Looking for safety toe boots, about 6", size 6EE, made of quality materials and NOT from CHINA! Prefer Made in USA.


Back in early 1990's, I was fitted with a Redwing boot, size 6EE. So comfortable, that I chose them over sneakers for a March of Dimes Walk. I was told that they are not made in that size anymore.

About 5 years ago, I bought Danner Boots, 6", Size 6EE. Soles wore out, told not repairable and no longer made in that size.

Last year, got desperate. Still wanted to by a good boot made in USA. Bought Thorogood boots with a smooth flat sole in my size, but horrible comfort at first. Solved that issue by getting Super Feet high Arch insoles. Now, very comfortable.

I must be hard on boots as these are now getting worn soles.

No matter how good the boot, soles wear out. You want soles with a little give and good traction. That means they have to be soft. That means they wear out.

Traditionally made high-quality boots can be resoled (more than once).

I haven't personally tried any, but pretty much everyone seems to think the best traditionally hand-made in the US safety toe boots are from White's and Nick's.

They're REALLY expensive.

Belleville. The 300 and 550 are made in the US. That is a requirement for footwear that I spend my money on (which is why I love New Balance). Both have the steel safety toe, and I believe both should be available in your ballpark size range. Fair warning - they run 1-1.5 sizes large.

Boots with a Goodyear welt can be resoled a few times, or until until the uppers wear out. Thorogood & Red Wing both make good work boots. I've been wearing Red Wings for a long time.

With boots you like a lot in a size that's hard to find, I'd recommend getting them resoled.

quote:

Goodyear welt

Good tip to know! Apparently I wasn't paying enough attention to the construction.

I contacted the White's.

Wow, Nick's are pricey, but I'll consider them if my work allows my benefit limit to be applied towards them. I like the sizing method they use that considers the foot volume (last size).

Also, found a cobbler within an hour of home. Didn't know they still existed. I'll talk with them too.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

Thorogood Offers restoration for your boots as well. Price appears to be competitive with what I paid recently to resole a pair of Danner boots.

I think the two worse things in life for me is trying to shop for boots (hiking, work, military) and shoes.

I have some weird Clydesdale/ogre feet.

Over the summer while I was at Camp Atterbury IN, I ran to the Red Wing store in Greenwood.

I could not believe the show room and I have not bought work boots in about 21 years.

Since returning to LE is a no go, I am back in the trades. I bought a pair of steel toe red wings that are awesome. (MODEL 3532 Tradesman)

The only problem is that I must have lost weight and now they are huge.

I wear a 11EE so I can only wear certain boots.

Shop smart, I think more Thorogood's are made over seas than not now.

Thorogood uses NuShoe to refresh/resole, you can just deal direct with them for many brands.

Try White's custom shoes in Spokane, Hoffman also custom. Also Danner, Lowa, and others.

I have 4E feet, and face the same problems. I have had several White's custom boots, but the higher heel makes it easier to trip when in the woods and not on a trail. I will try Hoffman boots next. They are in Kellogg, Idaho.

Thank you for the tip about Thorogood restoration. That is good to know. I'm just surprised how soft these soles are on my current boots.

I am like you and will not buy Chinese boots and most of my footwear is US made, but I did buy some Australian made Redback boots and they are really comfortable and seem to wear great.