Danner vs Thorogood Moc Toe Boots – Which one is the superior choice?
Moc toe work boots are stylish and have a wide range of useful features that provide comfort and safety at work. Danner and Thorogood are two well-known work footwear brands offering premium-quality moc toe boots, which are suitable for a wide range of jobs. They both perform well in different settings so that they can be maximized even off the clock.
In this article, we are comparing and contrasting the Moc Toe boots of Danners and the Thorogood Moc Toe Boots, their parts and features, and provide our verdict.
Danner Moc Toe Boots Evaluation
The Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Steel Toe Boot had a classic look that went well with workwear and casual outfits.
It’s comfortable and protective, so walking for long hours wasn’t challenging, even with safety hazards around the job site.
Upper
The oiled, full-grain leather upper used in this boot offered stronger resistance to damage caused by exposure to liquids.
The unlined material felt lighter than thick leather, allowing more air to pass through to keep the boot interior from feeling too stuffy and overheated.
The manufacturer stated that the leather had undergone strict testing to ensure strength.
However, we felt that the thinner (compared to other leather) material won’t be able to last as long as more ruggedly constructed leather uppers in other boots.
We did appreciate the upper’s flexibility, which was much better than the brand’s regular (non-moc-toe) Bull Run style.
The soft leather upper flexed along with our steps for superior comfort and a wider range of motion.
Insole
The OrthoLite insole offered sufficient padding without the bulky feel.
It was soft but didn’t have the thickness of other cushioned insoles, resulting in the interior has enough space for comfortable foot movements.
We liked how this insole also eased pressure spots and protected against blisters from nonstop walking.
The OrthoLite insole’s open-celled construction helped keep the boot cool and fresh for a long time, with air getting in and circulating throughout the day.
Outsole
This boot had the signature Danner Wedge, designed to be oil- and slip-resistant.
However, our experience showed that the sole’s traction level wasn’t very strong.
The outer surface was almost flat and didn’t have deep treads that would have gripped the ground more firmly.
We were impressed with this wedge outsole’s superb cushioning as it gave off a bouncy feel that made walking more comfortable.
The material soaked up the impact of walking on hard ground, so it was easier to avoid foot discomfort.
Waterproofing
The boot wasn’t built with waterproof materials, so it’s unsuitable for wet environments where the footwear can easily absorb liquids and cause uncomfortable wetness.
Price Range
This steel-toed moc-toe boot is priced at $260.00 on the company’s website. Other sites offer the product within the $259.95 – $399.99 price range.
Safety Toe
This boot had steel toe caps that offered superior protection against dangerous impact and compression.
These protective toes gave us the confidence to continue working in challenging conditions without fearing that heavy objects dropping on our feet would result in serious toe injuries.
Other Safety Features
The electrical hazard protection significantly reduced the risk of electrocution should there be accidental exposure to electrically energized objects in dry work environments.
Construction
The boot used the stitch-down construction with the brand’s 516 last, designed particularly for safety toe boot models. In addition, the construction offered enhanced foot stability for safer walking experiences in variable ground conditions.
This construction method also recrafts the boot when needed.
When the outsole gets worn down, it can be replaced so that the leather upper can still be maximized for much longer.
Danner offers a recrafting service, with dedicated artisans working in the Portland, Oregon factory to bring back life to used and abused boots.
Manufacturing
The Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Steel Toe Boot is made in the USA using high-quality materials sourced internationally.
Some of the construction procedures may also be done overseas, after which the partly assembled sections are then sent to be completed in the company’s factory in Portland, Oregon.
Thorogood Moc Toe Boots Evaluation
The Thorogood American Heritage 8-Inch Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot may look intimidating given its height, but it was strikingly stylish and fit nicely with different attire.
We were happy to discover that it’s comfortable out of the box and didn’t need a long break-in period so that we could enjoy its features without the extra effort beforehand.
Upper
The full-grain leather used in this boot had a premium feel.
It was pliable enough to allow us to use the boot comfortably out of the box without needing a lengthy period for breaking in.
This made walking much easier since no rigid materials limited the foot’s movement. Even if the leather upper felt comfy out of the box, it also had a comforting heft that assured us of reliable coverage and protection.
Insole
The Poron Comfort Cushion insole had a shock-absorbing structure that took most of the walking impact.
This protects the foot against fatigue, especially after walking on barren ground for prolonged periods.
The insole had ample padding to cradle the foot with a soft yet supportive base for comfortable walking.
Outsole
The boot used the proprietary MAXWear Wedge outsole that excited the cushioning from the bottom.
It only had shallow treads, so the traction level was minimal.
We didn’t feel confident walking on wet or uneven ground because the outsole didn’t have a strong grip, and it didn’t feel like it could prevent slipping.
Waterproofing
The boot wasn’t constructed with waterproof components and wasn’t the best for wet work conditions. The unlined leather upper allowed liquids to penetrate easily. This was especially true with exposure to extremely wet environments.
However, the Goodyear Storm Welt construction added a bit of resistance against wetness.
Price Range
This boot is offered in the $249.95 – $279.99 price range on retailer websites.
Safety Toe
This boot didn’t have safety toe enhancements, making it unsuitable for work areas with large or heavy objects that might fall on the feet.
Other Safety Features
The boot’s electrical hazard-safe design provided an extra layer of protection against electric shock in case of contact with open circuits in dry conditions.
Construction
The boot used Goodyear Storm Welt construction to reinforce the resistance to liquid absorption. The construction secured the bond between the upper and sole so that moisture didn’t penetrate through this section.
It also allows the boot to be re-soled, so the leather upper can still be maximized fully when the outsole becomes damaged or worn away with heavy, long-term use.
Manufacturing
The Thorogood American Heritage 8-Inch Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot is made in the USA using materials that are sourced both locally and internationally.
|
Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Steel Toe Boot |
Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot |
|
|---|---|---|
| Upper |
Full-grain leather (unlined) |
Full-grain leather (unlined) |
| Insole |
OrthoLite |
Poron Comfort Cushion insole |
| Outsole |
Danner Wedge |
MAXWear Wedge |
| Waterproofing |
No |
No |
| Price Range |
$259.95 – $399.99 ($260 on the company website) |
$249.95 – $279.99 on retailer websites |
| Safety Toe |
Yes – steel toe |
No |
| Other Safety Features |
Electrical hazard protection |
Electrical hazard protection |
| Construction |
Stitch-down construction |
Goodyear Storm welt |
| Recraftable/Resolable |
Yes |
Yes |
| Manufacturing |
In the USA using imported components |
In the USA using globally and locally sourced materials |
Conclusion
The Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Steel Toe Boot and Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot are premium-quality options for moc-toe work boots. They’re both made with top-quality leather and in the USA, with proprietary insoles delivering much-needed cushioning to keep the feet comfortable on the job. These boots can be re-soled, extending their aesthetics and performance long after their deteriorated original soles. Both are not waterproof and will not keep the feet dry in wet surroundings. However, they both have electrical hazard-safe designs to minimize the risk of electric shock. Sadly, both boots have minimal traction and perform poorly in slippery or unstable ground conditions. The Danner Bull Run Boot has an advantage regarding toe protection, though, as it’s equipped with steel toe caps. On the other hand, the Thorogood Moc Toe Wedge Boot is a bit less expensive, depending on the retailer site where the purchase is made.
FAQs
- Does the Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Steel Toe Boot have other versions?
- Yes, it has a non-moc toe version and a soft toe version without protective toe caps.
- What makes these boots good for use off the clock?
- The boots’ moc toe style is more versatile and stylish than other work boot designs with very industrial silhouettes. Both boots are also comfortable so that they can be enjoyed in more relaxed settings.
- Does Danner do the boot recrafting service for free?
- No, it’s a paid service done by a dedicated team of craftsmen in the company’s Portland, Oregon factory.
- Can the Thorogood Moc Toe Boot’s insole be removed?
- Yes. It’s removable, so it’s easy to clean and replace if it becomes damaged with heavy use.
Luke Davis
Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!
