Advice on Winter Workboots?

[drhu22]

I work on a survey crew and need steel toed boots that can handle water, wet snow, and the coldest weather, but they're getting so expensive. I was hoping to get some recommendations for good stores to check out, and best boots to get. WWarehouse is a bit pricey, Wlmart has dk all.

Also, I was also wondering if there was a way to permanently waterproof my leather workboots, because it would be nice to just keep using them.

Also, will consider used if anyone has a pair in good shape.

Thanks for any help

[4X4]

If you're surveying, you're probably going to trudge through deeper snow than you would on a construction site. With that in mind, I'd break the bank keeping my feet happy. Nothing screws up a day worse than wet, cold or uncomfortable feet. You're probably looking at $200 or more for a good pair of calf high winter boots.

If your sites aren't that bad, and you think you can get away with regular boots, my technique (summer/winter/anytime I buy a new pair of boots) is to buy a can of that waterproofing spray, and to use the whole can of it on the brand new boots. No sh*t. Take them home, go to the garage, and spray them well. Wait an hour, then repeat. Another hour, repeat. Probably by the fourth application, the can is empty. Let them completely dry overnight, and your boots will be as waterproof as leather can be.

[Redliner]

Dakota Surveyors from Marks Work Wearhouse. No they're not the cheapest things out there, but they are the only boots I have ever owned that my feet have never gotten cold in. EVER. Even sustained working outside in continuous -25C. Great boots.

[burn_this_city]

Get these, I bought a pair for the winter working up north. They aren't cheap, but they are supposed to be good down to -60.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Don't cheap out when it comes to footwear, especially if you're out in the field, especially when it's less then ideal conditions.

Nothing worse then a cold or wet foot to ruin the work day.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by 4X4

If you're surveying, you're probably going to trudge through deeper snow than you would on a construction site. With that in mind, I'd break the bank keeping my feet happy. Nothing screws up a day worse than wet, cold or uncomfortable feet. You're probably looking at $200 or more for a good pair of calf high winter boots.

As someone that has worked in a very wet and cold work environment, I have to agree very strongly.

Spend the money to keep your feet comfortable. Warm feet, warm body.

If you're not going for the water proofed boot cause you're going to spending lots of time in the truck, get a carbon fibre toe and sole in the regular boot.

Depending on what kind of sites you'll be at, you'll likely want to get an oil-resistant sole, and/or anti-slip and voltage rating. The dura-toe or whatever they call the outside cap has really lasted on my pair, and that's with probably above average wear in that capacity.

I also think it doesn't make sense to get a 6 inch boot over an 8 inch boot. In a serious work place accident, having tightly done up 8 inch boots may have saved my ankles and surgery.

Wool socks.

[drhu22]

"If your sites aren't that bad, and you think you can get away with regular boots, my technique (summer/winter/anytime I buy a new pair of boots) is to buy a can of that waterproofing spray"

Which spray...silicone?

I appreciate the replies!

[peter12]

Well, just to reinforce what other people have said... spare no expense!

[frinkprof]

Spend money and also time on your boot selection. I always thought of it like this - you're probably walking and spending more time in your boots than you do on your living room carpet. Would you only check out a couple different options and spend 20 minutes on deciding your living room carpet? Of course not.

I'll second the Dunlop recommendation. They are indeed rated to some pretty cold temperatures (although I think it's not -60, it is -40 if I recall correctly). They are also the most resistant to some harsh chemicals (like as found on invert rigs, diesel fuel, etc.) if you encounter those. Worth the investment if you're spending a lot of the winter outside.

If you don't think you'll have to sustain cold temperatures for long (maybe only working a couple really cold days in the winter or something), you could always go with some cheaper rubber boots and some Bama socks.

If you're going with your leather boots (that don't have a waterproof membrane like Gore-tex or Hyper-Dri), and you're waterproof-treating them, focus on the stitching mainly. Even boots with a waterproof membrane could do with having the stitching treated every once in awhile. Basically boots consist of mostly-waterproof elements (leather) that are sewn together with stitching that is fairly permeable. It's also where most boots will start to fall apart.

If you're going with winter boots with felt pac lining, they should fit snug when you try them on. If they feel a little too tight (usually they are a size to a half size down from your regular shoe size), it is the right fit in the end because the felt pac liner will compress as you wear them. The last thing you want is a loose-fitting boot.

I used to sell boots.

[me_dennis]

i will third the dunlops. I used to work in surveying and i've surveyed in 3 winters with these boots, snow up to my thighs sometimes. The only time i've ever felt cold in them was when the windchill was -30 and that was only because i was standing at the total station all day.

get the dunlops with some bama socks. it will keep your feet dry by wicking away any sweat and moisture away from your feet and socks.

it runs about $200 but honestly, a new pair of leather steel toed boots will run you about $100 anyways, and these dunlops will last you forever, unless you take a chainsaw to it.

[Vulcan]

I don't know what they are like now but the Army and Navy used to carry a good supply of work gear.

[Jets4Life]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Get these, I bought a pair for the winter working up north. They aren't cheap, but they are supposed to be good down to -60.

DUNLOP's are the best winter boots. Buy them or have cold feet.

[Nage Waza]

Those inner boot toe warmers work really well, but make sure to shake them up, stick a pack above and below your toes, they will stay warm for three or four hours. Put them in before you are cold. They burn up too quick where there is more oxygen, so even a glove or pocket will make them burn out quickly.
Also, if you are working in the boots, try sticking duct tape around your heels and ankles, this will seriously reduce the friction and prevent blisters. It is WAY cheaper than that mole skin stuff.

[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

DUNLOP's are the best winter boots. Buy them or have cold feet.

Really? Bumped from almost a year ago to add this?