[jyl]

I have been using my Danner Elk Hunters for working on the project. I don’t like beating the Danners up like that - I think they are actually too nice a boot to thrash. Also, I get tired of lacing and unlacing boots and my right ankle has some limited ROM that makes it hard to get in and out of a tall boot like the Elk Hunter. So I’ve drifted to wearing sneakers. But stepping on the third nail made me decide that is stupid.

I picked up a pair of Steel Blue “Southern Cross” workboots. It’s an Australian brand, though the boots are made in Indonesia, which at least is not China. The upper is quality-looking thick sanded leather, there is a steel toe plus a rubber-ish protective toe cap which makes them look a bit like clown shoes. The back is cut low, which is for more comfortable driving over long Australian distances I guess, I don’t care about that but it makes the boots easy to get into and out of. There is a beefy side zipper which really makes it easy to get in and out. The sole is puncture resistant. Supposed to be waterproof, with a gusset inside the zipper. The innersole is much more substantial than the typical innersole, but I put some Superfeet in anyway, and there are some shock-absorbing pads under heel and ball. Outsoles are a urethane material, aggressive tread, seem very non slip. I couldn’t tell you the construction but it looks like the usual molded boot. Jury is still out.