Who makes the most comfortable, steel toed work boots?

[scsmith42]

What are your experiences?  Brand preferences, etc?

I've been wearing Justin's for the past few years, and they're ok, but this past year my feet have started hurting at the end of the day - especially when I'm picking up and moving heavy items on the farm.

So, I'm wondering about what other brands to check out.  I prefer a mid-top boot versus a sneaker for working around the farm - less chance of water or mud (or welding slag) getting in the shoe.

I used to wear the Redwing loggers boots, but found the Justin's more comfortable.

A friend of mine (Marine Major) swears by Danner's for all of his hiking and combat needs.  I'm not sure if they are available in steel toes though.

What's your advice and experiences?  Thanks.

Scott

[BBTom]

I have to wear Red Wing.  Just cannot find day long comfort in any others.  Might take a week to break them in, but once you do, they fit like they are meant to.

[Corley5]

Red Wing and Rocky boots get my vote.

[Dan_Shade]

I've worn redwings for years, I tear them up in about a year to 18 months.  I destroy the leather over the steel toe, and if that doesn't happen, the leather just breaks down.  I don't attempt to "take care of them" at all.

all of that said, I find the soles overly hard, but i've never bothered to try to put inserts in them.

[Raphael]

I've been buying Redwings as well (The Worx w/ the metatarsil guards).
The first pair broke in on the second day and felt very comfortable until they ran afoul the one thing they weren't rated for:

My father's dog. 

[tawilson]

I hope your foot wasn't in it at the time.

[sgtmaconga]

I wear justin boots.

[Jeff]

I have Rockies right now, but the most comfortable boot I ever had, but could not find it in a size 13 again, were CAT boots. I wear a 12 normally, but the CAT boots seemed to be sized different and the 13 was perfect.  A pair of boots in a sawbooth lasts a long time, but comfort is still a big issue when you are running foot controls all day long.

[footer]

I have tried many different brands through the years working mostly industrial maintenance, and redwing by far are the longest lasting and best quality that I have found. The leather over the steel toes even lasts at least double most other brands  I have tried. Now comfort is another story. Sometimes you can find boots that are more comfy but they don't last long, and they are comforthable for a shorter period of time as they brake down sooner.

[scsmith42]

Thanks all for the feedback so far.

Right now, I'm after comfort as well as toughness.  Some nights (or following mornings), my feet ache so much I have to really grab the handrails going up/down the stairs.  This doesn't happen to me when I wear comfortable sneakers all day (and am not doing heavy lifting). 

I don't like the idea of working in sneakers though - just not enough protection.

Raphael, those "Worx" Redwings in your photo look like they have a sole made of sponogy rubber, instead of hard rubber.  Are my eyes deceiving me?

[SwampDonkey]

I recommend Red Wing as well. Dad used them for years and I've bought a couple pair in the last 10 years, and none other except logger safety boots for thinning (talk about kill your toes  ).

[Raphael]

Raphael, those "Worx" Redwings in your photo look like they have a sole made of sponogy rubber, instead of hard rubber.  Are my eyes deceiving me?

It's got all the characteristics of a spongy (porous) rubber but it's still pretty DanG hard, excellent grip.
I have no problems with shock from walking but the weight will get to you, their model with the internal metatarsil guards are lighter but I figured they'd be stiffer and colder.  I think they sell the exact same shoe with out the guard.

[Part_Timer]

I wear a wellington style boot normally.  I bought a pair from the iron age trailer in the parking lot at work this time.  They are double H brand.  These are more like a cowboy boot with a heal on them.  Once I got them broken in I was fine but it took awhile.  The other brand I wear is Georgia.  They seem to last me about 6-9 months but that is normal for most of us at the mill.  My boots are wet about half the day and it rots the seems from the bottoms.

[Tom]

A soaking with neatsfoot oil every once in a while will extend their longivity 3 or 4 times.

Redwings bootoil is good, it has a bit of wax in it, I think.

I use a 1" paint brush and make sure that I get all of the seams wet.

[PawNature]

I usually buy redwing. But then I have only had one or two pair of boots that actually felt good on my feet. I usually have to special order mine, cause the size is odd. 12eeeee

[Tom]

Pawnature,
I was confused with a pair I brought home from Red Wing that were sized 10 H.

I called them to find out what an H is.  They said it just keeps them from having to put all those E's on the box.

[PawNature]

I found that out to when I order a pair. I forgot how many Es an H stood for.

[Tom]

I've found that it's getting harder to find a Redwing store with the same customer service as they had 5 years ago. Now they are getting more into a "self-service" and want you to pick out what you want from the shelf.

They were once noted for their attention to detail and the salesman's concern that he sold you something that would fit and do the job.   It wasn't unusual to have them offer to build different sized boots if you had different measurements on each foot.  Now you have to ask to get your foot measured.

We have a store where the salesman walked out. (my store) Now it is, what they call a clearing store.  They sell returns and old models, etc.  There is a staff of about 4 or 5, but you would never know it.  They do a good job of hiding amongst the customers or are gabbing behind the counter.

The last pair I bought, the salesman asked what size, went to the back and came out with a box, handed it to me and sat back down behind the counter.

That's a long way from what I had become accustomed.

[Ironwood]

Scott,

 No one has mentioned them, But Wolverine DuraShocks seem to work for me. I perfer the ones with no "Norweigen" welt sticking out the sides, just flush right into the sole from the leather (one less thing to create mass and trip over). I have also tried another American made brand that escapes me (bought them in Amish country)but they were not steel toed but were VERY comfy, I wore them out quickly due to their comfort.   It  Secondly, I have found THE best CHEAP insoles are Enersoles from Walmart. I am 230-235 lbs.  and on my feet ALL day. The insoles are 10 bucks and as good as any up to the $50 dollar ones I have tried.

                    Reid

[SwampDonkey]

I silicone my red wings. They are Gortex and have not been compromised yet. The last pair, same brand would get wet easy. They must have done an improvement. I've found that most Gortex garments I've had are never dry for too long. I've paid all prices. I had a $300 pair of Canadian made work boots a few years back, no name stamped on them, but the soles where so hard I couldn't stand up on frozen ground with them. To walk on a forest road in winter was like a cow on ice.  I do remember a CSA label marked on them was all. That don't mean a lot since it's an industry standard, often government approved, but nothing more than a lobby group stamp.