(Part 2) Best work & safety boots for men according to redditors

gonna highjack this thread.

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Chippewa-Collection-Service-Utility/dp/B00BP45F8M/ref=cts_sh_1_vtp?th=1&psc=1


I've had those on my wish list for a while. I personally havent spent that much money on footwear.

thoughts on them?

Can anyone comment on the price and quality of the Chippewa cordovan service boots that are also included in this sale? Really liking the look of them.

I've had my Chippewa service boots for about two or three years now and couldn't be happier. I've never had red wings, but it's very difficult for me to imagine the quality is better.

well, my first choice would be dayton service boots in black nubuck. but those are outside of just about everybody's price range (500). my next fav is probably the chippewa service boots in black odessa or the chippewa trooper service boot (these are really sleek).

i actually think wolverine 1000 miles look awesome in black, but i need a proper sole where i live, which is unfortunate because you can usually find them for a good price.

there's probably other options out there but these are the first that come to mind.

edit: one more option could be red wing beckman in black, but i already own beckmans in a different colour so i wouldn't be interested in them personally.

You're relatively lucky, in that most of the time IT guys don't have to dress to the 9's. Start out by getting a few pair of khakis, Gap runs a sale every other weekend and their slim fit ones will do the trick without breaking the bank. Get one pair of nice dress pants for when you need to make a presentation or know you will be meeting with someone important.

Uniqlo has decent dress shirts that don't cost too much, but if you know your size so does Jcrew & Jcrew factory, Nordstrom rack etc.. Pick up a grey a few blue and a patterned one. Gingham once it's spring.

For shoes a minimal sneaker (like the ever present stan smiths or these will work) or you can also get away with a pair of boots that you can wear with jeans or chinos. Brogue boots, or something like the Chippewa ones Linked would work. think "dress boots"

Get some sweaters because it's cold. Eventually think about replacing your jacket and daily carry bag to accommodate your new work environment as well.

I have this pair of Thorogoods, love em. They're cheaper than RW Mocs and mine have held up like champs. In light snow and fall, these are my go to.

Edit: the soles aren't good on ice, I definitely forgot about that.

The code also seems to work for a lot of Chippewa, doesn't show up on the item page for some of their boots for some reason.

Might pick up a pair of the service boots: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP44F2O

I finally ordered my first Red Wing Iron Ranger in Charcoal!

These will be my most expensive boot to add to my collection but I know they are well worth it. I already have dark brown, light brown, and burgundy boots and now I’ll have a dark grey!

From seeing photos and reviews of the patina, I’m excited to see how these boots evolve with age.

Here's two reviews that literally tears apart the LL Bean boots to the Red Wing Iron Rangers so you can see the inside components. You'll note that the Red Wings use a cork filler so as you wear them they will mold to your feet shape better and provide a more comfortable fit over time, whilst the Katahdins are synthetic foam.

That said, I have a pair of Chippewa service boots for over a year now and they're still pretty comfortable. They're more expensive than the regular $100+ Chippewas, but I do feel the leather on these is are just as good as Red Wings'.

I received a $250 gift card to amazon for a pair of boots this christmas, so ignore prices mostly when I ask the following question:
I want a boot that looks good and is versatile, will age nicely, and is very durable. Which should I get, and for what reason.

Chippewa Service Boot in cordovan

Red Wing Beckman in black cherry or cigar

Red Wing Iron Ranger in amber harness

or, Wolverine 1000 Mile in cordovan

http://www.amazon.com/Thorogood-814-4200-Moc-Toe-Boot/dp/B001QJ4I5C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419376535&sr=8-1&keywords=thourogood

Or

http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Heritage-Moc-Oro-Iginal/dp/B001KS09TS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419376554&sr=8-2&keywords=redwing+moctoe

Chippewa's Homestead boot is similar in that it is a captoe work boot with speed hooks. The profile is a bit different but the overall look is comparable. The color selection may not appeal to you as much, though. Here's an Amazon link.

How do you feel about boots as your second shoe? If you've got $250, the vans are $60, then you're left with $190. I'm a fan of Chelsea boots personally, since they can easily go with jeans, but you can also dress them up a little. Have a look at some of these and see if any grab your fancy. They're all high quality footwear, you should be able to get many years out of them. The ones I marked GYW are Goodyear welted construction, these are the ones that will last the longest.


Red Wing Rover (GYW), copper or black, $149

Wolverine 1883 km(GYW), black, dirt cheap at $49, size 7 or 8 only.

Wolverine Percy brown brogue, size 10 only, $59

Wolverine Clarence Boot, black, size 7-8.5, $59

Red Wing Chelsea(GYW), black $179, size 10 only.

Chippewa Service Boot(GYW), black, $116, 9.5-11.5.

Thursday Boot Co Chelsea boot(GYW), honey suede, $128, size 10.5 only.

Red Wing Beckman(GYW), black, $162, size 8 only.

Wolverine Kilometer(GYW), brown, $91, size 7 only.

If you want something a bit in between why the the Wolverine 1000 Mile? They're work boot - y but also dressier than most. If you want a cheaper option you can do the kilometer version.

There's also Thursday Boots but the quality I have heard can be hit or miss. They look pretty good though. I have also heard good things about Taft

I highly recommend Thorogood.

Made in Wisconsin (where I'm from), with long lasting and excellent craftsmanship. They will actually stand up to the weather.

if you want a cheaper and slightly more streamlined version of that same boot style, try thorogoods.

these are similar/higher quality/more expensive/slimmer profile if you can track them down.

Well, I think a more apt comparison would be Katahdins vs Chippewas, and they are both made by Chippewa, last time I checked. However, I like the colors of the Chippewas over the Katahdins

That being said, to your question, I think you'll find most people prefer the IR for its construction and leather. However, at this price point, you're going to get a great boot no matter what. Depending on your finances, I would go ahead and get the IR's if you like their color and style more.

Thanks man. That was awfully kind of you.

I got the boots a few weeks ago in Red Wing, MN. They are fuckin awesome! Just like having a nice watch, a nice pair of boots makes you feel great. Here they are:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KS09TS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_-mBuub1W5A01J

Chippewa Cordovan Service Boot is just over $200 right now on Amazon with their 20% off coupon. Though, if you can wait, I think it would be worth it to hold out for some Iron Ranger or Wolverine 1K seconds for around the same price.

I've been wearing Chipppewa GQ's in tan for the last week or so, and I really like them. $89 after coupon.

Yeah, I thought black would go with everything but might seem...combat-like or thuggish. The red-brown one, I was kind of worried would look to preppy, a look I avoid, with blue jeans. Here's the specific pair I am looking at (black and brown, not light-brown cuz i already have those):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D1YJDQ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

I'm looking for my first pair of GWY boots after never having boots last longer than a year. This sub's beginner's guide and reviews has helped tremendously. I've narrowed it down to three specific choices and was wondering if anyone could help me choose between them.

1. Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger 6-Inch Boot (260 USD @ Amazon)
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XVHA018/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3S1N6APURSCRS&coliid=I3QMIACAPQNWWI&psc=1
   
   
   
2. 1883 by Wolverine Men's Kilometer Winter Boot (250 USD @ Amazon)
   https://www.amazon.com/1883-Wolverine-Kilometer-Winter-Black/dp/B01D1YJDQ8/ref=sr_1_9?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1487058141&sr=1-9&nodeID=679307011&refinements=p_89%3AWolverine&th=1&psc=1
   
   
3. Wolverine 1000 Mile Duvall Plain Toe Boot (170 USD @ NordstormRack)
   https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/1942727/wolverine-1000-mile-duvall-plain-toe-boot?color=6%20BOOT%20BR
   
   My priorities are, in order of importance:
   
   

• Durability (especially for the sole (insole?) - I have hyperhidrosis for the feet which I am getting treatment for and it's improving but I've noticed all my previous cheap boots started to get paper thin soles by end of the first year to the point where I'd feel any bumps on the road on my feet)
  
  
• Some grip, it rains often where I live. Not waterproof but should at least be good for small puddles etc
  
  
• Leather quality, especially after some wear/tear. I love the look of rugged leather boots but not of ragged leather boots.
  
  Any advice appreciated!
  
  Edit: Also open to other suggestion for 6" leather boots with speed hooks under 300USD if they're significantly better/more suitable.

Chippewa Men's 20065 6" Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boot,Chocolate Apache,6 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036VN8G8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ib0QybTDEG7SC

See Chippewa Apache Boots (6")
I've heard really good things about these boots, and there are some good write ups on them by other redditors (mobile so it's hard to link right now).

Personally, I own a pair of RW Iron Rangers, and I think they are definitely worth it... But they definitely will set you back a bit more at the start.

Thorogood Moc Toe Boots

Jeans: Unbranded for raw (about all you can get for under $100), or save some money and just grab some Levi's.

Boots: Chippewa

Hey guys,

I've been looking for a reasonably priced lighter brown boot lately, and the Renegade Tan Chippewa Service Boot looks pretty appealing in the stock photos.

Problem is, from reviews I've seen online the leather looks a lot darker in person than what the stock photos show, especially after conditioning. Can anyone confirm how accurate the shade of brown is in the stock photo, and if it really is much darker in person, can anyone recommend a similar looking/similarly priced pair of boots?

Thanks!

I thought about getting those, but instead got these Chippewa boots

Even cheaper than Katahdins, look about the same as the original Op's post too. I just got mine and they're super comfy. And it's true what the reviews say about sizing down.

[These might be right up your alley.](http://www.Original.com/ Chippewa Collection Men's 1901M25 Engineer Boot, Cordovan, 7 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP45BO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5vEizbJJY8J8N)

They're pretty common recommendations here on MFA, but I love my Chippewa GQ boots. They're rugged, feel solid, super comfortable, improve with age and wear, and walk a nice line between stylish and practical. They're also reasonably cheap.

I waterproofed them with some Obenauf LP, which made them a little darker than they are in this photo. They also come in a steel-toed version.

I have to say Golden Fox is great at listening and making quick revisions of their boots. For those unaware. One of their postings, they have announced earlier this year the upgrade of their suede leather. I returned the older version because I preferred eyelets. The suede feels thicker. On top, we shouldn't be comparing a $250-300 boots with a $75 dollar boots. It's like comparing apples to oranges. I have a pair of Wolverine 6" Moctoe that I paid for $120 (with plastic welt).

A lug sole works great, something like the Red Wing 8146.

Looking to get a pair of black boots. I have a IR 8115 atm and really like the fit/looks. What would u guys suggest to complement it? I'm wearing them with jeans/chinos.

Chippewa Homestead

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Chippewa-Collection-Homestead-Odessa/dp/B00BYP8BKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419613736&sr=8-1&keywords=chippewa+homestead

Chippewa Service Boot

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Chippewa-Collection-Service-Utility/dp/B00BP45L04/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1419612109&sr=8-15&keywords=chippewa

IR 8114

http://www.redwingheritage.com/USD/product/footwear/6-inch-boots/6-black-harness-8114-08114

IR 8116

http://www.redwingheritage.com/USD/product/footwear/6-inch-boots/iron-ranger-charcoal-08116

OSB Trench in Black

http://oakstreetbootmakers.com/footwear/black-dainite-trench-boot/

Wolverine 1000 in Black

https://www.wolverine.com/AU/en-AU/Product.mvc.aspx/28775M/68591/Mens/1000-Mile-Boot-Black

Im looking into getting some moc toe boots for casual wear but I usually walk everywhere and average about 6 miles a day and have worn through a bunch of shoes and want something that will last several years. Im trying to stay under $200 and found these two boots.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UDU1218/ref=s9_wsim_gw_g309_i9_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-2&pf_rd_r=Y7SNN7T3KXYHX793MAE4&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=f58829ef-ff4e-4868-b5c8-fe8c3bd9f769&pf_rd_i=desktop&th=1&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001QJ2GI8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2R4WGMCJCVXS8&coliid=I17EYB2B4DQ4FY&psc=1

I was wondering if these are decent quality, or if theres another size 13D boot at a similar price that would be better.

Hey guys, I was wondering if the Wolverine Kilometer Boot in brown is a good choice at $130. It's my first boot, should I shell out more?

I'm trying to decide between the Wolverine 1000 mile Cordovans, Cordovan No. 8, and the Chippewa Cordovans.

I know that the Chippewa Cordovans aren't actual Cordovan leather but that doesn't really concern as long as their aesthetic is similar.

What I want to know is is there any big difference between the Wolverines and chippewas in terms of build quality.

Some people say the Wolverines are better quaility, but too me it seems like a placeabo because so many people say the chippewas hold up very well too.

I have had a pair of chippewas for about 4 years and they are still in good condition.

I'm curious to hear anyone's personal experience or thoughts. I want to know if its worth the extra $90 for the Wolverines.

I know you're looking for the 1000 Miles but these boots by Chippewa are very similar and on sale for cyber Monday.
Check this thread in frugal male fashion for comments on quality:
http://www.reddit.com/r/frugalmalefashion/comments/2nxp32/chippewas_are_still_30_off_with_new_code/

How much was customs?

You can add some filler items too get to $125 for free shipping (they may or may not charge handling), or you could get Thorogood plain toes instead which are $127.45.

Thanks for the reply! The main reason I made this thread was because it's really hard to tell what the shoes look like in person from the pictures online.

The two I've kind of narrowed it down to are this and this. Both qualify for the current Amazon sale so the final price is knocked down by 20% which brings them both under $150. What do you think?

I love moc toe boots but I've alway felt something was off about the katahdin moc toe. For the price you might as well go up to Red Wings, unless you really want that LL Bean guarantee.

is this the same thing as the Service Boot? The leather looks different.

Just got my first pair of good quality boots (up until now, I've had Steve Madden and Guess). I got a pair of Chippewa Service boots and I have a couple questions on fit.

I'm not exactly sure what constitues 'heel slippage' but I've read on here that it's a sign that the boots are too big. I've worn a size 12 since I was like 13 years old (I'm 30) so I got a size 12. Having them laced up fairly tight, there's maybe a 5mm movement of the heel when I walk. Is that enough to be concerned?

The rest of the boot fits very comfortably.

Looking on here to see if anyone needs a pair of work boots/warm winter footwear. They're a pair of these boots and I figure I'd ask on here to see if anyone in need would like them before dropping them off at Goodwill. Size 11D.

For the lazy: Wolverine link, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FHD4RE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1487959254&sr=1-4&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_FMwebp_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=518B%2BocpgSL&ref=plSrch

Brown only

My current footwear consists of Thorogood plain toe boots in tobacco and Chippewas.

For pants I am usually rocking my 3sixteen shadow selvedge and some bonobos travel Jeans in Santa fe sand, as wells a cords (burgundy, green, dark khaki), and sometimes (but not super often) chinos (olive, brown).

My tops are usually sweaters (pretty wide variety) or flannels.

Jackets I own are a indigo denim jacket, an olive vest, and a grey wool shawl-color jacket.

Posted here earlier. I love my pair that still look great

Thorogood American Heritage Boot, Black, 10.5 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OWSOQM/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_fEbZBbNQ1MFC9

Interesting, I wouldn't have guessed that. Maybe I'll try out the pair I have in snow next time.

I wonder if I could get the itshide commando sole with a non-lugged heal to address the heal wear concern that Madrun described (doesn't address the flexibility concern though). Kind of like what Red Wing does with the Iron Ranger - pic at link below.

(https://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Heritage-Ranger-Charcoal/dp/B01G5FR4ES/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=pd_gwm_simh_0&th=1)

Also thorogoods.

They are already good value for money but worth waiting for a sale. I think my chippewas were about $100 on sale a few years ago, but I'm not sure they drop that low any more.

Chippewa in brown (don't be fooled by the amazon pics, look a lot nicer in person) and burgundy.

Either of those boots will last nearly as long as red wings but the styling and leather isn't quite as nice. Could get 2 or 3 years before needing a resole.

Unless you need black soles too, I would highly recommend looking into Thorogood boots. They're comparable to Red Wings but much more affordable. I wear them around on concrete with superfeet insoles 10+ hours a day and they feel like slippers. All leather and can be rebuilt and resoled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbpC5TMsNh8

What size do you need?

EDIT: Amazon has every size except 7 and 7.5 in the homestead

EDIT #2: My bad I forgot you wanted black.

Im trying to decide on boots but I need help. Im leaning towards carhartt because Ive had experience with there products in the past and the quality is always great

http://www.amazon.com/Thorogood-814-4200-Moc-Toe-Boot/dp/B001QJ2GHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408498651&sr=8-1&keywords=thorogood+boots[1]

http://www.bootbarn.com/Wolverine,-W03173,-Russet,-7.5,-D/1242933,default,pd.html?kpid=1242933&cm_mmc=Shopping-_-Google-_-Wolverine-_-1242933[2]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARHARTT-MEN-039-S-6-inch-Tan-Wedge-Waterproof-Boot-CMW6270-Safety-Toe-Boots-/231011506361?_trksid=p2054897.l4275[3]

EDIT:Words.

Well, I've got my 899's, and I'm looking for something a little less heavy. My primary concern is that I need a secondary boot that I can commute public transit in NYC in the dead of winter so my 899's don't rot. That's why I was considering the Mad Boots at that price.

Budget, I would characterize $250 as a manageable kick in the nuts. This winter has been rough on the budget since I owned nothing but very manly sundresses before I moved here.

Style-wise, something mildly different from my 899's. I could go with Moc-toe, or toe cap, or something sleeker. Unfortunately, I have big wide stupid feet, so I will settle for stylish clown shoes.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

Thank you. The boots in the first picture are Thorogood Men's American Heritage Moc Toe but closely resemble the Red Wings Heritage Collection Moc Toe but these have quick laces.

If you like boots and well made shoes (or have an interest in learning more about good quality shoes/boots check out r/goodyearwelt

I got these Danner Mountain 600s for my birthday. After I got them I decided I would destroy the finish very quickly, they are sued instead of smooth leather and they are just a little too "sporty" for me.

 

I am used to being able to abuse my Charcoal Iron Rangers and then easily clean/oil them and they look brand new. That being said...I need some brown boots, a not another pair of IRs. I will be using the credit from the Danner Boots that I'm returning ($140) and I'm willing to spend another $60-100 to get something better.

 

I'm thinking either Danner Bull Run Moc Toes , Thorogood Moc Toes, or stretching the budget and getting some Red Wing Moc Toes.


Is there a substantial drop in quality going from the $250 Red wings to the $175 Danner to the $160 Thorogoods? I will probably still wear my IRs more, but these will get a lot of use.

 

Any other suggestions in that range (on amazon ~$150-250)??

Thanks!

Are 1883 line of Wolverine boots a value brand? What is the quality like? I am looking at this one in particular

1883 by Wolverine Men's Ranger Winter Boot, Tan, 10 M US https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01AL6UH0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_ODiVAbJVPDVMH

They are actually more expensive then these similar boots

Wolverine Men's W08288 Wolverine Boot, Brown, 10 M US https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000FHD4RE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_MEiVAbFBS4S4Y

I couldn't get this in my size but I finally decided to pick up a pair of boots. I've been waiting for a deal on iron rangers for the last year and have never gotten in on one so I finally pulled the trigger on a frugal alternative:

https://www.amazon.com/1883-Wolverine-Kilometer-Winter-Brown/dp/B01D1YJFR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499831460&sr=8-1&keywords=wolverine+kilometer

Reviews seem to imply its quality is on par with 1000 miles and maybe a half step below iron rangers. Price varies by size but size 10 seems a good deal. Size 9 was $105 when I got it yesterday.

That's a tough pricepoint for boots that are not workwear, if you want to take the dive, Meermin will offer the best quality dress boots. Outside of that, the Chippewa service boots are really solid.

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Chippewa-Collection-Service-Utility/dp/B00J03TGVM/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1419611977&sr=8-34&keywords=chippewa

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Chippewa-Collection-Service-Utility/dp/B00BP45L04/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1419612109&sr=8-15&keywords=chippewa

I have had these for about 1 1/2 years. Wear them 7 days a week. A little over budget but I got them for 160 during a promo.

Original Chippewa Collection Men's 1901M26 6 Inch Service Utility Boot, Tan Renegade, 10 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP44GP0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hHQGybTKZD7XB

Im honestly not sure, picked them up at a thrift store years ago. I think they might be Kenneth Cole? They're good beaters but I honestly wouldn't suggest them if you're looking for a new boot. I'd suggest something like, Wolverines, Red Wings,Doc Martens, or Chippewas depending on your budget and style you're looking for.

Candied bacon

Seriously though, I'm a fan of the Saucony Jazz (sneaker) also red wings of some variety are an option.

Amazon has coupons if you join its mailing lists. That means you can get these Red Wings (I've had them for 5 years already) for about your budget.

1883 by Wolverine Men's Kilometer Winter Boot

Size: 8D(M) US

Color: Brown

Condition: Brand new

Price: $130 shipped

Pics upon request, I'm at work right now and can upload later

Link of boot: https://www.amazon.com/1883-Wolverine-Kilometer-Winter-Brown/dp/B01D1YJBQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483539890&sr=8-1&keywords=1883+kilometer+wolverine+boots