Unfortunately, my working/hiking/caber-tossing boots have finally broken beyond repair. For now, I can make do with my rubber wellie muck boots, but I'm going to need a new pair of work boots. But, with my worries about the future, and my attempt at frugal prepping, how do I pick a new pair of boots?
Do I go for a cheap pair that should last me a while? Or do I go for a more expensive pair, hoping that they will be better made and will last longer? The pair that just died lasted me a couple years, and were a whopping $19.99. So if I go for an $80 pair, they should last me 8 years, right? Or will they just be more comfortable for the few years that they last... I could get a couple pairs of the cheapies for the price of a more expensive pair. But if things get as bad as we all know they COULD... will I be able to buy another pair in a couple years? Will I have the money? Will the companies that are selling them still be around? All points to ponder...
Then do I go for 6" or 8" boots. Do I go for real leather or fake leather. Steel-toe or no? What about the rubber outer-soles. Etc etc etc. Lots of different things to think about.
Now, there is a lot to be said about paying for the better quality and more comfort. I will admit that I am not worried about weather-/water-proof boots because I will mink oil/saddle soap/wet-pruf my boots on a regular basis to take care of them. I have seen water-proof boots that have a "membrane" in them. You know what these do for me? They make my feet sweat, esp in mid-summer.
I have known a couple pipe-fitters who swear by Red Wing boots. I know mechanics that swear they don't see a difference between brands. I have talked to people who swear by brands (Caterpiller, Carhart, Timberline, etc). Well, that all being said, I am looking at a pair of C.E. Schmidt boots from Tractor Supply. This is T.S. house brand. They are less expensive, but they feel really good on my feet when I tried them on. Now its just a matter of saving up the rest of the cash for it, and seeing if anyone brings up any points that I hadn't thought of or that might change my mind. :-)
Monday, January 26, 2009
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13 comments:
Boots are tough for me, they're on from the time I get up till the time I go to bed. I work all day and do things here everyday in the same boots, so I'm hard on them. At work it's constant wear on the soles since most buildings I'm in are concrete. The grease and cutting oil can be brutal on cheap boots that aren't cleaned regularly, then I come home and they're covered in mud, soil, compost, snow, or just soaking wet.
I've had cheap boots, I've had expensive boots, and I have had everything in between that I can find in my size. (I wear a 14 so choices are limited!) The Red Wings I bought only lasted a month longer than the cheap $40 wallyworld boots, and the Cats fell apart after just 2 months. I'm sticking with the $40 boots for now. I clean and mink oil them weekly, and so far this pair has held up fine since Thanksgiving. Normally boots last me 5-6 months, tops. No matter what brand.
Everyone has their own choices, but I like a tall, non-steel toed boot. I like the extra ankle support of a taller boot since I spend a lot of time shoveling at home. Steel toed boots NEVER fit me right, so they're uncomfortable as all getout, plus doing a lot in this weather on concrete, they retain the cold right in my toes. I like a heavy cleated sole since I do a lot in the dirt and mud, but the only drawback is that they HOLD a lot of dirt and mud too. A heavy sole saves foot strain on a shovel too.
I'm sure the TS boots will work fine for you. I've looked at them a few times and they seem to be a good boot.....just too bad they don't come in ogre sizes, lol.
Hey, thanks for the info. Since I don't wear them all day, I should get some more time out of them, but I'm worried that if things go bad, I buy for longevity.
Also, I agree with you, I can't stand steel toes. They rub me raw at the edges of the steel. Now, I have seen steel toes stop a half ton sharpened disc from hitting the ground, but I don't deal with anything like that. It's getting harder to find non-steel toe boots.
Anyways, thanks for the input. I appreciate the thoughts from someone who does wear them all day long.
I want to get a pair of those rubber boots that come up almost to the knee, they are pull-up, with no laces so they are 100% waterproof, and they have a really warm liner inside. I bought a pair years ago at Meijers for 15 bucks. Now they are 90 bucks! ouch. I just cant spend 90 bucks on 1 pair of ANYTHING.
Joel, I have a pair of those... well, sorta. The rubber wellie's that I mentioned are what I have. $20 at Tractor Supply or even wallyworld. They don't have any lining, but hey, a couple pairs of socks, or even a heavy pair of wool socks, and you are good to go. And with no breathing and being completely waterproof, you just have to be careful of your feet sweating too much.
I know the lined ones you mean, but hey, I can make my own liners for saving 70 bucks!
I have been wearing a pair of C E Schmidt boots every day for the last 31/2 years and have finally worn down the soles. I wear them to work in (and I work in an office environment!) and to work around my home with horses and farm work. They have held up great and are without a doubt the most comfortable shoes I have ever had. I could sleep in the dang things (if my wife would let me!)
i bought a pair of the Schmidt boots and they lasted me for almost five years. this was with almost daily use and ocasional applications of polish, saddle soap or mink oil fr waterproofing.I finally had the sole crack through just a week ago after wearing the in the rain, mud, sand and shavings while working summer camp.Unfortunetly TS no longer carries the womens boots, so i am on the hunt for new boots.
I have size 8 ladies schmidt bootS..... I was looking online for the boots and saw your post. I was going to post base to our local online yard sale as I really don't know how to sell on eBay.didn't know if you might be interested?
My son ( 14yrs) wants a pair of Wolveries for christmas but dang they are expensive. I went w/ the Schmidt brand which just as durable as the wolveries w/ out the price. hope i made a good choice.
I am looking for a pair of the ladies CE Schmidt boots that TSC used to sell. Apparently, they don't carry them in ladies anymore.
Do you happen to still have these available and want to get rid of them?
Paid 110$ for the 10" steel toe and they lasted a little over 2 months. The soles are separating from the boots. Would not recommend to anyone.
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