gentyman:
Just thinking of buying some new work boots
want to find some that are comfy.
What’s the opinion on here.
Tried alot in my time on the road
but none to shout about.
What do you prefer boots/shoes?
We have to wear lace up boots which offer akle support & are not allowed rigger boots etc. I think good steel toe capped boots are a must when they’re worn for long shifts and I prefer HOGGS Insulated boots. I saw some last week in a Countrywide store at £57 a pair but they’re the best boots I’ve ever worn. They may be available cheaper but IMO are well worth the money.
I have always had to wear safety shoes rather than boots because of an ankle problem which has recently become worse. Up to now I have never had a problem with any jumped up security guys, the most important thing working on tankers is that they are anti static and non slip, obviously oil and acid proof helps too
Another vote for Karrimor steel toecaps from me. Less than £20 from Sports Direct, but really comfortable. (Identical to more expensive ones marketed as Dickies.)
jonka: 'Element II 'hiker style boots , Breathable Gore-Tex and comfortable from new Steel-Toe from Arco = £75 Expensive but last a long time, lightweight and good feel (when driving if you dont wear trainers,sandals,flip flops etc)
On the budget side ; Groundwork Steel- Toe basketball/ Hiker style at Shoe Fayre shops and market stalls about £25 , Again very comfortable even new from the box but your feet can sweat a bit in these.
What are these like for keeping them clean? Some of the places I go to are pretty muddy. The breathability, composite toecap and good cushioning when walking are very important to me so these are currently top of my list. Most of the other ones suggested are steel toecap which = freezing cold feet in the winter. The composite toecap ones are generally around this price band and go up from here which is more than I was planning to pay but people are saying you get what you pay for so hopefully it will be a worthwhile investment.
Someone said earlier in this thread that there was no vat to pay on work boots (not shoes). The Element II’s are indeed boots but when you go to the check, vat is added taking the total to £90 iso £75.
From HMRC website down near bottom of the page on Protective and Safety equipment :
Protective boots and helmets for industrial use, VAT rate 0%, VAT notice 701/23.
Just spoke to Arco HQ and apparently the 0% VAT on safety boots only applies if you pay by cash. If you pay by any other method then you get charged VAT at the standard rate. Never knew that ?!?! Can anyone confirm this? Can’t find anything to back this up on the interweb.
That sounds odd something is either vat rated or zero rated? Anyway shouldn’t you be claiming it all on the tax return.
I wear de walt boots my self long lasting comfy and fairly well priced.
I bought a pair of Big Bear Boots today,bit pricey but good quality. I usually buy cheap ones for driving in they start leaking and falling apart. So bit the bullet and got them.When i was doing engineering i had Red Wing boots company issue well over £100 a pair.
kr79:
That sounds odd something is either vat rated or zero rated? Anyway shouldn’t you be claiming it all on the tax return.
I wear de walt boots my self long lasting comfy and fairly well priced.
The VAT doesn’t affect me as we’re VAT registered so can claim it back anyway, but if I was just a normal individual buying these for my own use there should not be any VAT on these as they are a 0% VAT item. I spoke to the HMRC VAT line about it a short while ago and they confirmed that what they said about cash only payments for no VAT is wrong . I’ve spoken to Arco HQ about it since and they’re currently looking into it.
jonka:
'Element II 'hiker style boots , Breathable Gore-Tex and comfortable from new Steel-Toe from Arco = £75 Expensive but last a long time, lightweight and good feel (when driving if you dont wear trainers,sandals,flip flops etc)
daffyk:
Ive had a few pairs of these over the last several years. Best boots ive ever worn, instantly comfortable & no wet feet.
Just had my last pair re-soled (£30 at local cobbler) & they are still waterproof,so should last me a second winter
I just bought a pair from there yesterday. Very happy with them so far. Can’t believe how comfy they are. No problems keeping them on whilst driving to London from Leeds but I did undo the laces to give my feet a bit of room, and my feet did still sweat slightly but I think that’s probably more to do with my poor circulation in my feet and having the truck fire always pointing at them on max heat.
The composite toe cap does make a huge difference when stood outside on the cold and wet tarmac for prolonged periods. Normally my toes would be icicles wearing my steelies but with these my toes and feet stayed nice and toasty.
They are currently on offer too. Normal RRP £90 according to label on the box, but reduced to £75, but they are currently reduced even further to just £50 with no VAT to pay if you’re buying them for yourself. Could hardly believe my luck when I saw it!
Just thinking of buying some new work boots
want to find some that are comfy.
What’s the opinion on here.
Tried alot in my time on the road
but none to shout about.
What do you prefer boots/shoes?
I recently purchased some JCB protective toe cap trainers and they are extremely comfortable. I know your initial enquiry was to boots but as a comfortable alternative… I believe I have made a good investment.
My preference for STC work boots is a make called Uvex, and IMHO, they’re as comfy on my feet as wearing carpet slippers.
I wouldn’t normally rave on about things I like cos very often it’s a matter of personal choice or fashion, but one of the reasons why I think Uvex boots are so comfortable to wear is: this neat little feature
Some people find Uvex boots a bit pricey, but I’ve found that they outlast other cheaper makes, so IMHO it’s a case of ‘you get what you pay for.’
Karrimor USB safety boots. Available on line or in store at Sports Direct / Field and Trek for around £20 black, honey or brown
Comfiest boots I’ve ever worn at bargain price sportsdirect.com/karrimor-sa … ens-182010
Personally, i’ve had these for 6 months or so, and I doubt I will ever go back to anything else.
Altberg Peacekeeper P3 Aqua
Steel toe and midsole, sturdy, good ankle support, fully waterproof up to the top, fit like a glove (full range of half sizes), comfortable as slippers out of the box, and quick and easy to get on and off in the footwell of a truck. They polish up like never every time.
Not cheap at £115, but if you look after them, they will last you more than a few years. When the sole wears down, you send them back and they can fit a new sole for you.
