[AT] Work boots

[jtchall at nc.rr.com]

Been wearing work boots in a machine shop for 25 years. Started out with 
cheap Wolverine with a really soft sole. Problem is the way I walk I wear 
the inside of the boot heel real bad. My boss pointed this out many years 
ago and told me to go get better boots or I'd regret it. Switched over to 
Mason, had to get them mail order--there were USA made. Finally they went to 
China and I got unhappy with the quality. Bought some Red Wings, huge 
disappointment. They could not offer the toe style I wanted in a smooth sole 
(you don't want a cleated sole in a machine shop--packs with metal chips 
really bad). What he sold me had a somewhat pointed toe. 2 problems, hurt 
the toes some but mainly the shoes bruised the top of my feet so bad I 
couldn't hardly walk.  I finally gave them to a welder I worked with. Doubt 
I got 2 months wear out of them over the course of 5 months. Bought some 
Justin boots, style 795. I am on my third pair of these. If I get anything 
over 2 years from a pair of boots it is a bonus---regardless of the brand. 
The first 2 pairs of Justin I bought were purchased local. When I went to 
get the third pair the price had gone to $200. I bought them online for 
about $160. I do use a fairly high dollar insole that I purchase online from 
Footsmart. The ones I use are for folks with plantar fasciitis--they make 
them for other problems also, cost around $25 a pair. Been using these 
insoles for over 10 years. I get 6-12 months out of a pair, change them out 
when my feet start hurting. If you order Justin boots, they tend to run big. 
I wear a 13-14 in everything else but these, I use a 12. This last pair of 
Justins took a while to break in, keep trying to bruise my foot just behind 
the steel toe.

By the way, the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned are my Timberland 
hiking boots. If you don't mind a cleated sole and no steel toe, these are 
great work shoes. We used to go hiking a good bit, walk 4-5 miles no 
problem.

John Hall


-----Original Message----- 
From: Spencer Yost
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2015 9:07 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group ; The SEL email discussion list
Subject: [AT] Work boots

I'm sitting here putting on my workboots this morning - The ones with the 
rear cuff torn up, the tongues torn up and the leather pulling away from the 
steel toe. I am so tired of work boots that don't last.  These are only a 
little over a year-old.

These are Timberlands, and came with great reviews on the Internet and the 
recommendation from a friend. However I'm very disappointed in them and in 
fact been disappointed in my last two or three.   The last boot that did 
well for me was actually a Vasque hiking boot, and lasted for years. But 
they don't make that kind anymore.

I figure if anyone in the world knows about work boots it's the folks on 
ATIS.  Can anyone recommend one for me?   One that lasts more than one 
season on the farm?

Thanks in advance,

Spencer
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