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ChalupaCabre t1_j6iqcx8 wrote

I used to always buy BlundStones, but they have gone cheapy.

My next work boots will be RedBacks.

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Bakerbot101 t1_j6jelh7 wrote

I have red backs both as boots and safety boots. Legit the most comfortable safety boots I’ve ever had

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ram_hawklet t1_j6is6wo wrote

I have a current pair of Blundstones that I love that I got last year, but have heard their quality isn’t as good as it used to be. Good to know that once those kick it (hopefully not for a while as I try to maintain them while also using them heavily) that there are these to look into

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ChalupaCabre t1_j6itdmj wrote

Yeah Blundstones used to be made in Australia and were high quality. They developed a huge following globally.

At some point they changed the design, and moved manufacturing to cheaper 3rd world countries.. yet the MSRP didn’t reflect the companies vastly increased profitability.

Consumers are finally catching on, and switching to similar styling, but old school quality. Apparently RedBacks are still decently made.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6jbhyp wrote

It really surprises me how folks are still praising the Blundstone brand, a lot of people don’t like redbacks because they’re bulky and not stylish - though I think they look pretty cool

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The9ElevenDeniers t1_j6na88o wrote

I would only get boots with a Goodyear welt. The fact that blundstones don't tells you something. They are not making their boots to last a lifetime, only to last the tread.

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ChalupaCabre t1_j6nbjds wrote

Do you know of a slip on work boot, similar styling to Blundstone and RedBack that use the Goodyear Welt system?

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The9ElevenDeniers t1_j6ns1c2 wrote

I know redwings all have soles that can be replaced. I do not know if they offer anything in these styles, however the style have become quite popular. I'm sure if you look around you will find something. I think you can resolve rebacks.

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The9ElevenDeniers t1_j6ntlmu wrote

Doing a quick search, redwing, Thursday, Alden and I believe Chippewa as well. You just got put in the time and verify. Imsuprised that any company uses anything but a good year then again most people do not resole their boots because of fast fashion. Most companies design their boots for casual wear. I have a strong preference for redwing because they use thick stiff leather and I have had boots that like 8 years with lots of hard field use. Even at the end of 8 years I mainly tossed them out due to the leather stretching too much. The boots started getting a little floppy on me. Not all redwings are built the same. If you buy their made IN USA line expect to pay about $250+ however comparing that to vans that will last only 6 months and cost about $50 you get a roi after 2.5 years. If you are wearing redwings casually expect them to last over a decade. They also have in-store locations, they will help you size the shoe very accurately and the customer service is superb. I am spoiled because my company gives me a $250 voucher to buy boots every year.

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77tassells t1_j6ift9q wrote

Red backs are on my list after my keens kick the bucket.

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bretthren2086 t1_j6k58zc wrote

Red backs have been my go to for work. They last really well and are comfortable.

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_rapturous_ t1_j6j72wn wrote

Did you have any issues trying to break in the instep? I've only wore them like 4 times but the instep is the only part that is still very tight. I hope it breaks in, but I'm concerned.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6jag7n wrote

I shouldn’t worry too much, that was the worst part for me as well and it left very red marks on the corresponding part of my feet. Though it stopped hurting after a short while and now it’s fine, they went from really hurting to being comfier than any trainers I own.

I remember pressure washing a sheep trailer and them getting soaked but then they stopped hurting after that, which makes sense though I’m not sure deliberately soaking them is recommended - but it did at least help them mould to my feet.

…During WW1 soldiers peed in their boots to make them more comfortable though I’m not sure I would recommend that either lol

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_rapturous_ t1_j6jd71a wrote

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I'm glad that they got comfy for you.

This is my first time buying nice boots for myself so I'm excited for them.

I guess you gotta do, what you gotta do 😅

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FortWendy69 t1_j6k1391 wrote

That’s sounds like one of those “carrots help you see in the dark” rumors of war. Haha

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ohhepicfail t1_j6ja2te wrote

4 years of daily wear as an automotive tech and mine have only needed the insole replaced. love these boots, wearing them now!

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6jbs68 wrote

Haha, mine stink of cow so I have to remind myself not to wear them into nice shops

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MrRabidBeaver t1_j6kkjf5 wrote

Paramedic here.

I prefer Redbacks over Blundstones, 100%. Absolutely love them. If you take care of them they will last years.

Honestly, it feels like I’m walking on a cloud.

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cestmoib t1_j6klkz2 wrote

So Redbacks are indeed more comfortable than Blundstones? If so, I may have to give Redbacks a try!

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MrRabidBeaver t1_j6kvrdv wrote

2 years ago, I bought a pair of Redbacks and Blundstones to compare them.

I’ve had Blundstones before and enjoyed them. I did find that there is usually a 2-3 month break in period. There isn’t a break in with Redbacks.

That pair of Blundstones was replaced through warranty after 18 months as the leather had cracked. My Redbacks still look like new.

Blundstones are not good winter boots. They don’t have the best traction. Redbacks on the other hand are much more robust and have great traction in the winter.

With that being said, I really like both and would be content with either. However, my Redbacks are just so comfortable.

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cestmoib t1_j6kzym6 wrote

Thanks so much for this very helpful info! I'm an avid gardener, so I'm always on the hunt for a really good boot and will give Redbacks a try! Any model in particular? Which ones did you get? ❤️

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MrRabidBeaver t1_j6l8vrw wrote

I have to use steel/composite safety boots, so those are the only ones that can speak about.

I’m hard on them at work, so I can definitely vouch for them. I’m sure the other styles are just as good.

Best of luck.

Edit: At the same time, Blundstone warranty department is definitely amazing. The replaced it without issue. So there is that at least. But I still prefer my Redbacks.

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cestmoib t1_j6m8ton wrote

Thank you so much! You have been so helpful ❤️

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6nb5ki wrote

Although I’m sometimes working with machinery I opted for the soft toe version which I think is called the nevada, I’d definitely recommend soft toe if your just gardening as it’s comfier for constant crouching and whatnot. I’ve had cows standing on mine as well as extreme heat and they’re fine

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cestmoib t1_j6nyky0 wrote

Yes! THIS! I like the look of the one you sent. It really helps to get a model recommendation. You got exactly what I'm looking for, even the part where sometimes cows stand on yours (in my case, horses!) Merci beaucoup 💕

On my end, your "Nevada" model is showing up as "Great Barrier" instead (I'm in France on the Redback website.) But tomato, tomahto, that's the one I'll be ordering! I'm just so glad that they produce my size in Women's. I'll have to order their very smallest! Thanks again!

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zenbarrelmaker t1_j6isxyj wrote

I am on year 7 of my redbacks (similar style to what you showed u/FattyBolgerIV). They were originally my duty boots in EMS, now daily driver all winter or off-road.

I believe the tread will actually last forever. I added an alpaca wool insole to insulate in the winter.

I rarely vouch for a brand, but Redback.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6j369p wrote

Yh the insoles they came with haven’t held up as well as the rest of the boot, alpaca wool sounds like a great idea.

The tread is some of the best though I’m sure it will eventually lol

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ironladenape t1_j6j24nw wrote

I tried them but they didn’t work out. Wish they had a wider toebox.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6j2uxr wrote

Half sizes make up for extra width so maybe try those?

Mine took a while to break in, my feet had never been in so much pain but it was completely worth it

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ironladenape t1_j6j44il wrote

Yeah, I did that, but unfortunately they were still toe squeezers

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murph0969 t1_j6lsnbt wrote

What about midfoot width?

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ironladenape t1_j6lt7b2 wrote

That was probably fine. I usually wear a size 11 US. Australian sizes you go one down from US, and then their half sizes mean wide. So I went with a 10.5. They weren’t wide enough in the toes for my duck feet. The width was fine besides that.

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Tll6 t1_j6l2ecp wrote

I tried them out but I found them too narrow for me and the heel tread wore out in under a year of 32 hour weeks on dirt and asphalt. They sent me a replacement pair but they’re too uncomfortable for me to want to break in. I switched to Jim green and have been much happier

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KimbleDeckard t1_j6jk1yd wrote

I wanted to get a pair of their slip-ons so bad, but unfortunately my feet are insanely narrow. Had to give up that dream.

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NSUCK13 t1_j6jkubt wrote

will have to check these out, been wanting a nice pair of slip on boots like that.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6jmmrs wrote

These were my first boots like this and I was really surprised with how well they fit, I had always assumed they would feel loose or something but not at all

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NSUCK13 t1_j6jptfh wrote

Doesn't look like they make wide sizes, bummer.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6jq2dj wrote

They do! Half sizes are specifically extra width

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NSUCK13 t1_j6jq8hb wrote

Oh interesting, so if I was already a half size, ordering my normal size should be a little wider?

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Critical_Swan t1_j6ltlvf wrote

The sizes are in Australian which are 1 us size smaller I believe (8.5 aus 9.5us)

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czar1249 t1_j6jngr7 wrote

I bought a pair of the RedBack Rescue boots when I needed steel toes and they became the only shoes I wore. Hiking? Yup. Walking around? Yup. Cutting firewood? Yup. Working on my car? Yes. Working with multi-ton machines and cranes? You know it. I’m really pissed that I haven’t seen them since I moved places, but I know they were still fully intact after a few years of daily wear and tear. Plus their leather treatment balm is really nice.

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DickLasomo t1_j6lg5zp wrote

1yr = lifetime in Reddit yrs.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6nc0cv wrote

dude the group rules clearly state posts should be about well made items BIFL is just a name for the group 🤦

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Phronima-Fothergill t1_j6lveno wrote

Just bought my first pair and I LOVE them. Sturdy and comfortable--an unbeatable combo.

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ecksdog t1_j6kk43k wrote

I had two pairs. Sadly after about 8 years the soles just disintegrated one day and all of this black stuff that looked like toner from a copy machine came out. I happened to be a work and left big black footprints all over the office.

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Gary_Just_Gary t1_j6le3nb wrote

Sounds like hydrolysis. Usually that happens to shoes that are rarely worn. I had a pair of Salomon hiking boots fall apart like that in the middle of a hike after they sat in my closet for a year or two.

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ecksdog t1_j6ma2ee wrote

I wore them often. It was weird my brown pair were a few years older than my black pair and the black one fell apart a few years after. It’s like a timing thing. I really wish they were re-soleable. The leather was awesome

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Grimspoon t1_j6leza0 wrote

Are Redback sizing the same as Blundstone. I'm a few years in on my Blundstones and figure I'll replace them soon.

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Otherwise_Team5663 t1_j6lo58v wrote

Definitely not BIFL but you'll get a few years out of them. 3 years at least, 6 or 7 if you don't thrash them. 2 if you put them through the wars. They are uncomfortable the first two or three days but once they break in they are very comfy.

I work in a theatre and am entitled to a free pair every year but often only get a pair every two or three years. I tend to find that they seperate from the soul when they break. Oh and that the pull tags come off the back early in their life. Also the leather chunks off the steel toe a lot but that's nature of the job. We definitely thrash them.

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6ndrlw wrote

Of course they’re not BIFL but they’re still what this group was made for, durable and well made products.

I’m impressed with mine so far, aside from spending half the time covered in cow shit they’ve also been used around fireworks and are still holding up pretty well - though whilst greasing them I did notice one of the heels is a bit damaged

Edit: I’m very jealous your employer gives you them for free! Good on them

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slidearea47 t1_j6m6o3w wrote

I have looked at these for about three years. Was just planning to wear them casually with jeans three seasons of the year. Are they overkill for just casual day to day non-work use? Do they look too utilitarian?

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FattyBolgerIV OP t1_j6ne7ft wrote

I wear mine for both and they look fine, maybe the steel caps would look a bit out of place but these are soft toe and aren’t to bulky.

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therealqueenmaeve t1_j6mc83l wrote

People love redwings but I own both redwings and redbacks and the latter are much comfier and half the price

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