Built for the Long Shift: Fall Work Boots at Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

When you’re on your feet from the first punch of the clock to the last, your boots aren’t an accessory. They’re equipment. At the Des Moines shoe show this summer, we sat down with the people behind some of the most trusted names in work footwear to talk about what makes their boots stand up to the job. Here are a few of our favorite styles on the shelf right now, so you can find the right fit for the way you work.

At a Glance

BRUNT

BRUNT was built for the American trades worker, and it shows.

“The guys are standing all day every day. So [there’s a] ton of comfort cushion, but also rubberized bottoms that actually hold up to the job.”
— Ryan McAndrew, BRUNT

Featured styles: The Marin, BRUNT’s best seller, in the BRUNT Toe, and the Ohman. The Marin is also available in newer colorways, with brown quickly becoming a favorite and black a steady classic.

Good to know: Many BRUNT boots have a built-in dual fit. Pull out the insert and the boot goes from a standard D width to a wide EE. BRUNT’s leathers are also pre-treated to hold up to oils and gases on the job site.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter has been part of the Red Wing family since 1950. It was the original Red Wing Irish Setter that introduced the moc-toe wedge boot, and the brand still carries that heritage today.

“Irish Setter for a long time has been known for comfort underfoot and comfort out of the box, so there is not a lot of break-in involved.”
— Mike Langfeldt, Red Wing Brands of America

Featured style: The Marshall, Irish Setter’s Western work boot, available in both soft toe and safety toe. It’s a top seller nationally, and it’s winning over plenty of people who have never worn a Western boot before. As Mike put it, someone new to the style may find “a square toe western boot might be something that they really enjoy.”

Good to know: Many Irish Setter boots use leather from Red Wing’s own tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota. Plenty of styles also feature Vibram TC4 outsoles, which stay flexible as temperatures drop and help with grip on ice, cold concrete, and smooth floors. That’s a big deal for a Midwest winter.

Keen

Keen is known for its generous fit and roomy toe box, and that’s a big part of why so many customers stay loyal.

“A lot of people think they need wide, and it turns out like ours is kind of the next step up. They might be able to get away with a medium.”
— Nate Moss, Keen Utility

Featured style: The Targhee IV, one of Keen’s cornerstone styles. It’s a durable, comfortable option for workdays that don’t call for a safety toe, with the same roomy Keen fit.

Good to know: The Targhee IV falls under the Keen hiking category rather than the Keen Utility work boot category, but for jobs that do require protection, Keen Utility‘s work line is about 90% safety toe, with left- and right-specific toe caps that give your toes more room. Keen is still family-owned, and it builds American-made boots at its factory in Kentucky.

Merrell

Merrell is best known for hiking, but plenty of our customers wear it to work.

“We also have a consumer that likes the Merrell hiking product as work product.”
— Mark Giacomino, Merrell

“If they don’t need a steel toe,” Mark explained, “they still get the durability and comfort of a work shoe.”

Featured style: The Moab 3, Merrell’s best hiking franchise for both men and women. It’s a durable, lightweight choice for long days on your feet when a protective toe isn’t required.

Good to know: Merrell builds its shoes on lasts designed around North American foot shapes, separately for men and women. That’s a big part of the comfortable, out-of-the-box fit Merrell is known for.

More to Come

This is just a start. Several of these brands gave us a sneak peek at what’s on the way, and there’s plenty to be excited about: fresh takes on long-time favorites, new colors, and a few surprises. We can’t share the details yet, but keep an eye on this blog. We’ll bring you the news as soon as those styles arrive in our stores.

In the meantime, stop by and let us fit you properly. Feet change over time, and the size you’ve worn for years may not be the size you need today. The right boot starts with the right fit.

Why Buy Yours From Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.?

With 73 locally owned and operated locations across the Midwest, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. has been a trusted name in footwear since 1911. Known for our personalized service and commitment to quality, Brown’s Shoe Fit is the go-to destination for comfortable, quality footwear for all ages. Each of our stores offers a footwear selection unique to the needs of our communities, with a knowledgeable staff trained to give every customer the best fit possible. To learn more about us, visit brownsshoefitco.com or find a store near you!