- Location
- West Suffolk
Yes, haven’t done any damage yet but the sides are very flimsy. After 3 pairs of red backs am now looking for something with more support.
Are Red back boots worth the money?
- Thread starter Hazza6930
- Start date
Yes, haven’t done any damage yet but the sides are very flimsy. After 3 pairs of red backs am now looking for something with more support.
Western promise
Member
The new kids on the block are Mongrel Boots ,not got any myself but heard good reports. https://clivehoyles.co.uk/online-shop/boots/mongrel-boots/
- Location
- West Somerset
Yes, pair lasts about a year here, in cow shite, sheep shite, welding workshop stuff, never clean or look after them, good value even now there £100 a pair.
Castle Farm
Member
Iv'e tried most and are now wearing Caterpillar. Two years everyday wear. Slight split on one ,but nothing that's worrying. Dubbined once a week.
Minesapint
Member
- Location
- Oxon
Currently on a pair of Mongrels from Clive, as no Redbacks available. Equally as comfortable, wearing well, but they are ugly buggers with the toe guard.
Minesapint
Member
- Location
- Oxon
What is this Dubbin you speak of?
- Location
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
It's a generic name not a brand but that's an example
Minesapint
Member
- Location
- Oxon
Campbell
Member
- Location
- Herefordshire
The soles came away at the front of my two year old safety versions. Gorilla glue and overnight in a vice seems to have sorted it for now. Have a pair of Josef Seibel 'town boots', over ten years old, now relegated to summer work, the soles are stitched to the uppers, now that's a great idea........
warksfarmer
Member
100% yes. First pair lasted 8 years.
- Location
- NSW, Newstralya
haha, Victor ( the actual boot making company ) have been making boots since the late 1800’s & the “Mongrel” brand has been around for maybe 20 years or so ? They are also actually made here in Australia, not China, Vietnam or Indonesia like a lot of other Aussie boots.
But yes, maybe new to UK consumers.
I work for our local Council & they supply Mongrel boots as part of our uniform. I have always been a big fan of Oliver AT boots, but have to say, I am very impressed by the Mongrel zip sided boots. Instantly comfortable out of the box & the sole lasts well.
I will add, that a lot of our working days are spent on our feet ALL day, including on hard surfaces. Not uncommon to average 15,000 - 20,000 steps in an 8 hr day . . .
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- Location
- NSW, Newstralya
PS - I NEVER wear “trainers” unless I am actually training or running
Don’t really like them . . .
Would prefer to wear work boots all day or even casually.
but - the above mentioned Mongrels are as light as trainers & I would prefer to wear them for everyday work wear, walking / hiking boots or just general daily wear
Don’t really like them . . .
Would prefer to wear work boots all day or even casually.
but - the above mentioned Mongrels are as light as trainers & I would prefer to wear them for everyday work wear, walking / hiking boots or just general daily wear
- Location
- West Suffolk
Do any dealer boot makers have better side support than red backs?
Castle Farm
Member
Yes Caterpillar do. Light enough not to wear you out all day. I'm 76 and find them first class.
Treating your boots makes them last a lot longer and more supple.Well worth the effort. I used to use goose grease many years ago. (Heat the fat up and dip your boots in it) Our dogs never left my side for days after treatment.
Treating your boots makes them last a lot longer and more supple.Well worth the effort. I used to use goose grease many years ago. (Heat the fat up and dip your boots in it) Our dogs never left my side for days after treatment.
- Location
- NSW, Newstralya
Elastic sided boots are ALWAYS a compromise between convenience & support.
That’s why they are no longer recognised as “safety” boots on many construction / mine / job sites here.
Hence the popularity of the zip sided lace up boots such as Oliver AT & others. The ease & convenience of elastic sides & the security & firmness of laces
- Location
- NSW, Newstralya
Personally, after spending about 25 years of my working life wearing elastic sided boots ( mainly Blundstones ) and then the last 10 or so years of zip sided lace ups ( Blundstones, Oliver AT, Blue Steel & Mongrel ), I would have to say I would never go back to elastic sided boots.
I wear zip sided lace up work boots for EVERYTHING apart from smart dress ( polished, leather shoes / boots ) , or actual gym / exercise / running - which is the ONLY time I will ever wear trainers . . .
I wear zip sided lace up work boots for EVERYTHING apart from smart dress ( polished, leather shoes / boots ) , or actual gym / exercise / running - which is the ONLY time I will ever wear trainers . . .
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- Location
- Buxton, Derbyshire
I'm currently on a pair of Blundstone 500's. I really like them and they seem to be lasting OK.
Before that I had Redbacks until the soles disintegrated, but I did where them every day for a few years. And prior to those Rossi's that I'd bought in Oz that I loved.
Two things I've noticed, firstly the Redbacks were comfy straight out of the box due to being a wide fit and high arch. Whereas the Rossi's and Blundstone's take some breaking in but once you have they are very comfortable. Also, and this might be personal preference, the Rossi's and Blundstone's look smarter due to a more tapered toe. Whereas the Redbacks have a more boxy, squarer toe and a chunkier sole.
Before that I had Redbacks until the soles disintegrated, but I did where them every day for a few years. And prior to those Rossi's that I'd bought in Oz that I loved.
Two things I've noticed, firstly the Redbacks were comfy straight out of the box due to being a wide fit and high arch. Whereas the Rossi's and Blundstone's take some breaking in but once you have they are very comfortable. Also, and this might be personal preference, the Rossi's and Blundstone's look smarter due to a more tapered toe. Whereas the Redbacks have a more boxy, squarer toe and a chunkier sole.
Chae1
Member
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
My redbacks were hellish when I first started wearing them. Definitely needed broken in. Could hardly walk for a few days! Fine now.
The top especially couldn't get my feet in. My wife thought it was hilarious.
Maybe I just have freaky feet.
The top especially couldn't get my feet in. My wife thought it was hilarious.
Maybe I just have freaky feet.
nails
Member
- Location
- East Dorset
After 40 years i still say German Para boots are the most comfortable boots available at reasonable cost, Super Grade i.e virtually new £60 Sometimes you get a pair where the sole comes away but that is because they are old stock and the adhesive fails . Keep them well oiled with sump oil and they are virtually waterproof.
- Location
- Southwest Scotland
Disappointed with Redbacks last pair excellent but the sole disinterested. The next pair found they they ‘had shrunk’ and needed to buy a whole size up from the first pair. Also they not as comfortable as before and they are not particularly waterproof.
My next boots will not be Redbacks.
My next boots will not be Redbacks.