Steel Toe Boots

[BruiseLee]

I manage a rental facility which is rented out almost daily for parties. We have a bar at my facility, so dealing with drunks is not uncommon. Unfortunately, our rental agreement does not require clients to hire security. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for me and my staff to have to deal with belligerent drunks. I've had drunks rip the thermostat out of the wall, I've had to confiscate contraband, and my staff and I have been threatened on multiple occasions. Did I mention the fights I've had to break up and call the police in on? (I always carry a phone on me.)

I was thinking back when I was a kid guys used to wear steel toed boots to give them an edge in a fight. I was thinking since I'm not allowed to carry any real weapons, a pair of steel toed boots or shoes couldn't hurt if I were ever attacked. I would prefer shoes that would blend in with a suit, since that is what I am required to wear at work. Comfort is also very important since its not unusual for me to have to work 13-14 hour days.

Can anyone recommend a model of shoe or boot to me? I do have years of martial art training, so I am pretty good using my feet.

Bruise

 

[JShirley]

Nice to see you over here, Bruise.

In your situation, I might go for one of the shorter, lighter boots. I wore steel toed boots while working security in nightclubs some years ago. If I were to do it over again, I would get lighter, more comfortable boots without the steel inserts. Something like this: http://botachtactical.com/danblachawpa.html

I really think the ability to move quickly and nimbly is more important the nominal edge the steel toe could give you. Steel toed shoes...hm. I'll look to see if I can find something that might work.

John

 

[JShirley]

The problem I'm seeing while searching for ST shoes, is that the ones I think might really be effective for movement in, (basically tennis shoes) won't go with a suit. The ones that might look okay with a suit (such as this one: all seem to be based on the "short boot", and as such, they have taller, very rigid soles that won't work well for defensive footwork.

 

[TheeBadOne]

Magnum Midnight Quarter Boot #5204(steel toed). Shop around, here's one link that has them.


http://www.red-diamond-unif.com/magnum_5204.htm

 

[hso]

http://www.ironageshoes.com/dept3.asp?dept_id=420&Gender=M

Plenty of companies that make steel toe boots make steel toe "dress" shoes such as the link to iron age above.

OTOH, unless you personally own the facility I don't see why you would ever get involved in an altercation with clients (even if you do own it that's what insurance is for). Set up video security cameras, charge a damage deposit and tell the client that they're on their own and liable, videotape all events, have someone monitor, and then charge against all damages. If things look like they're getting towards violence or vandalism call the LEOs and have them deal with the problem. You can't aford the legal hassle of a law suite over you or your staff getting involved in a fight.

 

[JShirley]

Nice shoes, HSO. Will the wearer be able to move well in them, though, I wonder? They do look good.

 

[Sunray]

Just find the nearest industrial shoe supplier and pay him a visit. Take lots of money though. Cheap they ain't. Nor do you get much in the way of shoes that will not look rediculous with a suit. Better to throw the suit away and dress in casual cloths. Work boots look a whole lot like hiking boots. Mind you, I suspect you'd still run into a whole bunch of BS if you ended a bar fight with the steel toes. Likely less trouble and expense on your part to include a security clause in your contracts.

 

[winstonsmith]

I had a pair of steel toed work shoes that would look just fine with a suit. Made by a brand named "Golden Fox" I beleive. Lasted me years and years. Cost less than a hundred.

 

[Car Knocker]

You can get anything from wing-tips to tennis shoes to ropers boots with safety toes. The caps are available in steel or plastic. Plastic caps have the advantage of being warmer in cold climates and tend not to crimp your toes if something very heavy is dropped on them. Be aware that the caps can contact the tops of your toes and irritate them. Toe caps come in various sizes and shapes and comfort can vary. I suggest you try on various brands and determine what is comfortable for you. There are at least a half-dozen manufacturers of safety shoes out there.

 

[BruiseLee]

Steel Toe Shoes

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to my question. A lot of good information in those posts. I agree that getting into a physical altercation is an absolute last choice option. Unfortunately, none of us can predict when danger strikes. And let's face it, if I did know I was going to be involved in a serious social situation, I'd certainly want more than steel toed footwear on my side.

Still, winning warriors always have an edge, wheter it be the sun at their back, or a Flak 88. I've actually been kicked in the gut by steel toed boots, and believe me when you get hit by those babies you know he isn't wearing Hush Puppies or Converse All Stars.

I figure any way I can legally and practically improve my personal safety can't be a bad thing.

Bruise