SHOES Vs BOOTS? What Type Of Foot Ware Do You Use?

Here's a poser (Not me!)... What is a better, ECONOMICAL, pair of safety boots that are not Brahmas? I have 'em, and they're nice, for a normal environment (one that's not asphalt paved) but I get heavy on my boots, near flat-footed, and determined that I tend towards pronating when I walk. But what's sturdy and comfortable that's not over the $50-60 range?

When you weigh the value of a pair of boots - without consideration of their comfort - you need to ask how long those boots will last, or how often do you purchase a new pair of boots.

Most often, when I hear some talk about their less-then-fifty-dollar boots, I also learn that that person is also buying a new pair every year and sometimes every six months!

When I was working construction I would wear out a pair of boots every 4 to 5 years when I was working with my tools. When I was carrying a clipboard, I had one pair last 10 years before I finally felt the need to replace them.

But for the last 35 years I have only had Redwing boots - the dingo style 11" pull on that Redwing calls "Pecos" - which cost between $125 and $200 a pair. Even at $200 and even if you only get 4 years out of your boots, you still match the $50 per year cost of the cheap boots. Buy the less expensive Redwing and get more than 4 years wear and your saving money.

Also, since the Redwings have a stitched-on sole rather than a glued sole and have a real rather than a molded heel, you can take them to the shoe maker and have the heel or the sole replaced for much less then a new pair of boots.

You should also be aware that if you wear out the leather on the top of your toe (a common event for construction workers), you can have a leather cap put on to extend the life of your boots.

Once upon a time we used to darn our socks, mend our garments, and repair our shoes. Somewhere along the line we bought into this fantasy of rampant consumerism where everything (including us) became disposable.

If you really want to save money, stop throwing things away. If you can't afford to buy quality today, do without until you can save enough to buy something that will last.

Notice that I didn't even mention that you'll be supporting American workers when you buy Redwings since they are still made in Detroit, MI and not in China.

I learned about boots when I did serious hiking/ mountaineering. Rocks will chew up boots.

But truck driving won't. For an OTR driver, oxfords ("regular" shoes) or athletics are just fine. I alternate between a sports shoe and a pair of light hikers from Walmart. (On closeout for $11!!).

Flatbedders may want something heavier for all that climbing around, but as an OTR driver, think about what you do all day: mostly sit in your cab. Every once in a while you get out and walk around a trailer, or into a shipping office. This is not tough work requiring heavy footwear.

I'm not a driver yet but figured I'd be driving and showering in Crocs (google it if you don't know). For everything else 5.11 boots are a little expensive but awesome. Some of the 5.11 models have side zippers which makes them quicker and easier on/off than even sneakers. I wouldn't wear flip flops if you gave me a pallet of them free lol.

We do dirt. I've been really digging the entire line of apparel ****ies has to offer. My guy has always bought cheap boots/shoes for work because he knows he's going to destroy them. Problem is he will go through a pair of those in less than 6 months. Picked up a pair of ****ies work boots for him (bout $100) since they actually have a 1 year warranty on them, figured we give them a shot. Now granted he wasn't wearing these everyday but they are still here and not falling apart yet its been 2 years at least. They don't look like when he first got them by any means, but...still holding together structurally . I bought a pair of women's work shoes from ****ies last year in spring. they weren't as expensive as his and are still holding together. ****ies usually has promos and sales going on, I usually wait for 20% off plus free shipping. Only downside to his boots I suppose is that they don't come off or go on fast. I think they have that option on a boot but he isn't into that kind. Can get steel toe or not too.

Pretty impressive for us anyway. Pair of redwing shoes I bought for me lasted awhile when I worked at a warehouse but probably wouldn't for what I do now. Stepping on hot asphalt, diesel on shoes, stepping on jagged rock, climbing in/out of box, scraping thick sticky mud/muck off of and general driving. I think it's harder to find selection on women's work anything. Makes sense but was a pain.

Oh the profanity filter would....um....how do I say their name without the profanity filter going off?

can't seem to post image either...Be like, Text version of chirades (a riddle?)! lol....4 letter "bad word" that starts with D ... add "ies" at the end lol

Maybe, as a programming project, Brett can pull legitimate words out of the censor sub so we can talk about Carhart, Red Wing and Deckies (Spelled wrong) without wondering about all the *****'s.

Like, if director Alfred Hitch**** directed a movie about the whale Moby ****.

Oh the profanity filter would....um....how do I say their name without the profanity filter going off?

can't seem to post image either...Be like, Text version of chirades (a riddle?)! lol....4 letter "bad word" that starts with D ... add "ies" at the end lol

Richardies? Except using the nickname? I didn't even know they made boots.

I just want to share my experience with the clothes I love from ****ies *waaaaahhhhh* QQ haha esp for us women. Ain' easy :P

What I was impressed by is that they even have a 1 year warranty (one we bought anyway)....ofc this is for craftsmanship only I believe. Not like you can take a torch to your boots and be like, they didn't hold up. Give me my money back!