My brother swore by cheap work boots for 5 years and I finally caved

I used to be the guy who spent $250 on Red Wings every time thinking they were the only way to go. My younger brother kept buying those $60 no-name boots from a discount store in Tacoma and I'd make fun of him for it. Last month my Red Wings finally fell apart after only 8 months and I was so annoyed. He offered me his spare pair of the cheap ones just to try out on a weekend job. I figured what the heck and wore them for a full Saturday of framing. Honestly they held up fine and my feet didn't hurt any more than usual. Now I'm wondering if I've been wasting money this whole time. Has anyone else tried switching from expensive boots to budget ones and regretted it or been surprised?

3 comments

3 Comments

troyreed1mo ago

Man, I've been there. Spent way too long thinking pricey boots meant better boots, but my feet have been lying to me this whole time. My last pair of expensive ones gave out after six months and I just sat there staring at the hole in the sole like a fool. Tried a $50 pair from a farm supply store on a whim and they've outlasted everything else I've owned. Now I'm the guy who's got three pairs of cheap boots stashed in the truck because I'm paranoid the good ones will fall apart. It's a weird kind of freedom, honestly, not worrying about ruining a two hundred dollar investment on a muddy jobsite.

ruby_patel272mo ago

Oh wow, congrats on finally joining the dark side of cheap boots where your wallet stays happy and your feet are only moderately angry. Maybe your brother should start a support group for former Red Wing victims. My own boots cost less than a nice dinner out and they've survived me stepping on everything except logic. Guess the only thing hurt here was that pretty $250 pricetag. Wish I could get a refund on all the years I spent being a boot snob.

gavina732mo ago

Shake off that boot snobbery, it's just a waste of energy. I mean, I've had cheap boots last me years and expensive ones fall apart in months, so brands don't mean much honestly. The real kicker is how much more comfortable cheap boots can be once you break them in, no blisters or anything. Your brother probably saved himself a lot of foot pain and a ton of cash, which is a win in my book. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather have happy feet and a full wallet than look like I'm walking on clouds of debt.

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