boots

Unless you are an urban/suburban surveyor, I would recommend Meindl boots.

Wolverine, steel toe, dura-shocks. Only boot that didn't hurt my feet, and I can use them for a full 12-14 hour day and be OK. Mine run $135 or so. They usually last for about 1.5 years, then the seam on the front of the toe will split and time for a new pair. Good enough for the US Army, good enough for me - and they are a Michigan Co, so that is great.

I've been happy with Steel Blues for a few years now. I have to have steel caps because of the sites we go to.

I normally replace them every 12-18 months because of the bush work we do. I end up with nicks and cuts in the leather that rapidly compromise the waterproof nature. I hate wet socks!!

I have looked at redwings in the past but couldn't justify the price for something that was going to cop the abuse I give my boots.

Danner's all the way. Made in good old Portland. They also rebuild them there as well. Here is the Pacific NorthWET Gortex is a must and since a large portion of my work is on the railroad I have to have safety toed boots. They have replaced the style I have had for the last 10 years. I usually get a several years out of them before the soles are shot and the liner is leaking. The nice thing is that they can rebuild them for about half the cost as long as the leather is good. If you take care you can get over 10 years out of a pair.

I just found some Under Armor Ridge Reapers at Marshalls of all places. They are waterproof (Gortex) and had excellent reviews. They listed at something like $235 on the
on the box and I got them for $90. They are tough and very comfortable. I even went back and bought a second pair for when the first wears out. Worth a look.

Best boots I've owned. Im on my second pair in three years. Easy break in, support my ankle in rough terrain and are comfortable when working topo for long periods.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/938-red-wing-shoes/938-red-wing-mens-8-inch-boot-brown

If you don't need steel toe I use Teva Men's Riva Leather Mid Event Hiking Boot. Very light weight with excellent arch support. Ankle support is crucial and these are the way to go. Wrap around laces with 2 sets of hooks make for a quick tie-up.

I like redwing for basic construction site stuff and moderate walking because they last me 3 times longer than the ones that are half the price.

I always now have a pair of hiking boots (which they now call backpacking boots) as well for woods, mountain, boulders, streams work. Latest pair is LOWA GTX. So far I am mighty impressed. These LOWA's are an engineering feet;-) Highly recommend them. They are the lightest pair of this type of boot I've ever had; they have an excellent lacing system; they have an excellent ventilation system of some kind; very stable in spite of the light weight; waterproof goretex; very comfortable. Worth every penny and more. But then, I'm getting older and more particular.

Only problem is not wearing the workboot all the time for everything, then try to run outside barefoot and you feel it as the calluses on the feet fade a bit.

Put me down for Lowa's too. They're made in Eastern Europe. I'm on my second pair. They have a fairly agressive sole. I want to try Miendels, tho. Made in Germany, advertised and highly rated at Cabela's.

+1

LOWA or Raichle (now Mammut) have been my "go to" boots since college. I'm a little partial to the Swiss boots, they go better with the Leica equipment.

I have a pair of 899s.

Basic leather boot.

Just bought a pair of Golden Retriever 10" all leather hunting boots. Comfy .

I never could figure out how someone can keep a pair of boots for more that a couple years. By that time, the uppers on mine are shredded by briars and the inner soles are usually showing through. I've had danners, rockys, wolverines(hate 'em) Timberland, etc. I never expect more that two year out of 'em.

Q: Why are steel-toed boots a bad idea for surveyors?

A: Because using a metal detector while wearing steel-toed boots is the biggest pain in the ass there ever was.

Lowa boots over here for years,
Very comfortabele!
Chr.

Raichle are excellent too. Them were my last pair, so I have high expectations I hope the Lowa's can live up to.

that's why I wear Ariat composite toe boots

Steel toed boots

UF, brought back a memory of a chainman I had on the crew in Prudhoe back in the day. We were trying to find 2-36" steel pipes that were buried maybe 2 or 3' dep. Figured we could locate them with the Schonstadt. Boys get out and after about 15 minutes tell me that there must be a butt load of pipe in the road cuz.."Look at all the hits we got!" Yep, at least 10 marks across the road, and he had orange toes! So, I asked, "are those steel toed boots?" "Yep" ....................SIGH!

Tail chain put his tenny runners on and found the pipes in less than 5 minutes.

Back to the boots. I had a pair of Doc Martins that lasted me about 5 years and were very comfortable. Replaced them with a pair of Redwings and am in the process of breaking them in, jury is still out. Also have a pair of Ariats, love 'em and a pair of Rachles, a bit heavy IMO, but definetly sturdy!

-JD

danner

just bought my 4th pair of danner mnt light boots. my first pair finally wore through after 20 years. 300 semolians and worth every dollar. i wear them instead of slippers when i watch tv. absolutely no break-in needed. made of one piece of leather, so no stitching to give out.

if you use lexol on your leather you will be happy to see your boots last twice as long as without

I have a pair of size 10 Wolverines that are too big for me. They are like new
if not new. I have been hauling them around in my truck intending to give them
to what looked to be a homeless Vietnam vet with really old boots. I haven't
seen him in over a year.
I wear 9 1/2 but these are definitely too big for me. I think they are a big size
10. You pay shipping and they be yours! I need more room in my truck! I don't want
to go there but am tempted to include a pic. At least I am prepared.

Find those old corners and survey on!
My email is in my profile.