The Ultimate Work Boots Guide (2024)

[@CarlMurawski]

Boots in this video: Good Work Boots Jim Green Razorback bit.ly/3pJrAHc Georgia Boots amzn.to/49fh8sv Danner (foreign) amzn.to/3SjGDSO Chippewa amzn.to/3HCdrBA Timberland Pro amzn.to/3HZZ6PH Caterpillar amzn.to/47XOGdP Carolina amzn.to/3UiYf3F Silverado amzn.to/47WNxDa Keen Utility amzn.to/42jtsFQ Better Work Boots Danner USA amzn.to/47XicjJ Red Wing bit.ly/3sKhtUp Crispi rebrand.ly/e2b17im Goodyear welt Whites rebrand.ly/fvrp3gu Thorogood amzn.to/48d9AG5 Lowa rebrand.ly/1orq89f Zamberlan rebrand.ly/hz6nj2b Best Work Boots Wesco wescoboots.com/ Whites whitesboots.com/ Nicks bit.ly/3T2FA8f Franks franksboots.com/ Viberg rebrand.ly/9y0j7dl Drews rebrand.ly/p86t0vl JK Boots rebrand.ly/hlvnjpj Insoles: amzn.to/3vZn4rt Boot Dryer: amzn.to/3uhae7o Boot Powder: amzn.to/47Xk0t1 My favorite socks: bit.ly/3WyzQpW

[@HM1-d4d]

when Jim Green 719, when Moc Toe Jim Green

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

Always appreciate the shout out, thanks Carl.

[@CarlMurawski]

My South African brother!

[@justicebinder6544]

In our heart you’re at least in better tier!

[@Stolas1777]

Any plans to make more safety toe boots at Jim green? I would love some composite toe African rangers!

[@va6gkthaskey311]

I custom ordered Jim Green AR8's steel toe. Took a bit to break-in but worth it!!

[@CollinWasHere]

I truly pray that the apprentice browsing KZbin for boot reviews or boot brands sees this and absorbs all the information. This is the best boot comparison video I’ve ever seen. I’m a journeyman union carpenter and have worn thorogood for going on 15 years but I started with wolverine. The brands like wolverine and Georgia as starter boots for people just getting in the trade is often overlooked by bigger companies like red wing and so on. Good video my man, you killed it!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you dude!!!

[@becomingabetterhuman.2994]

Jim Greens are awesome

[@omercarrothers7537]

Loving mine. I switched to them from Danner and Thorogood.

[@DillonDaVillain222]

Could've used this 2 days ago luckily ended up with a good pair thankfully

[@Jaxon1776]

Nick's builder pro boots and Darn Tough socks works for me. It was a long break-in but now I love them.

[@Shaboomquisa]

year later and they still dont feel 100% broken in

[@kennethjohnson5863]

I think you pretty much nailed it here! My last pair of work boots were Viberg’s and I got just short of 7 years out of them. I had them re-sole 2 or maybe 3 times and I might have gotten a few more years out of them, but I neglected to maintain them in the last year and the Vamps developed cracks. I wanted to have them rebuilt, but the wait time was at least 6 months 😮. Viberg has apparently switched their focus to fashion boots and I’m told that is the reason for the long wait times for rebuilds. Nick’s had a pair of 16” steel toe Lineman boots ready to ship so I grabbed those. I’ve had them two years now, and they’re awesome.

[@TheMormonPower]

I have 3 " Custom Order " Vibergs...They are (were) the absolute best made...When I ordered them, I not only sent them a tracking of my foot, for custom sizing, but " Add, Deleted " about a dozen options...Yea, pricing was always painful, 3-4 month bold time, then another months shipping from Canada...And I just about cried when they told me they were out of the work boot business, and now only build these ridiculous " Fashion" boots, laughably supposedly modelled after WW1 Service boots, and that they're $2k...! WTF, just such a shame, to see them go down that route 😡

[@LordTankian0]

Started watching this because my feet are truly killing me with every step. I work in a factory as a forming operator. I weigh 300 lbs too so that doesn't help. The boots i had were cheap and have been worn for 2 years. Thanks for the vid, this will help me a lot.

[@TwitchRadio]

Like JK out of Spokane Washington, with Darn Tough socks... This was my go to for not work but I was a Outdoorsman and survivalist who was always out in the woods... Their bison leather is top notch in my book.... but I can't afford them anymore and my last pair was stolen 😢.. Thusly, I'm here seeing what is out there.... Thanks for your time and the video ✌️

[@grant1497]

My dad has worn the same pair of Russel Moccasin for forever they are some of the highest quality and detailed for what you want and need boots I’ve ever seen

[@mikeisgettinupset]

It's wild that you put Jim Green down as just "good". I think their materials, construction, durability, re-solability, and cost warrant them at least being in the "Better" tier.

[@CKT1138]

I am a proud owner of a pair of African Rangers and my god they are killer, and they are built in a really traditional way, for the most part. There's not that much to diss about them, apart from how lackluster the stock insoles are.

[@skully70]

I bought the Rose Anvil-African Ranger. They are definitely a "barefoot style boot" but I absolutely love them and the price is great. I'm considering buying the regular African ranger for when I want some more cushion on the bottom. But i already alternate between a barefoot style boot and a cushioned boot.

[@jdlackey88]

I think Carl is trying to say Jim Green is what "Good" SHOULD be. Not that they are bad. Love my Razorbacks btw

[@Stolas1777]

I really wish Jim green would make some more work focused boots like some composite toe African rangers that’d be my work boot for life

[@Fuperbooper]

@@Stolas1777you can custom order Jim greens and make that exact combo

[@DC53045]

I’m a Garbage man on the South Side of Chicago. I just purchased a pair of White’s Millwood with the Hybrid sole for the extra traction in the Ally’s. I have to say I’m impressed. For me it’s all about the sole. I’m pretty rough on them.

[@TheGunDude]

The quality of your videos has gotten incredible!! Better camera, mic, editing and background and content. Overall 10/10 🎉

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you!!

[@davebrune4001]

I'm a power plant operator for the last 25 years I swapped between 3 pairs of White's two smoke jumpers and a packer style..only three pairs for two and a half decades is hard to beat. Great video.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you sir!

[@thunderusnight]

Carl I love the videos. I just wore down the cheap insoles in a pair of boots I have, I was wondering if you could make a video on insoles for work boots as they're very important. I see a lot of advertising and a lot of opinions but it's hard to tell what will actually last and perform well at a reasonable price. Thanks!

[@repaircollc]

Nicks builder pros are the best boots I have ever worn. There is nothing like the pacific northwest quality. They are worth the money and the wait every time. Once again Carl you made it as clear as possible.

[@joshwood241]

I've been looking forward to this all week!!

[@CarlMurawski]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@joshwood241]

@@CarlMurawski it was as epic as I expected!

[@kenrankin5814]

Great list! I have been wearing my Georgia boots at work for abour 3 years now and love them, easily the best pair of steel toe boots I have owned. I did purchase some Florsheim boots over the holidays for work (I had no idea they made safety shoes and boots) and while they comfortable (like walking on the moon) they fit very strange imo. Always love your videos and insights!

[@edwinmondragon3762]

I picked up a pair of Nike desert boots a few months an dhave fallen in love with them. They are the most comfortable boot I have owned in a long time and my performance on the farm in them is insane.

[@dubester1982]

Yessah!! Been waiting for this one!

[@keithfortson667]

I have worn Keen’s for the last ten years. They are comfortable on day one. You are right about the socks. I wear wool socks all year long.

[@carbb5760]

Carl- great job with this channel. Maybe it’s not up your alley but Redback makes a fantastic boot, it can’t be resoled but it’s made is Australia and damn comfortable not to mention hits at a good price point. I’m 20 years as a carpenter and it’s a fantastic boot for remodellers and anyone in residential trades imo. Give them a shot

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks man, I'll check them out especially when recommended by someone who actually works in their boots. Thank you!

[@carbb5760]

@@CarlMurawski would love to see you take a look at some Canadian made brands as well. Wohlford and co seems really great but not a lot online about them. Anyway keep up the good work, I like what’s going on here

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

I picked up a pair of Georgia Low Heel Loggers on sale for $138 CAD, great value for the money. I haven’t seen them at that price since.

[@timson3489]

I live in Spokane and own A pair of White's loggers, so I have to say that they're the best, IMO. Their rich history, the materials, the tech, and how Nick's learned everything they know from White's, so...

[@jimbohenderson783]

I’m fortunate that my job is mostly just a lot of making sure team members are doing their jobs but I do have to have steel/composite toe shoes. I’m always looking for something more comfortable though since it’s 12 hour shifts on concrete floors. Your videos are amazing and super helpful.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! That’s my goal- to help my fellow workers in any way I can. Be well!

[@UltimateToolReviews]

Great video! So many brands of boots, it's hard to keep track!

[@CarlMurawski]

It really is!

[@Big_E91]

I love my thorogoods as an ironworker they’re comfortable enough for those long days on the iron or doing miscellaneous ironwork

[@donyconjux1]

It's nice rooting for you all these years to get that hat toss in and finally making it Carl. Salutations 🎉

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks so much! 😆

[@big_red_2006]

If you want a good boot for working in a steel mill i highly recommend hytest footrest 2.0

[@StAustin101]

It is great to see b roll of the boots after they have been worn. Thanks.

[@CarlMurawski]

You bet!

[@jovianleong4651]

Love the Zamberlan 996 vio! used that for my work boot

[@nathanwhite5602]

Great job on the video 👍

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! 👍

[@Hybris51129]

It's really depressing to shop for boots right now. Even in this video there are virtually no boots featured because everything has basically been turned into a 8 inch high top sneaker that is branded as a "work boot". The only options are the $800-1000+ dollar PNW boots that are on months long back orders and that is a lot of time and money to gamble on a boot.

[@razy7609]

Unironically it’s the hipsters that did that.

[@11-kemasabdurrahmanayassy29]

Im an archaeology student and i favor military issue field boots, they're cheap yet durable enough for me and my excavations

[@rakeshkapoor1377]

Have you reviewed the Caterpillar Second Shift ST? Very keen to see it , if you have. Keep it up 👍

[@GymJones865]

Think I’m about to pull the trigger on some Jim Greens after watching your review and doing more research online. I’m trying to hold out for the 8” rangers. They’re not gonna start shipping them until November I think.

[@daullopez6656]

Thanks video .From San Francisco California

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryangutierrez4308]

So wedge soul would be a good choice because I’m a FedEx manager and I stand, bend, twist and run and I would like to mention that I am 24 years old at 165 pounds and right now I’m using ariat outpace shift and going on 2 months with them here on the 23 so far they broke in a month ago and still looking decent

[@jenkhemhuffersanonymous3990]

Always tempted to get a pair of whites but I use a dye on certain sprays so I'm not sure if it's even worth it but after my experience with redwing heritage boots and how good after breaking them in they feel and despite being on a hard "base" are the comfiest shoes I own and I've treated them like shit not gonna lie, I know redwing heritage are not necessarily work boots but if no safety toe is required I'd wear them as I've never worked a desk job so I'm always doing some type of manual handling they'd take it well, wouldn't really care about scuffs tbh. If they were once considered safe enough to do high risk manual labour work, they can handle delivery driving and a few other physical jobs but no huge weights handled by hand, even dropped brake rotors onto my toes that were 13kg each on top of each other no bruising a little pain for a second or two then nothing, I was obviously prepared to take that risk because of their history of being tough work boots for the time thought why not roll the dice see how they go haha I can only imagine how long lasting and more than likely comfy these would be as I'm essentially standing and walking all day

[@paulblueosyter1472]

Jk OT boots are the best only thing the sole can hold rocks but as they wear it gets less but they are sooo comfortable once broken in

[@justicebinder6544]

Happy to see thorogood a in the better category. I love mine.

[@81BOOKS]

Great video

[@scatterbrain9490]

Do you have a video for working around camp fires? Adhesive will come loose when heated in my experience. I got 4 or so winter seasons out of my $60 Magellan camo boots from academy store, not a bad run with them, but soul finally fell off.

[@SomeoneWhosNearby]

The black nicks wickett and craig that you showed in this video, do you know if it's English bridle or oiled latigo leather on them

[@alfredoocampo9439]

Are there any work boots that are like the white's C350-CS but with a safety toe? Composite toe?

[@adamhannon6976]

How would I go about getting a custom foot measurement for boots from nicks or another one of these top brands?

[@godo_denims]

This is good stuff thanks

[@nlibby.268]

I have two pair of Nick's, builder pro and hot shot, and two pair of wesco engineer boots. I need to get a decent pair of winter work boots, my feet are blocks of ice with the Nick's. I was a property manager and now I do commercial HVAC so the Nick's aren't cutting it during winter. I'm thinking refrigwear work boots, but maybe I'll go with your recommendations from your last boot video. Thanks Carl, another great video...

[@josephfox8072]

I have sweaty feet ... never use powder... I repeat never use powder... powder mixed with water becomes paste ... NEVER USE POWDER!

[@madelineelaineee]

my husband is a mechanic, working on dirty concrete floors all day, lots of fluids and oil and snow in the winter. the floor gets slick. lifting heavy tires and parts and such. i’m looking to invest in a mid range boot (keeping it below $400) does anyone recommend any particular boot?

[@bensigl3766]

Not gunna lie, i think Thorogood should be listed as one of the ultimate "good" boots and Jim Green should be listed as an entry-level tier 2 "better" boot. Especially since they are now using nicer leathers like veg. tan, Buffalo, and Bronco. Innovating things like a dress boot (Numzaan) and barefoot boots without dropping quality or letting price skyrocket.

[@randyborders7855]

Does any of the boot manufacturer have a way of getting 2 different size boots? I need a size 13 normal width right foot and I recently got a afo brace on my left foot that I need a 15 or 16 wide width I'm having trouble finding something without buying 2 different pairs of boots

[@robcanthandlestupidy9249]

I learned alot from this, eliminating google searching 😅

[@zandrosoberano]

Are Palladiums good?

[@truongthanhhuy9686]

Can you do the road commander model of frank’s

[@NDB469]

If you’re doing linework, Hoffman’s are the way to go. The price isn’t crazy and for what you’re getting they’re the best. Wesco is top tier but you gotta get them custom made and the price is much higher. Both equally great boots but for the value, and the job itself Hoffman is just a better option.

[@CarlMurawski]

Great point! Feedback like this will really help younger guys looking to get into linework. Thank you.

[@NDB469]

@@CarlMurawski absolutely, the Hoffman powerline is the ultimate lineman boot, works great in most conditions, dual steel shanks, double midsoles, comes in soft toe, steel, and composite toe, waterproof and they last a long time. I wouldn’t sleep on their other models either, they also carry other brands like Meindl and la sportiva makalu’s, oddly good boots for linework as well. I had a pair of Wesco highliners in semi lace to toe custom made, with a cambrelle lining, and added dual steel shanks, they were awesome and lasted maybe 5 years with a resole. Of course they were custom made and at the time cost about $600, took about 5 months to get them, now I hear it’s quite a bit longer. If you’re ok waiting Wesco won’t disappoint but if you want your boots in a few weeks Hoffman is the way to go. The pole climbers and dura lines are also epic boots but they’re a bear to break in, they last years though. I started out wearing redwing loggers, but found for long hours on the pole I’d need a more supportive boot, the Hoffman powerlines were the answer. I’d be interested to try Nick’s lineman boots, they use all leather shanks so it would be interesting to see how supportive they are vs steel shanks for pole climbing.

[@winterjones9538]

Personally like the Carhartt Loghers

[@GAGFEST2000]

Anyone have recommendation for wide feet? I usually run 4E, i'm talking wide ass feet.

[@rienkdeboer247]

What about eu standards What do people think of grisport and haix

[@vinnyluco6345]

I bought a pair of franks patriot boots and some wool socks from camel city mill and I can say without a doubt the best investment I have ever made👍

[@JBShreve]

What boot is featured in the thumbnail?

[@coletonfuller5332]

Drew’s boots 350$ dollar made in Mexico loggers are a great value just as high quality as the 600$ pnw boots I highly recommend them before they raise the price

[@AlexMig]

I have a package coming today my first pair of higher quality boots I’m really exited because today is my last day of my cheap worn out cowboy boots hurting my back

[@gagedillon8090]

I really like this video! Personally I'm looking to buy 2 pair of Nick's 8'' Coyote Brown tactical boots. I'm not new to the style of boot and I've heard good things but that's still a good chunk of money to drop, especially for two pair. I think the bit about the foot powder is great. I'll have to try that myself.

[@TheRealEricRose]

I could have sworn you were going to say “for years now I’ve been trying to make that hat land perfectly” 😂😂😂

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahahaha that too!

[@777theright88]

Why avoid gel insoles?

[@caelin4174]

Bad durability and hurt posture over time

[@grahamhardin8]

For sweaty feet, I recommend veg tan leather. Either for the whole boot or at the very least for the insole.

[@darkodjogo96]

Good video! but does anyone brush up his boots every day after work hours?

[@likeadog7752]

What boot is that in the thumbnail?

[@jjoohhhnn]

I believe they're Timberland's.

[@clintonmclimore8370]

Why is Timberland not in the conversation? They are probably the most comfortable boots you will slip on and last a long time.

[@ogstuart8693]

Thumbs up my boy❤😂

[@BigBennyD]

One thing I’ve wondered: why are the outsoles on almost all wedge sole boots white or off white? They get so dirty and look bad after a month. Why not black or brown? They would stay much better looking longer.

[@CarlMurawski]

Interestingly they make black and brown wedge soles! I dont know why nobody uses them.

[@BigBennyD]

@@CarlMurawski me either! It makes no sense. Most wedge soles look awful with the stains on them. I think black or brown make much more sense and will hide oil, dirt, mud etc. much better!

[@aaronbanks3232]

What you actually landed the hat? It only took what 200 tries?

[@CarlMurawski]

Hey, I never claimed to be athletic! lol

[@TsunamiX2]

The thumbnail is a timberland moc toe. Interesting...

[@CarlMurawski]

The thumbnail is AI generated

[@TsunamiX2]

@@CarlMurawski Makes sense

[@StankWizard]

Jim Green not being in better is a crime

[@duccitrailertv1859]

Love my Red Wings

[@Tallnerdyguy]

Why is work boots only for construction, mechanics and wildland firefighters? As a chef, kitchen/restraunt worker shoes and boots are strongly neglected. Considering it has 24x the number of employees than wildland firefighters and realistically only 3 brands of shoes (sketchers, shoes for crews, birkenstock) that are all garbage (6-9 month durability max) why don't any of the pnw bootmakers offer nonslip soles? Why is there such a huge market for specialty profession (wildland firefighting) and considered a "work boot" when there are only around 10k of them vs the 3+ million restraunt employees. I get that the firefighters are in harshest environments and get a boot stipend.....

[@CarlMurawski]

Good question. I'd guess that the bootmakers are simply catering to the customers with the loudest voice and the professions with the most demand. Remember that construction and firefighting require work boots, so often people get an allowance for them since they're compulsory.

[@Midnightrider1177]

I don’t think it’s a good idea to use powder in your boots. My mom used to have me do that when I was a kid. But it just builds up over time and makes the sweat problem worse. Good wool socks is a better solution imo.

[@CarlMurawski]

Well you certainly cant use too much, thats definitely true.

[@sacredsam6046]

So no one’s as happy as I am that the hat throw worked this time?

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahahaha I am!!!

[@Nervoussheep69]

Hey carl!! I have found this brand called red tornado! It looks interesting. A chinese filson! The quality looks amazing. You should donate review!

[@tnunez66]

At least you actually work in your boots. It's so strange to me that most of the gurus in the heritage clothing genre are skinny rich kids who have never lifted a tool in their lives. Maybe that's because they're the only people who can afford them.

[@CarlMurawski]

Yeah, I know what you mean. It's also kind of strange for a blue collar guy to make videos about clothing and stuff.

[@mkscott12]

I am wearing the Birks Titan Kevlar boots and more or less bulletproof.

[@lil10031]

I just want stitched boots that can handle water, and the sole won't fall off.

[@fZionists78]

Carhartt made their employees take the poison. I’ll never again rep their logo. Good video.

[@CharlesWiiliamson]

Carl, youve rated Jim Geen too low. They deserve to be in the "better" category at least. I live in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and was surprised that my Razorback's are proving to be a good winter boot. For reasons I can't figure out, my feet stay warm in my Razorback's but get cold quickly in my J.K. "OT's." I just bought both pairs this past summer and expected the 8" JK's to be my primary winter boot. Nope! The Razorback's are much warmer, and dryer, then my "OT's." Don't misunderstand, I love the "OT's", but if I could only have one pair of boots, I would choose Jim Green. Every man should own a pair of Razorback's.

[@CarlMurawski]

I agree, the Jim Greens can go toe to toe with most of the boots in the "Better" category. I think the big thing holding them back is their leather. Sure, its tough but they dont have anything (currently) which can go toe to toe with Red Wing Amber Harness or Red Oro. They're amazing boots for the money though, and I dont think it would take much to tip them right into the better category.

[@duybear4023]

I'm a scientist; I work in a laboratory. Yet I still dress like a vintage factory worker underneath my lab coat. Dunno why...

[@flubberghosted2472]

I feel like it will hurt my soul to do rough and dirty work in any boots above $150 😂😂😂

[@archstanton3763]

“ Those books sucked “ that threw me !!!

[@CarlMurawski]

They did! They were horrible, I couldn’t wait to get them off at the end of the day. 😂

[@cjanquart]

::sorta nails hat toss:: "Ha-HA!"

[@tonyp9179]

Why does nobody talk about Franks? The patriot is a killer value

[@CarlMurawski]

I’m not sure. I have mine in this video, and you’re right, they’re fantastic!

[@tonyp9179]

@@CarlMurawski for $350 there is no comparison

[@antoniogasbarra9795]

👏👏👏👏❤

[@Highland_Paddy]

Well, we're getting a little liberal here with the use of "custom" to mean MTO, and some of the budget brands are still better than other budget brands based on fit and such.

[@Highland_Paddy]

..."almost custom", but that's still minimizing the potential break-in time and interim discomfort!!! AND getting the right size on the first try when they won't arrive for WEEKS or MONTHS (or Wesco might be two years now???) but Frank's also has the thickest leather that most guys won't find necessary at all even if they think they need that.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Custom Orders are currently taking over 18 months, for those who didn't still frame. [wesco] And Viberg would also require US Customs charge fee, right?

[@Highland_Paddy]

Are Drew's also a budget brand for PNW comparison? Yes, I've seen vids where people confuse import AMZN budget logger boots with MTO logger boots and they may be in for rude awakening depending upon their employer and other factors.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Not sure how ULTIMATE guide can be less than ten minutes when some can talk about specific models for half an hour and such, but then, I guess it depends upon how much they don't know about boots or where to start?

[@Highland_Paddy]

I had a pair from Payless survive way longer than they should have, but they were horrible for hiking trail and not as comfy as some others. I also don't recommend logger heels for warehouse work.

[@jesiachord3179]

This is silly, not all trades can wear dainty logger boots. The “best” boots for a roughneck on an oil rig are NOT a pair of custom made nicks.

[@degenincel]

You obsessed with clothes? this is so gay.

[@CarlMurawski]

Congratulations on coming out! I know this takes a lot of courage, but hopefully you find yourself surrounded with support.

[@idontwantanidenty]

Ha! An electrician talking about workboots. Electricians aren't known for actually working..

[@CarlMurawski]

Nope. We install the conduit using magic.

[@idontwantanidenty]

@CarlMurawski how much does conduit weigh? I hope you don't hurt yourself. Sorry but ask any trade what they think about sparkys and all opinions are the same.

[@CarlMurawski]

@ I never got in the trade to impress other trades. I got into it to make money.

[@philosoaper]

I don't really get this "definition" of work boots here.. I mean do these various boots conform to various safety standards or is it just about a boot looking "rugged"? What kind of work are you taking into account..? Like.. Mowing the lawn? Electric work? Biohazards? Heat protection? Puncture resistance?.. all this ubiqutous "work boot" crap is.. useless and uniformative.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@superderekscott]

Yeah, OK that’s a hell of a story Brand new work boots still in the box just throw them in the dumpster Go away

[@CarlMurawski]

…you gonna be okay?