I'm in the market for some field shoes/boots that:
1- Have some level of water protection (wetlands / drainage ditch / swampland work)
2- Have some level of insulation (cold weather work)
3- Does not have "hooked" speed eyelets that allow brush and briars to grab and pull laces loose.
4- Offer some "puncture protection" from nails, glass, etc.
5- Can possibly pull double duty as a field survey boot/shoe and office/casual wear.
Any suggestions would be great.
Also, would it be beneficial if there was a "Gear" discussion category?
Thanks in Advance
White's. They have a "lower" level of boots that I purchased last year, not sure how it is for an office boot but I was very surprised by the good quality for the reduced price (for a Whites). I would highly recommend them, although they do not have eyes all the way up. It's called the Selway and it was $250; a much reduced price from my other White's.
Your desire to avoid speed lacing is very limiting. You could rather easily replace the speed lacing hooks with regular eyelets yourself if you can't find a local cobbler to do it.
For the record, I favor Danner Steel Yard boots. But they would be a hassle to get on and off without the speed lacing.
Have yourself a pair of custom boots made by WESTCO boots.
Norman,
You can replace speed eyelets?
I've never desired to do it, so I can't claim personal experience. Nevertheless, I'm sure that any cobbler could do it.
My go to boots for field work. Never had an issue with the laces. Very thick leather.
https://www.rei.com/product/774690/zamberlan-vioz-gtx-hiking-boots-mens
Salomon makes some fantastic and comfortable boots. Anything in the X Ultra series will most certainly get the job done and they last. I've never had a pair that lasted less than about 1500 miles of field work.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX fan here.
Salomons are great if you don't have to have a safety toe. They're lightweight, but still rugged enough, while somehow having good traction on snow, ice and mud. They might carry dirt in the treads more than some boots.