****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Great looking and functional work boot and bonus coming in at a budget price (particularly compared to others). I moved out of a severely worn pair of big box named brand competitor work boots and into these after following a recommendation from a co-worker. These boots definitely don't disappoint, but make sure you try and size for the width (D, E, EE, etc. or know your foot width as it's vitally important). They fit pretty true to your tennis shoe size, but the width is important and I would recommend 1/2 size larger than your average athletic shoes. I have narrow feet and bought the D. As it turns out, EE would have been better suited to me. Either way, I wore the soles out of these boots, yet he leather uppers wore well and they are very comfy and hold up well. As with many work boots, there is a break in period for the leather, but in my case was longer because I should have opted for a different width! THE SOLES! They began to disintegrate after about 8 months of moderate; daily use and when I say "Disintegrate," I mean the rubber soles literally turn to foam and just begins to flake off in layers which eventually cracks the sole completely through to the footbed and you are left with the trailing edge of the steel toe digging into the tops of your toes as you walk! Soles are soft and comfy for many months, but if you subject to fuel, they degrade fast and I've read other negative reviews that complain of same! Bottom line, after my soles degraded, these boots can be re-soled (if you can find an old school shoe or leather shop to accomodate that repair. I accomplished that, wore them again today, and they are better than ever. He re-conditioned the leather with oil as the uppers were still in excellent order and they feel like a new set of work boots, but better since they were already worn and weathered to previous comfort! If any of you are looking at this review and "On the fence...so to speak" about ordering these boots, I recommend 100 times over that you purchase a set of these. Any work boot that can outlive the soles of their foundation, be re-soled, and live to see another day at work for a budget price.. and still perform like a rock star is a boot worth purchase. SIDE NOTE: I've owned 2 pairs of Red Wings. I bought these Carhartt boots after my 1st pair of Wings failed. I bought my 2nd pair of Wings when these Carhartt Boots were in the shop for new treads! Since my new rubber, I'm wearing these Carhartts again and the new Wings are in the closet!
