Classic Work Boots

[Samouraï]

Hey guys, I am looking for a pair of classic work boots that I can wear in over the next few years. I need a pair that will be comfortable for everyday, all-year use. So I don't want anything too heavy/insulated.

Laces, over-the-ankle styling. Any color is fine.

I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a great pair of classically styled, leather work boots.

I've been working on these boots for about four years, now, and they have served me very well. Through puddles and snow. They've been resoled twice, and are in need of another resoling (leather soles with thin rubber nailed/glued to the bottoms. They are great, but I am looking for quality/beat-up, lace-up work boot now. I was figuring some of the guys on the board might be able to recommend the standard boot from way back in the day.

Thanks

 

[mmack66]

The Fedora Lounge is a good place to get ideas of vintage style boots.

 

[john parker]

Might look at Red Wings.

 

[bluepunk18]

Might look at Red Wings.

+1 to RedWings. Comfortable from day 1, and great for all weather. You might consider some Dr. Marten's, but they are a bit harsh on the feet until properly broken in. At least, my 14-eye pair was. What kind of work do you do?

 

[Samouraï]

+1 to RedWings. Comfortable from day 1, and great for all weather. You might consider some Dr. Marten's, but they are a bit harsh on the feet until properly broken in. At least, my 14-eye pair was. What kind of work do you do?

I'm looking for an everyday shoe for every situation, not necessarily for working. I just want something utilitarian, yet simple and attractive--classic. Something that will hold up over three years, but also looks fashionable (but not trendy). As I said, pure, utilitarian simplicity. One pair of boot/shoes for a summer in europe.

 

[Doc4]

Right now I'm looking for a pair of boots to wear with a suit walking through snow/slush/puddles, and still look halfways presentable. I'm finding the western/cowboy/english/riding boots offer a good option. Look for a subdued pair of 'lacers' or laced 'paddock' boots from Ariat or Double H, something like that ...

... if you are looking for stylish/durable for everyday wear and a summer in Europe.

... if you are spending 12 hours a day on a construction site and need steel toes &c, this might not be the best option ...

 

[MAK]

agree with Red Wings

 

[Grace]

Danners.

 

[highball]

Whites Boots get my vote

 

[ProphetNoir]

Danners.

+1 for Danners.

 

[Samouraï]

thanks for all the great recommendations guys! some really great looking boots out there. i found a neat looking pair, a bit pricy, though. you guys ever heard of Tricker's? Apparently they make boots/shoes in London in an old-fashioned style for all sorts of companies. here's one from their own brand: http://www.pediwear.co.uk/trickers/products/2557.php

 

[mparker762]

Alden makes a classic pair of workboots: Alden Workboot.

Made famous in the Indiana Jones series, when Harrison Ford insisted on wearing his own workboots from his carpentering days instead of the Red Wing's the costume department wanted him to wear.

 

[DS/B MCS]

Depends on your budget, but these are all great boots that will last much more than 3 years
Chippewa
Frye
Danner

If your budget allows, you will be hard pressed to beat anything from...
Wesco

 

[azmark]

Anything from Danner. Expensive but I still have boots that are 10 years old.

 

[MMCCX]

Red Wing Iron Ranger

 

[Kouros]

The new line of Timberland Earthkeepers kick ***.

 

[RoyalKooparillo]

+1 on the Red Wings!

 

[jlanger]

I have these that picked up at a red wing store closing last year. I wear them for work (I'm a mental health social worker) and for daily use. Though from what I've heard from other's about red wings I'd recommend just about any pair you could find/like. These are by far some of the best shoes/boots I've ever had, I can walk a long ways with out my feet hurting and at the end of a long day my feet aren't sore or tired.

I'd recommend getting the 6 inch vs the 8 as mine are a real PIA to get on/take off. The only other criticism I have is that there isn't a lot of cushioning in them. Whenever I jump down from something I definitely feel it. I'm debating on adding a pair of cushioning insoles to see if that makes any difference. I find it odd that despite the lack of cushioning, I can be on me feet all day with these things and not be sore.

Red Wing Link

 

[galopede]

Trickers are in a class above the others. Made in Northampton (not London) they are one of a few traditional shoemakers left.

I have a couple of pairs of their brogues (Wingtips?) and they will probably see me out!

Been fancying a pair of their boots too.

Did the comedy film Kinky Boots ever make it to the States? That was filmed at their little works in Northampton.

 

[PaulX608]

Trickers are in a class above the others. Made in Northampton (not London) they are one of a few traditional shoemakers left.

I have a couple of pairs of their brogues (Wingtips?) and they will probably see me out!

Been fancying a pair of their boots too.

Did the comedy film Kinky Boots ever make it to the States? That was filmed at their little works in Northampton.

Kinky Boots did air here on BBC America. Excellent film! I had assumed they used a real factory, nice to confirm that.

As for the boots, I'm a huge fan of Red Wing boots. Had a few pairs of those. My last name is Danner, but I've had a pair of the Danner boots. My mother had a pair, I always thought it was cool for her to go to work with her name on the back of her boots!