Posted by David Sherman on Sunday, May 13, 2007 at 01:08:06 :
In Reply to: Re: The One Dollar Hammer posted by Todd Wilson on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 21:51:52 :
I went back to Red Wing boots 2 years ago and they're the best work boots I've had. I keep them well greased with Obenauf's boot grease, which definitely helps, but they're really good boots. They're made in America. As I understand it, the cheaper Red Wing boots are made in China, but their high-end ones are still made here. At least I hope they still are when I finally need another pair. You have to look close. Even "Carolina" boots are now Chinese.
If you want serious work boots, especially high-top logger's boots, Hoffman's still makes them right here in Kellogg Idaho. I've never had a pair, but they're supposed to be top quality. But the truth is you're probably going to pay $200 for a good pair of work boots, maybe $160 on sale if you're lucky. Anything under $150 is Chinese, and those $30-$40 "hiking boots" they have in all the sporting goods catalogs are pure junk no matter how "rugged" they look. Good leather isn't cheap, and neither is good stitching. I really like the urethane soles for walking all day on concrete and asphalt that tends to eat up vibram soles.
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