My trusty old boots are nearing the end of their useful life (wearing through inner lining), I would snatch up a new identical pair in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the fact that I can find no-one interested in shipping them to the US (they are only available in northern Europe.) They lasted well over 5 years, an unprecedented record for my footwear. I have killed more expensive boots in 6 months or less.

So I'm forced to look for an alternative, but it is proving much harder than anticipated.

These are my current boots: http://arbesko.com/products/482/

The features I really like are:

* Safety toe
* Side zipper (easy on/off, must have)
* Chemical/oil resistant sole (this apparently adds years on the wear resistance, this is the most critical part I think, I always wear the sole down or breaks it in 6 months or less)
* Unlined and antibacterial inside
* Full grain leather upper, I really beat on them and they still look ok on the outside
* Comfortable gel insert in the heel

I've looked at various brands available here, and only Caterpillar comes close I think, but I might be missing something so am asking you dogs for help on where to look.

-MD

Have you tried a pair of Danner's?

http://www.danner.com/boots/strikertm-ii-emstm-side-zip-uniform-boots.html

Not sure if they fit all your needs

Just read some of the reviews and the zipper is in question. I love my Danner's but never have tried any with a zipper.

I've gone through about 10 pairs of Redwing boots in the past 5 years, my current pair have been the absolute toughest. I don't know if it's the boot itself or if I just got lucky. Leather, waterproof, Vibram outsole, aluminum toe (which meets the ANSI spec but is lighter), electrical hazard protection. I use an insert but I do so in almost all my shoes. To give you an idea of the use I've given them, I work at a water utility and have worked in all kinds of terrain. I'm also on my feet all day and do quite a bit of driving as well. So far these have been the most versatile for me: Red Wing Shoes Men's Hiker 6674, Black is number 6690.

Wait a minute, we have a guy from the forums who lives in Sweden. Simon. Maybe if you shoot him a PM he can help you out.

Look into 5.11 Tatical's ATAC Shield boots. I'm not sure how much your boots cost, but the ATACs are about 150$

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Footwear/Safety-Toe-Boot.html

They have a composite safety toe, WAY lighter than steel toe. They seem to cover all the features you listed. Mine lasted more than 4 years, and the insoles are available from 5.11 seperately, so when they wear out they can be swapped and completely refresh the boot.

Thanks for the heads up guys, they all look good, I'll take a closer look at all those models <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great thread MD.
My company pays up to $150.00 towards safety boots annually & I'm due a new pair at the end of this month.
I'm currently wearing a pair of Timberlands & don't care for them,I mean my feet don't care for them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I'll be checking out the Red Wings Art & the 511s El C,thanks dogs.

By far the best boots I've owned, (Danner).
My daily wearer is the "striker II 45" series.
They make the "Elk hunter" for Cabela's. Best hunting boots as well.

I really like the rocky ranger 9 inch boots. I use them when I worked hazardous materials.

I have to agree with the Danner recommendation. Not sure if they make a boot that fits your specs, but I have gone through many pairs of combat boots and the Danner boots have held up the best.

The Danner boots does look really nice, but as Sethrotull pointed out, people seem to be having problems with the (plastic) zippers. My current boot has beefy metal zippers and while not as smooth, they have never popped open on me.

My cousin just told me she is coming to the states in a month, so I think I'll order a pair of boots like the ones I have and she will bring them when she comes over.

If this falls through I will probably get a pair of Danner without side zippers, or possibly Red Wing or Georgia boots. Hell, I might do that anyway just to see if I can find something a little easier to come by that I like.

Thanks for all the recommendations folks, thoroughly appreciate it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

MD, I am sure you have thought of it, but you could always buy a pair of boots that you like and have a shoe shop (or maybe even a certain leather crafter here if you talk to him real nice) put in a zipper that you like.