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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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 😅😂

[@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.

[@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! 😂😂

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@panmush]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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"

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@starkparker16]

Another banger from the boot master

[@joshuahawkins2743]

I paid under $60 for the herman survivors and they are worth every penny in the past 3 years ive bought 3 pairs

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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"

[@MartinMcCauslin]

The cheap black steel toe boots are a great go to when gearing up for an industrial electrical job. They hold up to heavy use and last for months (usually the entire job)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

I'm glad this was brought to light. Been through this enough times to avoid all of their clothing in general

[@emdee8840]

Agree on the clothing. Faded Glory is pure shite. Time & Tru T shirts get bleached out spots if you perspire in them. If I buy Nevados boots they last one year, that's it. I have to get a new pair after that. However, Merrells are no better.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@fredseekingbibleturth]

My dad loves his Brahma boots. He likes them because it is what he found that is comfortable.

[@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.

[@weast6388]

I do factory work and needing steel toes. I have had the same pair of herman surviors for 4 years. Theyre about to be on their last leg but theyve held up. Definitely wouldnt have lasted as long doing work outside of a factory though.

[@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

[@michaeladam3792]

Great video I love these types of videos

[@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.

[@EnlistedBombin]

That first pair of Brahma boots are KILLER on the feet. I got ride of them asap, if you have ever worn a good pair of boots your feet aint havin it lol

[@sevenfacedsin]

I’ve been rocking Herman Survivors since I was 14. I’m 41 now. I’ve only had to buy 3 pairs in that timeframe.

[@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.

[@naenre21]

The Grizzlies are a pretty decent boot but now that they are much higher priced...they are not...I just bought a pair of Ariat composite toed boots for $170 on sale. And they are amazing, even came with a good insole which blew my mind.

[@badastronautgreatloser5421]

Your African trooper boots look comfortable and unique! I’m getting a pair next check !

[@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).

[@seetomgo]

Really like that you not only illustrated the poor quality of the Walmart offerings, but mentioned how folks that might be in the market for lower priced work boots could potentially get a decent pair through company programs or other avenues. Buy once, cry once...a lot of people don't think about the fact that replacing a crappy pair of boots twice a year could cost you more than a decent pair that will last much longer - besides the fact that you are oftentimes supporting a smaller, domestic business.

[@blazegurney7077]

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.

[@paullanier3597]

If you don't need steel toe you can get a pair of Timberland Mt. Maddsen for about $100. Waterproof and comfortable. I have been working in the same pair for a year. Technically supposed to be hiking boots but I use them for work.

[@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.

[@joesimon544]

Wal -Mart used to have high quality work boots. They were Herman Survivors "Big Timber 2" . They were extremely comfortable high topped, steel toed work boots . They were nearly the perfect work boot. Comfortable and long lasting. -----Then they changed them . Not nearly as comfortable and they squeaked with every step.

[@jackyha9445]

I'm on Year 3 of my $200 Red Wings. I feel I need to take better care of my boots, like maintenance/leather care, which I've done zero of but yea the boots are doing fine. I'm more than willing to spend $600 on boots but I know nothing and don't really want to learn, channels like this and reviews are my go to

[@Sleeper-Work]

Had the brahma they started falling apart after a couple months. I'm using the grizzly now. Been about 6 months still holding together. About as comfortable as most other work boots.

[@tracywilkinson1820]

Seattle 1993. I needed work boots for my First Day On The Job. I lived across the street from a Red Wing store, they wanted $150 ($326 today.). I was astounded anyone would pay that for shoes, much less something to work in. I was young and really had no idea what I was doing with my life. I took the bus to Kmart and bought a pair for $40, ($86 2024 money) then dragged my coattails in front of the Red Wing store in contempt. Long story short, those $40 boots tormented me for a week. They hurt to the point of bringing tears to my eyes. I hated them, I hated my job and I hated riding the bus. After one week of fairly heavy use working the docks in south seattle, I was getting off the bus in agony and they heel snapped off. I remember the joy of liberation, like I'd just been released from prison. I limped across the street and bought the Red Wings, Style 2533. I wore them happily for many years, changed lines of work as my life moved into focus, and somewhere along the line lost track of that old battered pair. They were comfortable and amazing. Few things are worse than uncomfortable shoes are a miserable hell to work in. Maybe tooth pain is worse.

[@Reticuli]

Kmart sucks.

[@tracywilkinson1820]

@@Reticuli you ain’t shittin’

[@mamashecrazy7423]

Reminds me when Berm Peak took a Walmart bike mountain biking. A hard no…at least Walmart listened and improved ONE of their bikes. Anyway, great video!

[@broncobum]

Been wearing my $99 Rock Rooster 611s for 6 months every day. To find a size 15 boot that is worthwhile is tough. Both the cheap and high end boots only go to 12/13.

[@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.

[@penngwinn]

The bummer of Walmart and formerly K-mart shoes is that they LOOK good, but they fall apart by the 3rd wear. Heartbreaking as a kid.

[@penngwinn]

Sick soundtrack during the cutting segment!

[@PocketChangeInspector]

I bought a work boot at Walmart just to wear when it snowed to dig out my car. It was the 3rd storm and going on two months when the bottom sole separated from the boot on one of them. I think it was the a Brahma. Had to go back to my old insulated Texas Steer boots bought at least 10 years earlier from a K-Mart and still have those.

[@ConcernedCitizen1957]

The most comfortable shoe I've ever worn were boondockers we wore in the Navy in the 70's. In the mid 2000's I believe, I was installing irrigation here in the Florida panhandle. Work mate came in one day with a tall, laced, "leather" black boot from Walmart...$20. I went out that night and bought a pair. The 2nd most comfortable shoe I've ever worn.

[@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.

[@brunonjezic6208]

African troopers look great! I had great experience with shoes for cruise brand. I hope you do one on them

[@michaelduttry182]

I worked at a company that would pay $110 a year for our steel toe work boots. They had a shoe truck come in and pick your shoe or boots, give them your ID badge info ,take your boots and go.

[@Blarbling]

Walmart boots in my opinion are the first boot you buy until you get a paycheck to buy some proper ones, and then keep them as handy backups

[@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.

[@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.

[@bellemorelock4924]

I got a pair of Bramha's in 1994.. they've been in the barn a while. Almost the same shoe then. Soles hardened like asphalt. suede-y crapo leather. Cost 30-40 back then, fwiw. Don't have the reciept, but with inflation that would be 80+ so they dropped. Found out after I got them the company would reimburse, and most people got red-wings. I was only there 2-3 months in a transition, but could have scored a free pair of RW, if I weren't so wholesome back then.

[@Billy123bobzzz]

Great job thank you, people really need to know this!

[@kevinl4271]

I’ve posted this before but worth the repost. I own a pair of the brahmas. I went to a job site about two hours from home and realized I forgot my boots at home so I went to a Walmart down the road and got the cheapest steel toes I could get. These boots are pretty damn terrible. My feet hurt by the end of the day but they survived for the day. This is really the only use case I can justify for these boots. I kept these boots to use for any concrete work at home or similar and they’re fine for that. These boots were worn out in probably about 40 hours of wear so I wouldn’t recommend them for anything except maybe a spare pair to keep in your truck in case you forget your good boots at home two hours from the job site.

[@polybius3765]

Has anyone suggested doing a video on a replica of Otzi the Iceman's shoes? He is a 5,300 year old ice mummy that had some excellently preserved ancient drip. They are one of the oldest existing example of shoes we have discovered. Someone made an accurate recreation of them last year and you can find it with a quick google. Black bear cup-sole with cowhide stitching, breathable reed-mesh and red-deer upper and of course performance inspired grass lining for insulation. If you took out the grass and used some more common materials/modern construction techniques they would probably be viable today as a leather slipper/moccasin. Also just got my Barefoot African Rangers a couple weeks ago and they are fantastic. The blend of modern and traditional construction is what got me thinking about Otzi's fly kicks.

[@turtle79070]

i had a pair of herman survivor steel toe boots for a couple days, i kicked a wooden pallet out of my way and the steel toe cap came loose.

[@gregbrannon9687]

I have a pair of Brahma steel toed wellington style boots that I have had and used for about 20 years, though they look their age. They've held up well, being used when I am working in the yard mowing, weed eating, and cutting/trimming trees, or doing maintenance on the house. Perhaps Walmart had higher standards back then?

[@phillipransom8920]

I returned some Brahma steel-toe boots to Wal-Mart. Wore them two days. They are not work boots. They are tiny torture chambers. Went to the steel-toe work boot store instead.

[@helena4320]

If you are in need of good quality affordable work shoes I'd recommend army surplus stores. They have boots in the same price range as the once in the video, but are insanely better quality. Also from surplus it's easier to find your size, in comparison to thrifting. I do also whole heartedly recommend thrifting, but for those who don't have the luxury of excess time army surplus stores can be helpful.

[@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)

[@kro8592]

I've probably been wearing those adans for around 10 years and I'm wearing a pair right now. To give an idea of performance, the pair I wore while I was active on the workshop floor, carpentry manufacturing stuff, last around 8 months and 3 of those they were wrapped in duct tape. I still wear them because I'm not active anymore and I had a backstock of them effectively. I've yet to be in a position where I can spend $70+ on footwear.....or clothing in general for that matter.

[@Blacksheep40actual]

If you need a steel toe work boot and you’re on a budget pick up a pair of the timberland pro pit boss. I put mine through absolute hell and they just last and they are ALL DAY comfortable.

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

I found a pair of Georgia low heel loggers for $135 CAD. For that price I think I got a great deal. They’re a decent quality and comfortable.

[@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?

[@q306005]

All I'm gonna say is I've worn Brahma work boots and had no problems with them. Surprisingly comfortable. They wore out fast tho. I then got a pair of Ariats thru my work. I still have those boots, but they were so uncomfortable that they caused permanent nerve damage to my big toe.

[@stresslee]

I’ve actually bought some cheap boots from Walmart for $35 and they lasted a good while. Still using them after 4 months no problems really. I would definitely not wear them just like that though. I bought a dr scholls massaging sole to put inside of it to walk around all day because my god that first week without it was horrible My feet were aching

[@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.

[@mrmajestic8643]

Thanks man! Walmart has burned me too many times. God bless y'all!

[@shadedude6games]

in my younger days i had a pair of hermans and they had a plastic counter that broke through and sliced my heel open after that i started not cheaping out on boots

[@J55S]

When they had a bunch of their boots on clearance I got the Bisons for $17. I got the two they had in my size. The liner started coming out after wearing them only a few times. Luckily someone had switched out the other pair with some Moc toes.

[@unholyabyss]

I work in a warehouse and absolutely will not work without steel toes. I know for me I prefer the style of the Adan as long as the steel toe isn't too restricted like most cheap ones I've tried in my size, but I'm looking for a decent suggestion for more of a shoe or skater-like steel toe of a decent quality. I know when I buy Brahma stuff it lasts USUALLY 3-6 months because I tend to be walking a LOT when I'm at work and actually use my shoes to shift or even kick up pallets which tends to wear them down fast. So any decent suggestions for more "shoe" than "boot" steel toes from the comment section? Absolutely will not work without steel toes due to the fact they saved my ass years ago when I got a bad sprain instead of crumpled toes when my foot got snagged between pallets and automated machinery.

[@Blue-cq2hl]

Hardest part of safety shoes boots or otherwise is finding a good fit regardless of budget. As someone with thicc feet I find red wings a d keens best and keens are a better budget option. Can be found for under 60 for some of them and way better than stuff like sketchers in my experience