I’ve tried Keen Targhees, which have given me plantar fasciitis in my right foot. I have some other sort of Keen boot and those give me corns. So I ordered a pair of Vasque boots and they don’t seem to be making the other 2 issues any better.
I’m looking for a light or medium weight waterproof work boot with good arch support, good heel cushioning and support, and a roomy toe box. Any suggestions? TIA
If you don’t mind a boot that is not knee high, I highly recommend Timberland hiking boots.
I got my first pair on clearance ($18!) and they lasted 3yrs as barn chore boots with absolutely zero care from me.
After all that abuse they finally developed a crack across the instep that threatened to compromise the waterproofness.
Guess what?
Timberland replaced them - no questions asked - for the cost of shipping them the old pair.
I am now on Year 3 for the new boots. All I do is clean with Murphys Oil and treat with Stubben Hamanol when they look particularly gross.
They fit all your qualifications:
Warm
Waterproof
Great arch support
Comfy (removable) insole so my heels don’t get sore.
IMO the only improvement would be a slip on model.
As it is, I just lace them partway so I can slip onto my uber-high arched feet.
Redback easyouts.
I wore Timberlands for years, and I also have high arches and plantar fasciitis on and off. They were great. Not sure why I stopped! Lately I’ve been wearing the waterproof Ariat Terrains – the lace ups. I put pink Superfeet insoles in them and can wear them all day without pain. The zip ups aren’t as comfy for me. My plantar pain went away after I broke my ankle and wore a cast for 3 months straight. I don’t recommend that cure, but maybe those night splints would do the same thing.
Muck Boots. I live in these:
My BO wears these - the only boots that are able to keep her feet warm:
Best. Boots. Ever.
Dututh Trading Company. I love the wild boar mules. I got both styles (low, slip ons and a higher lenght…fantastic at a very, very good price. Great guarantee as well. I love their products, customer service and quality. Very reasonable.
How do the Ariat type fit you?
What size do you wear?
They have Ariat Terrains HO2 and several other kinds of short barn and riding boot.
I like my Ariat Terrain boots for working, they have a good arch, are non slip, very light and durable.
My solution has ended up being ye olde Tingley Rubber boots - but with a Dr. Scholls gel insert for work boots. My feet are much happier now.
Of course, they’re still rubber and not so great for really warm weather. I bought a pair of Ariat Terrains and am still forming an opinion.
to me " the perfect work boot" fits some one else, not my foot at all
I had actually ordered a pair of Timberland Chocorua Trail Boots and sent them back immediately because they didn’t support the arches of my feet. I have very flat feet. I’ll try another sort of Timberland and see if I like them any better.
I normally live in Muck boots year round, I have wide feet and the beginning of what will eventually become bad bunions. I do find Mucks have zero arch support however. I use insoles in mine.
Santa brought me a pair of these this year: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83157?feat=506708-GN2&page=women-s-storm-chasers-pull-on-boot
I was very leery at first since the toe area is not what I would consider wide, and on first try-on I thought I was going to have to return them for being too narrow, but I walked around in them for a bit and after my foot warmed the boot they conformed to my foot shape very nicely.
I found them so comfortable I just spent an entire weekend working a tradeshow booth in them - on my feet consistently for 14 hours per day for 3 days. My bunions were sore by the end of the day, but not terrible. Certainly nothing like wearing fancy heels, where I have to kick them off within 2 hours or I’m crippled.
They were comfortable enough however that only my bunions hurt. After 14 hours on concrete floors, thats saying something. So, all things considered, the boots scored off the charts marks from me.
I’m sharing however because I too have very flat feet and the arch support is tremendous in these boots. Ankle not so much, but great for arches. And LL Bean has the best warranty ever.
They’re mid-grade warm. My mucks are warmer.
I got a pair of red wing pull on boots because none of the equestrian brands I’ve tried make boots that last longer than a season of work.
I don’t like working in sneaker/light hiking boot-type boots, so I was looking for something with height & no mesh. also, super waterproof.
they took a while to break in, & might be more comfortable with inserts/orthotics, but they’re awesome work boots. some retail stores do free cleaning, repairs, insole replacements, etc.
Love Ahnu Montara
I have flat feet, bunions and hip issues. I discovered Ahnu Montaras and fell in love. I’ve never worn more comfortable shoes. They are super light, waterproof and offer plenty of toe room. I do replace the footbed with Dr. Scholl’s Active Series supports. This winter I picked up the Ahnu Twains to wear to the office - waterproof and little bit of insulation for clomping through the snow covered driveway and parking lot. Also love them! My doctor recommended the Dr. Scholl’s Active Series supports. They help tremendously as well.
If by work boot you aren’t requiring a protective toe, then consider hiking boots. I have been wearing Asolo brand because they fit me so well. Plus they are waterproof and very comfortable.
If you want protective toes, there aren’t as many options out there just try on as many as you can find until you find ones that fit.
If you want an equestrian-specific product I can’t help with that.
As an entirely separate matter, do you have orthotics? If not, consider that investment because properly set up orthotics can be worn in most boots and make that part of the shoe/boot fit perfectly every time.
I 2nd the Red Wing line of boots. I also have flat feet, and loved the fact that Red Wing employees are educated on what product works best for what conditions. The employee directed me to orthotic inserts and the best boots for my “needs”.
I’ve been wearing them for 2 years now and LOVE them. Feet aren’t tired out even after being on my feet all day, and the boots are holding up amazing. People still think they are new!
[QUOTE=DHCarrotfeeder;7998254]
If by work boot you aren’t requiring a protective toe, then consider hiking boots. I have been wearing Asolo brand because they fit me so well. Plus they are waterproof and very comfortable.
If you want protective toes, there aren’t as many options out there just try on as many as you can find until you find ones that fit.
If you want an equestrian-specific product I can’t help with that.
As an entirely separate matter, do you have orthotics? If not, consider that investment because properly set up orthotics can be worn in most boots and make that part of the shoe/boot fit perfectly every time.[/QUOTE]
I’m sorry, somehow I missed your question until now.
I do not have orthotics, and probably should. I had them back as a teenager when I ran track. They were kind of clunky and required a half size up in shoe size but they actually helped a lot.
I’ve been wearing hiking boots and having a hard time finding one that doesn’t cause foot issues (corns and plantar fasciitis) on top of stressing my flat feet.
Thank you everyone for the boot suggestions.
I got my orthotics in college track and I’ve worn them ever since.
The ones with graphite supports are not very expensive. I think they build them clunky so they last longer, but if you want them made lightweight they can do quite a bit better.
I’ll second the Muck boots. I get a size larger so I can slip in orthotics and wear heavier socks in the winter. I have a pair of low cut Mucks for course walks that are really pretty comfy and lighter than most hiking boots. I’ve also had mixed luck with so-called “waterproof” boots walking courses in heavy dew or in rain, but the Mucks keep my feet dry.
Expensive, but I wear these for a waterproof boot and they are great.
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