Best Work Boots in 2022 (For Mechanics) 

Always dropping bangers homie 💯💯

Im a heavy duty fleet mechanic working on frightliner cascadias / trailers. Ive been wearing the keen utility davenport composite toe. Awesome summer boat if you work mainly outside as they are light as hell and comfy. The 8 inch timberland pros are for the winter lol

Legit breakdown 👍🏼

I've been rocking redbacks for 9yrs.. I've tried other brands of slip on boot styles and have always came to the trusty redbacks. Second choice are rock rooster slip ons but they are heavy compared to redbacks.

Iv been wearing the Thorogood wedges that are not water proof for the past 15 and i love them also recommend switching the insoles if your on your feet all day . I work in a git warehouse , nit having a liner is great

Redback all day at Volvo dealership, slip on

Ive been using the same pair of redwing super sole 2.0 for 2 1/2 years as a heavy duty diesel tech. Best boots ive ever had. Steel is showing on both boots but the tread is still over 50% and the rest of the leather has held up very well. Only problem ive had is the laces breaking once a year.

As an HVAC tech if I get a year out of boots they are good. I’ve gotten almost two years out of my thorogoods. That’s walking across all sorts of surfaces in all types of weather. I plan on getting another set soon as the current sole is wearing down.

Great video I just was wondering about boots

Literally was just looking for boots today, still indecisive

I have Ariat 8in Cascade steel toe boots for 2 years. They are comfortable, withstand dirt/grease/oil/def, and don't get hot. If you don't like the lace up, the Ariat ground breakers steel toe are also an option. I wear these boots out in the Az desert working on giant Cat equipment and Peterbilt/kenworth trucks for 12 hours and no problems. Having a good sock is just as important as a good boot. Redback bamboo socks are the shit. You can also get them from matco and yes they pricey but worth it. My feet would hurt, turn green, smell bad, skin would peel and those socks saved my feet. Long story short I recommend Ariat 8in cascade/ground breakers and redback/matco bamboo socks. GET STEEL TOES. Diesel parts are heavy and hurt when they hit your toes. Awesome video as always Nick🤟

I wore the redwing loggers for many years. Started out in arborist work and loved them. They suck until they’re broken in but I resoled one pair five times before the leather split. Wore them for probably 15 years. Still have two pairs. I don’t do as much manual work myself these days as I’m management now but I run a small farm, mill lumber, etc and I’ve recently purchased my first pair of Thorogoods. I wanted the wedge soles and man the feel good on day one. I’m guessing they’re a step below redwing on construction but still solid. But the break in period will be easier.

I work in the film industry and am on my feet on average 10-12 hours a day, in various terrain from dirt, mud, gravel, to warehouse/shop settings. My go to boots are Irish setter moc toes. Affordable, short break in period, and with the right insoles are very comfy. I have tried wolverines, and Thursday’s and always go back to running my setters. Haven’t tried to go up a price point to the redwing/thorogood range boots. Just found out about red backs from a coworker and think I’m gonna get a pair. Rose anvil has a great video on redbacks, check it out if you are thinking about getting a pair!

I’m wearing the same Thorogoods 1957, but I just spent a year in the Duradero’s 6 inch Moc toe and those are tough to beat for comfort/value/free resole. Mechanics should really start looking into wedge soles, they are game changers for all day cement floor hard work. Love them.

Toyota Tech here. I ran Red Wing 606 for ever until I found me some Redbacks. Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue are the best insoles in my opinion.

I’m a C-Tech at a Firestone currently using the Timberland Ridgework with a composite toe, they’re pretty comfortable and the composite toe provides some good protection and not Too heavy. They’ve lasted me about 2 years but they’re pretty beat up (tread and leather damaged).

Thanks for the update. I like the made in USA

Aussie aussie aussie! Here in a Australia I'm a auto technician. I switch between the Red Back boots and the Mongrel boots every 18 months to 2 years (note - steel cap). Both work well and are breathable.

Nice work boots, I like the spider ones 👌

Nice leg hair bro hehe! But for real good insight on an important and maybe oft overlooked tool

Before I watch the video. Redbacks all the way. Came from redwings 9 years ago and had knee/back pain. Bought my first pair and was hooked 9 years later and 7 pairs will not go to another boot. Look professional and super comfy.

I’ve been getting Ariat Workhogs for a few years now. I’ve tried a couple others, but keep going back to them. They feel good from the beginning, not much of a break in period. Since I work on trash trucks, I want hardened toes. I switch from steel toe to composite several years back. If you’ve been wearing steel toes, you’ll definitely feel the difference.

I've been a heavy truck technician for 40 years and did field work for 30 of that. Hands down Danner Quarry's are the best boots. I cant get over 3 years out of a pair plus they're Gore-Tex as well.

LOVE MY REDBACKS I’m a lube tech at a Chevy dealership and have been wearing my redbacks for about 2-3 months and they are way better than cheap “oil-resistant” shoes I would buy from Walmart🤦‍♂️

Redback slip ons are my favorite. Our matco dealer sells them

I recommend the bated 8” tactical boot, these boots are the lightest I’ve owned and on a long day your feet don’t feel tired , they have the zipper on the side so easy to put on and take off. Slip resistant and affordable. They last about 8-1yr I’m a auto tech and I highly recommend I just change the insole for more comfort

I had worn a pair of thorogood 6 inch moc toe boots for about 3 months working and another 8 at school, before that and they were comfy but my feet were still hurting at the end of the day, switched to redbacks when I became a full time tech and have worn them daily for 2 years and they are amazing (about 6 months in I accidently caught a bobtach pin about an inch behind the steel toe and it cut about a 3/4 inch long cut into the leather but not all the way though just down to the inner fabric lining, after another year and and a half it has not torn any further and the fabric under neath is still in tact) , still holding up great in lots of hydraulic oil, grease and mud but i clean them every few months and oil them, my favorite part besides the comfort is the slip on, its a very convenient addition. I would like to try some nicks but the price point is a little high but still manageable for how highly regarded they are, however Im not sure how well they would work for techs crouching down all the time ect

Great video and info! Can you do one on knee pads? Looking for a pair that will stand the test of time.

i wear redbacks the first thing i do is put waterproof sealer sealer, the boots also have steal toe with caps the tips always seem to wear out first guess from kicking stuff lol the only gripe I have is when it gets over 100 degrees the boots become a inferno and your feet feel like they are on fire when working outside on hot pavement other then that i love kicking them off at 5 on friday lol

I got the Reebok Sublite waterproof with composite toe. Mopar Express Tech, 2 months in.

I love my redbacks the great barrier/nevada are waterproof.i have two pairs.i also have 2 pair of easy escape/bobcat.mosst comfortable boots I own, just before I purchased redback I bought 8in Redwing laseup have yet to wear them in.last pair of Redwing that I will purchase

Redback all day without steel toe still rockin my first pair I like my pair without the steel toe because it’s heavier but it’s definitely confortable low key my everyday shoes

I been using thorogood work boots for 5 years . I work in construction and my feet are comfortable in thorogood boots plus they are made in usa and union made

I have the best of both worlds with twisted x slip on wedge sole moc toe boots love them just the soles die fairly fast

Heavy duty diesel tech, install transmission, engines, overhauls, diesel coolant fluids dirt on boots all the time, redbacks are comfy but trash the heel counter stitching doesn’t last me the year from going under trucks in creepers. Redwing 10877 never came un stitched but the sole wears out way to fast. Currently wear some frank boots. They are the most durable boots so far but the leather is so thick it takes forever to break in

im a diesel tech ive had my redbacks for 2 years now i def reccomend them but i always reccomend safety toe because ive had a fly wheel slip out of my handwhen doing a clucth on a volvo dd13 and land on my foot if i didnt have safety toes my toes def wouldve been screwed you never know and they are not steel kinda like a hard plastic so not much of a weight differance

If you want your boots to last longer clean and conditioned them. For what you do I suggest brush them off then use saddle soap and any boot oil. A bunch of RU-vid videos on how to do that. Your boots will thank you. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

I'm not a mechanic yet but I've been using redbacks for my warehouse job. I couldn't recommend the easy escape hd's any more, they are comfy as hell and my foot doesn't feel sore after work. edit: redbacks aren't waterproof but they're water resistant up to the strechy part where you slide your foot in. I work with paint and have spilled some on my boots, but the paint never bleeds through the boot at all. Same with water, my socks stay completely dry

I’m a fan of redback and timberland pro, honestly though regardless of brand I get a year at best before the toes and soles blowout.

Redback FTW

Arait Catalyst XV boots for me, I'm also a heavy duty diesel tech and I do a lot of roadside in all weather conditions. The toe and heal cap, also shin protector on the araits are a must for me.b

I use the under armor waterproof hiking boots light weight durable comfortable. High tops.

Ive been wearing my slip on redbacks for 4.5 years now about 2500 hours a year for work and I honestly think I can get 2 more years out of them no problem. No reason to ever consider another work boot

I run the Irish setters and I love them they are mid top they run about 170

Redwings are the way to go. There socks even have a lifetime warranty.

You can clean up any good leather boot and re-water proof them to extend their life

personally i have owned two pairs of the Doc martens Iron bridge, best boots for mechanics in my opinion had my second pair for 3 years straight, unfortunately they are discontinued.

Timberland Pro you can't go wrong

Wore Dakota 529s for years then they changed something and they almost tore the heel off me, Been wearing kodiak rebels the last few years light comfortable last decent decent price, heavy truck guy

I love Redback UBAK but I can never find them anymore and shipping from Australia makes them pricey.

Need to condition those thorogoods… and they can be resoled if I’m not mistaken… i personally like the vibram 2021 soles… the wedge soles they come with aren’t a fav

Check out rose anvil for the low down on work boots

I have both of those, I rotate them daily

Using the Redbacks easy escape at the costco food court splashed by water pizza sauce and oil and holds up very well

Need an update for 2023. Been on Caterpillar steel toes for a year. Changed out insoles 3x already. Bought some low top memory foam Skechers steel toes but still looking for something more comfortable for a wide foot

My company buys my boots every 6 months they have to be EH rated iam a utility feild fleet mechanic I work in sub stations and job sites. I have keens they are pretty nice

Where you get the redbacks? my matco dealer said there on back order :/ My second pair wore down after 3 years 🥺

Try some Magnum High tec boots on your feet. They are very durable and comfortable. Black Magnum classic high tec boots. Thank me later

Biggest mistake I made was doc martens. Shredded the toes in less than 6 months

I’ve been wolverine’s last 2 before was timberland and red wings I have wide flat feet so athletic booty may require different…. And chiropractor say 1 yr no matter what

I just bought a new pair called rock rooster it’s a Chelsea look and same price and look as red backs but haven’t really seen that much reviews about these boots hope to see it on ur channel one day

Been wearing wolverines carbon toe for about 2yrs now in the shop and they’re still hold up for around $180 i’d say they’re a great deal!

Just got a job at a local Toyota dealership as a lube tech they want me to bring my own air impact was wondering which one you recommend. I have all Milwaukee but they want air

I just picked up another pair of redbacks today $250 holy smokes. I’ve had 5 pairs over 10 years and usually paid $175

How do you not wear through the toes? I’m a dealer tech and I blew through both toes in my Thorogoods in less than a year. Did ur shop have epoxy flooring or something?

I'm thinking of buying Nicks handmade USA boots. Rebuildable and resoleable but the price tag is $500+

Do they look good enough to wear after work and weekends

I bought some redback steel toe and they feel like I'm walking on gravel.

I'm a heavy vehicle mechanic based in the UK. We need to wear real workboots that conform to actual safety standards, rather than glorified house slippers those Redbacks seem to be. Toe caps are a must, don't have them you are going home. Dewalt Phoenix are the most comfortable work boots I've worn so far. Cost £60/$76 when I bought them. -S3 safety rated -Steel toe cap -Steel penetration resistant midsole -Water resistant -Oil repellent sole -Anti static sole -TPU heel guard They can start to feel a bit heavy on those longer 12 hour + shifts, but I think even bare feet feel heavy after that long.

Hey Nick, are you Navajo?

Do the redbacks fit big, small or right size?

I am a air compressor mechanic and I use non steel toe adidas they are the most comfortable! Hate steel toes

I've been using my redbacks for 3 years and they are holding up great 👍🏼

I'm toppp mechanic so I use Nike Dior 😉🤣 I Use timberlands.

I keep hearing about the redbacks getting "loose" over time and not fitting as well so I haven't bought them

Not sure how it is with the boots you have but some boot manufacturers do retreads

Brunt diesel fleet mechanic.

My tten teacher was just saying to get the redback ones

Been through alot of boots as a tech. Now i use walking shoes i.e sketchers

Hey Nick Just my two cents When I went to fleet work and got my first set of steal toes I went with Thorogood not because it was my first choice but because red backs were impossible to find durring pandemic. I went with Thorogood also because the owner of Vegas rat rods swears by them and being USA made is a plus. Thorogoods were literally broken in when I got them and true to size while I did get wide. They literally felt amazing form day one. Year and a half later with normal 6 month cleaning and oiling they were still perfect. Only gripe was lacing them every day. I decided to take a chance on red backs and they were super uncomfortable for a bout a week. They are super easy to slip on and eventually felt comfy. They do not come in wide size which does lead to my toes rubbing against the side of the toe box. But they do feel comfy and I am currently rocking them for the past 6 months. Idk about durability due to them feeling not so leathery since they are kangaroo skin. Red backs save you about 50-70$. If I was asked which to get I would go with Thorogood moc toes all day. Most comfy from day one and after a year and a half I was confident they would last another year easy. And like you said the Thorogood feels super secure.

Redback at Subaru dealer

Dr martens slip on boots baby!

Thorogoods are the shit

I've worn the DeWalt Farnham boots daily for over a year, with oil, grease, and sawdust. they are cuts in them , the suede it bobling and have fraying laces. the lace holders have snapped off and lost waterproofing within three months,riding my motorbike in the rain my feet are soaked. uncomfortable even when new.And my foot rubs the steel toe when fitting kitchens. wouldn't recommend as they are so uncomfortable and not very waterproof.

Wow, I must just work my ass off cause I cant manage to get 6 months.

Oil resistant means the oil does not eat the rubber! Not slip resistant

Ive been working in adidas sambas for 3 years. Literly my go to shoe for everything since grade school.

Redback don't have 1/2 size the 1/2 means wide

I highly encourage you (and anyone else) to watch some boot conditioning videos from Trenton & Heath. Look/search for Thorogood on their channel. I think you will be surprised at how well your Thorogoods clean up with some saddle soap and elbow grease in the sink. Let them dry for 2-3 days and then gives them a nice wipe down of Mink Oil and they will be ready to go in the morning. I’m a huge fan of Thorogoods, I don’t “work” in them, I hold down an office chair and drive a desk…. But I have a couple pairs of Thorogoods and love them. And yes, I DO wear them “out”. Give it a try. Also - your boots will last much longer if you rotate them out every other day or couple of days. Yeah, I know, you’re spreading the wear out but you’ll get more time out of time because you will be cleaning them also. One more thing, the Thorogoods can be reconditioned/re-soled and will last you even longer.

Foam boots will slip with greasy Mop water especially coolant

Nick's boots made in usa

Try Nick's or jk boots you might find something thatll last longer then 6months

Thorogoods all day check out Midwest boots best deal I am a flat rate tech

Redback’s slip on. I think my 3rd pair. I’m on a 1 yr on my current pair. Gm mechanic. Slip ons non steel toe.

Accountant, slip on sketchers causal shoes. lol

How are you my friend, I am Muhammad from Syria, I am 30 years old, my parents are in the field of BMW and Mercedes cars.

Why would any mechanic wear a non steal toe boot?

oil your boots they will nicer on your feet and the boot will last longer

Firtht

Thorogood has poor quality control and will not stand behind their boots. I got a pair with a deformed tongue and the USA flag label ripped. They refused to do anything. Would not answer emails an even blocked us on Facebook.