Hi , just started conductor training in Indiana and was wondering which boot holds up best? Thanks John
Right now I am using a Chippewa boot. Made in the US and so far, holding up. Has some insulation (400g?) and is keeping my feet dry in the rain. I got it on sale for less then half price so that helped make the decision.
My personal favorite are Timberlands. I like the 6" Classic Insulated the best, but we can get Timberland Pros free through work. So that’s what I wear. They are lightweight, waterproof, and somewhat insulated. They last about a year in yard service, but we get a new pair every year.
Whatever I wear, I always add Dr. Sholls gel inserts.
Nick
Wolverines…I get about a year to a year and a half out of them in yard service…(lots of walking on different types of ballast)…my carrier pays for half the cost, once a year, so every year I buy a new pair, keep the old pair as “rain boots”
Best advice, find a brand/pair that fits well, and is comfortable to you, after all, its your feet inside, and nothing makes the day too long like tired hurting feet.
I have used several different manufacturers boots at various times. My best advice is not to skimp on boots. Buy boots that have strong soles that are not too soft and pay attention to the weight of the boots. Always buy steel toe (or other OSHA approved protective toe) boots to protect your feet. Use Dr. Scholls or other inserts for comfort. Make certain the boots fit. Don’t be afraid to replace boots that don’t function or wear as anticipated. Also, find a really good shoe repair guy. Once you find great boots that fit and are broken in, new soles or other repairs can keep those boots going for you. Also, if you have big feet or wide feet (I have both, meaning my feet are almost square at a 13 or 14 EEE depending upon the shoes/boots). Oh, and of course, don’t forget the boots must have a defined heel as required by railroad safety rules.
I started using Redwings. I had two different pairs of different models. Both were steel toe 8" lace ups. The first were ok, but had soft soles that didn’t hold up well on the ballast and only lasted about 6 months. The second pair were what I was wearing on the day of my line of duty injury due to a fall in snow. I never wore them again.
When I returned to work I bought a pair of Lehigh Safety Shoe boots also leather lace ups with speed laces 8". They are excellent boots, I still have them and an identical pair. The first pair has been resoled by a good repair guy and feel better than new. After they got well broken in I went to a podiatrist and got special insoles and ankle supports made for my feet that fit in the boots. Fits under the category of expensive, but well worth it. Turning ankles on ballast shoulders can result in a few painful weeks back at work. The supports and insoles made that almost a non-event.
I also have a different pair of Lehigh boots that have heavy insulation that are good in the winter. The ankle supports won’t fit in them, but proper lacing and the
I have a pair of Red Wing shoes. I’m not really required to wear safety shoes in the course of my duties, but I do anyway, on the off chance that I’ll be asked to go outside for whatever reason (looking over a wreck, getting something from the Top of the Hump, whatever). There are Red Wing stores in our area, so getting new shoes is quite convenient–all I have to do is walk in with the form, and walk out with the boots. UP pays half the cost and deducts the other half from my check.
I’ll probably get one more pair before I retire–had enough dogs nip an my ankles while I’m biking to appreciate the covering.
Oh, and let me echo Nick on the desirability and effectiveness of the Dr. Scholl’s!
I’m only in Los Angeles but my pair of timberlands have lasted me about 2 years and they are very light but durable.
My first pair were Red Wings, but I didn’t get the waterproof ones. Didn’t last long.
I was getting some inexpensive ones at Wal-Mart; for their price they lasted well enough. Added insoles, the ones they come with were poor. Wal-Mart now only goes up to size 13, so I have to look elsewhere.
My current ones are Timberland Pros, waterproof and titanium toe. Fairly lightweight. My older ones are insulated and waterproof. I find they fit well.
I also have some big 5-buckle rubber overshoes for tromping around in the snow, and a pair of 2-buckle rubbers for when the snow isn’t as deep.