"Probably the toughest, most sturdy boot I've ever put on my foot". Love it! I'd take that over the #1 spot 👍

Very much appreciate this informative video. Especially for people like me who wants to know more about American brands. (Just recently got my Iron Ranger 8111, my first pair of American boots from Amazon JP.)

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I found it informative. Also despite your very clear disclaimer’s regarding this list I’m sure some people are mad at you now 😂😂

Having grown up wearing steel toed Red Wing work boots for highway construction, I found myself in need of new boots for hunting a few years back and bought a pair of Red Wing Super Sole 2.0 work boots. After my hunting trip I put them in the back of my closet and forgot about them for at least three years. But about 8-9 months ago I pulled them back out and put them on again (mostly from curiosity to be honest)and have worn them nearly every day since. I've never worn a more comfortable pair of boots in my life. I expected you to put Red Wing somewhere in the middle of the pack in your rating. Was completely taken aback when you named them first. But my Red Wings are definitely first on my list. Thanks, BootSpy!

Always enjoy your videos. Surprised you didn't mention one of your (former?) faves, Thursday, which I don't own, but Red Wings are my faves. We have a Red Wing store dangerously close to my house. Thanks man~

your delivery of the content was great.

First video of yours I've seen. Why it took so long for your channel to pop up in my recommended list??? Didn't quite understand how you rated a few pairs you don't have but will continue to watch your channel. I definitely like your no BS, straightforward presentation. Yep, I subscribed.

Props to you for actually ranking Nicks, Whites, and Wesco. I think most people would have chickened out and declared a 3 way tie.

Great presentation, especially considering you covered 21 different brands. Not a lot of extra yapping, just a quick overview. Excellent video!

Thought for a minute the Iron Ranger wasn’t going to be on the list. I was pleasantly surprised you put Red Wing Iron Ranger as #1. Truly great boots.

Your editing is on point homie

Great Video! Redwing has been my only boot choice for over 20 years!

I was driving through and stopped in Spokane for 2 nights. I went to Nick's and the salesman did several measurements of my feet and said my feet are actually extra wide I never knew that. They also gave me a veteran discount. I got my boots in about 4 months. You can send them the boots if they don't feel like the right size and will fix modify it. I also went to a Red Wing store and they did a 3D scan of my feet and had me walk on a floor sensor. They emailed me the results. They then told me the proper size to buy. I bought some that were in stock.

Totally blown away that you didn't rank Russells boots. I've seen, used an d tried on many including Nick's and Whites and Russell's are a step up for certain!

I used to wear my Iron Rangers most consistently until I got a pair of Truman oxblood double shot with the cap toe. I love the thickness of the leather and the overall look of these boots.

My dad wore the same pair of Redwings for as long as I can remember. I bought a pair of Thorogood on a whim, kind of, and they were comfortable the moment I put them on. I also had a pair of Danner Ft. Lewis for 20 years. After 20 years I had them re-soled and fixed up nice - they looked brand-new. Sold them and bought a pair of Nick’s Overlanders. Six month wait and they arrived 7 months ago. Easily worth the wait and the best $500 I’ve ever spent. I’d like to grab a pair of Redwings eventually, but my next purchase will probably be another pair of Nick’s. Simply put - you feel invincible in those things.

I just watched you do a factory tour at JK boots. Was very surprised they didn’t make your list, actually as far as quality of boots I was shocked they didn’t make the list?

Over the last 50 years ( damn, when did I get old ), I have worked in boots daily. For Lace ups in Shop use; Red Wings, - Patrol; Danner, - Outfitting; Wesco. These 3 have given me good service, and have been worth every dime that I have paid for them. Cheapo boots will hurt your feet, hips, knees, and back over time. Do yourself a favor and save money elsewhere. Your feet are your body's foundation, treat them well and wear quality boots. Your whole body will thank you.

Good order of brands, and awesome video…definitely subbing

AMAZING list and video

Been wearing redwing 2406's for years. Indoors on concrete, sticky sole very comfortable. Nearly everything I want in a boot

Gosh. Thanks for not making the video overly long. Nicely done. In the future I'd ask to leave up the name of the company/topic you're talking about onscreen while you're still talking about it. I reach for my Iron Rangers a lot...and might more than my White's once I get them upgraded with a leather mid-sole so they don't feel like sandals. 😅

I agree with your comment about Red Wing Sawmills...it wasn't easy for me to find a pair in the US, when I was looking last year...but, I found them on a website of a store in Sweden. They are a solid made boot and great for winter.

Danner used to make great hunting boots,but the boots now have no ankle support,but I loved the air bob sole!

I absolutely love my Whites Steven's boots! Fun video

Great vid! I love my Nick’s Charley 55’s. 👍🏻

Really enjoyed this vid. I made the mental selection of Origin...signed up on their site...saw they produce jeans and fighting products. Thanks!

Very nicely done. I enjoyed watching your presentation and I learned a few things, in spite of having been in and out of the boot business since the early 1980’s. I am currently the territory manager for one of the boot manufacturers on your list( I’ll leave out the company and the territory), and in years past worked for two others you covered. I have no great objection to our numerical position on your list - it was a reasonably fair assessment, even if not totally accurate. My only question is how you had Whites ahead of Nicks (even with your explanation). Also, it would be hard to argue with the selection of Red Wing as your number one. Their price points for US manufactured boots are $300.00 or more (seems a little elevated to me) and other boots don’t require the break in period Red Wing do. All that aside, they have been the premier American made work boot for “Joe Blue collar” for over a century (with all due respect to Wolverine). I hope they are able to keep making their Heritage line in the USA for another 100 years. Not many US companies are left. It was sad to see Wolverine quit making boots here, then Chippewa shut their last US plant down. Hopefully most of, if not all of the US companies will survive. BTW, I am not employed by Red Wing, Nicks or Whites. My employer is further down your list.

Put Alden at the bottom for using cheap materials and having bad qc but charging a premium.

great video! Good, balanced selection. Not much empty blabbing, but straight to the point. Also - right choice for no 1! :D

I have Keen American made boots, and while you think they are ugly, they are comfortable and solidly made.

I've got at least 25 pairs of various styles of boots. The boot I grab when I don't want to think is the Red Wing Muleskinners. They're just insanely comfy and will last longer than me. That said, I have some vintage Chippewa and a bunch of Thorogood 1892 which are insanely great too. Nice thing is we have choices.

I got a pair of Parkhurst last year and absolutely love them. As you mentioned, they have trouble getting things in stock and are a much smaller operation. To combat that, I believe, they have outsourced their construction to Spain so they are no longer a truly made in America boot.

21Justin 20 LL Bean Tie 19 Carolina/chippewa 17Keen 16Frye 15Thorogood 14Allen Edmonds 13 Danner 12 Wolverine 11 Origin 10 Alden 9 Parkhurst 8 Kreosote 7 Role Club (Brian the Bootmaker) 6 Oak Street 5 Truman 4 Nick's 3 White's 2 Wesco 1 Red Wing

Nice job. I’ve got a couple pair of White’s, packers and a pair of brogans in bullhide leather that are really great. Have you ever taken a deeper dive in western boots?

Shocked Thursday wasn’t on the list at all, considering they have a made in America line.

Daaang that Wesco engineer style is classyyyy 😍

Wow I was blown away when you said Redwing in first place !!!! Lol

😂 I have a few customs on your top7 am I keep putting the redwings on when I’m running out the door. Glad I’m not the only one 😂

Excellent selection 👌 👏 👍

I bought the Red Wing iron rangers on a whim after stopping in a store. This video had me on edge. I was relieved you spoke so highly of them and ranked the Brand number..

What about Frank's Boot Company in Spokane, WA showing the owner helping customers himself sizing boot's, why aren't they on your list? I personally don't own a pair, but I have heard only good things about the company and owner giving outstanding customer service!

You missed the 5th and 4th best American made boot manufacturers: Yuketen and Rancourt. Great field and dress boots. All the other brands you listed basically produce the same style work/service boot. The materials used by Rancourt and Yuketen are second to none and they actually wear super comfortable due to their construction.

Wesco, Nicks, JK, and Whites deserve to be in the top 4. Red Wing should really be around #12-13 for quality and price point. To be honest, for their quality, they are a bit overpriced. Carolina also deserves to be bumped up a few spots. Carolina Birch loggers are way better than everything listed up to about #15. Almost as good as Thorogood.

Great video, thanks! What are your thoughts on Portland Leather? Their welted Brooklyn boot looks really good with classic captoe and 3 leather choices. I heard they are made in Mexico though, but not sure.

Am I the only one who's more interested in that jacket? Lol. Great vid man!

I have owned 3 pairs of Alden, (2) 403 (1) 405, Red Wing Iron Ranger, Red Wing 875, Wolverine 1000 mile. Red Wing Iron Ranger are absolute beasts and Red Wing, in general, were the best-built of the three brands. Red wing sizing is nuts! The Alden Chromexcel leather is luxurious.

I want a pair of engineer boots. I’ve looked at the White’s online several times. I’ve heard of Wesco but have never really looked into them, they do look really good though. My experience with Red Wing has been really good. I appreciate the fact that they have retail stores all over the country, and maybe overseas too. I like being able to try on the boots before buying them, also the clerk that sold me my Iron Rangers was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Thanks for the video, learned a lot here. Now I have new research to do to add to my 8 foot tall stack of work boots.

loving the Nick"s....what jacket are you wearing? love it

I was getting concerned when I wasn’t hearing redwing on your list but you shocked me when you rated them # 1 😂

Thanks for the list. Are you gonna share black Friday deals on boots next week? That would be mighty nice of you.

I stumbled the other day across JK boots that are also made in Spokane. I'm really interested in their new 300. Hope you do a review of them soon.

Nick’s is definitely #1 but I’m sure it was really hard ranking all these boots.

Pretty good list. One question: since you listed a couple of bespoke brands, how in the world could you not have Limmer on your list??? They are world renowned in the hiking arena.

Currently trying to find my next work boots, I work in construction and om on my 2nd pair of thorogoods, they're extremely comfortable but my gripe with them is the tread in the soles give out after a year. You can get them resoled but it costs 70% of the price of a new pair

All great comments, but also wondering where your denim jacket (looks like a good liner also) is from? Thanks for informative video

Jk definitely belongs on this list somewhere in the top 5 if not top 3

Awesome to see a fellow NC native!💪🏼

Origin big lug work boot are awesome !crazy well made and comfortable out of the box .I’m an electrician of 17 yrs so I put my boots to the test .

It would be awesome to see a list of Canadian made boot brands :D

I wore wolverines for years. A good, waterproof boot that was comfortable. As a laborer in an intermodal yard, all day was walking, climbing up and down on the rail cars. Then I went to get a pair and they were half price. I bought 2 pairs. When I finally went to buy another pair, they were made in china and twice the cost. I switched brands. When did the company come back to the USA?

Great list. I was recently buying my first real boot since I bought a pair of Chippewa years ago. I wanted to give Red Wing my money but I can't find my size anywhere so I bought the Grant Stone diesel instead. The Red Wing store did a great job with sizing my foot properly they just didnt have enough stock and no idea when they might get more. Actually Allen Edmonds might be a great choice when on sale hmmm.

You should do a ranking video for UK, EURO, and Asia

As a retired lineman, Red Wings were about all I wore. For gaffing and just overall comfort, nothing else came close.

I find it cool everyone has different experiences with boots. I got a pair of Thorogood slip on boots and they were comfy from the very beginning. People I know who have redwing say the same thing for slip on however laced boots they say feel uncomfortable because the leather has to break in some areas. The moment my coworker told me he has had his thorogoods for 5 years, that was the final push for me to buy some

You should definitely try a pair of Russell Moccasins. The original true moccasin boot for outdoorsmen and the first to complete the Appalachian trail.

I have not had good luck with red wing. I do like West Coast and white. Thank you for the List

Love your honest Allen Edmons salt lol

The disclaimer is totally gentlemanly. Cheers!

For thirty years I wore Westco Job Masters for ranch work, logging, and road construction. I always had two pairs which I alternated daily. Some of my friends liked Whites, but I always thought the Westcos looked better. All to say, I agree with your pick of Westco for number 2, although I've heard nothing good about Redwings for many years.

Please please do a full Sawmill video like you talked about a while ago ! 🙏

Standard and Strange often releases Mr. Lou’s and you have a window of a few days to buy them. I got mine in natural chromexel with no waiting time.

100% agree with you on White’s. They’re ready to ship selection is top grade

The Parkhurst Allen on the 602 last is the best fitting boot I own

I have some rough out Chippewa Niles boots just hanging out in my Ebay shop.

I have two pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. They took a while to break in, but once they were broken in they became very comfortable. The build quality is excellent and they look great. Ya' gotta give them time to break in, however...😉

I own Truman double ox blood and red wing blacksmith i absolutely love em both.

I just bought Red Wing Setters for work and I got tricked in the store by fake stitching. It's glued together, but I haven't broken them in yet and I love how they look, so hopefully they'll still hold up well.

I think Drew’s and JK Boots are worth taking a gander at if you haven’t already. Great video.

I like the Thorogood moc toe boots. My old feet appreciate wedge soles and there really is no a break in period. I keep tow pair in rotation and my third is my oldest pair for really crap work or really muddy conditions on a particular day. I work in these. They go on in the morning, come off in the evening. One pair is on the third resole! I get my money back out of these things. Not trying to make a fashion statement. Just want a boot my feet like for working every day.

For dress boots, you cannot beat Grant Stone boots for style and quality. Truman has the best range of leathers, including rough outs, and top quality. Wearing leather dress boots is the best decision I ever made and enjoy it tremendously every day.

Luchesse should be on any top American boot list. Good list.

I really thought that you were gonna put Thursday at number one for their MITUSA series of boots just to bait the trolls. 😅 thanks for the great content in 2022

Just bought a pair of Iron Rangers 8111! Thanks William!

I think you should make a distinction between 'dress', or 'casual' boots, or those worn for fashion, and actual work boots. I've worn Redwing mostly for 45 years in construction. My gripe is that so many boots have a deep lug sole, which is terrible for tracking mud indoors. I always got the smooth cork/rubber sole when it was available from Redwing.

I guess I'm sticking with my Carolina Logger boots. I've owned 3 pair in 30 years (I just purchased the 3rd pair last year, in fact) and for a work boot, working in a warehouse on concrete floors, I find them supportive of my heel and the insole keeps my feet comfortable all day long. Glad to see they made this list, I just don't agree they're that far down on it. For $210, I think they're damn good.

red wing, though ... 🔥🔥🔥 awesome

Rose Anvil just demolished the Crap Alden boot. Used Wescos all over the Oregon mountain side and woods. Wesco makes boots for fireman and fire season used to be back order time and there was generally a wait period.

ranking Nicks below Red Wing is insulting. Nicks belongs at the top of this list.

No arguments on your list. Good job

Danner ! #1 !!, I’ve worn Danner combat boots since 1990- Ft Lewis model Also can be recrafted and great customer service

Man! That’s a cool jacket. Who makes it?

Cool video. I keep hearing that I should buy a half size down to a full size down in Red Wings, Iron Rangers 8084 ? I wear a size 13 E, in most shoes & Boots,... I'm wondering if a 12 D would fit me, or if I should go for the 13 D. there are no half sizes available after 12 & I cant find an E wide anywhere. Nicks Boots makes it easier with half sizes and width sizes but they take WAY too long to make & ship. I need a pair of Boots Now. LOL

Has anyone tried Rancourt & Co boots? Noticed they were not on this list and I have been eyeing their moc toe boots which I think look incredible. They're made in Maine and I have not heard any negatives about their construction, but curious if anyone has other experiences.

I have a pair of lace up Justin boots western. made 1995ish. Super, super comfy.

Yuketen Maine Guide boot is not cheap but I would say it's gotta be up there in the top 5. The quality is impeccable and it's a very good looking boot (with many many leather and sole options!)

Really surprised you did not mention Thursday. Thought the Captain is your favorite.

Before they were off shored, Chippewa were amazing. Been riding with my Odessa blacks for 10 years.

Gonna try the socks when you get a smaller size! Men's size 5-6 boots or women's 6-7 wide.