New Workboot on the Block
Brunt Workwear's Marin Brunt Toe work boots provide all-day comfort and come with inserts that can change each shoe's width.
Those of us who work in the trades know how demanding a workday can be, not only on our bodies but also on our clothing and gear. While there are many high-quality work boots to choose from, I recently decided to try out a newer company on the scene called Brunt Workwear.
Out of the box, the Marin Brunt Toe (Comp Toe) was immediately impressive. The thick leather is double-stitched to a nonslip, flatter, iron-worker-style sole. The top two pairs of eyelets can function as either pass-through eyelets or wraparound lace hooks. Further inspection reveals Brunt’s Adjustable Width System, which includes a removable insole with an insert below it. Removing the insert changes the boots from a D width to a relaxed EE fit. That’s an incredible feature I’ve never seen in my more than 20 years of wearing work boots. I spend my days framing custom homes, and my boots might take the biggest amount of abuse of all the gear I wear. The composite caps on the toes of these boots meet the ASTM F2413-18 standards for impact and compression resistance. And both the toe and heel are protected with an exterior thermoplastic polyurethane bumper, which is perfect for those of us who find ourselves working on our knees on a regular basis.
From the first time I slipped them on, these boots were very comfortable and noticeably different from many other brands I’ve worn. The lining is a mesh design that provides excellent breathability throughout the day—a bonus during warmer weather. The rubber/foam midsoles mirror those found in a more expensive boot. While many of us couldn’t care less about looks, Brunt makes a handsome boot that would even satisfy those appearance-conscious young guns on the job site. As a whole I’ve been impressed with what Brunt has brought to the table, and for several months now my feet have been comfortable all day with no complaints. I look forward to seeing how long they last before needing to be replaced. The Marin Brunt Toe (Comp Toe) boots sell for $170. For a high-quality boot, that’s a price even an apprentice can afford.
Ryan Smith, a carpenter in North Tonawanda, N.Y.
Photo: courtesy of the manufacturers
From Fine Homebuilding #318
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