ROCK_BrandBanner_160x600

Rockwell SoniCrafter

July 28, 2009

Chippewas or Red Wings?

good_chippewas.jpgbad_chippewas.jpg

So here's the deal: Chippewa used to make these great basic work boots. They weren't winter-lined and they weren't water-proof. They just protected our feet and gave us great traction on bad surfaces. We loved these boots and went through about three pairs. Then we found out that Chippewa discontinued the boots in favor of other models with all sorts of bells and whistles. We can't stand bells and whistles in our work boots, but we had driven all the way to the store and figured a pair of Chippewas 'new and improved' water proof, lined boots couldn't be that bad. It's now about four months later and the things are falling apart. The grommets tear the laces, the lining boils our feet, making them sweat and then the waterproofing (aka the bag in the boot) seems to prohibit any breathability, so now the boots have a stench that could kill someone at fifty paces. All we want is a pair of basic boots. We now wear our old ones when we can, but that's less and less often because they're really on their last legs. We've asked a lot of them and we keep asking for more.

So what do you guys say? We're probably going to make the switch to Red Wings, but it's kind of a Ford/Chevy thing so we thought we'd solicit your advice first. What boots do you wear and do you like them? Like we said, we're looking for the basic boot. Nothing fancy.

We also spent a year chewing through a pair of $15 Wal-Mart boots every three months. Not worth it, so please don't tell us to do that.

Sound off in the comments section. We'll randomly pick one at the end of the week and send out some tool we have cluttering up the workbench.

Red Wings at Red Wings and Amazon

Chippewas at Chippewa and Amazon

Read More in: Clothing

Share this Article with others: Bookmark and Share

Related Articles:

Came straight to this page? Visit Tool Snob for all the latest news.

Posted by Tool Snob at July 28, 2009 4:57 AM
Comments

I have Red Wings standard steel-toe logger boot (#4420). They were ridiculously comfortable right out of the box. I have hunted, hiked and worked in them in all weather and they are awesome.


Posted by: Adrian at July 28, 2009 9:11 AM

Another vote for Red Wings, It really depends what you want them for. I have a couple of pairs. My day to days are the 406 , They are not the most durable, I'll guess they last a year, 18 month on the job. They are water proof with a padded collar, It is my experience that the p[added collars are a weak spot. These boots are light and stand up to walking around in the morning dew. It is nice not to have wet feet all day. The sole is not very aggressive, which can be a good thing if you are going in and out of someplace you do not want to track in loads of mud. Some of my works take me out to the woods, here I find that the 2218 loggers suit me well. No Frills unlined with a steel toe. Very aggressive sole, with a lot of ankle support. They are moderately water resistant when they are kept well oiled. These boots are heavy, and I feel they are overkill for day to day jobsite use. My last pair lasted three years, two years of which I was wearing them every day.
White's boots should also be considered. They also are worthy
http://www.whitesboots.com/


Posted by: PutnamEco at July 28, 2009 3:38 PM

I have a pair of Timberland Pro safety boots. They have titanium toes covers and are water proof. I have found them to be really comfortable and so far they have held up.


Posted by: Greg Smith at July 28, 2009 7:57 PM

I have purchased several pair of Georgia Boots in the past 6 or 7 years. Steel toes,well made and comfortable. I wore them to work at a sawmill for 5 years on concrete and in mud and was well satisfied. I treat them with neet's foot oil before I wear them.The last pair is still in good shape, so if the mill ever opens back up I'll give you an update.


Posted by: Ed Brown at July 29, 2009 1:14 AM

I'm wearing Wolverines that I got from Southern States. The first pair lasted over three years through daily construction work--mostly barns and decks, but some interior work too, just to give 'em a little break. Although their replacement was "improved" a little just like your Chippewas, it wasn't enough to put me off, but like you, solid, no frills, basic models are still the best. I also bought a pair of their pull-on, "Wellington" style for around home use, and I love them, but don't think they would give me enough support for long days.


Posted by: Joe Cline at July 29, 2009 8:10 PM

what did Chippewwa have to say about this? Improved ones are crap but it would be interesting to hear thier spin on this. You would probably get a better or at least a more interesting response than just another consumer.


Posted by: dlneu at July 31, 2009 3:04 PM

hermans survivor have still a good basic boot Ive used for some time, when it came to replacing them though what I bought may have been counterfit!! The label looked strangely superior to the boot somehow. Kicker is that the new boot wore well, maybe herman began making the boots in bangly desh er elsewhere keeping standards.


Posted by: phil at August 1, 2009 11:31 AM

I just bought a pair of redwings 4420 it's like they were designed for my feet most comfortable boot out of the box I've ever tried on. Redwings usually last me a year being I don't oil or do any maintenance what so ever. The only draw back is made in CHINA. They do make US manufactured boots however, Just like chippewa does. For the last three years I bought Rocky boots very comfortable right out of the box for $150 also last a year then start to leak and soles start to crack.

Wesco boots are the best boots ever in my opinion but very expensive and I would buy again but the wife won't go for it. So Redwings or Rocky's make the cut for the money spent.


Posted by: deerslayer at August 23, 2009 6:11 PM

For me, Magnum boots are my favorite. Their boots are light weight and comfortable, they wear like a sneaker. They wont last forever but they are affordable and enjoyable.


Posted by: Chris at November 28, 2009 11:19 PM
Post a comment









Remember personal info?




Please enter the letter "p" in the field below:
Please press Post only once. Submission of comments takes up to 20 seconds because of Spam Filtering.
Rockwell SoniCrafter
Email This Entry: Chippewas or Red Wings?
Email this entry to:


Your email address:


Message (optional):


Join the Mailing List Newsletter
Enter your Email


Powered by FeedBlitz
Subscribe - RSS

facebook_badge.jpg twitter_badge.jpg

Site Navigation

Visit our other properties at Blogpire.com!

Recent Reviews
Archives
Blogpire Sites
FoodPire
HomePire
TechPire
EcoPire
StylePire
GamePire

Please visit Blogpire Productions for all advertising and other info.

Green-Tag-Logo_type-grn.gif


This weblog is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

All items Copyright © 1999-2009 Blogpire Productions. Please read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy