The Dive Watch Connection

Need some suggestions from DWC peeps on a good pair of steel toe work boots that looks nice enough to wear with a business casual/semi dressed up wardrobe. I'm the "executive architect" on a new hospital campus that is starting construction which happens to be the biggest project of my career and will need to be on site a lot and steel toes shoes are required. Would like something well made that doesn't look ridiculous with a pair of dress pants or khaki's. My firm will reimburse if a reasonable amount, say $200 or less.
Thanks!

I haven’t had to buy any in a long time, but the last pair I bought were Timberland Pro. They make a pair that look kind of like hiking boots and another pair that look kinda like Blundstone's. They are decent quality and not too expensive ($140 +/-).

There are better quality boots out there (Redwings are popular), but they are more expensive. Plus, I find safety toe shoes not very comfortable, so I only wore them as needed.

I’m not sure any will look “right” with dress clothes, but at least you won’t look like a logger.

If you are going to be outside in the cold a lot, I recommend composite toe instead of steel. Steel acts like a heat sink, pulling the warmth from your feet.

I’ve never worn the steel toe versions, but Chippewa makes several nice looking affordable models.

These should fit the bill
https://www.lehighsafetyshoes.com/mens/ ... LU782.html



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Never had to purchase steel toe shoes/boots before, but I'd recommend Zappos. I just checked, and they have four pages of steel toed boots/shoes in a variety of styles.

I have a pair of the Timberland Pro Endurance boots and they are super comfortable - looks like they have a “shoe” version too, but be sure to check the job site requirements as some require ankle protection too and it’s a good idea IMHO. I buy they ones that have padding around the ankles, and I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been glad I had that.

https://www.timberland.com/shop/pro-ste ... ginIndex=0

My other favorite pair has been the Dr Marten Wellington slip on boots (black or brown). Both are comfortable enough for all day wear.

https://workboots.com/dr-martens-icon-2 ... 5129,653/1


Just plan on wearing either with khakis and you’ll be fine.

Dr. Marten’s ...define “dress pants”

I have owned Chippewa's and Rossi boots in steel toes. I love them both honestly.

JDC222 wrote:Dr. Marten’s ...define “dress pants”

Don’t knock ‘em until you’ve tried them. These are super comfortable, understated without laces, and easy on/off.

BacoNoir wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 7:44 am

JDC222 wrote:Dr. Marten’s ...define “dress pants”

Don’t knock ‘em until you’ve tried them. These are super comfortable, understated without laces, and easy on/off.

I wonder if UGG's make steel toe? Matt?

Thanks Guys!

Now I don't have to default to steel toe Crocs!

How about something like this? Works with any shoes and can take them off when not needed

Go for these.

I have always bought Red Wing Steel toe boots. They have 135 models depending on what the other requirements might be. Mine require a minimum 6" boot and oil resistant soles.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/footwear/fi ... ,steel-toe

Panerai7 wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:31 am

How about something like this? Works with any shoes and can take them off when not needed

Those things are awful. I had to wear them once years ago when I forgot my steel toe boots.

The external "toe" extends below the sole of the shoe (especially if you are wearing "dress" shoes). I almost killed myself going up and down ladders and expanded steel walkways.

It was a good lesson - never forget your boots.

hoppyjr wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:41 am

Go for these.

dad????

hoppyjr wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:41 am

Go for these.

For the unaware, that's a photo from when Hop was working undercover in vice. He made 14 arrests that night.

I wear steel toed boots almost everyday and have for the last 20 years. If you’re going to be wearing them almost everyday, all day then splurge a little. Your feet will thank you. I’ve worn Redwings almost exclusively. Can’t beat them from a comfort standpoint and I usually get about 5 years out of a pair. Additionally, you get great customer service - new laces for free whenever needed, free oiling, etc. at a Redwing store. Most of them will bring you a cup of coffee while you wait.

As far as looking ok with slightly dressier attire I’d suggest looking at the slip on Wellington styles. Look good with Khakis or jeans. If you like cowboy boots Justin and Ariat make some really nice looking and comfortable options that pair well with dressier attire.


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toxicavenger wrote:

hoppyjr wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:41 am

Go for these.

dad????

More like “daddy”

Ryeguy wrote:

hoppyjr wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:41 am

Go for these.

For the unaware, that's a photo from when Hop was working undercover in vice. He made 14 arrests that night.

All arrests were politicians.

Go to a Redwing store and look at the US made models. They won't be under $200 though.

HapaHapa wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 23, 2018 12:36 pm

Go to a Redwing store and look at the US made models. They won't be under $200 though.

But if your work will reimburse up to $200 of the price, you can get a nice pair for relatively not much our of pocket.....

That's my approach and a great choice

does your company have an agreement w/redwing? IIRC, you're at a smaller firm than i am. but my company has a special pricelist (limited choices, but all steel toed) with redwing to go along with the company reimbursement. i ended up paying something like $30 for my redwings btwn the discount and the reimbursement. i got true workboot looking boots, but there were other options.

Thanks again everyone. I will check put my local Redwing store. My dad always wore them. Not worried about paying a little extra.