I need work boot suggestions

CybrSlydr

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I need to buy some work boots for my new job. Something durable, composite safety toe, not sure if I want waterproof or not (would be nice when snow hits, but probably ugly during this summer), 8", and comfortable.

I have next to no knowledge about work boots other than Rocky or Red Wing. The Gov will reimburse me up to $300 for the purchase, so I'd like to keep it under that. I'm an Oil and Gas well Compliance Inspector (or just Compliance Inspector). So I'll be walking around in rough terrain on and around oil pads.

I greatly appreciate any suggestions you can offer! Thank you!
 
Danner Quarry, I tried multiple brands and styles when I first started working in the mining industry, and these are the ones that worked out best for comfort and durability. Whether sitting in the cab of a piece of equipment or out boots on the ground dragging power cable my feet never complained at the end of the day.

https://www.danner.com/productfamily/quarry?sortId=product_family-asc
Edit: unlike the Red Wings and Whites I tried there was no extensive "break in" procedures.
 
Danner Quarry, I tried multiple brands and styles when I first started working in the mining industry, and these are the ones that worked out best for comfort and durability. Whether sitting in the cab of a piece of equipment or out boots on the ground dragging power cable my feet never complained at the end of the day.

https://www.danner.com/productfamily/quarry?sortId=product_family-asc

I did really, REALLY like the Danner boots we were issued when we went to Afghanistan. I wore them every patrol and they never quit.

A lot like this one -
BN.jpg


EDIT: Only issue with the Quarry is they don't have a non-insulated composite toe.
 
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I did really, REALLY like the Danner boots we were issued when we went to Afghanistan. I wore them every patrol and they never quit.

A lot like this one - https://content.backcountry.com/images/items/900/DAN/DAN000O/BN.jpg
I've also purchased 2 other styles of Danner both "hiking/work boots,
These are the most recent and I probably wont get these again, I'll go back to the Quarrys for a work boot.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KL78SH/?tag=wranglerorg-20
1592012737471.png

And these are the most comfortable hiking boot I have ever worn. The reason I tried the above "Trakwelt" boot was because the side split out of these right where they meet the sole of the boot... But to their defense they are 4 years old and have a LOT of Forest fire miles on them...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008X5F0ZY/?tag=wranglerorg-20

1592012835416.png
 
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Only problem is I believe ours need to be 8", not 6". I'll double-check, but I'm pretty sure 8" is the requirement.
 
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Actually, just checked with my supervisor - they don't have to be 8" after-all. Guess I can make that call when I go try on some pairs.

EDIT: Might still go with 8" with my ankle support needs, but nice to have the option. :)
 
Actually, just checked with my supervisor - they don't have to be 8" after-all. Guess I can make that call when I go try on some pairs.

EDIT: Might still go with 8" with my ankle support needs, but nice to have the option. :)
Do you already have "weak" or accident prone ankles?
If so get at least a 6", if you do not have weak ankles I would say stay away from 6" or above.
The reason I say this is, I had never sprained an ankle before I started working in the mining industry,( I had a very active youth and different physical jobs through out early adulthood). I sprained my first ankle about 5 to 6 months after I started wearing 6" boots, and the second time was within the same year. Just like wearing a back brace when you're not lifting, having too much ankle protection can weaken your ankles.
 
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Do you already have "weak" or accident prone ankles?
If so get at least a 6", if you do not have weak ankles I would say stay away from 6" or above.
The reason I say this is, I had never sprained an ankle before I started working in the mining industry,( I had a very active youth and different physical jobs through out early adulthood). I sprained my first ankle about 5 to 6 months after I started wearing 6" boots, and the second time was within the same year. Just like wearing a back brace when you're not lifting, having too much ankle protection can weaken your ankles.

Oh yeah, I've got a weak ankle. :D

6384371097_24229ed7c9_b.jpg


Definitely needs the protection. My hiking boots are 6" I believe, and they do a good job supporting it when I ruck on trails.
 
Personal preferences are Red Wing and Irish Setter. I have a pair of each. One in my travel bag, one in my work vehicle. Not a big fan of the break in period, though. The Setters are just about there but still working on the Red Wings. I was a fan of ATAC 5.11 but they changed something and aren’t as comfortable anymore. That said, I beat the snot out of them and got years out of the last pair. Because I work in the rail industry and that includes electrified third rail, composite toes are a requirement. 6” is as low as the ankle can go.
 
I will throw thorogood boots in the mix. I wore redwings for years, the last 2 pairs didnt last 6 months. For a 200$ boot that's not acceptable. Bought a pair of thorogood's in jan 2019, and still wearing strong. And they are alot more comfortable than the redwings.
 
I've run through a few pairs of boots and I don't really work mine too hard. I ran two pairs of cheap wolverines before I ditched those. Then I got more expensive steel toe red wings. Didn't last that long and they are stupid heavy. I then had a pair of timberlands and they were ruined after one run in the mud. My newest pair is a Danner and I've really liked them so far. Been more durable than any other boots I've had and they clean up nice. The model I have wouldn't seem to last too long in the mud though.

But this all depends on the environment you are working in. There are some crazy nice boots out there (Nick's, Whites, etc...). I don't need those, but some people do.
 
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Thorogood. Hand made in the USA. Top quality. Here’s what I own but they make an 8” also.

Thorogood Men's American Heritage 6" Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Safety Toe Boot
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00566F6SE/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I ain’t a fan of the look of the wedge sole but I took the advice of some very wise folks and bought them anyway. They are awesome. Great grip and bonus.... you won’t be tracking mud in the house like other boots. Best of both worlds! Super durable and comfortable from day one for me. Good luck.
 
my redwings are like Nike's with a steel toe, super light and breathable, if the insoles were not so hard I could run track and field in them. I use a different boot in the winter, which were Carolina's or danner over the years, and I have a third pair for extreme cold and snow, baffins from Canada, ehh!
 
I ended up getting the Danner Vicious. I wanted the Quarry, but finding it in a non-insulated, composite toe was impossible. I'm not going to order a boot online that I've not tried on, so I went to Murdoch's in Casper.

They had the Vicious in my size and it felt GREAT. So I got them and a simple leather belt for work.

Appreciate your input folks!
 
I ended up getting the Danner Vicious. I wanted the Quarry, but finding it in a non-insulated, composite toe was impossible. I'm not going to order a boot online that I've not tried on, so I went to Murdoch's in Casper.

They had the Vicious in my size and it felt GREAT. So I got them and a simple leather belt for work.

Appreciate your input folks!
Good choice!! Just remember to condition them from time to time, particularly where the leather flexes.