I work in construction, so a reliable pair of work boots is crucial in my day-to-day. Recently, I was in the market for new work boots and I figured I'd have a little fun while I exploring my options.
I tried on styles from two reliable brands: BRUNT and Red Wing. Specifically, the Marin by BRUNT vs. the Traction Tred style #405 by Red Wing. Here’s my brutally honest take on how they stacked up:
The most comfortable work boot…BRUNT
Both of these brands are made for all-day comfort, but I found the Marin from BRUNT to be the most comfortable. We’re talking about a cushy triple-layer insole, a shock-absorbent midsole, and the option for some more width, thanks to an adjustable-width insole system that you can add or remove to take the width from a regular fit (D) to a wider fit (EE). But what was most striking to me is they felt comfortable out of the box, since I’m used to work boots taking weeks to wear in.
Also, the Marin in a men’s size 9 weighs around 1.5 pounds compared to the Traction Tred at 2 pounds. At the end of a long day of standing on cement for 12 hours, my feet didn’t feel tired in BRUNT boots, thanks to all the care that went into designing them for long days of wear.
The more breathable work boot…BRUNT
BRUNT boots are made from flexible materials that move with you while you go about your workday. They’re made from 2mm of genuine leather that’s waterproof and stain resistant, as opposed to Red Wing’s 2.2mm of leather, which to me feels confining. BRUNT’s rubber soles are slip resistant and inside they have rubber and foam midsoles for that serious cushion I already mentioned.
For guys who need safety toes, get this: BRUNT Workwear developed nano-composite toes that use of-this-century technology to protect your toes in a way that doesn’t feel like lugging around a ball and chain. Not only is BRUNT’s composite toe even lighter than Red Wing’s Traction Tred soft toe, but it’s up to ASTM F2413-18 standards. This is how it should be, so buying myself another pair of BRUNTs was a no-brainer!
The boot you buy in person…Red Wing
Red Wing is probably the biggest name brand in work boots on the market. There’s a lot they’ve got going— some of their models are resistant to oil and industrial chemicals, which is great for oil and gas industry workers. But your only option for buying them is to take a day off to go to a store. To each their own, but this just doesn’t make sense to me.
I was a bit worried about buying boots online but since you can wear BRUNT boots on the job for 3o days and still return them, I figured I had nothing to lose. In addition to the risk-free trial, BRUNT also offers free shipping and free returns.
The more affordable work boot…BRUNT
Is it so wrong to want it all? To own a durable leather work boot with quality finishing, customizable comfort, electrical hazard rating, that is waterproof and oil resistant, and not have to donate an organ to afford it. Turns out it’s not. The Marin from BRUNT costs $139 and the comp toe version costs just $10 more, whereas the Traction Tred style #405 from Red Wing costs $234.
That's pretty big considering you’re not sacrificing quality or functionality at all with the Marin. In fact, I think it's a much better boot, considering its lighter weight, cushiony comfort, and adjustability. Do you want a pair of boots or a pair of boots and a steak dinner? Ask yourself this.
My winner is…BRUNT
If you’re still reading, you know where my heart is. Red Wings have been around forever and the Traction Tred is a good boot, but the Marin is the boot that’s best all around. Just give BRUNT a try and see. Remember you can try them out on the job for 30 days and if they aren’t your hero boot like mine are for me, just send them back no questions asked. But I have a feeling they’re going to work for you, too.
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!
