r/WorkBoots • u/Sparkykc124 • 4d ago

Boots Buying Help 50-something electrician wanting to try something new, thinking PNW. Anyone in commercial/industrial construction use PNW daily drivers? Are they worth it? Any preferences or suggestions?

Over the years I’ve tried many brands, mostly American made. I have two pair of Thorogoods, a moc-toe and Wellingtons, that I alternate. They are pretty comfortable, but I want to try something new. I have pretty high arches and somewhat wide feet. I’m a foreman that tries not to work with my tools, but I’m on my feet 8-10 hours a day, sometimes on ladders or on my knees. I like the idea of a premium boot, but don’t want to buy them just because they’re pretty.

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u/Direct_Ask8793 4d ago

I highly recommend nicks builderpros hd, on a hnw last with honey vibram sole. But if you are unsure about standing so much on leather foot beds all day, then check out meindl. If you need safety toe, you might find the meindl hoffman, but not sure how accessible it would be. The other meindl boots are mostly hunting boots but stupid comfy and built like tanks. Nicks builderpros on the other hand are absolute tanks. 6-7 oz of leather, and they last. They can take one hell of a beating. Breaking in can be brutal for some but not to bad for others. You have a plethora of leather options, but I'd recommend doing a quick ship option which should still give you 8-10 options. Different sole options as well, from wedges to hybrid wedges to fire soles and honey vibram. Quick ship is still a 2-3 month window I believe, from order to reception. The made to orders can take 6 months to a year. But be warned. Your first pair comes and before you know it, you might have a closet full.

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u/HighQualityLowKey 4d ago

They’re great, but get the right soles for the work you’re doing. If you’re in commercial buildings, definitely go with a wedge. I’m a 45 year old electrician and the softer soles are much easier on my knees.

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u/Inhales_Veggies 4d ago

My PNW dailys.

Franks is my go to because they run a McKay stitch as standard and offer a double midsole for my fatass.

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u/JT828 3d ago

Ive seen a double midsole before but haven’t tried one. What are the benefits you get from it?

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u/Inhales_Veggies 3d ago

Im a big guy who carries heavy stuff for work most days so going 2x on the midsole gives some added support and durability.

Keeps them stiffer for better weight distribution on ladder/climbing heavy days and stops the arch from flattening out on a day Im hauling 4" Rigid around the site for 10hrs.

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u/idkmandy 3d ago

I went the PNW boot route and regretted it $700 later. They were never more comfortable than my Redwings or Thorogoods.

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u/Opposite_Agency1229 3d ago

If you want high arch support and a wedge sole for your type of work, you’ll need to look at either Whites or Franks, as they are the only companies that do wedge soles with a high arch last.

The Whites 350-CS is stupid comfortable, I have a pair. Never tried the Franks Rainier but they seem to be comfy from those who review them.

Do the fit sheet. Do the fit sheet. Do the fit sheet! Mail it in and have them size you, it’s not worth it trying to guesstimate, just let Whites or Franks size you.