Summary
The Stampede Driller Soft Toe Work Boot is a standout choice due to its stylish yet functional design. Its classic Western boot look features a square-toe silhouette with eye-catching multi-colored stitching on the shaft. The boot offers remarkable comfort and flexibility, with an exceptional insole design. The thick outsole provides strong traction comparable to higher-priced Western work boots. While it lacks waterproofing and safety toe caps, it’s ideal for non-hazardous, dry work environments. Its 11-inch leather upper offers coverage without stiffness, making it a versatile and reliable option for various job settings.
Performance evaluation
First Impression
One of the things that initially caught my attention was the boot’s ruggedness. Even the outsole stood out with its thick structure, with four distinct layers that I assumed had different roles for comfort and support. I liked the striking yet classy look that the stitching accents gave the boot, which I believed would look good in work environments and informal social settings. The leather and sole thickness made me think this boot would feel exceptionally hefty, but I was glad to discover that this wasn’t the case. From the start, I knew that this boot was made with high-quality materials and would keep me company on and off work for a long time.
Summary:
The sturdy construction and thick materials gave an impression of lasting strength, which I later confirmed as I enjoyed the boot’s durability. The subtle yet stylish stitching elements gave this Western boot a versatile look that I got to maximize at work and in more social settings.
Leather Quality and Care
The robust quality of the leather helped a lot in making this a reliable, long-lasting boot. It didn’t feel as soft as leather with higher quality, but that wasn’t an issue for me, given the boot’s price point. After a break-in period, the leather felt more pliable, and walking felt more comfortable. It’s worth noting that the leather isn’t abrasion-resistant, and scuffs or scratches can easily be seen on the boot’s surface. These marks can be slightly faded by applying a bit of leather oil or mink oil, after which the boot will take on a lovingly used look. When cleaning the boot, I discovered that using a clean cloth and soft brush was best to remove dirt build-up or dust without harming the leather.
Summary:
The leather initially felt a bit stiff and unwieldy but eventually became more flexible after breaking it in. It took just a couple of weeks to break them in properly without any issues. Without abrasion resistance, the leather can easily show scratches and marks that can be improved with some conditioning. I liked how easy it was to clean the boot and maintain its neat appearance.
Comfort & Fit
I was quite impressed with how comfortable this boot turned out to be. I didn’t expect much comfort since most 11-inch Western boots tend to feel stiff and unwieldy. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case with the Stampede Driller Boot. First off, it didn’t feel too heavy, which was a wonderful surprise given the extended height of the thick leather upper. I also appreciated the heel’s construction as it gave ample support, with a soft feeling that boosted comfort even after hours of nonstop walking or standing. The J-Flex Flexible Comfort System insole was probably the best I’ve encountered in all Western boots I’ve tried. It offered generous cushioning and strong support, keeping the foot comfortable and stable all day. I especially liked the gel-padded sections on the ball of the feet and heel, which worked to prevent discomfort resulting from the impact of walking on the hard ground. The heel section, in particular, felt exceptionally soft and made a lot of difference when it came to comfort. The square-toe style also impacted comfort, making the toe box more spacious. This allowed my toes to flex comfortably without chafing against the tip of the boot. I noticed the toe area was slightly harder than the rest of the upper, but wearing thick socks significantly improved the issue. A mesh lining helped the air circulate inside the boot, so my foot didn’t sweat a lot or feel too hot even with all-day use. The sole flexed easily along with my steps, so I walked more easily and comfortably without a rigid feeling underfoot. The pull-on design made the boot easy to remove and put on. I would’ve been happier if the boot had strong arch support, flexibility, and cushioning.
Summary:
This was a surprisingly comfortable boot despite its tall, rugged profile. The special insole design enhanced foot comfort with just enough padding and support throughout the entire length, although there wasn’t significant arch support.
Break-in Period
The four-layered outsole wasn’t completely flexible at first. It took approximately a week for the thick sole to feel pliable enough for me to walk comfortably without the awkward stiffness that’s associated with new boots. When I first wore the boot, I felt friction spots on my ankles and at the bottom of my foot. Thankfully, the issue got better when I spent half an hour each day walking and doing chores around the house with the boot on.
Summary:
The boot initially felt stiff but considerably better after being broken in for about a week. Using the boot daily for at least 30 minutes helped make the sole and leather more pliable enough to enable comfortable walking.
Design & Craftmanship
I really liked the design of this boot. The Western flair was beautifully showcased with the multi-colored upper stitching. The blue, red, and yellow threads blended quite well with the rich brown leather, resulting in an eye-catching boot profile yet still classy on its own. The square toe design enhanced the boot’s ruggedness and delivered functional benefits. I fully appreciated the thickness of the leather upper as it gave the assurance of lasting performance while enhancing the boot with a rich, robust texture. Pull straps on either side of the opening helped with convenient boot-wearing and injected a bold vibe on the boot shaft. The strong white stitching around the boot’s perimeter showcased the detail the manufacturer put into crafting the boot. It also helped strengthen the footwear’s construction for lasting performance.
Summary:
The boot’s timeless Western style was bold without being over the top. High-quality materials and a rugged profile created a premium-looking Western work boot that looked and felt great. Intricate embroidery accentuated the Western flair, while sturdy stitching ensured the robust attachment of the upper to the sole.
Weight
I was surprised when I first wore the boot because it wasn’t as heavy as expected. Based on our measurements, their weight is approximately 1581 grams / 3.48 lbs / 55.8 oz. The thick leather upper and an equally substantial sole design didn’t make the boot extremely heavy, even at 11 inches. Thankfully, the reduced weight made the boot much easier and more comfortable to use over long periods of walking. Naturally, this soft toe version weighed less than the steel toe version.
Summary:
This boot surprisingly didn’t feel as heavy as other Western work boots with similar heights. Even with a thick outsole and upper, it managed to avoid being unbearably bulky even if it’s used all day.
Traction
Western boots are notorious for having limited traction, but the Stampede Driller boot stood out. Its traction level is one of the best I’ve experienced in Western boots. The outsole was made with multiple layers of EVA and rubber, effectively delivering the flexibility and support showcased by high-performance work boots. The bottom black layer felt quite rigid – necessary for stabilizing my steps. The other layers were flexible and helped enhance the boot’s comfort level. I noted that the outsole was oil-resistant as well. I’ve walked on wet surfaces using this boot, which performed well in maintaining my balance.
Summary:
The boot’s traction level is definitely one of the best I’ve encountered among all the Western work boots I’ve tried. I’d recommend this boot for wet work areas or jobs in unstable ground conditions as its outstanding grip makes walking on such tricky surfaces much safer.
Safety Features
The boot’s electrical hazard-safe design reduced the risk of getting an electric shock. This feature made offered an extra layer of safety while in work areas that are exposed to open circuits or electrically charged objects. I wished the boot had more safety features, though, to make it suitable for more challenging work conditions. Since it didn’t have safety toes, I could only use the boot in non-hazardous environments. It lacked the protective properties of similar work boots that use advanced materials and technology to keep the feet safe in harsh work settings.
Summary:
The Stampede Driller electrical hazard protection to minimize the threat of electric shock. However, it didn’t have safety toe caps, so it’s unsuitable for hazardous work conditions with impact and compression risks.
Water Resistance
This isn’t a waterproof boot. The thick leather upper didn’t instantly absorb liquids, but it also didn’t keep my foot dry when I was in extremely wet surroundings. I discovered that this soft toe boot had steel toe and waterproof versions which would perform better in wet conditions.
Summary:
This boot isn’t waterproof, so it’s not ideal for working in wet work conditions.
Durability
The boot’s rugged construction was made to deliver long-lasting benefits – which I experienced firsthand. I’ve been wearing the Stampede Driller boot for more than 2 years in non-hazardous outdoor environments and I’m proud to say that it held up well. The high-quality leather upper continued to provide reliable coverage and felt even more comfortable the more I used the boot. I was equally impressed with how the outsole maintained its traction level and toughness even with long-term use. Strong stitching throughout the boot helped preserve its appearance and guaranteed the strong bond of different materials over the years.
Summary:
The rugged construction and high-quality materials created a tough Western work boot that’s ready to perform well in the long run. This boot holds up nicely with regular use in non-hazardous settings. It maintains its eye-catching look and functionality for a long time without compromising comfort.
The Challengers
Ariat Hybrid VentTEK Western Boot
The Ariat Hybrid VentTEK Western Boot has mesh sections in the upper that let in plenty of air, keeping the interior properly ventilated to minimize heat and sweat build-up. The premium full-grain leather upper features four-row stitching patterns on the shaft to accentuate style with an eye-catching Western vibe. The Dureatread outsole is slip and oil-resistant, delivering an impressive level of traction that’s better than other work boots with similar designs. It’s also resistant to barnyard acids and doesn’t disintegrate upon exposure to these harsh substances. A four-layer footbed provides comfortable padding and support to strategic points, with a high level of rebound to better energize each step. This boot has a locked-in feeling that stabilizes the foot for enhanced safety while walking. However, it’s unsuitable for harsh conditions because it doesn’t have safety toes or waterproof materials.
Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot
The Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot’s pull-on design enhances convenience without compromising overall boot performance. The high-quality leather has a premium texture, creating a streamlined profile that makes the boot much less bulky than similar styles. The leather is unlined and helps improve the boot’s breathability as well. The steel toe caps block dropping or rolling objects to protect the foot in hazardous work environments. This made-in-the-USA work boot is fitted with a comfortably flexible wedge sole, delivering ample support to stabilize the foot’s movements. The Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed takes the impact of walking on hard ground, with ample cushioning to fight discomfort after hours of walking and standing. It’s worth noting that the boot’s exceptionally snug fit may be uncomfortable for wide feet, and the considerably heavy construction may weigh the foot down.
Ariat Dynamic Western Boot
The Ariat Dynamic Western Boot boasts a striking look with a five-row stitch pattern that gorgeously contrasts with the vibrant color of the leather shaft. The Energy Max anti-fatigue insole gives a high rebound to propel each step most comfortably. The Shock Shield enhancement diffuses the impact of every heel strike, protecting the foot against fatigue after hours of nonstop walking. The exclusive ATS forked shank supports the foot and maintains the boot’s structural strength without a considerable weight increase. Goodyear Welt construction allows the boot to be re-soled if needed and stops water from easily getting in. The Duratread outsole is barnyard resistant and isn’t easily damaged when exposed to harsh substances. It strongly grips different surfaces and promotes better stability while walking. However, this boot isn’t waterproof and is a little difficult to get into and out of.
Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington
The Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington uses advanced technology to protect the foot against the elements. It’s equipped with the proprietary Storm Defender waterproof lining that seals out moisture, ensuring that the foot won’t get soaked when in wet environments. A FastDry lining draws sweat away from the skin, keeping the foot comfortably dry. The steel toe cap guards the toes against hazardous compression and impact, preventing serious foot injuries in harsh work areas. Electrical hazard protection significantly minimizes the threat of electric shock if there’s accidental contact with live wires or electrically energized materials. The rubber outsole has large lugs that bite firmly into the ground to stabilize the steps. However, the boot can still feel uncomfortably warm in hot conditions, even with the moisture-wicking lining.
Ariat Sport Sidebet Western Boot
The Ariat Sport Sidebet Western Boot exudes Western flair without going over the top. Its classic square-toe Western boot profile fits in with workwear but also looks great with jeans that are better used in relaxed settings. The signature ATS technology ensures the foot has a comfortably cushioned cradle that offers superior stability while walking in variable ground conditions. A high-energy insole creates a bouncy effect that helps by comfortably propelling each step. Instead of pull tabs, pull holes are fitted into the top for convenient boot on and off. A mesh lining helps the air circulate inside the boot to stop overheating and excessive sweating. The Duratread outsole resists barnyard acid and offers good traction on most surfaces. It should be noted that this boot feels a bit heavy and doesn’t have a waterproof design.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Justin Stampede Driller Soft Toe Work Boot is a great choice if you’re looking for comfortable, sturdy boots that will last a long time and offer good value for money. I’ve been using this boot for two years outdoors in non-hazardous conditions, and it has managed to hold up quite well. The timeless Western boot vibe was strongly showcased in detailed stitching accents and square-toe profile, which looked superb in and out of the work area. If you want a bolder-looking Western boot, check out the Ariat Dynamic Western Boot with a vibrantly colored shaft and intricate stitching. Components such as a flexible insole and gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas significantly increased foot comfort, making it much easier to endure long hours of standing or walking. The outsole’s traction was impressive and edged out the other Western boots I’ve tried. It’s worth noting that this boot isn’t packed with the safety features that are necessary to keep the foot protected in hazardous conditions – where a better alternative would be the Carhartt Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington and the Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot that both have steel toes. Ariat’s Hybrid VentTEK Western Boot (with vented mesh panels) and Sport Sidebet Western Boot (with a breathable lining) are good options to avoid overheating issues.
These boots are ideal for those who are looking for:
- Durable work boots with rugged yet stylish features
- Great value, comfortable Western work boots
- Work boots with high-traction outsoles
These boots are NOT ideal for those who are looking for:
- Safety toe Western work boots
- Waterproof boots for work
- Work boots with strong arch support.
