Thread: What's a good work boot?

Well, damn you Will.

I found a local White's dealer and am planning to drop in on my way home.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Well, damn you Will.

I found a local White's dealer and am planning to drop in on my way home.

I want to see pictures tomorrow.

Originally Posted by slickwill

I want to see pictures tomorrow.

"It" probably won't happen tonight, based on pics tough, that's what I've been looking for.

I threw away my Vasques after a trip to Yosemite in fall, and I wouldn't buy any of the boots I saw at REI to replace them as I refuse to spend $150-200 for a mediocre boot.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

"It" probably won't happen tonight, based on pics tough, that's what I've been looking for.

I've never heard anyone ever who's worn a pair say a bad thing. Not even about the price. Break-in could be extended though.

I threw away my Vasques after a trip to Yosemite in fall, and I wouldn't buy any of the boots I saw at REI to replace them as I refuse to spend $150-200 for a mediocre boot

The "modern" materials and design are definitely a step in the wrong direction when it comes to boots. I moan to my wife all the time about the decline in quality of products.

Originally Posted by slickwill

The "modern" materials and design are definitely a step in the wrong direction when it comes to boots. I moan to my wife all the time about the decline in quality of products.

It's the we're a branding/marketing company, offshore production, business model striking again.

Look at those $1xx Danners, and then go look at some Vasques, they all look the same, and I bet the same company in China produces them.

This thread shows why it happens and companies succeed with it.

In the early 90's, a pair of all leather Vasques cost $225. They cost less in 2009 and people are still complaining. Cows didn't get cheaper, and neither did the traditional cobblers.

Based on inflation, the Whites are in the ballpark of what excellent leather boots have always cost.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

It's the we're a branding/marketing company, offshore production, business model striking again.

Look at those $1xx Danners, and then go look at some Vasques, they all look the same, and I bet the same company in China produces them.

I had a pair of Hi-Tecs in H.S. They were "cool" then.

Originally Posted by slickwill

I had a pair of Hi-Tecs in H.S. They were "cool" then.

Sorry, I was editing on you.

What an interesting experience, a fascinating fellow owns the store that has the local White's distributorship.

I walked in and it was a mom and pop running store. I thought it was the wrong place until I spied lineman's boots.

I tried a pair on. Oh yes, they will be mine.

But as the man said, "You're going to have these things 20 years, don't fuck around. Come back when you're ready and we'll order you a custom pair".

LTL, if you get a chance.....check out a pair of Lowa boots.I am hard of boots with walking right of ways, and this is the best pair of boots that I have owned.

LTL those linesmans boots are ghey, sorry dude.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

When you look at a boot, look for one with a minimal number of seams.

Seams weaken the leather, and allow spots for water to come in.

Really good leather that isn't full of holes doesn't need GoreTex to be water resistant, but these patchwork Chinese boots do.

I'm looking at those Danners, and they don't look like they used to. Their prices are much lower 15 years later, and I'm also not seeing their old "Made in USA" marketing...go warily...

Originally Posted by slickwill

Exactly, my boots don't have any Gore-Tex and as long as I don't let water go over the top of them my feet stay dry. I could (and have) stand in water all day in them. Yet they don't leave my feet sweaty and wet like my Gore-Tex running shoes.

not looking for anything waterproof or water resistant. if its raining or snowing I wear a pair of waterproof boots I have.

I've had goretex stuff before, makes me too hot.

You're missing the point. There is NO gore-tex. A good leather boot doesn't need any. In my work/hiking boots or my cowboy boots I can spend all day out in the rain, snow, whatever and not get wet feet. Yet my feet don't feel like they do when wearing gore-tex, ie hot. The point is that with a good boot you won't need to wear a different pair on the days it is raining and snowing because they work in any weather.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

LTL those linesmans boots are ghey, sorry dude.

Ah, I should've clarified.

All the boots are the same in the footbed, and the stitching is the same, with a couple of options.

I won't be ordering linesman's boots.

I still have my original USMC issued Goretex Infantry Combat Boots... they are on their 3rd pair of soles now, but feel like sneakers. I love em.

But, they are not ideal for many things... I have actually been looking at getting some new boots for work. Since I am on my feet a lot I wanted something comfortable, but the ship is tearing up my Etnies I have been wearing. So I am going back to boots.

First I figured I would just wear one of the gazillion pairs of military boots I have, but maybe the time is right to get something nice.

Originally Posted by G-ForceJunkie

Sigh...another thread thats probaly going to cost me money...just found theres a Whites dealer a couple of miles from my work (where I bought my chi-com Doc's none the less.)

I was wearing Chicom Doc steel toes when I tried them on.

I went to take the second one off and the guy said leave it on so you can compare.

My Docs had good insoles too, and it was laughable.

I've never tried on a boot with zero toe slam that fit the rest of my foot, but the White's had none.

Originally Posted by G-ForceJunkie

LTL's points about cheap boots are on the mark. My current, and probaly last pair of Doc martens were in the first wave of China outsourcing. They aren't as nice, and probaly wont last as long as the UK ones I used to have. My current Danners are going on 11 years are going strong, well worth the $275ish I think I paid for them.

I have a pair of docs that I bought in 1998 that are still looking pretty good. They don't get a lot of wear currently but they were my everyday shoe for years.

Originally Posted by G-ForceJunkie

Those were made in the UK. Compare them to the new ones made in china...they are just "cheaper" and wont last as long.

Yeah, I knew mine were the UK type. I've never looked at another pair since then.

well I went boot hunting today. Every place sucks. I went to a few places that sell just boots and its all the same. You pretty much have a choice of the plain ordinary tan boots and maybe 1 or 2 other styles. Red Wings seemed nice but nothing really caught my eye. So I just ordered these Danners Danner Zion Vented 6" - Brown - Free Shipping & Return Shipping if you become a member you get even more money off. So if I don't like them I can send them back for no charge. But I figure I'll give them a shot. If they suck I'm only out $7 out of my own pocket. and I can "earn" free shoes if I refer friends.

Originally Posted by RedRider

Did they come with lifts?

you wanna get me blacklisted. if I get caught lifting I'll never get another job.


haven't gotten them yet actually and no jerk

Originally Posted by CBR929RE

you wanna get me blacklisted. if I get caught lifting I'll never get another job...

LOL.

so I got the Danners yesterday. They are made in China but must have been made by a 12 year old because they don't have that crappy 5 year worker look/feel to them. My only complaint is the alloy toe is kind of small, all other safety toe boots I've had have more toe coverage. After wearing them and thinking about it I think it might actually be better now. With the larger one I'd had trouble with the back edge rubbing the tops of my toes when the boot gets broken in and bends right at the toes. I don't think that's gonna happen with these. Wore them to work last night and the only issue I had was a slight discomfort on the very edge of one ankle but that even went away towards the end of the night. They should be pretty nice once fully broken in. And the ventilation on them is the best I've ever experienced. I definetly reccomend them

Originally Posted by CBR929RE

so I got the Danners yesterday. They are made in China but must have been made by a 12 year old because they don't have that crappy 5 year worker look/feel to them.

Glad they worked for ya.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Glad they worked for ya.

figured they were so nice on thursday I've give them the ultimate test, a Friday at work. Most work of any day of the week. got home from work and my feet weren't all sweaty and gross like in all previous boots. sweet. these are just what I was looking for.