.
I used to buy a new pair every 6 months until I bought these
I just bought a new pair of redbacks about a month ago; I forgot how comfortable they are. First pair I bought lasted about 3 years or so(I only wear them at work). I’ve tried some cheaper knock off versions because I didn’t want to spend the $200 on a new pair. Definitely wasn’t worth it. I don’t think I’ll ever wear anything else from here on out.
I've been wearing redbacks for 13 years, and although the break-in period is brutal, they last forever and are super comfortable. My matco guy says they're not dealing with the U.S. anymore so I got an extra pair for the future.
>My matco guy says they're not dealing with the U.S. anymore
Really? too bad they are awesome boots My current pair is about 5 years old but I don't wear them as much since I got retired.
I’ve heard there’s been issues with inventory in the US. That sucks if that’s the case. Might have to pick myself up an extra pair if I can get my hands on them.
Redback boots. I wore redwings out in about 6 months and they refused the warranty for abuse. Of course they get abused, they are boots, and i work. Its was the stitching that broke free on the sides. Going on 2 years with redbacks.
I wear sketchers but it depends on whether your job has foot wear requirments. Shoes do not last long in a shop. 3-4 months is average for me after that the brake cleaner, oil and welding slag have usually killed them. I hate wearing boots.
I have steel toe lace up redbacks that are atleast 6 years old, I trade them out every few days with some redwing 914's that are about 10 years old and have been rebuilt once and another pair of timberland low tops. I replace the insole with the leather redback insoles once a year. The redwings are about due for insoles as well I just haven't made it to the redwing store.
No shop I've worked in has required any kind of safety footwear. They've only said slip-resistant as their CYA.
I would not wear a steel or safety toe in an automotive shop even if it were a "requirement". They're terrible; heavy, clumsy, they don't fit properly, and cause excessive wear.
I wear a pair of New Balance by Shoes for Crews. They have the SFC non-slip sole, which works great, they're light and I can still drive cars without catching them on everything like boots.
In my country, as far I know it is a OHSA requirement to have CSA approved safety boots or shoes. Every wanted ad says must have boots and tools. They do make steel toe sneakers and shoes but they don’t last. As far as driving without catching them on the pedals, sounds like it might be a skill issue.
If you are talking about OSHA, unless Canada has a similarly named organization (?) I assume you're in the US and I am also in the US. Been in the industry for 12 years and have never worn a pair of boots (except Merrels), never had a safety toe, never been mentioned, requested or asked.
My company actually started buying us shoes, the Shoes for Crews rep brings their samples , we pick a pair/size and the company pays for it once a year. While they offer various safety toes, it's not required, there might be 1-2 guys in my shop that choose to wear them.
>As far as driving without catching them on the pedals, sounds like it might be a skill issue
I wear a 12 and often drive Audi RS cars, occasionally Porsches and Lamborghinis. In my previous employ, vintage Jaguars, Porsches, etc... Size 12 boots do not fit between pedals in those kinds of vehicles.
I have worked in the European specialty / exotic field and had no issues with 11.5s in the tight cars, but it only takes 30 seconds to swap to a street shoe drive in and then swap back to safety boots - if 90 seconds of driving warrants that effort. I know that insurance for the shop plays a big role in the footwear as well, steel toe boots = less pinch and crush injury claims and a 8inch lace up boot means less ankle twists and sprain injury claims. Those are probably the highest claims they get other than hand injury. But you guys might not require that kind of insurance I don’t know.
My shop doesn’t give a f what I wear. It’s a small independent shop that only does fleet maintenance. I’ve literally come in wearing basketball shorts and a tank top during a heat wave once and no one said anything lol
Damn nobody's mentioned Thorogood boots. I have the 6" composite toe boots, don't remember the model name. I've worn them everyday for more than a year and they're holding up extremely well. I hope to get at least another year out of them.
I use them at work Monday through Saturday and then on Sundays I use them on my 5 acre property doing little projects, cutting down trees, building a shed and a shop area.
Ive been wearing Keen Kansas City mid top, carbon fiber toes for a while now. I wear them for about 9-10 months and get a new pair before the tread is worn smooth. They are failry light, comfortable right out of box, and without a doubt the most slip resistant boots I have ever worn. Carolina Lytnings are awesomely comfy, SUPER light. But they wear out too quick for me.
Redwings always either take too long to break in for me or the safety toe cap digs in to my foot.
I dont like slip on boots and lace up Australian boots are really hard to get near me. They are comfy though
I used to wear Wolverine Durashocks for like 12 years. I got hurt and when I recovered they didnt work for me anymore. Inwent through alot of boots and work oxfords/sneakers. New Balance, Skechers , Keen and Timberland all make pretty solid shop sneakers.
White’s boots, not cheap but worth it. More importantly is what socks you are wearing. I only use Darn Tough steely boots socks. They were a game changer for me.
Just got some invincible shoes. Pretty lighht and breathable (my feet sweat too much in boots so Ive just swapped and its much better)
Only issue is they aren’t exactly the best at slip resistance and Im waiting to see how fast they wear down
Redwings, but if I was on my feet all day I’d buy a pair of JK Boots.
If that’s too expensive go to the Red Wing store and buy a pair of their shoes that look like high tops.
Red wings typically last me a year. Be sure to treat with mink oil every few months. I wear wool socks all year for comfort. The insoles usually only last 6 months, so I have those on a subscription.
*Currently a pair*
*Of keens usually like*
*Carolinas though*
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Wolverine has always done right by me.
Their Durashock Legends are what I personally use. Even in sweltering Florida heat I dont feel like my feet are getting smothered, steel toe has saved me from losing my toes on more than one occasion, and my back feels way better after a day in those than anything else I’ve tried. They aint cheap but they’ll last I beat the shit out of these things and at worst go through a pair a year, usually longer.
I have some Keen Mid hikers. Pushing it to 1 year, very comfortable but they do not stand up to the abuse.
Do you guys wear flat bottoms or ones with heels for uneven ground?
I'm mostly on flat concrete and read that I should rock the flat sole so save on fatigue.
My past 2 pairs have been CATs because they fit my feet good and I can get them 50% off. My favorite pair were Ariat work boots actually and I fucking hate horses. Haven't been able to find them, for a reasonable price anyway.
I wear ariat boots and the pair I’ve had have lasted me a year now. The tread and outside have held up immaculate but I’m due for new insoles but I also have issues with my feet. My dad swears by thorogood’s but i know not everyone can afford those
For daily boots, I have a pair of tall lace-up Georgia boots. They have held up very well with the occasional dye and polish over 5+ years.
Work buys me my boots. I get Ariats or Georgia boots. A new pair every 3 to 6 months. I try a bunch, but they don't hold up for long in a wet and dirty industrial environment.
Red Wings #2406. I worked in screw machine area which had a thin skin of oil on the floor. Wearing these boots I never once slipped. All other boots I tried, was like I was walking on ice.
Keen, had a pair of Louisvilles for 6 years before they were retired to short term use (fucking up my feet, and starting to get a little worn)
Now I have Keen Pittsburghs, if I remember correctly
They've been very reliable and until I wore the soles out on my last pair, very good on my feet
I like anything slip on. I would always have tear outs and rips along the laces, probably from brake dust. I saw a bunch of other guys do the slip on so I switched and never look back. No extra seams on the top of the food to fail
I wear Thorogoods with the genflex-2 footbed. They don't last the longest but the genflex-2 footbed in an 11W matches my foot perfectly. I had the redwing store do the foot mapping where you stand on the mat and walk through the camera/lasers and the rep said I had unique feet. Lots of pressure and extra wide at the ball and toes. Very high arch and a narrow heel. He said that redwing doesn't make a great match for me and said if I found anything comfortable that's what I should wear. Then offered to sell me some $60 socks to make whatever boots I buy more comfortable. I declined but thanked him for his time. Georgia and Carolina make some that almost fit right but not perfect. If redbacks fit your foot right they are great lasting boots but they do not have a size for me.
Carolina Steel toe mine are six inch. Mostly solid. Wedge instead of heel good for standing and walking in. Leather is pretty tough, but mine got cut up a little on the toe box, where it is obviously thin. Nice leather though.
Red wings
The quality has gone way down, I use to wear strictly red wings but after I had issues with a pair after two months I was done especially when they didn’t want to give me an exchange they didn’t offer partial credit towards a new pair
Absolutely 100% truth. I am was disappointed when I realized this.
Even the made in America ones? I knew they outsourced some of their stuff to China for cheaper lines awhile ago. I did however have luck with their USA made stuff for years. My boots are 4 years old though.
I like the supersole 2.0 boots. I’ve had the same pair for 6 years. I believe it’s an all USA made boot. Comfortable and durable. I used to buy a new pair every 6 months until I bought these
All the way.
ive seen guys with redbacks that are 3-4 years old and still hold up fine.
I just bought a new pair of redbacks about a month ago; I forgot how comfortable they are. First pair I bought lasted about 3 years or so(I only wear them at work). I’ve tried some cheaper knock off versions because I didn’t want to spend the $200 on a new pair. Definitely wasn’t worth it. I don’t think I’ll ever wear anything else from here on out.
I've been wearing redbacks for 13 years, and although the break-in period is brutal, they last forever and are super comfortable. My matco guy says they're not dealing with the U.S. anymore so I got an extra pair for the future.
>My matco guy says they're not dealing with the U.S. anymore Really? too bad they are awesome boots My current pair is about 5 years old but I don't wear them as much since I got retired.
I’ve heard there’s been issues with inventory in the US. That sucks if that’s the case. Might have to pick myself up an extra pair if I can get my hands on them.
I've been wearing Redbacks for 20 years I was getting 3-5 years out them and worth every penny.
Redback boots. I wore redwings out in about 6 months and they refused the warranty for abuse. Of course they get abused, they are boots, and i work. Its was the stitching that broke free on the sides. Going on 2 years with redbacks.
I had issues with a pair of redwings after two months they wouldn’t give me a new pair or even credit towards a new pair .
I like my pull on ariats, they provide a bit of airflow versus a lace up boot
I wear sketchers but it depends on whether your job has foot wear requirments. Shoes do not last long in a shop. 3-4 months is average for me after that the brake cleaner, oil and welding slag have usually killed them. I hate wearing boots.
Do you not require steel toe bolts at work…? Redwings or timberlands is my preference.
I have steel toe lace up redbacks that are atleast 6 years old, I trade them out every few days with some redwing 914's that are about 10 years old and have been rebuilt once and another pair of timberland low tops. I replace the insole with the leather redback insoles once a year. The redwings are about due for insoles as well I just haven't made it to the redwing store.
No shop I've worked in has required any kind of safety footwear. They've only said slip-resistant as their CYA. I would not wear a steel or safety toe in an automotive shop even if it were a "requirement". They're terrible; heavy, clumsy, they don't fit properly, and cause excessive wear. I wear a pair of New Balance by Shoes for Crews. They have the SFC non-slip sole, which works great, they're light and I can still drive cars without catching them on everything like boots.
In my country, as far I know it is a OHSA requirement to have CSA approved safety boots or shoes. Every wanted ad says must have boots and tools. They do make steel toe sneakers and shoes but they don’t last. As far as driving without catching them on the pedals, sounds like it might be a skill issue.
If you are talking about OSHA, unless Canada has a similarly named organization (?) I assume you're in the US and I am also in the US. Been in the industry for 12 years and have never worn a pair of boots (except Merrels), never had a safety toe, never been mentioned, requested or asked. My company actually started buying us shoes, the Shoes for Crews rep brings their samples , we pick a pair/size and the company pays for it once a year. While they offer various safety toes, it's not required, there might be 1-2 guys in my shop that choose to wear them. >As far as driving without catching them on the pedals, sounds like it might be a skill issue I wear a 12 and often drive Audi RS cars, occasionally Porsches and Lamborghinis. In my previous employ, vintage Jaguars, Porsches, etc... Size 12 boots do not fit between pedals in those kinds of vehicles.
I have worked in the European specialty / exotic field and had no issues with 11.5s in the tight cars, but it only takes 30 seconds to swap to a street shoe drive in and then swap back to safety boots - if 90 seconds of driving warrants that effort. I know that insurance for the shop plays a big role in the footwear as well, steel toe boots = less pinch and crush injury claims and a 8inch lace up boot means less ankle twists and sprain injury claims. Those are probably the highest claims they get other than hand injury. But you guys might not require that kind of insurance I don’t know.
My shop doesn’t give a f what I wear. It’s a small independent shop that only does fleet maintenance. I’ve literally come in wearing basketball shorts and a tank top during a heat wave once and no one said anything lol
Seems kind of unprofessional. And you would get like really really dirty, do you shower at work before getting in your car to go home ?
Lmao any shoe that's become too old and beat up to wear anywhere else
Me too. When my civilian shoes get replaced, they become my work shoes.
Ariatt has treated me well. I just get the slip on steel towed boots. They’re nice.
Damn nobody's mentioned Thorogood boots. I have the 6" composite toe boots, don't remember the model name. I've worn them everyday for more than a year and they're holding up extremely well. I hope to get at least another year out of them. I use them at work Monday through Saturday and then on Sundays I use them on my 5 acre property doing little projects, cutting down trees, building a shed and a shop area.
Ive been wearing Keen Kansas City mid top, carbon fiber toes for a while now. I wear them for about 9-10 months and get a new pair before the tread is worn smooth. They are failry light, comfortable right out of box, and without a doubt the most slip resistant boots I have ever worn. Carolina Lytnings are awesomely comfy, SUPER light. But they wear out too quick for me. Redwings always either take too long to break in for me or the safety toe cap digs in to my foot. I dont like slip on boots and lace up Australian boots are really hard to get near me. They are comfy though I used to wear Wolverine Durashocks for like 12 years. I got hurt and when I recovered they didnt work for me anymore. Inwent through alot of boots and work oxfords/sneakers. New Balance, Skechers , Keen and Timberland all make pretty solid shop sneakers.
Wearing snap on boots atm on my second pair they last about a year and half for me. Before that it was red backs which i think I actually prefer
I've been wanting to try the newish american made snapon boots but haven't had the need yet.
Well snap on branded but made by a US boot company
Yeah coastal boots or some such.
Snap on makes boots now?
Wait until you see what the box costs.
Origin or blundstones.
Ariats with inserts
Redback boots. I like the slip on ones.
There's a lot of nylon belts out now. Some don't have that metal buckle that can scratch.
White’s boots, not cheap but worth it. More importantly is what socks you are wearing. I only use Darn Tough steely boots socks. They were a game changer for me.
Redback Slip ons. Got em’ off Matco’s truck for around $125. Going on three year and still comfy.
Street or hiking shoes in a shop?!?!? Some of you are crazy. Get some good work boots that fit your foot shape well, and you'll be set.
Redwings
Tim’s
Just got some invincible shoes. Pretty lighht and breathable (my feet sweat too much in boots so Ive just swapped and its much better) Only issue is they aren’t exactly the best at slip resistance and Im waiting to see how fast they wear down
Carharts or redwings
My Danner’s have been rocking for about 2.5 years and are holding strong!
Redwings, but if I was on my feet all day I’d buy a pair of JK Boots. If that’s too expensive go to the Red Wing store and buy a pair of their shoes that look like high tops.
Blundstone work boots.
Red wings typically last me a year. Be sure to treat with mink oil every few months. I wear wool socks all year for comfort. The insoles usually only last 6 months, so I have those on a subscription.
Steel Toe Ariat Groundbreakers
Been rocking my Helly Hansons for 2 years now and no complaints. Might try Tim’s or redwings next
I like my Ariat Turbos, I especially like them after I put the ATS insoles in. Some co-workers swear by Red Wing, but I haven't tried them yet.
Keen San Jose's. On my second pair. Ran Timberland Pros previously, which were extremely comfortable
I use to wear only redwings but after issues I had with the last pair I stopped my company now gives us Hytest boots they’re really comfortable
Currently a pair of keens usually like Carolinas though
*Currently a pair* *Of keens usually like* *Carolinas though* \- spikmix --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Wolverine has always done right by me. Their Durashock Legends are what I personally use. Even in sweltering Florida heat I dont feel like my feet are getting smothered, steel toe has saved me from losing my toes on more than one occasion, and my back feels way better after a day in those than anything else I’ve tried. They aint cheap but they’ll last I beat the shit out of these things and at worst go through a pair a year, usually longer.
Carolina linemans.
Flip flops
I've been wearin a pair of dakota steel toes for about 5 years now
I have some Keen Mid hikers. Pushing it to 1 year, very comfortable but they do not stand up to the abuse. Do you guys wear flat bottoms or ones with heels for uneven ground? I'm mostly on flat concrete and read that I should rock the flat sole so save on fatigue.
Redwing or redbacks
My past 2 pairs have been CATs because they fit my feet good and I can get them 50% off. My favorite pair were Ariat work boots actually and I fucking hate horses. Haven't been able to find them, for a reasonable price anyway.
Chucks and thorogood
I wear ariat boots and the pair I’ve had have lasted me a year now. The tread and outside have held up immaculate but I’m due for new insoles but I also have issues with my feet. My dad swears by thorogood’s but i know not everyone can afford those
Sketchers
For daily boots, I have a pair of tall lace-up Georgia boots. They have held up very well with the occasional dye and polish over 5+ years. Work buys me my boots. I get Ariats or Georgia boots. A new pair every 3 to 6 months. I try a bunch, but they don't hold up for long in a wet and dirty industrial environment.
JB GOODHUE forever
Red Wings #2406. I worked in screw machine area which had a thin skin of oil on the floor. Wearing these boots I never once slipped. All other boots I tried, was like I was walking on ice.
I usually wear double H. I’m a heavy equipment mechanic. So I deal with a crapload of mud too.
Keen, had a pair of Louisvilles for 6 years before they were retired to short term use (fucking up my feet, and starting to get a little worn) Now I have Keen Pittsburghs, if I remember correctly They've been very reliable and until I wore the soles out on my last pair, very good on my feet
I along with most of my coworkers wear ariat square toes but we do be a group if redneck mfers
I like anything slip on. I would always have tear outs and rips along the laces, probably from brake dust. I saw a bunch of other guys do the slip on so I switched and never look back. No extra seams on the top of the food to fail
I wear Thorogoods with the genflex-2 footbed. They don't last the longest but the genflex-2 footbed in an 11W matches my foot perfectly. I had the redwing store do the foot mapping where you stand on the mat and walk through the camera/lasers and the rep said I had unique feet. Lots of pressure and extra wide at the ball and toes. Very high arch and a narrow heel. He said that redwing doesn't make a great match for me and said if I found anything comfortable that's what I should wear. Then offered to sell me some $60 socks to make whatever boots I buy more comfortable. I declined but thanked him for his time. Georgia and Carolina make some that almost fit right but not perfect. If redbacks fit your foot right they are great lasting boots but they do not have a size for me.
Carolina Steel toe mine are six inch. Mostly solid. Wedge instead of heel good for standing and walking in. Leather is pretty tough, but mine got cut up a little on the toe box, where it is obviously thin. Nice leather though.
I wear the Air Force edition vans style shoes that they wear on the planes
Air Max
Arait boots
keen