So I bought these for a new job over a year ago now
Graphite Bunker Safety Boots $79
They are great but after 10-12 months of daily usage in wet weather and just lots of walking they have cracked and basically torn apart at the crucial bending spots near the toe especially along the steel cap part.
Now I don't want to have to throw away a new pair of boots every year but at this rate it looks like I will be going through a pair every year.
Because I am heavily dominant right foot my right shoe has completely broken around the steel toe and the sides.
The sole on these shoes are great usually my problem with past shoes but non steel cap safety boots is the sole wearing down making an uneven surface so when I stand still it is not completely straight almost at an angle.
I know the fix would be to walk less and not step into puddles more but I'm wondering if there is any great shoe specifically perfect for lots of walking i.e. bending at the front of the shoe and really good against water as I had a mate tell me that water does damage these types of shoes.
Now my options I know are to wear really large gumboots which would be great for this weather but for when the wet weather stops I want something breathable and just normal looking and usage for just normal labour type work.
Yeah right now all I see is either these safety work steel toe boots that don't last more than a year and end up cracking at the toe bend.
Or getting those uncomfortable driller shoes that just slip on which honestly might be best durability wise but not comfortable wise.
Or wear gumboots basically instead every day which I am hoping is not my only solutions.
So are there any other options.
I am hoping some wet weather lots of walking tradesmen or just other job positions that have to walk a lot and sometimes water damage their shoes can chip in because the idea of a going through a good pair of shoes a year does not sound good for the environment or just wastage in general.
I think police have really good strong water durable boots so I might look into that or maybe search for some doc martens or something I dunno but especially with this very wet weather if you walk a lot your shoes will get crack damage and a bunch of other wear and tear just because they were not designed to work best in wet weather and only dry.
Steel cap steel toe shoes are great but if you walk a lot and are on your toes a lot they will crack eventually where the steel part ends and the soft leather part starts out is inevitable and kind of an oversight in shoe design and manufacturing to extend the life of the shoe.
Just saying money isn't an issue I can afford a new pair of boots every year just wondering if there was a better longer lasting option for my use case scenario because otherwise is every other tradie, cleaner, cop or wet working condition role getting their shoes destroyed every other year?
It is a shame because the rest of the shoe which is like 75% of the shoe is still great but there is no way to recycle or salvage it so we just have to chuck it out.
Like I said earlier the sole or bottom of the shoe is still fine after 15 months of usage it has not eroded much and could probably last 5 more years before it becomes unbalanced from wear and tear and the top part of the shoe where the tongue, laces and even zip up section of the shoe basically every thing above the crack above the steel toe gap is still perfectly fine it could last maybe 5 more years maybe even more as that part of the shoe rarely dies fast.
But yeah the front sides and gap is completely open now so water gets in and the seal is no more.
There has to be some shoe or material that has fixed this and maybe increased the bend capabilities and front toe durability of the shoe somehow while still retaining the safety steel toe part.
Because then that would increase the life of the shoe and the only weak spot then will be the soles which look to be good for another 5 years maybe more.
Ok end rant but I had to get it out there.
If you wish to summarise this post feel free to do so but I'm just saying everything now so I don't miss or forget anything because no one else will talk about this subject or try to find a solution for it.
TL;DR steel cap steel toe safety work boots after 1 year has gone past forming cracks and onto completely breaking at the steel toe soft leather gap and also at the bend where the front toe bends. Looking for options other than gumboots and drillers. Water damage huge cause of the breakage but also lots of walking and bending at the steel cap. Obtaining new information and resources because not everybody has to be going through a new pair of shoes every year just for wet weather lots of movement activity usage. Possible police shoes the answer for wet condition usage and heavy walking day to day usage. Will try. Any other helpful information appreciated.
Sorry for the long post but I think this covers everything even replies to future comments and answers possibly so it is a do right once do it never again type deal.
Thank you. Have a safe and happy time in this disastrous wet weather type rain and moment.
Holy wall of text.
1 year life span is completely normal. What are you demanding from a no brand safety boot?
Perhaps start by screening your 'dominant right foot' for leg length abnormality or functional or gait problems. (Queue see a Podiatrist) They will also go through appropriate footwear with you.
Go visit a proper work wear store to discuss safety boot options that cover your requirements rather than Ozbargain.
No specific boot is suited to a specific role or person. There are multiple foot types, different requirements in material, safety etc.