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Hey all. I started a new job where steel toed foot wear is highly suggested. It's standing for 8 hours every day, in various weather conditions. I have foot issues, and my usual go-to shoe has been a Sketchers Walking shoe with an extra Dr. Scholes pillow insert. I had two pairs of steel toe shoes (Sketchers work boot, and new Balance work shoe), but both leave my feet bruised by the end of my shift and leaving me barely able to walk. Any suggestions on a steel toe offering that has SUPER amounts of foot plush?

Hey all. I started a new job where steel toed foot wear is highly suggested. It's standing for 8 hours every day, in various weather conditions. I have foot issues, and my usual go-to shoe has been a Sketchers Walking shoe with an extra Dr. Scholes pillow insert. I had two pairs of steel toe shoes (Sketchers work boot, and new Balance work shoe), but both leave my feet bruised by the end of my shift and leaving me barely able to walk. Any suggestions on a steel toe offering that has SUPER amounts of foot plush?

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[–] • 11 pts

So, you'll be in those boots for ~50 hours a week, maybe more. Do yourself a favor and go to a real shoe store, (Red Wing for example), and get your feet measured and properly fitted. You will be glad you did.

[–] • 3 pts

I second Redwing.

[–] • 2 pts

I used to agree, the last pairs I bought have all fallen apart. It may have been the specific type I was getting but it has seemed quality has slipped drastically in the past few years. For comfort I'd go Danner.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Can't you just take them back in and have them repair them for free?

https://www.redwingshoes.com/legal/work-warranty.html

So they lasted over a year?

[–] • 0 pt

red wing got popular with hipsters who don't work physical jobs. They even make a hippie sandal now.

[–] • 2 pts

Are you going to be working in extreme hot or cold?

You might want composite toe instead of steel toe if so.

[–] • 3 pts

That. Steel toe will transfer the cold right to your feet. It makes for a miserable work day.

[–] • 1 pt

Well, the coldest I've seen here so far is -10. The summers are not desert hot at all.

[–] • 2 pts

Go for composite toe, or get really good socks. Steel toe will numb your toes pretty fast in cold weather.

[–] • 1 pt

Could be a rumor but I heard if a major weight incident landed on your foot then steel toes will shear your toes off. Probably some marketing gimmick but I wear composite.

[–] • 2 pts

Go to an athletic footwear store that makes custom insoles. One where they have you walk on a treadmill and film your walk. You’ll learn a lot for free. Cheaper than podiatrist.

Buy good socks.

Wear a larger boot than you are used to to accommodate layered insoles as necessary. I’ve heard that most people wear shoes that are much smaller than they should be.

I know try to avoid Amazon- Check there. Search “insoles- men”. WALKHERO is good.

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

Hoffman boots. They have lots of steel-toed options, they're ultra durable and repairable, and they cover the entire range of weather needs. If they're not comfy enough, buy some top-end insoles.

E: And they're made in the US.

[–] • 0 pt

Suggestion on insole?

[–] • 1 pt

No, because I've never needed or used any. Visit a real cobbler and see what they recommend. It can be pricey to wear real boots but if you are on your feet to earn your living it's 100% worth it.

I abused my last pair of Hoffman winter calks for 10 winters of heavy field work before they gave out.

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

I suggest getting a pair of insoles that have good arch support basically you can get them anywhere like Walmart.I like the ones that have some support to the arch part of the inserts made with a bit of plastic that aren't just foam or gell. I find gell inserts to be about worthless

[–] • 2 pts

Redwings have a new sole that is like walking on air. It’s a trip to feel it for the first time. you’re gonna pay $400 bucks give or take 20, but definitely worth it. I won’t wear anything else

[–] • 1 pt

Can you link it from the website? At this point, price isnt an issue

[–] • 0 pt

https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/SuperSole-2.0-02406.html?cgid=mens-work

They have a number of boots that have this sole. This is just one of the most common kinds. But it is called SuperSole 2.0. And this one is only $260. Some of them are good bit more

[–] • 1 pt

I'll make a trip to my red wing store nearby. thanks for the suggestion

[–] • 1 pt

I have bought this exact pair the last 6 times. Get about 1-1/2 to 2 years out of them. I’m a sheet metal worker and welder in the field and shop. Great boots. My local store gives me a 10% discount every time I come back. I have looked at a few other boots but they insist that this is the best boot for the money. They could try selling me a more expensive boot but they don’t. That tells me at least they are trying to be honest with me. BTW I’m pretty hard on my boots and they do last decently.

[–] • 2 pts

I have found after 25 years that you should get the lightest composite toe boots that are at least mid cut. You want light weight especially in the front and the stability of the mid cut to hold your ankle in place. Also if it has a heel that will help big time. Steel toe runners did the same thing to me, couldn't walk after a day in them.

[–] • 1 pt

Get real leather boots. Not artificial leather (which is not leather), not rubber, not plastic -- high-quality leather. Nothing else is good for your feet. A good pair of boots that fits your feet will last you for years, and it will mold to the shape of your feet over time. Personally, I would not get steel toed boots. Steel toes are dangerous -- they can cut your toes off, in the event of an accident. Do not buy sneakers pretending to be shoes or boots. That crap made in China and Taiwan is all sneakers. Those are not real shoes. Real shoes have leather uppers. Get a man-made material sole, however, because real leather soles do not stand up to wet and will crack in a few weeks or months. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for a good pair of boots.

[–] • 1 pt

This one the guy compares 7 pairs of boots. Not sure if he tears them apart. This guy is a real cobbler.

https://youtu.be/F2eUmAbnhl4

[–] • 1 pt

https://youtu.be/xrWyAigQgtQ

This guy gives you a full breakdown on these boots. Best steel toe under 200$.

[–] • 1 pt

Red Wings. Expensive but worth every penny.

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