Impossible to quantify “hard use”, but they’ve seen some miles. I’m only 145lbs. and the tread is nearly gone, surprising for me. Guess I worked 'em out?
Here’s the pair I bought, thinking on buying another:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WHTSJF4?psc=1
They’re still tough, nothing unraveling, zippers still tough, original laces, sole not peeling anywhere, not in the slightest. Only reason they need replacing is that the left heel kinda kicked out sideways. Noticed it made my leg slightly sore today, and slight problems become big problems in the boondocks.
Should I throw more money at something tougher? Is 4-years acceptable bang for the buck? These fit so perfectly I’m afraid to gamble on another brand. LOL, unless Sketchers comes out with combat boots!
One other note if you have a recommendation: I need the high tops. Between snakes, thorns, etc., I want tall boots.
EDIT: ONE other note if you have an alternative: They’re weird in that they’re warm enough into the 30s(F), cool enough to march in the 90s(F). Not sure what I’d be looking for to get that, no idea how it works.
Go and buy two pairs this time. Chances are that boot will no longer be made in 2 years let alone 4 in the same way you like. If they are comfortable and they lasted you that long with no issue those are good boots.
I’m a shoe cobbler as the username might suggest and most modern shoes have a lifespan of about 1-2 years depending so getting 4 with daily use is kinda nuts.
As for the heel kicking out I assume you mean the outer back of the heel is worn down more than the inside back yeah? In that case that’s totally normal and its just because that’s the first part that hits the ground when you take a step. If its uncomfortable then sure you can get something done about it but it generally shouldn’t unless its really worn down, like so much that you’d be capturing rocks in the holes in your sole. Thats also a pretty easy job for a shoe repairman to fix that’ll be cheaper than a new set in most cases
The foam inside these shoes will deteriorate if they sit for 4 years though, won’t it?
Awesome. I’ve been using Lemmy for a long time now and this is the first time I’ve gotten that feeling that Old Reddit used to have. So nice having the expert you need right when you need them.
Hell yeah, doctor Cobbler Schollar
Personally I wouldn’t consider that very good. My pair of Haix Airpower P3’s lasted me close to 15 years and I’ve put them through hell.
4 years with heavy use is very good
My 1990s CF infantry boots - bought new - were used daily for 20 years, Calgary snow and Vancouver rain. Another 10 years of occasional use and another 10 years in the closet because of an injury. But it’s getting fixed and I will be using them again.
Zipper? You and I have different footwear.
4 years on $65 boots is a win. Buy 'em again.
A lil above $16 per year is insanely cheap. My current shoes are on their fourth year and not falling apart anytime soon, but I can’t expect to beat that value. If the boots are good on your feet and last 4 years of hard use, $65 is a miracle bargain.
This thread is telling me how miserly I am. :) I avoid buying new stuff, most of my shoes come from the thrift for $7-$15 bucks, so $65 seems steep.
But damn, I use these things and I’ve only once got a solid pair of used combat boots. ($10, very new, waterproof, or nearly so, total steal. They’re just a tad tight for walking miles and miles, and super hot.)
You have a lot of reasons to by them and it’s absolutely a good purchase. A man needs shoes so get them.
It’s not a treat in anyway, but “treat” yourself and enjoy the purchase without concern. I’ve spent that much on beer in a night and forgotten it because I was pissed. Don’t feel bad about this.
Don’t skimp out on things that separate you from the ground. Shoes, chairs, beds, etc. Those things can affect your posture and bad ones can put you in pain, and you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in them, so it’s worthwhile to spend extra on quality ones. I’d say getting 4 years out of a pair of boots is a steal.
On the subject of boots, I bought a pair of Wolverine leather work boots for about $120 back in the early '00s, and wore them for 10+ years, albeit only during the colder months and casually. The only thing that wore out on them were the insoles.
Saw some Wolverines on Amazon, haven’t had a pair in 20 years, but I’d think about it.
This. Ive been going through 1 pair of $200AUD boots roughly every 18 months. Just bought a new pair for around $250.
Am I reading correctly that nothing is wrong with them except the tread is worn down? See if there is a shoe repair shop near you. Cobblers can usually replace tread. That way you’re not falling whim to capitalism, keeping something out of the landfill, and you don’t have to break in a new pair.
Nah, the heel kicked out sideways, kinda melted? Don’t know how to describe it, but my foot falls off center when I walk.
Nearest cobbler, if he’s even still there, is a total of 3-hours driving back and forth. Not worth it given the price of a new pair.
With you all the way though! I repair everything I reasonably can. Even thought about a comm themed, “stop buying new shit”.
I was about to mention what this comment said: The best boots I’ve had are some pairs that have lasted me 10-15 years, and haven’t given in before I’d worn out 2-3 pairs of outer soles (tread). I know some brands (like Salomon) give out certifications for cobblers that can replace tread, which involves giving specific courses to the cobblers. Most of these will let you mail in your boots and will mail them back to you with new outer soles.
My experience is that this is 100 % worth it. It’s like getting a brand new boot, except it’s already broken in. If you do some searching, you can probably find someone that does this near you.
Even thought about a comm themed, “stop buying new shit”.
(hey @sevon@lemmy.kde.social it’s this one)
I have a vague recollection of there being a buyitforlife community
If you get decent ones they can be repaired rather than replaced, very much worth it for shoes you wear a lot.
maybe for expensive ones, but at 65$ its pretty cheap, and easier to replace it.
Hence “if you get decent ones”. It’s more expensive yes but it’s also more sustainable and much better for your orthopedic health, especially if you wear them a lot like OP seems to.
I wear combat boots made for first responders (Haix). They are about 3-4 times the cost of yours, but they are made in Europe. Anyway, I’ve had my oldest pair for over six years, and I put at least 10 miles on them on a day. The only upkeep they’ve needed so far is some conditioner. I have a ton of boots, but these are by far my favorites
I’ve worn them in the Arizona desert during summer, and in winter where I live (gets to -30F and colder)
That’s a hell of a solid recommendation! I’ll have a look.
I’m content if my shoe cost is under $10/month. You’re just over a tenth that. It would be hard to get the number lower and still have reasonable comfort and protection from the shoes.
i’ve noticed that shoe quality can be vastly different from year to year. brands that were extremely durable 4 years ago might be junk today. just make sure to check the more recent reviews on whatever you’re buying
edit: another thing i thought of, if you bought them 4 years ago, then there’s a good chance they were manufactured before covid, which changed a lot of things. mostly for the worse.
That IS a concern! Yeah, I’ve bought shit spaced a few years apart and the newer version was garbage.
Looks like reviewers are still singing praises. 4.6 rating, pretty good. OTOH, I’ve seen how easily impressed consumers can be.
how easily impressed consumers can be.
definitely, i always make sure to check the negative reviews lol
most of the time it’s the opposite of the easily impressed people and they’re overly petty or needy, but a lot of times they’ll point out some flaw or feature that actually sucks, which no one else noticed
I had previously heard that shoes are made to last 100 miles. Running shoes, supposedly 200 to 300. My walking shoes last 8 months or so, but I easily walk 2-3 miles a working day.
I would say that those boots did a great job due you, and I would buy another pair if I was you.
I am getting slightly off-topic here, so downvote me if necessary. When I buy new running shoes, they normally last ~1000 to ~1200 kilometers, with an occasional peak up to ~1400. The salespeople recommend replacing running shoes after ~800 to ~1000 kilometers due to the support wearing out.
Back on topic: if you know a good shoe cobbler, you may want to re-sole your boots.
What brands are you buying?
New balance.
The last pair split at the seams along the side, but I have very wide feet and my gait rolls along the outside like if I was skating.
I’ve worn a couple pairs of those same Ryno boots. They’re actually quite comfortable. I think I still have a pair. Mine last about 8 months or so
8-monnths sounds terrible. Do you weigh a lot more than me? Where them everyday for work?
I weigh about 160lbs. I wore them every day and I’m on my feet all day long and they got wet a lot. They didn’t fall apart, they just looked like crap and hardened and probably stank
Fair enough. I’m lighter and not using them for work. Seems working outside at Lowe’s for a few months pushed them over the edge.
Dumb question, but, are you in the military? (I’m not, and don’t know how these things work, but I’d like to learn)
Nope. Never joined. I just wanted tough, multipurpose boots for outdoor use.
I can barely get a pair of combat boots to last a year, except for my RATs, best damn boots to kick shit in. I always blow out the sides or crack the sole where the toes flex as the sole wears slick.
I wish they still made the RATs, I would buy two pairs.
i have army surplus store Marine combat boots $20. IDK how much use they had before I got them, but it was a bit.
anyway i have had these boots for 6 years now. i do pretty much all my yard work un them.
I’d never pass inspection with them but I should be able to get another 5 years at least
Hadn’t thought of trying the local Army surplus store! Still, I feel I’d end up spending the same, and the shop is a long ways away.
