Clothing, boots and misc.

I hate my Redwings. They're like wearing ski boots (not flexible) and hardly comfortable. Nothing special about them either. Mid-rise insulated steel toes with a flat sole to make them easier to scrape stuff off before climbing in. You open deckers think you have the lock on mud.. try the bloody swamp around a meat plant. Turns your floor mat into a biohazard LOL. I'll check out those Timberland Pros for the next pair. I used to like Georgia boots, but since they started making them in China they wear out and fall apart too fast. I've even tried breaking in the Redwings I already have, thinking that might help. All that accomplished was making my feet hurt more.

On another topic, I'm waiting on my order of throw away clothes* to arrive. I found a place on the internet that sells used uniform clothes cheap. I figured I'd try them out - $12 for a coverall and 6 work shirts for $24. Can't even get them that cheap at Walmart. If they don't look too bad I may buy more. Otherwise, I'll either use them when working under the truck and toss them, or just send straight to goodwill if they're really bad. They say 2-4 weeks on shipping and I ordered 3 weeks ago. I'll post an update once they come in.

* Throw away clothes are great. Some folks are fortunate to either drive late model equipment, or have the luxury of calling a service truck if something besides the key and the wheel need to be handled. Not me. I can't walk within 10 feet of a truck without either getting something on me or at least stepping in something.

Rain gear is awesome. I don't have to climb around and deal with the wind, so the cheap ones out of the hunting section at Walmart are perfect. If I had to get up on a flatbed, I'd be more likely to get the kind for motorcycling. They're a little more water-tight, but will cost a little more. There's a Cycle Gear in about every major city - it's the discount store of motorcycle accessory shops.

 

I agree that those heavy duty pants aren't very comfortable to drive in. I now wear "Dickies" work type cargo pants...they are lighter weight than denim, tougher and cooler. I put on a pair of coveralls when it looks like I'm going to get dirty.

It's best to get a pair of boots with waterproof lowers at least. I find the rain runs off the rain gear, down the outside of my rain gear paint legs and onto my leather boots...getting them soaked no matter how much protectant I put on them.

Don't forget a hard hat, vest and safety glasses.

...and water proof insulated gloves. I found a nitrile type with a thick pile insulation for $5 - $10 and they work great for rolling up wet straps in the cold wet weather but you won't wind your watch.

 

I recently picked up a pair of these at Fleet Farm / Farm n Fleet. Caterpillar work boots. They're waterproof, steel-toed, have traction (no heel to catch on things) and are as comfortable as tennis shoes. Have been very satisfied with them so far.

 

i currently am wearing a pair of carhartt lace ups and they were the best boots ive ever bought from day one! super comfy driving or loading/unloading. and i usually just wear a pair of wranglers with either a carhartt collared shirt or lots of ben davis collared shirts with the half zipper. i need to invest in a pair of lightweight coveralls cause like SHC said no matter what you will get dirty and i seem to get filthy tarping or untarping and just getting into my headache rack i tend to get dirty.. ive gone through two pairs of decent leather gloves already and am ready for a third pair

 

I also wear a carhartt reflective green rain jacket. its insulated so it keeps me warm and i can move pretty easily in it. plus dont mind getting grease and dirt on it. i would stick to a decent soled boot since a slick sole can make it easy to slip on a wet or icy deck pretty easily. plus climbing on or around loads would be a pain also. my carhatts are lightweight but still waterproff and decent boots. i dont wear steel toes and havent ever been questioned about them anywhere we pickup or deliver

 

To be 100% honest I wouldnt waste any money on "special" gear ****except gloves**** and raingear ( not like I need it anymore)

when you first start you are going to be filthy every time you check your straps .... It just how it is ... You gonna lean rub, squeeze, climb crawl and roll on each load you get...as you get better you will learn to work smarter not harder

I sweat like a hooker in church even in -20 weather so a change of clothes is a must after loading and unloading (and shower)....I have never had a steel mill step on my toes to see if my boots are steel toes as long as its not tennis shoes you will be fine .... I wear the timberlands that I retired from club hopping ... Regular Dickie/Carhart work pants and keep a long sleeved shirt with you ready at all times or purchase some kevelar sleeves some mills require this... And grab a safety vest ... But clothes the more protection it is the hotter it is so I just keep it simple

 

When I first started I got a pair of Cat boots for $125.00, they lasted 6 months. I now wear steel toes Bramahs that I pay $25 for at Walmart and they last about a year. I also get the Faded Glory carpenter jeans from wally world for $11 a pair. When they get tore or too dirty looking I throw them away.

 

You throw away your jeans when they look dirty?