5 Boots To Avoid in 2024 (and what to buy instead)

There is a world of fantastic boots out there, but occasionally some real duds surface thanks to pay-to-play advertising.

#1 BRUNT Boots

This brand has it all: poor-quality products, deceptive advertising, and an F rating on the Better Business Bureau. If BRUNT Workwear (AKA Maverick Work Wear, inc) hasn’t flooded your social media threads, website ads, and inbox yet, consider yourself lucky. This brands advertising is aggressive and often misleading like this post comparing BRUNT boots to Thorogood (guess who wins???). Sponsored posts, targeted ads, and plenty of “influencers” make sure this brand is on your radar. The problem? Their products are Chinese junk.

Buy This Instead of BRUNT

Siete Leguas may not be a household name, but they cost $130 and seem to be decently made from some quality materials

#2 Dr. Martens

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Once upon a time, in the early 90’s, I wore “Docs” almost exclusively. They were tough and comfortable, seemingly lasting forever. Now, the main line Dr. Martens are made in China of poor quality leather and the internet is full of people regretting their purchase. If you must have Dr Martens, at least spring for the Made in England version.

Buy This Instead of Dr Martens

Solovair boots are made in one of the original Dr Marten factories in Wollaston, UK. While some claim they aren’t much better than MIE Dr Martens, Solovair seem to at least be a safer bet.

#3 Portland Leather Boots

Portland Leather sell a lot of things, among them are some (admittedly) decent-looking boots. Plenty of people have dug into why these aren’t worth the money- they can’t be resoled, they use oddly thin leather, and a strange off-brand sole, but the thing that made me realize how bad this company is, is this interview with the founder. Save your money.

Buy This Instead of Portland Leather

Ubiquitous? Sure. Over-represented? Maybe so. Still, few boots can match the value proposition of Thursday Boots. They’ve maintained a price which most can stomach, and actually increased their quality and QC over time. Are they perfect? No, but name me one company that is.

#4 Brahma

Yes, I know- they’re ultra-low budget boots and we shouldn’t hold them to a very high standard to begin with, but these boots aren’t just bad quality: they’re downright dangerous. I detailed my experience with Brahma in the video below:

Buy This Instead of Brahma

Almost anything. Seriously.

#5 Rock Rooster

I know it may seem like I’m being too hard on the entry level boots here, but I had a terrible experience with Rock Rooster and it appears I’m not alone. Shoddy materials, poor quality control make these a less enticing option in a segment with plenty of better options.

Buy This Instead of Rock Rooster

I’m a big fan of Jim Green. This South African brand aims squarely at making the highest quality boots for their price. Serving the working people of South Africa who tend to earn less than most US or European citizens, Jim Green has become their version of Red Wing.

Brands Mentioned: Brunt, Dr Marten, Jim Green, Rock Rooster, Solovair, Thorogood, Thursday Boots