This is the only forum that I frequent that might know anything about a good pair of boots. I need a pair for work that's not the big 50lb s***kicking pair of Matterhorns that I've been wearing. Looking for a pair that's:

 

*Preferably made in America or at least somewhere in the 1st world

*Puncture-resistant sole

*Doesn't have to be full metatarsal or even a steel toe, but at least a hard toe

*Preferably has a heel

*Under 250 bucks

 

Anyone have any ideas?

Redwing

I liked Timberland boots when I was still working.

I bought my 1st pair of Irish Setters a few months back and they are holding up good. They are comfortable and are not near as bulky as some safety toe boots. 

 

I've mostly wore Ariat in the past and have always liked them. 

 

 

I’m outside on my feet in my boots all day everyday 6 days a week. Carhardt have been awesome. They lasted me three years, probably longer if I would’ve been better at taking care of the leather.

Redwings are the best boot and last boot you’ll ever buy.  Keeping it under $250 might be a bit tight, but other than that they meet or exceed all of your requirements.  

Danner

 

https://www.danner.com/

 

11 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Danner

 

https://www.danner.com/

 

Yup.

Wore some version of these for 30 years.  

https://www.danner.com/men/law-enforcement/acadia-8-black-200g.html

 

High performance in a rather harsh environment. 

Not the least expensive footwear but worth it IMO.

A-Jay

i have ariats now and they broke in after 2 days.

2 hours ago, deaknh03 said:

i have ariats now and they broke in after 2 days.

Do they just make western style boots or regular boots as well? The only Ariats I’m familiar with are the western style (cowboy). I’ve heard they’re a good boot. 

2 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Do they just make western style boots or regular boots as well? The only Ariats I’m familiar with are the western style (cowboy). I’ve heard they’re a good boot. 

They make work boots as well. Nice ones.

Just now, deaknh03 said:

They make work boots as well. Nice ones.

I’ll have to check them out on the next go around for boots. I have Wolverine boots now because I got them at 70% off. They’re ok but not like my Carhardt boots I had before. Maybe I was expecting too much since I had them for 3 years. 

20 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

I’ll have to check them out on the next go around for boots. I have Wolverine boots now because I got them at 70% off. They’re ok but not like my Carhardt boots I had before. Maybe I was expecting too much since I had them for 3 years. 

I used to buy Wolverine boots. The problem I had was after about a year the soles would split on them and have to be replaced. Hope you have better luck with them than I did.

3 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

I used to buy Wolverine boots. The problem I had was after about a year the soles would split on them and have to be replaced. Hope you have better luck with them than I did.

I’ve had them since November. They’re ok. My only real complaint is every time I walk something in the heal rubs, so now it sounds like I have the walking farts. ?

Redwings ..the 150$ plus ones have a lifetime sole warrenty 

Aside from my redwings I also wear 5.11s (Ems\military style 9” boot), 6” xtratuf deck boots (fantastic for saltwater boat fishing in warmer weather/water) 12” muck boot (large waterproof and extreme cold conditions) and 6” ll bean duck boots (great all around waterproof boot).  

 

Obviously I wear a lot of boots - they all have their place.

I work outside every day in all weather conditions. I’ve owned red wings, timberlands, Justin’s but none of them compared to the ariats I have now. I’m on my 3rd pair of them. The first pair I had leaked after about 6 months and ariat gave me a new pair no questions asked. They only leaked because I was in about 8” of water for about 16 hrs straight trying to stop a gas leak. Took them in that weekend and all they said was a 220 dollar pair of boots shouldn’t leak after 6 months. 

https://www.ariat.com/P13608_M_FOO.html?dwvar_P13608__M__FOO_color=RYE_BROWN

Another vote for RedWings ...  I've had mine for 16+ years on the FD.

 

Not all their line is made in the US, and keeping to $250 might be a stretch.

 

I'm also on my second pair of Merrills.  I wear them on my second job and seasonally when I need full coverage.  They're not safety toe/shank.

The best work boots/shoes I ever found were from Nautilus. 

 

http://www.nautilussteeltoeshoes.com/

 

They feel more like hiking boots with a safety toe then big clunky work boots.  I tried a pair of Redwings and gave them away after a month.  No matter what sock/insole combo I tried they would kill me after 5-6 hours.  

On 5/30/2019 at 4:11 PM, deaknh03 said:

i have ariats now and they broke in after 2 days.

Do you know anything about these? https://www.zappos.com/p/ariat-hybrid-rancher-distressed-brown/product/8184159/color/16158 because I can't decide which ones I want.

Red Wing boots are what I would recommend. They meet all of the requirements that you made and then some. I won't lie and say that they are comfortable right out of the box because they aren't...or at least mine weren't. However, once they're broken in, very comfortable and make you're feet feel extremely safe. They aren't the most affordable boot, but they are high quality. Certainly something to consider. Best of luck in your search!!! Lots of options out there, I would also recommend going and trying some different boots on in store if its possible.