Iron Age Groundbreaker Men's Safety Toe Industrial Boot Black - 11.5 Medium Review
The Iron Age Groundbreaker Ia5016 is designed for those who demand both safety and comfort in their work boots. With a robust leather upper and a host of protective features, this 6-inch boot is perfect for industrial environments where foot safety is paramount.
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Features
- Material: 100% Leather
- External Met Guard for added protection
- Memory foam footbed for all-day comfort
- Vibram heat-resistant outsole for superior grip
- Meets ASTM F2413 safety standards
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to memory foam footbed
- Durable leather construction that withstands harsh conditions
- Excellent traction with Vibram outsole
- Safety features including external met guard
Cons
- May take time to break in
- On the heavier side compared to other models
- Machine wash may affect longevity if not done carefully
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Upper Material | Weight | Met Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Age Groundbreaker Ia5016 | Leather | Heavy | Yes |
| Carhartt 6" Waterproof Boots | Leather/Synthetic | Medium | No |
| Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss | Leather | Medium | No |
Detailed Review
The Iron Age Groundbreaker Men's Safety Toe Industrial Boot offers a solid combination of durability and comfort. Starting with the construction, the full-grain leather upper provides resilience against wear and tear, making it ideal for tough working conditions.
In terms of comfort, the memory foam footbed molds to the contours of your feet, ensuring a cozy fit even after long hours. However, some users may experience a break-in period before they feel completely at ease.
When it comes to safety, this boot does not disappoint. The external met guard adds an extra layer of protection over the toes, while the ASTM F2413 compliance guarantees it meets stringent safety standards. The Vibram rubber outsole also enhances traction on various surfaces, crucial for preventing slips and falls.
However, it is worth noting that these boots are heavier than many alternatives, which could be a consideration if you prefer lightweight footwear. Additionally, while they are machine washable, care should be taken to avoid compromising the materials during the wash process.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptionally comfortable with memory foam, but may need breaking in. |
| Durability | 4.8/5 | Solid construction with high-quality leather; built to last. |
| Safety Features | 5/5 | Meets ASTM standards and includes external met guard. |
| Traction | 4.7/5 | Vibram outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces. |
User Reviews
I had my doubts but these are, without a doubt, the most comfortable boots ive owned for many years. I'll definitely order these again.They do run large, maybe order a size smaller
The metguard leather going to the toe is the way to go. I can't find other shoes like that.The first thing that happened, is the leather loop on the back tore off.The heal box too large by far.The leather that takes the laces wraps all the way around my ankle, leaving no space between the sides of the shoe, so laces don't tie well.If they just put the eyelets further away from the tongue I would be able to lace them better.making the healbox smaller would also help.getting rid of the loop on the back would also be good.Had to get insoles... expect to for most shoes.I had to bump this up a star from 3 to 4 because how all the other shoes have nice channels for molten metal to go in. this one has the metgurd flap correct, and the leather in the tongue should stop some that flows in...but the quality of the materials is poor, and I have to walk slower because of loose shoes... but for the price, 4 stars is earned. I've had them about 3 months now and parts are threatening to fall apart. I work with molten brass and aluminum.there is a seam that is amplified by the loop in back that is totally unneeded.I bought carhartt insoles and some leather heal box support leather.this definately needs thoseI have 11.5 shoes, size 12 carhartt insoles fit without cutting.the toebox seems fine. the boot can't lace tight.the plastic sides leave a gap above the heal, the hem of my pants will cover this...I don't think these would be worth it if there were any other shoes with metguards in stock...I step on molten metal frequently, and I believe that the stiches thru the tread may cause rapid decomposition of the shoe.
My husband is a welder and works with galvanized steel for 12+ hrs per day. I bought these boots for him as a christmas gift and he loves them! He says they are exactly what he needs being they are steel toed and have the external toe and metatarsal protection as well! He typically wears a 14W but the 14M was just fine so I assume they a little on the wide side. My husband also says the soles are pretty thick a d he may need insoles but they are surprisingly light weight for how bulky they are.
I liked the quality of the leather...they have just enough room for an insole insert and wool socks... They are much warmer than I expected. I work in a fabrication shop that is unheated and I am on either steel or concrete floors all day... And my feet are comfortable all day long... I highly recommend these👍
So far so good definitely worth the price sized big which is fine for me most are tight good leather
Almost as good as the 300 dollar pair that lasted me 10 years, let's see what I get out of theese
Great work boots
Love the shoe it fits me perfectly