A good pair of boots will pay you back many times over the course of their life. In my 16 years as a Lineman I’ve worn a broad selection of brands, and run the gamut on prices. I’ve put the soles to the ground everyday and feel qualified to share my observations.
I like my boots to be rebuildable. This knocks out a lot of brands and limits style selection, but I feel these are the best boots. If I’m going to plunk down my hard earned cash I want to be able to wear my boots for a LONG time. Rebuildable boots will have the soles stitched on instead of glued.Nothing is more annoying than having a sole come unglued and to be flapping in the breeze. I also like a Vibram sole. I want to be able to put some mileage on my boots before they go into the shop, plus the big knobby lugs keep you going when the road ends.
I look for a pair of boots with a good speed lace set up. Right now I’m loving the military style as one good yank tightens my boots and protects my ankles. The open eyelets are good, but I think the military style edges them out. I steer clear of traditional laces at all costs. They are for dress shoes and sneakers not a serious pair of boots.
As with anything if you take care of your boots they will take care of you. Some attention now and again will extend the life of your boots and protect your investment. I like to clean up my boots at least once a week with a soft brush and a damp cloth. If they call for oil (like Redwings) I make sure to oil them once a month. Ultimately I’d love to get two pairs and alternate wearing them. One of the senior Linemen swears that this method more than doubles the life of both pairs. I’m hoping to give it a try some day.
A good pair of boots that are properly fitted will be a joy to wear. They’ll protect your feet and ankles, and keep you working, hiking, or hunting longer and in comfort. They aren’t cheap but they are worth it.
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I agree with you about the soles,they make a difference. My favorite boots are Danner. made in USA
The pair in the picture are a pair of Danner’s. I love them, I will be definitely getting another pair of them. I was a die-hard Redwing guy but the China made ones don’t seem to be holding up as well. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Nice lookin’ boots you got there. I totally agree with you, boots with replacable soles are the way to go. On my boot rack is a pair of Herman 6″ construction boots that I’ve owned for more than 25 years. They aren’t worn that often anymore, but any homestead construction work brings them out. These were resoled 3 times already. My other boots are military style with easy lacing. Need to find a proper insole for them though. My feet get sore in them. My next pair to invest in is snake proof boots. Lotsa those things around when you least expect it.
Thanks, Pat. Those are a pair of Danners. They are pretty much my favorite pair of boots I’ve ever owned. The my one beef with them is they aren’t to warm. I’m looking to get another pair with some Thinsulate for the winter. They’ve held up nicely to all I can throw at them.
Are those the Danner RAT (Hot) boots in the picture? I’ve been looking at them for awhile…I have a pair of Danner Acadia’s and Danner Ft.Lewis boots but I’m looking for a good summer boot to hike around in, my feet always get too hot with my other boots.
Do they fit true to size?
Thanks…
Rick, thanks for coming by. Those are the Danner RAT (Temperate) in the photo. They fit do fit true to size. I’m looking for a pair of winter work boots, how do you like the Ft. Lewis’?
I got the recalled bates R.a.t boots about a years ago for a hundred bucks and i actually love them…cannot find anything wrong with them at all. They seem about the same weight as my Danner Ft. Lewis boots. But neither are as beefy as my La Sportiva Makalu’s…All three will survive the apocalypse.
I was just wondering how the boots are holding up now. I’m thinking of buying some but have seen mixed reviews about them. Also is your model the e29502a?
Thanks
David,
The boots are holding up well. I’m getting ready to send them in for a refurbish in the next month or so. I’ve worn them most days for the past year and even wore them hunting this season as we had a mild winter in the Northeast. Besides a good cleaning mine need new soles but the leather and codura are still in great shape. Mine are the 15672X. That is the Temperate/Steel Toe version.
Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by,
Mike