Rockport Women's More Energy RK465 Comfortable Work Shoes - Slip-Resistant & Supportive for Nurses, Teachers & All-Day Wear

I worked in a coal mine warehouse for years where steel toes were required. I have worn so many different brands from the cheaper to rather expensive, and always had problems, mostly because the edge of the steel toe rubbed my pinky toe. After being out of that work environment for a couple of years, I started working at a mine where metatarsal boots were required..in the interim while I looked for some they allowed me to wear my old boots. I had forgotten how awful they were, especially if I forgot to bandage my toes first! My feet were hurting so badly my employer was considering telling me it wasn't going to work out.I was getting desperate. I have problems finding shoes anyway, as I have plantar fasciitis issues. I was very reluctant to order online. I read the other reviews that touted the roomy toe box, so I went ahead and ordered them. The insoles that come in these boots are very nice - supportive but comfortable, but I removed them to use my prescription orthotics. I have seen complaints about other boots with metatarsals but I don't even notice them on these boots. They don't seem abnormally stiff. Really, if you didn't know these were safety boots (and I'm sure glad the safety labels are external and visible!) you'd never guess it by wearing them.I'm not sure how to describe the sizing. I have been wearing women's size 7 for years, but the specialist that made my insoles measured my feet and said that I should wear 6 1/2. When I ordered these a 7 was not available but 6 1/2 was, so, on the strength of his recommendation and the reviews here that said they run large, I went for the 6 1/2 and it is a perfect fit for me.The nicest part is the toe box, the safety toe is probably 3/4" or longer than on standard safety shoes. These do not rub my pinky toes with the edge of the safety area. I love that so much...it makes me almost want to cry when I think of all the years I spent working in pain every day.My boss has noticed that I am not struggling so much in my new job and am not in pain with every step. We have a new employee coming on soon who asked me about boots and I have definitely recommended these to her!It is minor, but I'd like different shoe stringsI put these boots through hell and they perform better than any work boot I've ever worn.I work in the garden center of a big box store and am on my feet, walking on concrete six to eight hours a day. Watering all the plants can take four to five hours. These Rockport Work boots provide excellent cushioning and support. They are also highly water resistant.In my opinion, the boots run a bit wide. I bought my normal size and added an extra full-length athletic orthotic and the boot is still a bit wide in the forefoot. I also wear thick wool socks with the boots and the boots still feel a bit wide.I have to explain that I have a low-volume foot, so I add orthotics to every shoe I wear.I work for FedEx on concrete floors. I am 50 years of age and I can honestly say these are THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES that I have ever had and also have the safety toe. The cost is a bit dear. I have tried other brands including Carthart (mid hiker)and these are better.Absolutely the most comfortable pair of composite toe boots right out of the box. Wore them eight hours last night with no problem whatsoever. I found for myself, you wear a half-a-size larger than your normal Rockport shoe size or any regular shoe size for that matter. I wear a 7 in Rockport shoes and Dansko, etc., and I needed a 7.5. My toe was touching the end of the boot in a 7, so I returned and got a 7.5 and perfect!!!! You absolutely cannot go wrong with these boots if you are on your feet constantly!!! Two thumbs up!!! Thank you Rockport!!!These are the most comfortable (out of the box) safety boots I have ever worn. After many years of wearing ill-fitting men's steel toe boots my feet are often miserable at the end of the day. These boots are actually more comfortable than my regular best fitting shoes. I replaced the insoles with Smartfeet orange inserts and I can stand and walk without pain. The sole is thick and they look like they would be heavier than they actually are. They are light, neat looking and very comfortable. The flex met guard meets ANSI standards is almost feels like it is not there. The price is very reasonable for the quality of the boot. II haven't been able to really try these out yet, but I think they will suit my needs. They are wonderfully sturdy and the toebox is comfy for my arthritic feet. I like how stiff the soles are, as one of my issues is a fused big toe that shouldn't bend much - if it does, I end up having to quit woking and let the pain subside. I think these will last me a good long time working on our little farm.First and foremost I have to say that I've never worn a boot more comfortable and durable than these boots. I love these boots! Which is why I'm so disturbed by the fact that I can't get rid of a squeak that has developed in one of my boots about 2 months ago. I've tried everything and still - squeak---squeak---squeak with every step I take. I not professing to be on any secret missions that require me to be stealth in my movements. I just want a boot that doesn't announce my arrival and departure from a room!