What are the best civilian boots on the market that have comfort and will take a beating?

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:15:21 -0500

I need opinions on boots.. I am so tired of buying boots every 6 months to a year. My job has me in boots 300 days out of the year. Every time I try a different brand.. They just want last.... Any opinions would be appreciated..

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 28 at 2016 9:19 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:19:09 -0500

For my civilian hiking and general winter use, I have really come to like Lowa Boots. They may be best for your civilian job.

I also recommend Rocky boots. There are many.

http://www.rockyboots.com/waterproof-boots/#prefn1=gender&prefv1=Men's

https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/hiking

All Waterproof Gear Waterproof Boots & Gear

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 9:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:21:18 -0500

I've always gone with Redwings for work and Wolverine for leisure. Both offer a great line up. I would suggest looking at those. Although the Redwings are generally pretty pricey.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jan 28 at 2016 9:58 AM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:58:42 -0500

Lately I've found such a wide variety in quality from shoe model to shoe model even within the same brand name, it's insane. All you can do is try them on at the store, see how they feel on your feet , check out the material used in their construction, then go with what seems best for you.

I do recommend using SOLE custom footbed inserts. You heat them in the oven, fit them to your feet and use them to replace the cheap foam inserts most shoes come with today. While expensive up front, they seem to last forever and you can even put them in new shoes when your old ones fall apart.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 28 at 2016 10:08 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 10:08:21 -0500

Danner TFX for comfort. If you can use a hiking shoe, Keen. If you need safety toes, can't help you there

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 11:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:00:31 -0500

I have a set of Merrill hiking/work boots. They are 6" boots that have lasted me for about 4 years now. They are comfortable, lightweight, durable and worth the cost. Merrill is on the pricey side, but they are absolutely worth it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 11:04 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:04:18 -0500

I am not sure about a work boot, Merrell or Keen make a good hiking boot/shoe.

Response by SFC Nathan Hudek made Jan 28 at 2016 11:32 AM

SFC Nathan Hudek — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:32:10 -0500

Danner boots with the stitch down soles. When you wear out the soles send them in and they will refurbish them and send them back. Otherwise my father inlaw is a retired iron worker and he swears by red wings.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 12:40 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:40:32 -0500

Redwing Boots with Steel-toe & Full-shank.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 28 at 2016 1:22 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 13:22:25 -0500

SGT John " Mac " McConnell As someone that's spent his life walking on steel decks, I couldn't recommend Redwings more. They're durable, comfortable, and affordable.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 13:27:23 -0500

Where I work we are required to wear steel-toe and spend a lot of time walking on grip-strut, which tears up soles really good. Luckily, work provides a pair of boots every year, and we typically get Danner boots, there are several styles that I would recommend, the Quarry and Workman are both ones I like, but there are several others as well. We've also had some of the Keen steel-toe that I've really been impressed with, they don't last as long with the conditions, but they're typically less expensive and really comfortable.

As for hiking boots, I've really enjoyed various Merrell, Keen, and even Salomon. I've made the transition to hiking shoes rather than boots, unless I'm carrying really heavy pack. But I enjoy the flexibility and freedom of movement in the shoes really sold me and I don't think I'll go back for my everyday hiking.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Jan 28 at 2016 3:25 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 15:25:54 -0500

SGT John " Mac " McConnell Merrill or Rocky's would be my recommendation.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jan 28 at 2016 3:42 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 15:42:58 -0500

There is a company in Spokane, Wa. called whites boots. There boots are hand made and they make a lot for the forest service fire crews. I have been wearing them in a lumber mill environment for 30 years. They are comfortable, quick to break in and take a beating. They also make a lot of different styles. You should be able to find them on line.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 4:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:28:38 -0500

I have had the best luck with ASOLO'S. They are easily the best boots i have ever worn. I still use mine to work in, and mine have two tours in afghanistan and lots of time at home. 5 years old and still kicking. I also agree with the people who have said Merrills.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 28 at 2016 7:52 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:52:06 -0500

Red Wing work boots have never done me wrong! I use them for everything. Working, riding my motorcycle, and daily footwear. My current pair I've had over a year and all I've had to do is replace the laces and re-oil the leather every few months.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 8:30 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 08:30:09 -0500

I'm a rock solid fan of the Georgia Boot Company...You can get them at most farm stores.

Response by LCpl Arrick Moore made Jan 29 at 2016 9:46 PM

LCpl Arrick Moore — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 21:46:25 -0500

There is only once choice for work boots if money is of no object... That is the Redwing Brand.

Response by CW3 Jim Potts made Feb 4 at 2016 2:56 PM

CW3 Jim Potts — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:56:28 -0500

John,

You employer should be buying these boots for you. Have you asked them?

Do you have OSHO or employer safety requirements? These will drive what kind of boots you wear. How are your boots wearing out?

Do you have a cobbler that can repair your boots? This is a maintenance item.

Jim

Response by PO2 Ray Michalak made Mar 2 at 2016 8:24 AM

PO2 Ray Michalak — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 08:24:33 -0500

I swear by Keen boots. From hiking and scrambling to long hours on my feet at work (and walking along railroad ballast) I've never found boots that leave me feeling better at the end of the day. I currently have 5 different pairs, from high top work boots to low, ventilated hikers, and I'll be a Keen fan for life.