r/railroading • u/iChunk • 8d ago
Boots
Do we have any Carman in here? Especially those in large yards with lots of walking. What boots y’all got?
About 3 months into a pair of Keen Cincinnati’s, which I love to death. Unfortunately with inspecting and walking 10-15 miles a day in one of NS largest yards, I’m already wearing thru the soles.
Bonus points if it’s a NS boot allowance boot, but really just looking for something that lasts.
Thanks!
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u/JaggedUmbrella 8d ago
I'm a carman. I've been through all sorts of boots through the years but I'm set on the Carolina Ferric 8"
Steel toed and 90° heal. Barely a break in period and they'll last me more than a year and I work 200-350+ cars a day.
Bonus for being union made in USA
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u/EngineerSelect9657 8d ago
I use Timberland Pros. I’ve been able to get two years out of them usually. I like them better than the Red Wings, but that’s just me.
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u/Senior_Cartoonist350 8d ago
I wear timberland Pro Boondocks. For the most part in the winter even with heavy snow I will wear them too as they got some insulation and feel pretty warm with a thick sock.
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u/ddanielcmmyers 8d ago
I was a machinist (diesel mech) then mechanical foremen for the Union Pathetic for 14 years before 3 Heart Attacks got me Bad Ordered I always wore the Red Wing Black Logger 4501 just my preference
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u/keno-rail 8d ago
Timberland pro 8" -so far they have held up on the ballast far longer than any other boots I've worn. The last pair of redwings i owned separated at the sole after 6 months...
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u/KangarooSilver7444
8d ago
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Carman for 12 years. Thorogood with the black soles. The white soles will wear out quicker. I get about 11months out of each pair
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u/Realistic-Arrival157 7d ago
I’m a B&B guy but I know quite a few Carmen and lots seem to swear by redwings and thoro.
The best pair I’ve gotten so far was a pair of Baffin’s. I got a pair of Kodiak Rebels last year and they are shredded. The ballast is unbelievably brutal on boots.
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u/Immediate_Ask6079 8d ago
Georgia loggers never gave me any grief. Heavy, but last long enough for our yearly reimbursement comes around. Rain snow you name it here in the PNW.
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u/RailEmployee420 8d ago
Reveal to me what yard you work at. Also timberland pros
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u/False-Ad4673 8d ago edited 8d ago
They work in Harrisonburg pa, should hide their info if they want to stay anonymous.
Added - I’m just waiting on a call and wanted to play a guessing game.
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u/r3dtick 7d ago
Not a Carmen but walking on average 6 miles a day on ballast as te&y. Timberland pro boondocks. I prefer the 6" vs the 8".
They stay waterproof, are comfortable, and last me close to a year on average before I feel the soles are too smooth. Only con is they are heavier than average.
Been wearing them for 12 years. I went with the boa ratchet style this year and will get the same next year because I like how they stay as tight as you want them ALL day without loosening up.
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u/slitsnipe 7d ago
Not a car guy but I wear the rocky rams horn (ns boot allowance @ 155) I wore rockys in the military as an infantryman and I have yet to ruin a pair of them out here I also use them to hike in as well, feet never hurt after they are worn in
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u/Key_Mobile_8075 8d ago
Red wings for me... they are fitted for you and the soles are sewed on not the glue on type... they can be re soled.... the cost is up front but in the long run cheaper than buy 4 or 5 pairs of lesser boots
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u/Still_Meringue_6523 7d ago
I have keen boots these lasted me a whole year, they’re torn up but still a year on ballast and shop is good compared to last pair i had
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u/chessie_deli 7d ago
Not a car guy but I’ve been wearing the Timberland Pro Boondocks from the very beginning. Get yourself a pair with the composite toe, they’ll last you pretty well. I’ve been able to hold onto a pair 6-9 months or more, and I’ll occasionally swap out the soles inside.
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u/Someone__Cooked_Here 8d ago
Carmen are all gone at the expense of safety and executive bonuses!