Carolina Boot Review
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- čas přidán 5. 10. 2020
- Let us know your favorite boots in the comments. Previous boot review (Sears DieHard • Greatest Value Work Boots
Here are the boots we are reviewing. bit.ly/30C4nri
There are a lot of boots out there, and a lot of feet. If you found something that works great for you put it in the comments below, thanks and have a great week.
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.
Just yesterday I had a once in a lifetime experience related to this. I was with my Dad at his aunt's house. She surprised him with a gift he didn't know even existed anymore. His deceased father's Navy duffel bag (who drowned in the 70s when my dad was only a boy). Prior to yesterday all my dad possessed of his father's was a navy uniform. But this duffel bag whose existence had been forgotten nearly 40 years was chocked full of priceless tokens from my grandfather. Watching my Dad slowly pull out every item from this bag and tell a story about each of them with tears running down his face as memories came to him he'd not thought of in decades made me feel closer than ever to the grandfather I never met. Then he pulled out his old work boots. And that's when I too began to cry. They were exactly the boots I've had my eyes on buying lately, 6" mock toe crepe soul Red Wings. I'm gonna carry on the traditional proudly now and go buy some Red Wings. BTW, Dad asked me, "Do you know why he loved these boots? Because the souls wouldn't grab dirt and track it into customers homes." That's the one lesson he taught my Dad with those boots. Not a lesson of hard work, but a lesson on being kind and considerate.
This is a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing
That's the best comment i've read anywhere in a long time. Thank you.
Freaking great story and exactly why I come to CZcams and look for the real shit.....Thanks for sharing such a positive story. It's inspirational and from the heart....We need more of that in our society right now.
That is a heck of a story man. Thanks for sharing.
awesome story! I've tried the redwing mocs .. new, used, and in 4 different sizes because I love the look but they are just so damn uncomfortable imo. make sure you go in and get sized, take your time in the store walk around and try all the different widths and make sure to wear the socks you will be wearing with them for the try-on. oh and brush clean and condition your grandpa's old boots so they will last another 40 that leather is prob thirsty!
One minor advantage these Carolinas have over Red Wing and Thorogood is that the front half of the outsole is stitched all the way through to the welt. Where the other two brands simply glue the whole outsole onto the stitched midsole, Carolina does the extra step of making sure the part most likely to peel off stays on. That kind of attention to detail makes it a choice boot.
I have a pair of red wing 2414. For over a year I beat them hard. Uneven terrain, mud, snow, concrete, walking on jagged piles of concrete, tripping over barbed wire cutting them up (often), rain. I expected them to fall apart sooner. The stitching is the only thing that failed but red wing got them restitched for me for free.
I clean and oil them often because I'm constantly walking through mud . The mud will dry out the leather badly (I hate rubber boots). Anyway the soles are still holding on and no signs of them coming apart. I know red wing gets alot of criticism these days for being lower quality than what they were but I can't say the same at least for the 2414 models (American made) which are excellent imo.
Made in USA Redwing versions are tough but they cost a lot of money too . I’m seeing them for $365 now, but the quality is great for a factory made boot .
Before literally Finding my first pair of Carolinas when I was a Trashman, I worked as an auditor at a Rustoleum warehouse and had all my work brought to me and any distance traveled was done on a forklift, the job required Steel toes so I bought a pair of capped steel toe Georgia boots that were built like a tank and weighed about the same as said tank. I still have them and now only use them on snowy days that I'm not working just to stay warm and dry. Changing over to being a trash man, jumping on and off the truck, running around, dragging and throwing 96-gallon trash toters in what I would describe as Georgia's Black Sabbath Iron Man replica boot filled me with dread every day. One day I lucked out and in a very nice housing development at the end of a culdesac, presented on the top of trash toter was a basic pair of 12-in Carolina soft toe boots JUST MY SIZE in perfect condition save a broken lace and a scuff on the toe of one boot, Both boot weighed what seemed like a quarter of the boots I had on. I took them home cleaned them out, filled them with Gold Bond to make sure I didn't catch some footrot, replaced the lace with some paracord and put them to work. I wore the soles out of them just in time for my yearly boot voucher that I used to buy my first pair of Carolina CA5520, composite toe, 6in plenty of bells and whistles amazing boots.I of my Georgias is heavier than both of them. I actually had an accident where I fell and the driver drove across my foot and lower leg in a half-full truck that weighs 36 tons empty. The double dually tires in the back both ran my foot over so it was pretty much run over twice. The muscle and soft tissue got smashed pretty bad but only the second long bone from the outside of my foot broke and only in one place although it was a pretty nasty break I really feel like composite toe and shank while laying sideways on the ground hand enough structure to keep my foot from becoming a pulpy mush. For this, along with comfort and weight, I am a Carolina man for life.
This is another way we can say the same meaning in English.
Cool story bro.
You nailed that review, nice job! I can vouch for some of what you had to say. I spent 27 years working in a Portland cement factory and part of our contract entailed us being able to buy two pair of boots every year on the companies dime because the cement dust was so damaging to them. Keep up the good work. I greatly appreciate your commitment to a job well done. Cheers!
I've had my Carolina's for 25 years. They have been re-soled 4 times.
Wow! Now that's saying something!
@@bob_frazier They are no longer the prettiest boots on the jobsite, but they are functional and fit like a good pair of slippers.
Because they were made in the USA by union employees. Look on the inside.
realangrythrottle amen, brother
Mine leak water after 6 months.
I’ve been wearing Thorogood boots for about 4 years now and so far I’ve been impressed. They’re the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever worn and they seem to hold up pretty well. The only reason I had to get a new pair is that I stupidly cut into them with an angle grinder while holding the work piece down with my foot. The disc didn’t go more than half way through either but it was at a spot that bends a lot when walking so it tore through after a little while. One more important note is that the soles don’t seem to wear out too quickly, after three years on the one pair I still have some tread left. I’m overall very happy with them and would reccomend them if you’re looking for a new boot brand.
I’ve been really considering getting a pair a Carolina’s, I’m so glad you posted this. Great to get your input, and thank you to Carolina for supporting such a great craftsman and CZcamsr!
I prefer thorogoods due to me being a big guy my feet are a bit wide and flat and the thorogoods are the only boots I can wear 6 days a week 10-12 hour days and eveb when I get home im not in a hurry to take them off everyone is different but after trying redwings,Carolina and timberland pro thorogoods by far the best 👌imo
I bought a pair of crepe sole boots here in the UK following a video that you made on The Sears boot a few years ago. I love them and will buy them again. My buddy swears by them now too. Just one of the many reasons that I love watching and learning from your content, experience and wisdom. You guys awesome! Thank you
I started off wearing timberlands. They were always comfortable and always lasted a pretty long time. I decided to switch to redwings. While the boot itself is really tough, they were killing my legs, knees, and back. I just got Thorogood 8 inch moc toe with the steel toe. Man, have I been missing out! Best boots on the planet, hands down. I am thoroughly impressed with all aspects of the boot.
I got a pair of Carolina boots logger style but same brand and made in the USA, a great boot so far the leather really softens up after 4-5 months of everyday wear both in the garage, and out everyday around town and school. 😎
Love EC from Scott to Nate and the video work, perfection.
Always enjoy your reviews.
I have a pair from Carolina because they are one of the few boots that i can wear for 9 hours and not have fatigue. They have a nice wide toe as well, a lot of boots ive had never widen the toe enough and after awhile you feel it.
on his Sears boot review, a bunch of us were screaming in the comments about how great Carolina is. It is awesome to see that he got to try a pair.
Definitely looking into these. I have wide feet and a wide toe box is such a blessing after hours when your foot widens.
Thank you for your knowledge and experience.
Love ur vids. Very useful for me and my friends.
I grew up in the Asheville, NC area .. my dad bought me some good "cloud hoppers" to wear .. they had speed hooks .. the works .. good boots! Today tho .. I live in Arkansas .. and there's a lot of stuff that gets "deep" around here! lol 🤣 .. I learned several years ago that bugs like bees, ticks, etc. crawl up your shoe under the pant-leg and can give you as much trouble as a piece of gravel .. so today (for a long time) I use rubber knee high boots .. my pant leg fits nicely inside and the bugs crawl up outside. I can go anywhere .. only issue is that sometimes a poor quality rubber boot will crack where the toe bends .. and if you aren't careful .. you'll be walking in some wet boots. Loved this review on the Carolina boots .. this is such a great channel. You guys do some really nice stuff. We need more people like you in charge of this country .. practical and down to earth!!
Carolina is the best boot i have ever put on my feet, i mean they feel like slippers when i put them on. Really good boots.
not all of them trust me i know Carolina Men's Elm 8” Waterproof Logger Work Boot - Brown - CA8821 my boot
I'm glad to hear that those particular Carolina work well for you. I had a pair of steel toe non slip boots, one of their cheaper options, that failed after about a year. I ended up buying Redwing 2233, which might actually be a lifetime boot for me. It wears exceptionally well, and it is the most comfortable pair of footwear I own.
Thanks for posting this video, its got me excited. Tomorrow im going to pick up 1 or 2 pairs of used ones super cheap gonna be my first pair of boots ever!
I've had the same pair of boots for 2 years now.
I bought a brush from the dollar store. So when I get home I give them a quick brush. Wipe with a damp rag. Rub Obenaufs into them. Do that a few times a week. Takes less then 5 minutes. They still look brand new after doing this.
Obenaufs a few times a WEEK?
@@Aletaire you bet. Just a thin little coat. I don't go crazy rubbing a handful in. When they're covered in concrete and drywall dust everyday plus our winters are -30 they dry out real fast.
You are doing exactly what I recommended to my customers for 35 years. Caked dirt, concrete and plaster dust rob the tanning oils in the leather and it reverts to it's original state of animal skin and what happens to a cow hide left outside: it rots, very simply.
I just wear bread bags, Wonderbreads are the best, throw a little chunk of cardboard in the bottom and you're set. I've had them rebagged about 12 times this month and they work great!
I’d love to hear more about your rebagging technique!
@@gallamine it starts with the finest materials: a pint of whiskey and a rummage through the dumpster at your local bakery.
Lol
This made me laugh harder than it should have
"You were lucky! We used to DREAM of bread bag shoes!"
Thanks for your videos and your work!
God bless & Keep up the good work!
Great stuff as always!
Thorogood makes a very good moc toe boot with a wedge sole. I've found them perform very well in a variety of work environments from working behind a geotechnical drill rig to wall framing to wood cutting.
I have been wearing round composite toe Thorogoods for about a year and they are awesome. More comfortable than my tennis shoes. I work on concrete and ladders all day and it has taken me a while to come to grips with shelling out good money for comfortable quality boots.
My dad wore the Sears boots through most of the 80’s being a mechanic. I don’t remember what he wore though the 90’s on the Ranch. As a carpenter I wore loggers most often. Most often Red Wings or made by Red Wings. In the oilfield I’ve recently gone to Wellingtons. I try to keep them well oiled. I keep them on a boot drier often.
In the UK we call your Wellingtons, "rigger boots" and the term Wellington is reserved for rubber, just below the knee wet weather boots
@L F very good, top drawer level banter there. Really hope you find what you're looking for in life.
Thanks for this video! For sure a true and a good note of boots being a tool.
I have been waiting for this. I started a journey of moc toe boots with a die hard based on your previous videos. Never got used to the stiffness our sole that didn’t mold. Got a too narrow pair of throgoods but like them. Found a pair of well worn Danners at a thrift store and love them. Have a pair of insulated 8” Carolinas and like them but rarely wear them. My go to has been a Duluth 6” capstone. Good value durable and tread is soft but hardy.
I've been wearing ariats for years now and I've never been disappointed very comfortable
I also enjoyed the Sears Die Hard moc toe. After I couldn’t get them anymore, I went through a ton of boots. I tried Wolverine western pull on, Timberland Pro, CAT, none of which worked well for me. I finally decided to invest in my feet and went to my local Red Wings shoe store. I purchased the 8” waterproof Traction Tred moc toe. I’ve only had them for about a month now but they are comfortable after about a week of break in time. We will see how they hold up.
Great Review! I bought the 6" pair back in February, and they feel great! Nice and light, we have to have steel toes, which I don't even notice. I'm on concrete floors 10 hours a day and my feet are never tired. I use obenauf's on mine about every other week. Definitely going to replace these with the same boot when it's time!
When I first discovered your channel I had watched this video. I was needing a new pair of boots as my old Vasque Sundowners of 25 years were old and tired. So I ordered a pair of the 6 inch direct from Carolina. Man o man what a boot. I have pretty bad peripheral neuropathy and my feet just flat hurt most of the time. These things were almost like putting on marshmallows. I wore them all day and again the next.
Without a doubt, these are the most comfortable workboot I have ever put on my feet. Thanks for turning me on to them.
I’ve had my Thorogood boots for 5 years, still goin strong.
I've been through several pair of Belleville military boots. For the past year or two I've been wearing Reebok Krios military boots. I found all of the aforementioned boots while searching for "made in the USA" boots and they're all durable, long wearing, and, really comfortable.
How where the Bellevilles?
Discovered Carolina boots about 10 years ago and have been using them since. Got a pair of water proof hiking boots for snow season/hiking and a pair of leather work boots for everyday. I was mainly surprised by how greatly priced they were for what you get. You were right about how light they are and comfortable they are once worn in.
Never had a pair of Carolinas, been partial to Wolverines, a ways back after your Sears diehard video, I bought a pair and they were great, but next pair I get are gonna be some Carolinas for sure, boots like you say are very important for so many reasons, and heck, you've never steered us wrong so it's definitly worth a try, thank you sir.!!!
I use to wear the Sears 8 inch carpenters boot and when Sears had all of it's trouble I tried a Timberland Pro Rip Saw and I love that boot. It is water proof and has a composite safety toe. This boot is a little heavy but it is full of comfort and the durability has been exceptional. My current pair is now six years old and still has quite a few years left in them. These boots are pricey $189 but I have certainly got my moneys worth of use out of them. With all the wild fires in the last two years the boots have taken a real beating but are still comfy and havent had any break down. If you are the type that is hard on equipment or in a demanding job then give them a try. They have sure served me well.
L F what boots do you wear?
I went through boot brand after boot brand in my size 15 EEE and when I found Red Wing, that was it. 20 years now and I re-soul them 2 or 3 times and then spend the $235.00 (now) on a new pair.
I use mink oil to keep them up. Almost like a new boot in appearance and keeps the leather soft.
Thank you sir. Been looking for a new old Diehard 8” boot.
My absolute favorite boot has been a thorogood 804-4308, bought three pairs so far and still have all of them. Each one lasted a little over a year working as a mechanic on concrete, daily soaked in grease and oil. Love the soles, they are light and snug on my feet, could and would often wear them for 14+hours a day because they feel like slippers. Replaced the laces with paracord when they broke and never looked back from it. They clean up well and I would do so about every week to 2 weeks, wasn’t afraid to wear them to date nights or church. Always wanted to get them re-soled just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I want to personally thank you Scott for talking about your boots and what you valued in them. Without that insight I never would have considered the moc-toe style of boots and would not have found something that made such a positive difference in the way I can work and feel at the end of the day. 👍
I'm pretty impressed with my pair of carolinas, they've held up to almost 8 months of 10+ miles a day on metal and concrete and as a very heavy man I haven't worn the outsole down hardly at all yet. Usually a pair of timberland pros last me about 6 months before I'm almost standing on the sides of my feet. Only issues I've had is them stretching out because I tie them very tight for support and some cracks above the outsole, not sure if it'd cause the outsold to crack or not yet.
Well said.
I worked outdoors, field maintenance, repairing foot trails, pedestrian bridges, sun, rain, heat, tractoring, on a 10,000 acre eco reserve. 5 days per week. I wore boots made by Danner of Portland, Oregon. For all the same reasons you mentioned, is why I was loyal to mine... durable, comfortable and for me, they worked.
Retired now, I still wear them for some reason 😁
Thanks so much for your review.
I've been buying a set of Timberland PRO boots, almost yearly for a while now. They seem to fit my foot, but like I said, they wear out after about a year. I am due for a new set soon, I think I'll give the Carolina's a shot, if they last longer than a year, I will have made the right choice...Love the channel guys, I really love watching your videos, and recently, started listening to the podcasts. Keep up the good work!
Boots SAVED my young life once.....I was using a borrowed pallet jack to move some pavers, however (unbeknowns to me) the brake/lowering lever was faulty and the 1 ton of pavers nearly crushed me against the side of the truck I was loading onto. Luckily I managed to jam my steel cap toe boot (Olivers-made in Australia) between the steel wheels and the pallet jack skidded to a stop. If I was wearing soft toe boots like Scottys, I would have crushed a foot....or myself...a sliding doors moment right there. Keep up the good work. Love the channel
When I was in the US Navy in the 1970s we were issued a low top work boot, called "boondockers". The most I ever got out of a pair of boondockers was 6 months. The sole would split straight across under the ball of the foot. Our Warrant officer took good care of us. He got good, used Army infantry boots for us. 8" tops, which lasted a respectable time. These were allowed in deck work at sea where nobody important would see them. (We were also provided good used Army O. D. field jackets also for use at sea. They were warmer than a bluejacket, had more pockets and could accept a liner.)
When I got into forestry and some logging I was directed to Red Wing logger boots. These I had a long, long time. Once I got my size worked out, these were my best boot yet. (In my world, a good tip is not to believe the shoe store foot measuring device. I also had a wide foot which no salesman ever detected. Once I moved to an American "D" width then everything was fine. The Red Wing logger boot does not last forever. But the model I wore was a good value. I used Huberds shoe grease too. My Dad and brothers like Snow Seal. In any case a good boot needs good care.
As I got older and my work changed I gave in to the WalMart Brahma boots. Most of these several pair were pretty servicable all around. My last pair were 8" tops, had lace hooks and have been absolutely waterproof. In several years I have not treated them once. The sole holds up well though it does track stuff onto that nice lady's carpet.
This boot does have a cushy upper portion. About 3" that seems to be designed for comfort. In recent weeks this has started to come off.
Other than that I have never had a WalMart Brahma boot that was anywhere near the quality of this one pair of boots. And I don't expect it again. Actually, if you think about it, this is a good time to move away from Chinese products. And as much as possible to start buying patriotically again.
Toward that end I still have a spankin' new pair of Redwings still in the box for several years. It will be nice to wear that kind again.
Let me also say that a Wellington boot is a pleasure. I had black ones for years that shined up nicely for church and special events. At least two companies make a nice Wellington.
I know nothing about Carolina boots. But I am impressed with the report on their boots, and lovely attitude. I wish them the very best.
Had a previous coworker recommend Thorogood boots to me, and I haven't used another boot brand since. They have a wide variety of styles, have a made in USA line, fit my admittedly small feet very well, and take the abuse I throw at them without complaint. I'm hard on boots, but I try to cycle between 2 pairs of Thorogoods to reduce the abuse a bit. My 2 pair of Thorogoods are still going very strong 3 years later, with no signs of stopping.
Thorogoods are better than carolinas. Both very similar but I have a narrow foot and the thorogoods work for me. I will never wear another pair of boots until I die.
Hands down the best boot I’ve ever owned......
I switched from Danner to Thorogood mock toes and could not be happier. Feel like sneakers and take some abuse. Mine are now 1 year old and have a ton of life left. Also they look very similar to the Carolinas in this video
I’ve had a few Thorogood boots that were fantastic, and a couple that fell apart in three months.
Had a pair of their military boots and they lasted for 4 years which is absolutely ridiculous for military boots that I wore every day and every field exercise
I have this boots and can say they are great work boots i have no complaints one year using them and they are still in great shape!
Thanks for the recommendation 😀
I like Redwings, made in America, company in Minnesota. Wore them since I was a kid. I got short on money some years back and started wearing Wally World (chinese) workboots. Big mistake, I almost ruined my back and was almost crippled. Redwings can be difficult to "break in" but they wear very well and are tough!!!
I bought the Sears Diehard boots when the first boot review was published a couple years back. They look rough, beat up, torn here and there but still the sole is still mostly there. I searched for new diehards a month ago but sure enough there's nothing out there now. I've put off buying a different brand hoping I'd come across a highly spoke of boot that's also a best bang for your buck boot. Time to try Carolina.
You can still get them on sears.com
@@DriveCarToBar you should try ROCKROOSTER moc toe
Red wing on some work boots is satisfaction warranty.
@L F Betcha the Chinese factories sell more boots than American factories do.
Don't get mad at the results of a free market, comrade.
YOU keep up the good work! Thanks!
I've had the same pair of Carolinas for 7 years now. Still currently my everyday boot. Still the most comfortable boot I own. The steel toe is exposed on the right boot and the speed hooks have all snapped off but i will continue to wear them until I absolutely can't anymore
I liked my diehards also and was saddened when I figured out that they are gone. I was wondering if you were going to put out a video on this and you did. I was or am considering the Carolina boots. Thanks. I feel better and hopeful for a replacement boot. Thanks.
Carolina Boots got their start right here in beautiful Western North Carolina. From 1963 until 2000 they were made at a plant in Morganton, NC only a few miles from my home. But they, like many other manufacturing operations packed up and left us. They closed their dedicated factory here and scattered Carolina Boot amongst factories around the country and the world as did most furniture and textile operations. So now we are without jobs and can't afford to wear the boots that we helped create. How sad is that?
Papaw I worked some summers in the factory and warehouse back in the late 80s when I was in college and law school. Too bad it closed.
@L F Oh, they find work but it's hard for factory workers to find work they can do when all the factories leave. You don't expect them to pull up roots and move to Mexico or China where their jobs went, do you? There are people who value their roots, their families and their homes. These people may have had the same job for thirty years. Usually when folks like that have to move away just to survive they don't last long. Like a plant that is uprooted they wither and die. Or perhaps you find joy in seeing other people suffer. People are expendable after all, right?
@@Scott_Atlanta The irony is that their very name came from the place they were made. Why don't they change the name to Martinsburg or Wuhan Boots or something like that?
Papaw the value is the name. Anyone can make a boot. As I recall the GM, Otto, was very anti- union so he would not be a fan of them highlighting Union Made today.
Papaw Wuhan Boots! I love it. Comes with a free case of Covid?
You just affirmed my buying decision, thank you!!
Thanks for the review! Never considered Carolina boots but will soon.
Wow, I'd forgotten my journey with the work shoes but it was the same as yours. Bought the Sears for years and then switched to Carolinas for my last 20 of the work years.
My dogs even liked them better especially after I greased them. LOL
I go with Red Wing Irish Setters 8" crepe wedge sole. I know they are more money. To me, they are worth it. Durability is important, because it takes a while to break-in boots and I wouldn't want to go through that process any more frequently than absolutely necessary. I also like that Red Wing is a local company right here in my home state of Minnesota.
I wear the same boot I won’t wear anything else. Redwings are by far my favorite now.
For me, you couldn’t pay me to wear redwing or Irish setters. They feel horrible even after break in. Just goes to show people’s preferences
@@cameronwirth8751 they have differently shaped feet than you...and the manufacturers "boot last" (cobbler's form) may vary to the point that one brand may be perfect for you....and horrible for someone else.
It is sad to know that 2/3rds of Redwings product line is made in China. The "Made in USA" 1/3 cost so much ($400-600) that they aren't affordable.
@@cameronwirth8751 Red Wings are oddly sized. Sometimes by nearly as much as a full size over they are marked as. Irish Setters are normal sized, but Chinese junk.
I change my boots for work out every year. I got a pair of carolina lineman boots last year, they were very comfortable but leaked water by week number 2. Im more of a slip on guy anyway so I swapped them out for some Durango rebels, they are light and ive had 3 pair and all have been great. Ive always wanted to get some custom made nicks or something like them but never committed to it. Great review glad to see Nate get more comfortable with the camera than he was at first.
Thanks for the great video!
I've had the same pair of redwings for 7 years. The tip of the sole is starting to separate from the toe. They're heavy, but great comfort.
I’ve been using the same models of redwings for over 20 years. The 2412 model has been my go to. I usually replace them before 2 years but they are still in good shape. The main reason I replace them is because I’m on cement floors every day and they just don’t absorb the impact as well as a new pair. Also my company pays for one pair a year so I have 2 in rotation at all times to let them air out good. I could get more years out of them if I had to but it sure feels good to put a new pair on. Great boots. I’ve been wearing them my whole career.
Your lazy
Cody Moffatt - I think he’s just sentimentally attached. It’s sad when a good boot dies.
I agree with this guy. Red wings are a good boot depending on the model and how big around your lower leg is. The souls last a long time, even more so the insouls. Second best I have noticed is carhart timber pro safety shoes. Every style and function for every type of work you may do.
@@codymoffatt3216 lol
My father taught me to alternate between two pairs of boots, allowing one pair to dry out on its “day off.” They smell better and last longer. Two pairs of boots worn this way will last far longer than twice the span of one pair worn day in and day out. My two pairs of Die Hards keep going and going and going... And they still smell almost like new! Also, if you have to hose them down or replace a pair, you’ve got a nicely worn pair that can get you through. Thanks for all your videos... your knowledge has a mighty multiplier!
Awesome advise. Had I gotten the same from my father and senior Marines when I was in.
Great review. I Love that Nate jumps in with an edit. He is like "Now wait a minute dad..." lol
One of the very first things Mother Army taught me was your feet are one of the most essential parts of your body. So take care of your feet. Wear decent boots and take care of them. Now I threw out my shoe shine kit long ago and I AM kinda lax in oiling my work boots I still try and wear something decent. I also learned why you are issued 2 sets of boots. It's so you can break both pairs in at the same time, you then always have a back up and it gives a pair a chance to breathe and air out for a day or so after a rough day of work.
I am not loyal to one brand, but like everyone else we all have our preferences. I HAVE to wear a steel or composite toe. I have dropped so much junk on my feet that I feel nervous working without them. I like a tall upper for the same reason Scott does. Ankle support and keeps dirt and such out. For that same reason I don't like slip on boots have to be lace ups and always have a backup set of laces in the truck, toolbox or lunch pail. Soles can either be flat or have a heel depending on work environment. In a shop or on hard pack I like a flat sole. Dirt, climbing or "off road" I like having a heel.
At the moment I have I think 2 pairs of Red Wings, one insulated one straight leather. Couple pair of
Thorogood loggers (love them but they are HEAVY) A good pair of Chippewa and a crappy pair of Chinese made Chippewa. A pair of heavy insulated Matterhorn for when it gets really cold. And finally a pair of Reebok zip ups. These are actually my current favorite. They are light and I love the zipper on the side, easy on and easy off.
Also still have a few pair of combat boots still around for hunting, fishing, ATV riding, ect...
My wife says I have more footwear than any one man should own. Lol
Keep up the good work!
Just bought a pair of these last week, and I LOVE EM.
The selling point for me was that they fit (super wide feet) they were triple stitched, comfortable, and they were made in the USA.
Maybe I'm old school, but that flag on the box still means a lot to me.
Just an FYI, Sears is STILL selling the Die Hard boot. So get em while you can, however they are only the 6”.
Maybe you should just stock up on them haha. Great video!
Don't stock up too much, your feet can grow as you get older. I just had to bump up in size.
I grew up in a trades family with my youth boots being from Sears, spent eight years in in the military with various brand 8" 'combat' boots, and since have only needed weekend warrior boots for work around the house and cabin. I believe in buying quality and I look for value. Thorogood, Carhartt, Danner, Timberland all have great boots...I went with Ever Boots soft toe as they'll primarily be used for work around the cabin, have great reviews, and price was good...stitching, quality of leather, etc. is all present too. First weekend I wore them they broke in easily, very comfortable and the 6" is padded very well. Thanks for the quality review of Carolina boots and all the great content you guys put up!
Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍
If there's any arborists reading this, I've had my arbortec scafell lite boots for coming up 3 years. Ive had them re soled once, about 3 months ago. Other than that they are in perfect condition, if you discount the how stained they are from all the bar oil. Best boots I've ever had.
Great video on one of the most overlooked items in a persons wardrobe. When I wear out the laces on my shoes or boots I struggle to find good replacement laces. Where do you go for replacement boot/shoe laces?
Get leather ones ya ca go to Tandy leather store buy a role of leather ya have laces for life
Scott
I was first introduced to the Sears Diehard moc toe work boot in the 70’s by my Father-In-Law. He was an avid bird hunter. They were the working mans Irish Setter. We walked untold miles across west Texas behind pointers hunting.
When Sears quit making the boot, I bought a pair of Georgia moc toe. Put them on first time in the field and never looked back. They felt like they were Pre broke in.
Thanks for your Great content.
Sears online still has Diehard boots for sale.
Never yet tried Carolina, but may next Spring. Just had a pair of my Irish Setter boots resoled. They are the Wingshooter model and I really like the waterproof layer, as well as the fact that they have been the only waterproof boot thus far that has not made my feet sweaty at the end of the day. Like your videos a lot sir. Please make more. Thanks.
Here I was, thinking the Sears Diehards were named after the “Die Hard” film series. You’ve gotta protect your feet!!
They were designed by Hans Gruber.
When I got my pair of redwings the salesman said the leather comes from cows raised in Nebraska and Texas. As a Nebraskan that was a big selling point to me. Their heritage series is also all made in America if I'm not mistaken. They're tough to break in but totally worth it. The cork midsole really is nice. Id reccomend the youtube channel rose anvil for boot/leather stuff. Thanks for the good content!
I probably got the wrong kind of Redwing when I finally decided to shell out the money. They were super comfortable right from the word go, but they didn’t make it thru the first year before they were shredded.
Never knew their cows came from Nebraska! My mom's side of the family is from there so it holds a special place in my heart. I'll be considering Redwings in the future.
I may be wrong, but I think the Nebraska/Texas raised cows isn't to tug at your heart strings but because they don't come into contact with barbed wire, ie pre-made holes! ;-)
@Taylor Schiff Looking cool was never high on my boot prerequisite list. Form always follows function for me.
My redwings are made in China
Bought these boots based off this video. Must have watched it 5 times now. I can’t wait. I just returned the Danner bull run moc toes, they looked nice and felt quality built but they weren’t 8” tall but only 6” and they were torture devices for my feet.
Been wanting to realy try a pair of these boots hard to find them up here in 🇨🇦 PEI love your channel and all the info you folks give
I wore Red Wings for years till about ten years ago. My job in the oil field would shred the Red
Wings in about 8 months. I switched to Carolina and I have not looked back. They are comfortable right out of the box, and last longer than the Red Wings, are built just as well and cost 60% of what the Red Wings did. I have 4 pairs in varying states right now.
These will be my next pair. Definitely
When Kmart closed I bought a dozen pairs of craftsman work boots for $10 a pair. Good thing I did because they completely blow out after a month. Some don't even make it a week before under the heal falls through. My boots are always fresh!
Do your boots have polyurethane in them. If so they will be affected by hydrolysis. Boots that have been stored are more likely to prematurely fail than those which are worn on a regular basis.
If you Google "hydrolysis in my work boots" you will get hits from many manufacturers as well as consumer complaints.
@@soroako4142 they do. Just searched that. Holly crap that's some bs. Explains why they keep falling apart, and the metal support in the middle always rusts out so moister is definitely present. Good to know!
I typically wear thorogood! They have always been the most comfortable for me and have seem to treat me pretty well over the years
I've been wearing the slip on Georgia wedge sole. Found wedge soles threw an old video of yours. Found there more comfortable on my joints. Especially my hip.
Looked at a Carolina when I was shopping and found the Georgia brand.
Rubber wellingtons for concrete, concrete eats leather- stitching, gets into the bellows etc. And in the single year I did only concreting I was often standing in concrete a foot deep and don’t like a boot full of grout !! Leather boots for everything else.
You're right about that .. knee high boots .. bc things are getting "deep" .. lol 🤣
Well common sense is not to wear anything but concrete boot if you are standing in it.
Nick's handmade boots, I'm on my 4th pair there a little on the expensive side but I get 5 to 6 years out of a pair.
Now there’s the comment I’ve been looking for I live nicks boots pricey but can be resouled and rebuilt for years
I have a pair of nicks and frank's both are awesome but I like the frank's a bit better
Just got my first pair of Nicks 5 weeks ago. I've worn Redwing, Danner, Rocky, and Back in the late 70's early 80's the sears boots. Nothing compares to a custom-built boot. Wish I had purchased the Nicks 30 years ago. Have had back issues since my early 40s and since wearing the Custom Built Nicks my lower back no longer hurts after a day's work. About to turn 52.
Few months into my first pair of nicks. Came from red wing loggers and 6" red wings before. The nicks are already out wearing the red wings
Only 5 to 6 years? My uncle has had his Nicks since the 80s
Been rocking the 8" tops for over a year after Danner discontinued my beloved boot and could no longer rebuild the set I had. After trying on a few new pairs and being underwhelmed, I asked the salesman what he was wearing. Carolinas. Tried them on and haven't looked back! You're not joking about the weight....they're so light. The stitching and leather are lovely, and, having somewhat of a grunge streak, I think they look better as they age. Great video!
I applaud your brutal honesty about the way you treat your footwear.
As a mailman I didn't have to worry about gravel or sand getting in my foot ware, so I wore shoes instead of boots. I had a walking route that was more then 10 miles of walking a day. I considered foot ware a consumable item and replaced them every six months or so with over 1000 miles on them. I wore New Balance shoes (black leather uppers, nonskid soles) for the comfort and replaced them as needed.
Why did you have a walking route? Too young for a car?
The typical replacement point for cross country training shoes is 500 miles, well done making them last that long
@@keeganwebber I guess walking mail is probably a lot less intense for shoes than cross country training.
@@Davey768 There is some cities with ordinances stating that mail has to be delivered directly to the residence or something to that effect; they tend to be for fairly older housing construction as mail slots are not really considered very safe now days. There is also some massive subdivision housing that is built by a single builder and they somehow manage to get away with having mail slots instead of a mail box on the curb or a cluster mail box(more common for cul-de-sacs, town houses or apartment complexes). Then you have housing in areas with lots of snowfall, they also don't tend to have curbside mailboxes as they would get covered up from the road being plowed.
Some of it also comes down to the personal discretion of the local post master and if they support having mail delivered directly to the residence or not. Sometimes you can have older construction with mail slots or even mail boxes next to the front door and a new local postmaster might come along and start demanding all new residents relocate their mail box to the curb.
@@Jack-yl7cc Huh, that's fascinating. I didn't know it worked like that someplaces.
I really like my Thorogood boots, I'm a big man and their insole is great
Thorogood are fantastic!
Same here, man! I picked those over Red Wings and I’m absolutely in love with them. I just bought of Carolina moc toes and I’m excited to try them!
Plus the Thorogood souls last twice as long as everyone else
I really wanted to like my thorogoods but I smoked those soles in 2 months.
Wow, what an awesome review! Thanks so much for the great feedback!!
I just recently got a pair. I had been using retired tennis shoes around the house for projects and decided I needed something a little more substantial. I've been really happy with them. My only complaint, and it's really really minor, is that the laces are rough. It's like tying my shoes with laces that have the texture of that yellow nylon rope. Not easy on the hands. :) Anyway, I'm happy that you like yours, it makes me feel better about the selection I made a couple of months ago! Keep up the good work!
Bought a second pair of Sears Diehards when they were on sale for $70.
So did I. Lol
I have two pairs broken in for work and 3 brand new pairs put away in the closet! I should be good for the rest of my career (12-15 years)!
Speed lace grommets are quick but leave dents in the flooring when your sitting on your ankles doing trim work. Learned that one the hard way. Fortunately it was in my own home.
Great review. I’ve worn Thorogood wellingtons and Danner quarry for years because they come in extra wide and keep resoling them. I’ve heard nothing but good about Carolina’s and will definitely give them a shot for my next boots or my boys boots.
Dude, from the intro to the end. You got not a radio voice, but it’s almost like a tv show host on really interesting shit. Phenomenal channel.
The soles on the Thorogoods seem to last longer then any other moc toe boot.
Brady Kinnaird yeah, they switched from Vibram Christy to a polyurethane, which is a bit harder. I'm fairly certain Carolina is using a similar Polyurethane, though.
@@GabeMacDonnell one of my co-workers has the Carolina boot, and his have the vibram sole.
I have had the same pair of redwing boots since high school. I am now 30. I have no idea how they have lasted this long honestly. They have been resolved twice in the last 10 years. And i should have bought 2 pairs of them because redwing no long makes the pair i use every single day. I work in the milling industry and my family runs and owns a custom hardwood flooring company (i am the 3rd gen to run and own it) so my boots take a none stop beating from my day job, to the family business, to the farm. Redwing is my go to boot (untill these finally fall completely apart i guess)
Similar story with me...same redwings since high school. I use saddle soap followed by mink oil about every 6 months and I really feel like it extends the life of the boots.
Yup! I've purchased 3 pairs over the years that I've worn out. Wearing Carolina Boots also help me work with confidence. Like wearing a glove. Love them. Black 8" Elm👍...
Ive been using carolinas for awhile now, i wear the 8028s. While they are a little on the heavy side i work in a hot factory on concrete 50-60 plus hrs a week. My last pair of carolinas i got 3 years of use out of. I definetly could have got another year but i decided it was time to retire them. Glad to see thats the brand you went with, Very solid boot for the money.
If you've got really wide feet and try to wear steel toe work shoes that are not wide enough, you can damage nerves in your foot permanently. It can happen within a couple weeks. So if you've got numb spots or cold spots on your foot or toes, get away from those shoes and into something wider as fast as you can! Experience speaking here. A toebox that allows your toes to spread is a wonderful thing! So far, Keens are just wide enough.
Also, and some other comments reflect this, your shoes affect your back, and sometimes they even affect your headaches. The more level the sole, the better it is for your back and knees as it allows your body to function the way it was built instead of adding strain to your support structures. A high-heeled boot ain't much different than a high-heeled women's shoe in the way it stresses and eventually injures you; degree and ankle stability are the main differences. Why chronically damage yourself when you could avoid it?
One other thing to look out for: footwear with the toe permanently turned upward. High heels have this, some fashionable low-heeled shoes and cowboy boots, and even running shoes can have this problem. The ligaments in the foot don't like being constantly extended and so you're more likely to strain tendons and ligaments because your foot can hyper-extend but can't lay flat.
I have an old pair of Timberland Pit Boss steel toes that were killing my pinky toes. I got a broom handle and stuck the round end into the steel and hammered it a few dozen times with a mini sledge and managed to get them to spread out. Now they’re comfy as heck.
BTW, Timberland Pro Boondocks in wide size are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. Give them a try if you have wide feet.
Keen Dover 6" steel toe. Most comfortable steel toe boot I ever wore and holding up for 2 years so far in a fabrication environment. Had Carhatts before, comfortable but soles started coming off in less than a year. Georgia not comfortable at all.
I found it interesting you did not mention the value/need for steel toes and steel shanks. As a retired firefighter, these two aspects are critical components of any worksite shoe. Sure, it adds weight, but consideration for safety should always be paramount when selecting any new tool.
Blair & K9 Thor for a second I thought I was going crazy there. I’m from Australia and you’d be laughed off any worksite for turning up without steel caps. Even working in kitchens steel caps are mandatory!
I was a wildland firefighter and hated steel toed boots. The added weight while hiking up and down mountains 12 and 14 hours a day takes its tole. But I never really had to worry about anything falling on my feet much, so a steel toe wasn't necessary. But I did have steel shanks.
I have 3 pairs love them one for going out one for bodyshop and one for spray painting I've never had a boot so comfortable
I got a first pair of Carolina boots about 7 months ago. The Sway Carolina if anyone cares. I've been very happy with them. They are my daily drivers and they have held up well. I was a little worried about the synthetic material used for the uppers but other than some toe scuffing, they still look and feel good. Speaking of feeling good, man these boots have been comfortable! I thought they were a little tight at first but a couple of days in they were great. That feeling has held up. I used to be a die hard Red Wing guy but after getting a pair of American made pull ons where the soles started chipping away the FIRST DAY i wore them and the lining on the heals shredding after only a couple of months i went looking for something a little more tough. So far Carolina has me hooked.