Looking to get a new pair of laced work boots. I'm tired of cycling through the cheap brands from Academy that keep falling apart and wearing out quickly. Are the higher end brands like Danner, Irish Setter, Thorogood better quality that last longer? Since starting to look I've gotten some targeted ads for Thursday boots. Anyone have experience with those?

I don't need steel toe, and would prefer the 6" lace up and not something taller.

What all are you folks stomping around in?

I had a pair of Irish Setter boots that I wore for years and they were very comfortable and made pretty well. I've always heard good things about Thorogood and a lot of guys in the plants wear them in the steel toe variety. I bought a similar wedge sole style of Red Wings while working in industrial maintenance and they did not hold up well at all. Sole started separating within 3 months. Red Wing replaced them under warranty and the next pair started doing the same thing. I went to a Double H steel toe boot afterwards and those have been my best work boots to date in terms of durability. I still like the fit and comfort of lace-up style though and I'll probably grab some Thorogoods at some point.

I'd avoid Danner and Irish Setter because you're probably not going to get much life out of them. I've gone to Schnee's for my everyday work/hiking boot.

What kind of work are you doing?

I had really good luck with some Danner GTX Workman 8", but I think they changed them substantially since I bought them back in 2005. They lasted forever and would have lasted longer but I left them out in the sun on accident for a long, long time and they deteriorated.

I have been using Danner Sky Ridge boots at my property and for some light hiking and have been really impressed with their durability and comfort. The only issue is that they aren't super stiff and they don't breathe very well.

I've had mine since 2019 and they are finally showing some significant wear on the tread but that includes putting them through numerous hikes, controlled burns (walking over hot stuff), hunts, and lots of work on the property.

I have some Justin steel toes that are durable, but they aren't comfortable.

https://nicksboots.com/

I'm on my 2nd pair (in 3.5 years) of Arriats. Overall I'm happy with them. I was extremely happy with the first pair that made it right at 3 years before the soles started to come apart, THe 2nd pair I'm more than a little upset that the water proofing gave out (had bubbles blowing out of the welting with each step) during breakin. But they are extremely comfortable.

https://www.ariat.com/OVERDRIVE_8_SQ_CT_M_FOO.html?dwvar_OVERDRIVE__8__SQ__CT__M__FOO_color=CHESTNUT_BROWN&dwvar_OVERDRIVE__8__SQ__CT__M__FOO_width=D_Medium

Highly recommend thorogood. Have been through a couple pairs over the years - daily use on construction sites. They take the abuse well and are comfortable out of the box.

Red wing. Comfortable, durable, and made in the USA.

Ideally they would be my everyday work shoes. I work in construction most of my time is in the office but I walk around job sites a 3-4 times a week.

My dad has worn redwings his entire life. Doesn't wear anything but. Probably gets 5 years or so out of each pair. Wears them every day.

Following this thread. Needing to find a new pair soon.

I tried some Brunt Kasparians but am fixing to mail them back as the eyelets near where the tongue meets the side of the boot put uncomfortable pressure on my leg.

I like these

Timberland Pro

Doc Martin

Merrell - They don't offer safety toe if you need that

Thorogood's. EOT

My work has me wearing work boots for the past 30 years. Red Wing is the best boot out there if you are looking for comfort and water proof. They stand behind their boot as well.

For a few years I have work 5.11 ATAC 6" boots, they fit my feet very well and are still going strong. I need a big toe box since I walk oddly and they fit the bill

I've worn 8" moc toe Thorogoods exclusively for work for about 10 years now.

I'll beat the dead horse... Thorogood as well.

WLH_IV said:

---

I'll beat the dead horse... Thorogood as well.

---

Making me think I need to try some out when my current boots wear out

I don't think you can go wrong with Redwing Heritage, Thorogood, or Courteney boots.

White's Boots out of Spokane, WA.

Do not get Irish Setter, they do not last, switched to Red Wing and same result. If you're expecting more than a year out of them would not recommend!

I've had good luck with Danner boots. Have some for work but also when I was in the Marines had Danner USMC boots.

I've had great success with Redwing for years. Recently bought a new pair, laces are titanium. They will measure your feet three different ways, give you results for free with suggestions on boot styles based upon the way you walk and pressure points

Irish Setter are a no-go from me. I had one pair delaminate the sole after about 1 month of average shop walking. Replacement pair had the same issue a few months later. Only to ultimately find out the Irish Setter brand does not carry the same warranty as Red Wing (6 months for Irish Setter, 12 months for Redwing), even though they are both sold in Redwing Stores.

I ordered a pair of Thorogood Moc Toes Friday. They are delivering to the house Thursday.

Red Wing Iron Rangers

Wolverine Raider boots, no steel-toe.

Worn pretty much every day for at least 4 years. Brush/mud/chain-saw cut(close call)/water etc and I can't wear these damn things out. They are getting a little nasty looking but my feet stay dry and they are really comfortable. I'm actually just getting a little tired of them and started thinking about replacing them. Oiled them once since I happened across the oil a while back.

Going against the grain on Thorogoods. The sole separated on my first pair 4-5 months after I got them and I may have worn them around the construction site 2x per week during that period. They did replace the for free but it was a pain. Stitching and quality on the replacements were complete trash (folded over material, fraying insole material, etc) and looked like my kid did it. I cycled back to the office so I never followed up with them on that. They may have replaced those as well if I had asked. Also had a couple craft guys complain about the soles wearing out real quick. I can't define "real quick" though. My $75 academy specials lasted years without any of these issues. Maybe this can all be attributed to timing since I bought them during the labor shortages in 20/21.

Ecco are the most comfortable boot I've ever worn. It's a 6 " boot.

I've been through two pairs of Danner Bull Runs, two Thorogoods, and am now on my second pair of Whites boots. All moc toe styles with crepe/Christy/wedge soles.

The Whites are more expensive, but well worth it. They're the first boots I've had resoled because the leather had so much life in it when the soles were gone. They will be what I buy from now on. Better leather, leather welt instead of plastic on the Thorogoods, leather footbed that conforms to your foot, and the heel counters don't break like I've had happen on two Danners (because Danner used plastic).

Thorogoods have the easiest break in. Basically soft out of the box and will break in quickly. I liked them better than Danner, but Danner has a year end clearance that brought me back because of price.

If you spring for Whites, I doubt you'd be disappointed.

I used to wear Red Wing Pecos when I had a primarily field job. Those aren't lace up but they were great for me. Eventually got the steel toe version.

Have had a few pairs of Irish Setter lace ups that were safety toed and EH rated. Walked a lot of steps in them. No issues. Got them oiled monthly for free at Red Wing.

HearneAg21 said:

---

Do not get Irish Setter, they do not last, switched to Red Wing and same result. If you're expecting more than a year out of them would not recommend!

---

same company

Not lace up but I have got great wear out of Georgia Boots - both the loafer and boots (steel toe)

I actually bought a pair of Thursday boots a few weeks ago. Really like them...nice and comfortable and quality seems really good! Thinking about ordering another pair in more of a dress finish. Order 1/2 size down as they say. I still have to use mediumish thick socks with them...which is what I had wanted to wear with them anyway...ymmv. Depending on your version of "work boot" these may or may not work. Probably too nice for outside work work lol

They have multiple styles and finishes and a couple different soles. These have the thicker more casual/work sole.

My Dad and alot of the his field guys that work at Pedernales Electric Coop swear by Carolina CA8824 Boots. My Dad said they toughest boot he's ever wore.

https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Logger-Boots-COPPER-Apparel/dp/B0019JYTBC?linkCode=sl1&tag=linemancentra-20&linkId=49bbcec5c1a14af6e2d1bdf3bb97dc22&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&th=1&psc=1

Timberland Pro Titan