Three years ago, I bought a pair of Red Wing Irish Setter boots with steel toes. Two years ago, I got a new job that requires me to go through metal detectors pretty often, and it’s a pain. I’ve been waiting for these boots to wear out so I can justify getting new ones with a composite toe. I generally wear through boots in about a year.
These fucking boots WILL NOT DIE. They are still WATERPROOF. I haven’t had to so much as replace the laces. They’re incredible. I bought a size larger than needed and made up the difference with a couple of insoles and it’s like walking on a cloud plus I seem a couple of inches taller. My feet don’t even hurt after a 12 hour shift.
When they finally do give up on you, check out Thorogood’s wedgesole Boots. They’re even higher quality than setters, boot of choice for all the heavy industrial goons I work with. Union made in the USA.
Thorogoods are premium tier for sure, but I have a strange gait and the soles are soft. Switched to the Carolina Sarge and they’re perfect for me.
https://www.carolinashoe.com/en/sarge-lo-6-inch-steel-toe-work-boot-16044.html
Definitely different strokes for different folks. I suffered for two years in Carolinas, in extreme foot and ankle pain every day until I broke down and got my Thorogood. Better you than me pal 😅
I just told you I walk funny 🤣
Mine are 15 years old, replacing a 10yo pair. My previous pair didn’t wear out, they got contaminated (plumbing leak went straight into them).
Your best bet is to just buy a new pair. Even if you wear out the soles (I did by year 12), $70 or so gets them re-soled by redwing.