I'm going to be doing work in a customers indoor testing lab where they require safety toe shoes - composite or steel. I'm going to be on my feet most of the day on concrete floors, the hazards are heavy glass doors and LOTS of small pieces of glass from impact testing. I was given steel "clown" toes with springs to put on my shoes this week, but I've got to get geared up for the next round of impact testing. It's a temp and humidity controlled lab; dry floors and ~75*

The customer's lab techs shoes look almost like tennis shoes, although some of them are wearing traditional 6" work boots. What do you guys suggest?

Go to a Redwing shoe store and pay the man.

I have a pair of Keens that I bought off Amazon. Steel toe and a rubber cover on the front. I like them but they don't breathe. I have had them about six months now and very durable. Only problem is the shoelaces broke. I replaced them with paracord. I.would buy another pair.

The Worx brand work shoes sold by Redwing have done me well for several years.

I've been wearing these for over 10 years, 12 hour days, in a production setting. I also buy the ortholite insoles and wool socks for extra comfort.

The side zip makes it super easy and quick on and off, just lace them up where you like them, and double knot it, then just use the zippers from there on out.

https://originalfootwear.com/c...?variant=43036222917

I had to spend some time working in an industrial lab and had to get safety-toe shoes. I ended up spending $50 on a pair of Roebucks shoes from Sears as it was all I could afford at the time. They were like sneakers. I can't remember if they were steel or composite. They were definitely heavier than other shoes I've had, but otherwise were comfortable for doing a lot of standing and walking. However, it wasn't long before the leather (if that's what it was) started cracking at the flex points.

That's my experience with safety-toe shoes. If I could've afforded it, I would've gone with higher quality footwear, like Redwing or Danner (my favorite boot brand).

Carolina 1309. A bit pricey but worth it.I find Carolinas dont require much if any break in time.

I wear Merrell Work shoes every day. They're comfortable and have a composite toe.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/...merrell-work&start=1

I work on concrete floors 10hrs a day. For me a low heel works best. Georgia boots fit me and hold up well.

I have worn steel and composite toe shoes for twenty plus years. Have tried various brands also. The past two years have been Timberland Pro series(several styles). For me, these are the best so far.

So far, I'm very happy with my Keen Mt Vernon Mid. Mod #1016778D

I work 12 hour shifts on an industrial concrete floor in a climate controlled manufacturing facility and am probably on my feet 8-9 hours of that.

The bottom line is everyone's feet are different and you will have to find what works for your feet. Try and find a store that carries different brands and has a generous return policy. Our local Army-Navy store carries a bunch of brands with a 30 day return policy so you can actually try them out and bring them back.

I tried a bunch including paying the money for redwings before I found Timberline boots. Now they are the only boots I wear.

I've worn safety shoes for the last 30 years in both warehouse and lab settings.

For everything you mention, I like Keen (Atlanta Cool...steel toe, vented and comfy) or Merrell (Moab 2...composite toe and comfy).

Many other brands (Carolina, Redwing, Timberland Pro, etc) make comfortable safety shoes, but I have found them all to be too heavy, and by the end of the week, my feet would ache bigtime.

Great info, thanks guys! I'll start shopping today as I need to go back to the GA customer's lab in a few weeks.

Skechers steel toe.