Its time for new boots.

I like 8 inch boots for wood processing. I also like USA made boots, and since I do almost all of my cutting on flat ground, I like a wedge sole, just feels more comfortable to me. That being said, my favorite boots I've had and most comfortable are Thorogood 8" Moc Toe Wedge Soles with steel toe. I had a pair of Georgia Logger for years and they are indestructible but never very comfortable. The Thorogoods I actually wear when I'm not cutting, I would never do that with the loggers.

I used to wear HH and redwings on the farm and they were both really good boots and lasted a long time. My wife bought me a pair of keen hikers (that I am still using 6 years later) so when it was time to replace my rocky work boots, I tried some of the keen work boots. I have abused them over the last 4 years (built my house, in concrete more then once, clay all the time, summer, winter etc). They are the protective toe, which is not steel toe but I believe there is a plastic "shell." I've had firewood and logs fall on them and even took an 8lb sledge off the toe. Waterproofing is not perfect anymore (one leak if I stand in water) but I still wear them regularly. Wife bought me new pair of workers this xmas and they are keens again. Very comfortable. Almost like walking in a heavy sneaker.

I HIGHLY recommend the Keen work boots to anyone that asks.

Danner, Georgia, Carolina, in that order. New Red Wings are mostly imported and junk compared to the Red Wings I wore for a couple decades.

Medic21 said:

Danner, Georgia, Carolina, in that order. New Red Wings are mostly imported and junk compared to the Red Wings I wore for a couple decades.

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I love Georgia Boot; however, they dropped my favorite work boot a couple years ago--the 6" Renegade. I even wrote them a note asking (begging) to bring them back, lol.

bholler said:

There are still plenty of american made high quality redwings.

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Only 25%



I wore them for 20+ years. My employer used to give me $250 a year for boots. I loved them until their quality and comfort went down.

I wore Redwings for years but they no longer make the style I liked, and I've tried on the newer versions and they just don't fit the same.

So a few years ago I picked up a set of Danners on sale and they've been really good boots - as good or better than the old Redwings.

Just yesterday I ordered a pair of Keens so I have a more causal pair of work boots, since I spend more time in the office these days. I've been a fan of their shoes for years so hopefully these turn out good.

My current favorite is my Chippewa 26330 boots. They are waterproof, very comforatble and sturdy.

gabenson said:

My current favorite is my Chippewa 26330 boots. They are waterproof, very comforatble and sturdy.

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I have the 9" insulated steel toe waterproof Chippewa Super Logger (old style) and I have a pair of the new style, but without insulation, on backorder. I'll be interested in seeing the difference. For the price I am paying, they better be every bit as good, or I'm definitely looking elsewhere. Likely I'll be cutting in my winter loggers till next warm season due to the absurd lead times on Chippewa logging boots right now. I imagine by the time the "summer" loggers come in, my current Chippewa boots will be worn out anyway. I don't think the insulation is needed if thick socks are worn, often my insulated loggers got too hot even when it was 5f outside with moderately thick wool socks (green wool army socks). With thick wool socks I'm sure they are plenty warm. If I can manage not to tear up the leathers on the next pair, I bet I'll be able to keep them indefinitely if I can find a place to resole them. From my understanding Chippewa no longer offers this service. I don't know what this means for boot quality....

I find the insulated loggers too warm also. Good wool socks are all I need.

Wow I would only need that if I was at the top of Mt Washington in January

I work in Highway Maintenance and do a lot of tree cutting and firewood on the side, I have had good luck with Chippewa and Danner. There are a lot of great boots out there. It comes down to what feels best on your feet for what you are willing to spend. One thing I always make sure to get is Vibram soles. They last longet than any other sole I've worn.

mickire said:

I work in Highway Maintenance and do a lot of tree cutting and firewood on the side, I have had good luck with Chippewa and Danner. There are a lot of great boots out there. It comes down to what feels best on your feet for what you are willing to spend. One thing I always make sure to get is Vibram soles. They last longet than any other sole I've worn.

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Vibram is awesome and usually means the boot can be resoled. I had a pair of Danners while I was in the military that treated me well, but I generally prefer a light weight boot. Now that I need safe work boots I have two pair of Chippewa Super Loggers. One pair insulated and the other not, but otherwise waterproof steel toe 9" boots. They are very comfortable once worn in, the most comfortable work boot I've ever worn.

I got a pair of the "new" Chippewa super loggers, steel toe and waterproof, I forget the specific number. I've worn them for a few days and aside from initial stiffness they feel just the same as the "old" insulated version. Back in winter when I ordered these boots I was informed that these are different because of some kind of change up with Chippewa.