[VoodooChile]

Cold wet weather is here, and I'm wondering what you folks think are the best boots for keeping the feet warm, dry and comfortable?

Qualities would include: 1) water-proofing, 2) warmth, 3) comfort, 4) durability, 5) value, 6) safety and (dare I say it) 7) style. Scale would be 1-5, 1: no good, 5: great.

For example, my favorites are Columbia Bugabootoos.

1) 5: you can stand in water up to your ankles in these and never get wet.

2) 5: rated to keep you warm to -30F.

3) 5: even at 200# and a small size 11 foot, my legs never get tired in Bugabootoos.

4) 4: I always got a solid 6 months out of a pair, altho they weren't the best for slamming a shovel all day.

5) 4: I usually paid $75-$100 for a pair, a decent price in my opinion.

6) 1: No steel toe protection, so pretty iffy for rolling boulders, operating equipment, etc.

7) 1: Butt-ugly.

Too bad Columbia discontinued Bugabootoos last year and E-Bay sold out when Winter hit.

So what are your favorite boots? Rate em if you like.

Thanks!

[Will Pacala]

Timberland boots are always good. Waterproof, steel "safety" toe, pretty warm with the right socks and the hold up pretty well too!! I like the Timberland's. Also, for snow, They look kind of ugly, not all that safe but very very warm---- Sorel boots. Now sold through Gemplers and other retailers. I have a pair of 'em. Great in cold weather!

Has anyone tried the John Deere boots. They too are sold in Gempler's. Just curious to see if they are any good!

[cutntrim]

For snowplowing I wear snowmobile boots. Kodiak or Sorel I think. Steel shank but not steel toe. They're very warm and the lower half of the boot is waterproof. Quite comfortable, but fairly bulky for driving with. Stylish? Maybe if your name is Nanook of the North.

[Bill Schwab]

The only boots I wear are Redwing. All others I have tried are not wide enough for my feet, and wear out fast. Redwing makes my ankles and feet feel like I'm not even on my feet as well.

The down side...The price...$190.00 for a pair of boots...ARGH!

[Chuck Sinclair]

Originally posted by Bill Schwab
The only boots I wear are Redwing. All others I have tried are not wide enough for my feet, and wear out fast. Redwing makes my ankles and feet feel like I'm not even on my feet as well.

The down side...The price...$190.00 for a pair of boots...ARGH!

Bill,

Is that all you paid, mine were $240.00 and i have had them 2.5 years.

[Bill Schwab]

They were somehwhere around that price, in Oceanside 2002. I'm just due for another pair and am getting these resoled.

[MarkH]

Redwing boots no doubt. We get money each year for boots. Some get money for two sets. Either you get regular boots and a pair of climbing boots for trees, or reg. boots and a pair for working brush/grass fires. Never had a problem yet.

[VoodooChile]

I've always heard great things about Redwings, from farmers and landscapers alike. The only complaint ever (beside the ticket price) was the break-in period, which supposedly can be lengthy and painful.

MarkH, Bill, Chuck, any truth to Redwings being bulls to break?

I'd have a hard time spending close to $200 for a pair of boots I would destroy in 6 months, maximum a year. I am seriously hard on shoes (and every other thing too, according to Spiderlily), but maybe I shouldn't knock 'em, til I try 'em...

[Bill Schwab]

I usually have mine broke in a few days. The key to longenvity is two things. If they get wet, don't air dry them with heat, let them naturally dry. Even if you have to wear them wet. Second, boot oil. I oil and clean mine once a week, before or after polishing the truck rims and waxing the Caterpillar. Doing so is theroputic and allows me time to think the week through.

[Chuck Sinclair]

VoodooChile,

I had heard the same thing but i had mine broke in in a week.

Best pair of boots i ever had, best part is they can be resouled instead of replaced.

I water proof them once a season.

[justgardens]

I have always worn my steel toe Cats by Caterpiller. They are a small size of guy boots. They take a licking and keep on working. Had them about 4 or 5 years now and they show no signs of wearing out yet. However they don't get as much of a workout since I found my new "Pink" work boots. Unfortunately they are a great pink and mud color now. I get lots of comments on them. I don't think you guys could get away wearing them though! Too bad.

[Lanelle]

Hey, are your pink boots Timberlands? I was tempted to get them. Decided that they might clash with some things.

[scl]

Not with your Suzie Cuelo overalls, I hope? LOL

[justgardens]

The Pinkies are cheap ones from Walmart. For $20.00 I can throw them away after a a few months. Hey, in overalls and a cap its the only thing that can seperate me from the guys on the crew sometimes. Except my legs look better....no hair!

[Bill Schwab]

Speaking of boots....

There is this new fashion statement that drives me nuts here in
California. The thing to do apparently in womens fashions is wear "Ug" boots so the stick out of pant legs or on the feet with a skirt.... My question, WHAT KIND OF A KNUMBSKULL WEARS THESE BOOTS WHERE IT IS NO COLDER THAN 50°? Aside from looking absoultely hideous, thier feet have to sweat bullets!

The other things is they wear leather boots like the kind worn in the snow back home, except, when it is 50° and sunny!!!! It looks absolutely ridiculous, but then I remembered....

I live in the land of fruits and nuts where life is beautiful all the time and the nice clean men in the bright white suits are comming to take me away ho ho he he hah ha... Oh man did I just show age there?

LOL