I work on boats and every year I get an allowance to purchase a good pair of work shoes because of the harsh environment. I have worn Timberland, Columbia, Bill Dance and some others.

What do you wear?

Should be waterproof with a no slip sole. Don't care so much about non-marking soles as these boats are either work boats or military. Good shock absorption and ankle support.

Any recommendations?

Allowance is $150 but, we can pay any difference over that.

I don't know if you have them out in your area, but my brother-in-law swears by White's. I'm not sure how extensive their selection of waterproof boots are but you might want to check them out.

Wolverine or Red Wing

Thanks for the input. I have had good luck using Zappos and Shoebuy online. Both have free shipping both ways and are fast to deliver. Zappos has a 365 day money back offer. As long as they are not worn and you have the original packaging, you get either a store credit or refund.

I'll have to check out the White's.

I never bought a pair of red wings before ( I thought they were too expensive), I found a pair on clearance for 50% off and bought them. I'd pay twice what they want for the same boot now. RedWing all the way.

I use Doc Martins for work and Rocky's for everything else.
The Doc's won't hurt your feet even after a 12 hour day and are oil and water safe with a completely non-slip sole.

I have these...wear them every day.
I've hiked the Grand Canyon, The Tetons, Washington Beaches, Olympic NP streams, Brazil waterfalls and coastlines in them.

I do a lot of rock hoping doing photography and they grip very well and dry out pretty fast.

Get them at REI.

I wear Merrells.

After trying God knows how many boots and shoes, many if not most very expensive brand names, I now have three pairs each pair for a specific application. I have waterproof hikers for winter, breathing hikers for summer, and low quarters for everyday wear.

They all feature Vibram soles, Gortex where applicable, arch support, ankle support, aggressive tread for traction, and fast lacing. They're comfortable right out of the box with almost no break in. Construction is better than average but not so much that one gives up comfort or function for durability. I guess I'd rather pay $150 every five years for a functional boot that is more comfortable than $150 every ten years and have to wear a boot less comfortable and functional for ten years.

The company is a favorite of the medical profession and those who are on their feet all day with that same experience and know how extended to their outdoor line of shoes.

Where most companies will offer a shoe or boot for a given applicaton, Merrel will offer a line of shoes or boots each geared just a little more specific to that application such as pack weight, season, terrain, etc.

Tj

I wear nothing but Danner's. If cared for they typically last almost two years and are very nicely made and are very comfortable. I have walked in water over my ankle and they kept my feet dry.

i am a fan of carolina brand boots, especially when we're talking about work boots. i like rocky's for hunting.

I really enjoy all my Merrell boots/hiking shoes and then are veeerrrry comfy.

Danners or Merrells, depending on what style you want. I also have a pair of Rockport steel toe athletic shoes that are great.

closest thing I can get to the Panama soled jungle boots of yar is the Altama Stormin Norman in tan hides, suck til ya stand in water for awhile but then wow does that boot fit yer foot