My company requires us to have 8" tall lace up composite/steel toe work boots. Any recommendations? These are the things I don't go cheap on. Plus I get a $175 reimbursement.

I don't have the composite toe in mine but I really like my 5.11 Tactical Boots. I especially like the side zip making it easier to take off since I have a very limited range of motion in one of my ankles.

I wear Red Wings when I go out and do site inspections that require steel toe.

There are tons of boots that fit your needs. Its going to be tough to find a quality pair for under 200.

When I had a job that required these, it was usually Redwing for me too. Their steeltoe boots would fit me better than most others I tried at the time.

I've been wearing Justin Original Lace up work boots for more than 15 years now (multiple pairs). They are the only narrow fit work boot that I've found to be comfortable ( Mine are 13B). Take care of them with the occasional leather conditioner and they last.

Thorogood

I like Timberland Pro for lace ups. Here's link for 8 inch lace ups. I'm a fan of the Titan model but they have qyute a few.

https://www.timberland.com/shop/mens-pro-work-boots#facet=ads_f14001_ntk_cs%253A%25228%255C%2522%252B%2BWork%2BBoots%2522&beginIndex=0

Seen some farmers using Keen lately. I've had great luck with Red Wing and Thorogood.

Thorogood and it isn't even close.

Didn't even know about Thorogood. I stand by my Timberland post above, but the Thorogoods look pretty great.

oneeyedag said:

---

I wear Red Wings when I go out and do site inspections that require steel toe.

There are tons of boots that fit your needs. Its going to be tough to find a quality pair for under 200.

---

These are great and under $200:

http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/3561-red-wing-shoes/3561-red-wing-mens-6-inch-hiker-boot-gray

Alas, they are only 6" though, so may not be an option for the OP.

Brad06ag said:

---

I've been wearing Red Wing lace up work boots for more than 15 years now (the same pair). They are the only narrow fit work boot that I've found to be comfortable ( Mine are 11B). Abuse them greatly with the decadal leather conditioner and they last.

---

FIFM

I tried RedWing, Timberland, and several others over 25 years. The best for me were Wolverine.

I've had Redwings for 30 years

Aforementioned Redwings are good. I like the Keen Pittsburgh's I have now.

normaleagle05 said:

---

Brad06ag said:

---

I've been wearing Red Wing lace up work boots for more than 15 years now (the same pair). They are the only narrow fit work boot that I've found to be comfortable ( Mine are 11B). Abuse them greatly with the decadal leather conditioner and they last.

---

FIFM

---

That is pretty damn good life if that is a steel toe. The only reason I've had to replace mine over the years is due to the toe rubbing through to the Steel toe. Most site safety standards consider that to be worn out, whether they enforce or not. Safety guys will definitely bring it up if they notice.

I have a pair that are about 12-13 years old at the ranch that are still fine other than the toes. I keep them there just so that I always have a pair if I don't bring another for some reason. The conditioner may or may not be required, but it definitely make old leather more comfortable and helps with water resistance.

I had one pair of redwings in my life and it was the only pair of boots I couldn't wait to take off at the end of the day. Haven't given them another chance, especially when I already have a really comfortable boot line I am happy with.

Timberland PRO

Red Wing Kingtoe

I think from reading these threads there is no one answer. Also, I think once people find a good pair of boots for themselves they stick with it. May be a better one, but who wants to be spending 100's of dollars just to see if there is maybe something even better. Now if you have **** boots you'll probably spend money trying a few until you find one you like.

Another vote for Timberland Pro. After my trusty Redwings blew up, I went with Timberland. Great boots and hands down the most comfortable work boots I've had in a long time. Folks that work at automotive plants, packing plants, and steel mills near me swore by them. I wear them in poultry farms, swine farms, and animal feed mills and they have held up in some fairly nasty environments for a couple of years now.

After some research, decided to get the Thorogood Wedges. Good reviews and USA made compared to the Redwings I wanted that were made in Vietnam. We'll see how they hold up in the snow though...

Get the waterproof ones

Wow didn't even see those

I am getting a pair of Danner Bull Run Moc Toe (not the safety toe, but they make it in one) for Christmas White wedge sole. Brown leather.

The thing is with these type boots, use rubbing alcohol to open the pores of the leather when breaking in, and use a good leather oil to condition during the process. It'll take a couple of weeks or so. Use thick socks. Broken in properly, they will fit your foot perfectly.

Old Sarge said:

---

I am getting a pair of Danner Bull Run Moc Toe (not the safety toe, but they make it in one) for Christmas White wedge sole. Brown leather.

The thing is with these type boots, use rubbing alcohol to open the pores of the leather when breaking in, and use a good leather oil to condition during the process. It'll take a couple of weeks or so. Use thick socks. Broken in properly, they will fit your foot perfectly.

---

I wanted those, but they don't have moc steel toe in 8"

oneeyedag said:

---

I wear Red Wings when I go out and do site inspections that require steel toe.

There are tons of boots that fit your needs. Its going to be tough to find a quality pair for under 200.

---

Haha...yeah right. And you can't get a good cooler for less than 300.

Marketing departments exist for a reason and they clearly work.

I prefer Twisted X. Even better if the have the Texas flag on them.

The correct answer is wear the boots that fit you the best and are the most comfortable. Plenty of good brands that make great boots.

My personal favorites are Red Wings. They are comfortable right out of the box. I think their waterproofing is the best in the business.

Thorogood's

I wore Redwing Heritage boots for 20+ years. Top of the line.
Tried the Thorogood's and won't be going back to the redwing's.
Comfortable, much shorter break in period, and excellent quality and durability.
Cheaper too

Keens fit me better than RW...so I go with the Keen. Can't go wrong with either.

Redwings for me. I always have 2 pair.
One is my nicer work boots for meetings and daily work wear. After 3-5 years they get down graded to my junkers. Wear for yard work, chainsaw etc. they still work fine, but get a bunch of scares at that time. I bet I average 8-10 year out of a pair. Pecos 1159.

Redwing owner for 20+ yrs. Wore them as a laborer in the landscape industry for many years and now as a owner. Great boots and great service.

I spoke to my lace up selection above.

However, for non lace up, I still have a pair of Red Wing Pecos "roper" style with the "cork" sole that I bought in '93 when I was in the field end of construction. Wore them in the field for a couple of years and wear them some every year since. This will be my next boot purchase for every day western wear and pasture work. Good gosh they are expensive compared to what I paid in '93 though. When I wear the current pair at the deer lease it is nice to be able to rest them directly on the fire ring and not have them melt whatsoever. Warm feet at the campfire drinking beer and smoking a cigar is critical.

Red Wing, but i actually had a pair of Doc Martin lace ups that were extremely comfortable and lasted awhile on jobsites