All-Season Boots with Winter Focus (Under $600)
Looking for my first pair of boots to wear to work (or in general) and need advice. I'm inspired by a carrier company's Instagram post and my style is a mix of prep, workwear, city boy, New England, and ALD. My work dress code is business casual, but it leans more casual (I am able to wear sneakers and workwear pants so long as I have an OCBD on lol). I need boots that resemble those in the images I've shared, with slip resistance for icy conditions (possibly Vibram soles), waterproofing for snow, year-round wearability (no shearling lining) and durability. Here's my selection based on research I did in past threads posted here:
1. https://www.danner.com/styles/boots/mtn-light.html - Brown
2. https://www.danner.com/styles/boots/mountain-light-ii-5-brown.html - Brown
3. https://www.danner.com/styles/boots/danner-moto-brown-gtx.html - Brown
4. https://www.redwingshoes.com/heritage/mens/iron-ranger/Iron-Ranger-08111.html - Amber
5.https://www.redwingshoes.com/heritage/mens/blacksmith/Blacksmith-03340.html - Briar
6. https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/collections/boots/products/pre-order-diesel-boot-dark-burgundy-kudu - Dark Burgundy Kudu
7. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/125937?page=mens-bucksport-work-boot-cap-toe-mens&bc=&feat=Men%27s%20Bucksport%20Boots-SR0&csp=a&attrValue_0=33404&searchTerm=Men%27s%20Bucksport%20Boots&pos=2 - Coffee Bean
Any other recommendations are appreciated, thanks!
Mountain Light Brown
The original Mountain Light, introduced back in 1979, is believed by many to be greatest backpacking boot of all time. Danner bootmakers build the new model to the exact same specs as the original, down to the color of the full-grain leather and the embossed Danner logo.
Mountain Light II 5" Brown
Our bootmakers don't brag. They let their creations do the talking. With solid stitchdown construction, Vibram® Kletterlift outsoles, and full-leather support, this classic boot could tell some stories. Women's sizes available.
Iron Ranger | RedWing
The Iron Ranger men's leather boot in Amber Harness is beloved for its standout style and long-lasting construction with a toe cap, speed hooks, and durable outsole. Shop Now at Heritage!
Blacksmith | RedWing
The Blacksmith men's leather boot in Briar Oil-Slick is beloved for its highly wearable, everyday versatility. A sleek, smooth toe, solid brass eyelets, and Flat Waxed laces are durable and dignified. Shop Now at Heritage!
17 Replies
I forgot to add that I walk to work. I live in Chicago, so my commute is like 10 minutes to the nearest blue line train station. And then another 10 minutes once I get off the train. I work downtown where conditions are sleet. The snow turns into slush and it gets nasty. Once again, any help is greatly appreciated!
Also live in Chicago, and also looking for boots! My favs so far are the Red Wing Blacksmith in Briar and the Grant Strobe Diesel in some color, but not sure what.
That burgundy kudu looks nice. Also tempted by the cxl in crimson or dune. The dune seems a bit light tho
The Grant Stone ones I linked seemed like the closest to resembling the ones in the carrier company post, so that's why I added those to the list. Some of other diesel ones seemed a bit too shiny for my liking, which could be great for a dressier look I think (anyone correct me if I'm wrong).
I've also been wondering how red the "crimson" and "burgundy" are. The names are a bit off-putting.
Also red wing is good because we have many red wing stores near us so being able to go out and try them on is a plus for sure.
Yeah same! Its hard to tell from online images as they are almost never 100% accurate.
Definitely. The blacksmith in Briar is nice. In general, I don't seem to like boots with complicated stuff in the toe, like the iron ranger, or the moc toes. But maybe I'm being too conservative about it
Red Wing seems to do one-offs in their heritage like. I liked the postman Oxford, but it's out of production.
No worries. We all have our preferences! Honestly my issue is I don't know everything I want lol, which is why I wanted suggestions.
I'm in the same boat.
I think Red Wing is a very solid option, and being able to try them on is a big advantage.
But Grant Stone has a lot more options, once you get your size dialed in.
Noted. Yeah I will most likely go to a store to try them on. If they end up working for winter conditions, I'd save money and that's always good!
The boots in the pic on the left look like some kind of PNW boot, so I’d maybe look into White’s or Nick’s to find something similar. The ones on the right look more like combat boots (Docs maybe? the pic makes it hard to tell).
None of the options you presented really fit either of those vibes exactly but the Danner Moto or one of the Red Wings is probably closest. I’d avoid the Grant Stone Diesel boots as those are more sleek service boots than either PNW or combat boots.
Whites are out of my budget unfortunately. I did find some good stuff though for those who have an under $800 budget. I'll definitely look into Nicks, thanks!
Now that I've stared at each pair a lot, I agree with you. Moto or red wings come the closest. I will probably go with either one of those options if I don't find anything with Nicks. Thank you again. This was very helpful insight!
No problem. Happy to help. I’d maybe look at Thorogood too
Danner Mountain Lights get my vote
I will comment on the mountain lights because I have a pair. I’m glad I own them and wear them quite a bit. Super versatile, fully waterproof and warm.
Recommend you try them on before buying. I have slightly wide feet and purchased the wide version and they are still very narrow. The boot is heavy and firm. It’s kind of like wearing steel toe. If I put thicker socks on my toes are not happy for very long. Very well built though. With proper care should last many years.
They are mountain light II, to be exact.
Yeah I'm leaning towards any of the Danners. They will be an overkill for the snowy conditions I will face and that's good! Thanks for the input guys!
They also just look better than the other ones imo!
I like the Mountain Lights but they're definitely a noticable aesthetic. Which is probably a good thing! I also like the way the Grant Stones look