Safety boots/trainers that are super comfy?
Discussion
I've had a pair of Arco Element II Gore-tex trainer ankle boots for years and they are without a doubt the best lightweight and comfiest boots I've ever worn. Typically they don't make them anymore and despite trying on an assortment of replacements, none of them come anywhere near the same comfort level.
The Element IIs had a "SmartMask Deluxe Footbed" according to the blurb and it did exactly what it said on the tin. I can stand around in these all day and not suffer any foot fatigue and also the composite toe-cap and insulated sole makes for warm dry feet even on frozen or cold ground.
I've tried the SmartMask insoles they sell separately but they're still too hard for my liking.
Can any of you guys recommend a good replacement?
Requirements :
- Up to £80, may stretch to £100 for something exceptional.
- *Must have a super comfy soft foot bed*.
- Composite or at least non-steel toe cap.
- Not fall apart within 12 months of normal use (which rules out pretty much all of the cheaper stuff).
- Mainly for use on tarmac/concrete, occasional muddy areas so at least water resistent would be handy but not essential.
- Breathable as I suffer from sweaty feet.
The Element IIs had a "SmartMask Deluxe Footbed" according to the blurb and it did exactly what it said on the tin. I can stand around in these all day and not suffer any foot fatigue and also the composite toe-cap and insulated sole makes for warm dry feet even on frozen or cold ground.
I've tried the SmartMask insoles they sell separately but they're still too hard for my liking.
Can any of you guys recommend a good replacement?
Requirements :
- Up to £80, may stretch to £100 for something exceptional.
- *Must have a super comfy soft foot bed*.
- Composite or at least non-steel toe cap.
- Not fall apart within 12 months of normal use (which rules out pretty much all of the cheaper stuff).
- Mainly for use on tarmac/concrete, occasional muddy areas so at least water resistent would be handy but not essential.
- Breathable as I suffer from sweaty feet.
I buy a lot of boots for work, and used to buy the Element 2's for our diabetic staff. When they were discontinued we trialled a lot of different footwear and after consultation with specialists we settled on the Uvex one boots (Arco part number 6P2600). They look flimsy but last pretty much as long as anything else and if you don't need a waterproof boot these are the ones you should try.
These https://www.scruffs.com/safety-footwear/blaze-nitr...
I've had 3 pairs in about 6 years and they're great, cheap at the mo too I think I paid £40 last time
I've had 3 pairs in about 6 years and they're great, cheap at the mo too I think I paid £40 last time
Site boots from Screwfix have always been really comfortable for me: http://www.screwfix.com/p/site-flint-hi-top-safety...
Throw in a decent insole and they're good for the whole day. I find the sole a bit stiff for smooth comfortable driving, but for standing/walking they're great.
Throw in a decent insole and they're good for the whole day. I find the sole a bit stiff for smooth comfortable driving, but for standing/walking they're great.
OP you will not gain consensus from this post believe me [i have started similar threads before].
i would say that you get what you pay for and there is a big difference even between the same manufacturer.
my personal favourites to date are these betas:
http://www.betawork.com/catalog/articles/view/7294...lang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_betawork/filters_
light, super comfy and meet your specs. i wear safety boots every day in a variety of climates from desert to jungle. they do a cold weather version as well. deffo recommend a good insole - perhaps a thermal formed one [stick in microwave then into your shoe and stand in them].i also wear seamless socks. yes i am precious.
keen are very well commended if you can get them. my colleagues mainly wear reebok military boots which they all swear by, but i find them too soft and feels like i'm wearing platforms.
i plan to try the new puma safety boots when i can find a stockist, as i really want some redwings but doubt i can get them through on expenses [$$$].
i would say that you get what you pay for and there is a big difference even between the same manufacturer.
my personal favourites to date are these betas:
http://www.betawork.com/catalog/articles/view/7294...lang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_betawork/filters_
light, super comfy and meet your specs. i wear safety boots every day in a variety of climates from desert to jungle. they do a cold weather version as well. deffo recommend a good insole - perhaps a thermal formed one [stick in microwave then into your shoe and stand in them].i also wear seamless socks. yes i am precious.
keen are very well commended if you can get them. my colleagues mainly wear reebok military boots which they all swear by, but i find them too soft and feels like i'm wearing platforms.
i plan to try the new puma safety boots when i can find a stockist, as i really want some redwings but doubt i can get them through on expenses [$$$].
These are the comfiest I've worn.
http://www.safetybootsuk.co.uk/timberland-safety-b...
Better than Doc Martins in my opinion
http://www.safetybootsuk.co.uk/timberland-safety-b...
Better than Doc Martins in my opinion
We use DR Martin "Thorpe" AirWalks at work, really comfy and massively exceed any other boots we've tried for comfort and durability;
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/p/industrial-boots-ind...
http://www.drmartens.com/uk/p/industrial-boots-ind...
I'd forgotten all about this thread, sorry guys! Thanks all for your input. I'm still no further ahead with deciding, mainly because I'm very reluctant to buy before trying them on and it seems that anything that isn't the mainstream DeWalt or Cat stuff is only available to order online and then you have the hassle and expense of sending them back if you don't like the fit. I'm not a fan of DeWalt or Cat stuff as their boots are all too heavy and "industrial" for my liking, with poor cushioning too.
I wouldn't mind giving the Timberland's a go that were mentioned but it seems the safety boot branch is different to the mainstream Timberland stuff and aren't available in their outlet shops, only online.
k do you buy those? I loaded the UK version of that site and found those exact boots (7294nkk) and added to my basket, but where is the price and how do you check-out to pay for them? Site makes no sense at all. 
I'm tempted to buy them off amazon as one seller has them, but for £125 which is rather steep when a couple of other places have them for £90. You do get free returns on shoes on amazon though..
I wouldn't mind giving the Timberland's a go that were mentioned but it seems the safety boot branch is different to the mainstream Timberland stuff and aren't available in their outlet shops, only online.
shirt said:
OP you will not gain consensus from this post believe me -i have started similar threads before-.
i would say that you get what you pay for and there is a big difference even between the same manufacturer.
my personal favourites to date are these betas:
http://www.betawork.com/catalog/articles/view/7294...lang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_betawork/filters_
light, super comfy and meet your specs. i wear safety boots every day in a variety of climates from desert to jungle. they do a cold weather version as well. deffo recommend a good insole - perhaps a thermal formed one [stick in microwave then into your shoe and stand in them].i also wear seamless socks. yes i am precious.
Curiosity has gotten the better of me, but how the actual fi would say that you get what you pay for and there is a big difference even between the same manufacturer.
my personal favourites to date are these betas:
http://www.betawork.com/catalog/articles/view/7294...lang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_betawork/filters_
light, super comfy and meet your specs. i wear safety boots every day in a variety of climates from desert to jungle. they do a cold weather version as well. deffo recommend a good insole - perhaps a thermal formed one [stick in microwave then into your shoe and stand in them].i also wear seamless socks. yes i am precious.
k do you buy those? I loaded the UK version of that site and found those exact boots (7294nkk) and added to my basket, but where is the price and how do you check-out to pay for them? Site makes no sense at all. I'm tempted to buy them off amazon as one seller has them, but for £125 which is rather steep when a couple of other places have them for £90. You do get free returns on shoes on amazon though.. Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff