Why are boots the work footwear? What are some classic quality brands?
Hi, I work outside in the field. I wear boots because it's what I think of as work wear, but they aren't very comfortable after long hours and when I go hiking I wear sneakers, which got me to thinking why are boots the work foot wear? Are they supposed to be more comfortable then shoes if you buy a quality pair? Does anyone have suggestions for me?
I would like comfortable quality foot wear with these preferences:
above the ankle for support
good for long hours
quality brand (I would like to buy a great pair and get them resoled as needed rather than buy new ones)
can go from work to dinner
good for riding a motorcycle
and would really like an old classic brand from before the 70s that would be a good 2nd hand find (I like old things, I'm an archaeology student)
I have been thinking red wings, doc martens, timberlands, or alden's if I get lucky. Am I thinking in the right direction?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hampton Kennedy on -
I think you're looking in the right direction. I'd recommend Field and Stream Gore-tex boots. That is the boot I wear for hunting/working. They are comfortable and I can't say anything bad about them. I would also recommend a pair of combat boots, they are light weight and designed for extreme work. The combat boots I've tried on have been very comfortable as well.
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Permalink Reply by Kevin on -
I prefer Timberlands and Wolverines (both are American-made as supposed to another brand manufactured in a "Red" country...
as to the combat boots thing, I was a Soldier from '02 thru '05/'06, as much as I LOVED my Tanker Boots, I found that even the "desert boots" were hard on my feet.
So I discourage wearing combat boots in place of work boots.
Tim's and Wolverines are well-made and whenever I replace my footwear it's with either of these 2 brands.
To the original Poster:
As a sidenote both manufacturers as well as others. produce Hiking boots and "Athletic" footwear. Give those a shot?
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Permalink Reply by LShieldes on
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Check again on your Wolverines, many are made elsewhere. I had to stop wearing them,quality had severely dropped
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Permalink Reply by SeaWolf on -
Actually these days combat boots are getting pretty decent; Vibram has made some gear that, although I was originally issued for work, I now where out and about. Probably not the most fashionable choice, but they are multifunctional.
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Permalink Reply by SeaWolf on
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You know it bro, also the Bates 922s are super light weight and flexible, but not as protective I think
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on -
I prefer cowboy boots. More comfortable than once they're broken in. Ariat is good for cowboy boots. All purpose ... work boots, dress boots. I always preferred Sketchers for lace-up boots.
JB
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Permalink Reply by Shane on -
Caterpillar's "Second Shift"
I've had a pair of these for a few years now. They've been on my feet just about every day, all over the world; from Mexico, to the Rockies to Europe, to Afghanistan. Learn how to polish them and you will be able to go from "work to dinner" in them as well.
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Permalink Reply by Nathanael on -
Boots are work wear because they can protect you and take a beating, or at least good pairs will. Sneakers are all soft rubber and cloth, with some plastic thrown in. Comfortable, but not as sturdy.
Another brand to consider is Allen Edmonds. They're quality, cheaper than Alden, and usually made in the US. They mostly make dress shoes, but they have some good boots.
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Permalink Reply by Nick Henderson on -
Lace ups. I think engineer boots look great, I tried a pair once but they made my feet feel like they were on fire after a few steps and I never went back.
I red that if you get stiched leather you can keep them your whole life and get them resoled, but finding classic brands has been a bit difficult, and I don't really have older men in my family I could ask.
Thanks everyone for responding.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Splash on -
They are there as a second barrier to moisture and grass seeds , if you are not comfortable in you masculinity you could always cut it to a straight edge rather the perforated edge .
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Permalink Reply by Rick Shelton on -
Wolverines for lace-ups.
I own two pair of Tony Lamas cowboy boots and have worn them up to 18 hours a day but not all out in the field so I can't attest to their comfort there.
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