first new boots in 20+ yrs... these were the only ones I could find > $200 that had all I wanted / needed..... thinsulate insulation, goretex, vibram type sole, and 13 B....... dead comfortable from the first step 
edit: guess I should have said what kind.... oops
Irish Setter by Red Wing
I just bought some Carhartt boots about 2 months ago. Not impressed. I dont know how you can stand boots that go up that high either. 6" is all I can stand.
My uncle works for Red Wing Shoes in MI...we are lucky enough to get some "rejects" or "slightly used returns" for free every so often when he comes to visit. Anything from their casual dress shoes to full-out steel toe work shoes/boots...gotta say, Red Wing has some pretty solid and comfy footwear! Also, when I worked for Cleveland State at the Motor Pool we had a contract with Red Wing for shop shoes and boots...the stores are very nice, neat, logically organized, and the people there really know their shoes. Also, if I recall correctly, I believe Irish Setter is an off-brand of Red Wing Shoes?
In reply to cxhb: Maybe try out some Red Wings?
procker wrote: My uncle works for Red Wing Shoes in MI...we are lucky enough to get some "rejects" or "slightly used returns" for free every so often when he comes to visit. Anything from their casual dress shoes to full-out steel toe work shoes/boots...gotta say, Red Wing has some pretty solid and comfy footwear! Also, when I worked for Cleveland State at the Motor Pool we had a contract with Red Wing for shop shoes and boots...the stores are very nice, neat, logically organized, and the people there really know their shoes. Also, if I recall correctly, I believe Irish Setter is an off-brand of Red Wing Shoes? In reply to cxhb: Maybe try out some Red Wings?
WELL MAYBE I WILL. YOU'D LIKE THAT WOULDN'T YOU!?...
No but seriously, maybe I will lol. I have always heard good things, there pricey IIRC but a good set of work boots its worth it.
I wore Dr. Martens for decades starting in the early 80's. I generally did jobs that involved a lot of standing on concrete floors 8+ hrs a day, and they definitely made a difference. Docs were made in the UK then, and the original model 1460 8-eyelets were unchanged since the 50s.
Then production was moved to China, and they didn't fit the same, and the leather uppers would crack and split before the soles were close to worn out. I still put 'em on to ride motorcycles in town but wouldn't bring them as say, my one pair of shoes for a casual trip.
A couple years ago they re-introduced classic 1460s made in the UK. Just like the old ones - made on the original lasts, same leather, soles, stitching, everything. The downside is they're about $200 and I was gun shy. Recently however I got an email about a 35% off sale from the Dr. Martens online store which got the UK classics down to an acceptable price and I pulled the trigger.
It's like the clock was reset to 1983. Perfect fit, comfortable within a couple days, nice build quality, the leather is breaking in w/o showing creases that will become cracks. Ahhh.
Very highly recommended.
got some kick butt carolinas.. super comfy..
I have worn Red Wings (two pairs now) since I've started at the brewery. For how much they cost, I'm not really impressed (Model 4406 or something like that, $180). Maybe it's the environment in which I work, but my first pair started leaking in 7 months, this newer pair haven't started leaking yet (I've sealed them more often), but they are tighter-fitting than the old pair, despite being the same size. And even though they're tight, my feet slide around in them too much, giving me colossal blisters/callouses/somethings on my pinky toe. I have the "mid height" ones, that come to just over my ankle. Not very comfortable...and apparently my experiences are different than everyone elses...but I may have to switch to some other brand.
seems to vary without regard to any pattern I can spot... I've had many experiences with the same shoe / boot and not get the same feel as the previous pair, or not get the wonderful wear / feel someone else has gotten... thought is was just my weird feet 
I've just about wore out my redwings. I'm kinda disappointed, they only lasted my dad 3 years and then another 7.5 for me.
mtn: Haha!....only 10.5 years eh?
The first pair that I had got so wore out from working on the grass crew with the city department that...i loved them so much and hated to see them go that I planted flowers in them for a summer just to get some more use out of them!
I'm at 8 years on my catepillars. same factory in Rockford, Mi.
Wolverine World Wide. They make a ton of great boots and shoes.
Merrils, Wolverine, Cats, etc
My Flight Crew Boots finally bit the dust last year after about 10 years of use, I tried to find the company but they evidently closed shop in the early 2000's
I finally bit the bullet and found some Magnum Stealth Forces with a Composite Toe. Looks good on a sales floor, protects my tootsies in the shop, and much lighter and comfortable. I love the zipper side too.
Bates had something similar, but a bit nicer bells and whistles for a bit more $.
No need for me to wear boots in thr office. My favorite pair of shoes are my Allen Edmunds Park Avenue. Made in the USA, will last the rest of my life with proper care and can be completely rebuilt if needed. Not cheap but worth it.
mtn wrote: I've just about wore out my redwings. I'm kinda disappointed, they only lasted my dad 3 years and then another 7.5 for me.
I also have a pair of Red Wings that I took from my dad; Pecos, I believe they are. They must be about 15 years old.
pigeon wrote: No need for me to wear boots in thr office. My favorite pair of shoes are my Allen Edmunds Park Avenue. Made in the USA, will last the rest of my life with proper care and can be completely rebuilt if needed. Not cheap but worth it.
We'll go to their factory outlet in Wisconsin on the way to vacation. VERY good shoes, and they actually make sizes to fit my weird foot (size nine with a HIGH instep)
MitchellC wrote:mtn wrote: I've just about wore out my redwings. I'm kinda disappointed, they only lasted my dad 3 years and then another 7.5 for me.I also have a pair of Red Wings that I took from my dad; Pecos, I believe they are. They must be about 15 years old.
I think that mine are about 25-30 years old, but they've only been worn for 10.5ish. Mine are a pair of pull ons, 1050's? They don't make them anymore, although they do make similar stuff.
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