Three years ago, I bought a pair of Red Wing Irish Setter boots with steel toes. Two years ago, I got a new job that requires me to go through metal detectors pretty often, and it’s a pain. I’ve been waiting for these boots to wear out so I can justify getting new ones with a composite toe. I generally wear through boots in about a year.
These fucking boots WILL NOT DIE. They are still WATERPROOF. I haven’t had to so much as replace the laces. They’re incredible. I bought a size larger than needed and made up the difference with a couple of insoles and it’s like walking on a cloud plus I seem a couple of inches taller. My feet don’t even hurt after a 12 hour shift.
Mine are 15 years old, replacing a 10yo pair. My previous pair didn’t wear out, they got contaminated (plumbing leak went straight into them).
Your best bet is to just buy a new pair. Even if you wear out the soles (I did by year 12), $70 or so gets them re-soled by redwing.
When they finally do give up on you, check out Thorogood’s wedgesole Boots. They’re even higher quality than setters, boot of choice for all the heavy industrial goons I work with. Union made in the USA.
Thorogoods are premium tier for sure, but I have a strange gait and the soles are soft. Switched to the Carolina Sarge and they’re perfect for me.
https://www.carolinashoe.com/en/sarge-lo-6-inch-steel-toe-work-boot-16044.html
Definitely different strokes for different folks. I suffered for two years in Carolinas, in extreme foot and ankle pain every day until I broke down and got my Thorogood. Better you than me pal 😅