Question:
It seems to be virtually impossible to find a pair of work boots that isn't
insulated.
What do folks do who work construction in the summer?
Answer:
I wear Texas Steer steel toes year round (and no, my toes don't
freeze in winter). In snow, slush and mud I pull a pair of big
yellow boots ver my regular boots.
I use either the Hathorn or Buffalo during the summers. The Hathorn is a
lighter boot, and the Buffalo gets a little thicker leather. Then you can
go for the premier boot in Whites. They are all made by the same company
out of Spokane Wa. They will even make a template of your foot for you if
you goto their factory. Excellent boots. They don't have a website up yet,
but they do have a description of their boots at
http://www.advertisenow.com/whites/white.html
Personally, I like the Buffalo Packer. In MT, it's pretty much the only
boot that serious workers buy, besides the Whites.
I've seen guys come on the job with their overpriced boots and see
the heel peel off in a month. I've seen them with soles so hard (to
be long wearing) that they couldn't stand on a roof to save their
life. I've seen them put up with sorry worn out boots because they
can't afford over $100 for a new pair.
Me, I'm a little more pragmatic. I go to K-mart when my Texas Steer
steel toes are on sale for $39 and buy one or two pairs. They last
for maybe a year before they are too worn to work, then I pitch
them. I've looked at Red Wings and those silly Sears Die-Hards...
I'll pass. I'll take a solid $40 pair of boots anyday.
