Most boots are like that now. Ariats, Justin's, Double H and Wolverine to name a few. If they're made in the US, Mexico, Spain, or Italy they're typically good to go in my (and others more experienced than I) experience. I did have a decent pair of wolverines that were made in China though didn't know that til I looked at the tag around a year later.I wear a pair of Keene from the time they were all US made. Like Redwing you now have to look at each model to see where they are made.
When I logged in the UP, my boss bought me a set of those Vikings. They're amazing.A little late to this party, but what the heck, I love to talk boots. Preface, I work on underground and transmission electric and pipelines. We don't get rain, snow, cold days off unless it's too cold for diesel engines to work. Those are the days I go snowmobiling or ice fishing for "fun".
My "warm weather" boots are American made Red Wing pull-on work boots. Yes, they were hell to break in, but once good, they're GOOD. Wear like old tennis shoes at work or hunting. I have the luxury of going to the factory and picking up seconds for just a tick over $100 rather than $250 retail.
As it's usually sloppy here in MN in mid-temperature weather, say above 20 degrees, my mid season boots are Lacrosse knee boot steel toe with 600 grams thinsulate. These have a heavy tread for mud and snow, and I retrofit them with a wool felt insole and wear thin Alpaca wool socks. I had a pair of similarly constructed Baffins that I liked better, but wore them out after 3 years and that model is now discontinued. They had a kevlar shell on the lower "foot" area.
My extreme cold boots that I wear for work and play below 20 degrees are Viking brand rubber/kevlar/composite toe. They are chemical, chainsaw, and electrical resistant to 25KV (I'll take the ULs word for it on that). They're rated to 100 below, but I've found the actual cold comfort zone for sedentary activities to be more like -20. The sole material actually feels tacky on icy surfaces, and screw in lugs are an option. I also add the wool felt to these and wear a heavy Alpaca sock in extreme cold. They were quite expensive, and worth every penny.
I'm working in MN and the Dakotas, and playing in the same to include Upper Michigan and Ontario.
Lightweight Danner RAT boots that were seconded from the Marines I bought for $50 new. (currently $350 )
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One pair means your feet will hate you. I have multiple pairs of work boots so they can dry out. Every weather condition means different needs also.Sorel Caribou for cold snow
Danner Powderhorn for light snow
Oakley SI patrol for hot days
LAPG Tac Athlete for summer hikes
Huk Rogue Wave Deck boots for rain/fishing
Neosport dive/neoprene for the jetski
It's tough to only have 1 pair of boots in Alaska
Minnesotan here, I wear Red Wings for all daily work, and old Sorels all winter. It's a shame what happened to Sorel boots. Up here they were thee go to boot for snowmobiling and ice fishing and everything Minnesota.
Sorel is now Chinese trash. I have to double up on wool socks with my new Sorels.
Well I'm a size 12 if your feeling generous . Huge fan of the old Sorels.I have a pair of Canadians sorel's that my wife got for free 10 years ago.
Mine finally went to the trash last week. The rubber things on the side of the boot came off on year 2-3 and I just used shoe goo and put them back together. I went out the other day and got in 1-2'' water and my feet got wet. The soles finally seperated. I am now leaning toward irish setter wingshooters, danner pronghorns, danner high ground or Meidl.yeah I really like them. I'm on my second pair. The last ones survived 2 years which is pretty good for boots on lava rock.
It's already been said but if you're going to get one pair of boots you'd better get two.
I have two pairs of Belleville duty boots as already sad and I switch them every day
Have you SNO-SEAL'ed the leather uppers?
Will extend the life considerably.
GR
I've got a pair of the Danner Mojaves that I really like.Lightweight Danner RAT boots that were seconded from the Marines I bought for $50 new. (currently $350 )
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