Timberland PRO Men's Velocity Alloy Safety-Toe Mid Work Boot - Steel Toe Industrial & Construction Shoes for Heavy Duty, Waterproof & Slip Resistant - Ideal for Construction Workers, Electricians & Warehouse Laborers

excellent work boots for a linemen. I bought these because they meet the requirements as a linemen. I would not use these for gaffing but they are great on ladders and stepped telephone poles. I usually buy the Timberland PRO Men's 50507 Titan 6" Composite Toe Boot or the Timberland PRO Men's 26064 Titan 6" Safety Toe Boot and these fit about the same. This pair is much more comfortable and has far better ventilation. if you get wet these will absorb water through the mesh but if you stay dry these will help against hot spots and keep your feet cool. i usually go through two timberland titans a year, and these are built the same so they seem like they will last just as long. I think they best way to describe them is by calling them sneaker boots. they do not have the steel shank so the sole is flexible enough and shaped to make walking very comfortable. i could probably play basketball in these boots with the right insole inserts. they are that comfortable. the orange is very loud and yes my coworkers had jokes but i changed the laces to plain black laces and after about 2 weeks they are so dirty they are no longer bright anyway. i recommend these boots because they have great ventilation and they make walking very easy. i feel like they protect my feet, and i did have some sharp metal strands make a small tear in one of the mesh vents after a few months but the mesh is so thick and cushioned that it does not come undone, the mesh has not continued tearing, and the cut is only superficial and has not grown or changed the level of protection the boots provide. i do real line work for a NJ utility company and these are very tough and very comfortable. i recommend them.