As the great Survivorman Les Stroud says "you sweat you die". As a former Army man, I can honestly say I've spent $15,000 on footwear. And I am glad every penny was spent because my feet are in tip top shape still to this day. Reward yourself, get those expensive boots!
I have had a pair of the Timberlands for over a year maybe 2 now. Dunlops for over 3. Timberlands hands down are the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. You will love them. I am due for another pair. My insoles just wore out and the back part of the stitching separated a couple inches above the heel. Great in the winter. Your videos are great! Kyle
Ironworker here. I've worn a pair of Timberland Pro 6" boondock for 4 years. I've destroyed them, and they have been amazing. Though over the last 6 months, the soles have begun detaching front and back, and a chunk of the front right sole is now gone, but when you use your foot as a hammer......yeah baby! What I've learned, is they are fantastic boots and I'm sad to see them go. Having looked at all things boots, I now know down stitching is obviously better than glued. The insole material is important. A very good toe cover is essential, and if you live in Canada, work SUCKS if you don't have warm feet. My pair I've just retired had a 200g insulate. With a pair of wool blend socks and thermals over top, I was good most of the time, but as Sandy mentioned here, if you're working, you're warm, if you're idle, the cold comes looking. So I bought the exact pair Sandy has. The 8" boondock. Mine are a 1000g insulate. And like Sandy said, immediately comfortable. I would say there's no break in period because they're so comfortable out of the box, but I know from experience with my previous 6" boondocks that these just keep getting better over time, which is actually amazing considering how good they are from day one. 4 years later and i still think "Oh god yes" when i put them on. The last thing I've learned is that these 8" boondocks are great for winter, but they will (understandably) be thicker and a bit heavier, so I have these for the winter months, and a pair of rigger mocs for the spring/summer/fall. No insulation. Much lighter, beautiful forming to your foot and nice on concrete all day. You actually feel silly wearing them for a bit because you get so used to clopping around in the boondocks that when you switch to the riggers, you tend to kick your feet out in front of you because your brain got used to the gait from the heavier boots in winter 😂 Just love these boondocks. How do they compare to the Thorogoods, Nicks, Whites, Red Wings, etc? Well a comment I saw once on a comparison video regarding those brands summed it up in the funniest and best way" "I accidentally stumbled across your video, and now I'm a boot snob with opinions." Yeah those are all great boots I suppose, but you become a consumer snob instead of actually doing any work. Most of the people doing these videos don't even work for a living. They're youtubers looking for, and pandering to, sponsors, and will favor the highest bidder. Boot company prostitutes is what I'm trying to say, lol. I see that Nicks are a well made boot, but I watch videos of them being made for the same reason I like watching a high end acoustic guitar being made, I just appreciate the work that goes into making nice things. But I've played a lot of high end, well built acoustics, and a lot of them I didn't enjoy playing, or the sound of them. The same would go for boots. Try them all out, and pick what you like, but don't think that just because you bought a pair of Nicks, they're going to be right for you. Otherwise you're just left standing there with foot pain pandering to juveile boot snobs with opinions because you want to fit in. Do you. The boondocks are GREAT, in my opinion, for ME, based on my day in and day out experience as an ironworker in Canada building skyscrapers, for what that's worth. Good video Sandy. I hope you're enjoying the boots 🤘
Nice detailed review, I've been looking for a new pair of workboots and you sold me on the Boondocks. Went to Mark's this morning and picked up a pair, worked in the woods all afternoon and happy to report that they apear to be as good as advertised! Very comfortable and my feet are thanking you!
@@sawingwithsandy i actually canceled my order because I accidentally ordered the insulated version. I went to boot barn and ended up getting a apartment of carolina maximus 2.0. Which are very similar to the boondocks. Ive been wearing them a few weeks now and im really starting to like them. They were a bit hard to break in, but are getting more comfortable by the day.
Sandy, you have another career as a boot salesman! Interesting video and as us cold and wet weather outdoorsy guys know, without warm dry comfortable feet, life sucks. Sean
Hi Sandy!!😀😀 I'm with you on the Irish Setter boots. I have a pair that I wear in the winter and actually can't remember how many winters I have had them now. I do believe I just finished up my fifth winter and if they keep going the way they have. I should be able to get at least a couple more years out of them. Take care my friend!!😀😀 Logger Al
Nice boot line up there Sandy.... Great Canadian footwear lol. Those timberland boots are very good quality, we have been wearing them for a couple of years now. However, if the timberland are next to the redwings.... I will slap on the redwings 80% of the time during the summer and 100% of the time in winter.
Living in a quite similar weather as you, I also put felt sole in my rubber boot + bama + merino wool socks and never felt cold even at -35/-40C. ;-) Since more than 40 years, to add comfort, weatherproof and longevity to my leather boots I also put/wear rubber overshoes (as the Robson made by Acton) and it feel lot more warmer, plus weather protection. Over the years I've tried many other brand (trying to save $$) but always came back to Acton's Robson. The only drawbacks is additionnal weight and slightly less traction.
Had my boondocks for almost a year now. I wear them to work and at home. Im a mechanic.. It's all I wear. Stepped in the pond up to my calf at the start of summer Completely submerged my boot for several seconds. No joke my foot was 100% dry. More comfortable than any pair of shoes I've ever owned. Great boot.
Nice vid, I JUST ordered Timberland Pro from Amazon. I’m a truck driver, my boots are on 18+ hrs a day. So I want quality and comfort. My employer will GIVE me a FREE pair of boots every year.... BUT, they are poor quality, ripping after 4 months, laces broke to. Once they’re broken in, they’re ready to trash.
My boondocks, the 2 pairs lasted 2 years only because they start tp stink becaise of my foot odor. I still mow the grass woth them. So they are still going. They are built like a tank but are heavy lol
My favourites so far are the Keen hikers I bought. At least for comfort. From day 1 they fit great. Gore-tex keeps my feet dry too. Not great in ice and snow thought, but they weren't bought for that. Not safety boots, but they do have them. They have other winter type models too. If the others are as comfortable as the ones I have, they will be a winner.
@@sawingwithsandy I work as a Caretaker on 500 acres. Building and maintaining trails, cutting about 20 acres of grass, on and off tractors, motorbikes, and other equipment in all types of Midwest US weather. Keen Hikers are the way to go if you don't need hard toe protection. Can't recommend them more.
@@Carisus Keen also makes composite toe hikers. I wore them for a while but they always fall apart on me. I require a more industrial oriented shoe pretty much all the time. I were 2 shoes. Timberland boondocks 90% and hiking sandals with stiff shanks if it's shorts and t shirts casual.
I think you are probably happy with the boondock's so far. I assume you have the insulated version of the ones I wear. I live in a hotter climate than you and do quite different work. Mine typically last 6 months to a year but that's because I wear the toe to the pint the stitching won't hold kneeling on roofing shingles. I would love to hear how they hold up away from hardscape and also how they are keeping your feet warm in the cold. I stick with this boot because they are the most comfortable on my wide feet and the open toe box allows my toes to move around as they should. That is soo important for long term foot health. What good is it keeping your feet protected if that protection is destroying them? Timberland has done a fabulous job of protecting our feet comfortably, Anyway, it's interesting to see my boots on the feet of a woodsman and I would love to hear a long term review in this light.
I had the same experience when putting on the boondocks. From the first second i knew they felts awesome (and I have never found a steel or composite toe shoe that has ever fit with comfort} and i was willing to over pay for them! Only time will tell how they hold up. How are yours doing with 7 months of wear? @Sawing with Sandy
Sandy, you are so right proper fitting boots are important and safety for the work you do, after 30 yrs of wearing leather boots in the environment i agree leather is the best- look for prospector or emu leather "polish" at Marks i it was designed to be used with gortex liner t is a great product to condition and water proof the leather but does not prevent the leather from breathing outwards like bees wax does- been using it or Danner paste with my field boots in the army for 25 yrs.
Thanks for the boot review. I have a hard time finding good boots that fit well. In some of your earlier videos you mentioned maple syrup/sugar making. Have you considered making some videos about that? I imagine the time for that has gone by this year but maybe in the future?
Hey sandy! Nice review, I'm looking into the same boot but the boondock logger. How are the normal 8 currently. Also if you enjoyed have you looked into the loggers. I know you said in the past about limited availability. My foot doc told me a shoe with bigger heel than (rubber/cushion) in the front. I broke part of my foot looking for best support to be on it again.
I looked not the logger a bit when looking at these boots but one of the reasons I didn't go with the loggers is they weren't sold at my local stores and so would've been hard for me to be able to try them on before buying them. I would like to try a pair sometime though as I like the style of them
i have those same timberlands.. not a fan. my favorite lately has been Thorogood. as far as lower cost and comfort goes, i like a lighter wolverine in the summer. my thoughts are.. i'm gonna buy two pairs of boots a year anyway. why not go seasonal. toe cap is a necessity!
I drive by this Amish cobbler's place often. I have thought about stopping to see what he has but I just assume I'll end up chatting for an hour and then finding out that the sole of the boots aren't all that great. Not a whole lot of cobblers around these days though.
6:17 "rejuvenate with beeswax" ... May I recommend a 50/50 mix of beeswax and pure neetsfoot oil applied with a mild heat. Buff off any excess. The oil penetrates deeper into the fibers and is a great conditioner while the wax forms a decent protective surface layer. Leaves a matte finish and will darken the leather, so don't go crazy and put a half gallon on each boot. Also adds some water resistance.
trying boots on is always best. but it is much harder now. stores are not stocking the good justin boots any more only one's made in china. there is nothing worse than boots that hurt your feet. take care, be safe and well.
what's this all a "BOOT A"..... Sorry bud I'm from Michigan and have a lot of Canadian friends and we like to give each other crap. I have a pair of Irish Setters and love them only for the cold, my summer boots are Red Wings but for some reason I could not find them last weekend so I wore tennis shoes while cutting and splitting wood witch was probably not the best decision.
![Best Work Boots For Men 2025 [don’t buy one before watching this]](/img/n.gif)
As the great Survivorman Les Stroud says "you sweat you die".
As a former Army man, I can honestly say I've spent $15,000 on footwear. And I am glad every penny was spent because my feet are in tip top shape still to this day.
Reward yourself, get those expensive boots!
I know what you mean. Les knows what he’s talking about. I’m sure liking the new Timberlands
I have had a pair of the Timberlands for over a year maybe 2 now. Dunlops for over 3. Timberlands hands down are the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. You will love them. I am due for another pair. My insoles just wore out and the back part of the stitching separated a couple inches above the heel. Great in the winter. Your videos are great!
Kyle
Thanks for sharing Sandy. Looking forward to some sawing! Peace be with you!
Thanks Rich, glad you tuned in. All the best
Ironworker here. I've worn a pair of Timberland Pro 6" boondock for 4 years. I've destroyed them, and they have been amazing. Though over the last 6 months, the soles have begun detaching front and back, and a chunk of the front right sole is now gone, but when you use your foot as a hammer......yeah baby!
What I've learned, is they are fantastic boots and I'm sad to see them go.
Having looked at all things boots, I now know down stitching is obviously better than glued. The insole material is important. A very good toe cover is essential, and if you live in Canada, work SUCKS if you don't have warm feet.
My pair I've just retired had a 200g insulate. With a pair of wool blend socks and thermals over top, I was good most of the time, but as Sandy mentioned here, if you're working, you're warm, if you're idle, the cold comes looking.
So I bought the exact pair Sandy has. The 8" boondock. Mine are a 1000g insulate. And like Sandy said, immediately comfortable. I would say there's no break in period because they're so comfortable out of the box, but I know from experience with my previous 6" boondocks that these just keep getting better over time, which is actually amazing considering how good they are from day one. 4 years later and i still think "Oh god yes" when i put them on.
The last thing I've learned is that these 8" boondocks are great for winter, but they will (understandably) be thicker and a bit heavier, so I have these for the winter months, and a pair of rigger mocs for the spring/summer/fall. No insulation. Much lighter, beautiful forming to your foot and nice on concrete all day.
You actually feel silly wearing them for a bit because you get so used to clopping around in the boondocks that when you switch to the riggers, you tend to kick your feet out in front of you because your brain got used to the gait from the heavier boots in winter 😂
Just love these boondocks. How do they compare to the Thorogoods, Nicks, Whites, Red Wings, etc?
Well a comment I saw once on a comparison video regarding those brands summed it up in the funniest and best way"
"I accidentally stumbled across your video, and now I'm a boot snob with opinions."
Yeah those are all great boots I suppose, but you become a consumer snob instead of actually doing any work. Most of the people doing these videos don't even work for a living. They're youtubers looking for, and pandering to, sponsors, and will favor the highest bidder. Boot company prostitutes is what I'm trying to say, lol.
I see that Nicks are a well made boot, but I watch videos of them being made for the same reason I like watching a high end acoustic guitar being made, I just appreciate the work that goes into making nice things. But I've played a lot of high end, well built acoustics, and a lot of them I didn't enjoy playing, or the sound of them. The same would go for boots.
Try them all out, and pick what you like, but don't think that just because you bought a pair of Nicks, they're going to be right for you. Otherwise you're just left standing there with foot pain pandering to juveile boot snobs with opinions because you want to fit in.
Do you. The boondocks are GREAT, in my opinion, for ME, based on my day in and day out experience as an ironworker in Canada building skyscrapers, for what that's worth.
Good video Sandy. I hope you're enjoying the boots 🤘
Wool is king in the cold. Wool, socks, hat, jacket, pants, and gloves. Wool works even after getting wet.
Wool sure is nice eh. Except I feel itchy just thinking about it haha
I mix wool (most is Merino wool) with some poplypro base layer to reduce thermal conductivity and this keep you warm and dry.
Nice detailed review, I've been looking for a new pair of workboots and you sold me on the Boondocks. Went to Mark's this morning and picked up a pair, worked in the woods all afternoon and happy to report that they apear to be as good as advertised! Very comfortable and my feet are thanking you!
Yeah I’m with ya there Troy. I’m wearing them as we speak and they sure are comfy
Just ordered a pair of boondocks and can't wait to get them. I tried a pair on at the store and it literally felt like my foot was incased in a cloud.
After using them for quite a while now they are still my favourite biot
@@sawingwithsandy i actually canceled my order because I accidentally ordered the insulated version. I went to boot barn and ended up getting a apartment of carolina maximus 2.0. Which are very similar to the boondocks. Ive been wearing them a few weeks now and im really starting to like them. They were a bit hard to break in, but are getting more comfortable by the day.
Sandy, you have another career as a boot salesman! Interesting video and as us cold and wet weather outdoorsy guys know, without warm dry comfortable feet, life sucks. Sean
Just grabbed These boots… I’m really liking them so far
It’s been years using them and I’m now sold for life on them
Does redwing make logger boots
Thanks for the breakdown of the boots, didn't feel like I was watching an advertisement, well done.
Thanks Jared
Nice boots! I have been looking at a pair of those myself for a while now, I might have to give them a try! Thanks!
Glad you liked the video !
Hi Sandy!!😀😀
I'm with you on the Irish Setter boots. I have a pair that I wear in the winter and actually can't remember how many winters I have had them now. I do believe I just finished up my fifth winter and if they keep going the way they have. I should be able to get at least a couple more years out of them.
Take care my friend!!😀😀
Logger Al
Thanks Al! I’m with ya there
Nice boot line up there Sandy.... Great Canadian footwear lol. Those timberland boots are very good quality, we have been wearing them for a couple of years now. However, if the timberland are next to the redwings.... I will slap on the redwings 80% of the time during the summer and 100% of the time in winter.
I’ll have to keep them in mind about the red wings. I wish I had somewhere local to try on boots like the red wings . Ah well.
Living in a quite similar weather as you, I also put felt sole in my rubber boot + bama + merino wool socks and never felt cold even at -35/-40C. ;-) Since more than 40 years, to add comfort, weatherproof and longevity to my leather boots I also put/wear rubber overshoes (as the Robson made by Acton) and it feel lot more warmer, plus weather protection. Over the years I've tried many other brand (trying to save $$) but always came back to Acton's Robson. The only drawbacks is additionnal weight and slightly less traction.
Good to know
I'm in the market for a good wearing boot. Need to give us an updated review in a couple of months of wearing.
Thanks
Will do!
Had my boondocks for almost a year now. I wear them to work and at home. Im a mechanic.. It's all I wear.
Stepped in the pond up to my calf at the start of summer Completely submerged my boot for several seconds. No joke my foot was 100% dry. More comfortable than any pair of shoes I've ever owned. Great boot.
Nice vid, I JUST ordered Timberland Pro from Amazon. I’m a truck driver, my boots are on 18+ hrs a day. So I want quality and comfort. My employer will GIVE me a FREE pair of boots every year.... BUT, they are poor quality, ripping after 4 months, laces broke to. Once they’re broken in, they’re ready to trash.
Irish Setter are my favourite hunting boot as well. Give us an update on the Timberland's in a year
Will do!
My boondocks, the 2 pairs lasted 2 years only because they start tp stink becaise of my foot odor. I still mow the grass woth them. So they are still going. They are built like a tank but are heavy lol
My favourites so far are the Keen hikers I bought. At least for comfort. From day 1 they fit great. Gore-tex keeps my feet dry too. Not great in ice and snow thought, but they weren't bought for that. Not safety boots, but they do have them. They have other winter type models too. If the others are as comfortable as the ones I have, they will be a winner.
That’s good to know. I’ll check them out when the time cones
@@sawingwithsandy I work as a Caretaker on 500 acres. Building and maintaining trails, cutting about 20 acres of grass, on and off tractors, motorbikes, and other equipment in all types of Midwest US weather. Keen Hikers are the way to go if you don't need hard toe protection. Can't recommend them more.
@@Carisus Keen also makes composite toe hikers. I wore them for a while but they always fall apart on me. I require a more industrial oriented shoe pretty much all the time. I were 2 shoes. Timberland boondocks 90% and hiking sandals with stiff shanks if it's shorts and t shirts casual.
I think you are probably happy with the boondock's so far. I assume you have the insulated version of the ones I wear. I live in a hotter climate than you and do quite different work. Mine typically last 6 months to a year but that's because I wear the toe to the pint the stitching won't hold kneeling on roofing shingles. I would love to hear how they hold up away from hardscape and also how they are keeping your feet warm in the cold.
I stick with this boot because they are the most comfortable on my wide feet and the open toe box allows my toes to move around as they should. That is soo important for long term foot health. What good is it keeping your feet protected if that protection is destroying them? Timberland has done a fabulous job of protecting our feet comfortably,
Anyway, it's interesting to see my boots on the feet of a woodsman and I would love to hear a long term review in this light.
The boots are still holding up really well. Just had them on out in the woods
Love my Timberland Pro work boots. They have certified composite toe that meets ansi standards but lighter than steel.
I’m really liking them so far as well
I had the same experience when putting on the boondocks. From the first second i knew they felts awesome (and I have never found a steel or composite toe shoe that has ever fit with comfort} and i was willing to over pay for them! Only time will tell how they hold up. How are yours doing with 7 months of wear? @Sawing with Sandy
How's your boondocks doing?
Sandy, you are so right proper fitting boots are important and safety for the work you do, after 30 yrs of wearing leather boots in the environment i agree leather is the best- look for prospector or emu leather "polish" at Marks i it was designed to be used with gortex liner t is a great product to condition and water proof the leather but does not prevent the leather from breathing outwards like bees wax does- been using it or Danner paste with my field boots in the army for 25 yrs.
Thanks Mike. I’ll have a look for that
Thanks for the boot review. I have a hard time finding good boots that fit well. In some of your earlier videos you mentioned maple syrup/sugar making. Have you considered making some videos about that? I imagine the time for that has gone by this year but maybe in the future?
He’s made some the last few years (just not this year) You’ll have to look back at some older videos :)
@@br33zin thanks
Is this boot for very wet environment?
It is good for that for sure
Hey sandy! Nice review, I'm looking into the same boot but the boondock logger. How are the normal 8 currently. Also if you enjoyed have you looked into the loggers. I know you said in the past about limited availability.
My foot doc told me a shoe with bigger heel than (rubber/cushion) in the front. I broke part of my foot looking for best support to be on it again.
I looked not the logger a bit when looking at these boots but one of the reasons I didn't go with the loggers is they weren't sold at my local stores and so would've been hard for me to be able to try them on before buying them. I would like to try a pair sometime though as I like the style of them
How are the pros doing now, as it’s 2 years since this video posted?
I actually am about to release another video on them. These are holding up really well. I'm happy with them 100%
@@sawingwithsandy that’s awesome, I’ll keep an eye out for that one, do they happen to fit true to size?
I find they do fit true to size
i have those same timberlands.. not a fan. my favorite lately has been Thorogood. as far as lower cost and comfort goes, i like a lighter wolverine in the summer. my thoughts are.. i'm gonna buy two pairs of boots a year anyway. why not go seasonal. toe cap is a necessity!
I drive by this Amish cobbler's place often. I have thought about stopping to see what he has but I just assume I'll end up chatting for an hour and then finding out that the sole of the boots aren't all that great. Not a whole lot of cobblers around these days though.
Fill the old boots w dirt n plant some flowers in them to grow on the sawmill.
Sounds like a good idea to me
Timberland Boondocks are on sale. Just ordered a pair for $150. Tax and free shipping included.
Thanks for that! I may have to get another pair!
I use red wing logger
6:17 "rejuvenate with beeswax" ... May I recommend a 50/50 mix of beeswax and pure neetsfoot oil applied with a mild heat. Buff off any excess. The oil penetrates deeper into the fibers and is a great conditioner while the wax forms a decent protective surface layer. Leaves a matte finish and will darken the leather, so don't go crazy and put a half gallon on each boot. Also adds some water resistance.
Thanks for that tip Craig. I’ll have to have a look at that
trying boots on is always best. but it is much harder now. stores are not stocking the good justin boots any more only one's made in china. there is nothing worse than boots that hurt your feet. take care, be safe and well.
ahh rubber boots the nova scotian cowboy boots
$100 less in the US.
what's this all a "BOOT A"..... Sorry bud I'm from Michigan and have a lot of Canadian friends and we like to give each other crap. I have a pair of Irish Setters and love them only for the cold, my summer boots are Red Wings but for some reason I could not find them last weekend so I wore tennis shoes while cutting and splitting wood witch was probably not the best decision.
I’m hearing good things about Red Wings
Guys collect boots, just like women collect shoes. LOL
I just can’t seem to throw them out haha
Sorry Sandy, but it's better for you to cut logs and lumber.
Thank you for your review! I have the same problem with my Dunlop - they split apart. So what kind of inner tune did you use to repair them?
I just used an inner tube from a lawnmower tire
@@sawingwithsandy Thanks!