Conductors ; What brand of boots? - Trains Magazine

I have used several different manufacturers boots at various times. My best advice is not to skimp on boots. Buy boots that have strong soles that are not too soft and pay attention to the weight of the boots. Always buy steel toe (or other OSHA approved protective toe) boots to protect your feet. Use Dr. Scholls or other inserts for comfort. Make certain the boots fit. Don't be afraid to replace boots that don't function or wear as anticipated. Also, find a really good shoe repair guy. Once you find great boots that fit and are broken in, new soles or other repairs can keep those boots going for you. Also, if you have big feet or wide feet (I have both, meaning my feet are almost square at a 13 or 14 EEE depending upon the shoes/boots). Oh, and of course, don't forget the boots must have a defined heel as required by railroad safety rules.  

I started using Redwings. I had two different pairs of different models. Both were steel toe 8" lace ups. The first were ok, but had soft soles that didn't hold up well on the ballast and only lasted about 6 months. The second pair were what I was wearing on the day of my line of duty injury due to a fall in snow. I never wore them again.

When I returned to work I bought a pair of Lehigh Safety Shoe boots also leather lace ups with speed laces 8". They are excellent boots, I still have them and an identical pair. The first pair has been resoled by a good repair guy and feel better than new. After they got well broken in I went to a podiatrist and got special insoles and ankle supports made for my feet that fit in the boots. Fits under the category of expensive, but well worth it. Turning ankles on ballast shoulders can result in a few painful weeks back at work. The supports and insoles made that almost a non-event.

I also have a different pair of Lehigh boots that have heavy insulation that are good in the winter. The ankle supports won't fit in them, but proper lacing and the insulation mitigates the support issues.

Lastly, I have a pair of LL Bean hikers with steel toes that I use for bridge inspections and other special applications. They are very comfortable and light. Some guys like to use this type of boot in switching service due to the light weight, but despite the steel toe I wouldn't want to drop an air hose wrench on mine. 

LC