This collaborative space allows users to contribute additional information, tips, and insights to enhance the original deal post. Feel free to share your knowledge and help fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
With every foot and arch different some will love a pair others will curse it. Go and get fitted try on many and for at least 5-10 mins while your foot molds to the bed. Almost all insoles and foot beds have break-in period while your foot adjust.
If you don't like a brand or the way it fits, you probably tried in the wrong size or that boot/shoe isn't the shape for your foot. I have several pairs of wolverines, redwings, Salomon, merrels, dr martins, adidas, Nike, converse. I have a couple I rotate out for work being on my feet 50 hours a week.
I know by the end of that first week if those boots are gonna keep up and hold up to my line of work in automotive field. I've tried on hundreds of boots last few years and never found that perfect one but I have a few that are good enough and for the price get me a few years for work that's acceptable. Less places offer doing a retread and repair. For the cost it's cheaper to buy a new set and run them till the treads gone or the arch fails.
Over 20 years in same industry and i know what works for me. Just not so easy to find one that stacks up. Everyone's got different needs so only way to know is go try them on, get the correct size or if you can't, order a pair and see how they work out. Wear them around in the house and you'll be able to return, exchange for what might work better. Cheers!
Wolverine's work hiker boots stand out as a budget waterproof work boot with a wide fit, and the low price has matched or beaten past deals. The strongest praise is for comfort, durability, and a roomy toe box when paired with good insoles, with some pairs holding up for years in long shifts, concrete work, or motorcycle commuting. The main cautions are uneven quality over time, stiff or uncomfortable break in, and reports of arch collapse or early wear on heavier use. A practical pick if fit and construction line up for your feet.
Buyers wanting a tough work boot for the price, because the boots can hold up for years and still exceed expectations on durability.
They can be comfortable for some feet, especially with a wide toe box and good insoles, but several reports describe them as stiff or painful for full-day wear. A few buyers found them comfortable and durable for the price, while others felt pain above the big toe knuckle or said the boots were very uncomfortable.
Durability is reported as decent at the $65 price, but newer pairs may not last like older Wolverine boots. Some pairs have held up for years with only insole replacement, while other reports say recent pairs can wear out in about 6 months or have quality issues.
Yes, they may need a break-in period, especially in the insole and footbed. One detailed recommendation is to try them on for 5-10 minutes first, then judge them after about a week of heavy use, since fit and arch shape vary a lot by foot.
They are a reasonable buy if you want a wide, waterproof work boot at this price and can return them if the fit is wrong. The wide toe box is a plus for long shifts on concrete, but the arch can collapse for heavier users or people with flat feet.
Check the sole stiffness, toe-box fit, and overall construction before committing. The boots can have a very rigid sole, and quality checks mentioned include even stitching, a Goodyear welt or Blake stitch, and no cement construction.
With every foot and arch different some will love a pair others will curse it. Go and get fitted try on many and for at least 5-10 mins while your foot molds to the bed. Almost all insoles and foot beds have break-in period while your foot adjust. If you don't like a brand or the way it fits, you probably tried in the wrong size or that boot/shoe isn't the shape for your foot. I have several pairs of wolverines, redwings, Salomon, merrels, dr martins, adidas, Nike, converse. I have a couple I rotate out for work being on my feet 50 hours a week. I know by the end of that first week if those boots are gonna keep up and hold up to my line of work in automotive field. I've tried on hundreds of boots last few years and never found that perfect one but I have a few that are good enough and for the price get me a few years for work that's acceptable. Less places offer doing a retread and repair. For the cost it's cheaper to buy a new set and run them till the treads gone or the arch fails. Over 20 years in same industry and i know what works for me. Just not so easy to find one that stacks up. Everyone's got different needs so only way to know is go try them on, get the correct size or if you can't, order a pair and see how they work out. Wear them around in the house and you'll be able to return, exchange for what might work better. Cheers!
Timberland Pro boots have a Boondock boot with what they call "Hover Spring" coupled with Anti Fatigue Tech. It like walking on clouds and they are light as a feather. I use to be a Danner guy until I tried the Timberlands
Once boots look worn you generally cannot return them. I suggest going to the indoor mall, putting on your new boots and walking around for an hour. If they feel OK, great, otherwise they should still look new and you should be able to return them.
Totally agree - 10 years ago thick leather .. last 2 years at work ... now maybe 6 months
Still wear a pair of 1997 Wolverine boot with chrome-tanned upper (2 mm minimum thickness), Vibram sole, and Goodyear welt construction. Zero break in period. Much better quality than today's cheaply made (poor QC) Red Wing Iron Ranger and Classic Moc.
So from all your experience, what brand(s) would you recommend? I'm looking for a steel toe that will be comfortable for 8+ hours on my feet .
The quality has gone down over the years.
1. Look for upper made from 2-3 large pieces of 2 mm thick leather. Seeing the grain is good.
2. Look for a Goodyear welt or Blake stitch construction. No cement construction.
3. Look for Vibram or equivalent long wearing sole.
4. Look for consistent and even tight stitching on both boots. Be on the lookout for damaged leather near seam.
5. Look for sharp protrusion at the footbed.
6. Look for all leather interior.
Top Comments
If you don't like a brand or the way it fits, you probably tried in the wrong size or that boot/shoe isn't the shape for your foot. I have several pairs of wolverines, redwings, Salomon, merrels, dr martins, adidas, Nike, converse. I have a couple I rotate out for work being on my feet 50 hours a week.
I know by the end of that first week if those boots are gonna keep up and hold up to my line of work in automotive field. I've tried on hundreds of boots last few years and never found that perfect one but I have a few that are good enough and for the price get me a few years for work that's acceptable. Less places offer doing a retread and repair. For the cost it's cheaper to buy a new set and run them till the treads gone or the arch fails.
Over 20 years in same industry and i know what works for me. Just not so easy to find one that stacks up. Everyone's got different needs so only way to know is go try them on, get the correct size or if you can't, order a pair and see how they work out. Wear them around in the house and you'll be able to return, exchange for what might work better. Cheers!
Community Reviews
Wolverine's work hiker boots stand out as a budget waterproof work boot with a wide fit, and the low price has matched or beaten past deals. The strongest praise is for comfort, durability, and a roomy toe box when paired with good insoles, with some pairs holding up for years in long shifts, concrete work, or motorcycle commuting. The main cautions are uneven quality over time, stiff or uncomfortable break in, and reports of arch collapse or early wear on heavier use. A practical pick if fit and construction line up for your feet.
Common Questions (5)
They can be comfortable for some feet, especially with a wide toe box and good insoles, but several reports describe them as stiff or painful for full-day wear. A few buyers found them comfortable and durable for the price, while others felt pain above the big toe knuckle or said the boots were very uncomfortable.
Durability is reported as decent at the $65 price, but newer pairs may not last like older Wolverine boots. Some pairs have held up for years with only insole replacement, while other reports say recent pairs can wear out in about 6 months or have quality issues.
Yes, they may need a break-in period, especially in the insole and footbed. One detailed recommendation is to try them on for 5-10 minutes first, then judge them after about a week of heavy use, since fit and arch shape vary a lot by foot.
They are a reasonable buy if you want a wide, waterproof work boot at this price and can return them if the fit is wrong. The wide toe box is a plus for long shifts on concrete, but the arch can collapse for heavier users or people with flat feet.
Check the sole stiffness, toe-box fit, and overall construction before committing. The boots can have a very rigid sole, and quality checks mentioned include even stitching, a Goodyear welt or Blake stitch, and no cement construction.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!
45 Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Totally agree - 10 years ago thick leather .. last 2 years at work ... now maybe 6 months
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
1. Look for upper made from 2-3 large pieces of 2 mm thick leather. Seeing the grain is good.
2. Look for a Goodyear welt or Blake stitch construction. No cement construction.
3. Look for Vibram or equivalent long wearing sole.
4. Look for consistent and even tight stitching on both boots. Be on the lookout for damaged leather near seam.
5. Look for sharp protrusion at the footbed.
6. Look for all leather interior.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!