Chippewas or Red Wings?


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
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Posted by Tool Snob at July 28, 2009 4:57 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/
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.
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.