Product Reviews

Background: My feet were never the same after my homeless adventure found me on death's doorstep. During my lengthy recovery, my feet were swelled and numb for over two months. Unknown to myself, or the medical professionals, as the swelling subsided the tendons in my toes contracted, the cartilage in the joints dissipated causing the bones to fuse. I now have 'hammer toes' in the six middle digits on each foot and require prescription orthotics under my damaged feet to be able to stand and walk functionally. Aside from the constant pain, I can no longer run, jump, weightlift squat, or any other explosive movements with my feet.



Situation: Having such deformed feet, I found it difficult to purchase footwear 'off the shelf' and explored having high quality custom made boots to accommodate my unique feet. It was a total debacle and I probably ended up doing more damage to my feet as a result of my intense desire to wear high quality boots.



Solution: I commenced my search for accommodating footwear with the idea that I would probably require 'diabetic' footwear for my feet. The last time I looked into 'diabetic' footwear the choice was between a brown or black leather velcro-closure 'sneaker' type shoe that was more for comfort around the house than ruggedness for outdoor exploration. Then I came across ICS Shoes and my expectations were completely annihilated. They offered rugged hiking/work footwear in a variety of styles in extra-extra wide sizes and greater depth to accommodate orthotics. Needless to say, this is EXACTLY what I was searching for.



With the above in mind I wholeheartedly endorse the product:



Hoss Carson 60413 Men's 6" Composite Toe Slip Resistance Work Boot



For those WITHOUT hammer toes. To echo another reviewer, the boots fit and felt great on the carpeted flooring, once out on the concrete the composite toe kept rubbing the top of my hammer toe. I will try to wedge a bolt in the toe box to dent or stretch the material to make room for my deformed toe, if not, I will donate them so someone can get some use out of these awesome boots. Maybe Hoss can make some rugged, extra-extra wide work boot styles without toe protection. Also, these boots appear, with their welt construction, to be able to be resoled when the time comes as well.



I cannot ENTHUSIASTICALLY recommend ICS Shoes enough to those of us with unique footwear requirements.

I found these shoes very comfortable and a good fit for me. the extra depth helps a lot. I do have a permanently bent second toe one my left foot that is rubbing the composite toe reinforcement. If I buy these shoes again, I will not get the toe protection. Traction is excellent on my hillside. It is quite steep, but I slip very little. My only complaint, which stopped me from giving 5 stars, is the weight. At age 76. I wish they were a pound or so lighter. But I guess if you want a very strongly constructed pair of shoes with a very deep lug sole, a little extra weight will be there. 10 or 15 years ago I would not have noticed the extra weight so for most people it will be no big deal.