Work boots?

[fastpakr]

You're regularly treating the leather with some kind of rub in wax / waterproofing compound?

A pair of gaiters might help too.

 

[Craig0320]

You're regularly treating the leather with some kind of rub in wax / waterproofing compound?

A pair of gaiters might help too.

Second that ^.

 

[sgtsandman]

You're regularly treating the leather with some kind of rub in wax / waterproofing compound?

A pair of gaiters might help too.

I would echo this here. Since the sole doesn’t seem to be the problem.

With my boots, it’s the sole and since most shoes and boots aren’t make to be resoled anymore, it’s a new set about every year and a half to two years max.

EDIT: If I recall correctly, you work in an agricultural environment that plays hell with equipment and material and would be the prime culprit your the upper breaking down. There are a few waxy leather treatments that also waterproof that might be a good match for you. They are a bit of a pain to apply but might be worth it to make your money last longer.


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[Craig0320]

I know the sand on the concrete at work eats cheap boots soles within six months.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I put minkoil on this last pair when i first got them, but i never reapplyed it.

As far as leather conditioners go? No never used them.

 

[fastpakr]

I was thinking something more along the lines of Nikwax paste or Sno seal.

 

[sgtsandman]

I put minkoil on this last pair when i first got them, but i never reapplyed it.

As far as leather conditioners go? No never used them.

Mink oil is a conditioner and a protectant but I was thinking of the more waxy treatments like Otter wax or Kentrek. Something like that will be better for boots. Mink oil is more coats and gloves.


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[91stranger]

Any kind of wax or leather condition will work for boots as long as you are re applying at least once a month. Doesn't hurt to take a soft brush and a rag and clean them once a month anyway especially if you are working around chemicals. chemicals can destroy leather and rubber with ease depending on the chemical. I've always used car wax just because I always have some handy. You can get good leather conditioners at TSC in the horse area for the saddles. Saddles are made to last almost a lifetime so these conditioners will help extend the life of leather.

 

[Curious Hound]

I've worked in industrial and construction settings for my whole career and I agree that boots are a frustrating money hole. I never got more than 12 months out of a pair of Red Wings. One pair was dead in 4 months and that had me very "disgruntled". I've worn several different professional brands and even some cheap brand from Walmart and the results were almost always the same. I've had uppers crack or tear and I've had soles split right where your foot flexes.

I would second the use of mink oil or some other animal based greasy stuff. You may need to apply more often.

Currently, I'm wearing a pair of boots by Keen. These are mostly man-made materials. But the current pair is almost 18 months old. I hope they still sell this model when I go for replacements. By far the most comfortable pair I've ever had also.

I hate when you find a good boot or shoe and then they're discontinued when you need replacements.

Now, what about laces? I go through a pair of laces every 2-3 months.

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[rusty ol ranger]

Good advice guys. Ill head to TSC and see what i can find when i get myself a new pair.

As far as laces go, ive always worn the western/cowboy boot style boots, so laces arnt an issue

 

[Will]

Ariat Lookout.

 

[hank857]

Well 1 problem is that you are only getting 1 pair. When I was incharge of industrial safety I got the company to authorize 2 pr in 1t year and 1 pr each year there after. You got to let them dry and the leather to rest so ya just cant wear the same pair everyday and expect them to last. We worked around jet fuel, diesel, engine oils, in hot sand, soil conditions where feet would sweat etc. Most guys had no further issues with safety foot wear after that. Some when they paid for them themselves would wear ones with toes sticking out, slick worn out soles/heals etc which then became a slip hazard when working inside. So do yourself a favor and buy a good shoe/boot with a backup pair to rotate with. Even the army issued 2 pairs, and they had to be switched daily so they had us put an ID spot on them so they could check we were doing so. This was back in basic, but I guess they knew then about the value of taking care of boots.

 

[sgtsandman]

Well 1 problem is that you are only getting 1 pair. When I was incharge of industrial safety I got the company to authorize 2 pr in 1t year and 1 pr each year there after. You got to let them dry and the leather to rest so ya just cant wear the same pair everyday and expect them to last. We worked around jet fuel, diesel, engine oils, in hot sand, soil conditions where feet would sweat etc. Most guys had no further issues with safety foot wear after that. Some when they paid for them themselves would wear ones with toes sticking out, slick worn out soles/heals etc which then became a slip hazard when working inside. So do yourself a favor and buy a good shoe/boot with a backup pair to rotate with. Even the army issued 2 pairs, and they had to be switched daily so they had us put an ID spot on them so they could check we were doing so. This was back in basic, but I guess they knew then about the value of taking care of boots.

You have a point there. I've heard this many times concerning swapping footwear day to day.

 

[Ozwynn]

Vietnam era combat field boots. I got a pair I wore so much I have had them resoled 3 times now. But, if you dry, clean, oil/wax your boots when you get home the leather lasts longer. I have a pair here I have had since 1995 and I just recently quit wearing them infavor of something that breathes better. The problem is they are not thinsulated....

 

[Ranger850]

If you work on your feet then you know you're only as good as your feet feel.