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

Yeah, those look sketchy.
But they do make nice looking steel toes nowadays.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KF9ZJNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KOEVCbBJHZ0KD

Here’s a good pair of jungle boots (they are very easy to spit shine.) And if you like the modern look these are rated pretty nicely as well. One tip, these are not for very heavy use considering the price of both.

I have these specifically https://www.amazon.com/Altama-Maritime-Assault-Friendly-Operators/dp/B074PBWCCR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542066967&sr=8-1&keywords=altama%2Botb%2Bmaritime&th=1&psc=1

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after wearing Nike SB dunks in lows and mids, I've always preferred the mids so that's what I went for with these. I got them in black as they would be easier to pass for more than casual events. as for scuffing I've had mine for about 6 months wearing them a couple of times a week and extensively during the past two weeks for this trip where we walked tons and hiked quite a few miles all to come back unscathed. honestly these shoes look like I just took them out of the box though I hear this is common except for the metal eyelets losing their black color and turning copper/bronze.

Ok so reading all of these responses I have to put my two cents in. I've owned two pairs of these Bates Men's 11 Inches Paratrooper Side Zip Work Boot http://amzn.com/B000G5TDGQ
They look good with jeans or even dress pants. the toes are shiny and look great. the soles are non marking so no black marks on the floor.

And the best part is that my first pair lasted me 7 years, then I took them to a cobbler and resoled these and they lasted me another 5 years. Then I sold them. Bought another pair and they have lasted me 2 years. also the side zip means you have to lace them once.

I think you might want to narrow down what kind of shoe you're looking for. Maybe the links aren't quite right, but I'm seeing the Merrels as a casual, slip-on, light brown, suede "grizzly/camp" loafer; the Clarks shows me a much more formal, black, cap-toe derby. This just about runs the gamut of formality for footwear. Others might have some more input if they know more of what you're looking for.

The brand "golden fox" on amazon has been brought up a few times on /r/goodyearwelt as a decent, actually budget option, if you're looking for a casual American workwear vibe.

Desert Boot / Chukka

Chelsea Boot

Chunky Moc-Toe Derby

I also saw an ad that got me interested in these <$50 wild things but I can’t vouch for them


Steel Toe Shoes for Men Women-Work Safety Shoes Breathable Lightweight Indestructible Industrial Construction Non Slip Sneakers Slip Resistant Puncture Proof Working Shoes (12.5 Women / 11 Men, Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W12H8P6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_10TNDbZ2P1WG7

DYKHMILY Safety Toe Shoes for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T2Y8THQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

These shoes are nice. Breathable, flexible, with really good grip. I bought these 9/17/19 so far so good. They're my first pair of steel toe shoes. Under $40 can't beat that on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHJV7VX/ref=dp_cerb_1

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I bought those and my instructor looked at them and said its not all leather and that there is mesh in the front but amazon says 100% leather. Also, I researched other shoes on amazon and google very disappointing reviews so I was wondering if anyone had any testimonials or referrals or something

Saloman XA Forces.

Or these if you're brave enough, no balls.

Anyone tried these? Altama OTB Maritime Assault Fin Friendly Mid Cut Operators Boots https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PC5LKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_82E7CbE05A8S0

Red Wing is the most comfortable but unfortunately don't breathe well.

My favorites are Keens work shoes

Most of the guys at my plant swear by Timberland work shoes

Going into electrical engineering you may want to look into some composite toes for electrical hazard protection.

Also, make sure you check with HR or your boss for compensation for protective equipment. If it's required to do your job they need to provide the funds for it.

Close, but the boots in the pic have more eyelets. I think they're the 8" version.

I've heard good things about these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QQ8XJ6/ref=cts_sh_3_fbt?pi=SL110#

Also, Red Wings are cool too.

Yeah so I got most of the stuff off amazon, including

WOLFBUSH Tactics Vest Phantom... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JJR671G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2pcs Foundation Special... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PRSKX3Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TClian Skull Mask Balaclava Ghost... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TCN39K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

ATAIRSOFT PJ Type Tactical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJOSUUA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

LIVIQILY Helmet Accessory... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X1LLH72?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
(This is just the attachment. Not the monocular)

The rest is just
White paint
Black jacket
Black pants
Black socks

Other thing that aren’t in the pic include

FREE SOLDIER Men's Tactical Boots... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BST51FS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Also I couldn’t find the link for the gloves

I just wear desert trekking boots. TR-660s. These are fairly soft compared to waterproof trekking boots, and practically a skate shoe compared to a shanked work boot. Soft enough to hike up a mountain, vented, and just hard enough that the Saint pedal's pins don't bother my feet after 90KM. Uppers have saved my ankles a couple times.

Do what feels right to your feet.

I always thought cycling shoes were merely about the cleat - never considered the sole was stiff on purpose. An MTB platform pedal obviously offers no help with the cleat - but I have never considered that I was losing power transfer when the entire ball of my foot fits on the pedal. I'll have to read up on that.

Reebok Work Men's Sublite Cushion Tactical Black 5 10 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DF6BBKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_54CDDbYB7R677

Best boots I've ever worn period, and they kept you completely dry. Fast break in, non slip, light, I can Sprint in these boots over oil, I've done it. Seriously 0 slip! Perfect comfy dishwasher boot!

My hospital boots: Salomon Urban Jungle SZ my indoor or light duty boots. These are my best boots for breathability, mobility and simplicity. They are a lightweight boot and have more of a athletic feel to them and suit the hospital environment well. I love my 5.11 boots but they are more of a rough n' tough boot, and they are a bit heavy for the hospital environment, that is compared to the Salomons atleast. I would still vouch for durability on these boots though but I have little experience taking these out in rough terrain. Out of personal preference I like seperate boots for seperate tasks. For lightduty work that requires running or walking on mostly flat terrain I'd recommend these boots 100%
P.s. I've heard the Under Armour boots are similar to my Salomons but they appear to be a little less durable (just on visual inspection at the store)

My patrol boots: 5.11 ATAC 2.0 8" love these to death. Fave boots by far. Comfy, durable, and generally breathable (they are waterproof so that's saying alot) mine have been used and abused by walking through scrapyard and abandoned buildings for a year and the only downfall I've come across it the fact that the insides of the boot have a sealed cloth lining and the stitching on the right boot has come off on the inside so sometimes when I pull my foot out the inside tries to come out with it, and there's no real way to fix it to stop it from happening, unless I wanna bust open the lining and then stich it all back up again which would be difficult and not worth it. But again this is after hard use over the past year and no other part of the boot has broken, laces are like new, soles have barely worn down and are solid still, toe of the boot has no chipping or wear on it. Absolutely love em. Will be buying another pair when these eventually need to be replaced.

My (soon-to-be) winter patrol boots: Salomon Toundra Forces
(The 'toundra pro' model looks nice too but less grip it seems) can't say how good they are yet as I haven't tried em but I'm excited to get a new winter boot.

I have a couple pairs of S.W.A.T. Original boots and Danner Crosstech that I used to use. The SWAT ones I ended up bending the steel plate at the bottom kicking a tire, they were good boots and held up quite a while but I would have expected them to be a bit more durable, but they are on the lower end of the price scale. The Danner boots I actually received for free and use them as 'show boots' I guess. I don't like the feel of the sole and they feel a little clunky, I'm sure id get use to them but for now I just keep em clean in case I need em.

Edit: added reasons why I liked them

This one is 4.5”

Ryno Gear Trek Coolmax Tactical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KCM77R4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Here ya go

https://www.amazon.com/Bates-Enforcer-11-Paratrooper-Black/dp/B000G5TDGQ/ref=sr_1_140?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467321689&sr=1-140&nodeID=11721164011

I really want this boot, but I just can't stand that glossy toebox. I guess there's no question, I just wanted to bitch.

Unless anyone has any advice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5KGYZL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8oGvDbYXKW4H6

I would get these. If your worried about money they're only 60 so they wont break the bank, but they are still very good quality. Also they're sand resistant and breathable.

I went through two pairs of Keen Atlanta Cools during my 5 years on the ramp.

My only complaint was when it rained your feet WILL get soaked....

They are light, fit like a tennis shoe, and saved my toes countless times from towbars, tow heads, luggage, tools, single point nozzles, anything you can think of that would crush a rampers foot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004J3E58W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494374392&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=keen+atlanta+cool&dpPl=1&dpID=41o4SiNcfQL&ref=plSrch

The idea that a shoe must be a steal plate with laces is not accurate. Here is a puncture proof shoe insert, here is a puncture proof running shoe there was a time when a puncture proof shoe would have been stiff and heavy but there was also a time when we our phones had cords and not cameras and the internet. We have the technology. Should every officer have puncture proof shoes on at all time? Maybe not but raiding a camp in the woods? Sounds like a good idea to me.