They look very nice but around $500 CAD is definitely more than I’m looking to spend right now. Maybe in the future though, they do look like something I’d like.
Red Wing is expensive but I’ve put thousands of miles on mine. The tarsal guard saved my foot when someone (fuck you Brent) set a 6000lb pallet down on it while I was trying to undo his stupid fucking knot that he tied in the ratchet strap for God knows what reason. I have another pair that’s just safety toe and they are my favorite pair of shoes.
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Red Wing and apparently there’s a store nearby, but they are out of my price range. I’ve considered saving up for a pair but wasn’t sure it would be worth it. Maybe I’ll finally check them out, try a few on, see what the hype is all about. I know they’re supposed to last a very long time. Everything you’ve said I’ve heard, I just don’t know if I can stomach spending that much on footwear.
Also, I used to work with a Brent who nearly crushed my foot under a pallet not much lighter than what you said so I feel that for sure. Thankfully he missed though.
They have several product lines and many are still made in the states, but from what I’ve seen in-store, their Chinese footwear might be made there but they’re as tight on designs with them as the US-made boots, although many of the cheaper boots have molded soles instead of welts, so it isn’t exactly 1-1 comparisons.
I was there last month looking for some safety shoes to replace my redwing boots as I’ve changed roles in my company and don’t need 8" boots anymore. They didn’t have any shoes in stock because they were partnering with New Balance for their fall lineup of safety shoes. I couldn’t wait, so I picked up an ultra light 6" boot that I’m pretty happy with. Still fucking expensive though.
They’re not “the best” literally ever, but they’re close and they have stores everywhere and they’re serious about boots. Them and Thorogood’s trade blows back and forth as competitors. Can’t go wrong with either, and get wool socks. You’ll thank me for it.
What do you recommend? I’m not in the market right now but I probably will be in the near ish future.
Get some William Lennon boots. Super durable and made in UK and cheaper than most big brand boots.
Probably have to send them back to the UK to be resoled because they use old school wire welts, but it’ll be years until you need to do that.
6 month lead time though.
They look very nice but around $500 CAD is definitely more than I’m looking to spend right now. Maybe in the future though, they do look like something I’d like.
Red Wing is expensive but I’ve put thousands of miles on mine. The tarsal guard saved my foot when someone (fuck you Brent) set a 6000lb pallet down on it while I was trying to undo his stupid fucking knot that he tied in the ratchet strap for God knows what reason. I have another pair that’s just safety toe and they are my favorite pair of shoes.
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Red Wing and apparently there’s a store nearby, but they are out of my price range. I’ve considered saving up for a pair but wasn’t sure it would be worth it. Maybe I’ll finally check them out, try a few on, see what the hype is all about. I know they’re supposed to last a very long time. Everything you’ve said I’ve heard, I just don’t know if I can stomach spending that much on footwear.
Also, I used to work with a Brent who nearly crushed my foot under a pallet not much lighter than what you said so I feel that for sure. Thankfully he missed though.
Didn’t Red Wing move most of their boot manufacturing to China? They’ve got one or two lines still made in Red Wing MN but iirc it’s mostly China now.
Well that’s disappointing to hear. I have had mine for like a decade so it’d make sense that I’m out of the loop
They have several product lines and many are still made in the states, but from what I’ve seen in-store, their Chinese footwear might be made there but they’re as tight on designs with them as the US-made boots, although many of the cheaper boots have molded soles instead of welts, so it isn’t exactly 1-1 comparisons.
I was there last month looking for some safety shoes to replace my redwing boots as I’ve changed roles in my company and don’t need 8" boots anymore. They didn’t have any shoes in stock because they were partnering with New Balance for their fall lineup of safety shoes. I couldn’t wait, so I picked up an ultra light 6" boot that I’m pretty happy with. Still fucking expensive though.
The best mid-high range brand boot is RedWing.
They’re not “the best” literally ever, but they’re close and they have stores everywhere and they’re serious about boots. Them and Thorogood’s trade blows back and forth as competitors. Can’t go wrong with either, and get wool socks. You’ll thank me for it.
Do not go to Boot Barn…
Nick’s, no contest.