I'm not in the trades, so I don't need super expensive top of the line quality work boots, but I have to replace my Carhart work boots with something better, after a day in the yard or in my driveway working on cars or running saws, or chainsaw all day, my feet are killing me, and other lower leg and hip parts.

I checked out Georgia Boot brand, great boots I understand, but the bottom soles were not soft or supportive enough for me (flat footed diabetic just to start). Lesser brands are better quality that my Carhart boots, but they didn't fit me well either, or didn't come in half sizes, which I generally need in 11-1/2 Regular D width. I also dropped by a Red Wing store, and those traditionally well-made boots didn't fit as well as I would have hoped, and their construction was not correct with weird forces and strange torsion anomalies lacing up. And they're made in, you guessed it, *!@&#)# China. I called Keen boot company, and they told me they have ZERO stocking retailers for their work boot lines, so I have no way of trying them on. Apparently Keen work boots are no longer their bread and butter, they're making more athletic, hiking, and some woke shit shoes. I'm pretty sure young healthy men can compromise with lesser boots because they can, or don't know any better because they never had high quality footwear before, I don't know.

Have any of you guys solved this problem, and can offer suggestions? Less money is better if possible, but I won't compromise again if I need to spend more. I'd like to keep it under $200 if that's even possible.

Any advice appreciated.

Thorogoods & Red Wing Boots are both top quality & made in the USA. I've worn Red Wings for years. I have no experience with Thorogoods, but they always get good reviews.

I don't squander money needlessly, but there are three things that I never skimp on:
Boots
Tires
Toilet paper.

there are sites you can buy quality used boots lightly used for half price.

My Schnee boots are top quality. Zamberlan, Lowa, Crispi, Hoffman, etc. There are others. Both USA and European made. Avoid the chinese and similar boots.

I have been wearing Danner boots daily since 1998. Recommended to me after having foot issues after a motorcycle accident. Not cheap but as they are recraftable they outlast most any others. Wear them on duty (LEO) and off. I have sent some pairs back to be rebuilt 3 times before I had to replace them.

Ive always had good luck with Carolina. This is my favorite - https://workingperson.com/caro...e-eh-work-boots.html. Made in the USA.

I wear boots daily. Not many options for me as I have small feet.
Even with a good boot, I would highly recommend a quality insole!

I'm wearing USA made Thorogood now that at first felt like the worst I ever wore. Got "Superfeet" insoles changed the same boots to being very comfortable.

I just bought another pair of Red Wings about 2 weeks ago. I know there's better boots but they're also more money. I have been in Red Wings for a few decades now and about the only boot I wear.
The insoles I replace every time with the Dr. Scholls gel inserts and never had a problem. I'm on my feet a good part of the day and these are steel toed boots.
Have heard good things about Danner and almost all my LEO friends wear them but it's more money than I want to spend.

Strange. I have Keen work boots and got them a couple moths ago. I like them and they sell gel insert I believe if you need them. Many people in the shop wear them.

Also Thorogood is what I see people wearing around here. They look light.

We are required to wear steel or composite tips but I also get the rubber that wraps around the front. I am sure you dont need this though.

Mine last a year and that wearing them about 14 hrs a day.

I like the Keens too but any boots or shoes I wear have a good quality aftermarket insole too.
They are not inexpensive but but these are what I've been wearing for years now as I age and they've made a big difference in comfort and joint pain.

https://powerstep.com/products...maxx-support-insoles

I’ve worn Red wings daily for 30 years. They work for me , sorry you did not find the fit to your liking. Keep looking and you will find what you like.

Nicks

I have a pair of Thorogood Moc Toes. They are made with very stiff leather and took a long time to break in. I almost gave up on them as it seemed to be taking forever. Now that they have, they are quite comfortable, and appear they will last a long time before needing resoled.

Danner. Still made in the USA and a supplier to DOD.

Consider orthotics - a custom fit guaranteed and will work in any boot. That machine in Wallyworld might be worth a minute to show how your foot is working. Many of the suppliers send a mold to stand on and then return the custom fitted inserts.

I ran thru those issues changing up sizes and working 40-65 hours a week on my feet. The orthotic inserts and good socks with lots of compression solved most of it.

Check out Timberland Pro.

I went through red wing and other major brands with no success, after 12 hour shifts on industrial concrete floors my feet, knees, and hips were on fire.

Timberland Pro comes in every style depending on your needs from full leather uppers down to tennis shoe style with both steel and composite toe boxes.

Redwing for me. I have a couple of their steel toe work boots. Will likely run you closer to $250, though. Definitely worth it. I don't wear inserts in mine but you might want to try it out.

I like their boots so much I have a pair of their chelsea boots for casual wear.

I love my Danners. Many models are still made in the USA. My first pair went almost 10 years of daily wear getting soaked with water and various cleaning chemicals every day. I had them resoled 5 or 6 times before they were too far gone to rebuild. I have a different career now, and my current pair will probably last literally the rest of my life as they only get occasional wear now when I need a full boot.

I have a pair of slip on Danner Romeos I wear for work now, and while I don't walk anywhere near as much as I used to they still have decent tread after almost 2 years of daily wear. My cat destroyed the leather so I'll just replace them when the soles are gone, but when I do it will be with another pair of Danners.

One thing about the Danners (and possibly other
brands) that will be problematic for you is the lack of cushion. They ship with very minimal interior support and cushion. This makes it easy for you to use your own, but they probably wouldn't work for you right as they come from the factory.

Merrell ($), Danner ($$), and Red Wing ($$$).

The suggestion for orthotic inserts is a good one, since it sounds like you have an issue with low arches that is contributing to your soreness. I have flat feet too, and custom orthotic inserts are a necessity for my running shoes and duty boots.

quote:

I also dropped by a Red Wing store, and those traditionally well-made boots didn't fit as well as I would have hoped, and their construction was not correct with weird forces and strange torsion anomalies lacing up. And they're made in, you guessed it, *!@&#)# China.

Many Red Wings boots are made in USA... You must have been looking at some of their cheaper ones that are made overseas. If you go to their website, you can filter the products to list just those that are made here, using the options on the left hand side. Or go back to the store and let them know that you're only interested in the ones that are Made in USA. But understand they're going to be outside of your <$200 budget. Made in USA carries a premium, and not just when it comes to boots.

https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/?grid=true

I would try Irish Setter as well.

Jim

Wrightd.

You're going to get a LOT of "I like" and may not
really get an answer to your question. So many people with so many different feet. eh?

Poli Viejo

Red Wings have always served me well.