My plan is to just wear them everyday, my job isn’t demanding and I probably walk 25k steps a day average. It’s mostly for fashion I want a good looking boot that will last years and I will continually wear this pair for however long they last. Because any boot I get won’t be under the same environment as they’re intended to be in, my assumption is redwings or a cheaper variety of boot than the nicks will last me a while whilst also staying in good shape.
I do want nicks, I know how well they’re made and they look really good too but at the same time it’s a 600$ boot that takes 8-12 weeks (quick ship) to get to me compared to a redwing which is 400 (still expensive) but I can get a pair immediately. Who knows though, nicks are only 200 more than a pair of 400 dollar redwings and that 200 dollar difference holds a lot of value. It almost feels like im throwing away money by going with redwings but at the same time im scared to make that 600 dollar leap
There’s also the factor of not knowing how well the boot will fit, I know nicks has boot size down to a science with how many boots they’ve made in the past and how many lasts they have, they also have a really good return policy but that excludes prices of returning and another 8-12 weeks I have to wait for a new pair. It’s also not like I’m going to be buying a rough out over smooth boot either which is their standard configuration, I want all smooth which I assume has less of a demand which would mean exchange may always 8-12 weeks
The redwing boots my company bought me last forever because they’re too uncomfortable to wear.
I got danner mountain lights used off of eBay for 200 a couple years ago and they are one of the best things I’ve ever purchased. I beat them to hell, the leather is scuffed to shit but the soles look like they’re fresh off the factory floor and they’re completely waterproof. They are also the most comfortable shoes I own.
If they were lost at sea I would gladly throw down full price for them, they really are that good.
Sorry I know that doesn’t answer your question but if you are looking outside of RW I’d give danner a serious look
Edit: whatever you get get something where the sole is stitched around the outside bc then it can be resoled
Love my danners too. However they heavy as s***. Feels like I'm wearing the boots in the prison from Face Off. While expensive though they are truly the best.
I spent 300 on RW work boots and they didn't last a year. I love my Keens though, got 2-3 years out of them.
I have a pair of their Tradesman boots for work and I like them, but I also haven't really ever used any other work boots to compare them to and I got them with a $150 voucher from work so
I like them. Back when I was working jobs that needed work boots, they worked well and I got several seasons out of them. after changing jobs I used the same work boots as rain, snow, and hiking boots. Due to the weather where I am at now, I mostly using them for hiking a few weeks a year and I haven't had to buy new boots for almost a decade. So I would be unaware if quality has gone down.
I'd say pretty good yeah. They were the only shoes that worked as motorcycle boots and normal shoes for me - aside from big clonky construction boots.
I think they strike a good mix between tough wearing and style.
I used Redwing steeltoe boots when I worked in sheetmetal fabrication, they served me plenty well and I have no complaints. I also remember that Redwing was regarded as a particularly quality brand by those around me at the time.
