| Author | Message | ||
     Nik |
I've worn the same pair of Made in England Doc Marten's 8 hole boots for the past 7 years. I've had them resoled once, and they're about due again, but given their overall state I'm not sure its worth it. If they hadn't shifted production over to China it would be a no brainer, but like they say, they don't make them like they used to... So does anyone have any recommendations for a good industrial type boot like my beloved Doc's made in the US, Canada or Western Europe? Being resolable and rebuildable are a plus. | ||
| Edgydrifter |
Chippewa, Carolina, HH and Wesco boots are made here in the states (mostly--more on that in a sec), and are repairable/rebuildable. I wear a pair of Chippewa Rally boots and like them quite a lot. I also have a pair of 20-year-old Red Wing loggers that are built like cast-iron boilers. I've used them for hunting and hiking in all kinds of terrain and weather and they've been super. I don't wear them for riding, but if that's the style you prefer you might want to give them a look. A word of caution on all the above companies except Wesco: not ALL of their boots are made in the US. Each company has certain lines that are made overseas, usually the "casual" or "comfort" ones. Obviously if the label reads China you know to steer clear, but sometimes even the label is misleading. For instance, some Red Wings say they're made in the US, but almost all the cutting and stitching is actually done in China. The near-finished pieces are shipped to the US to have the soles attached and the "Made in USA" label sewn on. It's a shame. I doubt Red Wing is the only company doing this, either. All Wesco boots are made right here in Scappoose, Oregon. They cost a bundle, especially if you have them custom-made, which is why I don't have a pair... yet. The quality of materials and construction is really top-notch. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I have a pair of Harley-branded Wolverine boots that mare made in the U.S. I think they're the "Old Glory" model. They weren't quite my style, but they are comfortable and the price was good - so I bought them. I've had them for 4 or 5 years now, and they're ready for a resole. I'm also in market, and will probably go with a Chippewa or Red Wing this time around just to try something new. | ||
| Ezblast |
I like my Red Wing boots - most comfy pair I've ever worn! EZ | ||
| Nillaice |
redwings are worth the extra, especially if you hafta wear them for work/safety | ||
| Guell |
Im in the market for new boots too, im a foreman for a construction company, sounds like ill be getting redwings | ||
| Dynasport |
I have a nice pair of Red Wings as well. I don't remember the name/model number of what I have but they are lace up work boot style waterproof boots. I think they are also about the most expensive model Red Wing sells and they are made in....China. I didn't want Chinese made boots and I became very frustrated trying to find what I wanted in a U.S. made boot. I would have bought Wescos, except for the price. I don't object to the Wesco price as I am sure the quality warrants it, I just couldn't spend that at the time. As far as my Red Wings go, I have been very pleased with them. I have ridden in the rain with them and the results have been hit and miss. Sometimes my feet are completely dry, sometimes soaked to the bone. I think if my pants get wet the water soaks into my sock negating the benefit of a waterproof boot. Good luck in your decision. | ||
| Dynasport |
I think these are the ones I have. http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?pr odid=1204 | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I've been looking into getting a pair of these but the price just went up, so I havcn't made the move yet! http://workingperson.com/products/22_353_37/1/2086 /Milwaukee_Boots:__Accelerator_Mens_Motorcycle_Boo ts_MB408.html | ||
| Odie |
If you like military style boots Carolinas are some of the most comfortable traditional-style boots I've ever owned. I have a pair of Matterhorns that I bought in '95 before I went to Bosnia and still wear them to this day. Very good boot. Corcorans are good boots also. I believe HH, Corcoran, and Matterhorns are all owned by Cove shoe company in PA. | ||
| Simple |
the best boots in construction trades come from these two makers! http://www.danner.com/ http://www.hoffmanboots.com/ | ||
| Ezblast |
http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?pr odid=1067 Total comfort - even on walks with the wife. EZ | ||
| Gregtonn |
Another good boot. Very durable. Used by lots of loggers, linemen and smoke jumpers. http://www.whitesboots.com/ G | ||
| Tq_freak |
I have a pair of HH that are by far the best I have owned, going on 8 years I think, the souls still have some life and they are wear like giant pull on slippers | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Matterhorn and Danner are both made in USA. A bit pricey, but they seem to hold up forever. | ||
| Froggy |
I love my Italian made SIDI. | ||
| Sticks |
Not ALL Danners are made in the USA. | ||
| Court |
WOW . . . I'm a total boot freak. I've always worn Redwings and climbed in Westco and hadn't head for the Danner and Half Moon, both are really good looking. I had to break down last year and actually replace a pair of Redwings. The old ones were comfy as slippers and the new ones are still breaking in. Beware when buying as the boot companies, just like Carhart, tend to sneak some production overseas. | ||
| Sethbuchbinder |
Finally had to replace these after 8 years or so. the were comfortable and dry till the end. http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com/ItemDisplay.a sp?Style=12700&CategoryID=30 Decided to take it up a notch this time and go for the boy scout version. Pretty much ready for anything with these, and the speed zipper is the cats a$$. http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_ 5032_total_fire_model_3006_10_nfpa_leather_structu ral_firefighting_boot_with_speed_zip/ I also have a pair of these for the days when a met guard is required or if i think I might find myself in a coal mine.  They do take a while to lace up... http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com/ItemDisplay.a sp?Style=12216&CategoryID=30 for track riding/racing, I bought a used pair of Alpinestars from our own Mutation racer. Guess I dont wear sneakers much.... Seth | ||
| Prior |
I've had a few pairs of Carolinas and about 3 years ago bit the bullet and had a custom pair of Wescos made. They were expensive, but are the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever owned, and I bet they will last a lifetime. The thing I liked the most about the Wescos was that they were built specifically for me, and you can send the boot back for rebuilds when the time comes due, saving a ton compared to the cost of a new pair of boots. | ||
| Court |
Wesco is like ordering a one off car or bike . . . endless options and the craftsmanship is obvious. In the days I was climbing Wesco was the ONLY boot real Linemen wore. My bet is that they will last a lifetime. | ||
| Kazz1949 |
Red Wings #980 | ||
| 99savage |
Did a search - I am a.) really, really cheap & b.) real "Buy American" settled on "Redwing - Model 926" So far very satisfied. I got mine here <http://www.famousbrandsoutlet.com/> for less than a C note. Don't know if they do mail order. | ||
| Bbbob |
Seth, Speaking of sneakers, I'll bet they would be next to impossible, if not impossible, to find any American made. | ||
| Capital_g |
I had a pair of Sketcher boots a few years ago.Not sure where they are made or what the intended use for you is but they were very comfortable and ssemed to be well made. They were $80 bucks and lasted for years.I will be buying another pair soon. | ||
| Just_ziptab |
I really like my Buell Switchback boots. Great for most all occasions......cept I ripped a hole on one...... snowmobiling. I date my boots with a Sharpie, just to see how long they last. The "blue insert" heel and sole Wolverines I get at Sears last a couple of years at work... and get abused. I bought a pair of Wolverine pull on boots in 1982 and they have been on every adventure with me.......a little dried out, but still going strong. | ||
| Teddagreek |
Some good links for casual and work boots http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/men.html If your riding I really recommend investing in a good riding specific boots.. My father in law broke his leg in a pair of red wings. After seeing him in traction for nearly 3 months I'll never go back to non riding boots on a bike... I've seen a dude in some tough looking timberlands go down and the one boot shredded.. My sidi's are Italian but made in Romania  Good luck... | ||
| Simple |
"In the days I was climbing Wesco was the ONLY boot real Linemen wore. " my dad (28yr lineman) had a pair of Wescos for 24yrs!! he had them resoled a time or two and always took good care of them. he just recently got out of them for a pair of Hoffmans.} i climb in a pair of 16" Halls. had a discount thru the company i worked for at the time. they are OK, but my feet will fatigue quickly if i am in one spot for too long. next pair will be some Hoffmans with the double steel shank for the wood and a pair of Danner Rain forests for the 'day to day'. thats a good link "greek", i'm gonna pass that around to everyone on my contacts list. | ||
| 12x9sl |
B. A. Mason shoes made here in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The only shoes my Dad will wear. | ||
| Eaton_corners |
For US made sneakers, New Balance still makes several models here. |
