Work Shoes

[capper]

I go destroy sneakers in a matter of months.  I went to by new work shoes today instead of sneakers.  But I didn't by them because I thought they might have a metal shank in the soals (no steal toes).  

I was wondering if there is some way to tell if shoes have a metal shank in them.  I don't want shoes with a metal shank because I don't want to take them off every time I enter the protected area.

Does anybody recommend a good work shoe.

[Rennhack]

Wolverines, that cost >$120.  Add one gel-pad or other cushon liner, and you will have a shoe more comphy than a nike, and it will last for 4 years.

[HydroDave63]

or Red Wings, fine US craftsmanship !

[Pet_Cow]

I got my redwings.

[idrum4food]

Take a magnet while shopping.

[Walt Harris]

I luv my Redwings. And, at least at our small store, you get a lot of personal attention and service to get the right shoe and size for a perfect fit. One of the most miserable things to endure is 8, 10, or 12+ hours in the wrong shoes, especially if you are required to have steel toes, as we are. Good Luck!

[Nuclear NASCAR]

Capper,
You might see if you can get your money back if they have a steel shank.  Buy the boots & pass them through the metal detectors in the Main Access.  If they show a shank take 'em back.  We've been able to do that whenever we get a shoe truck at the plant.

I've got to agree with everyone elses comments, get the Wolverines or Red Wings.  They've held up the best & been the most comfortable I've ever worn.  Best of luck with the search.  

[girlnuke]

What is this?  Men talking about shoes? Be still my heart!

[Rennhack]

I just checked my choes, they are Wolverine DuraShock.  No metal, but a composit toe, so everyone is happy, it protects your toes, and does not alarm the monitors.  Plus they re comphy.  As I said, I add an additional insert for additional comphort.

I have also heard good things about redwings, but have never owned a pair.

[Rad Gal]

Redwings Rule!!!

[Rain Man]

Magnum Hi-Techs and Rockies (both high tops).  They are like wearing sneakers, no break in with the hybrid ballistic nylon/leather ones.  Can be found for discount by catalog (Brigade Quatremaster, Cheaper Than Dirt, US Cavalry)

[Piston]

Redwings Rule!!!

It's good to hear a woman who knows a good hockey team =D  =D

[Phurst]

My Redwings were very hard in the soles. Double gel and pad didn't help. I now have Lehigh. They seem to be good. Redwings won't be able to buy another cup this year. Sorry!

[alphadude]

remember what ever u buy must have a substantial heel, a must for ladder rungs etc. also, determine which rating the box toe must have and if there is no specification, pick the lowest poundage, this will reduce calf fatigue by reducing the weight of the shoe, then gel sole the heck out of them to ruduce shock to the souls of the foot-shock meaning impact-and fatigue even further

[capper]

Thanks for all the advice!!!!  Now I just need to go get some new shoes.

[workinman]

I bought a pair of steel toed Redwing shoes that were the worst shoes I've ever owned, but my redwing work boots are the best I've ever owned!  It's a crap shoot, there's alot of good shoes out there reasonably priced, don't be suckered in by the big brand names.


(afro)

[TK]

I'll tell you what I have problems with finding shoes, very difficult to find any small enough for women's feet! They just don't sell 'em that small, and boy's sizes don't work because they really don't make boy's work boots. I do own a pair of slightly too large Magnums, very comfy. Has a metal shank, but don't pick your feet high up in the monitor and you can get through.

[SloGlo]

i throw in with the wolverine durashocks.... best work boot for lightness and comfort that still meets criteria fer them ansi nazis.  the composite toe means they're warmer in the winter too, great fer doing yer shipments!  'n iffen yinze lived in the 'burgh i'd tell ya where yinze kin git 'em fer forty bucks.

[Already Gone]

The Wolverine Durashocks are the most popular among people I know.  My last pair of work boots were Red Wings with steel toes.  They took a little wearing in before they got comfortable, but they were okay.  I'm currently wearing the Timberland Pit Boss shoes with steel toes.  The jury is still out on these.  They fit well, and offer good support, but they are heavy (which doesn't bother me) and have padded insoles (which does bother my feet a little).
I don't feel like having a bunch of different work boots, so mine are always ANSI approved safety shoes with steel toes and oil resistant soles.  I would never wear a work shoe without a steel shank.  You never know when you're going to step on a nail, and shoes without steel shanks break down too quickly.
Not all of my jobs have metal detectors, but when there is one I just carry the work boots in and wear sneakers which are more comfortable for driving anyway.

I love to hear all the bulls#!t about how steel toed shoes can cut off your toes.  Any force great enough to mash the toe cap of your boot all the way through your foot would of course be great enough to destroy your toes anyway.  But idiots love to believe the stupid urban myths that they hear.  That's an entirely different topic that I'd like to share with you in a different thread.

[Atomic_Punk]

Another vote for comp toe Wolverine Durashocks.  Almost as cush as a good pair of sneaks.

[UncaBuffalo]

I don't want shoes with a metal shank because I don't want to take them off every time I enter the protected area.

Danner makes a safety-toe boot (the 'Striker') specifically for passing metal detectors...no metal anywhere, plus a plastic zipper on the side for easy removal if security (ie...airport) still makes you take them off.  I use them for all commercial nuclear work.  (They cost around $200 at the Danner outlet in Portland.)

For work areas where I don't have to pass a search train, I have steel-toed Danners (the 'Tinner') that are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn...felt like a pair of mocs from the moment I first tried them on.  I can stand on concrete all day and no leg, foot, or lower back pain.  (They were $175 from a retail outlet.)

[cairnit]

A lot of the women that I work with in the business have started wearing Ariat brand shoes for their work boots, thay are pretty comfortable and have not got a steel shank. They have steel toes also, but I haven't seen any with composite toes.

My husband loves his Chippewa's, says they are the most comfortable boot he has ever had. I bought him Wolverine Durashocks before, but his foot is too wide for the Wolverines. Only thing is Chippawa soesn't make a composite toe.

[cbramsey]

I must admit I am partial to Red Wings.

The last pair of Red Wings I bought have composite toes that do not set off metal detectors.

They have women's as well as mens.

The women's can be found at http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1191 and the men's can be found at http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1467.

Hope this helps.   

[SloGlo]

a year ago i found a deal on catepillar (same brand as the track vehicles) at sears.  they are a low cut semi sneaker model.  i have no complaints on this shoe after more than a year of 40 hours/week.  i recommend them.

[JessJen]

or Red Wings, fine US craftsmanship !

I love mine but only a few models come with a composite toe.....worth the money thats for sure!

[Already Gone]

Red Wing shoes with composite toes are all made in outside the U.S.

[SloGlo]

Red Wing shoes with composite toes are all made in outside the U.S.

sew ya telling me dat eye gotta go steel to git u.s.of a. quality?

[Already Gone]

Actually, Red Wing will probably be shutting down all of its USA manufacturing before long.  But, for now you have to go to steel toe if you want RW's made in this country.

[UncaBuffalo]

I'm currently wearing a pair of Irish Setters (made by Red Wing)...they seem well-made, but aren't particularly comfortable.

Rotating them with a pair of LaCrosse 'Wildfires' and a pair of LaCrosse steel-toed Sno-Pacs...both of these are in the 'barely-acceptable' category, even with gel insoles added.

I need to quit getting boots off the clearance rack and go back to Danners...  :/

[mooseow]

Red Wing shoes with composite toes are all made in outside the U.S.

This isn't really accurate.  I just bought a pair of composite toe RW safety shoes (Model 06680-0) and the box says "Made in the USA with Imported Materials".

http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1467

Hope this clarification helps someone but I doubt it.