Hey guys,

I am switching jobs where I will be required to wear steel toed shoes every day since I will be up and down to the manufacturing floor. Does anyone have any recommendations for work boots that still look decent and are comfortable in an office atmosphere and aren't $Texas? My new company will reimburse up to $70 and I was going to be willing to spend $80 more. I've always liked red wings but most of their brands seem to be a little too heavy duty.

10/29/2014 9:26:41 AM

A good pair of Red Wings will cost a lot more than $80 but they'll last a lifetime and you can get them resoled. Could you just spend the $70 for a basic pair with steel toes and keep them under your desk and put them on when you need to go to the mnfr. floor?

I have a nice pair of Rocky Boots, but unless I am in jeans or carhartts they really aren't a practical office boot. I usually leave them in the truck when I know i'll be out on a jobsite. Good luck.





Something like this would work nice. $185, but Chippewa is a really good brand that will last for years and years

http://www.chippewaboots.com/footwear/safety/field/20066

10/29/2014 9:35:17 AM

I love these, comfortable, not too heavy, can be worn in office.

http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4208383

10/29/2014 9:41:16 AM

Sorry, for clarification,

My company is reimbursing 70, I am willing to spend 80 more (or $150)

10/29/2014 9:45:50 AM

get yourself a pair of red wings and don't look back. i never understood all the hype until i got a pair for myself and they are by far the best i've worn.

10/29/2014 10:43:42 AM

Are you required to wear over-the-ankle boots? If not, my husband wears these everyday and says they are comfortable (recommend getting a half-size down)...


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XF1PP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

10/29/2014 10:53:08 AM

I do like the Timberlands and no, I do not require over the ankle, just toe protection. Honestly I only need them for safety compliance I don't really need them to be heavy duty. I'll probably go slip on like the Timberland or just get some Red Wings and keep them under my desk.

10/29/2014 11:31:43 AM

Get a pair of Red Wings with a non-metallic toe. The composite toe makes the shoes a lot lighter, if you have wide feet get a pair with King Toe and enjoy all the room.
http://youtu.be/Fj8cMFKOzkA

10/29/2014 11:49:39 AM

I wear cowboy boots to work something like this and find them very comfortable and I am in a manufacturing enviroment.

http://www.doublehboots.com/Product?stockNo=DH3567

10/29/2014 12:53:29 PM

+1 for Red Wings. Our company has an account set up so it helps but go to a real Red Wings store and actually let them fit you for some. Most stores can at least get the ones in the catalog shipped in that they dont have. Proper, safe, and especially comfortable footwear is severly underated in many jobs. Plus they last a long time IMHO. Probably 50% of their shoes are under $150.

10/29/2014 3:10:32 PM

Look through Keen's offerings (I'm a fan with wide feet)

10/29/2014 3:10:44 PM

Red Wings! As others have said, they'll last forever. Money well spent.

10/29/2014 4:55:33 PM

I like my red wings, but about a year is all I get out of them before the liners are chewed up and the bottoms are coming apart.

11/6/2014 4:07:47 PM

really? what model do you buy? i think i'm on year 4 on my current pair.

the cushion inside wore out, but after replacing it with an insert i'll never use the cushion that comes with boots again

11/6/2014 6:16:46 PM

They can also be re-soled.

11/6/2014 6:34:38 PM

I wear stock number 2274

11/6/2014 6:46:01 PM

i will vouch for the Timberland Titan line of boots. we need safety toe boots for work, and over the past 9 years, I have worn them exclusively. I didn't realize there were several styles (slip on, low-top lace), but I've always worn the 6":
http://www.amazon.com/Timberland-PRO-Mens-Titan-Composite/dp/B000XECQG4/ref=pd_sbs_a_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZTW09T79THB8C2ZDAJK

they run anywhere from $90s (on sale if you can find it) to $120s. I guess this places them in a good spot in the market. one time I found the waterproof version on sale for the same price as the standard safety toe boot:
http://www.amazon.com/Timberland-PRO-26078-Waterproof-Safety-Toe/dp/B000XEO374/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1C2KH4KVTSYCBVB665A7

there was a time in my life where I would skimp on work boots, because they were for work, so who gives a shit. after a couple of cheap pairs that destroyed my feet, I learned my lesson. when your boots are on your feet half a day or more, a good pair is worth every damn penny you can afford. I've never spent the cheddar on a high end pair (red wing, etc.) but I would consider it if the Titans weren't so good (for me anyway)

11/7/2014 8:45:58 AM

Does Merrell make steel toe boots yet? They would likely get my vote.

11/7/2014 8:49:30 AM

I had some of those Timberland pro lace-ups. They were comfortable. Lasted a year.

11/7/2014 10:02:16 AM