For yard work, woods walking (not long hiking), farming, maybe even everyday wear. What has been comfortable and durable for you?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ruger357,

You can’t go wrong with Danner. Lots of choices and they seem to go on sale fairly often. I’m also partial to my old Vasque Sundowners but I have no idea if current models are as good as the ones I wear now on occasion. Mine are over 15 years old.

If you're not going with western boots, some good quality ankle high LL Bean boots (This is what I have).

I would suggest you go try on a few different pairs but nothing is open right now.

I used to like Vasque and still where their shoes. For boots, I use Keen these days because they have a wider toe box which is more comfortable for me.

I mainly wear them when hiking.

You need to decide if you want leather or not. Waterproof or not. Waterproof is nice but comes at the cost of less breathability.

There are a bunch of quality boots out there. Different ones fit people differently. I really suggest you wait until you can try some on.

Another vote for Danner.

I'm looking for a pair or two.

I like Red Wings, but as noted above, most places are closed to in store traffic so it's just about impossible to try on anything first right now.

Having said that, I decided to take a chance on Duluth Trading, usually their prices are high but they have some super deals right now. If these don't fit right, I can return them, especially since they have a brick and mortar store here in OKC (currently closed but will reopen at some point). Here's the pair I just ordered, it's on sale at a good price, they're knocking off another 25% and giving free shipping. One year warranty.

Here's a link Link

I will probably wait on a 2nd pair until some stores reopen so I can try on first.

I’ve been wearing Salomon Quest 4D GTX for the last 4 or 5 years. Currently on the second pair. The old, less presentable ones get used for yard work, painting, etc. and the newer ones see more everyday wear and walking.

They’ve held up well and been very comfortable. Before that I was wearing Asolo boots but found the toe box to be a little too narrow for me.

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by GA Gator:
Another vote for Danner.

Another vote for Danner.
Email them and ask for a discount code.
It is usually 25% off.

Free shipping and free returns.
My last order was 6 pairs of boots, knowing I'd only keep 2 of them.
Sent the boots back I didn't want, on their dime, and got a refund less than a week from them receiving them.

Thorogood, but stick to their made in US boots. They have some that are imported.

So---do you want boots for work, farm, trail or everyday?

One style fits all doesn't.
WORK - steel/safety toe that last AND are comfortable - RedWing
Trail/yard - Merrel & Vasque
Everyday - depends on your style - give Thursday Boots a glance.

One of my few absolutes is I will only buy boots made in America... I wear Red Wings for work but be careful ... some are made in China and so you have to be selective... also, the last pair I bought took about a month to break in.

Not an expert in this regard but my answer would normally have been Red Wing until recently, when I saw they want $300 a pair.

Red Wing 8" boot #953. A farmer's boot. A plumber's boot. Here are one of my pairs after factory resoling.

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:
So---do you want boots for work, farm, trail or everyday?

One style fits all doesn't.
WORK - steel/safety toe that last AND are comfortable - RedWing
Trail/yard - Merrel & Vasque
Everyday - depends on your style - give Thursday Boots a glance.

That was my thinking as well. Kinda hard to pin down an all-in-one.

I wear Vasque boots when hiking at altitude. Merrell low cut at sea level flat terrain.

In the yard I wear a pair of soccer referee rubber sole shoes because of the excellent grip they have (I have a hilly yard).

If I'm cutting wood or working industrial I wear some Timberland PRO steel toe boots.

Any everyday casual and limited work boot would be the RedWing 9011 GT/Beckman. Those are REALLY comfortable when broken in and get a lot of compliments.

Timberland Pro, composite (I assume this is some sort of plastic) toe. I'm about to replace the last pair after five years. This may not sound like much, but in my business, in which I'm never off my feet and which exposes them to automotive fluids and chemicals, it is downright exceptional. I usually only get ~3 years out of them. I require black, because any other color will eventually turn black anyway, and all leather, no fabric. If you act quickly enough you can get fluids off leather with a rag soaked in brake cleaner, but fabric will allow them to soak in. These conditions may or may not apply to the OP's needs, but can still be a guideline.

 
Danner, but only the USA made models. I bought one pair of their imported models that didn't last a year. OTOH, I have two pair of USA made models, that are 12 and 25 years old, respectively. Granted, I don't wear them every day, but they just last, and are also rebuildable. My wife used the USA models as daily work boots when she was on the job as a LEO, and she got 5 years or more out of them. She worked K9, so was always in the woods, streams, etc. Never bothered to have them rebuilt, but just bought a new pair.

I take a pretty arduous hike every year and just bought my 2nd pair of Keen. In fact I traded my Red Wing/Irish Setters for them. I tried on a lot of different brands like Salomon and Merrell but found the Keen to fit my feet better.
As a nurse I spent a lot of time on my feet and put a lot of steps in them. They've suited me well for everyday wear and hiking the KT. I'd reccommend any of the brands mentioned so long as they fit your feet. My feet are quite flat with a very low arch. Not all feet are created equal, so try on many pairs.

Frye combat boots

I bought a pair of Irish Setter boots off Amazon and I have been happy with them. Have taken them on 2 hunting trips to SD and wear them daily to walk the dog. They are imported.

For the last few years I have been wearing the Asolo Drifter. Incredibly comfortable, and extremely durable. Great all around boot. I have had zero issues with these boots. They are extremely well built. The soles are made by Vibram so they last forever. The Gore-Tex liner isn’t too hot (I wear them year round in AZ) and they are completely waterproof.
Without question, the best boots I have ever owned.

Oh, the Drifter model has a wider toe box than their other models. Makes it quite a bit more comfortable than the Fugitive.

https://www.rei.com/product/12...gv-hiking-boots-mens