Looking for light-duty work boots

Submitted by endless_scroller t3_ypvmtg in BuyItForLife

Hi all! Looking for some recommendations for a light-duty work boots. These will be for work around the house and yard...think cutting the grass, shoveling snow, light home remodeling, things like that. I've read through a couple of posts, and most of the recommendations were for boots to be used on work sites and the such which is a bit overkill for me. I'm not looking to break the bank, but willing to spend for quality and comfort. Thanks in advance!

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bad-monkey t1_ivl3rrt wrote

White's Perry Moc-Toe. I bought mine to wear around town but whenever I need to do real work around the house, I find myself reaching for these boots in particular. I reach for these before I reach for my actual work boots because I like them better--only reason they aren't my actual work boots is the lack of toe protection. (White's: I'd love this boot with a composite safety toe, thanks)

Very robust upper construction. Pretty heavy boot considering there isn't a steel toe in there. I don't mind the crepe sole, but if I think one part of this boot will wear out first, it's the sole. But since they're not daily work boots, resole day won't come for years.

Very comfortable, feels good wearing them all day. Welted construction that should last a lifetime, because the upper isn't going anywhere. Bonus points: they look good with jeans.

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PuzzledCitron8728 t1_ivl5g02 wrote

Timberland Pro's

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EastRaccoon5952 t1_ivoz7yu wrote

My work bought me Tims and two years later im getting a new pair. I work in research, and dont do a ton of heavy work, mostly just wearing them around while im at work. Not even full time. My Doc Martens have been through a hell of a lot more and are holding up better, and I don't even think they are super high quality either. Its entirely possible that the womens line is lower quality, but if i have a choice I'm gonna go with something else next time. Also, with professional work boots you're probably gonna pay for the ANSI rating, which you don't really need. I would say pass on the Tims.

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PuzzledCitron8728 t1_ivpergc wrote

I appreciate your comment

I work in construction, and been wearing my Tim's for 3 years, the only think I need to replace is the insoles

I guess different shoes for different foos

As for the Doc M's, maaaan they look cool, but sure as shit don't look good on me 😑

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_ivlncdk wrote

Blundstone for me as well. I prefer Chelsea over laces. I have a pair of RedWing Roughnecks that are great, too. I would suggest staying away from Danner, they just haven't lasted for me at all.

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SelfDERPecating t1_ivm3ojo wrote

Shame about Danner for you! I have never had to replace mine, just the soles and normal upkeep, they're made like tanks (I have a pair of Mountain Lights that I've owned for about 15 years and Wolk Creek Chukkas for about 7). Maybe their quality has dropped?

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_ivmcic1 wrote

I think there's likely a big difference between their premium lines and other lines. I have some Mountain Lights that are doing ok for hiking after a few years, although I've found Zamberlan to be superior. But for Danner's less premium lines, I've been really disappointed. A pair of Bull Run workboots only lasted a couple of months. I demolished a pair of Pub Garden boots in one day laying down some simple stepping stones in the yard. And I had a pair of Vertigo hiking boots that were totally unstable on slightly rough terrain and twisted my ankle. So I'm done with Danner, sorry to say.

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F-21 t1_ivnq997 wrote

Hey check out Jim Green! Simply unbeatable quality for the price. I'm very happy with my vellies and plan on buying more on black friday (they might have a 20% off sale like last year). They're also very wide, way more comfortable than most shoes or boots.

I advise against any solid toe caps. For me they usually end up being uncomfortable. A double layered leather toe cap is enough protection anyway. African Ranger boots from Jim Green are like that, and also Redwing Iron Rangers, for example.

Others mentioned Blundstone and Chelsea style, which Jim Green also makes. Didn't try them, but they have the same stitchdown construction and quality as the rest of their lineup.

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couverando1984 t1_ivlesc1 wrote

Blundstone or similar Chelsea boots are easy to put on/off.

I've gone through blundstones after 10 years of heavy use. Not what I would exactly say buy it for life, but if you don't work in construction they should last you longer than mine.

I have both the steel toe and non steel toe blundstones for my light duty work boots when I'm not wearing my heavy duty dayton gyw boots.

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Muncie4 t1_ivmnqv8 wrote

You do not buy boots on comfort as that's personal and no one can answer that but you.

We don't have a budget, so that's on you as well. Without a budget, I'm gonna say something like Danner Bull Run in whatever shape/color/flavor you like.

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goldbloodedinthe404 t1_ivp2xqh wrote

Georgia boot co. I used a pair of their wellies daily for work for years. As comfortable a boot as you could ask for and for weekend work will last many years mine would have lasted longer but due to the way I walk I am very rough on the heels of my shoes. I moved a half marathon a day on hard concrete for 6 months never got a single blister or any foot pain. At the end of the day my feet would just be tender from the total distance but I could easily get up and do it again the next day.

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alaxsxaq t1_iwxf1z8 wrote

I really like the style, so started with Blundstones, but the soles disintegrated. I bought Redbacks and wear them for everything all year round. They are really durable and comfortable.

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LowGradePlayer t1_ivlccf5 wrote

As with any footwear purchase - forget about brand.

Fit is the only thing that matters.

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Muncie4 t1_ivmnh6i wrote

Can you not? In your world boots from Target are as good a John Lobb bespoke?

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LowGradePlayer t1_ivmu0xn wrote

Depends on what fits better.

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Muncie4 t1_ivmy10b wrote

Premise that you can genuinely think that a boot from Target, can in any universe, fit better than bespoke boots, makes me think you are either world class ignorant or troll...not sure which.

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LowGradePlayer t1_ivmzuw9 wrote

Read my words- the most important thing is the fit.

No two feet are the same.

For work boots, fit is even more important.

Now those $700 boots that you only were to Starbucks for a couple hours once a week, it’s ok if they make your feet hurt and cause blisters.

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Muncie4 t1_ivochkr wrote

You are on the far left of the Dunning-Kruger chart my friend. In order to speak to fitment of shoes, you first need to know the levels of fitment:

  1. Length only. Usually comes from chain stores. E.g., 12.
  2. Length and vague width like Wide. Usually comes from chain stores. What is wide? Nobody knows. E.g., 12W.
  3. Brannock sizing via a Brannock device. Length and width, both highly specific with rare variances based on unique lasts. These are usually found in high end stores from select brands. E.g., 12AA.
  4. Bespoke. A replication of your foot is used to create two custom shoes based on 3D sizing. There are some layers to bespoke as they can go from 3 measurements to even 3D laser renderings these days. No example sizing as each maker has their own method but its generally based on custom name and/or serial number.

Now if what you say is true, you should only be promoting bespoke footwear or at least availing internet users to how to get the best fitment possible.

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LowGradePlayer t1_ivoulzk wrote

Everything you say in immaterial.

All that matters is when the shoe is put on, does it die or not.

The only way to tell is by putting it on.

Two exact same shoes, identical in every way, can fit different.

As for custom made boots, the OP said he does not want to “break the bank” and by any definition that rules out bespoke.

As for your definition of fit, it is not just length and width as you speak, your needs to also consider last and arch.

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