Waterproof Work Boot Suggestions?

Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 17:43
Last edited 29/05/2022 - 17:43

Hi guys,
I work 2 jobs, kitchen and in auspost I do roughly 60+ hrs a week about 13hrs a day
I am currently using a pair of Elten renzo biomex boots which are super comfy and allow me to do my job without having any aches or pains on my feet
I've been using them for a year now and the leather sides have started to break from the base of the boot and have gaping holes in both sides of the boot
I'm in the market for a new pair of work boots
They must be:
Waterproof
Steel/composite cap
Ankle support is a great bonus

Budget is up to $300
Thanks for reading
Have a good day

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • elgrande on 29/05/2022 - 18:04
    +6

    Waterproof Work Boot

    Auspost

    Are you the postie who is leaving a muddy trail on that front lawn?..

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:13

      Unfortunately not
      But don't blame them 😂

  • pharkurnell on 29/05/2022 - 18:06
    +5

    If your that happy with those boots that you can stand on for 13hrs a day with no pain - buy em again.

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:14
      +2

      True, just thought for 300 they'd last a little longer you know but maybe I'm just thinking unrealistically

      • [Deactivated] on 30/05/2022 - 01:11
        +6

        moisture is the enemy of leather. ideally you don't want to wear the same pair of leather boots every day, they need a day or two to dry out, maybe more if your feet get really sweaty / wet.

        if you get 2 pairs and rotate them, both pairs will last longer than if you had just bought one after the other wore out.

        • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 21:54

          I'll think about it 600 is alot to spend on shoes at once
          Thanks for the advice though

          • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2022 - 13:49
            +1

            @Chef Freeman: if you don't want 2 pairs, you should look at non leather options as you don't have to rest them as much (or at all)

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 29/05/2022 - 18:14
    +1

    Elten renzo biomex boot

    Woah - I’ve never heard of these but I am half seriously looking at buying a pair now! I spend 10-12 hours a day - 6 days a week in steel caps…

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:15
      +2

      Yeah mate, they're great, heavy though, take a bit to break it but are good to wear otherwise
      It took a little while for mine to arrive from stitchcraft so keep that in mind
      I do use a simple insert though for the extra comfort

      • [Deactivated] on 30/05/2022 - 12:02

        what's the fit like ? they say to size down on the website, but what about width? they don't offer a wide option so i am not sure if i should purchase (i bought some redback boots, which are great, except not wide enough)

        • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 21:56

          I feel like they're a wider fit, as they're not entirely moulded to my feet
          I have narrow feet though so I'm not 100%
          I do agree with the size down option though, there's always the 60 Days money back guarantee on the website if you want to try a pair
          Id try them until they break in as they're extremely tough until they do so

          • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2022 - 13:49

            @Chef Freeman: thanks for the info

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:25
      +2

      If you have any questions about them let me know
      More than happy to help :)

  • brendanm on 29/05/2022 - 18:38
    +2

    Why on earth would you not buy the same thing again, knowing that they are comfy to wear that many hours a day, and have lasted a year of daily use?

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:15

      Just thought for the price they'd last a little longer, but maybe I'm just being unrealistic, the 1 year warranty is a bummer though

      • brendanm on 29/05/2022 - 22:43
        +2

        Perhaps worth reaching out to the retailer or manufacturer? Probably should last longer, but I'd personally be happy to pay for something that I knew was good, rather than dropping $300 on something that may be uncomfortable as hell. It's a tax deduction as well.

        • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 21:56

          True mate, I'm messaging the retailer, the manufacturer doesn't seem to want anything to do with it

  • entropysbane on 29/05/2022 - 19:38
    +2

    Athletes foot ascend seem to be pretty good for kitchenhand work if you wants something a little less boot like. My son just got a pair and it is making a tremendous difference leg ache wise.
    And with steel cap in a boot why not good old Blundstone?

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:16

      I'll have a look thanks mate

  • Mechz on 29/05/2022 - 19:43
    +1

    Can you contact the place you bought them? Boots like that should last longer.

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:16

      Sent them a email, so we'll see, doubt they'll do anything as the warranty is only a year

      • Grunntt on 30/05/2022 - 08:56
        +1

        Maybe point them to the review a couple below yours (I am assuming you are Morgan their rather than Freeman).
        They mention the problem with "glue issues holding the leather to the side of the outsole, as I had issues with my first pair after 2 weeks". (Posted Nov 18, 2021 by Steven)

        • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 21:58

          Yes, that's me, seems mine is the same but after a year's worth of use
          I'll flick them an email now about it

  • lgacb08 on 29/05/2022 - 20:28
    +2

    Haven heard of the brand, but among the well-known safety boot brand like Steel blue, Oliver, Cat, Blundstone they definitely will last more than a year doing 12 hour daily for 5-6 days a week. The thing that matters among them are level of comfort which will come to individual foot shape, you might have issue with insole wearing off among the above but definitely not gaping hole after a year of usage.

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:17

      Awesome I'll give them a look

  • bloom on 29/05/2022 - 20:50
    +1

    Plenty of sprays on the market to make boots/shoes more water resistant

    Never mind just read your existing are waterproof new

    • Chef Freeman on 29/05/2022 - 21:18

      Probably would benefit the next pair of whatever boots with those sort of sprays
      Thanks though

      • saltypete on 30/05/2022 - 09:46
        +1

        Not just spray. If they are leather, when you first get them put a coat of Dubbin on them. Put them somewhere comfortably warm and add more after the first lot gets absorbed. Do this until you don't get more being soaked up.
        Rub off any excess.
        Top the Dubbin up every few months.
        It really helps the boots wear in, 'feeds' the leather and seals and protects the stitching.
        The spray on stuff is great for waterproofing, but nowhere near as good for protecting the leather.
        Dubbin is also pretty cheap…..😁

        • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 21:58
          +1

          I'll have look at dubbin now mate
          Thanks heaps

  • cheaplee on 30/05/2022 - 06:13
    +1

    Redback have always been kind to me in the garden. Steel cap, comfortable. As waterproof as any other leather boot

  • thereyougo on 30/05/2022 - 09:30
    +1

    Look at StichKraft, https://www.stitchkraft.com.au
    I have a few pair of their boots, waterproof, comfortable and look good.

    • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 21:59

      Yeah that's where I got my pair from
      Unsure if I want to get a pair of different shoes if they're that close in price to my current shoe
      What shoes have you purchased from them?

  • Bitplay33 on 30/05/2022 - 11:38
    +1

    Can't help with recomendations, however..
    Contact Stichcraft and mention the short service life, they might help. You do have the ACL manyfacturers warranty of 12 months for your boots. Service life of boots should be much longer than 12 months. Of course your working environment does affect the service life.
    And ask your boss at Auspost if they can provide new boots? I thought they supplied safety stuff.

    • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 22:01

      Yeah I'll give them a buzz, doubt they'll do anything weren't too helpful in the shopping process…
      I'm a casual at auspost, started a couple of months ago, unfortunately don't get any supplied uniform for another 3-4 months

  • stabfish on 30/05/2022 - 14:10
    +1

    I've been super happy with my pair of Cat Device composite toe boots. Comfortable and light, after 2 years of daily wear my only complaint is that the inner sole is only now starting to fall apart, and that is easily replaced.

    I've never tested the waterproof claim, but don't have a reason to doubt it.

    • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 22:01

      I'll have a look at them thanks mate

  • cordsplace on 30/05/2022 - 17:26
    +1

    If I had to make a recommendation it would have been the Elten Renzo Biomex GTX ESD S3 CI. That seems what you have. German made. Heavy boots, I think around 2 kgs each. So surprised they have only last a year. I have always waterproofed my boots. I don't use Dubbin but that was a good suggestion. I think I would go back to the retailer as suggested. Should do much better than one year despite the hours work. Work boots warranties usually only last 6 months. Elten do have a good range. Have a look for alternatives. On work sites my son in law uses Steel Blue boots. Swears by them. Not sure if they suit you.

    • Chef Freeman on 30/05/2022 - 22:02

      Yeah mate they're quite heavy, good for the legs I guess,
      Impossible to run in 😂
      I'll have a look at the steel blue
      Thanks mate

  • doctordv8 on 31/05/2022 - 20:25

    Bunnings @$37.00 New pair every 6 mths…bargain.

  • Gcquest on 05/06/2022 - 09:56

    Hi,

    Try this ones.
    https://www.kinggee.com/au/p/quantum-boot/K27120.html?dwvar_…

    Have been using these in a logistics/ warehouse setting where I'm on my feet and walking/ lifting, moving all day.
    For the 1st one year about 6 days a week around 6 to 12 hours a day at least, around 20+k steps/ day.

    Since Jan this year, not so much, about say an average of 4000 steps a day for 5 days a week.
    Started/ got them around Jan 21 till now and seems to be still good.
    So about 2 years of wear with 1 year of 'hard' use.

    I feel, like most shoes, the cushioning properties are not as good as before.
    Deteriorated over time from use I guess or could be in the mind.
    After using them so frequently for so long, they are still comfy and have not caused any aches etc.

    It seems like you are doing more 'pounding' then myself so wear will surly be more pronounced.
    These shoes are light as they are composite caps and offers pretty good ankle support with zips for easy taking off.
    Maybe give them a try?

    I would think they would last maybe 1 to 1.5 years for your use case and they cost about $200 (rrp) but on offer probably around the $170 mark.

    But currently found this sale and thinking of getting another.
    https://www.workwearhub.com.au/products/quantum-zip-side-saf…

    At $179.95 minus another $20 off welcome coupon, total costing $159.95, I've 'no choice' but to buy or I'll let myself down. :)

    I did look into the Elten brand and was thinking of getting them but they are expensive.
    At this price for the King Gee's might have to put Elten on the back burner for a while longer.

    Anyways hope that helps.
    Do let me know your thoughts, especially if you do get the Quantum boots.
    Take care now.!!! :)

  • Grunntt on 05/06/2022 - 12:27
    +1

    I found the best way to have my work boots last is to buy two pairs and then alternate them every two days.
    Doing this I have found that I get well over double the usage out of them.

  • Stripes on 07/07/2022 - 20:13

    I typically get about a year out of a pair. Doing similar hours on my feet. King gee were good but also the merrel goretex waterproof boots worked well but are much more suited out outdoors.

  • Vote for Pedro on 31/07/2022 - 15:59

    Used to wear magnum hi-tec. The boots they used to issue us were ordinary at best. Though not sure what they are like today or even if they still exist.

    First week was horrible until they moulded to your foot. After that it was like walking on clouds.

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