I've worked in the construction, forestry, manufacturing, mining and agricultural industries. Growing up on the farm, I went through a lot of shoes. I've stepped on shingle nails, stood on grub stumps, stood on wet steel roofs, loaded dynamite, hauled poo and worked 10 hour shifts on the plasma table in these shoes. They handle it better than Redwings and WAAAY better than any cheap brand. I can put them through any abuse I want, and not have to worry about them falling apart. I've never had a pair last less than 2 years so far. It really doesn't matter much, but they look cool too. But if you're mining, get the waterproof version. Trust me, wet feet suck no matter what brand they are! lol

This is my second pair of these boots in three years. The first pair I wore daily and were one of the best wearing boots I had every bought. The second pair is less than six months old and the sole stitching is coming apart, two of the lace eyes have come out and the inside padding has worn through. I wish for an original pair or maybe this second pair was just a bad mfg. lot.

Used this boot for only a week installing a new floor the toe is already wore through to the underlayer within the first day the finish was wore off.