Wolverine DuraShocks SR 6” Work Boot

After a hit and a miss I found a tough, comfortable, good-looking boot that I really like.

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I hate to admit this, but over the last few years I’ve had some trouble with my feet. I really don’t know what the problem is, other than that I occasionally have a flare-up of gout, but my feet have been “iffy” more times than I care to admit. This is something that I’ve had a hard times accepting, because I’ve always been good on my feet, agile and athletic, but lately my feet (and my knees…bone spurs) have been giving me more grief than anything. Often, they hurt when I walk and I’ve taken to changing my diet (for the gout) and massaging them to keep them pain-free and manageable. As a result, it’s become hard to find a pair of shoes and boots that I’m comfortable with. I always buy those cushioned inserts when I get a new pair of running shoes or boots.

Well, several months ago I was approached by someone who works with Wolverine Boots, out of Rockford, Michigan. They asked if I’d like to try a pair of new Wolverine boots. Actually, they asked me to try several pair. The first pair I tried I loved for their stylish look. They were the Rancher Flag Work Boot (I reviewed them back in August). They were/are good boots, ones I still wear when I go out or want to look a little more well dressed. I have found, however, that extended wear tends to bother my feet just a little bit more than I originally thought. After the Rancher Flag boots I got a pair of ReForce EnergyBound Composite Toe Work Boots, and these I found to be quite uncomfortable. Finally, they sent me a pair of Wolverine DuraShocks SR 6” Soft Toe Work Boots, and I’ve been wearing them almost daily since breaking them in in the beginning of November. I think I’ve found a boot that works!

My experience with the three pairs of Wolverine boots - one pretty good, one unfavorable, and one excellent - just goes to show you that fitting boots or shoes can be a very personal experience, and that you might have to try several before finding the one that feels good, especially if you’ve got issues with your feet.

The DuraShocks SR boots have been comfortable, they look great and my feet feel absolutely no ill effects after continuous wear. And get this, I don’t even have cushioned inserts in them. That’s huge for me. I can walk continuously for extended periods of time and the only issue I have is that I occasionally have to tighten up the shoestrings. These boots have become my everyday, comfortable and reliable work boot. I do a good deal of stomping through the woods, over trails, up and down hilly terrain and just taking daily walks with my wife. These boots have been a godsend. But I will admit that sometimes, infrequently, after a full day of walking my dogs do start to bark. That might say more about the health of my feet than the boots, I don’t know. But I’m grateful that the barking isn’t an everyday thing anymore.

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Wolverine Durashocks SR’s appear to be very well made, and after two months of regular wear they show darn little wear and tear. Sure, they’re scuffed up a bit and have a few wrinkles, but I imagine they’ll hold up fine for a good while. At this point I expect them to last well past this coming year, but we’ll see. I have yet to oil them up and the tread is still in excellent condition. And as for the tread, it’s advertised as slip resistant. Just this morning we had icy conditions and I can confirm that I safely navigated our ice covered porch. lol. As far as their water resistant leather upper, that too is accurate, and as I said, I have yet to oil them, which will of course completely waterproof them. Overall, I really, really like these boots. They’ve pretty much solved an ongoing issue I’ve had, are very comfortable, sturdy and well crafted.

Note: I just checked the website to check the selling price for this review. They sell for $160. But I was surprised and happy to see that the boot was also named “GearJunkie's Most Comfortable Work Boot of 2024.” That’s an accolade that I fully confirm. Darn good boot!

Here’s a video promoting the Wolverine DuraShocks SR Work Boot: