Tuesday 22 February 2022

Work Boots VS Snow Boots: What’s The Difference? (Explained For New Users)

Today we are going over how work boots and snow boots compare to one another.  We will touch on what a work boot is, what a snow boot is and look at a few snow boot options.

We will look at how snow boots and work boots compare to each other and how they are different or similar. 

If you are trying to decide whether to get snow boots or work boots, then keep reading, you’re in the right place. 

What is a work boot?

I know the following two subheadings might look silly but we need to quickly address these questions in case you’re new to these types of boots.

So simply put, a work boot is a necessary component to working in any trade where physical labor is involved or there’s potential to harm your feet.

Usually, a good work boot will be made with a leather upper, thick rubber soles, and possibly steel toe caps for added protection and other features that are either added to the boot to provide you more comfort or more safety, and in some cases, both.

Work boots are made to withstand heavy items falling on top of them, protecting your feet from harm. 

What is a snow boot?

A snow boot is a boot made with waterproof and insulating materials that keep one’s feet dry and warm in the frigid cold of snow.

You will find yourself with frostbitten toes if you decide to forgo snow boots for an extended amount of time in the snow. 

Snow boots may be made from EVA  (Ethylene- Vinyl Acetate), leather, nylon, shearling, and more.  

As long as they keep the feet dry and warm, a snow boot can be made with any material that provides these important features.  

Types of snow boots

There are a variety of snow boots to choose from when shopping for a pair. 

You may be in need of something very light and used for walking through light snow but not necessarily spending time in for an extended period of time. 

Or you may be needing something very heavy-duty and warm because you’ll be trekking the Arctic Tundra.

Whatever the adventure, it would be good to get acquainted with the different kinds of snow boots available to you so that you can make the best decision suited to your needs. 

Let’s take a look… 

1. All-Weather Winter Boots

All-weather winter boots are boots with all snow conditions in mind.  They are ideal for when it first starts to snow and there’s a light dusting and icy nip in the air. 

They’ll be lighter than other snow boots and great for when the snow just starts or when it’s ending and beginning to melt. 

All-weather boots will be a great go-to when having mildly wet and chilly conditions.  

One all-weather boot to check out is the Weatherproof’s All-Weather Insulated Winter Boots. Check them out on Amazon to learn more about them.

They keep your feet dry and warm in wet and cold snowy weather but provide you with the convenience of a slip-on boot.

2. Snow boot

A regular snow boot is what you are usually buying for yourself or your kids when you’re planning a snow day in the mountains or have one heading your way. 

They will usually have a thick rubber sole and Thinsulate or some sort of insulation to keep your feet warm in negative temperatures.  They will always be waterproof as well as tall enough to keep the snow from entering into your boot.  

A nice pair is  Dream Pair’s Warm Faux Fur Lined Mid-Calf Winter Snow Boot.  They have been rated very favorably on Amazon and they’re not very expensive.

They are also a slip-on boot if you use the zipper, but there is a full set of laces for lacing up nice and tight.  They have 200g Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.  You can find them here.

3. Extreme cold weather snow boot

Extreme cold weather winter boots are built to withstand extreme cold weather conditions. 

These boots are going to be made with very thick rubber soles and insulated with special insulation that provides protection from cold temperatures as low as -40 Fahrenheit! 

There are several places in the world that people live or travel to that get that low in temperature.  Fortunately, there are plenty of quality and durable boots to choose from, one being Kamik’s Nationplus Boot. 

The Kamik Nationplus Boot is insulated with 3MTM Insulate and a genuine leather upper. 

The soles are made of thick rubber and are seam sealed to guarantee durable waterproofing capabilities. If you’re looking for heavy-duty cold weather snowproof boots, these are some of the many other extreme weather boots available on Amazon.  Check them out here.

Work boost and snow boots main differences

When you look at work boots and snow boots side by side, you’re going to see a lot of differences. These differences we talk about here may help you decide on what kind of boot you need.  

Snow boots are built specifically for cold

A snow boot will have either a thicker upper or else a thick liner inside, made to keep the feet warm in cold temperatures. 

Work boots are made for moving around a worksite easily and comfortably.  Some work boots will have some insulation from the leather upper, but socks are usually the only help you’ll have when keeping your feet warm in a work boot.  

Mid-calf and ankle

Another difference between work boots and snow boots will be the height of them.  Snow and winter boots are likely to be mid-calf and higher due to the need to keep snow out of the inside of the boot.  

Work boots are most often ankle height, but some will go as high as the knee or very close such as:

Materials used in their construction

There is a difference in the materials used in snow boots vs work boots. 

The use of leather is the same, but snow boots will be made with a variety of other materials as long as they are waterproof and provide insulation. 

The insulation itself is also different. 

Snow boots will have a thick inner liner or sewn in the material of Thinsulate, a synthetic material that works very well at keeping feet warm in negative temperatures. 

Another difference is the soles. 

Winter and snow boots are made with heavy-duty rubber that elevates and insulates the foot well.  Work boot soles are made with work in mind, so are made with thinner rubber, EVA, or TPU to allow for a flexible sole.   

Similarities between work boots and snow boots  

Snow boots and work boots are similar in some ways…

There are some things that are similar in the construction of work boots and snow boots.  We will go over a couple of points to see how similar they are.

Lace-up and slip-on

Both work boots and snow boots come in a lace-up option or pull-on option. 

The lace-up option makes the boot snug around the foot, ankle and mid-calf or higher depending on the height of the boot.  This is important in both snow boots and works boots. 

Snow boots you need to have tightened enough to keep snow out, and work boots need to be snug to keep debris out.  Slip-on options are nice too depending on the type of work or whether you find yourself in.  

Find out more differences between pull-on and lace-up work boots here.

Non-slip Sole

Both work boots and snow boots are usually made with non-slip soles. This feature is important with snow boots when you find yourself walking on icy surfaces. 

Work boots also benefit from non-slip soles as you may find yourself on a surface that may be wet, greasy, icy, or uneven to walk on.  

Here are some examples of slip-resistant work boots.

Work boots or snow boots: It all depends on you

When looking at buying either work boots or snow boots, you’ll want to ask yourself what kind of work you’ll be doing and what kind of weather you’ll be in. 

Work boots give you comfortable heavy-duty protection that is flexible and solid, while snow boots focus more on keeping your feet dry and warm in cold wet weather. 

If you work in the snow, a pair of good snow boots may be what you’re looking for. 

If you have a job at a construction site or in a warehouse where the weather conditions are dryer and warmer, work boots should be just fine. 

It all depends on what you are looking to provide yourself with. The key point to remember here is that each one of these boots, work boots, and snow boots will provide a different set of safety features based on the environment you’re going to wear them on.


Team Members Working On This Page

sondra claflin one of the writers and researches at bestformyfeet.com
Sondra Claflin – Writer And Researcher

Hi!  My name’s Sondra and I am one of the researchers and writers here at BestForMyFeet.com.  I have 5 kids who I spend my days teaching and caring for. I’m married now for 13 years to my dear husband Art, who helps his folks run a housecleaning business as well as a side business of his own for general contracting and home remodel.  I’m just a high school graduate who decided to raise a family and keep the home.

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!



source https://bestformyfeet.com/work-boots-versus-snow-boots/

Friday 18 February 2022

Dr Martens ICON Industrial Safety Boot Cut In Half: Here's What's In It

Work Boots Cut In Half: What's Inside The Caterpillar Outline?

Work Boots Cut In Half: What’s Inside The Caterpillar Outline Work Boots?

I’ve had these work boots for about a year before I cut them in half. I’ve used them for light duties tasks in construction, mostly indoors or operating plant and construction equipment.

What struck me from day one is how comfy and lightweight these were. Previous to these boots I was wearing Timberland Pit Boss and the difference in weight was significant.

The boot was still in good condition when I’ve decided to cut it in half as with many other work boots I’ll cut. And that’s because I always have at least 2 pairs of work boots I can alternate for many reasons.

For example, just to mention a few reasons, they’ll last longer overall, avoiding stinky feet and athlete’s foot, conditioning them, washing them every now and then.

caterpillar outline work boots cut in half

About the boot

Brand Caterpillar (CAT)
Model Outline
Shaft height 5.50-inch from that arch
Heel height 0.89 inch
Color Yellow
Toe cap Steel toe cap
Upper Nubuck leather
Sole construction Cemented sole
Price Check on Amazon

If you prefer, you can watch it on YouTube

How the boot was used

As I’ve already mentioned, I did a lot of indoor activities combined with some forklift and crane operating during the time I’ve had these Caterpillar work boots.

I was working mostly on flat, polished, and unpolished concrete floors. Sometimes I’d walk through a little bit of mud due to rain and bad weather.

How long did it last?

The boots were still in good condition when I’ve stopped using them so I can’t really comment how long they lasted.

But I think it’s fair to say you’d get at least 12-14 months out of it doing any lightweight to medium duties.

Cool, let’s dig in a bit more

Let’s start with the sole of this Caterpillar Outline

We’ll start with the sole and make our way up…

1. The outsole

The first thing that came to mind straight away is the thickness of the outsole on these boots. The sole is very thin.

At the forefoot area, it’s about 12mm thick and 24mm thick at the heel area.

I don’t remember having a boot with such a thin outsole before.

The good thing is that being so thin the boot is very lightweight even though it’s a steel toe cap work boot. On the other hand, you will be very close to the ground meaning that you’ll feel everything you’re stepping on.

I recommend you to buy these only if you work mostly on flat surfaces, not for rough terrains. A good insole will be helpful as well.

2. The midsole

The midsole (if you can consider it a midsole) it’s a thin layer of white foam. Not sure what material it is but it seems like it’s polyester. Don’t quote me on that.

But it’s a spongy layer that’s 1.5mm thick with the exception of the heel area where it’s almost 9mm thick. It’s thicker at the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.

3. The insole

Nothing to mention here other than the fact that the boot comes with a removable insole. It’s a poor-quality insole.

It will be fine for the first month of wearing these boots but later will become as thin as printing paper, uncomfortable and stinky.

So if you can, get yourself a good pair of insoles for your feet.

4. Does this boot have a shank?

Yes, these Caterpillar Outline boots (to my surprise) come with a shank. It’s a plastic or fiberglass shank, not 100% sure.

The shank is about 103mm long and 3mm thick.

But the important thing is that it has a shank which is helpful for a better boot structure. Also helps avoid developing pain in the arch area by not allowing the boot to bend in that area as you take each step.

5. Heel counter

The heel counter helps keep the boot in a good shape especially if you don’t like to untie your boots before you take them off.

Also, it helps the boots keep their shape, especially when you’re not wearing them. Nothing to mention in this section really other than maybe that the heel counter in this boot is made out of some kind of hardened paper.

6. Arch support

These Caterpillar work boots come with arch support which is quite nice. One thing you should keep in mind if you buy these boots is to use insoles with a low arch, or with flexible arch support.

That’s because if the insole comes with high RIGID arch support you might have some trouble wearing them. I had to stop wearing them since it was causing me a lot of pain.

7. Puncture resistant

There’s nothing in the sole of these Caterpillar Outline work boots that could make it puncture-resistant.

The Dewalt Newark does come with a steel plate in the midsole, but these boots have none of that.

So if that’s an important feature to have in your work boots go for something else.

8. Construction type

The Caterpillar Outline is put together using the cemented sole method through which the upper is attached to the sole by using strong adhesives. There’s no stitching.

The few stitches that you see in the image below are part of the upper and I could not take them out easily. Those are the stitches that put together the upper and the sockliner.

This is good because it makes the boot a tiny little bit lighter than using other types of footwear sole construction but on the other hand, you can’t resole easily and cost-effective work boots with this type of sole construction.

Let’s talk about the upper on these boots

We’ve seen what’s in the sole, now let’s have a look at upper components.

1. The upper’s material

These Caterpillar work boots are made out of nubuck leather and it has a really good thickness. The leather is about 2mm thick which is more than most work boots in this price range.

This is was a big plus in my view.

2. Lining

There is a nylon mesh lining in these boots that will help wick moisture away from your feet.

3. Waterproof

The leather is now waterproof and there is no waterproofing membrane in these boots so I’ll say that these boots are not waterproof.

You can treat them to be water repellent by using different products and tricks. Here’s how I waterproof my work boots.

Also if you’re curious these are some great waterproof work boots you should check out after finishing reading this article.

4. Insulation

These Caterpillar Outline work boots are not insulated either. So if you work a lot in cold weather you should look into getting a good pair of insulated work boots.

These work boots are better for summer or if you work in cold areas you could use them only if you work indoors otherwise you’re feet will freeze in these.

5. Padding

There’s a little bit of padding behind the nylon mesh lining and also around the ankle. At the ankle area, it’s a bit thicker and all this provides good cushioning making the boot very comfy to wear.

6. Toe cap

This is a safety toe boot and it comes with a steel toe cap. So if you need a boot for construction work or any other industry that requires you a safety toe work boot, then this is a great option!

The toe cap itself is quite tough and it seems that I need to up my tools game here since I couldn’t cut through the steel with my Bosch jigsaw.

You’ll see how thick it is in the image above plus how wide and tall it is in case you need to know if your feet will fit in these boots.

Last words

I hope I didn’t miss anything. Cutting my Caterpillar Outline in half helped me learn a bit more about the work boots I wear and I hope it helped you in any way as well.

These work boots were not expensive and I’m happy with what I’ve got for the money I paid for them.

By the way, If I did miss anything, please leave a comment below and I’ll make sure to answer it asap.


Team Members Working On This Page

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Jessica Flynn
Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, taking care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!



source https://bestformyfeet.com/caterpillar-outline-work-boots-cut-in-half/

Monday 7 February 2022

Work Boots vs. Tennis Shoes: Which One Is Better For Factory Work?

Work boots are the golden standard for many jobs out there, but the fact is we’ve all had to go to work for one reason or the other wearing a different type of shoe that seems good enough.

an image of a few factory workers showing what type of footwear they wear. Some they like work boots whilst others like tennis shoes.

Just the other day, I had to make a quick stop at my friend’s job to hand in some paperwork, so I slipped on a pair of tennis shoes to get there, and to my surprise, I saw other employees wearing tennis shoes too.

The quick answer to the question what is better for factory work, work boots or tennis shoes the answer is work boots. Work boots are better than tennis shoes for factory work. 

Yes, work boots could never be as comfy and as lightweight as a pair of tennis shoes…

…but in the long run work boots not only will protect your feet better but sometimes will even help avoid developing foot-related problems such as plantar fasciitis or fallen arches, and many more.

But seeing those tennis shoes had me wondering, how well do work boots and tennis shoes compare to each other? And do they have the same features?

That’s what we’re about to find out, so keep reading to find out the results!

Are tennis shoes good for factory jobs?

According to OSHA, some tennis shoes meet specific work safety requirements depending on what kind of factory you work in.

This all comes down to the fact that tennis shoes are kinda like sneakers, and several sneakers share the same features as work boots. In some cases, retailers mislabel the two by putting them in the wrong categories.

Now, I’m no professional tennis player. But I am a fan of quality footwear and a proud owner of a variety of shoes and boots, including some sweet Nike and Puma tennis shoes.

So naturally, I felt like it was the right time to compare what sets these two types of footwear apart. 

Do tennis shoes protect feet like work boots?

Tennis shoes protect the heel and provide good cushioning around the ankles, not to mention a steady grip on muddy surfaces, but tennis shoes are not what you should be looking for if your job is in a hazardous area with lots of sharp and potentially falling objects.

The protection you get in tennis shoes is meant specifically for a tennis court since tennis players need to perform repetitive and aggressive quick movements during a tournament like going side to side, stopping, and turning a lot. 

On the other hand, a work boot is an entirely different beast of its own class that brings in every safety feature imaginable for your feet to stay safe in different terrains.

Safety toe caps, shanks, fire resistance, you name it, and you probably won’t find them in even the best pair of tennis shoes since they’re not meant for the same environments. 

Are tennis shoes more comfortable to work in than work boots?

A lot of people like tennis shoes for their almost barefoot feel, and even I’ll admit that they’re comfortable for most day-to-day errands and tasks.

The thing is, when it comes to factory jobs where lots of standing and heavy lifting is involved, they’re not fit for the task.

Why?

First off, tennis shoes barely have cushioning, which makes sense when you’re playing tennis and need to be agile during an intense game since their midsoles and overall design is meant to absorb shock from landing on hard surfaces.

In a factory job, your feet will eventually get tired from feeling the hard surface underneath you for long periods, which can impact how you work as a whole and cause fatigue.

Second, tennis shoes have a tighter upper to prevent clay in tennis courts from entering your feet while providing extra stability, but wearing them for too long can cause blisters.

Third, the upper of a tennis shoe is rarely made from rubber or leather. Instead, they’re made from various materials designed to be stiff and breathable, which is a bit problematic for factory jobs.

Allow me to explain.

Tennis shoes are not designed for maximum safety and durability, so even though the materials on the upper can be stiff and heavy, they can absorb liquids, become dirty, and get punctured easily.

On the other hand, work boots almost always stick to good ol’ leather, rubber, or a combination of the two, both of which have been the materials of choice for centuries since they are waterproof, rugged, and can take a beating without losing their durability.

Do work boots or tennis shoes have more features?

When it comes to features that factory workers need, a pair of work boots wins hands down every time.

Work boots cater to the needs of the working man and woman, and just as there are countless types of factory jobs, there’s a work boot for the job.

With work boots, you can expect everything from:

But what about tennis shoes?

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the years, it’s that tennis shoes have lots of fancy marketing terms to hype up features, and it’s hard to keep up with them.

Every year, a tennis shoe manufacturer can release several models of the same shoe, with the only real difference being the color or patterns.

To keep it simple, the key features of tennis shoes are:

  • Lateral support
  • Ankle support
  • Heel support
  • Shock absorbency 
  • High-traction outsoles
  • Breathable uppers

Are tennis shoes more expensive than work boots?

Many tennis shoes are made by famous brands like Adidas and the like, so it comes as no surprise that tennis shoes are usually more expensive than work boots, and I’m talking in the $300+ range if you happen to prefer major sporting brands.

But as I always say, price isn’t everything. 

You can find a lot of great lesser-known yet reputable brands that manufacture tennis shoes for around the $50 mark, all with a great set of features to keep you on your toes if you’re planning on actually playing tennis or maybe walking in them.

Work boots aren’t all that different when it comes to their pricing.

However, fancier work boots can be very expensive, especially if you’re into the more exotic types of leather out there.

At the same time, there are many work boots under the $100 mark that even blend in features and styles you’d only come to expect from a pair of sneakers.

The good news is you can always find out the price of a pair of work boots you’ve got your eyes on right here on my blog by looking at the different work boots round-ups my team and I have created for you.

Who are tennis shoes suited for?

So let’s get back to the most important question.

The short answer is if you have a desk job as a manager and aren’t at risk of chemicals, oil spills, electrocution, or any other type of work hazard, a sturdy pair of tennis shoes will do just fine.

For workers operating machines in a factory, the answer is no 99% of the time since you’re simply putting your feet in danger, which is the last thing you’d want.

Final verdict: work boots or tennis shoes?

We’ve set the facts straight, and it’s pretty clear that work boots are in the lead, especially for factory workers.

So, while a pair of tennis shoes are great for casual events or while sprinting on the tennis court, nothing beats a sturdy and comfortable pair of work boots when you’re on the clock and need to keep your foot in one piece.

Many times the type of footwear you wear at work is determined by the company you’re working for so you should ask them first about what type of footwear you can wear at work.

After wearing safety work boots for over a decade I will always recommend anyone to use safety boots over a pair of tennis shoes, especially in an industrial environment. You’ll thank me later!


Team Members Working On This Page

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Jessica Flynn
Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, taking care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!



source https://bestformyfeet.com/work-boots-vs-tennis-shoes-for-factory-work/

Friday 4 February 2022

How To Lace Work Boots? (For Extra Comfort & Stability)

Work boots take a real beating and need to be sized correctly as well as laced securely to ensure maximum comfort and stability. 

When you were a child, your parents most likely used the common criss-cross method.  It’s easy to do and well known by all, but your work boots need different techniques, which we will go over. 

Also, we’ll talk about if lacing your work in different ways makes actually any difference or it’s just a way to look more interesting and get attention and other cool details.

here I'm showing 4 of my work boots each one of them using a different lacing style.

Work boot lacing methods

Let’s go through a few methods I’ve used myself over the last few years whilst working in the construction industry.

1. The heel lock method

showing how the heel lock lacing method looks like.

Blisters on your heel caused by the friction of your heel and the boot rubbing against each other can cause a lot of discomfort.  

The Heel Lock lace tying method is great for stabilizing your heel and locking it into place via the pulley system this tying method creates. It can also be useful in keeping your toes from jamming into the front of the boot.  

I’ve had this issue particularly with my Doc Martens Icon 7b10 steel toe work boots in which the heel was slipping like crazy with each step.

The way I’ve saved myself from tired feet and blisters is by tieing my work boots using this lacing method.

If your heel is slipping inside your boots as well I strongly encourage you to tie your laces around the boots and then make the node at the front. This will help even more to keep the boot tight to your ankle providing great support and stopping heel slippage.

This is a popular method favored by people who work or traverse rugged terrain. 

Here’s how to lace your work boots using The Heel Lock Technique

  • To do a Heel Lock, start with the usual criss cross method all the way up to the hooks.
  • Continue straight up the first two sets of hooks, not crisscross but putting the laces on the outside of the first to sets of hook.
  • Cross the laces over, creating a box with the laces on the outside of the hooks, with one lace under the vertical lace on the opposite side.
  • Take the other lace and put it under the other vertical lace just like the other side.
  • Tighten and then tie as you normally would. If you have enough lace, you can wrap around the ankle and then tie as your normally would.

2. The ladder method

showing what the ladder lacing method looks like.

You can secure your boots to your feet very well with this method.  The Ladder Method is great for people on their feet all day and who need to move around a lot. 

This method looks tidy and neat, as the laces go straight across rather than diagonally.  This method is also known as the Straight Lace, Bar Lace or Military Lace.  

Here’s how to lace your work boots using The Ladder Method

  • Start at the bottom inner ankle eyelet and put the lace through from outside to inside.
  • Pull the lace up diagonally and through the very top upper eyelet put through from the inside to the outside, giving about 7 inches of lace to hang. You’re going to have a bunch of lace that you will be working with, leaving the 7 inches alone until you are ready to tie.
  • Take the long lace and create your first bar by lacing straight across the bottom from the outside in. Pull tight, holding the 7 inch upper lace and pulling your long lace.
  • Take the long lace and cross diagonally, going up one eyelet and lacing from the inside out. Pull and tighten and then make another bar with the long lace, going straight across and lacing into that eyelet from the outside in.
  • Repeat the diagonal lace, going up one eyelet and lacing from the inside to out, tighten and pull across to make the next bar going from outside in.
  • Do this until you get to the top, at which point if you have a lot of extra lace, simply wrap around your ankle once and then tie and knot normally.

3. The army lacing method

showing what the army lacing method looks like for work boots.

This method gives the boot wearer stability and added comfort. It gives you a snug fit but not too snug.  It allows the boot flexibility on the side of the boot. 

It also allows for laces to be done in such a way that you lessen the chances of vegetation to snag on your laces, which is ideal for loggers, landscapers, linemen, and anyone working around sticks and plants material.

Additionally, it’s a great lacing system if you have high arches or the boots you just bought are too tight on the top of your foot.

By skipping a few eyelets you’re actually allowing more room for your foot. So if your foot needs to push up through the boot tongue in order to fit comfortably this lacing method will be helpful.

Here’s how to lace your work boots using The Army Lacing Method

  • Lace through the bottom two eyelets, going from outside in on each side.
  • Move up an eyelet vertically and lace from the outside in on each side.
  • Gently tighten, then pass diagonally up one eyelet on each side by lacing from the inside out on each side.
  • You will then move up vertically straight one eyelet on each side, lacing through the next eyelets from the outside in. Do these steps until you reach the top, then tie and knot normally.

Are these methods useful for work or they’re more just for the show?

Some of the lacing methods you’ll see out there won’t help you in any way really. They’re more like a fashionable way to lace boots rather than for comfort, stability, and support whilst you’re working.

I’ve asked in a few places on the web if people do lace their boots in any particular way and if it makes any difference at all which way you’re lacing your work boots in the first place.

Some people were trolling me for asking this question. In their opinion, this is not even a serious question or something to look into.

Their attitude is childish in my opinion since many professionals are using a different style of lacing based on what tasks are performed.

Take this ex-military person for example…

Last words

Some ways of lacing work boots don’t really help with anything else more than just making you look cooler.

But some other lacing styles like the ones I’ve shared with you today are used by a lot of professionals to achieve more comfort and stability whilst working.

I hope you find this information useful as you learn how to lace your work boots. If you have other ways to lace your work boots please comment below.


Team Members Working On This Page

sondra claflin one of the writers and researches at bestformyfeet.com
Sondra Claflin – Writer And Researcher

Hi!  My name’s Sondra and I am one of the researchers and writers here at BestForMyFeet.com.  I have 5 kids who I spend my days teaching and caring for. I’m married now for 13 years to my dear husband Art, who helps his folks run a housecleaning business as well as a side business of his own for general contracting and home remodel.  I’m just a high school graduate who decided to raise a family and keep the home.

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!



source https://bestformyfeet.com/different-ways-to-lace-work-boots/

Thursday 3 February 2022

Carhartt Versus Timberland Work Boots: Which One Is Better?

If you’re looking for your next pair of durable and comfortable work boots I’m sure you’ve considered any of these two quite famous work boots brands. 

But which one should you go for? Timberland PRO work boots or Carhart work boots?

Quick answer: I couldn’t find huge differences between the two brands so I could say that choosing Timberland or Carhartt as the brand for your work boots will simply come down to your personal preference and affinity with the brand, their message, etc.

two work boots from two different brands going head to head to find out the differences between them. So we have one boot from Timberland vs another work boot from Carhartt.

In this article, you’ll find some helpful information I’ve put together to help you out a little bit. I’ve done a lot of research. It took me and the Best For My Feet team somewhere north of 38 hours of hard work to put all this information together.

We’ll talk about the different types of boots Carhartt and Timberland produce, the differences in price, fit, size and so much more!

So make sure you keep reading to learn more about the differences between Timberland and Carhart work boots.

Let’s get into it…

What type of boots do they produce?

Both Timberland and Carhartt have an extensive range of great-looking work boots for every taste and style out there.

Here’s a table with the type of work boots each brand produces:

Type of Boot Carhartt Timberland
Classic Moc toe Style CMW6095 GridWorks
Round soft toe boot Style CMW6174 Pit Boss
Composite toe work boots Style CMF6366  Boondock
Pull-on soft toe work boots Style CMP1100
Pull-on safety toe boots Style CMP1200 Powerwelt
8” Lace-up safety toe boot Style CMF8720 Rigmaster
6” Lace-up steel toe boot Style CMW6220  Pit Boss
Metaguard work boot Style CMF1721 – 11 inch Met Guard
Wedge sole work boots Style CMW6191 PRO 24/7 Wedge Sole
Hiker safety boots Style CMH4251 White ledge
Logger work boots Style CML8369 Evergreen
BOA System
Cowboy style work boots AG Boss
Rubber work boots CMV1451 – 15 inch high
Insulated work boots Style CMF8058 Helix
Side zip work boots Valor
Slip-on work boots FW5033

I’m sure there might be more and we might have missed one or two but don’t worry, we’re always updating these pages. If you think there’s a boot we should include here please leave a comment below and we’ll look into it! (TIA)

Do Carhartt and Timberland work boots fit the same?

Now that we’ve seen a few examples of what type of work boots Carhartt and Timberland make, let’s quickly check out how they fit.

As always, this is the hardest part when it comes to buying work boots online. 

It’s not going to be easy to purchase a work boot that’s comfortable from day one, especially online. 

But this section should give you an idea of what action should be taken when purchasing Timberland PRO or Carhartt work boots.

Both brands have too many boots to go through individually. What I did instead was I picked some of the most sold boots from Carhartt and Timberland and looked at what people have said about how they fit.

How do Carhartt work boots fit?

Carhartt Wedge Sole

For Carhartt, I’ve chosen the CMW6191 model. These work boots come with a soft-toe box. 

And I mention this because if you work in an industry where safety steel toe work boots are required, you won’t be able to wear this model.

This model has over 5000 reviews on Amazon alone plus another few hundred on other online stores altogether.

Not everybody left feedback about how their boots fit, but around 1150 awesome people did leave a comment about the size and fit of their new boots.

Out of those 1150 buyers, 936 of them said the boot fit them perfectly. So their Carhartt boots were true to size.

A very small number of people said the boots were small and about a third said the boots were a bit big for their feet.

This is the breakdown of people’s feedback on that particular work boot size and how it fits.

Too Small 16
Somewhat small 30
True To Size 936
Somewhat large 120
Too large 48

How do Timberland PRO work boots fit?

Timberland PRO Direct Attach

For the Timberland PRO work boots, it’s kind of the opposite.

Most of the time they fit perfectly. Sometimes they run a bit small and a very small amount of customers said the boots run big . That’s what I’ve seen on their website and other online stores after reading hundreds of customer feedback.

It’s the same on Amazon. If we look at one of their most famous work boot, the Timberland PRO Pit Boss (reviewed here), out of almost 8000 buyers who left feedback about the size and fit…

6390 of them have said the boots fit them perfectly. So they were true to size.

This is the breakdown of people’s feedback on that particular work boot size and how it fits.

Too Small 481
Somewhat small 677
True To Size 6390
Somewhat large 333
Too large 94

When you buy work boots at any online store getting the right size and fit is the most challenging part of the buying process. You never know what you’re going to get.

Personally, I had Timberland PRO work boots and they fit well for me every time. And I always like to buy one size up from what I buy for my regular shoes and boots.

The good thing about buying work boots on Amazon is that they have the Amazon Prime Wardrobe (they’ve changed the name now to Amazon Prime Try Before You Buy) where you can try on the work boots and you won’t pay for them until you’re happy with the product.

OF COURSE … keep in mind that there’s a limited time for this. You can’t wear them for 2 months and then say: “Hey, these boots are no good” 🙂

It’s worth checking it out before buying your work boots. It’s quite handy and it’s free if you have an Amazon Prime membership.

Anyway, it seems that Timberland PRO and Carhartt’s work boots fit a bit differently if we look at the numbers. For example:

  • Most people said the work boots were true to size. Both brands are the same here. The vast majority said their work boots fit them right.
  • Some people said the boots were a bit large in the case of Carhartt work boots and very few said the boots are small.
  • The boots run small contraty to Carhartt, Timberland’s work boots seem to fit a bit small in some cases and very few users mentioned the boot being big for them.

Timberland PRO VS Carhartt work boots: Where are they made?

Where work boots are manufactured is not an easy piece of information to find nowadays. I’ve searched the web for the most sold models from each brand and looked at where those boots were made.

Here’s what I found…

Timberland PRO work boots

Model Specific feature Where it’s made
Pit Boss Goodyear welted boots Dominican Republic
Boondock Composite toe cap Vietnam
Endurance Steel toe cap China
Direct Attach Non-marking soles Dominican Republic
Titan Slip-resistant Dominican Republic

As you can see there are no Timberland PRO work boots made in the US at the time I’m writing this article.

Let’s see if Carhartt is any different.

Carhartt work boots

Model Specific feature Where it’s made
CMW6095 Soft toe Overseas
CMF6371 Composite toe China
CMP1200 Wellington boots Bangladesh
CMF6356 Electric Hazard rated China
CMC1259 Insulated China
Traditional Welt Square steel toe China

As you can see, based on customer feedback I’ve gathered from the reviews online, Carhartt work boots are made overseas. So there’s no difference there between Carhartt and Timberland.

Some old reviews were saying some of Carhartt’s work boots were made in America. But it seems like that’s not the case anymore. 

If you find an online store that sells Carhartt work boots made in the US, make sure you ask them to send you pictures of the inside label of the boot.

That’s where it should say where it’s made. Also, look for the American flag on the tongue or on the side of the boot.

Those should be indicators that the boots are made in the US.

I might be wrong but at the time of writing this article, I couldn’t find any work boots, from both brands, Carhartt and Timberland, that are made in the US.

If anything changes or if you know of a boot from any of these two brands that are made in the USA, please leave a comment below so we can dig into it and maybe add it to the list.

Carhartt vs Timberland work boots: Differences in price

Carhartt boots are not the cheapest work boots out there but they’re not much more expensive than Timberland work boots are.

For example, you can buy a pair of Carhartt work boots for around $100 on the low end and the most expensive work boots from Carhart are not going too much over the $200 mark.

This model for example cost $199.99 on the Carhartt website. Here’s how much costs on Amazon.

When we look at Timberland work boots, we see they’re within the same range.

That means that the cheapest Timberland PRO work boots you can buy go for around $80. The lowest price I found is this hiker boot model (Norwood).

Keep in mind that depending on the size of the boots the prices will go up or down. Many times the smaller the size, the lower the price.

The most expensive Timberland PRO work boots go for around $200 with models such as this Boondock model leather work boot.

So you could safely say that Carhartt and Timberland work boots are within the same price range.

What industries are they good for?

Both Timberland and Carhartt have a wide range of work boots you can choose from.

I’m sure that no matter what industry you’re in you will find a boot that you like from either of them. It will come down to your taste and budget.

Carhartt and Timberland work boots are good for:

Carhartt VS Timberland: What do the reviews say about them?

Both brands have a ridiculous amount of reviews online. It was very hard to go through both brands since they don’t do just work boots. They also do clothing and other apparel items.

But here’s what people say about these two brands…

What people are saying about Carhartt work boots?

If you do a simple Google search you’ll see how many bad reviews Carhartt has on Trustpilot, Yelp, and other review sites.

The majority of disappointed customers who left a review were complaining about the customer service being too slow or non-existent (not necessarily about Carhartt products).

However, when I look at specific online stores that sell Carhartt footwear such as Zappos, Amazon, and a few more…I see a lot of happy customers.

The few unhappy buyers were mostly complaining about the sizing of the boots. The sizing is all over the place some customers were saying.

So make sure when you buy Carhartt, you buy them either at the local store if possible. That way you’ll know on the spot if the boots are going to fit you or not.

Or if you buy online make sure the store you’re buying from has a clear and easy-to-understand return policy just in case you need to return the boots.

I’ve mentioned this before, but in case you’ve missed it, Amazon has a great service called Amazon Prime Wardrobe that allows you to try the products before you buy them. Read more about it here.

What people are saying about Timberland PRO work boots?

Maybe I’m biased because I do like Timberland work boots but many people mentioned in their reviews that Timberland work boots are not only comfortable but also that they are very stylish.

Yes, they are stylish. No matter what style of work boot you like, slip-on, lace-up, Wellies, etc, you will find a good-looking boot from Timberland.

Some users are complaining about the durability of the boots especially when you pay a couple of hundred of dollars on them.

Some models are better constructed than others but I feel like you should expect to wear your Timberland PRO work boots for at least one year and a half before you need to replace them.

As with any other brand out there, you’ll have positive and negative feedback. If the positive feedback outranks the negative one though by a large quantity then I think you’re on the right track of buying a good quality boot.

Check out my review of one of the most known models, the Timberland PRO Pit Boss. Or have a look at what’s inside it since I also like to cut my work boots in half after wearing them for a while to see what’s inside them.

Overall, people like this brand of work boots, and the majority of users are happy with their purchase.

Let’s find out which work boots models are selling the most from each brand. The boots I’m sharing below are listed in no particular order. The last one is as good as the first one.

Carhartt’s top 5 most sold work boots

Model Features Price
CMW6095 Soft toe 
Wedge sole
Removable insole
Check in-store
Traditional Welt Steel toe cap boots
Electric hazard
Superior traction
Check in-store
RuggedFlex Composite toe
Insulated boots
8 Inch boot
Check in-store
CMP1200 Steel toe cap
Oil & slip resistant
Wellington boots
Check in-store
CMX4023 Soft Moc Toe 
Lightweight
Casual look
Check in-store

Timberland’s top 5 most sold work boots

Timberland PRO Boondock
Model Features Price
Pit Boss Soft toe
100% leather
Goodyear Welted
Check in-store
Boondock Composite safety toe
100% leather
Goodyear Welted Boots
Check in-store
White Ledge Soft toe
100% leather
Cemented Sole
Check in-store
Endurance Steel toe
100% leather
Cemented Sole
Check in-store
Wedge Sole Soft toe box
100% leather
Goodyear Welted
Check in-store

Alternatives to Timberland & Carhartt: boot brands in the same ballpark

If you don’t feel like either Carhartt or Timberland PRO work boots are meant for you, I get you; after all, it’s not as easy as it seems to choose what’ll eventually become your daily work companion.

Not to worry though, there are plenty of other reliable and durable work boots to choose from.

Here are some brands that I’d also recommend, which I’ve also reviewed extensively over here on Best For My Feet.

Timberland VS Carhartt work boots: Which one is best for you?

The thing about these two brands is that you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Both of them are popular and you’ll recognize them easily if you see someone wearing something from either Carhartt or Timberland.

Carhartt has some great-looking boots but in my opinion, Timberland’s boots look much better.

Personally, I couldn’t find any big differences between the two brands. Nothing that big that can make me say: “Yeah, Timberland is better than the Carhartt or the other way around”.

Ultimately, this will come down to your personal preferences, taste, and affinity with the brand.


Team Members Working On This Page

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Jessica Flynn
Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, taking care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!



source https://bestformyfeet.com/carhartt-versus-timberland-work-boots/

Brunt Versus Thorogood work boots: Here’s What You Need To Know

With Brunt Footwear gaining more and more traction, some of you looking into buying a new pair of work wanted to know how these two brands c...