The Truth about Walmart boots

[@RoseAnvil]

Barefoot African Troopers, collab with Jim Green, drop 6/27! Sign up for Early Access here - bit.ly/3XzDnqM

[@kitcraft9516]

These look cool. I am happy, mostly, with my Barefoot African Rangers but they would be so much nicer of the sock liner ran the entire length of the boot. And a steel or composite toe collaboration on some barefoot boots would be awesome. Hope to check out a pair of the Troopers too.

[@danieltoth371]

Any chance of getting these in europe? Or it would cost a fortune?

[@LSD-420]

Is there any chance does Jim green boots will be available with a regular sole? They look cool, but I'm not into zero drop.

[@caferider5434]

How do these fit your tiny ankles? I'm built the same!

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

Did you guys ever do a review on Patron boots from Mexico? They seem to be very affordable sub $100. I don't know how good they are but they are good year welted.

[@robadams2274]

I've been there. When you're broke, you get the Walmart boots to get you through. If they start to fall apart, glue or tape em together. You're at work, not a fashion expo. When you've been working long enough and can afford something better, then you get something better.

[@Dansk55]

Aren't worth it even when broke. Waste of time and money

[@robadams2274]

@@Dansk55 that sounds good but when you're actually broke and need shoes, having someone tell you that the cheap shoes you can actually afford are a poor value proposition compared to shoes you can't afford isn't exactly helpful.

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

I must have been way more broke than you. I got a used Surplus pair of combat boots to wear till I got a paycheque. Then I got Walmart boots.

[@norbertszekeres867]

You should have stick to the surplus if there aren't any chatastrophic failure

[@lunchboxproductions1183]

​@@robadams2274A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.[4]

[@Matt18001]

Used to do railroad maintenance. That environment is super hard on boots. Redwing work boots would last me 3 years with a resole at around 18 months. Around 600 days of work and $400 including the resole. $100 Walmart boots lasted people around 4 months, in the same time period that's $900. After the first couple weeks redwings feel great on your feet whereas cheap boots feel best when new and get worse overtime.

[@heiner71]

You made a good point here. The $100 boots may last for 4 months but after a few weeks they start breaking down and become uncomfortable, when all the squishiness disappears from the mid-sole. I believe Carl Murawski made a video about that, where he bought a cheap pair of work boots for a construction worker friend of his, and he described exactly that. They were best when brand new, and then deteriorated fast.

[@noneyabizz8337]

Plus, how much better do your feet feel during that time?

[@reubensandwich9249]

Walking on ballast all day is definately a test. Rocks will chew the toes quickly. Which Redwings did you get? Last pair of Supersoles I got had like no breakin which has me nervous they aren't going to last long.

[@danielaramburo7648]

Walmart boots are ok when you get the job. But when get your first check, get good boots.

[@Matt18001]

@@reubensandwich9249 supersoles, the sole does wear through and the harder outer rubber delaminates from the softer insides which I repair with superglue for as long as possible, then resole them to vibram. I've also had kingtoe, which seem to last a bit longer out of the box but I liked their fit less.

[@LudiCrust.]

A rule my parents always went by & passed on to me is never go cheap on shoes or especially boots. If you have to decide between spending your money on clothes or shoes/boots always choose the shoes. Cheap clothes will last a lot longer than cheap shoes & the cheap shoes are hard on your feet & you must always take care of your feet.

[@falconsnfl]

Smart parents!!

[@sonyafox3271]

Yep, when, I was growing up going to by shoes was an event, there was actually full service shoe stores! And, someone would give you the full service treatment, we would always done this 3 to 4 times a year! Then, my mom worked at the shoe factory so, she also got an employee discount when, she brought shoes from her company catalog! One thing our family wasn’t short of was good quality shoes! Aka/ I also spent a lot of my summer days at the U.S. Shoe Factory and, I learned to work the machines my mom worked on! You’d be surprised at how much goes into the making of a pair of shoes. 21:25

[@buruzn09]

I try not to skimp on things that connect me to the ground. Shoes, boots, mattresses, work chairs, and car tires.

[@marcp.1752]

@@sonyafox3271 I remember quite well, when buying shoes was not an "online" option - but you've been into a shoe store, and into the end, a shop assistent took care, you tried around 3-7 pairs, and had choosen the pair, into which you could walk the best. This was a process of serveral hours usually, and often you got a pair of shoe laces, or some leather shoe care for free! But gone are these days...at least some 20-25 years now.... Hint: i buy many things since fall 1996 (no joke) online, but nowadays, shoes are mostly also a mailorder thing...go figure. I'm online since 1993, before, it was via BBS & UseNet, FIDOnet, etc.

[@aryndar]

don't cheap out on tires either

[@datznasty1475]

I can honestly say when I was 18 and started doing drywall and framing I bought the Herman survivors and I got them to last me a year they were rough towards the end but they did the job for the time being 😅😂

[@nothing2seehere.goaway]

Brother, I work with taxes. From home. I have ZERO vested interest or need for work boots. And yet, found myself watching every minute of this video attentively. Take a bow, Sir. This is what quality content looks like!

[@DiegoRodriguez-cs1ow]

Exactly once he started talking about materials and lacing of the inside of the boot I was like wah and then just kept getting better

[@2ndrangersww2]

For my first construction job as an apprentice, I used a Walmart boot for the first month or so and then bought a pair of red wings. If you absolutely have to use them (I had probably a couple hundred dollars to my name when I got the job) they will make do for a few weeks.

[@daniel0atk]

What Red wings did you get? If you don't mind me asking.

[@2ndrangersww2]

@@daniel0atk I got the 8 inch Irish setter wingshooters. Have worn them just about every day for 4 years with no issues. I mainly work on concrete floors so the soft rubber sole doesn't strain my feet as much as regular work boots. Irish setter is owned by red wing however I'm not sure what the difference is

[@paulkersey6283]

@@2ndrangersww2Chinese/Vietnam compared to America with the redwings..

[@daniel0atk]

@@2ndrangersww2 The main difference from what I've read is Redwings are made in the US, vs Irish Setter being made in their foreign plants. I guess Irish Setter would have lower quality control because of cheaper labor, but glad your's have held up!

[@eharris6347]

Irish setter is comfortable And pretty decent boot

[@WAFFENAMT1]

I bought a pair of Tan combat boots to work in the yard from Walmart...one of the most comfortable boots I have ever worn, no problems whatsoever, they have taken a pounding and are in as good condition as they were the day they were purchased....

[@BlueRaven666]

I work as property maintenance at one of my local gas stations. I'm mainly in charge of the car wash that's on site, so a lot of dirt, walking on concrete, and a LOT of water. The Grizzlies are my boot of choice for a budget boot that has at least SOME quality. For reference, I'm a bigger person; 6ft tall, 280 lbs, wide feet, and I'm on my feet all throughout my shift (8-10 hours). My first pair of Grizzlies lasted for about a year. I'm on my second pair, which are a different style but are work out just as well, if not better. I know they may not look like much, but they've weathered through rain, shine, and snow. So when people ask me about a boot from Walmart, I immediately point them towards the Survivors. My only criticism towards them is that the insoles wear out pretty quickly; I'd say within 4 or so months of getting them, and the tread on the bottom wearing out is what eventually led to me retiring my first pair. Loving my second pair, which I've had for about 4 months now.

[@jeremyt2212]

I'm forty-five. I'd swear that I can remember Walmart actually carrying some name brand boots like Wolverine when I was a boy before phasing them out in favor of these cheap, only-at-Walmart brands. I still don't understand why they'd do that.

[@kaibowman4803]

I remember Walmart carrying Wolverines, too, and I'm half your age. I'm guessing ever since Sam died a decade before my birth, his kids have been running his company for profit profit profit.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

​@@kaibowman4803Sam ran his company for profit profit profit. Profit profit profit isn't bad bad bad. Being shortsighted and stupid is bad bad bad.

[@gkjsooley]

In Canada, Wal_Mart used to carry Canadian-made Terra work boots.

[@walkermorales337]

I vaguely remember seeing the wolverine logo at a Walmart, don’t remember when though. I’m 24 for reference.

[@CatalystOfFire]

You don't understand why Wal Mart would sell crap? Were there any 45 year olds born in 2023?

[@v3xx3r]

I got a pair of heavy duty work boots at Walmart a few years back and they felt great for 2 weeks but the entire inner and outer sole blew out and wore through. Literally you could see my socks after 3 weeks. Cost me $70 too.

[@tomr3422]

I bought a pair of herman survivors 6 or 7 years ago while traveling for work, ended up not needing them and put the never worn boots in the trunk, almost a year later, I needed a pair of boots at a site I was going to, pulled them out of the trunk and the rubber outer sole had fallen off both boots and was laying in the box. I think I paid $89 for them, went in the trash without ever having a foot in them.

[@TheSatchrox]

“Heavy Duty”

[@justavillain]

I absolutely love Belleville boots. For the price of 109$-ish for steel toe it’s hard to beat. I wore the same set as an Infantry Marine for 7 years. They’re still my go to brand today

[@cm0cm]

Where are you finding bellevilles for $109? Besides the past?

[@GarzaGoose]

Loved mine, my coworkers made fun of me for spending 200+ on Belleville boots while they tore through 4-5 pairs of 80 dollar boots in the same amount of time. Got a pair with some fucked up stitches and some gortex that was visible. Emailed them with photos and got a new complimentary pair in the mail. The first one was still fully functional. Great company tbh

[@Sammysosa518]

No is the answer

[@IrishKingzz]

Thank you

[@kimberlyhauser7724]

Thanks for saving me twenty minutes lol.

[@MatchGrade08]

He did not test the Interceptor Men's Force. Its still inconclusive.

[@Vin-fu1rm]

No to 💅

[@the_track_enthusiast]

I was an independent contractor for walmart for 19 years and i’m telling STAY AWAY FROM WALMART AND THEIR TRASH.

[@jfruser]

Bought a pair of Brahmas decades ago for a summer job. My old milsurp Vietnam jungle boots had finally worked apart and I needed a pair bad. The Brahmas did not last a week. After one day I was getting hot spots and the steel toe was digging into the side of my big toe. I then purchased a pair of Carolina logging boots and they got me through. These days, I buy used military boots at the Army-Navy store or off ebay.

[@Patriot46426]

Surplus

[@marcp.1752]

I buy surplus army boots, new. Or off eBay. They're cheap, new...and it works well for me. Also buying sneakers only, but usually (unlike boots, which last usually serveral years) i buy 3-4 pairs per annual, because the heel part is being consumed by wear & tear, so not being useable anymore. Sadly, this became junk or landfill stuff after some months. I hate the waste.

[@daveridgeway2639]

Hello Mr. Anvil, I am a retired auto mechanic at this time. Back when my x-wife loved me, one of my former stepsons bought me a pair of safety toe work boots for Christmas from a Walmart store that he was working at. As far as he was concerned, Walmart item(s) where state of the art! All it took was one drop of transmission fluid to make the outsoles of the work boots swell up to about 25% larger and become un-adhered from the upper. Please reply. Dave...

[@AO-ly9ne]

You should do a series on Tractor Supply's boot line in this style, I would like to see how their line stacks up as they are also a lower priced line of steel toe/work boot lineup.

[@GhenzieDC]

When I first started my new job I needed a pair of steel toes 6inch boots. the grizzlies got me through my first couple months with no problems, surprisingly comfortable as well. I eventually upgraded though. I see them as a good "oh crap I need boots" choice if you have to go as cheap as you can.

[@joelreyes3778]

I've been buying the fuzzy Brahmas for a few years now. I used to buy $200 redwings that would last me a out 2 years but the Walmart pair would cost about $40 and last 8 months which is about as long as other boots would last me working concrete and kicking gravel. Good for the cold and rain as well. And if for some reason you work in the mud just try to keep the mud below the tongue. Then wipe them off and use a boot dryer when you get home.

[@dharan1018]

I bought a pair of Bhramas boot for 75 dollars and they were the most comfortable boots I had. They lasted for about 3 years of working on the railroad.

[@funkyspacecow]

Quoting the late, great Terry Pratchett on boots: “The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles. But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet. This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.” ― Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms

[@JCW86]

That's not why people are rich lol. If anything the rich waste far more money than poor, because they have more money to spend.

[@jamesofficial6829]

@@JCW86 Yes you are very right, people are so stupid! 😂😂

[@qtrfoil]

It's very expensive to be poor.

[@blockyoxwinkle5829]

Most rich people were born rich. But yes thered a lot to be said about spending more money once to save it in the long run. But you're not getting rich that way

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

I just looked this up and added the quote here too! It was the very first thing that leaped to mind while I was watching this. The same principle can generally be applied to automobiles, power tools, hand tools luggage, computers and damn near anything else.

[@mairamanwaring9419]

My workplace gives us $120/yr for boots. I've been bothering our safety guy for an increase especially now that we have been sold to a new company. A company who's other plant gets $180 but are in a state with a lower cost of living. I always tell the new guys, "walmart boots get you started, but as soon as the boot allowance is available add another $60, and buy a pair of boots that will last at least a year"

[@CravenM1980]

Herman Survivors Men's Bison Waterproof Pull On Steel Toe Work Boots are absolutely amazing boots for the price. I work in water, grease, and multiple types and strengths of degreasers including pure sodium hydroxide and these boots last anywhere from 7 months to a year. I also walk unusually awkward due to a back injury and high priced boots wear out and these do not. Don't knock a cheaper boot because they may just be what you need.

[@user-federicochen]

I bought a pair of BATES boots in a military shop in Taiwan, i wear it for almost 6 years, the upper were broken but the VIBRAM outsole still strong.

[@hyanotha]

Are you kidding me - Goodwill or Any Thrift Store NEVER has a pair of decent boots. There are mainly 85% womens and childrens shoes and the mens shoes are old dress shoes.

[@tokivikerness8863]

That sounds like every goodwill I ever been to most of my life. Until I moved to a different state in a city far different than what I was used to and all of a sudden the goodwills and thrifty stores have much more men's stuff including lots of hunting and work stuff. Not really sure why that is.

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

Men tend to wear things till they fall apart. You can get lucky but women and children have it much better in the used market 😂.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Yeah I’m size 13, never found anything in my entire life. Had good luck at Ross and tj max. You can sometimes find military uniform style boots.

[@PSUQDPICHQIEIWC]

What's wrong with surplus? I have a pair of surplus German military boots (like a 10" steel toe with a hard abrasion-resistant sole). They're not the greatest construction -- glued construction with a fiberboard footbed. I've had to do a few major repairs, but other than the days where they're drying out or I'm repairing them, I've been wearing them nearly every day for right at 10 years now. They cost me about $25. Even the newer boots I bought are better boots than you could get at walmart (10" plain toe, stitchdown construction), and they were cheaper than all those boots with the dumb foam cuff that'll just blow out right above the ankle.

[@markrush5013]

I've bought a ton of great men's shoes and boots at thrift stores including goodwill. the most I've ever paid was 15 bucks for a pair of new rockports.

[@brianwatson3705]

Man I've had the grizzly for a few years now. After just changing the I sole, they are still comfortable. I would put 6-10 Miles on them daily and my feet did not hurt. Like I said though , after changing the insole.

[@MyOutdoorActivity]

dont cheap on boots..i learned that working in an environment walking on concrete for 8-16 hrs a day.

[@jbone9900]

16 hours long shift huh

[@MyOutdoorActivity]

@@jbone9900 correctional facility.

[@madtownangler]

I worked sixteen hours days up in Alaska wearing rubber boots to stay waterproof Never again

[@skivijimmy]

And don't China on boots either

[@sonyafox3271]

Well, a lot of companies,big companies well bring in like a shoe truck where you can buy work shoes and casual shoes either right off the truck / cash up front or your can set up payments to come out of your work check! Can’t say, that they are a better quality product but, they are supposed to be let’s put it that way! 21:25

[@thunderusnight]

Love this video, I used to use herman survivors in my highschool shop class and I thought they were alright, then I bought some real boots and they break in not down. Also noticed the dollar value destroyed counter getting high. You should do a PNW custom boot giveaway when you get ton100k! Keep making this awesome content!

[@mikemallon1065]

A handful of years ago I bought some Herman Survivor Grizzly boots, and I’d say that they were pretty good - Until day two when they began to squeak with every step. It was like that episode of SpongeBob with the black boots, and it drove me insane in short order. A second pair did the same, and I moved on to better boots. From what I could find, it appears they may have lowered material standards years ago, resulting in moisture causing noise.

[@DomCalandra]

I have the same pair and have had them for almost 7 years. They used to squeak but I work around so much dust that it only lasted a couple days.. 29.99 for this pair like I said, almost 7 years of beating and constant use..

[@memefeed2147]

So glad more quality barefoot boots are being made, I switched over since my bad break in with my second pair of Nicks injuring my left foot arch, love my Gaucho Ninjas barefoot boots, especially the ones in shell cordovan.

[@d3faulted2]

Had the same issue with Jk forefronts. I bought an off the shelf pair to try. Wore them for 5 minutes and felt my right arch pop. Hurt for 2 weeks. JK offered to make me a custom pair of boots with a lowered arch. They would have been perfect if I got the honey lug sole instead of the wedge. The wedge sole never let the arch on the right foot break in properly to be comfortable. I took a sander to the sole under the arch, that finally allowed the arch to break in. But yeah went from not being able to weak ths boots for more than 5 minutes to wearing them all day everyday. So I would suggest finding one of the PNW companies that will lower the arch for you.

[@memefeed2147]

@@d3faulted2 Nicks said they’d rebuild my boots in a more barefoot style, but I’m happy enjoying my Gaucho Ninjas

[@d3faulted2]

@memefeed2147 Good to hear nicks offered that. My feet are like a 7-8E so it's nearly impossible to find an off the shelf boot that fits. I asked Nick's and they said they wouldn't go out that wide. Most companies stop at 2E.

[@Apollo-Computers]

​@d3faulted2 one thing I found with Wides is they just seam to go up in size as the width increases. I got a pair of boot in 7 men's extra wide and the boot was longer than my normal size 8 boot.

[@petesbeats483]

i love your profile picture, please dont change it. This comment would be weird otherwise. oop

[@mgysgtk8835]

Them Herman Survivor the “Bison” non-laced pull on boots, i went through 3 sets a year. #1) They fall apart inside. The quilt lining comes undone and traps the boot on your foot as you attempt to take it off. The quilting at the heal tears so easy. I don’t bother anymore with Walmart boots. The sole quickly wears out.

[@PanicGiraffe]

Did you casually just design my dream boot? Previously I was wearing workman's tabi, but they didn't hold up well and I had to buy a new pair every few months. These are awesome. Will pick up a pair soon.

[@russellskalla6658]

I grew up wearing grizzlies because buying a new pair of danners every year for a child and later on teenager was impractical. Different style but overall a decent boot for the money years ago. Now I'm full grown and enjoy my 2 pairs of nicks.

[@mrs2691]

@@JonNuclear for occasional use maybe. farm use - no. the walmart ones will last about a month or less of daily use, even by a teen. Basically you could buy the kid a pair of redwings every year and still come out ahead.

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

​@@mrs2691or maybe White's for that matter 😜.

[@woofy548]

I was working out of town and I left my red wings on the bumper of my truck. I lost them on the highway somewhere between Colorado Springs & Pecos, TX. I had to buy a pair of Brahmas when I got there. For 30.00 they did the job for a couple months.

[@tlinrin887]

Back aroun 15 20 years ago the stuff i was working in would cause the stiching in boats to fail after a few months. I started buying the barhama steel toe shoes for 10-15 bucks. The cheap foam soles would be broke down in two maybe three months but the uppers where falling apart by then anyway.

[@dustinbuckley8577]

I needed a hiking boot when I was in high school, and so I bought a pair of Brahma Bravos. They took me up and down a mountain, and then were my go-to work boot for the next decade. I lost about half the sole in that time; rubbed down to the point of being almost smooth. They weren't used everyday, and I believe they were definitely an exception to the general rule, but I for sure got my money's worth.

[@sweatervestking]

I bought those combustions knowing I was about to quit and needed them to last maybe a couple months. They lasted until I left that job which was about maybe 6 months. I was even surprised how well they generally did.

[@dimassalazar906]

I had a pair of Herman Survivors with composite toes. They were the most comfortable boots I ever owned. I was broke and had 3 kids to support. Haven't found another pair of the composite toes like them in 20 years of looking.

[@ricdimarco1499]

I ran a chainsaw in the woods and pulled concrete every day for three years back in the early 2000s. I did this all in a pair of Walmart $29 Brahma work boots. Were they pretty after 3 years? No. But I could have replaced them 10 times for what my boss paid for his Redwings. That’s just my experience, obviously.

[@HobbolinGobbolin]

Another i'd like to recommend dissecting is the Fila No Slip shoes. They're advertised as a workforce shoe and i bought them back when i worked at a factory that didn't require steel toes, it killed my legs haha

[@Gene1969]

I work at a landscaping/maintenance company that starts people out at $13/hr and will be sharing this video so they know what to look for when spending their money. Thank you for this.

[@randymoran67]

13 wow slave labor still exists lol

[@Gene1969]

@@randymoran67 Florida

[@sandbergmachineandtool6226]

Cost of living in florida has gone up significantly, 13 an hour isnt anywhere near enough.

[@Gene1969]

@@sandbergmachineandtool6226 You're preaching to the choir.

[@ExtraThiccc]

​​@@sandbergmachineandtool6226Wait til desantis lowers minimum wage to "own the libs"

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I still have a pair of boots I got at Montgomery Wards back in ‘73. I have kept up with them and they are really well made. I was only 12 years old when I got them, so you can tell they were well made and inexpensive.

[@geronimo5537]

I wore the grizzly for years for outdoor work some ten years ago. they are well made for the price point, with great comfort to avoid blisters, and can be found at any walmart. so getting them was easy. they have a wear life of two years in my experience. at the two year range the bottom soles will have a worn spot and the foam underneath allow for water/mud to get into the boot. really the sole foam is the only flaw in the boot and its still disappointing they never improved on that flaw. maybe now you can get away with filling any developing voids with expanding foam or glue. I was honestly tempted to just get a new sole applied from a tailor. but the price was more than a new pair of the same boots. they do soak up water on the outside in heavy rain. but lasted longer staying dry than I saw others wearing the same class of cheap boot. mine were always much lighter when wet than others as well. I was amazed how much heavier other boots were when wet compared to mine. other than that, expect the foam and nylon to wear out to the point of disappearing around the inner heel as well. the most degree of wear of a boot though will depend on your weight and how flat/even your steps are when you foot slap the ground. if you pushing over 200 pounds expect more wear. the bigger boys of 250-300+ always had flat sole boots within a few months to a year. I was more light about 170 and had much less wear on my footwear. overall, they got me through highschool and outdoor labor jobs when I had zero budget. my dad taught me to place tar around the front tip of the boots to help reduce wear and it works wonders on a work boot.

[@RK-ci9nn]

Great video, been thinking about these boots as I see them when I shop. I purchased 3 pairs of work boots (totalling $150 or so) from Walmart in 2024. One pair was a now-discontinued Ozark Trail boot that was similar to the second pair, Herman Survivor Boulder's, and to date the Brahima Combustion's. Ozark Trail boots were duds within 3 months of purchase, not even working in an outdoors or warehouse environment, just 3-4 months of standard wearing and walking the shoe laces broke, became super uncomfortable, and overall falling apart at the seams and sole. Bought the Boulder's, those lasted another 3-4 months working in a warehouse environment, but eventually became uncomfortable to wear (walking average 20,000 steps a day), laces snapped and I had something heavy drop onto one of the boots, thankful I walked away with my toes but the steel plate crumpled and it caused some pain, no real damage. Last 4-5 months, been wearing the Combustion's and they've definitely lasted the longest, but already planning on buying some more expensive boots. Gets uncomfortable to wear, the outer cover is starting to break seams on the sides, and just not confidence inspiring to wear. Crazy to think that even some basic $90-120 Timberlands used to last me 2 years of similar wear, stay comfortable even after they start to fall apart, and simply held up to working warehouse. I can understand the mentality people have when they go to buy Walmart boots- economy is tight and you just want to save money. In the end, you spend more by having to replace these boots more often, risk harm to yourself if having to rely on their "safety", and aside from the Combustion (and I reckon the Boulder's or Grizzly's with their Timberland-esque looks), they don't look particularly attractive. You get what you pay for in the end.

[@JonNuclear]

I think the stuff at the end is important, if you're on a budget but you actually need boots look into programs, look at second hand, spend some time searching around, or even ask coworkers for used one or to spot you on some, if you really need them it'll be cheaper and better for you in the long run. I noticed that recently some Walmart's have even started selling military style boots(idk if they actually would meet regs, but are meant to look like it at least). I have had to advise many of my younger soldiers against them, they're so cheaply made, I've seen them fall apart in weeks and even if they don't when your 20 miles into a foot march these things will destroy these kids feet. A decent pair of boots from one of the reputable manufacturers will last you so much longer that ill make up for the price and will be much better for your feet. If you've got some office job that requires you to wear boots for whatever reason, you know the ones, then these kinda things can be fine. But if you *need* work boots, then you *need* good ones.

[@prodTyeDye]

I have had a pair of Brahma Bravos for almost 5 years. I don’t wear them everyday but when I go into the woods or hunting they have held up find

[@DeadlyYellow]

I have a pair of Survivors of similar style in the video pushing thirteen years. They're fine for off-and-on work, but I doubt they would last as an everyday dedicated boot.

[@panmush]

As a South African living in the US, You legitimately created the Jim Green boots of my dreams

[@95mayfield]

I have had Herman survivors for going on 4 years now. They aren’t my everyday work boot anymore but they still work just fine for jobs around the house. Still keeps my feet dry too. I am guessing I got a good pair and that’s not everyone’s experience.

[@daniel0atk]

I bought a pair of the Herman Survivors Bison as a temporary boot until I could afford something, they've become my around the house boots since I got thorogoods. The difference is night and day, but they're not bad if you want something for home projects and yard work.

[@Apollo-Computers]

Do the thorogoods have a big toe drop? I hate that in shoes and boots.

[@raygarcia2262]

I used to buy the Brahma. Every six months they would "explode". The stitching would come undone, and because I have extra-wide feet, blow-out on the outer side of boots. Same was confirmed with co-worker who had same boot. Skechers Verdict were slight improvement, nine months. Now I wear Red Wing 405, better quality/fit. Just need to take care of them, and get resolve when time comes.

[@petergreenwald9639]

I bought a pair of Herman Survivors in the early 70s. They were tough as nails and lasted me for nearly 15 yrs. But back then they were an American company and made in America. I paid $70 for those. Which, to put things in perspective, was two weeks wages for me.

[@omniscientgrunk]

Thank you for the video. Well done. I like the end segment , 'are they worth it?' I am retired and have bought Carolina boots for years finding them comfortable. I have been retired for six years and am still wearing my last three pairs out(one pair are winter boots). I am active taking down large pine trees that are dying, forty to go. Your last segment sounds very helpful to those who are just not sure where to go to get boots. I wish I had been able to find your channel thirty years ago. Lol. Peace

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

I worked as a temp for a while at Old Dutch Chemicals in Toronto, hand-bmbing boxes of Old Dutch Cleanser onto pallets at the butt-end of the line. There was a guy on the floor above who would mix the blue granules with the powdered feldspar. Those blue crystals were so corrosive, that the Co. bought the guy a new pair of boots EVERY MONTH.

[@Blaze-Gurney]

I don’t know if you’ll see this, but good work on the center cuts. I know you put most of them around a 8, but they are a 10 in my heart. Thanks for doing the work that you do, I recommend videos to friends all the time when they are shopping for quality boots.

[@patrickr2686]

Could you do other house brand boots? LL Bean, Duluth, Carhartt, Bass Pro

[@nacetylcysteine]

Your comment on their “appearance of work boots” is fitting in my experience-I bought a pair of these in college for my part-time job as a package handler-I was only there for three months, and these didn’t even last that long. The laces cut the tongue and upper after about 2 months. You get what you pay for 🤷‍♂️

[@the_jazmin]

I used to work at Walmart in the frozen/dairy department. I had some cheap “boots” I bought at Burlington coat factory that completely came undone in the middle of my shift, so I walked to the boot section and grabbed a pair of those Herman Survivor steel toe boots. (I didn’t want steel toes, but that’s all I could find in my size.) The next day when I clocked off, I took my boots off and found my socks completely soaked in yellow puss. I threw them back in the box, got a pair of Rockys on sale, and that was that. There’s some cheaper boots out there that get the job done and are still quite comfortable for a while, but at a bare minimum, I always spend at least $100 on a pair of boots.

[@the_blue_dragon_bd]

I have the plastic boots and honestly they aren't bad, they are totally waterproof because they aren't leather, the bottoms lasted like 15 months of walking 1.5 miles a day on sidewalk going to my school, the only thing is I accidently melted them so treat them like rubber boots, honestly if you want good boots big 5 has a better selection and I got really good boots there for 60$ that are full leather so just avoid Walmart

[@chairliftphilospher5710]

I kinda want you to make a Frankenboot using the best parts of all of these.

[@neonnoodle1169]

There's not enough combined "best" here to make one pair of "good" boots.

[@KassieR329]

I’ve had the Herman Survivors Bison for about 5 years now, I don’t wear them super often but I wear them when I go out to my grandparents farm, horse back riding, camping, and out in the snow and they’ve done me good. Only qualm I have about them is they’re fairly uncomfortable, so if you were to wear them everyday I’d definitely suggest getting some soles for them. I don’t wear them often enough to bother cutting out soles and everything lol

[@michaeladam3792]

Great video I love these types of videos

[@angrysloth]

I'm a field archaeologist who largely does pedestrian survey and during field season put ~100 miles a week on my boots. I've worn Danner's, Vasque's, Keene's, but the longest lasting pair of boots I've ever owned was an pair of walmart landscaping boots I bought once in a pinch.

[@DemonSliime]

I wore Walmart work boots for like five years straight when doing scaffolding. There was no other choice. The job just ruined the tow box of boots no matter what you did. So you needed to buy cheap boots.

[@venca955]

Would tuff toe help? It isn’t common where I’m from, so I’d love to hear someones opinion on it. Is it worth it on cheaper boots?

[@John_439]

Yah same here used a pair of those grizzly ones for construction. I still have them years later and they are still doing pretty well considering what I did to them.

[@richardthompson2494]

I have great experience with Sherman survivors. They last a year. I have bought Wolverine and Carhart and they both last about a year when you’re kicking dry concrete around with them.And with the wolverine’s three pairs in a row the speed lacers broke off.

[@jakubl8271]

Every time I watch cutting, I want to scream: spare the laces.

[@9thgendev]

I have the Herman survivor bison. Originally bought them as a back up pair in case my timberlands got wet. After a year my timberlands are all torn up and the bison became my main boot, they are surprisingly comfortable (as far as $70 boots go) but only 2 months in and they are starting to tear at the toe, so you really get what you pay for.

[@thor4odin749]

Wally World sometimes takes boots and puts them on a roll away steel rack at the entrance for sale. I bought 4 pair of their real leather Herman Survivor Goodyear Welted Moc Toe...marked down from $80 to $15 bucks per pair, and a Herman Survivor Goodyear Welted leather Dozer model, also $15 bucks. 5 pair...$75 bills. If I get 3 years out of the 5 pair, it's a win.

[@raygarcia2262]

I noticed at 16:06, the cutaway of Brahmas shows the white foam in the heel. It didn't used to be there, it's been upgraded(kinda). It used to be open cavity, allowing for softer heel, but dangerous when small rocks would eventually break thru.

[@raygarcia2262]

Not foam, wood(I paused to comment beforehand)

[@dingus153]

You know, I would've thought the combustion would be more fire resistant

[@Collin_J]

They named it appropriately, I guess

[@gideonrettich7754]

They're just being honest

[@WinglessO9k]

I owned the Combustion's twice using them at my warehouse freight handling/forklift job. Constantly going from dry to cold to freezer and back all day throwing 50-100lb cases, 12 hr shifts. They scuffed up from kicking and grazing pallets and having stuff dropped on them, but they lasted me a whole year before I needed to buy another pair. I was pretty happy with them for what I paid, but it would be nice to have a pair that lasts a few years.

[@lucysmith4242]

I'll take my Brahma combustions over the 300$ redwings I had. When they're both going to mold and become unusable in a few months I may as well not keep throwing away 300$ boots

[@womanishthing1997]

Mold??

[@a.b.coating]

Yeah ok lol

[@georgeroy8509]

I don't know if you have ever done it, but I would be really interested in your evaluation of Scarpa boots. I have a pair of Scarpa Matterhorn boots that have about 1500 miles on them from mountain terrain in the Appalachian mountains in the American northeast. I swear by these boots in all four seasons. I have also used them for ice climbing with the appropriate crampons. Realizing that these boots are quite expensive, I may be interested in a more cost effective alternative.

[@edgar1la62]

You need to make a Skechers comp boot and steel toe work shoes review a lot of people wear them in the studio industry

[@Sadler2010]

I have a pair of the Herman Survivors Dover steel toe waterproof boots, they're heavy but unlike most recent shoes and hiking boots they have a significant sole that doesn't have you feeling every rock on gravel... It also has a traditional stitch on sole...

[@starkparker16]

Another banger from the boot master

[@patrickharrington3673]

i have ran the herman's survivors Grizzly for about 6 years they last pretty good as long as you treat with camp dry or other water proofing treatment. also add a good pair of insoles like a premium pair or Dr. Scholls gell insoles and they will last you on long days working flat on asphalt, concrete, dirt, or climbing towers. when working on concrete or black top they will last about a year and a half.

[@frankbob4163]

I don’t buy Walmart Boots, but I do like their Avia shoes for 20 bucks. They’re way better than sketchers and they last longer.

[@tomr3422]

just my experience- I could walk a pair of the Avis sneakers to pieces in less then a month, and did for almost a year, I got a rebook walking shoe and the pair I wear every day are almost 2 years old and are starting to show it, I paid $75 for them and after wearing them for a few months ordered two more pairs, both I got for $40 each( the last 2 pair) and they are much more comfortable then I remember the Avis shoes being, I still have a pair for around the house.

[@1978garfield]

Avia shoes were great until Walmart got ahold of them. They used to have some kind of squishy compound in the heel. I think they called it rebound or something. It was super comfortable. Avia shoes were my go to brand until they showed up at Walmart. The Walmart Avias do not have the squishy bit in the heel and are not nearly as comfortable as the older versions :(

[@MrGreen876]

I've had the same Walmart boots for 6 years when i was younger. Granted I'm a TIG welder so there isn't much work being put directly on the boots and the insoles were completely ripped out. But they made me enough money to get my first new car and a down payment on my first home before getting replaced 😅

[@grumpysgarage7276]

Herman Survivors used to be good. In the military we wore their military boots

[@christianfritz6333]

I agree they used to be really stout boots, these are a shadow of what they were.

[@Trance88]

I stand by my pair of Brahma Bravos that I bought in 2015. They've lasted 10 winters! I only wear them when the weather is bad though, so that's probably why they've held up for so long.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

I recommend Work America boots from ShoeMall over anything from Walmart.

[@johnny-becker]

I work for a window manufacturer, and I find that these boots last for approximately four months. Typically, the tread on the bottom becomes smooth, and at times, I need to push heavy finished product into storage bins awaiting delivery, so I need that grip. Right about the same time, the laces lose their grip, too. The black ones, once broken, are just fine, but my latest are brown. I did that so I could wear my older ones for general use and wear them out completely. However, my new brown ones I have to wear two pairs of socks to add cushioning and not any, I choose the ones with extra plush.

[@charlesbarry7479]

I remember 30 years ago when I was a maintenance man at a school district, a lot of us wore Wal Mart boots. It was what we could afford, we weren't paid much in the rural district we worked for, they would usually last a year or so. Before that I was a flightline worker in the Air Force. Our issued steel toed boots back then only lasted 6 months to a year. Have you done the store brand boots from Academy?

[@samus4040]

Why even bother. We know it’s crap.

[@stevevv583]

Can you cut in half a William Lennon boot? They’re made in England and it’s a 20 week lead time. The sole is brass stitch construction. Would like to see what’s going on inside.

[@markspence3295]

So, promoting your own brand. Not just reviewing the boot described.

[@RyTrapp0]

Jim Green is a Rose Anvil brand, huh?🤣

[@goner9696]

Jim Greens are not his brand, he is collaborating with them. Even if he was promoting his own brand, did you lost anything with the free info you just got?

[@memefeed2147]

Still better than anything you’ll find in a supermarket

[@NoxiousPond]

Who cares? He has his own company so why wouldn't he? Also, you can just use your little index finger to scrub through his ad......

[@GEES44DC]

​@@goner9696Yes, I had to skip the ad within the video.

[@j887276]

Had those light tan Herman Survivors, the sole split where your foot bends within 3 months, by 4 months it was completely split apart.

[@samTollefson]

Five years ago, I bought a used pair of Walmart Brama mid-sized workboots with a leather framework around the toe and upper w/ synthetic outer at a Thrift store for cold-weather camping. They are large enough for me to wear two pairs of heavy wool socks. Granted, I only wear them for one month or so per year, but they have held up well and are pretty fair quality as far as I can see. None of the eyelets have broken, although they have a bit of rust on some of them; the sole is fairly worn down, but there is no separation from the upper, and the upper material hasn't frayed or de-laminated Perhaps seven or eight years ago, they made better-quality boots.I would give these old boots a B grade for the use I have gotten out of them. However, after watching your video, I don't believe I will buy a new pair from Walmart!

[@nixept5677]

when i first started out in the trades about 5 years ago i didnt have the budget (or, to be honest, the knowledge) to get decent boots. went to walmart and got some $30 soft toe waterproof brahmas. i figured keeping my feet dry would be more important than having steel toe. i knew enough to avoid the faux leather, and the pair i got were basically a straight rip of the classic nubuck timbs. they werent very comfortable but some $10 insoles fixed that for a while. i wore those for about a year until i could afford to get a better pair of boots. the brahmas were saved to use as shit kickers for extra dirty, messy and rough jobs. the edges of the lugs started to chunk off and the sole bowled a bit but surprisingly, they were and still are waterproof and structurally sound. they now sit on the back porch to slip on for doing yard work or walking the dog in the rain. i dont know if they sell that model of brahmas anymore but they were alright. id say ive gotten my money's worth out of them many times over. since then ive tried a handful of the mid tier brands (timberland pro, merrell, ariat, thorogood) and ive settled on thorogoods for what im doing now (millwright and ironwork).

[@LtBob38]

I got a pair of Walmart Steel Caps in College when I was taking theater tech classes, but immediately ditched them for Red Wings when I got a job where I had to hike in steel caps.

[@niospartan]

I use the the adans and the only issue they give me is the plastic on the back of the heel, they fold inward and just cut into my heel. I start to cut the backing out when they do. The last pair of adans I used for a maybe 2 years until the soles had holes and water seeped in when I walked past my car wash.

[@RealRocker22]

I’ve owned two pairs of the Herman “Boulder” style boots and they’ve honestly been great. Little to no break in and after seven years for one of the pairs, no signs of them coming apart anywhere. Just my experience.

[@brandonthomas6880]

With my experience, the brahms bravo and survivor bison lasted me 6 months of heavy walking and outdoor exposure. I do landscaping for a living and these boots have honestly done the job for what i need then for. I can't say the other boots, but the bravo and bison do the job for at least 5 months while still remaining waterproof. If you cant afford a good pair of boots these will do the job. Based on my experience

[@Reticuli]

The Defenders have an even more durable outsole, but have some voids, unlike the black outsoles. I think the Defender outsoles flex a lot more easily as a result and are more comfortable and lightweight. It's unfortunate that the newest version of the Defender has a lace eyelet right next to the ankle. Shame. First Defender was nice little cheap soft toe boot. The Tough 1 & 2 models have even better black outsoles than the Bravo and stitching, but unfortunately are heavier and harder to find.

[@GainingDespair]

I remember about 6 years ago moving to North Dakota, being from the south we never got snow here, only took a few weeks for me to decide to buy a pair of boots to help keep my feet a little warmer. They tore from normal use in less than a month, only pair of boots I ever owned but that was my experience with Walmart they where like $35 but you kind of expect them to last at least a few months of occasional use.

[@samueljohnston9639]

I’ll be honest, I bought a pair of brahmas work boots from Walmart (slightly different style) for like $60, and they have held up really well, I work in them everyday and haven’t had an issue with them, they are comfortable, have a steel toe, and are mostly water proof, I even wear them hunting, so they might not be the best boot in the world, but they have worked and done everything I expected them to do (again it’s a little bit different than the ones you showed, it’s a Brahma in the same style as that grizzly boot, my guess is that it’s pretty much the same boot made in the same factory)

[@dake4629]

About 10 years back, I got a a pair that looked like Army Jump boots with a steel toe from walmart. First day walking in the woods a rotten twig stump poked right up thru the soft rubber sole. Right into the trash.

[@eddielitter3445]

Walmart used to carry a brand called “Roadmate”, and they where great boots. I haven’t seen them in a store for over 15 years. I used them for 12 years prior to that.

[@ricklepick5829]

During Covid I did under the table plumbing work to help get by and I needed a pair of steel toes. I was broke af and the Brahma boots did their job and got me through the first month until I could afford some nicer ariats. They weren’t comfortable at all and definitely not durable. But they were waterproof and got the job done when I needed a bottom of the barrel boot to see me through tough times. Well worth the 27 dollars to get me working.

[@ItsDaJax]

I had a pair of Interceptors from Walmart, and surprised they actually had my size. Those boots outlasted the 5.11s I had prior.

[@earl_raymond]

i used to work in the dairy cooler of a grocery store, and i would wear those grizzlies, and they honestly held up for about a year and are built like a tank. that was with moving heavy pallets and crates of milk and eggs. definitely kept my feet dry and protected my feet from heavy drops.

[@XeCuTioNR]

The Adan I can't consider as a work boot...a work shoe yes. I used them in a grocery store environment, with wood pallets & pallet jacks being the most dangerous items for toe sections, and anti slip grip for slippery areas. I got my money's worth for a year or so at $40 for the pair. Threw in a pair of work insoles for good measure (as you already tested, just a piece of foam at most).