When I was wearing the steel toed versions I tried to have a pair for inclement weather and pair for dryer days. Then I would make it a point to alternate them. I have some I have had for almost ten years that way.
That being said, the only place I had a pair give out in two years was here in the Phoenix valley even when not worn every day. The heat can kill them.
I love Red Wing socks as well — wool blend, great wicking action for sweat.
Ah, the steel toes. Had plenty of fun with those.
Only type of those I can wear is called an “oblique” toe. They look like the old “earth shoes” toe.
Had a pair from Georgia boot many years ago that fit like a glove. Can’t wear the standard steel toe boots. Murder on the sides where the steel toe meets the leather.
Red Wings are great boots. Just can’t justify the price for them anymore and I rode it up through the +150 dollar stage for a number of years. It was a balancing act.