Under 6 months wear. Boot quality gone way downhill

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

Timberland PRO Warehouse boots

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Natural_Good5279@reddit

Really?!?!? Dang! They supposed to be good good, you know?

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Saaaaaaaammmmmmmm@reddit

Don’t buy cheap Chinese boots. Try thourogoods.. union made in the US and great quality.

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flockofseagulls42@reddit

The glue they use is terrible, and the thread just as bad.

Might be ok for general construction dudes. But china garbage at tractor supply last longer in the mining industry.

USA companies need to start taking some pride in the goods they make again. Really sad.

My thourogoods did not make is a week this year, wasted my hard earned money. Never again.

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nightman66@reddit

A week? What are you doing with your feet dude?

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I bought my first pair of thoroughgoods last year. Spent 260 on them. Best money I’ve ever spent. I work with motor oil, atf, def, fuel oil, and coolant. These boots are holding up so well and don’t slip around too much. Very highly suggest them to anyone

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Dekar56@reddit

I buy thorogoods but they only last me about 6 months, which is still better than the 2-3 months I get out of cheaper pairs. Doing food service going up and down a ramp all day and across paved parking lots constantly just destroys basically any boot.

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Red_Sox0905@reddit

Was going to recommend them. Got lucky 6 years ago and snagged a pair on Amazon for $120. Sent them off last year and got the redone.

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Saaaaaaaammmmmmmm@reddit

Only pair of boots I’ve had that had no break in time. Comfortable to wear for 11 hours the first day

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nightman66@reddit

I legit will never understand why people hiy redwings (i get it they used to be good). People also for some reason think "expensive boot = bad" in some cases (like redwings) this is true. However throughout this whole thread I haven't seen anyone mention Thorogoods. I've had mine for well over a year and they're just now on their way out. I highly recommend this brand. Best boots I've ever owned. USA made too.

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santanzchild@reddit

Nicks hand made boots.

I had the same problem. Even my redwingss I bought for years quality went to crap. Finally splurged on Nicks and couldn't be happier. About two years in and getting about time for a resole.

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Fluid_Location_9608@reddit

I live in the same city where Nicks, Whites and JK Boots are at, definitely looking at getting a pair now that I got that fuel hauler money.

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Beekatiebee@reddit

Love my Nicks, have multiple pairs now.

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oyeahammo@reddit

Nicks and whites are going downhill in quality. Been buying 500$ boots for 15 years and the definitely don’t last as long in the wear and tear department. Had to get my boots resold after 8 months when I use to get 3 years out of them. The company is getting by on the name brand now.

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Beekatiebee@reddit

The sole really isn’t in control of the boot maker, though? It’s up to whatever you picked for the sole on it, and how much you wear it. Nick’s only has like one sole they make themselves, the rest are made by Vibram.

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Quiet-Star@reddit

I hate it, they purposely make shit worse just because they know a lot of people are almost required/obligated to buy them due to their line of duty 😬

And at a hefty price it's an actual scam.

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santanzchild@reddit

As soon as redwings started moving some of its manufacturing overseas it's what I expected. And things like timberlands are an overpriced fashion statement more than an actual work boot at this point.

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whodaloo@reddit

Timberland Pro is actually a decent line.

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SupaDupaSweaty@reddit

The quality when they were hand made at the factory in Red Wing, MN was what gave them their legendary name. Now all but a fraction of the work is outsourced and the supply lines have been reduced to the cheapest bidder.

Still cost the same though!

Source: Friend was an engineer there for 20+ years

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Quiet-Star@reddit

For real, it's so ridiculous. I have had decent experiences with Carolinas but my god, never had one that was comfortable from the start. Their break in process is abysmal (two weeks of hell). At least from my experience. And Nick's are just fantastic. When I worked manufacturing they were superior in duration and comfort (from the box, which Carolinas definitely do not have; for my foot)

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Commiefornian@reddit

Their break in process is abysmal (two weeks of hell)

Brother, you need to own more than one pair of boots. Then you can break in a new pair by wearing them one day a week, and not wreck your feet in the process.

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Quiet-Star@reddit

I own 3 pairs, but as I said, breaking in sucks. How are you going to break in boots if you don't wear them?

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Commiefornian@reddit

I’ve always viewed any significant soreness or blistering as user error, rather than an inherent quality of new shoes, and adjusted my break-in process to eliminate it. I’d much rather relegate a stiff set of boots to occasional light duty until they’re loosened up, than grit my teeth and tough it out. I’d never wear a set of shoes to work knowing I’d be in pain by the end of my shift.

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Quiet-Star@reddit

Soreness IMHO is not user error, but definitely blistering. I have a plastic insert the size of my foot to help break it in before I wear them. But with Carolinas I have to genuinely use them for them to break in. I also have really wide feet and Carolinas don't get as wide as some other shoes.

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santanzchild@reddit

Nicks took me about a week to get mostly worked in but it wasn't the worst I had just stiff no blistering or anything.

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Quiet-Star@reddit

Same, just uncomfortable but not unbearable

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NPC1990@reddit

Just like everything these days

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Cute-Roll2849@reddit

For 600 bucks they better last

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Wskytwn@reddit

Timberland Pro….Steel shank and steel toe. Wear them everyday. Lasts me over a year.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

These are Timberland PRO Intercepts, composite toe and shank. 6 month of car haul usage and they are going in the garbage

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Born4thJuly@reddit

I have bought 3 pairs of the exact same black composite Tim pros. I usually get about 2 or more good years out of each before they become uncomfortable from the inside but the outer leather is still good. And I am very hard on them. I also bought a brown pair that are my daily wear when not working. This pair is over 6 mos old and they still look brand new!! Timberland Pros composite toe are the way to go but make sure you don't buy a knock off imitation pair from China. Buy Tims from a worknmore type outfitter not online. If you don't care about fashion, get a pair of Brahms from WM for $30. They won't last more than 4 to 6 months though.

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SirGandorf@reddit

Get you some Thorogoods . Black and brown pull up cowboy style. A little pricey but most comfortable boots I've ever owned.

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POWERISMOMMY@reddit

These are the ones I got. Can’t recommend them enough. A year in and the only wear is to the toes from scrapes and scratches.

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SirGandorf@reddit

Exactly the same with mine 👌👌👌

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MiguelSTG@reddit

Five miles a day is 100 miles a month. 600+ miles in 6 months. Marathon runners change their shoes at 300-400 miles. 600+ miles walking, and going up and down metal grates, that's not bad even if they were $200.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

It's a good point to consider

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Emergency_Ad1152@reddit

If you do a lot of climbing and running with them, get garmont boots, the ones with vibram sole. I promise you they’re life changing. A lot of the army uses them for ruck marches.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

Yeah I've had a couple recommendations for vibram soles. I'll have to give him a try, any reputable brands in Canada you're aware of?

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Fit_Hospital2423@reddit

That’s the nature of those soft sole boots. Soooo comfy but they won’t last in tough conditions.

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Russell101Russ@reddit

Try and get yourself some red wing boots. I've always used them and my step-father before me, and they've not failed us yet. We get the high-top boots, though, for more ankle support.

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Inchbellz1993@reddit

ive worn them all. They've really down down hill since I started construction 15 years.. All the companies

Red Wing, Chippewa, Wolverine... My last pair lasted a long time though.... Carharrts ... Almost 1 year.. I may buy another pair but I got Danner Mocs instead this time.

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biotox1n@reddit

my redwing seem to last forever, try getting some from a northern state with things like insulation and rain being normal considerations

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optronix32@reddit

Work boots by Caterpillar are what I wear. I’ve had the same pair for 4 or 5 years now.

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mvamv@reddit

Please disclose what boots are these so we know what to avoid buying.

My Ariat cowboy work boots I've been wearing almost everyday since I bought them on new years before 2022. Still plenty of sole.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

Timberland Pro

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NostradamusJones@reddit

Timberland Pros are the way to gos. I've had the pair I'm using now for at least two years, and they're not even close to done. PS I go about 265 lbs.

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turkweebl7616@reddit

I have noticed that not all Timberland Pro series are the same. I get the basic black leather ones, and they last me a year or two on construction sites.

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Odd-Fuel-9002@reddit

Keen hold up well and have a great toe box that is really comfortable

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Outside_Squirrel_839@reddit

My Georgia boy lites last exactly 6 months before sole cracks right where my foot pushes on clutch. I drive a semi btw. The most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. But do not last. I quit buying them

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vocativelion@reddit

Buy welted boots so you only need to replace the soles and take care of the leather they’ll last forever

/r/weltedboots

Think that’s the sub

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Commiefornian@reddit

I buy Goodyear welted boots, and while they certainly last longer than cheaper, less well-constructed boots do, I’ve never had a pair where the uppers were in a condition to be worth resoling when the first sole wore out. IMO, with modern long-wearing rubber soles, that’s really only a city/office shoe concern now. Working boots take too much damage for the leather upper to outlast the rubber soles, and the labor to repair an upper is more costly than an entirely new upper.

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Snuba_Steve@reddit

Agreed - I work in concrete and even with regular conditioning, the leather just gets too degraded. That and my toes get scraped down to the steel toe from frequent kneeling.

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ryanpayne442@reddit

Theres a thing called toe caps that are a replaceable protective cover for your boots. I worked in construction for years so Im very familiar with boot toes wearing out fast

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Nothxm8@reddit

Red wings are the only boots I’ll ever buy

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FocusedADD@reddit

Need to match your footwear to the task at hand. Saw in one of your comments they were warehouse boots and right there is your problem. The sole is meant to grip smooth finished concrete. This means a softer flatter sole that gets chewed up by everything that isn't smooth finished concrete.

Look for something more like a hiking boot or a patrol boot. Something you're supposed to put miles on outside.

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thicc_chummus@reddit

I wear merril hiking boots they're real good

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E-emu89@reddit

You made me feel so much better about the pair of Brahmas that I bought from Walmart a year ago.

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RedSun-FanEditor@reddit

Looks more like the OP is incapable of picking up their feet when they walk.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

come try a week what I do

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RedSun-FanEditor@reddit

LOL! I drove cross country for a decade pulling flatbed.

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Prior-Ad-7329@reddit

Looks like you tried to stop your truck the flint stone way..

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SufficientWhile5450@reddit

No idea what kind of boots these are, and everyone generally gravitates towards carhart or red wings

I’ve had Red wings that fell apart after 2 week, and carharts just feel shitty

Boot brand i recommend 10,000% is Chippewa

I’m a diesel tech not a driver, but i specifically love the logger boots. They’re 200-300$ and they will last years for each pair without any repairs or maintenance, they’ll last much longer than a few years if you want them to, I just generally replace mine anyway after a year or two. But the bottoms have never worn out on me, and my biggest gripe is the top of the boot will expose the steel toe from regularly getting down on one knee. I keep my old pair in my trunk and my newest pair at work

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aslexgivessex@reddit

I work with a continuous paving crew and were lucky to get 6 months out of a pair. My carhartt heritage boots have held up great.

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coolerking66@reddit

Yeah no kidding. My first pair of Chippewa lasted 10 years. My last few pairs only lasted 3 to 4. I buy the American made ones too

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Allemaengel@reddit

I wear the Chippewa loggers and get about 1 year out of them.

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Content-Boss9530@reddit

Did you gain weight?

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tractorferret@reddit

Georgia boot logger boot is the real man’s boot

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OstrichNeither@reddit

Wtf hahahahhaha

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barney1013@reddit

I send mine to a guy that replaces the sole

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Jessi_longtail@reddit

I use Ariat square toe work boots and I've had the same pair for coming on two years now. Little rough around the edges but they're still in good shape, and I need to have good traction for all the work in mud and landfills I do (dump trailer)

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New-Communication442@reddit

Flip flops 🩴 way better than those !!

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

I got my Crocs

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bigblackglock17@reddit

I only buy "cheap" $80 boots because of this. I work in a dirty cnc machine shop. 2-3 years is all I can get out of them. After 1 year they looks like shit and get ridden until they're garbage. I might replace the insoles once and laces but after that, they're probably almost done.

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North-Huckleberry347@reddit

Danners are good

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DixDark@reddit

I have flipflops for $15, still look like new.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

My Crocs are in great shape

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hooligan-6318@reddit

I just bought cheap ass Justin boots, typically got a year out of them.

$150ish as opposed to $250+ a pop for Redwing or Thorogood, which might last 6 months before I'd FUBAR them.

I always assumed the PNW boots (White's, Nick's) were for the wannabe cuffed pant leg & man bun crowd.

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RightWingNutsack@reddit

There is a trade off between comfort and durability. I don't mind buying boots every 6 months beside having a boot that lasts. My feet sweat a lot so I get thin comfortable boots that beathe. I don't need steel toe so I get the combat style redhead boot.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/redhead-rct-warrior-ultra-mil-spec-tactical-boots-for-men?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CProprietary%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CNVol%7CNMT&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8--2BhCHARIsAF_w1gx4WnpaYhWVmJzJNsJFgqjC19Bt9zwpPOVvDgCOMU1IYjlppsgCeUcaAvwgEALw_wcB

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bdgreen113@reddit

I had a pair of Redbacks (not Redwing) that lasted me 4 years of use as a mechanic working heavy equipment and semis. They're comfy as hell too.

I wore a pair of Redwings out in 6 months as a delivery driver for Airgas. Never been so disappointed in a boot before in my life.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

This is why I'm so disappointed. Part of this is environment, tons of gravel, asphalt, concrete, I walk/jog up to 7 Miles every day. Then there's the steel cladding decks I'm on.

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I_dementia87@reddit

I'm not sure about the quality recently, but I swear by cabaelas steel toe hiking boots. Water resistant,slip resistant, etc, and comfy. My last pair made it almost 4 years doing warehouse work and food service delivery at two different times.

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voicareason@reddit

Just buy nice boots. Diesel will bead off better and steel toes don't mean a thing unless you want your toes pinched off or sheared off.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

I need to have proper steel toes, because the union rail yards and union car plants I visit check as part of policy.

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voicareason@reddit

Well then it's the sole you need to pay attention to when buying. Georgia and Redwing are kinda the shit when buying new boots. And they tend to last longer to make up the cost.

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patheos79@reddit

My go-to boots when I was moving furniture was eccos. Seem to be the one of the few brands that would last dealing with walk boards . Anything else trashed in 6 months

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up3r@reddit

You're out of alignment. Literally. You're overusing parts of your sole. Whenever you get your new boots get some insoles that correct your pronation issues. You need to be using the entire sole of your boot.

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DeLosAltos@reddit

Stop dragging your feet and walk like a normal person

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edsavage404@reddit

Do you drag your feet when you walk?

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ooglieguy0211@reddit

Looks like they have a supination walk too. That can be corrected my a proper insole that makes your foot land more squarely on the heel.

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PM_ME_YOUR_KITTY@reddit

OP does but that’s not the problem. The problem is they don’t make them like they used to! /s

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MutedShelter9654@reddit

Timberland pro is shit. I have had my composite toe red wings for 9 years and they are still holding up awesome. They are not cheap tho. Think the go for 350

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

Our company gives us 300 a year. So I'll probably pick those up. I only need safety boots for the rail yards, and the union car plants. Otherwise I go with a pair of skater shoes

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Chilliebro@reddit

Sievi from Finland, mine is five years old and no wear on the soles 🙃

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Jermaphobe456@reddit

My $250 boots still going strong despite constant use in construction. Only minor abrasions along the top of steel toe on my right boot

Can send you a link if you want

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misc1972@reddit

why the secrecy?

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Jermaphobe456@reddit

Stupidest comment to play detective over

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TheLostFrontier41@reddit

I like thorough-good’s. I haven’t had any issues with mine yet. (1.5 years in)

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Tadwinnagin@reddit

I’ve been going with 90$ danners. Safety toe, non slip, everything I need. They last a good long while and tbh I’m not looking for forever boots. The insides get well stinky after a while and I haven’t had good results with replacing inner soles. For 90 bucks, much better to simply start fresh.

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Captmike76p@reddit

You're a truck driver where are your issued Crocs? Crocs are for the safety of the lot lizards, no damage if a foam sandal is whipped at her.

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Immo406@reddit

You need boots that won’t deteriorate from oil / fuel

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

I definitely think that's part of it, lots of dropped fluid on the car lots.

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konexo@reddit

Did you run behind Forrest Gum with those boots?

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Silver_Material_7249@reddit

And my Birkenstock slip ons are going strong after 2 years lol. Hats off to you boot boys cause man I could never

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bmf1989@reddit

I can’t really justify dropping hundreds of dollars on work boots. 80 dollar wolverines are holding up just fine. If I were on my feet all day long working construction or something maybe, but I only wear them when I’m securing/unsecuring. They’ve got to be some real piece of shit boots if they make my feet ache after wearing them for only a few hours at most.

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JumpingQuarks@reddit

My timberland pros don't get that much wear and tear but the soles are tough as hell and has a rubber cap over the toes. 2 years in and they look almost new

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

These are Timberland pros

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JumpingQuarks@reddit

Not the ones I'm talking about.

Timberland PRO Men's 8" Boondock Composite Toe Wp-m Industrial Work Boot https://a.co/d/dwO6Lt7

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turkweebl7616@reddit

Those are the style soles I have as well. I love the Timberland boots. Best work boots I've ever owned.

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toastyhoodie@reddit

Yeah. I’m about every 6 months too

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turkweebl7616@reddit

I get a year or two out of my Timberlands. Best work boots I've ever bought.

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AreGoingBananas@reddit

MADE IN CHINA

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Tilghmanboy@reddit

What brand

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

Timberland pro

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beastlike@reddit

I love my keen boots. Carbon fiber tips so they are light, I got the breathable version for summer so I don't get sweaty feet.

I think I'll give their winter boots a go

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Imaginativested@reddit

Looks like you were learning to ride a motorcycle and would drag your feet coming to a stop or taking off. That isn't a natural wear pattern for someone just walking around unless you do alot of sprinting or walk on your toes.

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

I'm a car hauler, so I'm constantly climbing and walking on steel cladding decking. Then I am hustling usually in asphalt or concrete car lots, I walk between 5 to 7 miles everyday.

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RerolledRoaches@reddit

You need red wings. Some traction treds.

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No_Commercial5671@reddit

Try flip flops I hear they last longer.

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Antony9991@reddit

You need a pair of extra heavy duty flip flops every trucker seems to wear

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

I have my Crocs

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akfisher1978@reddit

Do you weigh a lot ?

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Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit (OP)

200lbs. I'm a car hauler, it's very physical work.

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ElectronicGarden5536@reddit

What are these? I use Bates hightops and im pretty happy. They fit like running shoes and have a side zip .

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K1d-ego@reddit

I’ve been using bates but they got rid of the composite toe one the 8” side zip ones. Had to try out some Bellevue.

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strgwhlhldr@reddit

Look for boots with Vibram soles. The boots I wore in the Navy used Vibram soles, and they’re some of the hardest-wearing boot soles I’ve used. They held up for a couple of years walking around on steel decks and nonskid-painted surfaces exposed to fuel, oil, and other assorted chemicals. My current boots have Vibram soles and tolerate most environments in my line of trucking just fine, and I haul chemicals.

I don’t mean find U.S. Navy-issue boots (although those are tough boots), look for boots that have Vibram soles.

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OkinawaNah@reddit

Danner Tachyons are just fine, I ride in to work and do asphalt work. I am going to give them away though and start using my GoRuck MACV boots.

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strgwhlhldr@reddit

Had to look them up out of curiosity, both the Danners and the GoRucks look like solid boots. Personally, I’ve had good luck with boots that have Vibram soles (regardless of who made the boot), but that’s just me.

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OkinawaNah@reddit

I have some UnderArmour Valsetz coming in they will by weekend day off boots, they look too nice to use for work. Asphalt work is dirty stuff and that stuff sticks everywhere. You have to spray some diesel on the underside of your boots. I have to clean out the back of the truck bed so that the material door can close and lock properly so it doesn't spill everything out onto cars driving on the freeway.

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superkickpalooza@reddit

Redwings didn't last me 6 months, so I just go to Shoe Carnival and buy Wolverines every 8 or so months and pop in some Dr. Scholl's

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santanzchild@reddit

Redwings were my go to until recent years. Went from 2-3 years a pair to barely a year if I was lucky.

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OkinawaNah@reddit

those dont look like Danners or Belleville boots

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kioshi_imako@reddit

I found the same issues, on my feet for 12/4s, I finally said screw it and found an 80-dollar pair and 20-dollar inserts. I change inserts about every 4 -8m. Boots tend to vary but I switch between brands depending what doesn't trigger my planter fascitis.

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VigilantThinker@reddit

You get what you pay for, invest in quality boots. They are not cheap expect to spend a couple hundred dollars

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JockedTrucker@reddit

I had to replace my boots about every 6mo too. I pulled HazMat/Chemical Tankers. Being in & out those chemical plants took a toll on my boots.

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santanzchild@reddit

I forgot to put on my chemical boots for an unload one time. Lesson learned expensively.

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xYEET_LORDx@reddit

I’ve had the same pair of Walmart brand steel toes for the last 18 months. They don’t stay tied but they’re still fine. Think the standard of boot that sells for $200 went down, not boot quality in general

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meatbillaa@reddit

I wear Irish Setters for foodservice delivery, and I get 8-9 months out of them. At $160, I look at it as $20/month. My company does a $200/year boot allowance. Averages out to me buying a pair out of pocket once every 5 years or so.I have never had a pair last longer than 10 months.

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