I own two pair (diff colors) of Ariat Workhog safety toe boots. Prefer square toe, but they are available in round toe.
Ariat Workhog Boot
I bought the first pair after noticing a lot of guys wearing them in the oil and gas industry in South Texas. Everyone said they were the most comfortable work boot they had owned. I wear them when I work part-time on jobsites.
The sole is very durable and the middle layer construction can be almost described like an athletic shoe. Very comfortable walking over concrete all day.
The removable inner sole are thicker with more support and cushion then most shoes/boots. I have not yet had to replace those yet. When I do, I will try the Red Wing Moldable inserts you recommend.
My newer pair cleans up well and I actually wear them outside of work. I've worn them all weekend long on a mini-vacation to a Six Flags theme park (miles of walking all day) and zero foot/back fatigue. Plus I've been up and down the San Antonio Riverwalk for a weekend wearing them with zero discomfort. They wear like a non-work boot, they are so comfortable.
Are the made in America? No. Is it an American company, employing American designers, marketers, accountants, warehouse employees etc etc? Yes.
I had not purchased a "western" style boot for 15 years prior to the Ariats, so I was disappointed when many of the boot brands now are manufactured overseas.
The boots I wear at my full time job are Worx (by Red wing).
Worx by Red Wing
A lot of guys in my dept wear them and at about $100, they can be beat. Their comfort is excellent. I wear them every 3rd when I'm on shift, all day long unless I'm sleeping st night between calls.
Great durability and excellent comfort.
Others in my dept with extra $ to spend buy Hiax boots (German) and swear by them.
If you have the scratch to spend, the custom boots the OP spoke of that can be re-soled may be a great option.
Let us know what you decide on.
Ariat Workhog Boot
I bought the first pair after noticing a lot of guys wearing them in the oil and gas industry in South Texas. Everyone said they were the most comfortable work boot they had owned. I wear them when I work part-time on jobsites.
The sole is very durable and the middle layer construction can be almost described like an athletic shoe. Very comfortable walking over concrete all day.
The removable inner sole are thicker with more support and cushion then most shoes/boots. I have not yet had to replace those yet. When I do, I will try the Red Wing Moldable inserts you recommend.
My newer pair cleans up well and I actually wear them outside of work. I've worn them all weekend long on a mini-vacation to a Six Flags theme park (miles of walking all day) and zero foot/back fatigue. Plus I've been up and down the San Antonio Riverwalk for a weekend wearing them with zero discomfort. They wear like a non-work boot, they are so comfortable.
Are the made in America? No. Is it an American company, employing American designers, marketers, accountants, warehouse employees etc etc? Yes.
I had not purchased a "western" style boot for 15 years prior to the Ariats, so I was disappointed when many of the boot brands now are manufactured overseas.
The boots I wear at my full time job are Worx (by Red wing).
Worx by Red Wing
A lot of guys in my dept wear them and at about $100, they can be beat. Their comfort is excellent. I wear them every 3rd when I'm on shift, all day long unless I'm sleeping st night between calls.
Great durability and excellent comfort.
Others in my dept with extra $ to spend buy Hiax boots (German) and swear by them.
If you have the scratch to spend, the custom boots the OP spoke of that can be re-soled may be a great option.
Let us know what you decide on.