Timberland Pit Boss Vs Direct Attach Boot – Which one should you choose?
The right type of footwear is crucial for more comfortable, protected feet at work. Timberland PRO is Timberland’s line of boots and shoes specially designed for professional settings. Unlike the products offered by the regular Timberland line, Timberland PRO work boots are equipped with high-performance features to better cope with the extra challenges that can be encountered on the job. Aside from delivering a higher level of foot comfort, these boots are also constructed to defend the feet against safety threats much better than regular footwear. This article’ll review two premium Timberland PRO boots – the Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot and the 6-Inch Direct Attach Insulated Boot – to better appreciate their performance in different job environments. We compared the two boots based on different evaluation categories, which sum up the products’ most important components and qualities.
Timberland Pit Boss VS Direct Attach – Evaluation
To accurate compare the Timberland Pit Boss against the Direct Attach boots, we have considered and analyzed their most important features and specs, covering the following areas – upper, insole, outsole, waterproofness, price range, safety toe, additional features, and construction.
Upper
We appreciated the thick, rugged feel of the Pit Boss’ premium nubuck leather that offered reliable protection in demanding work settings. The sections were strongly bonded by double and quadruple stitching details throughout the upper, enhancing the boot’s rugged look. We happily discovered that the weighty leather upper didn’t bring discomfort even with its thickness. On the contrary, it looked considerably bulkier than the 6-Inch Direct Attach Boot, so we recommend it for those after tough-looking boots.
The Direct Attach Boot looked more streamlined than the Pit Boss, with a silhouette almost exactly that of the brand’s iconic yellow boot (also called the Premium boot). The waterproof nubuck leather had a streamlined profile showcasing low-key style, making the boot a great partner for workwear and more casual attire. We were glad the collar had thick padding that protected against chafing and helped secure the ankle. Like the Pit Boss, this boot had double and quadruple-stitched sections that kept the upper structure strong enough to withstand tough work conditions.
The cast metal lace hooks and eyelets added a low-key shine, enhancing both boots’ appearance. Inside, the linings for these boots featured the exclusive ReBOTL material made from at least 50% recycled plastic components.
Winner: The Direct Attach Boot is the winner regarding the upper’s construction and design. It has a sleeker, more versatile appearance and a more modern vibe than the Pit Boss. Plus, the Direct Attach Boot’s upper is made with waterproof leather that protects against uncomfortable wetness.
Insole
The Pit Boss and Direct Attach Boots PU insoles worked hard to provide superior comfort. Thanks to the brand’s exclusive 24/7 Comfort Suspension System, the Pit Boss’ insole was also designed for maximum arch support, stopping the foot from aching after long hours of walking or standing. Meanwhile, the Direct Attach Boot features the signature Anti-Fatigue Technology providing superior shock absorption to keep the feet comfortable all day.
We liked how both boots’ insoles had antimicrobial treatment to fight bacterial growth, which can lead to unpleasant odors if not addressed correctly. Adding 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation elevated the Direct Attach boot’s comfort level in cold conditions as it easily preserved soothing warmth.
Winner: The Pit Boss wins in this category because its insole uses a comfort system that’s specifically designed for professional use. The 24/7 comfort system is built to keep the feet comfortable for much longer, delivering ample cushioning and arch support.
Outsole
The proprietary Timberland PRO rubber outsole used by the Pit boss had a strong grip on most surfaces we encountered indoors and outdoors. It wasn’t a match to the exceptional traction of the 6-Inch Direct Attach Boot, though, which felt extremely grippy even in the most challenging ground conditions.
Both outsoles looked remarkably sturdy, with abrasion-resistant structures that prevented scuffs and scratches when exposed to abrasive materials. The outsoles’ abrasion resistance contributed to overall durability, as they weren’t scratched or scuffed easily in challenging surroundings. They both had a heat-resistant quality as well for another layer of safety while working on high-temperature floors.
Winner: In terms of outsoles, the Direct Attach Boot is the clear winner because of its outstanding grip on most surfaces.
Waterproofing
The Pit Boss boot had no waterproof features, so we don’t recommend it for wet environments where the wetness can quickly come in and soak the foot. On the other hand, the Direct Attach boot uses waterproof leather to block water and other liquid substances. It also had seam-sealed construction which intensified the boot’s protection against liquid absorption and guaranteed all-day foot dryness in moisture-filled surroundings.
Winner: The Direct Attach Boot is the clear winner for this category because of its waterproof construction, featuring waterproof leather and seam-sealed construction design.
Price Range
The Pit Boss’ average price on retail websites was $115 – $155 and was offered at $145 on the manufacturer’s website. Given its superb features, the boot offered outstanding value for money. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality steel-toe work boot that doesn’t cost a lot.
On the other hand, retail sites offered the Direct Attach boot for prices averaging $139 – $159, and the company website offered it for $160. This boot was priced slightly higher than the Pit Boss. However, it still offered great value for money, given its insulation, outstanding design, exceptional traction and durability.
Winner: With all the qualities considered, the Pit Boss boot wins in the price category. It offers excellent value for money with high-performance features at a slightly lower price than the Direct Attach boot.
Safety Toe
Steel toe caps were fitted into the Pit Boss boot to defend the toes against crushing injuries. This superior level of toe protection was especially valuable in hazardous work areas where large or heavy items threatened to accidentally roll or drop on the feet. Meanwhile, the Direct Attach boot didn’t have safety toe caps built in. As a result, it’s ideal for use in work areas with minimal to no risks of heavy materials falling on the feet.
Winner: In this aspect, we highly recommend the steel-toed Pit Boss Boot – which wins in this category – over the Direct Attach Boot which doesn’t have toe protection.
Other Safety Features
Both the Pit Boss and Direct Attach Boots offered electrical hazard protection, significantly minimizing electrocution in dry work conditions. We appreciated this feature even more when working around open circuits or electrically charged objects. It’s worth noting that the Direct Attach had 200 grams of insulation built in to protect the feet against extreme cold.
Winner: The Direct Attach boot wins because Thinsulate insulation protects the foot against becoming unbearably cold in low-temperature conditions.
Construction
The Pit Boss used Goodyear Welt construction, increasing the boot’s resistance against moisture absorption. However, it doesn’t make the boot waterproof. Nevertheless, this method significantly increased the boot’s strength and durability, making it resistant to wear and tear. It also allowed the boot to be re-soled if required, so the upper can still be maximized once the original sole has worn out.
On the other hand, the Direct Attach boot uses direct injection construction, ensuring excellent durability and performance in work environments. This construction method resulted in the Direct Attach Boot becoming comfortably flexible. It also enhanced shock absorption to complement the footwear’s Anti-Fatigue Technology while ensuring that the sole and upper will not detach easily.
Winner: The Direct Attach boot wins because of the direct injection construction, which is more durable than Goodyear Welt, and this method also helps with flexibility and shock absorption.
Overall
This was a tough call, but overall, the Direct Attach Boot wins over the Pit Boss. Its waterproof structure performs much better in protecting against the elements and in exceptionally wet environments. The lugged outsole delivers powerful traction for increased safety on tricky surfaces but remains flexible yet durable, thanks to the direct injection construction method. This comfortable boot is made even better with Thinsulate insulation, making it ideal for use in cold conditions.
Even if it came in second, the Pit Boss is still a remarkable product that deserves praise. Its steel toe caps offer superior protection against impact and compression, making this boot suitable for hazardous worksites. It uses a comfort system designed to enhance foot comfort over long work periods in challenging surroundings. This boot may also be a better choice for those looking for affordable safety toe work boots that don’t compromise quality and performance.
Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot
Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot |
Timberland PRO 6-Inch Direct Attach Insulated Boot |
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Insole |
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Outsole |
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Comfort Technology |
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Waterproofing |
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Price Range |
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Safety Toe |
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Other Safety Features |
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Construction |
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Insulation |
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Conclusion
The Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot and 6-Inch Direct Attach Boot are two of Timberland PRO’s best-selling boots, and our experiences showed why these products had such stellar reputations. Both were made with premium nubuck leather and had electrical hazard-safe designs for increased safety around electrically charged objects. They were both equipped with high-traction, slip-resistant outsoles, which also had strong resistance to abrasion, heat, and oil. These boots were designed to keep the feet comfortable using two proprietary comfort systems – the Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot using the 24/7 Comfort System and the 6-Inch Direct Attach Boot featuring the Anti-Fatigue Technology. We recommend the Pit Boss for hazardous worksites because it’s equipped with steel toe caps that shield the toes against dangerous compression and impact. On the other hand, the Direct Attach Boot is more suitable for braving the elements, with waterproof construction and insulation to keep the cold out.
FAQs
- Does the Direct Attach Boot come in a safety toe version?
- Yes, it’s also available in a steel-toe version that’s waterproof and insulated.
- Is the Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot uncomfortable to use?
- No. Even if it’s heavier than similar work boots, the Pit Boss is still very comfortable. This is largely due to good internal cushioning and the 24/7 Comfort Suspension System.
- Does insulation make the Direct Attach Boot heavy?
- No, the Thinsulate insulation material has a low-profile design that doesn’t contribute significantly to the boot’s weight. Much of the boot’s heft comes from the rugged leather upper and thick outsole.
- Which is better for work boots – Anti-Fatigue Technology or the 24/7 Comfort System?
- Both perform remarkably well, but the 24/7 Comfort Suspension System is designed to keep the feet comfortable for much longer, especially in more demanding work settings.