Best boots/shoes for the shop

murph783
Posts
1361
Joined
3/2/2011
Location
CT US
3/1/2018 5:27am Edited Date/Time 10/22/2021 6:46am
Different kind of shop question here, but anyone that works in a shop/standing on concrete floors all day, what’s the best boot/steel toed shoe you’ve found? I’ve got a pretty bad lower back from years of racing and miscellaneous injuries, and being on the concrete all day only makes it worse. I always used to wear the logger type boots when I worked outdoors, but those don’t seem to cut it inside. Found something like a timberland pro with a shorter heel to be a little better but not a huge difference. Any advice?
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slipdog
Posts
10043
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
3/1/2018 5:42am
I've tried about everything over the years, but with bad ankles, I have found regular Sketchers running shoes with memory foam soles feel the best after a long day in the shop. I find the combo of the memory foam and light weight makes the difference for me.
kb228
Posts
6161
Joined
1/31/2018
Location
Mansfield, OH US
3/1/2018 6:09am
I wear under armour shoes when im in the shop. I havent found anything else as comfortable. Im not a professional mechanic so im not sure of those are allowed in a real shop. Osha doesnt apply to my garage tho.
AJ565
Posts
2075
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX US
3/1/2018 6:22am
So far for me working in a shop 8-5 mostly standing what I've found is DC Shoes unilite flex trainer. Light weight and not hot.
FiendzCC
Posts
316
Joined
9/12/2017
Location
Murrieta, CA US
3/1/2018 9:47am Edited Date/Time 3/1/2018 10:27am
Look at investing in some proper work boots. Buy a pair and never look back. Go American made, don't buy any hipster chinese shit. If you actually "work", the budget fashionista stuff won't last.

I'm a tall guy, I've struggled with maintaining posture my whole life. I have a pair of Red Wing 8" MOC toe getting resoled right now and a pair of 6" Thorogood plain toes I'm breaking in for summer, as it gets pretty hot here in California. Cork soles work as a perfect cushion for hard concrete floors, and arch supports insoles will help your posture and lower back even more. I can't even wear casual shoes for more than a couple hours anymore. I just end up wearing my boots when I go to the bar haha

Thorogoods run $100 less than Redwings in most cases. There's plenty of other options out there, these are just the two brands I trust the most.
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The Shop

murph783
Posts
1361
Joined
3/2/2011
Location
CT US
3/1/2018 10:25am
No shit, I never even realized cork soled boots existed. I’ve worn Redwings for my last few pair and I’m certainly happy with getting my money’s worth. Maybe I’ll go that route. Thanks for the heads up
r.sal923
Posts
564
Joined
1/25/2014
Location
CA
3/1/2018 2:42pm
Red wing are hard to beat. I have worn redwing boots for the last 15 years with no problems, They are a great work boot. Recently I picked up a pair of blundstones slip on boots. I got them for walking around in the bush on wet days. Then I ended up using them at work, Standing on my feet all day on concrete. They are very good and 10 times lighter than red wings.
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Casl616
Posts
52
Joined
2/28/2018
Location
Rio Rancho, NM US
3/3/2018 10:19am
I've had good luck with Georgia Giant boots if you're looking for steel toe boot that's not heavy and very comfortable. I'm on my feet all day long on concrete floors with no complaints. I know sketchers is making steel toe boots that are supposed to be comfortable as well.
tempura
Posts
2079
Joined
5/18/2015
Location
JP
3/4/2018 9:11pm
Steel toes.
Last week a buddy of mine dropped something on his foot at his shop. Broken toe for him..
murph783
Posts
1361
Joined
3/2/2011
Location
CT US
10/16/2021 1:12pm
Thanks spam bot. If anyone is actually looking for boot advice, I ended up with thorogood cork soles and they’re sweet!
10/17/2021 9:22pm
Make sure you get the USA made redwings. The Irish setters are made elsewhere these days. I personally like Thorogoods, good to go out of the box
Chippy
Posts
178
Joined
11/18/2019
Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
10/18/2021 6:54pm
+1 on blundstone boots. Usually can get them for a deal for Black Friday.
imoto34
Posts
3781
Joined
1/28/2010
Location
TN US
Fantasy
3151st
10/19/2021 4:25am
I have also been on the red wing train for many of years. The last two pair lasted around 3 months each. So for hardly under 500 bucks, 5 months is just crazy. They wouldn't honor them so I wont be going back to them. They actually said the first pair i sent them back, was a knock off. I purchased directly from them so wtf?

I have now went to Georgia's. Cant speak for durability yet, but comfortable on concrete.
YZed250
Posts
1041
Joined
11/9/2014
Location
Costa Mesa, CA US
10/19/2021 5:16pm
Keen and Reebok make great work shoes. If you're working on bikes, get the composite toe.
Hoseclamp
Posts
630
Joined
2/2/2018
Location
OH US
Fantasy
632nd
10/20/2021 10:28am
I got a pair of carolina boots that are the best Ive found yet. I will be buying another set of them for my next work boot. Redwings are not all made the same. Wore them for many years outside of work and loved them, bought a pair of steel toes (same size, different style) for work and they hurt my feet. Cheap boots just dont cut it so dont even think of cheaping out. Tried wolverine and they were garbage, Cats were just OK. Hytest were junk I thought but some guys here at work like them. There are more than a few around here that also like thourogoods, but Ive never tried them.
charlie68
Posts
147
Joined
6/28/2019
Location
North Windham, CT US
10/20/2021 10:52am
My vote goes to Chippewa Super Loggers ( American made ) and I am standing on concrete 6 days a week.
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526
Posts
1676
Joined
5/4/2009
Location
Colgate, WI US
10/22/2021 6:46am
Keen San Jose's are very durable and comfortable
m21racing
Posts
634
Joined
7/19/2016
Location
Reno, NV US
10/24/2021 8:20am
I've used so many over the years, I finally settled on mock toe boot. Several companies make them. After about a month, I add foot beds/superfeet. Also, I don't buy the super expensive boots anymore. Cactus boots from Mexico or something comparable at western clothing stores. After a year, none hold up any better from use I put them through. I also use rubber padded mats around my suspension bench.
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