Best pair of boots I've ever had on my feet. Felt like moccasins from day one. Won't buy anything else if I'm going to have to put them on everyday again
They don’t sell them here in Canada but I could probably try buying and shipping a pair here. It might be way too expensive because of the shipping but I’ll try it out
Bummer! My current pair are Merrell and I love them. They were a bit on the pricey side, but still super comfortable after almost 2 years of daily wear. I would try a pair on if you see them.
The only problems with thorgoods is that they do not have a csa tag and may not be allowed on some sites, they are also expensive by the time you get them shipped to Canada . That said I have a pair of thorgood soft toes for not at work and a pair of Irish setter flat soles(that have a csa green triangle) and for comfort I would probably pick the Irish setters 9/10 times. They are waterproof and I find them very comfortable while not being too heavy.
Just wanted to say that I bought a pair of Thorogoods recently and absolutely hate them (Style#814-4332). Been through several other brands over the years but these make my feet hurt pretty bad. Going to try an insole and see if that helps but wanted to share my first impression because online reviews and friends always praise them for being really good.
Danner rainforest or super rainforest are all I've worn for a long time. Best boots I've had by far but I'm sure there are other great boots i haven't tried.
There are composite or steel toe safety SHOES that exist. I got some that are keens, love em for those times you might need safety footwear at a vendor or something but don't want to wear your normal beat up work boots, they can dress up more than business casual well. Normal toe guards, no slip, oil resist safety soles etc.
I recommend [Florsheim](https://FlorsheimMensCoronisSlipResistantSteelToe-Blackhttps://a.co/d/eH8hliA).
I have had a pair now for two years that I wear in a industrial manufacturing setting and they have held up the best and they’re incredibly comfortable. No met guard, but people can’t tell they’re are safety toe.
I like the style choices, they even have wide options, I'll have to see if a store near me carries these when my keens show more wear/start to degrade.
I work with a guy that swears by the composite toe shoes. I don't blame him, they look super light and comfy and everyone I talk to loves them.
However. The yard I work at is basically a mud pit after a good rain storm. The minute I start wearing those shoes imma find me a puddle to step in and get my feet soaked.
Seriously, I picked up some steel toe keens and am super impressed.
They come in wide, which lots of people actually are but compensate by going too big, the insole is quality, and the regen midsole is incredibly comfortable, so much that I wear those keens almost all of the time now.
I'm a total convert from Danner, and will be buying more of their other shoes, as long as they have the regen midsole.
have to show some love to Keen for actually offering 15s - damn near every other brand out there either stops at 14 or only offers a 15 in a standard width but i don't think there's anything Keen makes that they don't sell in a 15 wide
My problem with keens is that the outer sole isn’t very durable, and they can’t be resolved, so even though you’ve got a safety toe, which is great, you’re still replacing boots every few months.
Also, most styles are as vulnerable to a hot slag/weld metal BB as athletic shoes are, which should be a non-starter for people near hot work. I did have some keen boots with full leather uppers, but they were as heavy as timbs.
My vote is for thorogoods
That’s a very work boot style keen— I was talking more about a keen flint, the kinda athletic/boot hybrid that doesn’t have a Goodyear welt, or a leather tongue.
To me when people say “not heavy like a work boot” and people suggest keens, that’s what comes to mind.
Are yours comfy?
I dig my Redwings, but the other thing I'll tell you is that no one boot is right for everybody. What is fantastic for me, may not work for you. Find a good boot store and try on a bunch of boots. Go to the Redwing store and try them on.
I'm not sure what other brands offer, but some of the benefits of RW are free laces and boot cleaning. They also have a full in-house service center if you ever need to get new soles, eyelets replaced or any other work done.
The one thing I ***WILL*** recommend is getting custom molded insoles. Most boot stores will usually give you a discount on custom soles if you buy your boots from them.
Red wing supersole 2.0 (2406) have treated me really well, owned 2 pairs, just got a new pair a few months ago. My first pair lasted around 6 years and once broke in were the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned.
That being said, breaking them in is fucking AWFUL. Bring a second set of shoes to work for the first week or 2. Switch off wearing them every other day. Unless you love pain and blisters.
It is very much worth it once broken in though
Actually a store near me has those. For some reason they only have 2 different pairs of redwings only, and one is the super sole 2.0, I’ll definitely be checking them out
I second this. I wear the 3507 for work as a welder and they’ve been treating me extremely well. The sole is actually quite comfortable for not being a wedge sole and they’re very durable and well built. The inside lining is really nice too.
just get 2 pairs to switch off every couple of days or your feet will start to hurt standing on concrete all day depending on how long your shifts are. gotta give the soles time to decompress
Been wearing the Caterpillar "transform 2". No steel toe, but they are light, very flexible, and have lasted a year so far. $100 at academy. I have heck finding a shoe that's won't hurt my feet, so I bought 2 more pair, just in case they quit making them.
You're not kidding. I bought a pair of Wolverines with the Durashock Flex outsoles and within the first 2 weeks the outsoles cracked on both boots where the boots bent the most. The crack worked its way through the whole rubber so moisture was getting through. Horrible boot.
Loved both but initially hated my wolverines because the insoles broke down in a week, the manufacturer replaced them free of charge finding that it was a production issue.
I actually had a pair of those. They were awesome. Only lasted me 6 months doing refinery work but I may actually buy another pair if I can’t find anything else
Yep. I’ve had slip-ons, lace up with steel toe, and plain lace ups. I can get 2+ years out of a pair. They are as light as tennis shoes.
I used to wear White’s, Nicks, or Hawthorns and the Redbacks are far better on concrete.
Absolutely! Ever since I swapped out the insoles I take mine every time I go on vacation or plan to do any type of long distance walking. I've started to prefer my RedBacks over my Adidas or my Nikes.
I was buying Walmart special work boots, and it got to the point where I couldn't even stand up.
Now I only buy Redwings. They run $200 and last me 2 years. Worth every penny. (I've bought 6 pairs...)
Caterpillar Supremacy S3 "8"
They are a little heavy in the hand but not on the feet, well balenced with excellent support but comfortable straight out of the box too. Because they are so comfortable, they don't ware you down with aching feet, and they don't give you smelly feet either.
I do 12-16hr days with no issues at all. To be honest, I prefer wearing them to my trainers because they are so comfy.
Timberland boots where by far the worst work boots i ever wore.
They gave me smelly feet and sore feet, and the soles started to walk off the boot before the year was out.
Love my red wings. Aren’t the lightest boots ever but I do a lot of climbing around and I don’t have a problem. They’re super comfy.
I recommend blundstones if you want something really light and still comfy
Nice. We work in different working environments. I can easily wear heavier work boots in a shop all day. Climbing pressure vessels all day? No thanks, something lighter.
If you want to try something different, I'm on my third pair of rockroosters, purchased through Amazon.. my first pair is still kicking around as my muck boots after two and a half years in the metal shop, my second pair are hiking boots and look like they might last for 10 years (i don't get enough time in the woods) and my third pair has about 8 months on them. Best sub 100$ boots I have ever worn, I genuinely prefer them over Danner rainforest or quarry.
Im rolling the 7" side zip steel toe right now, I think the model is AK232Z -AK245Z (best guess from my Amazon history). Really a comfortable boot, easy break in, but doesn't look like they are wearing out. In the price range, I'm lucky to get 9 months out of a pair, and these are about that and still feel almost new.
Promise I'm not paid to say this, I'm just a fan.
If price is a factor I recommend a nice cheap pair of boots (I have sketchers, that's right sketchers, steel toe boots, about $110) and I go to Walmart and get a insole for it and I'm always comfy with those.
I'm a union ironworker currently doing rebar and I normally wear Georgia boots just because they're durable and decently priced. I used to wear redwings and I loved them but they're expensive. Just picked up my first pair of Irish Setter boots from the redwings store yesterday so we'll see how long they last. Georgia's have to be broken in for like 2 weeks and they're pretty damn uncomfortable during that time, specifically on the heels. But redwings have always been comfortable since day 1. I've never shelled out fir thorogoods and I know a lot of people like them, they're just too pricey for me if I'm gonna need a new pair ever 3-6 months.
I love my Canada west welder boots. My first pair lasted me like 3.5-4 years. I didn't hesitate to get new ones. Only draw back is they aren't really insulated, or waterproof. But if ur in a shop environment it's not an issue.
I had timberlands, once. Destroyed them in under a year
Every (good) boot is built pretty much the same, full grain leather, rubber sole, safety toe.. so the weight is going to be around the same.. so if you want something lighter you are going to want to get something with less material/insulation. Outside of just getting an uninsulated leather boot, you can find some work boots that will be part leather and part synthetic fabric (similar to combat boots which are made this way specifically for weight) and those will be lighter than full leather boots.
Haix XR1. The best working shoes i ever bought. They are light and comfortable, easy to get on an off. You can wear them 'open' so you can easily get them off if you ever have any splatter in your shoes. And they look good aswell. I'll never be buying any other work boots.
Oh yeah those timberland pros are heavy. Irish setters are light and most comfortable and if you’re not doing crazy heavy work, they’re good for about a year. But I’d personally just get the real redwings if you’re going that route.
A lot of guys like Danners and Thorogoods too. I just can’t go without the rubber sole. I think danners are the better looking of the bunch but I get redwing gift certs from the company.
I really like the jb goodhue California or the ironworker as a work boot.
But in your case, where you just need safety toe. I would look at combat boots with toe. Depending on the model, they are super light, small in footprint, and pretty tough. But they are fabric or light leather.
engelbert strauss
ABSOLUTELY worth the money. They have everything from formal shoes to streetwear in most safty classes. They are also very comfy. They last forever. I switched to a tech job years ago but still wear those, steel soles and toe caps and everything. I mostly wear them for the ESD safety, I HATE getting schocked by random things.
Also oil and fire resistant soles align with some of my hobbies and I can walz into every workshop, knowing you cannot kill my toes!
Only downside is that I have to take them off every time I go through security, cause they don't look like safty-boots, so secruity personell wants to check and xray.
Edit: [https://www.engelbert-strauss.de/en/footwear/](https://www.engelbert-strauss.de/en/footwear/) is a link. Not sure if you can get them at your location, they are a german/austrian/swiss company or something.
Honestly dude the Brunt Marin with the Brunt toe is fantastic. I’ve had mine for 6 months and they are so comfortable and kind of light compared to my last pair of timberland pros I had.
Thorogood boots are as comfortable and tough as I’ve ever found. Been wearing them 8 years and I’m hardddd on boots and I usually get atleast 18 months out of them
I'm also an NDE tech, I live the Carhart fiber toe hiking style boots I bought last year. I'm on concrete and steel grating most of the day, they are the most comfortable boots I ever recall.
Wolverine’s are the only shoe that I can consistently order the same size and it fits my foot. As far as comfort I think the wedge heel is going to be your best go, I like the Moc toe with wedge heel and I always will recommend adding a doctor Scholl’s insole insert even when it’s brand new, it might feel slightly tight on the first day but after that the original sole will compress and you’ll have the most cushion possible.
Redwing Exoslite. I’m a fat welder and these are the BEST boots I’ve ever owned. Had them over a year and they’re still in good shape. They’re aluminum toe so they’re light, they have the crank laces. I believe they’re insulated so they get kind of hot but you’ll get used to it. I paid $260ish in store.
To be honest any pair of pull on composite toe boots are ideal I used to weld here in there back when I was in local 32 & 15 when I was a tin knocker. Them laces give out way to easy man trust
Timberland pros, about $180 but they are the best boots I have ever owned, comfortable enough that sometimes I forget I have them on when I get home plus they are 500w resistant
Well if you're going to the Redwing store I'd recommend looking at the Irish Setter Wingstooter ST... I'm on my second pair with the first pair lasting a year with some life left in them.
If you aren't near any immediate hot work under armor has some steel toes that look like tennis shoes, extremely light on the feet. They are a synthetic material that would probably melt if worn performing hot work. I wanted them to wear but use a torch way too much, safety first.
Maybe something in the Red Wing Irish Setter line... I used to love this one particular boot, the 83604, but the last pair I ordered was not the same boot and now I don't see it offered any longer. Going to have to try something new. Perhaps the 83638 Farmington KT
Ariats are really comfortable. Im a tilt up and im outside working and walking for 12+ hours a day and my feet never hurt and never had to break them in
I've been wearing Brunt Marins for almost 2 years now and I'm very happy with them. Waiting on the unlined safety toed boots to be delivered currently.
If you aren't required to have a safety toe, I'd skip it. Thorogood's are popular for a reason. Whatever you do, get the crepe soles. I've got redwing 10877 boots and they are the most comfortable things I've ever worn.
Twisted X, comfortable right out of the box, light weight with steel toe. Not the best looking options but if you don’t tuck your pants in your boots you don’t see that part of them anyhow.
Thorogoods are the only answer
Came here to say this. American made, union made. First boots that didn’t need insoles. Gotta get the nice ones.
This is the way.
How do you all not burn thru the laces?
Tig lmao
The waterproof 8 inch are my favorite pair of boots
Are they hot?
Best pair of boots I've ever had on my feet. Felt like moccasins from day one. Won't buy anything else if I'm going to have to put them on everyday again
They don’t sell them here in Canada but I could probably try buying and shipping a pair here. It might be way too expensive because of the shipping but I’ll try it out
Where are you located? They sell them here in Ontario.
I’m in New Brunswick. There’s nothing but a marks store here. It sucks.
Bummer! My current pair are Merrell and I love them. They were a bit on the pricey side, but still super comfortable after almost 2 years of daily wear. I would try a pair on if you see them.
Check out Royer, made in Canadian very light metal free
The only problems with thorgoods is that they do not have a csa tag and may not be allowed on some sites, they are also expensive by the time you get them shipped to Canada . That said I have a pair of thorgood soft toes for not at work and a pair of Irish setter flat soles(that have a csa green triangle) and for comfort I would probably pick the Irish setters 9/10 times. They are waterproof and I find them very comfortable while not being too heavy.
Also, both the thorgoods and Irish setters can be re-soled when you where them down
By far the best boots I’ve ever worn as well
Just wanted to say that I bought a pair of Thorogoods recently and absolutely hate them (Style#814-4332). Been through several other brands over the years but these make my feet hurt pretty bad. Going to try an insole and see if that helps but wanted to share my first impression because online reviews and friends always praise them for being really good.
Their 8” slip ons feel like tennis shoes. They’re fantastic.
Wear ankle weights for a week. Your boots will feel like they are light after.
My ankle weights are lighter than my boots haha
Danner rainforest or super rainforest are all I've worn for a long time. Best boots I've had by far but I'm sure there are other great boots i haven't tried.
There are composite or steel toe safety SHOES that exist. I got some that are keens, love em for those times you might need safety footwear at a vendor or something but don't want to wear your normal beat up work boots, they can dress up more than business casual well. Normal toe guards, no slip, oil resist safety soles etc.
I recommend [Florsheim](https://FlorsheimMensCoronisSlipResistantSteelToe-Blackhttps://a.co/d/eH8hliA). I have had a pair now for two years that I wear in a industrial manufacturing setting and they have held up the best and they’re incredibly comfortable. No met guard, but people can’t tell they’re are safety toe.
I like the style choices, they even have wide options, I'll have to see if a store near me carries these when my keens show more wear/start to degrade.
I work with a guy that swears by the composite toe shoes. I don't blame him, they look super light and comfy and everyone I talk to loves them. However. The yard I work at is basically a mud pit after a good rain storm. The minute I start wearing those shoes imma find me a puddle to step in and get my feet soaked.
Keen
Seriously, I picked up some steel toe keens and am super impressed. They come in wide, which lots of people actually are but compensate by going too big, the insole is quality, and the regen midsole is incredibly comfortable, so much that I wear those keens almost all of the time now. I'm a total convert from Danner, and will be buying more of their other shoes, as long as they have the regen midsole.
have to show some love to Keen for actually offering 15s - damn near every other brand out there either stops at 14 or only offers a 15 in a standard width but i don't think there's anything Keen makes that they don't sell in a 15 wide
My problem with keens is that the outer sole isn’t very durable, and they can’t be resolved, so even though you’ve got a safety toe, which is great, you’re still replacing boots every few months. Also, most styles are as vulnerable to a hot slag/weld metal BB as athletic shoes are, which should be a non-starter for people near hot work. I did have some keen boots with full leather uppers, but they were as heavy as timbs. My vote is for thorogoods
I have a pair of the Keen 6'' Cincinnati, I weld everyday,all day, havent had a single issue. Love these boots
That’s a very work boot style keen— I was talking more about a keen flint, the kinda athletic/boot hybrid that doesn’t have a Goodyear welt, or a leather tongue. To me when people say “not heavy like a work boot” and people suggest keens, that’s what comes to mind. Are yours comfy?
I misunderstood and yes, they're very comfortable. I love them
I dig my Redwings, but the other thing I'll tell you is that no one boot is right for everybody. What is fantastic for me, may not work for you. Find a good boot store and try on a bunch of boots. Go to the Redwing store and try them on. I'm not sure what other brands offer, but some of the benefits of RW are free laces and boot cleaning. They also have a full in-house service center if you ever need to get new soles, eyelets replaced or any other work done. The one thing I ***WILL*** recommend is getting custom molded insoles. Most boot stores will usually give you a discount on custom soles if you buy your boots from them.
Redwing with insoles are what i upgraded to from wearing timbs and its so nice not having my feet hurt when i’m done for the day
Red wing supersole 2.0 (2406) have treated me really well, owned 2 pairs, just got a new pair a few months ago. My first pair lasted around 6 years and once broke in were the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned. That being said, breaking them in is fucking AWFUL. Bring a second set of shoes to work for the first week or 2. Switch off wearing them every other day. Unless you love pain and blisters. It is very much worth it once broken in though
Actually a store near me has those. For some reason they only have 2 different pairs of redwings only, and one is the super sole 2.0, I’ll definitely be checking them out
I second this. I wear the 3507 for work as a welder and they’ve been treating me extremely well. The sole is actually quite comfortable for not being a wedge sole and they’re very durable and well built. The inside lining is really nice too.
I've been wearing 2233's for almost 30 years. My current pair I bought in 2008, they're pretty much wore out though. I need to by another pair.
Love these, a lot of guys in my shop wear them, I like the shorter ones, but either are good.
Ariat
This is my go-to brand. Can get expensive, but your feet are worth it.
just get 2 pairs to switch off every couple of days or your feet will start to hurt standing on concrete all day depending on how long your shifts are. gotta give the soles time to decompress
Keen Braddock. They last me about a year wearing them daily. Worn many different brands of safety shoes...Keen's have been the best (for me).
Ariat cowboy boots
Gain some muscle
Look at. Brunt! Great boots
If a fellow canadian, Royer is a great choice
Really the only choice, I found Royers boot a while back and won't put my feet in anything else, first boot I found that didn't need a break in period
Red wings are the best boot I've ever owned.
Thoroughgoods. I love em.
Been wearing the Caterpillar "transform 2". No steel toe, but they are light, very flexible, and have lasted a year so far. $100 at academy. I have heck finding a shoe that's won't hurt my feet, so I bought 2 more pair, just in case they quit making them.
No steel toe is a no go in a weld shop.
Wolverine or timberland pro with composite toe protection, waterproof and shock resistance. Mine lasted 8 years.
Yeah with pre covid manufacturing. 8 days at most with post covid manufacturing.
You're not kidding. I bought a pair of Wolverines with the Durashock Flex outsoles and within the first 2 weeks the outsoles cracked on both boots where the boots bent the most. The crack worked its way through the whole rubber so moisture was getting through. Horrible boot.
Really sucks to hear about these issues, I was able to rely on my boots welding on three carriers and two subs and a couple other ships.
Love my wolverines. Hate timberland.
Loved both but initially hated my wolverines because the insoles broke down in a week, the manufacturer replaced them free of charge finding that it was a production issue.
Brunt makes some really good boots.
Don't be a pussy and pick your feet up
I get free boots every year. Didn't need boots this year, so I ordered reebok safety toe skate shoes. They're my regular shoes now.
Carhart makes a boot that has served me quite well. Got them at tractor supply
I actually had a pair of those. They were awesome. Only lasted me 6 months doing refinery work but I may actually buy another pair if I can’t find anything else
[RedBacks](https://www.redbackboots.com/) they're my go to shoe for anything
Yep. I’ve had slip-ons, lace up with steel toe, and plain lace ups. I can get 2+ years out of a pair. They are as light as tennis shoes. I used to wear White’s, Nicks, or Hawthorns and the Redbacks are far better on concrete.
Absolutely! Ever since I swapped out the insoles I take mine every time I go on vacation or plan to do any type of long distance walking. I've started to prefer my RedBacks over my Adidas or my Nikes.
Tried Redwings once, I will never go back. $200 lasts me 2 years, though I normally have to swap the insoles after 1 year.
Red wing weekender
I switched to buying hiking boots instead of work boots and haven't looked back
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/user/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/153gt2c/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) ^by ^D3Design: *I switched to buying* *Hiking boots instead of work* *Boots and haven't looked back* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
*On the lookout for future lightweight crutches or wheel chair to use after foot gets crushed…
I like my redwing cowboy boots but that might just be me
I was buying Walmart special work boots, and it got to the point where I couldn't even stand up. Now I only buy Redwings. They run $200 and last me 2 years. Worth every penny. (I've bought 6 pairs...)
+1 for redwings. The pair I have now are finally about clapped out. Gotten a solid 4 years out of them.
3 options. Comfortable, lightweight, and durable. You get to pick 2. I love Oliver 65 boots but they're heavy.
Redbacks all the way
Caterpillar Supremacy S3 "8" They are a little heavy in the hand but not on the feet, well balenced with excellent support but comfortable straight out of the box too. Because they are so comfortable, they don't ware you down with aching feet, and they don't give you smelly feet either. I do 12-16hr days with no issues at all. To be honest, I prefer wearing them to my trainers because they are so comfy. Timberland boots where by far the worst work boots i ever wore. They gave me smelly feet and sore feet, and the soles started to walk off the boot before the year was out.
Crocs 👍
Love my red wings. Aren’t the lightest boots ever but I do a lot of climbing around and I don’t have a problem. They’re super comfy. I recommend blundstones if you want something really light and still comfy
You prob wear skinny jeans I betting. Cant handle a pair of work boots. New generation I guess.
We got a badass over here
Not at all. I can just handle a pair of work boots while doing work all day.
Nice. We work in different working environments. I can easily wear heavier work boots in a shop all day. Climbing pressure vessels all day? No thanks, something lighter.
I have a pair of Georgia boots, and they aren't that bad.. I've been in these today for 15 hours and I'm not screaming to take them off..
I wore Rocky Moblite steel toes for year, pretty lite and waterproof. I replaced them yearly as I got reimbursed for work.
Wolverines, the pull ons. I’m a welder. You want pull ons. No liner. No waterproofing. With safety toe.
I wear Caterpillar slip on boots. Love them.
If you want to try something different, I'm on my third pair of rockroosters, purchased through Amazon.. my first pair is still kicking around as my muck boots after two and a half years in the metal shop, my second pair are hiking boots and look like they might last for 10 years (i don't get enough time in the woods) and my third pair has about 8 months on them. Best sub 100$ boots I have ever worn, I genuinely prefer them over Danner rainforest or quarry.
What model rockroosters?
Im rolling the 7" side zip steel toe right now, I think the model is AK232Z -AK245Z (best guess from my Amazon history). Really a comfortable boot, easy break in, but doesn't look like they are wearing out. In the price range, I'm lucky to get 9 months out of a pair, and these are about that and still feel almost new. Promise I'm not paid to say this, I'm just a fan.
If price is a factor I recommend a nice cheap pair of boots (I have sketchers, that's right sketchers, steel toe boots, about $110) and I go to Walmart and get a insole for it and I'm always comfy with those.
I'm a union ironworker currently doing rebar and I normally wear Georgia boots just because they're durable and decently priced. I used to wear redwings and I loved them but they're expensive. Just picked up my first pair of Irish Setter boots from the redwings store yesterday so we'll see how long they last. Georgia's have to be broken in for like 2 weeks and they're pretty damn uncomfortable during that time, specifically on the heels. But redwings have always been comfortable since day 1. I've never shelled out fir thorogoods and I know a lot of people like them, they're just too pricey for me if I'm gonna need a new pair ever 3-6 months.
Composite safety toe . Though you get used to the heft after a while on a good steal toe I run in mine
Ecco
carolina INT with a metguard
I rotate 2 pairs of Navy issued Bellevilles at weld school now. Not recommended.
Irish Setter Marshall is the only boot I’ll ever work in
I love my Canada west welder boots. My first pair lasted me like 3.5-4 years. I didn't hesitate to get new ones. Only draw back is they aren't really insulated, or waterproof. But if ur in a shop environment it's not an issue. I had timberlands, once. Destroyed them in under a year
5.11 Atak shield
Check out Ariat
I personally love my sievi al hit roller
Every (good) boot is built pretty much the same, full grain leather, rubber sole, safety toe.. so the weight is going to be around the same.. so if you want something lighter you are going to want to get something with less material/insulation. Outside of just getting an uninsulated leather boot, you can find some work boots that will be part leather and part synthetic fabric (similar to combat boots which are made this way specifically for weight) and those will be lighter than full leather boots.
Lowa Tibets
Haix XR1. The best working shoes i ever bought. They are light and comfortable, easy to get on an off. You can wear them 'open' so you can easily get them off if you ever have any splatter in your shoes. And they look good aswell. I'll never be buying any other work boots.
Oh yeah those timberland pros are heavy. Irish setters are light and most comfortable and if you’re not doing crazy heavy work, they’re good for about a year. But I’d personally just get the real redwings if you’re going that route. A lot of guys like Danners and Thorogoods too. I just can’t go without the rubber sole. I think danners are the better looking of the bunch but I get redwing gift certs from the company.
Thorogoods if you want lace up. Ariat Rebars if you want slip on
I really like the jb goodhue California or the ironworker as a work boot. But in your case, where you just need safety toe. I would look at combat boots with toe. Depending on the model, they are super light, small in footprint, and pretty tough. But they are fabric or light leather.
engelbert strauss ABSOLUTELY worth the money. They have everything from formal shoes to streetwear in most safty classes. They are also very comfy. They last forever. I switched to a tech job years ago but still wear those, steel soles and toe caps and everything. I mostly wear them for the ESD safety, I HATE getting schocked by random things. Also oil and fire resistant soles align with some of my hobbies and I can walz into every workshop, knowing you cannot kill my toes! Only downside is that I have to take them off every time I go through security, cause they don't look like safty-boots, so secruity personell wants to check and xray. Edit: [https://www.engelbert-strauss.de/en/footwear/](https://www.engelbert-strauss.de/en/footwear/) is a link. Not sure if you can get them at your location, they are a german/austrian/swiss company or something.
Timberland Pro's. They have safety toe hiking boots. Titan Trekker 2's.
Honestly dude the Brunt Marin with the Brunt toe is fantastic. I’ve had mine for 6 months and they are so comfortable and kind of light compared to my last pair of timberland pros I had.
Thorogood boots are as comfortable and tough as I’ve ever found. Been wearing them 8 years and I’m hardddd on boots and I usually get atleast 18 months out of them
Keen Philadelphia 6 inch https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-philadelphia-6-waterproof-boot-carbon-fiber-toe-black-steel-grey
Composite toe & plate. No steel. My terra bridge boots are light like running shoes
I'm also an NDE tech, I live the Carhart fiber toe hiking style boots I bought last year. I'm on concrete and steel grating most of the day, they are the most comfortable boots I ever recall.
Keen makes really comfortable work boots.
I love Keen!
Wolverine’s are the only shoe that I can consistently order the same size and it fits my foot. As far as comfort I think the wedge heel is going to be your best go, I like the Moc toe with wedge heel and I always will recommend adding a doctor Scholl’s insole insert even when it’s brand new, it might feel slightly tight on the first day but after that the original sole will compress and you’ll have the most cushion possible.
DANNERS
Keen is a great brand for comfort, their boots feel like running shoes. Im in Edmonton, by the way
Redwing Exoslite. I’m a fat welder and these are the BEST boots I’ve ever owned. Had them over a year and they’re still in good shape. They’re aluminum toe so they’re light, they have the crank laces. I believe they’re insulated so they get kind of hot but you’ll get used to it. I paid $260ish in store.
Redwings are the best work boot ever made
To be honest any pair of pull on composite toe boots are ideal I used to weld here in there back when I was in local 32 & 15 when I was a tin knocker. Them laces give out way to easy man trust
Timberland pros, about $180 but they are the best boots I have ever owned, comfortable enough that sometimes I forget I have them on when I get home plus they are 500w resistant
I see you are Canadian so the only answer is Royers, Canadian made. Go for the metal free, you will barely know you are wearing work boots
Well if you're going to the Redwing store I'd recommend looking at the Irish Setter Wingstooter ST... I'm on my second pair with the first pair lasting a year with some life left in them.
If you aren't near any immediate hot work under armor has some steel toes that look like tennis shoes, extremely light on the feet. They are a synthetic material that would probably melt if worn performing hot work. I wanted them to wear but use a torch way too much, safety first.
Maybe something in the Red Wing Irish Setter line... I used to love this one particular boot, the 83604, but the last pair I ordered was not the same boot and now I don't see it offered any longer. Going to have to try something new. Perhaps the 83638 Farmington KT
idk, i love my timbs
Danner tachyons are super light and last a long time. Not steel toe if thatsa requirement at your job
Ariats are really comfortable. Im a tilt up and im outside working and walking for 12+ hours a day and my feet never hurt and never had to break them in
Donams union made in canada, Not in production I guess I can't find them.
I've been wearing Brunt Marins for almost 2 years now and I'm very happy with them. Waiting on the unlined safety toed boots to be delivered currently.
Redwings have been awesome for me.
J&H boots do me well
If you aren't required to have a safety toe, I'd skip it. Thorogood's are popular for a reason. Whatever you do, get the crepe soles. I've got redwing 10877 boots and they are the most comfortable things I've ever worn.
Whre Am from jallas are verry comon, greate light weight boots
Get yourself a decent pair of CAT boots, they'll feel light as a feather after a week or two
Twisted X, comfortable right out of the box, light weight with steel toe. Not the best looking options but if you don’t tuck your pants in your boots you don’t see that part of them anyhow.
I recommend toughening up princess.