Quality boots for work or dress down?

Submitted by kaosburn t3_y37201 in BuyItForLife

Did a quick search in the forum but didn’t find anything matching specifically… I am looking for a quality leather pair of boots that I can resole and will last a long time. Something I can wear to work or for a night out or a casual setting. To give an idea, been looking at Thursday Captain Boots, Allen Edmonds Higgins Mills, etc. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Have Clark’s Horween Wallabees and beeswax desert boots but looking for something nicer.

[edit] You are all awesome! Definitely given me a start on where to direct my research. Thank you!

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LowGradePlayer t1_is6y10n wrote

Red Wing Iron Ranger.

Your search stops here.

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kaosburn OP t1_is6z0wk wrote

Replying to LowGradePlayer (#96,096)

Just looked these up. Definitely could work for what I’m looking for. Fits business casual and casual. Might not be “night out” but if that’s the only con, I can work with that.

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NerdyOutdoors t1_is6zvd8 wrote

I have Grenson “Fred” wingtip boots, pricey as heck but resoleable and gorgeous

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CMYKoi t1_is700nz wrote

Replying to kaosburn (#96,150)

Go Thorogood friend. CSA, made in USA, very affordable. Apparently, avoid the midnight series, my mistake on that, but it would still be fine if you aren't kicking everything around all the time.

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WhereAreMySaxophones t1_is70e4r wrote

I’ve had the Thursday captains for 5 years now, everyday use, and love them, as long as you take decent care of them they’ll last, I wear them to work, dates, and bars, they look good with everything

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magus-21 t1_is72bky wrote

Replying to benauna (#96,253)

I mean you can define what it means for yourself, but the fact that he cited Thursday and Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill suggests to me he's not looking for a classic "work boot" style with that bulbous steel toe.

EDIT: Iron Ranger isn't a steel toe boot

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rippah777 t1_is741o9 wrote

Whites. Custom fit is the way to go.

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Joaquox t1_is74xbc wrote

Replying to benauna (#96,253)

It has a toe box like a fucking clown shoe compared to any European dress boot. Stop acting like IR is a good looking shoe, it's really not.

−4

SantoElmo t1_is759wu wrote

Alden is a classic step up from Allen Edmonds. With AE's modern mass production, it's probably now two steps up.

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node_strain t1_is75io4 wrote

I have some Captains. I’ve been wearing them for a month or so, so I can’t necessarily speak to durability yet, but they look great and are very comfortable

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magus-21 t1_is78ww3 wrote

Replying to kaosburn (#96,150)

You need to try them on and see for yourself. I lusted after Iron Rangers until I got them on my feet. IMO they're way too chunky for the office.

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Abd124efh568 t1_is79d5h wrote

I love me AE shoes , but when it came time for some nice boots, I decided to step up and get a pair of Edward Green Ambleside boots. I was surprised at how much higher the quality seems to be from the stitching and general feel of the materials.

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magus-21 t1_is7az8r wrote

Replying to benauna (#96,705)

No worries, and yeah, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on some Captains, too. I'd go for the US-made Thursdays, but they don't come in wide sizes

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change_your_ending t1_is7fz51 wrote

You can also give Solovair a look, I just got mine and love them

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whitdawg91 t1_is7k4yq wrote

Replying to kaosburn (#97,070)

2nd vote for RMs - they are expensive but I’ve worn my pair nearly every workday for 7 years and they are still in great shape. Would be in even better shape if I actually looked after them too

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ssj4kevin t1_is7kwsz wrote

Replying to magus-21 (#96,331)

I get what you're saying (Iron Rangers are a heritage work boot, so not what I think of as a night out boot), however they are not steel toe boots. They're cap toe boots where there is an extra piece of leather on the toe.

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Scary-Ad5147 t1_is7m8wb wrote

Viberg or JM weston if u want to break the bank but have em look good for 20 years

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SensitiveTree3 t1_is7mi86 wrote

Nicks boots, white's boots and wesco boots are all bifl quality. It doesn't get much better than that, you can probably find something that's more casual looking in their repertoire, they are quite expensive though.

Alternatively Rose anvil is probably a good resource, he's a youtuber who cuts shoes and boots in half, you can get a good sense of how good a boot is from that.

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Wizzerd348 t1_is7pazr wrote

Canada West boots maybe?

https://www.canadawestboots.com/mensmoorby

They make some dressier ones in this line.

I have 2817s and am very happy with them, especially considering the price

If you start get above the $300 USD range, custom, made to order boots will be the best thing.

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LiveLearnCoach t1_is7q6g4 wrote

IIRC, way, way, way back when I bought a pair of leather timberlands. I don’t even know if they make those anymore.

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Prior-Egg9489 t1_is7si2x wrote

I'm a woman so my options for such a GW boot are more limited but I live close enough to Carmina in NYC I went to the store to try on shoes there. I tried on multiple styles there and settled on the jodhpur boots and love them. They were quick to break in and so comfortable they are the only shoes I wear out at night anymore but I can still wear them in the daytime with a more casual outfit. They are also the first pair of shoes that I actually get compliments on from random men lol.

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Beckerbrau t1_is7t4ej wrote

What do you do for work? A lot of these suggestions are ok, but if you work a job that’s going to beat the shit out of your boots, you’d be hard pressed to find a pair that’s good for both. Thursday boots are nice, but they won’t hold up on a construction site.

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Argentius99 t1_is7u49k wrote

You're in luck, we can all celebrate the return of boots.

I've a pair of Allen Edmonds Dalton boots, they've been worn quite a bit over, what, 8-10 years, I think they'd fit the bill.

Standard double oak soles, blucher wingtips with a lot of broguing mean they dress up or down nicely. Worn with trousers, you wouldn't know they were boots, but with cuffed jeans they stand out.

The Higgins Mills you mention are a nice all-purpose old school workboot, but speed laces, a broad last, and simple design means they would look out of place dressier than jeans and flannel -- depending upon what work and night out is, this might not be what you want.

AE actually makes a bal boot now which is pretty cool, but that would have the opposite problem for you and so not the right idea.

Enjoy!

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GandalfTheBored t1_is7u64f wrote

Grab the redwing blacksmiths. If you treat em right, they should be great for what you are asking.

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FeloniousFunk t1_is7ujqw wrote

Replying to LowGradePlayer (#97,644)

I’ve never bought a pair, based on the advice from this sub I believe.

IIRC they started outsourcing so they’re not 100% US made anymore and QC has declined along with modifications to their warranty/repair system.

You can read a lot of mixed reviews by searching this sub for Red Wings, and a couple more over at /r/goodyearwelt (although they tend to discuss the US-made Heritage line mostly). Every old-timer seems to swear by them though.

−2

BarLiving t1_is7wg7h wrote

I bought some brown Doc Martens in an oxford shoe style for work. A little unconventional, but I liked that the look worked for work with slacks and could also go with other things too.

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cultofwacky t1_is81ooa wrote

Replying to node_strain (#96,470)

Have some captains that are a few years old worn pretty often. They have held up decently well, though the outsole on the toe has become separated a few times, it’s an easy fix (think I may drag my feet sometimes). I’m pretty hard on things, but the leather is genuinely tough and high quality (I have a rugged and resilient pair iirc)

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akohhh t1_is81w1n wrote

Replying to shannon_g (#96,740)

Another vote for RMs. I destroyed one pair through a decade of horse riding; routine mud, dirt, sand, sweat, snow, the works and they looked great until very near the end. I have a couple of other work pairs that look fantastic even after 5+ years of alternating near daily wear. I’d recommend the comfort versions with rubber soles though, the riveted leather soles look great but I find them much less comfortable walking a lot on pavement/asphalt.

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bellsbliss t1_is86zwd wrote

Alden indy are the best. Red wing iron rangers or Wolverine 1000 mile are also good.

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bbergan0409 t1_is8ew4y wrote

Anyone suggest the Grant Stone diesel boot yet? Would definitely fit what you're looking for.

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blackfadesunset t1_is8he5j wrote

Replying to shannon_g (#96,740)

RMs definitely fit the bill, had my black pair for about 10 years, at least 7 of those I wore them 5+ days a week including time on the motorbike and they held up great.

Only recommendation is go for the comfort or super comfort.

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ballbusta-b t1_is8hqqc wrote

Frye Campus Boots. Bonus; you can often find them used at reasonable prices on apps like Poshmark. I have 3 pairs (in different colors). Wear to both work and casual. I always feel like a total badass in them too

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Ligma_D t1_is8hwcr wrote

I just wear black timberlands to work and everywhere else

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Milleniumgamer t1_is8o5aa wrote

Replying to kaosburn (#97,318)

Imma tell you this right now as someone who writes about these types of shoes- look at the guts of the boots, but do not trust anything that comes out of RA’s mouth.

What’s your budget, and your brannock size? If you take those two bits with pictures of your brannock over to r/goodyearwelt and post in their daily questions thread, you’re going to get a lot of answers that’ll vary on your use case.

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PennyGgg t1_is8r5em wrote

I invested in a pair of pikolinos. Mine are black with brown and they go with everything and I get comments on them all the time.

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zaebis13 t1_is8tr8d wrote

Replying to shannon_g (#96,740)

+1 for RMs.. however

As someone who has a collection of good year welted leather boots and shoes, RMs are a good "easy" choice - there are better choices out there but it'll take a lot of research, comparison, finding available stock, etc.

Personally I think after owning a pair of RMs they are a little expensive for what they are, I recommend searching for an outlet store, I paid about 40% less than retail at a local outlet because they had small scratch on the toe which a) I covered up with a bit of polish b) is in a spot which gets hit/scratched all the time anyway.

The only alternative I suggest are Barker shoes, they offer good quality boots that are good year welted and can be found online for much less than retail. I have a pair going on 4 years that I've absolutely smashed and tbh the leather is tougher and more resistant to permanent damage than my RMs, which after 1 year have a permanent cut on one side from an office chair of all things.

Afaik the leather RM uses is in the "Top Grain Leather" or possibly even "Genuine Leather" category, whereas the Barkers I bought (for $100 less) use "Full Grain Leather" which is significantly stronger and resistant to cuts/scratches.

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Run6Run t1_is8vb9d wrote

Chippewa service boots. Tough as nails and can be dressy.

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ABMMS t1_is8vs42 wrote

Replying to Abd124efh568 (#96,656)

Got any pics of them on or more to say? They must be so new that there are hardly any reviews or pics online (including Instagram hashtags). I’ve got a pair of Galways, rosewood country calf on 64 last, and have been looking at the Ambleside 72 last in iron or storm waxed suede!

Edit: OP, Edward green gets my vote as well. I feel like a million bucks in mine and everything else in my rotation now feels lower quality and has less class.

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Hessarian99 t1_is8zcoc wrote

The Higgins Mill is currently on sale.

Get the one in Brown CXL (also called Chromexcel)

Parkhust is another great choice as are Oak Street Bootmakers

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Milleniumgamer t1_is90bqz wrote

Replying to RunningOnPunkTime (#99,422)

I’m not going to go so far as to call him a paid shill, but his information is just inconsistent and borderline untruthful.

He made one video claiming that chrome tan leather is worse than veg tan leather (it’s not by any inherent means) and realized that he can rage bait views by saying controversial stuff. Since then he’ll just randomly flip flop on wether or not a specific component is good or bad, while promoting his own collaborations.

The information you can glean from his videos is good if you know what’s what, but the information he gives you is not well informed. Ironic, given that he also operates a leathercraft business.

He’s a nice guy and all, just not a compendium of accurate knowledge.

My main issue is that he won’t actually correct any of these statements, look into them before he says them, or substantiate them after he puts them out into the world. Meanwhile I’m seeing other business owners have direct negative impact as a result of his misinformation. For someone looked to as an authority figure, I sure wish he respected that position more.

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Current_Variety_9577 t1_is93mzm wrote

I’ve had a pair of Frye Harness boots for 12 years and they’re still great. I’ve also had a pair of Blundstones for 7 years and they’ve been perfect—comfortable and durable.

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tombradysitstopee t1_is94ctr wrote

Replying to codytheflash (#97,668)

7 years, 20-something countries & 1 resole on my rangers. Best boots I’ve ever owned.

Edit: they still look like they are brand new. Mink oil every couple of months and proper storage/rotation they’ll last a lifetime.

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nyderscosh t1_is9600h wrote

I alternate between my Trickers and Iron Rangers. One is definitely town, the other country.

Trickers are not cheap but they are a British classic

Trickers

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pmghoney333 t1_is97hsa wrote

I’ve got a couple pair of red wings that I love, but for the price and comfort I love my red backs.

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onomatopoetix t1_is9jm5q wrote

The brand may not matter, but chelseas can be both formal and casual by properly matching or slightly mis-matching them. By contrast oxfords are never informal, they're always strictly formal.

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Elkhair_ t1_is9rshk wrote

Replying to bbergan0409 (#98,788)

Love these boots. Very high quality. They are a bit heavy and are not the slimmest boot because of the last they use. Thick leather which took a long time to break in.

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Thenoisygiraffe t1_is9tteu wrote

I would recommend Brunt boots. I shifted to them a few months ago and love mine. There’s a couple good videos on YouTube. One guy cuts them in half to compare quality to a much higher end brand.

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philomathie t1_is9wo4v wrote

Solovair get my vote :) RM Williams look great, but I just couldn't justify spending that much on boots.

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edcculus t1_isa03tv wrote

Alden Indy’s fit that bill well. They work well at work unless you need to wear a suit. They work well with jeans erc in the weekends and nights too .

Also- bonus, they are the boots Harrison Ford wore as Indiana Jones (hence Indy).

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natiusj t1_isahbsm wrote

Look at Wesco Boots, Nick’s Boots, Whites Boots. Lots of great options.

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Affectionate_Bus_884 t1_isasi25 wrote

Replying to kaosburn (#102,056)

I have had a pair of Thursday Captains for about six months. I’ve been very happy with them. Quality is on par with my Allen Edmunds. They are very comfortable for a business casual type of boot with a solid shank and good structure. They look fantastic and definitely draw attention without being overstated. 10/10 would by again.

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mashupbabylon t1_isdosom wrote

Golden fox boots have been my favorite for years. The boondocker is really comfortable and they last for a long time. I've never thought to resole them but mine get destroyed with paint.

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Available_Owl5210 t1_isgiu0q wrote

I wear thorogood moc toes. I work at a dusty ass power plant doing electricial work and walk like 5 miles a day.

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anti_ideophobia t1_ish0ubc wrote

Start watching Rose Anvil reviews on youtube. He runs through the anatomy of popular leather boots and shoes, and shows which brands skimp out vs which ones are truly solid. He goes from pure work boots all the eay to super fine vibergs.

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outlook-yahoo t1_ismjfwn wrote

Check out Grant Stone boots. Very high quality boots Goodyear welted boots with great Customer Service. They have some dressy options.

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