Shortie, since you are the boot fanatic, you'll enjoy this. Since I started at this job, we get an annual allowance for uniforms and boots. On that list for boots are some Danner boots approved for wildland firefighting. They are new this year on the state site. I think I'll get a pair this summer and see how they are. But, I have a pair of White's Smokejumpers. And a pair of Cosmas Hercules. I don't recommend the Hercules. Love the fit, but the lace hooks break off too easily.
Shortie, since you are the boot fanatic, you'll enjoy this. Since I started at this job, we get an annual allowance for uniforms and boots. On that list for boots are some Danner boots approved for wildland firefighting. They are new this year on the state site. I think I'll get a pair this summer and see how they are. But, I have a pair of White's Smokejumpers. And a pair of Cosmas Hercules. I don't recommend the Hercules. Love the fit, but the lace hooks break off too easily.
Mmmmm. Danner Flashpoint.
If they had a composite toe version, I would buy them, and wear them, and never take them off. Because nothing says "overcompensating" like wearing logger heel firefighter boots out to a fast casual restaurant.
I think all the pictures I took for an earlier post are on Photosuckit, which means I can't link to them, because I'm a cheapskate.
Made in the USA counts for something, and I really liked the old school look.
Problem was, they weren't comfortable. I needed something taller,
And I needed a padded collar.
Huh. That's an odd-looking picture.
Anyways. I've been trying to talk myself out of another boot purchase for two years, and I finally gave up, and gave in.
So before I get 'en too scuffed up, lets look at what you get for just a hair under 100, on clearance.
You still get the stitched welt look. This is important. The new tactical boots with their glued-on soles are wonders of technology, all of it aimed at making a lighter boot with the same toughness. I like the old school look, with the stitching in place. Even if it doesn't actually do anything to hold the sole on, it's the details.
The more "natural" look of the leather is another important thing. The Chippewas got really shiny after a couple waxes, and I was always worried about scuffing them. Work/casual boots should not be the kind of thing you're afraid to kick a shovel with.
You don't get Vibram soles, but these are pretty good. I gave them the "dusty gym floor test" this morning, and they passed.
Apologies for the cat hair. Three of the little beasties running around makes it a constant battle.
Unfortunately, you also get this.
No, not the boot size, the "Made in China" part. Although now you can make up your own jokes about what the "Short" part of my username is really about.
There's very little that isn't made in the people's republik, but in this case, it's a good thing. Since they're imported goods, I'm not afraid to give them the muddy flogging that a pair of work boots deserves.
What's that? Are they comfortable? Oh, you want actual content. Okay, well, I'm out of pictures, so I guess I'll try.
As I said, the tread is plenty grippy, but I'll have to see if that changes. Some rubber compounds get hard and smooth as they age, and I've had to shuffle my way across more than one tarmac parking lot to restore traction.
I haven't had a chance to really work them yet, but they're been on a couple of long walks, and I'm happy with the comfort. They're pretty light, even though they have steel toe caps.
The extra lining does mean that my feet get hot, but I accept that. I have bony feet, and wearing what amounts to a leather sneaker is very uncomfortable for me.
The name Carolina still seems to count for something, even though they come here on a boat. I'll be interested to see how well they wear. My non-work boots don't get a lot of abuse, so I expect them to last longer than two years. If they last five, I'll buy another pair.
Last Edit: Jul 29, 2017 11:43:34 GMT -8 by Shorttime
Modern day Ninja boots, I guess? They've got steel caps.
I kind of want to try the "toe shoes" thing, because it's supposed to be good for your feet. But on the other hand, I'm a galoot, who knocks his feet into things, a lot. This might be the compromise between the two. Also, they look really weird, and I'm into that kind of thing.