I’ve reviewed many, many boots through the years, but Brunt is the worst work boot I’ve had on this channel. Their shoddy build quality is bested only by their deceptive marketing claiming them to be the most comfortable work boot available. I didn’t trust myself to do a proper “in use” review, so I had a coworker wear them for a month. At the end of that time, he was very happy to be rid of the Brunt Marin boots. Claiming their comfort gave out after a couple weeks and the boots themselves were unlikely to last another month in his working conditions.
Why are they they worst?
Junk advertising is the reason I started this channel. I remember sitting in my work van, searching for work pants that would last on my Blackberry. All I could find were sponsored reviews and complete garbage articles that were obviously bought and paid for. Yeah, I’m pissed, because this junk workwear is made by people who have no idea what we need, made in China, and sold to you as the best solution to your needs. By the time you realize its junk, the return window has closed, and they’ve got your money.
Companies like Brunt (Maverick Work Wear Inc) prey on the huge market of people who need workwear to protect them every day but don’t have the time to do exhaustive research. That’s why I’m here. You may not always agree with my points, but my loyalty to you is more important than any brand deal.
So is Brunt, the latest company making the most noise, worth your money?
About Brunt
Brunt started in 2020 by founder Eric Girouard and began selling work boots, but have expanded their offerings to work shirts, pants, and jackets. Brunt closed its Series A funding with $8.4 million and they raised $20 million during their Series B funding, and $15.5 million during Series C (source) so undoubtedly that cash infusion is a big reason they’ve made such a marketing push recently. And while Eric Girouard may be the face of the company, Brunt hired Kevin Eskridge formerly of Under Armor as company president. (source)
Scummy Marketing
The first time I heard about Brunt was in 2021 when they emailed me about doing a review. I always do my research before spending time on a review, and looking into these boots a little bit I decided an imported, cemented work boot wasn’t worth my viewer’s time.
This seems to be the procedure for a good scummy digital marketing campaign (MVMT, True Classic Tees): Get a bunch of five-star reviews whether real or purchased, promote those “reviews” through ad campaigns, reach out to influencers with no integrity for positive reviews (competence not a prerequisite) and dangle a 10% commission to keep those sales rolling in. There are entire businesses based on this strategy.
The Problem
So as a customer you’ll see the flashy ads, maybe do a little of your own cursory research, read the “reviews” and make a purchase. So, let’s go through that sequence with Brunt:
Here are some of Brunt’s ads:
“work boots you’ll never want to take off!”
“High quality boots, designed with real workers”
Wow, they sound great, so let’s look at some 100% real, not bought at all, totally honest reviews like this one from “My Subscription Addiction”.
Brunt has a rating of “F” from the Better Business Bureau (source), and there is an entire Facebook page called Brunt Workwear Sucks with tons of horror stories which, oddly, never seem to make their way into Brunt’s reviews posted on their website. And we need to talk about the elephant in the room: Brunt’s products are made in China. (source) Conveniently it just says “imported” on the product page. This is a complex topic, and some people feel very strongly about where their products are made, specifically regarding China.
Brunt Marin Construction
I ordered a pair of Brunt Marin boots to form my own opinion. I can’t stand Brunt’s marketing, but maybe the product was decent, nonetheless.
- Full grain, chrome tanned leather (2mm, or 5oz) Red wing is 2.4mm, PNW brands are usually 2.8-3.2mm
- Cemented construction with fake PVC welt
- Insole- foam, fiber board outsole
- Thermoplastic heel counter
- Made in China
Brunt Marin in Use
Since I knew I’d have a bias against these boots, I asked a co-worker to wear them for 30 days. Here is what he had to say:
I will say at first they seemed a little bit better, maybe because they’re light? So that aspect was a positive thing but I think as time went on, you start to feel that. Because my general consensus is that they’re very thin especially on the bottom. They’re not boots meant for walking long distances at all, when you start moving long distances, working long hours in them and moving around a lot you really do feel it in these boots. I’d say in the front part of the boot is very ‘thin feeling’ is what the I would describe it as. I think durability-wise is questionable, would lead me to question how much more abuse they would take. If I was on the rebar itself more I don’t know that these boots would survive much longer because you can tell they’re already starting to get ripped- the leather in the front, and obviously there’s no type of rubber on these in the front. The soles aren’t grippy, that’s for sure. I think they look decent, I’ll give them that, and I think that if you wanted a work boot to do some housework around the house and not break then okay. But for construction work, heavy duty use, eight hours plus a day, moving around constantly lifting things up and down the stairs all day and bending over and whatever I would not recommend them.
Tyler, 4th year electrical apprentice
The Bottom Line: Save Your Money
I don’t have a problem with any company making money, that’s the nature of capitalism. I do, however, take umbrage with bending the truth to make a sale as Brunt seems to do with their marketing. “Most comfortable boots ever!” …but they only last a few months. “High quality boots, designed with real workers” …but and I have yet to find any real workers who like these boots.
Your alternatives are limited at this price point, but I’d recommend looking at Jim Green, Thorogood, Keene USA, or simply saving up a little more for a much higher quality boot like the Franks Patriot, Drews logger, JK 300, or Whites Perry.
Ruben
I have a pair of brunt work boots. I beg to differ. I love them they lasted over 1 year. im a truck driver so I need something comfortable and reliable. these boits are great for me
Travis McGrath
Yeah but to be fair you’re probably spending most of your day in a cab driving. Not out on the jobsite all day putting on thousands of steps and stuff.
James
I’ll stick to wolverines
Levi feiler
yeah I bought a pair because of the marketing. I wear them every day to see if they last and the first couple weeks comfy. 4 weeks in my feet are killing me and I wish I would have bought something different