Joined: 05 Jul 2003
Posts: 83
| Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:16 am Post subject: Required Footwear - what are the best kind of workboots? | |
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Today the soles of my fifth pair of required footwear in the past 3 years, began to deteriorate. I know it won't be long now before they completely turn to "sponge" and I end up walking around with soaking wet feet for 8 hours every day. (This has happened before).
In the Garden Center we walk around all day on concrete that has been totally polluted by fertilizer for the past decade. I'm pretty sure it's the salt in the fertilizer that's eating my shoes as the box they came in claimed that they were "acid, ashphalt, and weather proof". There are quite a few people in other areas of the store with the same boots who have not had this 'sponge' problem at all. This particular brand, "Dakota" I find to be the most comfortable, but they are the first to break down from the bottom. I've tried CAT's as well as a couple no-name brands, but none have been as comfortable as the Dakotas. Considering that since 2004, I have spent about $500 on shoes to wear to work, I'd like to find a pair that lasts me at least two full years. (FWIW, I work for Rona and there is NO work-boot rebates there  )
I'm curious to know what brands or styles others have found to be both comfortable as well as long lasting? Especially in outdoor/landscaping type departments. thanks! |
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Joined: 29 Mar 2006
Posts: 1421
Location: Ontario, Canada
| Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:46 pm Post subject: | |
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Kava, I also wear Dakots boots. I bought them when I was working retail in landscaping, because they were light weight, had a cushioned heel....
Fortunately, I don't walk around in a lot of fertilizer, so my boots last. I have suffered from back issues for many years, so have never scrimped on my footwear. In normal use, I tend to get a year, or slightly longer from my work boots. I have even invested in kaufman King Treds in the past. Good boot, higher priced, but do they really last any longer?? Honestly, I can't see you finding ANY boot that will get you two years of wear. At least, not a boot that you will be ABLE to wear, daily, for that length of time without pain and suffering! There is a saw off that you must consider. A harder sole might last longer in your work environment, but a harder sole might also be slippery in wet locations. Since you are on your feet all day, on concrete, I would suggest you stick to the Dakota boot, with the sponge heel for impact, but treat them with a good quality preservative or water repellant (silicone) on a regular basis. Otherwise, it is a 'housekeeping issue' with the fertilizer on the floor. And argue with management, that you deserve a boot allowance. It is safety footwear, required by law, and any reimbursement is a bonus to you. Good luck. |
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 216
Location: California
| Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 8:43 am Post subject: | |||
...or a tax write-off if you can't get the reimbursement. |
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Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 83
| Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:51 pm Post subject: | |
| i wear RedWings and swear by them. other people in my auto center go through a pair of boots every 9 months, ive had mine for 5 years. | |
Joined: 21 Feb 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Yellow Brick Road
| Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:52 pm Post subject: | |
Yes I have worn Redwings for severle years now and am happy with them. Agree we should get something for the cost thats entailed 
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Joined: 10 Aug 2008
Posts: 272
| Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:49 am Post subject: | |
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I worked in a factory when I was in college. The plant store carried both Red-wing and Hy-test. I bought a pair of the most expensive Hy-Test boots they had. I could work a 16 hour shift in them without any problem.
They were $50 thirty years ago, similar boots are $250 now but they are worth it. You only have one set of feet and they are the foundation for your body. Take care of them. |
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Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 1810
Location: It's NewDepotGuy - Using Acid to open Polli's special safe!
| Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:06 am Post subject: | |
| I know this is a little different... I have severe feet issues, and while working at Home Depot I bought a pair of Merrell shoes and they lasted me the entire time I worked there (just a couple of months) and they still look like I just took them out of the box. | |
Joined: 18 Mar 2005
Posts: 256
Location: 3rd coast
| Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 2:28 am Post subject: | |
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Merrell makes a very good line of shoes. I don't know if they make work boots that will fit your need, but it's worth a try to check out their selection on Zappos.com.
Merrell's are hard to find in my area, and possibly other areas. Only one store 10 miles from me sells them. I wear the Jungle Mocs for all 3 of my jobs and they are worth every penny. I love 'em. |
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