Which of these work shoes is the better value?

It depends on what type of work will you be doing? They are both good shoes/boots.

Inside / outside work? Wet areas? Heavy lifting or weight-bearing? Appearance important? What’s the context?

I have been wearing steel or composite toe, waterproof Red Wings for ~15 years. I get 5 years out of a pair and it is usually a waterproofing seal failure. I still keep the worn out ones for dry work like stacking wood.. Price is about $200. You can also bring them back periodically and Red Wing will reoil them for free.

I also like the feature that allows you to tie them up, then quickly unhook the laces from the top 2 or 3 eyelet hooks so you can take them off and put them back on quickly.

Until this year, almost all of the shoes sold at Red Wing were Made in USA. This year was the first time I saw Chinese made products. I did not buy that model. Choose carefully.

@Yanaba It’s Meat Dept. work, at Sam’s Club. Water, blood, soap, salt. I lift and carry 30–100lbs at times, besides being of a heavy build myself. Appearance is a secondary concern.

@worriedguy So your experience with Red Wing suggests that the boots are worth the $200?

Well, a New Balance athletic shoe is not a work boot. It’s a pair of sneakers. Get the boots. You may not need the steel toe for the kind of work you do, but you never know. There is also the issue of your own comfort and the health of your feet to consider. If you are on your feet all day on a slab or concrete surface you are going to want some support and some give. Steel or composite toe boots protect you from what might land on your feet, etc., but you also need to protect your feet from whatever it is, the surface that you are standing on all day. It is always a compromise between cost and quality.

Between the 2 options, I would say you are better off with the boots. Make sure you fit it right and if you prefer additional comfort include Dr. Scholls gel inserts when yo go for the fitting

I just had to get a pair of steel toe boots and I bought Catepillars, they are comfy and very well made but I don’t know what their life span will be.

@Nullo Yes I think RedWings are great. But I have only purchased the “Made in America” Red Wings.
I can’t vouch for the Chinese products. I figure any design made in China will be, or has already been, knocked off and will be for sale at PayLess or Walmart at a lower price.

I stretch my budget for shoes. I have 10-year old hiking boots and 15-year old dress shoes, because I bought expensive (for me) models. Also, boots will be better for your back than soft-soled shoes.

Also I would ask Redwing if they can be re-soled. If so, you might keep them for 2 or 3 soles. Getting new soles on old comfortable shoes is a joy.

@jaytkay – that’s an excellent point. I never seem to wear out the tops, only the heels and soles of my shoes and boots. If they can be replaced the tops can last for years especially if you take care of them.

My fiancee is super hard on shoes and stitched have worked out better for him. Several of our sales guys wear Redwing because they’re on their feet for up to 15hrs at a time and they swear by the value.

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