A good pair of comfortable work boots can make all the difference if you’re on your feet all day. I work 8-12 hours each day bouncing between construction sites, and the last thing I want to do, or have time for, is shop for new boots.
Truthfully, I sometimes keep my boots longer than I should (1-2 years) just to avoid the hassle.
But after that one year mark hit again, my knee pain started flaring up, so I knew it was time to buy a new pair. I usually alternate between the Marin Comp Toe from BRUNT and the American Heritage boot from Thorogood (I’m a commercial jobsite superintendent) but I decided it was time to evaluate which boot is really worth sticking with.
Here’s what I realized:
If you want a comfortable boot that's light on your feet… BRUNT 🥾
Wearing constricting, heavy, clunky boots all day seriously slows me down. Fortunately, BRUNT’s Marin Comp Toe fits like a glove right out of the box. They are lightweight and easy to wear all day long without feeling like you have a cinder block tied to your ankle. And their nano composite toe still offers maximum protection without the added weight of a steel toe.
Plus, they’re comfortable and have helped ease my knee pain to the point where I can actually walk at the end of the day instead of feeling stiff-legged.
Thorogood’s American Heritage boots aren’t bad, but they’re heavier to wear all day since they have a steel toe. Also, I find that they are still until I've worn them in for at least a month. And when I’m bouncing to and from different jobs sites all day, I need something that’s more lightweight.
If you don’t want to break the bank… BRUNT
I am making an effort to buy new boots before mine are on their last legs, so price matters. With the Marin Comp Toe boot from BRUNT, I can pay $149 for a one-time purchase, or I can subscribe and save 5% (I’m definitely subscribing just to hold myself accountable to not to keep them longer than I should).
The American Heritage boot from Thorogood starts at $274 which is a lot more than I’m willing to spend.
If you like to shop in-person… Thorogood
I personally don’t have the time to shop in-person, so I don’t mind having to buy my BRUNT work boots online (they aren’t sold in stores). Also, you can try BRUNT boots on the job for their risk-free trial and still return them, so there's nothing to lose. Plus, BRUNT offers free shipping and free returns.
On the other hand, there aren't any Thorogood stores close to where I live, so I always have to trek out far when I'm shopping for them. But if you like to try things on before you buy them, you can also search Thorogood’s website to find a third-party retailer that carries them in-person.
If safety is a top concern… BRUNT
Going from warehouses to jobsites makes for a lot of… obstacles. There are large crews, machinery, and materials moving everywhere, so safety is a top priority. Although I’ve never had an issue with Thorogood’s boots, BRUNT’s feels more secure.
To start, they’re electrical hazard rated, slip and oil resistant, and they have the nano composite safety toe that won’t bend or conduct heat or cold. Plus, they meet the ASTM F2413-18 rating, which is a standard that defines the testing requirements for protective footwear used in the workplace. When I wear the Marin boots, I never have to worry about getting hurt on the job.
I’m wearing BRUNT from now on
I’ve worn both brands over the years, but I’m happy that I finally decided to compare them in-detail to figure out what works for me. They’re both quality work boots, but at the end of the day, I feel safer wearing BRUNT, they’re lighter on my feet, and they’re easier on the wallet.
If anyone asks, I’m recommending BRUNT from now on.
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!
