Buying Guide

A glued sole is finished when it wears through, but a stitched sole can be cut away and replaced by a cobbler. That single difference decides whether a pair lasts two years or eight. Here is how to spot stitched and welted construction in the shop.

A safety boot has to protect your toes and stay comfortable for a full shift. Steel or composite toe caps, puncture-resistant soles, anti-slip tread and a correct fit matter far more than the label on the side. Here is what to check before you buy a pair for site work.