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Crafty_Ranger_2917 t1_ixmo0gv wrote

There is no one boot for all activities. Work boots and hiking/walking boots are different beasts. Work boots strong enough to hold up to actual work will not have the proper flexibility, temperature moderation and lightweight construction that you need for walking any kind of distance.

Work: Whites for outdoor, Thorogood for indoor. I have one of each and don't plan on replacing them for at least another 5+ years....have had the Thorogood for 3 years and built a house with them. Have had the Whites for 10+ years with one resole. I don't use either for employment but you're doing some crazy shit if you can't get a year or two out of each, especially the Whites.

Hiking: Pick high end from a quality brand like Vasque, Lowa or Asolo based on conditions you'll most encounter. Keep in mind most all the boot makers make cheap / lower quality models now. A boot for backpacking on rocky steep terrain is a lot different than day hikes in hot country, for example. I've done hikes/scrambles in Alaska and Idaho on craggy rock that would take out any pair in a season or two. I have a pair of low-top hikers that have less support but dry out quickly after romping through water, and have lasted years cause they haven't been used inappropriately.

Finally, IMO you're not going to get breathable and extreme durability together. I'm in Texas now and use the White's instead of Thorogood when it gets hot and I'm not in flip flops, lol.

There are some posts about Iron Rangers. Fine boots but they're not for hiking. Decent for light workshop-type work but won't hold up compared to something like Whites. Check out Whites semi-dress for a better version of similar shape. Jesus I could go on and on, ha.

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HondaBob1 t1_iyfejfq wrote

+1 for Asolo. Had a pair of FSN 95's that I daily wore at college for 4 years. Even had them resoled cause they were so good.

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