TW

Tom Watson

26/09/2008 2:25 PM

Steel Toe Boots

I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
made your toes extra cold in the winter.

Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
toe safety issue.

If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.


tom


This topic has 40 replies

BB

Bored Borg

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

02/10/2008 2:25 AM

'Fraid my mileage varies on the Docs. I've had 3 or 4 pairs over the years
and EVERY pair has split east-west under the ball of my foot. Did the repair
weld thing but no luck long-term.
They wear through incredibly fast, as well, and it's soon possible to tell if
you're walking on dried peas (OK, I'm a fairy-tale princess, maybe.. ?)
On the other hand - hand? - they are lovely comfortable when newish. I'd
really regard 'em as leisure wear.

JOOC, has anyone worn clogs recently?
I had a couple of pairs (steel toed) many many years ago and they were
comfortable for all day wear on any surface. Unfortunately, having nailed
soles they were lousy on grip on metal plate and I managed to ski down the
side of a container I thought I was climbing (on back of a truck, so I fell
the last few feet, fortunately onto sand.) The driver who picked me up
casually informed me that "everybody does that." Everybody indeed wore clogs.
I don't think it'd pass H&S best practice this century. I was doing a summer
job between colleges, long time ago. The work place is long gone.

Where was I? Oh, clogs. Anyone still wear 'em? in spite of the lousy adhesion
to metal, they were great for climbing anything else as the soles were
completely inflexible. I don't know if I'd find 'em comfortable now, (hence
my asking) but at the time they were great.

On Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:04:25 +0100, Robatoy wrote
(in article
<[email protected]>):


> Sooo, TOM!!.. look into Doc Martins. Highly recommended. You'd never
> know you're wearing steel toes. I have orthotics in all my shoes.
> Those virtually cured my back pains.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 8:18 AM

On Sep 28, 8:43=A0am, Woodie <[email protected]> wrote:
> Upscale wrote:
> > <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
> > Everybody mentions toe
> >> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>
> > I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. =A0They do a hard
> > plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>
> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from stepp=
ing
> > on a nail?
>
> Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.

Kevlar works well against blunt objects, doesn't do that well with
pointy sticks.

TW

Tom Watson

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 8:52 AM

Thanks to everyone for the opinions. I bought a pair of Timberland
Pro's with gel inserts this morning.


tom



Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 3:46 AM


<[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
Everybody mentions toe
> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.

I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. They do a hard
plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.

And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from stepping
on a nail?

Ww

Woodie

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 12:43 PM

Upscale wrote:
> <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
> Everybody mentions toe
>> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>
> I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. They do a hard
> plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>
> And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from stepping
> on a nail?

Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 9:19 AM


"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
> Timberland with Titanium toes.

It's been awhile since I wore safety boots, so I have to ask if steel shanks
are automatically part of today's safety footwear? Everybody mentions toe
protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 6:57 PM

"Robatoy" wrote\

> For a steel toed work boot, I have a couple of pair of Doc Martins.
> VERY comfortable and they last and last and are always in style. *S*.

Thing is, every time I've tried Dr Martin's on I've this uncontrollable urge
to spike my hair and wear black! ;)

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/18/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

ZY

Zz Yzx

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 8:08 AM


>If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.

Timberland makes steel toe shoes tht look like cross-trainers, kinda':

http://www.timberland.com/sm-steel-toe-boots--fi-1807598.html

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 7:56 AM


"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
> over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
> made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> toe safety issue.
>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
>
> tom
>
>
Timberland with Titanium toes.

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 8:56 AM


"Woodie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from
stepping
> > on a nail?
>
> Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.

Doesn't answer my question. As I understand it, Kevlar is a spun material.
Are you saying that plastic shanks in safety boots Kevlar? Show me some
advertising to that effect.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 8:34 AM

On Sep 27, 11:33=A0am, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Sep 26, 7:57=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > "Robatoy" wrote\
>
> > > For a steel toed work boot, I have a couple of pair of Doc Martins.
> > > VERY comfortable and they last and last and are always in style. *S*.
>
> > Thing is, every time I've tried Dr Martin's on I've this uncontrollable=
urge
> > to spike my hair and wear black! =A0;)
>
> > --www.e-woodshop.net
> > Last update: 8/18/08
> > KarlC@ (the obvious)
>
> These are them Dr Martens at his best. Sooo comfywomfy, sooo easy on
> the knees.
>
> http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2435-ironbridge.aspx

'cept mine are steel toed.

t

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

01/10/2008 12:49 PM

On Sep 26, 4:36=A0pm, Nova <[email protected]> wrote:
> Tom Watson wrote:
> > I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
> > and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. =A0They want anyone
> > on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. =A0I haven't had a pair of them i=
n
> > over twenty five years. =A0Never cared for them, really. =A0Thought the=
y
> > made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
> > Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> > making the good ones these days. =A0I've been wearing cross trainer
> > sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> > They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. =A0The
> > work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> > something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> > toe safety issue.
>
> > If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
> > tom
>
> Red Wing
>
> http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductResults.aspx?shoefinder=3D1&ProductT..=
.
>
> and Rocky
>
> http://www.rockyboots.com/Products/search.aspx?CatId=3D104&subCatId=3D105=
...
>
> --
> Jack Novak
> Buffalo, NY - USA
> [email protected] Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I do like the steel toe because while not a pro, I do extensive jobs
in several disciplines which often include heavy items and tools. I
finally broke down and replaced my Timberland Pro (hiking boot style)
with the Redwing 2226 for it's high ratings in comfort on concrete.
Well, they're very nice boots, but they're bulky and I can actually
feel a difference in leg fatigue from "carrying" them around all day.

I'm going back to the Timberlands. I'm a size 11 and the Timberland
sole is almost a full inch shorter than the Redwing and considerably
lighter. A classic case of fixing something that wasn't broke!

I recommend the Timberlands. They're also quite a bit cheaper but the
quality seems fine.

Tom

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

29/09/2008 12:56 AM


<[email protected]> wrote in message
> I never thought about the supportive shank as being a nail deflector.

Well, don't forget, I haven't had need of protective footwear, (toe
protection or nail protection) for close to thirty years, so my experience
with the subject is woefully out of date. However, when I last worked in any
type of production environment, both types of protection were always just
one of the prerequisites to getting hired.

I'm willing to wager that the need for both types of protection is pretty
much equal. To me anyway, it just doesn't make sense not to protect against
both. Several times I've come across people who have stepped on nails, me
also being one of them. I've never come across anyone suffering from crushed
toes.

Ff

FrozenNorth

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 12:01 PM

Robatoy wrote:

> On Sep 28, 8:43 am, Woodie <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Upscale wrote:
>> > <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
>> > Everybody mentions toe
>> >> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>>
>> > I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore.  They do a hard
>> > plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>>
>> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from
>> > stepping on a nail?
>>
>> Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.
>
> Kevlar works well against blunt objects, doesn't do that well with
> pointy sticks.

I can vouch for that, Kevlar canoe, Petawawa River in Algonquin Park, sharp
rock, took some duct tape to get out of that situation, and a few extra
days, more portages etc.
--
Froz...

nn

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 10:29 AM

On Sep 28, 3:46 am, "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote:
> <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
>
> Everybody mentions toe
>
> > protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>
> I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. They do a hard
> plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>
> And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from stepping
> on a nail?

That ABS support in most of the work boots (not tennis shoes) is
pretty substantial. In all the years of wearing Red Wings, I don't
know that the steel shank support that was in the foot bed (app. 1
1/2" x 3") was tasked with stopping a nail or screw. Maybe it did and
I didn't know about it.

But that wasn't why it was there to begin with. Those shanks (18
gauge sheet metal stampings) were put in there to help keep the boot
from collapsing under hard pounding like I used to give them. I
bought a cheaper pair of pull ons from Red Wing that they brought in
from a foreign supplier, and they were just a pair of leather boots
with a cushy sole. They were gone in about 6 months, destroyed.

At that time the Red Wing stores here were all franchises. I knew the
guy that owned our local Red Wing store as he saw me fairly
frequently, and he was so embarrassed about those boots that the gave
me a good discount on my next pair of good boots. Those cheapies
didn't have arch support or a shank of any kind, just a cushy cast
sole. They would have been great for wearing on the weekends in the
shop. Worthless for work. Their demise started when I broke down the
foot bed snf distorted the shape of the boot with my flat feet because
there was no supportive shank of any kind.

Lesson reconfirmed 20 years ago: No supportive shank, no purchase.

I never thought about the supportive shank as being a nail deflector.

Now watch me go to work and run a nail up through the sole of one of
my Timberland boots after all these years of ignorant bliss.

Robert


RC

Robatoy

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 8:33 AM

On Sep 26, 7:57=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" wrote\
>
> > For a steel toed work boot, I have a couple of pair of Doc Martins.
> > VERY comfortable and they last and last and are always in style. *S*.
>
> Thing is, every time I've tried Dr Martin's on I've this uncontrollable u=
rge
> to spike my hair and wear black! =A0;)
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 8/18/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)

These are them Dr Martens at his best. Sooo comfywomfy, sooo easy on
the knees.

http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2435-ironbridge.aspx

Pp

Puckdropper

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 4:45 AM

"charlie" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

>
> tell me about it. i was recently cutting a chunk off a granite slab,
> and just about the time i was wondering what would happen if there was
> an internal flaw and where the offcut would go (hint: down), it let
> go. unfortunately, i was working outside (in phx where it was 110) and
> was wearing flipflops. luckily my wife wasn't home; she gets woozy at
> the sight of a lot of blood.
>
> regards,
> charlie
> cave creek, az
>

I wear my flip flops all the time, and have gotten pretty good at the
drop & hop manuever. Whenever I drop something, I immediately hop
backwards. That's not to say I haven't been bitten a few times...

Just like your hands on a power tool, you have to think about what would
happen to your feet if the tool/piece disappeared.

Puckdropper
--
If you're quiet, your teeth never touch your ankles.

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

SS

Stuart

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 11:56 PM

In article <[email protected]>,
Nova <[email protected]> wrote:
> Red Wing

> http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductResults.aspx?shoefinder=1&ProductType&SubType=Steel%20Toe&Gender=Mens&Style=

I've been wearing something similar to 6633 for several years, made by
Totectors in Northampton (UK), I've had about three pair. I find them very
comfortable, never had a problem with cold feet, and they lasted around
three or four years of continuous use.

Not as pricey though, I paid around 26 pounds (around $50) a pair.

Stuart

--
Stuart Winsor

For Barn dances and folk evenings in the Coventry and Warwickshire area
See: http://www.barndance.org.uk

RC

Robatoy

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 10:35 AM

On Sep 28, 1:29=A0pm, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> On Sep 28, 3:46 am, "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
>
> > Everybody mentions toe
>
> > > protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>
> > I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. =A0They do a hard
> > plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>
> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from stepp=
ing
> > on a nail?
>
> That ABS support in most of the work boots (not tennis shoes) is
> pretty substantial. =A0In all the years of wearing Red Wings, I don't
> know that the steel shank support that was in the foot bed (app. 1
> 1/2" x 3") was tasked with stopping a nail or screw. =A0Maybe it did and
> I didn't know about it.
>
> But that wasn't why it was there to begin with. =A0Those shanks (18
> gauge sheet metal stampings) were put in there to help keep the boot
> from collapsing under hard pounding like I used to give them. =A0I
> bought a cheaper pair of pull ons from Red Wing that they brought in
> from a foreign supplier, and they were just a pair of leather boots
> with a cushy sole. =A0They were gone in about 6 months, destroyed.
>
> At that time the Red Wing stores here were all franchises. =A0I knew the
> guy that owned our local Red Wing store as he saw me fairly
> frequently, and he was so embarrassed about those boots that the gave
> me a good discount on my next pair of good boots. =A0Those cheapies
> didn't have arch support or a shank of any kind, just a cushy cast
> sole. =A0They would have been great for wearing on the weekends in the
> shop. =A0Worthless for work. =A0Their demise started when I broke down th=
e
> foot bed snf distorted the shape of the boot with my flat feet because
> there was no supportive shank of any kind.
>
> Lesson reconfirmed 20 years ago: =A0No supportive shank, no purchase.
>
> I never thought about the supportive shank as being a nail deflector.
>
> Now watch me go to work and run a nail up through the sole of one of
> my Timberland boots after all these years of ignorant bliss.
>
> Robert

That is what ultimately killed Bob Marley. He stepped on a nail and
let it go. No joke.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 8:28 PM

On Sep 26, 7:57=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" wrote\
>
> > For a steel toed work boot, I have a couple of pair of Doc Martins.
> > VERY comfortable and they last and last and are always in style. *S*.
>
> Thing is, every time I've tried Dr Martin's on I've this uncontrollable u=
rge
> to spike my hair and wear black! =A0;)
>

I'd pay for a picture of that...LOL.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 4:04 PM

On Sep 26, 6:41=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Tom Watson" =A0wrote
>
> > Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> > making the good ones these days.
>
> RedWing were always tops in my farrier youth (pull-on boot), but I suspec=
t
> that has changed since my knees have somehow got a couple years older tha=
n
> I' am.
>
> > I've been wearing cross trainer
> > sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> > They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. =A0The
> > work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> > something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> > toe safety issue.
>
> > If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
> Sticking to recent personal experience:
>
> The Rockler steel toe shoe, purchased about 1/2 size bigger and fitted wi=
th
> an orthotic "sof sol" insert, look identical to my "old man" Rockport
> "dress" shoes, and are as comfortable, which is real comfortable.
>
> I can attest to that because I've worn them by accident and didn't know t=
he
> difference (the older you get, the more it pays to look down before you
> leave the house in the morning to make sure your shoes match).
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 8/18/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)

Heehehehe, that mismatch happened just the other day to this guy i
know.. down the street,,, but i, ermm , I mean, HE noticed before he
got in the van... And, yup, they were rockies too. Angela bought me 3
pair at Birch Run MI (Just nort of Flint) at a Rockport factory
outlet.
For a steel toed work boot, I have a couple of pair of Doc Martins.
VERY comfortable and they last and last and are always in style. *S*.
I wear steel toes with pleasure as I cannot imagine what would happen
to my dance steps if I were to drop a 400 pound engineered stone
island on my tootsies.

Sooo, TOM!!.. look into Doc Martins. Highly recommended. You'd never
know you're wearing steel toes. I have orthotics in all my shoes.
Those virtually cured my back pains.

JR

"Jay R"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 1:39 AM

If you need the cross trainers, will they let you weaqr an overtoe?


"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
> over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
> made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> toe safety issue.
>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
>
> tom
>
>

Dd

"DanG"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 11:22 AM

Tom, Skechers make steel toe work shoes. They have them in tennis
shoe and cross trainer style. Here is their site:
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/work_and_industrial_shoes/steel_toe/list

They are carried by Academy sports and Shoe Carnival here. I
found them to be comfortable and they wear well.

--
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)
[email protected]



"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved
> staircases
> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want
> anyone
> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of
> them in
> over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought
> they
> made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might
> be
> making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross
> trainer
> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky
> knees.
> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that.
> The
> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the
> steel
> toe safety issue.
>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear
> them.
>
>
> tom
>
>

Mb

"MikeWhy"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

29/09/2008 4:23 PM


"charlie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:05a01c9d-c979-4d6d-aa3f-bb110183cb0f@d70g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> On Sep 28, 8:43 am, Woodie <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Upscale wrote:
>> > <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
>> > Everybody mentions toe
>> >> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>>
>> > I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. They do a hard
>> > plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>>
>> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from
>> > stepping
>> > on a nail?
>>
>> Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.
>
> Kevlar works well against blunt objects, doesn't do that well with
> pointy sticks.
>
> ----
> surprise, az just outlawed crossbows within the city limits for this
> reason. oddly enough, a strong showing by para-olympic archery people got
> bows taken off the proposed outlawed list.
>
> http://www.azcentral.com/community/surprise/articles/2008/09/26/20080926gl-nwvcouncil0927cover.html

Dovetail saws? Ball bats? Hand thrown Japanese chisels? They don't know how
to respond to a bow and arrow because it isn't on their weapons list?????
The world has definitely gone mad. (Pardon me this transgression. I'll
ignore political flame bait in the future.)

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 7:03 PM

"Robatoy" wrote

> I wear steel toes with pleasure as I cannot imagine what would happen
> to my dance steps if I were to drop a 400 pound engineered stone
> island on my tootsies.

Try a 1200 lb quarter horse using both his tootsies, and yours, to "Waltz
Across Texas". I hated it when that happened ... there are way too damn many
bones in two feet!

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/18/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

CF

Chris Friesen

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 4:05 PM

Tom Watson wrote:
> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
> over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
> made your toes extra cold in the winter.

There are a number of companies making safety boots that use plastic or
titanium instead of steel. Lighter and less chilly in winter. Some of
them look like light hiking boots rather than big stompers.

As for helping with the knees, you might want to try a "real" shoe
store, the kind that deals with orthopedic inserts and such. They may
have some recommendations.

Chris

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 5:41 PM

"Tom Watson" wrote

> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> making the good ones these days.

RedWing were always tops in my farrier youth (pull-on boot), but I suspect
that has changed since my knees have somehow got a couple years older than
I' am.

> I've been wearing cross trainer
> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> toe safety issue.
>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.

Sticking to recent personal experience:

The Rockler steel toe shoe, purchased about 1/2 size bigger and fitted with
an orthotic "sof sol" insert, look identical to my "old man" Rockport
"dress" shoes, and are as comfortable, which is real comfortable.

I can attest to that because I've worn them by accident and didn't know the
difference (the older you get, the more it pays to look down before you
leave the house in the morning to make sure your shoes match).

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/18/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)



JP

Jay Pique

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 3:20 PM

On Sep 26, 6:05=A0pm, "charlie" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> "Nova" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Tom Watson wrote:
> >> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
> >> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. =A0They want anyon=
e
> >> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. =A0I haven't had a pair of them =
in
> >> over twenty five years. =A0Never cared for them, really. =A0Thought th=
ey
> >> made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
> >> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> >> making the good ones these days. =A0I've been wearing cross trainer
> >> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> >> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. =A0Th=
e
> >> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> >> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> >> toe safety issue.
>
> >> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
> >> tom
>
> > Red Wing
>
> >http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductResults.aspx?shoefinder=3D1&ProductT.=
..
>
> > and Rocky
>
> >http://www.rockyboots.com/Products/search.aspx?CatId=3D104&subCatId=3D10=
5...
>
> > --
> > Jack Novak
> > Buffalo, NY - USA
> > [email protected]
>
> and look into orthotics for your knee problems- Hide quoted text -

I work on concrete all day in Red Wings. Steel toes with smooth soles
made for a shop floor. They're great boots with "good" support - but
I'm definitely going to get myself some custom footbeds before long.
(Right after the new router, slot mortiser, F45, etc...)

Seriously though - custom footbeds should really help you. I've
always had them for ski boots and they're like night and day. I gotta
figure it's the same for work boots.

Good luck with the new job!

JP

nn

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 10:51 AM

On Sep 27, 9:19=A0am, "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote:

> Everybody mentions toe
> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.

I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. They do a hard
plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.

I have extremely flat feet and with no extra support, I will crush the
boot soles down flat to meet the heels. I wouldn't have believed it,
but the ABS shanks seem to work as well as the old steel shanks used
to.

My favorites now are some model of Timberland. I liked them so well I
bought three pairs and am on the last pair I squirreled away.

Robert

tj

the_tool_man

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

01/10/2008 11:17 AM

>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>

I searched for the "perfect shoe" for years, with similar criteria to
yours. I have wide feet, and have great difficulty finding a steel-
toe shoe that doesn't pinch my toes. I also used to struggle with
plantar fasciitis, so I know a thing or two about proper arch
support. I wear Timberland Titan Pro work boots. They fit better
than anything else I've tried. The toe doesn't pinch, and is
lightweight. They have good arch support as is, but I supplement with
gel insoles becuase of my flat feet. They list for $120, but you can
sometimes find them on sale. Timberland offers a 30-day, money back
garantee if you don't like them. My employer buys me a new pair every
year, so I've got an old pair for use around the yard. I wear them
instead of sneakers becuase they are more comfortable, even when it's
hot out. That's how good they are. I have no association with
Timberland. I'm just very happy with their product.

Regards,
John.

Dd

"DGDevin"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 5:13 PM

Tom Watson wrote:

> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.

I used to have a pair of Colorado brand low-rise work boots that were so
comfy I wore them as street shoes. But that was 15 years ago, today they're
probably made in China and might be anything but comfy. The MIC Coleman
steel-toes I bought not long ago for rebuilding our garage are brutal even
with gel inserts. If there is a specialty shoe store where you live that
sells to people needing such footware it's worth your time to check them
out.

b

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 6:27 PM

On Sep 26, 9:45=A0pm, Puckdropper <puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com> wrote:
> I wear my flip flops all the time, and have gotten pretty good at the
> drop & hop manuever. =A0Whenever I drop something, I immediately hop
> backwards. =A0That's not to say I haven't been bitten a few times...
>
> Just like your hands on a power tool, you have to think about what would
> happen to your feet if the tool/piece disappeared.
>
> Puckdropper

my instinctive reaction is to lift my foot off of the ground. usually
I react properly to the size/weight/fragility/value of the falling
object and either get my foot the f**k out of the way, or get my foot
under the object to cushion it's landing....

in a previous life I framed buildings with manufactured trusses. it's
dangerous work, walking top plate assembling roofs that way. we were
the only crew on a lot of jobs who were allowed sneakers. the idea was
that if a rack of trusses landed on your foot in a steel toe boot the
steel toe would cut your toes off, but in sneakers it would just crush
them, and the value of soft soles with grabby tread was the overriding
safety factor.

EP

"Edwin Pawlowski"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 12:50 AM


"Puckdropper" <puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com> wrote in message
> I wear my flip flops all the time, and have gotten pretty good at the
> drop & hop manuever. Whenever I drop something, I immediately hop
> backwards. That's not to say I haven't been bitten a few times...
>
> Just like your hands on a power tool, you have to think about what would
> happen to your feet if the tool/piece disappeared.

In a business, your Workman's Comp insurance company would investigate.

cc

"charlie"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 3:05 PM


"Nova" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Tom Watson wrote:
>> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
>> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
>> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
>> over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
>> made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>>
>> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
>> making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
>> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
>> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
>> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
>> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
>> toe safety issue.
>>
>> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>>
>>
>> tom
>>
>>
>
> Red Wing
>
> http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductResults.aspx?shoefinder=1&ProductType=&SubType=Steel%20Toe&Gender=Mens&Style=
>
> and Rocky
>
> http://www.rockyboots.com/Products/search.aspx?CatId=104&subCatId=105&tag=1
>
> --
> Jack Novak
> Buffalo, NY - USA
> [email protected]

and look into orthotics for your knee problems

cc

"charlie"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 4:42 PM


"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Sep 26, 6:41 pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Tom Watson" wrote
>
> > Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> > making the good ones these days.
>
> RedWing were always tops in my farrier youth (pull-on boot), but I suspect
> that has changed since my knees have somehow got a couple years older than
> I' am.
>
> > I've been wearing cross trainer
> > sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> > They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
> > work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> > something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> > toe safety issue.
>
> > If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
> Sticking to recent personal experience:
>
> The Rockler steel toe shoe, purchased about 1/2 size bigger and fitted
> with
> an orthotic "sof sol" insert, look identical to my "old man" Rockport
> "dress" shoes, and are as comfortable, which is real comfortable.
>
> I can attest to that because I've worn them by accident and didn't know
> the
> difference (the older you get, the more it pays to look down before you
> leave the house in the morning to make sure your shoes match).
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 8/18/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)

Heehehehe, that mismatch happened just the other day to this guy i
know.. down the street,,, but i, ermm , I mean, HE noticed before he
got in the van... And, yup, they were rockies too. Angela bought me 3
pair at Birch Run MI (Just nort of Flint) at a Rockport factory
outlet.
For a steel toed work boot, I have a couple of pair of Doc Martins.
VERY comfortable and they last and last and are always in style. *S*.
I wear steel toes with pleasure as I cannot imagine what would happen
to my dance steps if I were to drop a 400 pound engineered stone
island on my tootsies.

----

tell me about it. i was recently cutting a chunk off a granite slab, and
just about the time i was wondering what would happen if there was an
internal flaw and where the offcut would go (hint: down), it let go.
unfortunately, i was working outside (in phx where it was 110) and was
wearing flipflops. luckily my wife wasn't home; she gets woozy at the sight
of a lot of blood.

regards,
charlie
cave creek, az

cc

"charlie"

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

29/09/2008 9:35 AM


"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:05a01c9d-c979-4d6d-aa3f-bb110183cb0f@d70g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
On Sep 28, 8:43 am, Woodie <[email protected]> wrote:
> Upscale wrote:
> > <[email protected]> wrote in message news:af0297a4-c1e5-4116-95f2->
> > Everybody mentions toe
> >> protection, but steel shanks are not mentioned at all.
>
> > I don't think many do the steel shanks anymore. They do a hard
> > plastic that flexes a bit, rather than the steel.
>
> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from
> > stepping
> > on a nail?
>
> Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.

Kevlar works well against blunt objects, doesn't do that well with
pointy sticks.

----
surprise, az just outlawed crossbows within the city limits for this reason.
oddly enough, a strong showing by para-olympic archery people got bows taken
off the proposed outlawed list.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/surprise/articles/2008/09/26/20080926gl-nwvcouncil0927cover.html

regards,
charlie
cave creek, az

ca

clare at snyder dot ontario dot canada

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

28/09/2008 2:59 PM

On Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:56:45 -0500, "Upscale" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>"Woodie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> > And those hard plastic shanks would protect against puncture from
>stepping
>> > on a nail?
>>
>> Plastic stops bullets in kevlar vests.
>
>Doesn't answer my question. As I understand it, Kevlar is a spun material.
>Are you saying that plastic shanks in safety boots Kevlar? Show me some
>advertising to that effect.
>
Not necessarily kevlar, but VERY resistant to penetration by sharp
objects.
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

LB

Larry Blanchard

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 4:14 PM

On Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:25:02 -0700, Tom Watson wrote:

> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> toe safety issue.
>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.

Tom, I've got a pair of Red Wing boots that I'm happy with. Comfortable,
not too heavy, they last forever, and I haven't personally noted any cold
toes in the winter. But I wear insulated socks in the winter.

I've also got a pair of steel toe motorcycle boots, but "these boots are
NOT made for walking." With or without the steel toes :-).

FB

Frank Boettcher

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

27/09/2008 10:47 AM

On Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:25:02 -0700 (PDT), Tom Watson
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
>and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
>on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
>over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
>made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
>Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
>making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
>sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
>They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
>work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
>something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
>toe safety issue.
>
>If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
>
>tom
>


Be sure to reach into the toe and feel the material that separates the
steel insert from your foot. Some of them are very coarse material
for longevity sake. You want one that is relatively smooth. And make
sure there are no seams in the area.

The last pair I had were as described above and while they were
comfortable enough they ate up socks on a daily basis. I finally just
got rid of them, long before they were worn out.

Frank

Nn

Nova

in reply to Tom Watson on 26/09/2008 2:25 PM

26/09/2008 9:36 PM

Tom Watson wrote:
> I've taken a job with a stair shop that mostly makes curved staircases
> and I'll be spending some time on their shop floor. They want anyone
> on the floor to wear steel toe shoes. I haven't had a pair of them in
> over twenty five years. Never cared for them, really. Thought they
> made your toes extra cold in the winter.
>
> Anyways, I need to buy a pair and I'm clueless about who might be
> making the good ones these days. I've been wearing cross trainer
> sneaks for the last ten years or so in deference to my barky knees.
> They still bark so I need shoes that will help me out with that. The
> work is inside, so they don't need to be insulated boots, just
> something that will help me with my knee problem and address the steel
> toe safety issue.
>
> If any of you guys have opinions on this I'd be happy to hear them.
>
>
> tom
>
>

Red Wing

http://www.redwingshoes.com/ProductResults.aspx?shoefinder=1&ProductType=&SubType=Steel%20Toe&Gender=Mens&Style=

and Rocky

http://www.rockyboots.com/Products/search.aspx?CatId=104&subCatId=105&tag=1

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
[email protected]


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