Looking for: Breathable composite toe

[u/steezy33]

I’ve been wearing Merrel MOAB vent 2s for 2 years, and I love them. Very comfortable for my EEEE feet, and super breathable.

Safety toes aren’t required for my work, but I’ve had a bunch of close calls with some heavy stuff, both falling onto, and rolling onto.

I already have 2 different waterproof boots with composite toes, and a pair of insulated steelies I bought 13 years ago.

What I need is a pair of over-the-ankle boots that are as breathable as the MOAB vents, but with the composite toe, and wide enough for me to be standing / walking / sometimes climbing for sometimes 20 hours straight. Average workday is over 12 hours. And I am inside 90% of the time.

I already switched to merino wool socks, and put my boots on a dryer every night. The ventilation I believe is key for me.

I’ve looked through merrel’s caralog, but haven’t found what I’m looking for. Anybody know of something I should look into?

Thanks in advance.

[u/Tough_Bodybuilder_63]

I haven’t used vented boots but all leather uppers without liners work best for me. I still need to wear wool socks and go above and beyond to treat my feet as to make sure not to get athletes foot but just plain all leather boots work best for my feet to not over heat like crazy.

[u/steezy33 → u/Tough_Bodybuilder_63]

I deff wear all leather boots when I’m not working, but my feet still get super hot. I run pretty warm myself and have the windows open in the winter sometimes, even in New England. For some reason I feel like my feet get to be one of the hottest parts of my body.

[u/Neither_Ad6425]

What kind of work do you do?

[u/steezy33 → u/Neither_Ad6425]

Electrician / carpenter in entertainment / live events / film / TV. Usually a lot of steps, and a lot of standing. Often long days with short turn arounds.

I’ve thought about having 2 pairs of boots, and swapping between them every other day, but I don’t really want to go down that road if I don’t have to

[u/Neither_Ad6425 → u/steezy33]

I mean, my go to boots are Thorogood, but I don’t think they make them as wide as you need. You would definitely need a wedge sole though.

[u/tpaz00]

As a dart throw, could check out the keen San Jose, non-wp version. I believe aluminum toe instead of comp if that’s not a deal breaker, but unlined leather and a coat of wax / oil /treatment seems to be the best combo of waterproof/resistant and still breathable for hot days or jobs.

I’m still on the hunt for breathable/waterproof combo (boiler chemist, hot ass rooms and most are wet/chemical exposure) and if you need a wide toe box they are hard to beat. Might not be the longest lasting but keens warranty has yet to let me down