As I said, I bought the 2260 King Toe water proofs. Seem very comfortable. Won't be an every day shoe, so I'm expecting close to lifetime wear. My full blown steel toe, loggers are still in great shape too, for went I want maximum protection, or don't plan on putting on too much mileage.
I think your going to like them. The guy I work with wears them 4-7 days a week climbing ladders in and out of ditches on concrete loose gravel and steel and his last 2 years and he doesnt do anything to them other than changing the laces. His last pair the uppers were still in good condition but the soles were worn through we went to Redwing and he walked in and told the lady I want another pair of these dont show me anything else just ring up another pair of these in size 11.5 please. I almost bought a pair but found another pair that were more comfortable for me although they are much heavier. Enjoy the boots and dont forget free laces and flags for life.
Red wing logger tall heel type boots are like boat anchors. I wear rocky boots and dont notice the few extra ounces really.
Like my Redwing full leather 6" steel toed boots to death, been resoled twice and will probably outlast another sole, but tried a pair of Keen Tucsons for the last two months, and I have to say they're much lighter and more comfortable. They won't last as long and can't be resoled, but they make going up and down stairs a lot more pleasant. I destroyed a pair of Redwing light duty boots with composite toes in a year with mostly desk work, and I could see it all the way. I think the Keens will do better but it is a trade off. The better-made Redwings, or any boot, will always be heavier and need maintenance. I don't like the fact that these Keens will not take a a new sole, and if they make it two years, it'll be a miracle. But if they're easier to wear and are better for my arches, ankles and shins, maybe it is just cost of doing business. They seem pretty good in the cold, the wet, and the slippery. Should I expect them to last more than two hard seasons? My former boss had a six year old pair of Danners that he never complained of and beat mercilessly. They just gave up one day and he went and got another. Never been able to afford the cost of entry into that club ($300+), but have to say, I was impressed. 12 hours in the snow and he never admitted to cold or wet feet? In five years? That has to say something. They did not have steel toes, which I would bet makes a difference.
I have a boot repair shop that puts a new sole on for $38. Hard to beat that for a $175 pair of boots to get another year from them.
I know what you mean the redwings are built to last so are Danners. My current Redwing boots were $333 and worth every penny. Ive found that in the past when I cheaped out on boots I ended up with hurt feet, ankles, and back and they didnt last no matter what I did to them. These boots I have now are about 1.5 year old and still look almost brand new with just a few scratches here and there that I cant polish out.
I had a pair of Redwings that held up well when I was younger doing stream restoration. Bought a pair of Halls insulated when I started line work. To heavy in summer so bought a pair of Hoffmans. Got a pair of Carolinas for when the others are wet. Other than new soles and laces all 3 pair are going on 6 years old. Wear the Hoffmans the most. Worked out of the "land of the lot line" district.
$38 for new soles is a good deal. I've never found less than $50 and that was for cheap soles. The Vibrams are pushing $70. Maybe you have tiny feet?
Keen??? I didn't know they made work boots. Always thought of them as making sandles and light outdoor/hikers. I like them because they actually have shoes that are wide enough up front for me to wear. Oh well, the redwing kingtoes are very similar too and come in a true adult 7.5EE, think "Hobbit feet "
I like rockies cause they have a side toe cap. Think they advertise the widest toe cap. I have had a few steel toe models and they all fit. I have had georgia boot and EE red wing loggers all rub my toes and hurt after awhile Rocky just fitmy toes. There not super durable but there pretty cheap so it evens out. This last pair has remained waterproof for well over a year now!!!
Where I work, they give us $125.00 a year for new boots, so I try boots that I would not normally buy. Most of the time I work in a control room so my boots last awhile. I have about 5 pair that I rotate every wearing, this makes them last. I buy all my boots with cutting wood in mind not working indoors like I do. Its nice to have an employer that shares the cost, LOL
I get $130/year but rarely buy a pair each year. I am in an office more than the woods for work. I dont like new boots so I dont buy new ones every year.
Heh. I'm in boots so much, I have a collection. 11 pair. I think about them a lot, am choosy about wearing them in the right conditions. I think we need a new diagnostic term: "BAD" - Boot Acquisition Disorder" My street shoes generally die of fashion obsolescence, not wear. They feel awkward. On occasion, they have lasted long enough in the closet for the fashion to come back around. My slippers get more wear than sneakers, dress or casual shoes.
I feel for you brother! It's so hard to find real adult shoes/boots in sized smaller than 8. I usually just buy standard size 8D which is "close enough" for me. As for you, you are really in a bind. There are very few companies that will make shoes to fit you.
Take a look at Carolina lightnings. Not really sure if they are a logger style boot but they are steel toe.i bought a pair for work and can say it is the lightes work boot I have ever owned
