Are Herman Survivor Boots Good: Is It Worth Buy? [Detailed]

Herman Survivors shoes had quite a good reputation for their durability. But ever since Walmart has been manufacturing the boots, the durability isn’t at its peak. Many users are devastated to learn about the Herman Survivor Boots’ shoddy craftsmanship.

People throw complaints about the poor construction of Herman Survivor boots. The sole of the boots is below average and unsuitable for use in rough conditions. 

Despite the lower half of the shoes being completely wasted, the water-resistant factor of the shoes is still pretty good.

That is because the upper of the boot can be considered above average. Feel free to scroll through the whole article to know that are herman survivor boots good or not the best option.

Are Herman Survivor Boots Good

What Factors Make A Good Work Boot?

Here are five crucial characteristics to keep an eye out for when buying boots to assist you in making the best choice:

1. Comfort

The more lightweight a work boot is, the more comfort it can provide.

Some crucial features to look for in the boots of choice include more padding and the material used.

Your feet will feel more comfortable in anything composed of:

  • Polyester
  • Wool
  • Synthetic

Additionally, you can purchase a boot insole with additional padding or cushioning. Avoid cotton because it will absorb moisture and make your feet wet. 

Before making a choice, ensure that you try on as many pairs of boots as you can. Check the shoes’ ventilation to ensure that your feet stay dry the whole time you wear them for optimal comfort.

2. Construction

The material used to make your boots will impact their breathability, flexibility, and toughness.

Various materials, including leather, rubber, nylon, and plastic, can be used to create work boots.

You must choose the material that best matches your job application and surroundings because each of these materials has distinct advantages.

Far Leather is the most popular material for safe working boots.

In addition to being incredibly attractive, leather provides great strength, mobility, and protection. For tasks with a chance of receiving a jolt of electricity, rubber is a common choice. 

Rubber boots may be chosen by people on a reduced budget, but keep in mind that they could not capable of providing sufficient support in a challenging environment.

Welts and stitch downs make it durable and make resolving easier.

Based on the boot, it may be possible to resolve or specify the construction, in which the outsole is affixed directly to the top. If resoling is significant to you, be sure the boots you purchase provide you the choice.

3. Sole

When choosing work boots, the sole material is an important issue. Choosing safety boots with slip-resistant soles is usually advised because they are advantageous for all purposes. 

You might also need to seek soles that are corrosive and fire resistant, slip- and oil-resistant, or both, based on the type of activity you do.

You must be mindful of the midsole and the footbed in addition to the outer sole, which influences the shoe’s grip.

The insole, which is the shoe’s padding, is made to accommodate a variety of foot shapes, dimensions, and sizes. The midsole, on the other hand, gives your feet the cushioning it requires and is in charge of the shoe’s lifespan, caliber, and sturdiness.

4. Steel-toe

Steel-toe work boots are a fantastic option if you handle large objects frequently.

You may be confident that these boots will safeguard your feet from occupational accidents like falls. However, most labor boots have this common trait. The strength and caliber of the material utilized are the only differences.

5. Waterproof

Purchasing waterproof boots are a great investment if you work outside or in damp situations. 

With this approach, you can be sure that there are no limitations on your ability to work. You may also be confident that your feet are at ease. If waterproof boots are not an option, it is best to settle with boots that can be waterproofed using over-the-counter items.

Are Herman Survivor Boots Good Enough?

Herman Survivor boots are affordable. And, there are some good features which might make you like the boots (we’ll explain them later).

For now, let’s know why Herman Survivors are not the best option for you. 

  • The soles were made of a material that resembled rubber but had crumbled into pliable small bits, somewhat like a dry sponge.
  • Low-strength, undersized material that snapped at stress during sewing
  • Uncomfy “bumps” that developed under the footpad inside were not repairable.

Key Features of Herman Survivors

Key Features of Herman Survivors

The Herman Survivors weigh nearly one pound 12 ounces which is lightweight. They retail for 59 to 100 dollars, and they’re made in China. 

These shoes are claimed to be good for hunting and applicable for everyday use, even though most of the reviews show that the sole will fall off within a week.

There are three well-known Herman Survivors that are available in the market, which are Herman Survivors Dozier, Herman Survivors Driller, and Herman Survivors Oakridge.

Let us first describe and analyze these boots.

The Upper:

The problem is that they added a phony plastic covering on top and embossed a counterfeit leather imprint to make it appear like better-quality suede. The upper is made of real leather, most likely chrome tan.

Mesh Lining:

This boot’s inner is made of a cheap mesh material, which will get worn out rapidly and cause your boots to develop holes.

Additionally, it lacks a reverse cover. However, the tongue is snug fitting up to the initial speed point, giving you a bit of additional tongue covering.

Synthetic Welt:

The welt is synthetic, which I don’t like very much because leather has an inner strand pattern that provides additional toughness, longevity, and mobility. 

As a result, after some time, you walk on wearing these boots, and it flexes; the plastic solidifies and finally breaks, which can lead to damaged boots. But more significantly, it makes resolving the boots much more difficult.

Cardboard Lasting Board On The Insole:

The insole is not horrible, but below these boots, you will find that the base is nothing more than a lasting cardboard panel, the most affordable lasting board available. 

Cardboard is one of the worst materials for an insole. When you bend the boot, the welt gradually splits and begins pushing the cardboard panels apart, causing a break to appear in the center of the boot.

Soft Outsole:

This shoe’s outsole is particularly intriguing since it is the softest heel sole I’ve encountered and is made of extremely soft-blown latex. It has a 44 shore A grade, which is far soft for a  boot. This will most likely last two weeks in a job environment before the heel gets entirely separated.

Hard Plastic Midsole:

Regarding the midsole, it only appears to be a hard polymer midsole to which the welt is stitched. This boot takes inspiration from the traditional work mock toes in terms of comfort, feeling, and appearance.

The Harsh Reality Of Herman Survivor boots

No matter the type of environment they are worn in, Herman’s shoes have provided quality and durability to customers since 1892.

Since Wal-Mart acquired Herman Survivors in 2001 from a private enterprise, everything has changed. Since then, they have modified their business strategies. Now, Herman survival boots were made in China.

These boots are created by some businesses in China. But the majority of people choose to get these boots at Walmart. This is due to the substantial discounts they provide on these boots.

The boots are available in various designs and colors, ranging from $40 to $80.

A Quick Overview of Herman Survivor Boots

Before we wrap up, let’s look at the overall specifications and features of Herman Survivor boots.

Boot NamesUpper MaterialUpper HeightKey FeatureInsoleOutsoleLining
Herman Survivors DozierFull Grain Oil Infused Leather8 inchEnduropro Anti-Fatigue FootbedDecently ThickDual Density Outsole with 75 Shore A rubber and 56 Shore A FoamGeneric Fabric
Herman Survivors DrillerNubuck Leather6 inchEnduropro Anti-Fatigue FootbedDecently Thick with Waterproof LiningDual Density Outsole with 69 Shore A Rubber and 24 Shore A FoamDecent Mesh Lining
Herman Survivors OakridgeChrome Tanned Leather8 inchOil-resistant lug soleThin Carboard Lasting BoardSoft Blown 44 Shore A rubberCheap Mesh Lining

FAQ about Are Herman Survivor Boots Good

Do they still make Herman survivors?

Yes, but unfortunately, the manufacturer has been changed several times. Currently, Walmart is making the Survivors, and it is safe to say the shoes are a shadow of their previous glory.

After acquiring the licenses, Walmart outsourced the production to China and shattered the reputation of one of the most prestigious companies in the sector.

Are Herman Survivors good water resistance shoes?

Although the Herman Survivors boots have lost their glory days, they are still very capable of water resistance shoes, like the Men’s Plower Waterproof Work Boot by Herman Survivors.This boot is made of buffalo leather, and the waterproof materials can keep your feet dry in almost every condition.

How do you clean Herman survivors’ boots?

To clean Herman Survivor boots, you need to use a nylon brush along with a liquid cleaning agent. First, clean all the dirt from the boot with the brush and cleaning agent. You must next ensure that the water permeability of your boot is improved. To increase the water resistance of your boots, soak them and then add a water-based waterproofing agent.

Our verdict on Are Herman Survivor Boots Good

Buying boots from Walmart might be a gamble if you want affordability and good quality. A pair of Herman Survivor boots might not ensure quality and durability for under 100 dollars.

You may want to buy good quality leather work boots by investing only 50 to 100 dollars more.

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