Carolina vs Thorogood - Moc Toe Boot Review 

"Boots that I'm wearing on my last day" has special meaning to me. My Father (a farmer), died wearing his Redwing boots and his straw cowboy hat. Both were well worn, and both were items of daily attire. The boots always, and the hat in the summertime. I happened to know a sculptor and approached her with a project. Could you please take the boots and hat, and arrange them in a grouping and cast them in bronze. I have two siblings, and requested that she do three castings..........one for each of us. She allowed me to choose the title. I called it 'A Fine Example', and have hopes that these will be passed down to first born children for generations to come. I must say thanks to you for providing a 'Fine Example' on a daily basis for all of us that subscribe. I always enjoy.

You give me a feeling of pride when it comes to blue collar work. Hats off to you sir.

Im a sprinkler technician out of Philadelphia . I have had these same boots for about 4 years now Thorogood 8" , moctoe, wedge sole . I also dress them with huberd's shoe grease. So I didn't learn much from this video but holy smokes you sure can tell a story mister and that deserves a like and definitely a follow.

I've have had some of the most passionate arguments on footwear. I'm a red wing man myself. I work at a shipyard, and I'm walking on steel all day long. So my mates and I discussed footwear a lot. Thanks for bringing this topic to light.

I've been wearing Thorogood boots for years. Love them!

When taking care of my 8” Redwing moc toe boots, I’ve used Redwing boot oil and Sno-Seal, the Sno-Seal was a better waterproof product that you’d warm your boots in an oven to get them really warm and then rub it in and it would melt into the leather with really good coverage.

I wear an 8" high Carolina boot, and I love them.

My uncle would always take his old pair of boots and make a foot protective flap for his new boots and boot toe. Put some grommets in it for the laces and no burnt holes in his new boots.

I made the switch to Thorogoods last year. I switched out the insole for a Timberland insole and for the first time in my life I actually would rather wear my boots than anything else. They're always comfortable even when I've been on my feet all day at work (HVAC trade) and then work in my shop after work. I'm very happy with my boots. Thorogoods have earned my money.

Thorogood is all I’ve worn for about ten years whether working on a concrete floor, construction site, or in the woods cutting trees. I love the 6” comp toe wedge sole for the shop and site, and the 8” steel toe logger in the woods. They make some models with an extra wide “emperor toe” that are very comfortable as well. Being that they’re USA made, durable, comfortable, and reasonably priced, I probably will always choose them for work.

Red Wings 877 Forever! Working, Church, and everyday wear.

Carolina and Thorogood are for the Girls club You need REDWING! You can resole 3 to 5 times leather still great Tough for the Trades!

Thorogoods are big amongst electricians as well. I love them, and don't see myself ever trying another brand.

When we were younger my cousin and I wore the die hard boots from sears and once they would start to look worn out in the leather we would open the truck door while driving and put a foot on the pavement to wear down the soles and then turn them back in to sears for a new pair since they had a lifetime warranty.

I wear that exact pair of Thorogoods and love them!

Do yourself a huge favor and buy some redwing boot arch supports to put inside your work boots wow they are fantastic

Got the same boot here! Going on 3 years... I'll never wear them on a roof again. Not a good boot for up & down ladder all day and might as well be skis on a roof. Besides that, I love them. My go-to for forging, welding, brush cutting or just about anything other than ladder work haha :)

I cant believe I found this video. Ive been a Union sheet metal worker for 25 years. I started in the trade wearing Die hard. Wore them for years. When Sears disappeared I looked for an alternative. A friend had gotten a pair of the Thorogoods and I really liked them. Ive been wearing them for years now and they hold up and are comfortable and very durable. I watch boot videos and they say the construction of the boot with the plastic welt is lower grade but imho it’s not important. I dont care what Northwest boot brand you pick the uppers only last a year between kneeling on roofs and concrete and the miles you put on them on job sites and shop work. Even the epoxy toe caps wear out quickly. So resoling isnt an option for me. Price comfort and reliability are the factors for me. By the time I break in a North Western boot I’ll be looking for a resole. A month of pain on my feet isnt an option and for what, when I can get a pair of boots that work right out of the box that are cheaper and last the same amount of time. Glad to see Im not the only one out there that went through this same kind of thing lol. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.

Thoroughgood is the only pair of boots that felt comfortable right out the box.

I understand how you have over 1 million subscribers. You could tell a story or just talk about anything and make it so interesting. Thanks for the story at the end and all of your videos.

Long-time Thorogood wearer. I always enjoy your vids and especially loved the Vegas cashier story. It was sweet and a great way to wrap it all up. Keep on keepin' on!

Thanks for your content.It’s great to hear your knowledge and passion for work and life. I’m pretty much the same way,but not quite as articulated with words as you again thanks .

"Neatsfoot Oil" is what my Dad used & showed me, for treating leather products and he made his own, eventually. I used that from a young age - hiking, etc. - and I still have some. He worked for a Paint & "Chemical" company, so had access to the natural, raw materials needed.

I had the privilege for 13 years to be a firefighter. Thorogood was my first station dress boot. I enjoyed the brand very much.

Tried a lot of different boots on the farm, ended up in red wings but they had to be USA made no overseas. US made would last 5-7 years in the wet to nasty stuff farmers get in to, US are tough to find though Red Wings store had only ten to choose from versus 50 plus from overseas

Sir you are a great story teller. Warms the heart!!!

I am with you on the 8" moc toe.

I'm stuck with Red Wing because I wear a AA width

I used to be a cult follower of Thorogood, but like you said, my feet started to ache at night. After 10 years I finally switched to red wings 10877. It’s a much much rougher break in but that ache went away almost instantly. There is no padded insole just the leather insole, something your foot can form to. Almost like a custom insole. I love Thorogood but the move to the red wing 10877 has changed my work life completely. I don’t see me going back anytime soon.

that short anecdote at the end of the video is one of the reason why i subscribed to this channel.

Being Vegas born and raised It’s awesome to hear that you lived in Las Vegas

Great story at the end, pretty cool running into someone like that and how odd it can happen at random times.

I have a set of 6" Carolina boots. They are not the American made version, but they are well made and very comfortable and I love the extra toe room. I'm mostly a weekend warrior and I originally bought these for working on a steep hill in the house I used to live at. After buying my own house I spent a few months working on it daily and I have also spent every weekend since I moved in (about 2 years) working on it. I really like the metal shaft in the sole for climbing ladders and walking around on ceiling joists (which I am doing much more than I ever wanted to) and they have held up extremely well for the most part. The shoe I bought had the composite toe and one day while pulling about half a sheet of 1 inch mdf off a wall from an old built in, it landed on my toe. The composite toe of the boot did absolutely nothing. It shattered like it was made from dry twigs and my toe did pretty much the same thing. I don't have any similar experiences with other types of reinforced boots to compare it to, but I feel a steel toe would have done better. While the boots are still completely functional, there is no more reinforcement in the toes of either boot (so the board must have hit both boots?). Not having medical insurance or any time to spare, I took a day off and went back to work on the house the next day. I have to say that extra toe room was really nice to have because It allowed me to keep working and even tile a large floor without any additional toe pain. The boots basically suspended my does off the floor while crawling around, which is great when you have a broken toe. If I can't afford to get a set of american made boots when I need to replace these, I would definitely buy them again, but in steel toe next time.

It wasn't until I purchased a pair of Nick's Handmade Boots out of Spokane that my 52yrs old, size 14 feet felt like they had found a home. 18yrs driving LtL is killer without the proper footwear.

Greetings again from 6 miles south of Belfast, Northern Ireland -very informative video-

I have a pair of both and I also prefer the thorogoods. I have a casual pair that have been going strong for 6-7 years with 1 resole. Great video and info as always.

The last 3 minutes of this video is so touching!

I’m about to buy the last 5 pairs of the discontinued AMp USA CA7502 boots in my size. 🤙🏾

Used to be a Red Wing guy, for years, I think quality suffered, about 10 years ago I bought those exact same Thorogoods that you have, and never looked back. I buy a new pair every year, not because I NEED them, its a nice lucury to have a new pair, I cycle the year old ones to back ups and strap on the new pair. I love them, I just buy the same model every time and as long as they keep making them I will keep buying them. Also feels good that they are made in USA and UNION made, doesnt get more American than that. Im HARD on these boots, wearing them for 12-13 hrs a day walking on concrete, other boots have a angle wore down on the heel from the concrete after a couple months, these just start to show it after a YEAR. I have a super old pair I have had for probably 7 years, they are worn, steel toe is exposed, heels are wore down but I cant get rid of them! LOL Its like an old friend. Once you break these boots in, they are as comfortable as a pair of moccasins.

I have been wearing Georgia eagle lights for years . Super flexible soul and a comfortable boot. The older I got the more I understood the negatives of stiff soled boot.

I really enjoy my wingshooters (Style 83674) from Irish setter . Irish setters are Supremely comfortable, the only con is the sole can wear out quickly.

You sir have another subscriber. The Jed Clampet comment was all I needed to hear. I'm 62 now. Been wearing Red wings since I was 12 or so. They quit making my boot about 25 years ago or so. And I've resoled my pair about 5/6 times I think. I'm still working. Construction. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your video. I'll check into both these boots, cause you know what works for one don't work for another. Thank you sir.

Been wearing Corolina moc toe and I was actually able to walk with less pain. Im ready to go back to work like I used too. I would have gotten thorogood but they felt alot tighter in toe box but very comfortable.

Everyone has a boot journey. For me, Carolinas (ok), Thorogood (good), Redwing (better), still my go-to boot. I'm now trying Nicks. The quality of Nicks is outstanding, but they are on the heavy side both in weight and price. (Not sure I'd do it again).

Hi, I just got a pair of 6" Carolina moc toe.You are right about the toe box having more room than the Thorogood. Thanks for the review 👍

I love redwings, but I have a pair of Thorogood's that I use at my day job on a sheep farm. Every other cheap boot I bought for the job barely lasted a year, but I've had the Thorogood's now for over a year and they are going strong with no sign of failure in sight. I love your calm voice. I think you've earned my subscription.

Wearing my first pair of thorogoods, and first moc toe. very pleased with them. I was worried about the sparks like you’ve mentioned but have no issues. 2 years of welding and fabrication work and I’m just now wearing thru the toe. My fault not the boot, the other boot is in great shape. Love the outsole.

Great story. Thank you for sharing.

Great review. I wish it was longer. You had my attention sir.

I subscribed when I watched your boot video 6 yrs ago. Appreciate all your videos, insight, wisdom, and stories sir. Keep doing what you're doing. With all these companies today outsourcing labor and chasing profits over a quality product and source of origin.. my next boot will be a Thorogood.

As a kid I had flat feet. My podiatrist had me wearing Redwing moc-toe boots with corrective insoles for years. There's been a pair of Redwing boots ready and waiting in my closet eversince. Not a pair of everyday wear for me but there when I need 'em. BTW I use Hubbard's boot grease on them.

Thanks for that story about meeting an old friend from OR inside a LV grocery store. Blessings! And yes, I’m a MocToe kinda guy and we don’t have them much here in Ontario, Canada. My mom and dad bought my hiking boots/work boots in Bellingham , WA back when I lived in Hongcouver, BC decades ago. Cannot remember the brand, but they sure worked for me on the Pacific Crest Trail outside Wenatchee, WA. Peace Be The Journey!

Scott, As always I enjoy your videos. Big toe surgery gone sideways 23 years ago. Foot was sore at the end of the day. In steps Redwing boots, model 10875 mock toe. Insoles molded to my feet. Wearing them right now before helping a neighbor with a bad fence. Looking forward to it as I know that when work is done, my feet won't be. Keep em coming.

Well done! Thanks for sharing

Love the story at the end i am away from home from home for work reasons and i hope to run in to old friends

ty for sharing a good memory

Been a Wellington guy my whole life but as I've aged I've needed more ankle support. So for my first lace up I decided to go a little cheaper and get a 6" Carhartt Rugged Flex. They have been a good comfortable boot but they don't look as good after rough wear as my Ariat and Georgia Wellington style did (for business facing.) So large in part based on your video I am now a proud owner of a pair of Thorogood 804's and I've got a four day weekend to get them ready for the grind next week. Thanks for the opinions and wisdom.

Old horse going out. I'm been following you for years. You always have, and I believe will always, ( sy also, what a character) , an absolute testimony of what a man work ethic look like.

I just picked up my first pair of thorogood boots a couple weeks ago. 8" waterproof with the vibram style sole...I have them on average 10-12 hours a day and I love them. Great boots so far!

The Diehard boots are still available, under a different manufacturer. They are made to the same specs and even same model number. The price is between 85 and 110. The brand is Handpoint. Available from Amazon and other online stores.

When Chippewa moved production from the US to Vietnam I switched to Thorogood. This is my first pair of Loggers that were not Chippewa (in 30 years) and I'm pretty happy with them. While they weigh a metric ton they are extremely comfortable and broke in fairly quickly. I expect them to last as long as a pair of Chippewas did, last pair went 5 years of hard daily wear in the trades.

Good day. Thanks for the video. You seem like a pretty good fella. I really appreciated the small world story about the cashier. Things like that make you realize there has got to be some strings being pulled on our day to day lives . Neat stuff. Gonna try finding me some shoe grease.

Never was much of a boot wearer. I’m a city boy from DFW area of texas. First pair I wore was a rompers toe black boot that my brother wore when we were in a spirit group at eachother high school. For my birthday couple years later got a pair of square toe ariats. Love them. Still wear them occasionally in the colder months. Did Christmas lights and later I bought myself a pair of 6” thorogoods because of your work boot videos and thought they’d be good for roofing (in my experience, they were terrible. Constantly slipping). I liked them. Later I was dating this girl and her dad got me a job at a pipe laying job he worked at. Use them there. Realized I bought a size too big, they did good. Now I work in a fabrication/supplier for peterbuilt and I needed steel toe boots. Went to Red Wing, got the Wingshooter ST 8” with a safety toe. My absolute favorite boot I have ever bought. No break in period, immediate comfort, compliments all around, absolutely, the best boots I’ve bought. Ever.

Bought a pair of Brunt Marin moc toe boots and it’s been great! Chose the moc toe style based on EC.

Thanks for sharing EC. My coworkers wear thorogoods and they hold up! Take a look at Whites boots, USA made and the upper and sole hold up great. I’ve been wearing the perry boot and gotta say they look and feel superior to many other boots in the industry. Cheers!

I love my 3 pairs of Thorogoods. I'm on a second resole on one pair and they fit like a glove!

Thorogood are great boots. I have 4 pairs. I have one of their heritage collection that you can wear to a wedding reception with leather soles. My workboots have the same rubber soles you have in the video. One pair I've had since 2015 and I walk about 4-5 miles per day in them. They've been to the top of mountains in Utah and used for nearly every task imaginable. Only one of the pairs I have is 8" - most are the shorter ankles. +1 for Hubbard's shoe grease.

I am in New Zealand and was looking for some waterproofing for an old pair of Caterpillar branded boots (30 plus years old) and still OK for use around the home. Just looked up Huberds Shoe Grease and available in NZ the size you were using for US$20. Got me a tin.

You have a wonderful way of speaking. Props

Me personally I love my Nicks boots, something about the craftsmanship and premium leather I just love. Hand made but just my personal opinion of course. Great video.

You truly can’t beat Thorogood boots, I’ve tried all kinds, red wing, ariat, Justin, brunt workwear (which are good for the money). But damn Thorogood is where it’s at

I started framing in 1977 I have worn basically the exact same boots but they have always been Red Wing Irish Setters, I would encourage you to try them they disappeared for a while but are back in their Classic line of boots. Have a great day

I love the 8" Georgia boot farm and ranch wedge sole

Even as a construction Welder/ fabricator as my main profession, mock toe 8” speed lace Brown boot has been my main work boots for my 45 year career. Oh and the super soft cushiony sole, a must for 10-14 hour days.

I absolutely love my thoroughgood boots!!

Great honest review.

I am on YEAR 6 of daily wear of my Danner Super Rain forrest hard toe. Best Boots I have ever had by far. They still are on their original sole and are on concrete all day, machine shop chips half the night and the farm fields or woods the rest of the time. Because the sole is like iron they can be a bit slippery on a hard wet surface but do well in the dirt, mud, snow.

From Alabama working out in Wyoming. The boot cafe in snow is definitely different. The welding and snow has taken two victims in the form of boots. I’m debating giving over $300 for a pair of boots and you’ve helped me make my decision. Besides the boots and the tip on the boot grease it was just a wonderful video. I miss my dad and his old stores. You have that fatherly quality about u that I miss in my old man. Thank you.

I'm 31, in construction, got a pair of Whites smokejumpers 5 yrs ago, like em enough to get a second pair, about to send a pair to Nick's boots for a rebuild. The first pair feel more comfortable than anything else I've had. I think I found my favorite go to through retirement.

Journeyman Iron Worker here and I love your shows and this video hits home. Keep it up!

I've got to admit, I'm one that has been "chirping in the comments" about Thorogood boots since your first upload on boots. For me, they are the perfect mix of comfort, durability, value, and pride in ownership that I've found. I'm happy to hear that they are treating your feet well also!

Mr essential craftsman thank you for all your knowledge! Love your channel I learned alot watching your channel ! Saludos from Cornelius Orygun!

After the Service I went to forestry school where I learned about logger boots. I was surprised because my Dad had worn them as a plumber. But I hadn't known they were logger boots. But I discovered Huberds shoe grease in the boot store, and have been sold on it since about 1974. So I was glad to see it in your presentation. I have been happy with Redwing boots since 1974 also. But the thing that really contributed to my comfort was upsizing from the size the boot store man's device said I was. I went up a size and a half and wider. Bingo. But it cost me more than I like, to get there. Now, a controversy. John at JK Boots says there's no such thing as a waterproof boot. But I have had two models of Walmart boot and one from Tractor Supply that were genuinely waterproof. And Huberds on a Redwing logger boot will come mighty close. So that's my experience. Years ago I gave up the arguments about logger boots from Seattle, pickup trucks and chain saw brands. I live a life of faith and God has provided me with some real surprises that served very well. One thing though, as in this video you have to take good care of your equipment for it to perform well. And of the 3 things I noted here I would emphasize reading up on your chain saw, with emphasis on the chain. Learn the chain parts and why the proper maintenence is what it is. And PLEASE learn the names of the parts. Good knowledge is never wasted. You can write to the Oregon company for their little saw chain maintenance & safety manual. It will help you with ALL brands of chain.

I got the soft toe crazy horse that I wear casually. Love these style boots.

"Keep your eyes open for some good old friends", greatest last words..!!

Red Wing Heritage, model 877. By far my favorite, The only problem is the sole gets worn out in 6-8 months, but the leather top is nice and sturdy.

amazing video as always! love it

I absolutely love my Thorogood of the 8 inch high ones in the same color as yours. I have worn them for two or three years now still in the same souls still comfortable all day. I would definitely recommend these boots to somebody who’s on their feet day in and day out. Love them will definitely buy another pair. Thanks for the video and the review, have a blessed day.

I remember getting issued a brand new pair of logging boots in CCCC and they killed my feet. That's when the old timers showed me the hot water bath method. Got a bucket of really hot water, strapped on the boots and stood in it (we used a mop bucked with the wheels removed). Those boots conformed to my feet like a pair of Levi's finds your body shape. After they dried we heated them up again and slathered them with grease, they heat gets the grease to penetrate the seams and those boots served me well. Always had dry feet after that grease treatment, never had blisters after the hot water treatment. I could run the saw line or the fire trail all day and not worry about my feet. :)

Intelligent review; nicely presented.

Ive had Thorogoods and decided to try the Redwing traction tred boots. The Redwing are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. I’ve had the for about 9 months and they are holding up like champs, rubber sole makes them not slip on roofs like the Thorogoods. Wells worth the money and better than the Thorogoods in my opinion💪

Thorogood boots are my go to in the shop. Can stand in them for 8 hrs and feet don’t hurt nor or they tired. Been through a few brands but these are my choice, now coming on 10yrs.

The sole wear is critical for me. I purchased another brand with a sole that essentially melted away and what a disappointment coming from primarily logger boots. I had been looking at the Thoroughgood boots and certainly appreciate the video.

All well said about the very same boots i invest in and use all day every day!

I have over two years on my first pair of Thorogoods as a diesel mechanic. Definitely thorogoods for life now.

I could listen to you talking about grass growing. And I'd bet it would be just as interesting!

crazy lil story at the end!

Hey essential craftsman, sometimes I use a sanding flapper disc on a four and a half inch angle grinder, to smooth out the heels on my boots when one side gets worn down! I hope you and your family are having a good day, things are well here in Northeast Ohio.

This is the boot review I’ve been looking for

I have some 6" carolina mocs, they've been good for anything on the roof because of the soft sole. I keep with carolina because I like their other models as well. I still have a pair of the discontinued supertreks, and the 28 series that I use as hiking boots. Only problem is they dont ship to canada