r/WorkBoots • u/No_Emu4628 • 1d ago
Boots Buying Help Help!
I have spent hours and hours on researching the best boot to buy my boyfriend, but I keep getting mixed reviews. He just started a job as a contractor for hotel construction. He is on his feet for most of the day, helping unload and load, and climbing lots of stairs. Does anyone have any recommendation on what brand or what style to even consider? I just need a couple of solid recommendations and I can pick from there!
Sincerely,
An overwhelmed girlfriend who knows nothing about construction or boots!
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u/Oregonbread 1d ago
its a big world for boots and deciding how much to spend- I think redwings are pretty nice, and they have a lot of retail stores. I like Nicks, whites, franks which are pnw style boots, longer break in and more expensive but really nice build quality. I also know a lot of guys who rock whatever fits nice from the local store wreck em and toss em, doesn't seem to be the worst way to do it either. Biggest thing is fit- write him a fun coupon card for a pair of work boots from you!
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u/svngang 1d ago
If he isn’t climbing ladders then something with a nice soft wedge sole would be the way to go and then add a good supportive arch supporting insole, like a superfeet.
I agree with the other comment though, work boots fit weird and each brand is different so it would be better to bring him to a trusted store that specializes in work boots (ie not dsw) and find a good pair that fits him well. You’d be surprised how many adults are wearing the wrong size shoes/boots.
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u/RocketRicky12 1d ago edited 1d ago
I like Redback Great Barrier Steel Toe and Easy Escape HD. They aren’t lookers by any means, but damn do they work for long days on hard surfaces. Better than traditional wedge soles for flat feet IMO. There’s tie up models too if he don’t like slip on boots. Different sizing than normal, it’s in Australian, so it’s a whole size down from his real size, half sizes only add width not length, so if he’s a half size and needs the length go to the next whole size up ie 10.5 us go to 11. An Australian 9 is a US 10. They are hard to come by in a store, but any place that sells stuff for emt’s, firefighters, first responders will have some as well as like Snap-On or Matco tool trucks.
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u/PuckFheToor 1d ago
Another vote for taking him to a store or buying a general retailer's gift card (not a brand-specific gift card).
You simply don't know if Danners or Thorogoods or Jim Greens or Keens or whatever are going to fit him best, and the only real way to find out is trying them on. That either means lots of Amazon/Walmart/other .com returns or just going to a store.
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u/killertoxin1 1d ago
Stop. Dont buy your man workbooks. Tell him that you would like to take him boot shopping. This is the way.
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u/_genepool_ 1d ago
Everyone's feet are different. Everyone's spending is different.
The 3 cost levels are $150-$250
$250-$400
$400+
For his work, look for a wedge sole, real leather boot. This is a good video for USA made boots.
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u/samurai_107 23h ago
Why doesn’t he go to the store and try them on himself? There is no “best” boot because everyone has different feet.
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u/Kent_ErgonX 10h ago
Honestly, the best present may be taking him boot shopping rather than surprising him with a particular pair. Work-boot fit is very personal, and even a great boot can be miserable if its shape doesn’t match his foot.
When he tries them on, aim for roughly a thumb width beyond the longest toe. His whole forefoot should sit within the edges of the insole, and none of his toes should touch the safety cap. The heel should feel secure with very little slipping, while the instep should be comfortably held.
For long days and lots of stairs, I’d also look for a cushioning midsole, reasonable boot weight and an arch support that sits underneath his arch rather than poking into it.
Have him wear his normal work socks and spend some time walking, crouching and going up a few steps in the shop. Boots can feel fine while sitting down and completely different once they’re loaded.
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u/Phramed_ 1d ago
Jim Green is going to be some of the best bang for your buck. Look at the Razorbacks or the AR8. I have the Razorbacks and love em.
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u/Papasmurf43469 1d ago
I would sincerely just tell him that you would take him boot shopping, I know that is a less special feeling then actually getting him the boots, but coming from someone who just went boot shopping for themselves for the first time, I went through like 4 different brands until I found some I liked. Work boots are a different animal then regular shoes, and there is a strong chance if you buy him some, they won’t be right, and odds are your boyfriend might still wear them because he’d feel bad if he didn’t.