Affordable work boots options and opinions

[Norman89]

Well it's the magical sales day and I'm looking for new work boots. I'm a diesel mechanic so chemicals, brake clean,hydraulic fluid, and such are around me all the time and always take a toll on my boots. For a long time I ran georgie logger boots when I was doing outdoor work but the last few years have been more inside the shop on smooth concrete floors where I have found the danner quarry's to be very comfortable but inside 6 months I can have chunks falling off the soles and cracks in the leather. The old georgia's I could get a year out of them pretty easy but as I get older the raised heel is becoming troublesome for my back. So what are your guys opinions on a affordable durable comfortable work boot that can withstand my needs? Insulation is not needed as the shop has a huge oil burner heater, water proof isn't a deal breaker but water repellant would be fine, can't have a raised heel, and I'm in the 200$ range for affordability

[hughjorgan]

I like redwings, comfy and durable. Take care of the leather and a lot of their boots can be resoled for 100 dollars. Last pair I just bought cost me around 230 with tax. Customer service is great as well.

[Remnar]

Another vote for Redwing.

[Sandberm]

I was always a under $150 a pair kind of guy. I would get 2-3 years on the farm. Ive just been wearing old hiking shoes the past couple years to do my work.

I bought the Georgia brand a couple of times and liked them but its been some years since.

One brand NOT to get, Arias. I think thats what they are called, they make jeans too I think. They were the MOST comfortable boots I ever owned. Very light, easy to get around in. BUT, they fell apart VERY quickly.

I've often found that the most comfortable clothing off the shelf wears out the fastest.

[syoungs]

Ariats is the brand your talking about avoiding. I concur with that.

Ive been wearing danner quarrys for 7 years or so now. Was going through a pair a year until instarted getting religious with leather care and treatment. (Not working in automotive environment)


Working in an automotive is very harsh on boots, I never was able to get a long term boot when I was working around auto chemicals, though im sure leather care and treatment would help. Tranny fluid and brake fluid seem to destroy boots fast.

I know the local safety shoe shop, and i beleive redwing, bth had boots designed for an auto tech. Soles and stitching were slightly different. Never tried them as i didnt know about them until after i got out of that career, may be worth a chat with a work boot supplier to get their thoughts though.

[Buckmark]

I work in the same conditions as you describe you work in and have worn Redback boots for years and they are great
https://www.redbackboots.com/industry/mechanic-boots

[Dale Gribble]

Redbacks are top notch, I wear them at work (Fire/EMS) but I also have a pair for working in my shop at home working on tractors and trucks if I’m not wearing my double H boots which are another good option IMO. Just be weary with the redbacks they size them down one size so if you wear a 10 buy a 9.

[WRENCHMAN]

 
i love my redbacks

[follow maggie]

I wore Redwings in the Navy & loved them. Comfortable, had oil & slip resistant soles and lasted a long time.

[SGTDuffman]

If you took a stroll around a construction site you’d see probably 90% Thorogoods, almost exclusively the wedges. Good for being on your feet all day.

[Mossy]

Redwings are my work boot choice based off the choices my company gives me. I choose the USA made ones that fit my criteria.

[hollymaster]

If you took a stroll around a construction site you’d see probably 90% Thorogoods, almost exclusively the wedges. Good for being on your feet all day.

Thorogoods would be great if there sole held up longer than 6 months. 
Switched too redwings, so far holding up better.

[ridgefire]

I would take a look at the Thorogood wedge boots.

[deerlick]

I tried redbacks and was very unimpressed. Wore them 3 months and got rid of them. Redwing or danner romeos for me

[Westside88]

Have you tried Obenoffs leather treatment? I’ve found it helps my boots last longer. I like Danner Super Rainforest, depending on where I’m working. I usually have a heavy and light option for footwear. Obenoffs is supposed to help with firefighting chemicals and caustics. I’d go with what feels best for your feet and back and try to protect them