I’m a really simple person. I’ve never been the type of guy to care much about the clothes on my back or the shoes on my feet. But when I’m on the job? That’s a different ballgame.
I work really 10+ hours a day in the trades, sometimes under the sun, and I handle a lot of heavy duty equipment that can seriously injure you. Quality footwear isn’t a luxury for guys like me—it’s a must.
I’ve tried almost every work boot out there, but I only seriously consider three brands: BRUNT, Thorogood, and Red Wing. And after years on my feet, I’ve started to prefer one brand over the others.
The most comfortable choice… BRUNT
All three of these brands craft their work boots with all-day comfort in mind, but The Marin from BRUNT takes it a step further.
My feet have been known to swell over a half size by the afternoon, and I can’t stand the feeling of my toes butting up against the tops of my shoes. The Marin comes equipped with a triple-layer insole, a shock-absorbing midsole, and the option for some additional width thanks to an adjustable-width insole system. This takes the boot from a regular fit (D) to a wider fit (EE).
And forget those long break-in times: The Marin is made with a high quality cement construction, and can be worn all day right out of the box. No more walking circles around the living room waiting for the moment you can wear your boots without blister-proofing your heels.
BRUNT boots are also made from flexible materials that are incredibly breathable considering how solid they are. This is down to their mesh lining and lightweight rubber foam midsole.For guys who need a little more toe protection: BRUNT Workwear developed nano-composite to protect your toes in a way that doesn’t feel like lugging around a ball and chain, so even the toughest BRUNT choice is equally lightweight.
The in-store choice… Red Wing or Thorogood
If you live near a lot of outdoor sports or work supply stores, you won’t have trouble finding a wide variety of either Red Wing or Thorogood boots near you.
Trying on boots in person can be really convenient, especially when you’re about to drop a good amount of money on a quality pair of worksite footwear. If you’re the type of person who likes to get your hands on multiple pairs of boots at once before making a decision, you can do this easily with Red Wing and Thorogood.
The cost conscious choice… BRUNT
I’m basically always on a tighter-than-average budget, so this is a factor I can’t ignore: The Marin boots cost a full $100 less than comparable Thorogood and Red Wing alternatives.
You can score your own pair of 6’’ Marins for $139 for the soft toe or $149 for the comp variety. There’s also an 8’’ style for $169 (soft toe) or $179 (comp toe), respectively. And if you have a uniform consideration, don’t worry: you can get these boots in brown or black. BRUNT also offers free shipping, free returns, and a 30 day risk-free trial if you aren’t satisfied.
The recognized choice… Red Wing or Thorogood
Both Thorogood and Red Wing have been around for a long time. They each make high quality, classic work boots in a variety of styles, and if you ask a friend or colleague at your work site which boots they’ve heard of or have worn before, chances are high that they’ll mention one or both of these brands.
If you’re looking for work boots with a long history and big fan bases, Thorogood and Red Wing definitely take the win here.
The waterproof choice… BRUNT, Red Wing, or Thorogood
What’s the point of a work boot that can’t handle a little mess?! All three brands sell waterproof options (though some of Thorogood’s bestsellers are NOT waterproof), so I can focus on projects, not messing up my footwear.
BRUNT takes it a step further with The Marin: it’s triple-layer waterproof, electrical hazard rated, slip and oil resistant, and compliant with ASTM F2892-18 Standards. I’ve dropped a ton of questionable liquids and construction debris on these boots, and they hold up great.
My winner is… BRUNT
At the end of the day, what really matters is that your feet are staying protected, and you can’t go wrong with any of these boots. But when it comes to lightweight comfort and affordability, BRUNT seriously can’t be beat. Order from BRUNT by 12/2 for free shipping + guaranteed delivery by Christmas!
Editor's Note: One of the things we love most about BRUNT is that they’re never satisfied with just “good enough.” They’re always listening to what their buyers think and feel so that they can deliver the best work boot possible. So to kick off 2024, BRUNT revamped their Marin and Bolduc Boots to improve fit, comfort, performance and safety. It’s the type of innovation and ingenuity that inspires us all to take pride in the work that we do and go the extra mile to see results. Click here to find out more about the next generation work boot!
