[Closed] Trendy "work boots"

Not a thread for Flashheart.

Why so pricey?

I think you put the word 'trendy' in the subject.

Where are you if you're quoting prices in dollars? Something made reasonably locally (as in on the same continent) helps if value for money matters* - one nation's mundane staple is another's exotic import.

*even though all the boots will actually have been made in the Far East where the brand is actually based seems to make a real difference.

Try on Redwing before buying, their sizing is all over the place. They stretch when they're broken in. Not bad boots but I sold mine after a few months and wouldn't buy again.

Try William Lennon, peak hipster but not outrageous prices

Redwing you need to go down a full size for a correct fit, also they have a long break in period

Anyway - if you're buying in Europe. Dunderdon F4 Chukkas. About £99, incredibly light compared to the Buckler's they replace and so far too nice to wear for actual safety boot applications 🙂

Why so pricey?
Because their target market are people who pay £38.99 for a Tee shirt.

dm's ?

It amazes me how cheap proper workwear is at Screwfix / Toolstation etc, you can get a pair of boots for £25, which I suspect last as long as the £200 ones..

Altberg?

Because their target market are people who pay £38.99 for a Tee shirt.

Because mugs + brand labels.

Loads of boots around that look like that, but it's up to you if you need to go "Ooh man, on go my £200 boots" every day. Or just get some nice boots.

It amazes me how cheap proper workwear is at Screwfix / Toolstation etc,

That’s because the people who generally pay for it aren’t the same people who wear it.

I am both a wearer and a payer and I have had a pair of £30 rigger boots from Arco for years.

Magnum Boots any good for you? Very comfy, reasonably priced. I've worn them for years, decades even.
Not sure they are trendy though. Just boots.

It amazes me how cheap proper workwear is at Screwfix / Toolstation etc,

Depends on a great deal though. How well something might last and how well it might function are different issues.

I buy a lot of snickers workwear, especially their trousers. You pay a fair whack for them but they last and they're really well thought out. They've spawned a lot of imitators though. Needing some shorts at short-notice I picked up some pretty similar looking Dewalt shorts for about £20 from Screwfix - as material and a list of features you'd think they're pretty much the same. They were shit - wore them once then off to the charity shop. Although they have all the same pockets as the snickers ones, every thing falls out of the holster pockets and you can't actually get your hands into any of the other ones. Its a feature of snickers stuff that if you put anything in the back pockets it doesn't stab you in the arse when you sit down. Dewalt solves that by making the pockets so tight if you put anything in them you can't sit down 🙂

Got a tshirt by them at the same time and I honestly can't figure out how they got the cut so wrong - it fights with you when you move. With both garments it seemed like at no point during design, manufacture or distribution anyone had actually tried the stuff on.

So in some instances its not just the specification / materials / manufacture you're paying for its the thought

Carhartt is another "trendy" workwear brand. They do make some good stuff, however, the price in the UK is a piss take and it's a lot cheaper in the US.

Seem like they start around $200 and go up and up. Why so pricey? ‘cos they last a long time?

Made in America (redwing) so higher labour and materials costs, plus they do last a long time and can be resoled easily by the manufacturer (they do resolves in the London shop)

Do you want boots to work in or walk to the pub? I have a pair of redwing beckmans that get most used in the colder months but if I worked on a site or outdoors I would probably wear something cheaper and more disposable. Why spend £250 on something that is going to get scuffed/covered in oil,paint,or whatever hazardous substance you work with?

Depends what you call trendy I guess. I've got a pair of Timberland steels and they look relatively smart. At least they did until they got covered in ink and oil (about a day). Very comfortable too which was the main reason I bought them.

I absolutely love my RedWings - I wear them pretty much every day in the winter, including to work (albeit an office job). They are expensive because they are exceptionally well made and are Goodyear Welted....meaning they should be comfy and durable. A lot of people who buy them wear them until the sole is worn down and then get them resoled (which costs around £80). Once the sole is worn down again you will likely have got ten years wear out of them and will have grown attached to your favorite pair of boots. I couldn't recommend them enough.

I am not a fan of those chukka-style boots myself, but was recently shopping for some Chelsea boots.

Timberland did some nice ones but I was between sizes, Dr Martens look lovely but surprisingly trendy (and therefore pricey) now.

Got some bargain Clarks boots for £45 but they tore my ankles apart so I took them back, in the meantime I got some Dickies for £23 posted off eBay.

Obviously these are in no way a "luxury" product, but are surprisingly nice-looking, not as heavy as I expected and pretty comfy.

So their lace-up ones might be a budget option for you.

Trendy rigger boots must be an oxymoron.

Rigger boots are workwear for those who think function is most important.
Trendy boots are for those who think appearance is all that counts.

Trendy boots are for those who think appearance is all that counts

They keep your feet warm and protected too. Maybe unfashionable footwear is better?

Redwing shoes website has apparently put a Trojan horse virus on my laptop, so might be advisable not to go their for your overpriced shoe requirements ☹️

dont tell me, “it was for research purposes”
a familiar excuse for the pervert.

Because mugs + brand labels.

Loads of boots around that look like that, but it’s up to you if you need to go “Ooh man, on go my £200 boots” every day. Or just get some nice boots.

try

My work boots are usually covered in mud. I can't see if they're trendy under there or not. (i very much doubt they are though).

a familiar excuse for the pervert

[b]the[/b] pervert! I always thought I was just a pervert, but I’m the one! Kewl 😊

Do you want boots to work in or walk to the pub?

I’ve got a pair of boots supplied by work, steelies, very soft, flexible leather, light on my feet, ‘waterproof’, and very comfy. I wear them to the pub, into town, as well as at work. They’re Portwest FW57, they can be had for less than £30.

the pervert! I always thought I was just a pervert, but I’m the one! Kewl

🤣 A legend in your own lunchtime!

£35 from screwfix, I wear them pretty much everyday for work for a year then retire them keeping an old pair for nasty jobs and buy a new nice pair for work.

I work in TV so it's all very hipster, but frequently involves manhandling 150kg road trunks into a transit. They do everything from meetings to climbing up a scottish hillside to film wild cats!

My boss pays for them but I choose them.

De valt used to be dickies, struggle to get 1 week out the laces, they can be worn all day no need to break in but i really should treat them to a wee bit polish may then last longer than 6 months max

Surely no discussion if trendy work boots can be complete without someone bringing up blundstones? The original* made in Australia** work boot.

* Not really
** Actually China for a few years now.

Had an old Aussie made pair which really were comfy. I might try rebooting backs or Rossi next - they are still made in Oz.

I'm on my second pair of these North Face Berkeley things. They're fully waterproof and feel like slippers. Plus they're always on sale somewhere so no paying desperate hipster prices.

I killed the first pair in a year working outdoors all day, every day. Hopefully these will last longer now I'm in an office but I'll buy a third pair if I need them.

If you are going to spend RedWing money why not try handmade to your fit sheet , expensive , but considering how long they last and all that stuff :

Whites https://www.whitesboots.com/#/page/home

or Nicks https://nicksboots.com/

or similar

Just an alternative view on Redwings. They're comfy, yes, and the zip-up sides are a game changer, but I used to go through a pair roughly every couple of years when I was offshore. So that's 12 months (give or take) of daily wear, albeit in a fairly harsh environment. It was always the sole/grip splitting and letting water in. They were provided by the company so I just ordered a new pair when they went, but if I was paying £200 out of my own pocket I wouldn't be all that impressed.

Try looking at Engelbert Strauss. Great quality stuff, not the cheapest, but reasonably trendy and good customer service.

https://www.engelbert-strauss.co.uk/#!discover_new_items/snow%20dynashield

Redbacks or Rossi. proper made in Oz workboots unlike Blundies nowadays.
Got some Redbacks and a year in of daily wear they still look barely worn, sizing is quite generous on them though.

I can backup the Engelbert Strauss workwear, we kitted everyone out with the clothing last year and it has worn very well indeed. Comfy round the waist, and less "Builders bum" on display. Not used the footwear but will try.

Danner make some decent stuff

https://www.danner.com/?___store=default_danner_int&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrM-byren4AIVlYXVCh0TTwZlEAAYASAAEgK-5vD_BwE

Actual lol @ trendy

Wills vegan boots- no dead animals, made in Portugal and less than £100.

I am both a wearer and a payer and I have had a pair of £30 rigger boots from Arco for years.

Riggers are normally specifically exluded from permissable on site nowadays aren't they?!

It was argued riggers offer no ankle support that's why my work placed banned them. I use to be on our health and safety workgroup and argued a lot of modern riggers have ankle support built in and most of the workers wear wellingtons and waders all day with no ankle support but that was okay.

Love my William Lennon's, not a bad price for handmade quality.
They also do their Rufflander range which are more work environment centred and great value.

https://www.rufflander.co.uk

Riggers are normally specifically exluded from permissable on site nowadays aren’t they

Depends on individual company policies.

I prefer riggers for some jobs as I often have to change from dress shoes out of the boot of the car for short visits to sites and they’re easier  and the keep my trousers clean

If I’m on site for a longer period or doing a lot of walking I keep lace up boots in the car too.

Wow, forgot about this thread.

I'm in Australia so prices are in AUD for me.

I've got a couple of pairs of Magnum boots but I don't believe their quality is the same as their older kit. I guess price vs longevity?

I'm not keen on anything goretex or waterproof as I just don't need it. I find my feet still sweat in Goretex boots even with their supposed breath-ability.

Current boots are Under Armour Valsetz which are super comfy and holding out well, I just fancied something that looked a little smarter but still decent quality and the idea of a boot that can be resoled appeals.

As a lot of things, prices tend to be much higher for us Aussies. I'll hve a prper read of the thread when I'm home. Ta.

Dunno, but I did once spend a lot of money on a pair of shoes, and

a) I've worn them nearly every day for 3 years and they still look like new
b) Every cheap shoe I pick up and try to like feels like shite
c) I want another pair

cromollyolly
Surely no discussion if trendy work boots can be complete without someone bringing up blundstones? The original* made in Australia** work boot.

Another vote for Blundies.

I have size 13 feet. Have you ever tried on some blundies? Yeah, Nah.

Redwings are great boots, really nice leather that breaks in fantastically.

But their sizing is a nightmare. The Moc toes are super narrow, I couldn't get a pair to fit that wasnt super long as I had to size up for the width.

The round toe boots fit me much better, but they don't seem to have much room in the toebox.

I'm looking for a replacement brand with similar style and quality but there doesn't seem to be much out there.

I got a pair of Fracap's recently for this winter and they are very comfortable indeed, but they're hiker styled boots rather than workwear inspired.

Another vote for Blundies.

I think we are supposed to be boycotting blundstones to support our antipodean cousins due to off shoring .

I have size 13 feet. Have you ever tried on some blundies? Yeah, Nah.

Yes but not with size 13 feet. Do they not come in big sizes? Redbacks are a more generous fit, try those. Not sure where Rossi fit, size wise.

I've just got some Wolverine goretex work boots. Seem pretty comfy so far.

I have size 13 feet. Have you ever tried on some blundies? Yeah, Nah.

I’ve got size 13 feet and a pair of Blundstones.

Nobody has commented on the Whites or Nicks boots from the US yet - hand made to your size , no steel toe caps ??

We have Redwing coveralls at work, not bad longevity wise so far but definitely not made in America unless ****stan has suddenly become a new state? Sizing is all over the place and the cut isn't great.

For boots I'm trying Sievi's, was sick of the Himalayan crap constantly splitting on the soles or whelks. Yet to find anything that claims to be chemically resistant and doesn't fall apart as soon as it sees FRF.

If you consider Timberlands to be 'trendy', Screwfix have the Sawhorse steely's at £55. I'm wearing a pair at the moment. Comfy and don't look much different to the 'proper' ones costing £170

Had some Gronell, two sets, but quite pricey and no waterproof linings, just leather. A really wet winter and boots shrinking to my feet was the end for them. Nice boots in all other situations. Waterproof is priority now and replace as often as required.
Lot of the chainsaw boots I've had, with the exception of Arbortec, have been comfy and long lasting so could be brands worth checking for regular work boots. They'll be pricey, but cheaper than the chainsaw versions.

I never had issues with Arbortec boots and find their waterproofness to be excellent.

Leather (not stitching) ripped on my Arbortec after 3 weeks and the sole fell off my colleagues pair after 4 weeks. Admittedly about 5years ago, they may have improved. Husqvarna Technical is current boot of choice.

I always go for Cofra for proper work boots

maccruiskeen

Subscriber

I’ve got size 13 feet and a pair of Blundstones.

They look ridiculous on me. And there a bit too..... "safety boot" than smart-long-lasting-sole-replaceable-boot-for-work. May as well wear wellies!

Perhaps I should clarify.... I'm after boots for wearing to work, not workboots for working on an offshore rig!

(Community mental health nurse, in and out of the office, driving, client's houses, hospital etc)

whelks

If you have those in your shoes, you're spending too much time offshore!

If you’re in Australia, how about RM Williams? Or are they considered a dress boot?

I found RM Williams to be very narrow fit, and couldn't get a comfortable fit. Probably ok if you spend a day on a horse rather than on your feet.

Holy Thread revival, Batman!

Never one to rush into things.... I just ordered a pair of Rossi boots last night. It's winter here now and my Magnums are a bit leaky now, and my UA Valsetz have (after a couple of years use) started to fall apart.

Anyway, these Rossi boots - family owned and over 100 years old. One of only a few bootmakers who still make them in Aus. Supplied over 100,000 pairs of boots to Ozzie troops in WWII. Reasonably priced too compared to some.

I had ummmed and arrred for years about getting a pair of Redwing Moc Toes and finally bought some in February. Visited the London store and got fitted. Nervously shelled out £250 for a pair of boots. The most expensive shoes I'd ever bought. However after a couple of days break in they rapidly turned super comfy. I wear them all the time when not at work. They really are superb.

I got a new pair of nubuk/crazy horse style DMs ... trendy for my line of work😎

blundstones? The original* made in Australia** work boot.

I bought a pair when i was in Australia in the early 90’s and they were a bargain - a genuinely cheap pair of boots. Nothing special about them - pretty crappy sole, simply made but good value.

Now sold as a fashion boot in the UK at £140 on the official site. They’re a shit pair of boots for that money.

“Occupational” DMs are good value. Pretty much indistinguishable from the fashion version but cheaper....

The ones you got do look good.

I bought a pair out of Lidl for £15. Steel toe, waterproof, oil resistant sole etc. Look like the shoe version of NHS specs though

Now sold as a fashion boot in the UK at £140 on the official site. They’re a shit pair of boots for that money.

Hence the *

Redbacks and Rossi aren't all that expensive and I've heard from a few people that the Rossi people are really good to deal with plus they are made on-shore. Blundstones had huge problems with the sokes disintegrating when they first switched to off-shore manufacturing.

All three made fully compliant safety boots though.

Rossi have been excellent at answering my q's, even replying at random times on their Instagram. I wasn't sure whether to size down as lots of work-style boots seem to be made bigger for some reason. Anyway there was a measurement guideline on their site and size 13 seemed to be correct. They said they don't really stretch / give once worn in but did suggest I bought their boot wax and give them a good going over when I get them. Was tempted with the brown ones but the missus said the greeny coloured ones looked better.

Will no doubt be putting up a "what socks" thread as long as no-one suggests the 5p socks from Brant!

They look alright.
I've a mate who works at Blundstone as a designer who gives me boots to try*. Hasn't made anything that will last a whole year in a winery yet, though the Boa version is pretty good.
* Proper work boots, not the trendy ones.

Yeah I think what I meant by "trendy" work boots, was ACTUAL work boots which are built to last, which seem to have been adopted by the bun-wearing double-shot soy latte brigade - hence the high prices.

I'm for good quality, solid and comfy footwear that lasts. I spent a bit of time last night cleaning up my Magnums. Put new insoles in and new laces. Considering I got them when I was around 16 (these boots are 27 years old now) I've worn them at TA when in the UK, for fishing trips, hiking, and on the secure wards at work. Had them on all day today. Not only super comfy with the new insoles, but even got a "hey, nice boots" comment. Still holding up. That 80 quid I spent back then (probably less than that actually) has gone a long way!

I did order a pair of boots (while a little drunk) which looked nice and were well priced - a bit smarter but still work-styled. Anyway they turned up, look great. Then I realised they weren't leather, which for a sweaty footed monster like me, just no good. Shame cos they look alright.

Blundstones had huge problems with the sokes disintegrating when they first switched to off-shore manufacturing.

Indeed. I must have bought another pair around that time and a few years old with very little wear the sole simply fell apart. To their credit, Blundstone did send me a replacement pair (eventually, from Oz) and those are lasting well.

Solovair or DMs, DM are basically cheap Chinese versions of solovair. They’re very comfortable.

Dickies have a good range ...

Ah balls.

I ordered a 13 as per the size guide on their site. The 13s turned up but they feel too roomy in the toe box, and can only imagine they will give/stretch more once they've been worn in. Annoyed as I specifically asked if I should size down.

So my 2 options are - send them back and get the 12s (this means sending my pair to the other side of Aus and waiting another week or two to get the replacement correct size). Or.... I've read about soaking to the boot, wearing them with wet socks and allowing the leather to shrink/mould around the foot so it's a bit more "fitted" to my individual feet. I'm not so sure and I guess the risk there is utterly ruining the boots.

I kind of know the right answer but also worried that the size down might be TOO small and they don't do halves. I could always get thicker insoles and chunkier socks but hey, it's Australia and I don't want to bake from the feet upwards.

Send them back and hope the 12s are better fitting, is the right answer isn't it?

Well.. you wanted a pair of boots that will last.... if you have a pair that don't fit you very well you won't wear them and they'll last for ages. 🙂

I've got a pair of Scarpa Mojitos in the wardrobe that are 6 years old and still look practically brand new! 🙂

Boom boom

Yeah tried them on properly. Too big. 12s will be better. Will report back in a couple of weeks when the replacements arrive. Bugger.

I've some Redwing boots in VGC if anyone's after some size 10 (ish)
£50 + Post ..mail in profile. https://www.redwingshoes.com.au/product/8242-mens-9-pull-on-boot/

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