I like Georgia Boots.
I wear Rocky boot most of the time
The LaCrosse Grange is my choice for the best all around boot for surveying, fit for any situation.
+1 on the Muck boots for mud and snow and wet and nasty....very comfy and warm
Tried tham all and these are the best boots I've ever had:
Whites smokejumper; brown with non-marking sole. Takes a while to break-in but the fit, stability and durability are the best that I've experienced. You can get them built how you want them and can have them rebuilt when they finally wear out. So, if what you're asking is not the best inexpensive boot, or best for $150, but just the best, that would be the Whites.
I second the vote on Merrell. The model I've been wearing for about 6 years is the Phaser Peak which is similar to the one shown above. I get about a year out of them but they are really comfortable, waterproof and have vibram soles.
My work is generally on construction sights and I wear these:
http://www.georgiaboot.com/products/3735/1600G8040/Georgia-Gore-Tex-Insulated-Work-Boots/
I pay $169 for em at a local hunting and fishing store.
I got fed up with laces breaking and found these which I am really happy with:
http://www.kgsbootguard.com/fnimall/kg_xtreme_boot_laces.phtml
If I am working in swamp or slurry I wear these:
http://www.xtratufboots.com/products/noninsulated/Pages/22272G.aspx
I always wear the felt insert and the Bama Socket when sporting Xtra-Tuffs, it makes all the difference. Found on Page 32 of this catalog:
http://www.xtratufboots.com/Documents/2010_Catalog.pdf
I belong to the hiking boot club, but I don't do very much construction layout.
I don't use steel toed boots because they dig into my toes when I walk uphill.
my current boots are from Duluth Traders, the 6" low tops.. I also have a pair of Chippewa's (high tops) for winter work.
My next pair will probably be keens. I have osteoarthritis, too, and planters fascitis so arch support is important....
But, still... the best part of the day is when the boots come off...
No steel toes for cadastral surveyors!!
Redwing or Danner
My latest pair is the uninsulated, made in China, Danner Quarry, & they have lasted just coming up on two years, looks like I will get a resoling out of them. They look a lot like the Whites Smokejumpers that were posted, with that rounded undercut heel. The heel took a little getting used to because whenever I slipped (on rock or gravel) sometimes it felt like I was just about to twist my ankle and take a bad spill, yet never did. Somehow that rounded heel gives an auto-rotation capability. I used to wear the top-ticket Red Wings and I pretty much killed one pair per year. Never seemed to matter if I oiled them or whatever, they would lose their support after a year. The Danners are an improvement. Next pair I might try the Fort Lewis 200g insulated. One guy used to tease me all summer about wearing insulated boots year round, but for me it's like a thermos bottle, keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
I just my first pair of Redwings and I like them. Georgia boots are also good.
Someone should try to find a similar poll I did at that "other site when I first started surveying about 7 years ago. I got about 200 responses/votes on everyone's favorites. I kept a tally on a piece of paper which I may still have. If I can find it I'll post the results.
If I recall, Danners was pretty high on the list. White's boots didn't get many votes but those that had them were serious about them. They are expensive but are made for YOUR feet and guaranteed forever. My old girlfriend got me some LL Beans which I still have. I don't recommend them for warm weather however. They will heat you up but are great in cold and wet environments.
I wear caulks in the brush, had a couple of guys on my crew work with the regular lug soles and then they switched over to caulks and never went back. For the town stuff I like to switch between hiking boots and hunting boots. Happy feet make for a happy day.
Corcoran II's
Vibram sole, preferably Whites or I have had real good luck with the Wesco brand.
At least for the steep mountainous ground common around here. Nothing compares to a Vibram sole when trying to sidehill a 90% slope.
For semi-flat land, I like Danners.
For town, anything with a soft sole.
Another vote for White's, current pair was NEW in 1990 (yes 22 years ago this July), have had two, maybe three rebuilds. One or two pairs will last you your entire career, built to your feet and I find very comfortable, I would rather wear those all day than anything else, especially if standing or walking or hard surfaces. I actually wear them when traveling by air, as I would rather be on my feet 12 hours in those hiking around airports than more conventional travel footwear.
Might be expensive up front, BUT in long run might be the cheapest cost per year of any boot you can own.
SHG
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.
How about for some snake protection?
Regards. 🙂
Nike's
> I like Georgia Boots.
I still have a pair that weren't made in China. I won't buy them again until they are no longer made in China.
Redwing or Danner. Here's the trick. You buy two pairs and wear one pair for two days, and then rotate. You will get YEARS of dry feet and good wear. I lean towards Danner!! Well worth the money!!
Best snake protection? Taurus Judge.