CONDOR Dakota Men’s 8″ Steel Toe Work Boots Review

Condor Dakota steel toe work boots are very comfortable and durable with a low price tag. And the boots are made by 100% genuine leather.  You won’t be disappointed if you buy them. 

Do you think about safety?

These boots have a steel toe and ASTM certification as well as they are oil and slip resistant. The ultra cushioning soles ensure comfort. But, why you buy them? What are the features? I’ve written all the information about these boots. You can find all the good and bad things by reading my review. 

Let’s dig down.

Types and Features of CONDOR Dakota Steel Toe Work Boots

Types

Condor has made Dakota by using 2 types of leather and in 3 colors. But all are made by using 100% genuine leather.

1. Nubuck Tan Leather
2. Nubuck Black Leather
3. Brown Leather

Series

Features at a glance

1. The manufacturer is giving a 12-month warranty.
2. 100% genuine Leather upper for smoothness and durability. 
3. Impressively low price.
4. In top 100 of work boots ranking. You know there are several hundred work boots out there.
5. Almost 85% of users are satisfied. 
6. Need safety? They are steel toe boots and have ASTM F 2413-11 certification.
7. The manufacturer has used rare and affluent “AM-TECH® Direct Soling Technology”.
8. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outsole.
9. Ultra cushioning and flexible polyurethane (PU) midsole and insole.
10. Removable insole.
11. Oil, slip and abrasion resistant.
12. Fairly lightweight.
13. These boots are flex tested. Isn’t it awesome?
14. Excellent fittings and very comfortable.
15. The inner liner is moderately good.
16. These boots are wide, so it’s better to use for hours.

In-depth Review and Comparison of CONDOR Dakota Work Boots

Remarks & Suggestions

Condor Dakota 8” work boots are specially made as heavy duty boots but in low price. The most remarkable parts are 100% genuine leather and steel toe. And you know what, these boots are excellent oil and slip resistant. If you are working in a kitchen or your workplace is slippery, and you are looking for low budget work boots which can serve in a good way then I suggest going for Dakota.

Better for:

What do people expect from a work boot pair?

Mainly safety and durability. Yes, these Dakota steel toe work boots are pretty safe and relatively durable as well as comfortable.

You can use them almost all the workstations. These boots will give you good support if you are working in the kitchen, hospital, Carpenter shop, security service, delivery service, restaurants as well as a workshop. I highly recommend them for their ultra-cushioning sole if you need to stand or walk for a long time. You can also commute with motorbike or bicycle with decent safety. 

User, Expert & Trade Recognition

4/5

If you ask me for user satisfaction, then I can tell you that most of the buyer is satisfied. Moreover, these boots are in the top 100 of work boots ranking. These work boots are one of the most selling products of the manufacturer. 

But why?

Condor is giving a genuine leather, steel toe and slip resistant pair with a low price tag. Moreover, they are moderately lightweight and presentable too.

Although, few users have an objection about outsole’s durability. I must say to them, these boots are below 70 bucks and the outsole is made by TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). So how can they expect to use them for years?

Price vs Durability

5/5

As you can see the price is super low, but these work boots are moderately durable. If I’m not wrong, they have some features like premium work boots. You can see, these boots have genuine leather, steel toe, ASTM certification,  AM-TECH® Direct Soling, etc. So it’s really great that they are providing such a good pair with a low price tag. And with genuine leather and Direct Soling no doubt that these boots last way more than your expectation. The sole is attached directly with the upper part without using glue, so there is no way to fall apart or separate the outsole from the midsole.

You can easily use them one year or more by taking a little care. Some users have used them for 2 years. It’s ready awesome.

Comfort

5/5

Condor has made cheaper footwear with excellent comfort. You know that the sole of Dakota work boots are made by PU and TPU. So they are very comfortable in the heel and arch area. The insert is also very cushioning so you can stand and walk for a long time. The toe area is wider for easy moving of your fingers and steel toe box won’t hurt you.

What about inner lining?

The inner is well padded and has pretty good ventilation. Specially the collar part is incredible. No doubt, You can pass you 12 hours work shift without any hassle. 

Let’s see what people say about comfort:

“Overall I really like these boots great price and very comfortable to wear at work. I am a mason so comfort means a lot!”

Waterproof, Chemical resistance & Spill Resistant

2/5

These boots are not completely waterproof, but you can call them water resistant. Also, Dakota is not chemical or spill Resistant. But they can give good support against water. 

Let’s see a user’s word:

“I was past my ankles in water for at least 5 min absolutely dry!”

Slip Resistance, Oil Resistance & Non Marking

4/5

Yes, they are slip and oil resistant but not “Non-Marking”. You’ll get a good grip on the slippery work area and able to keep you upright.

Let’s see the review of a user:

“Yeah. I’m in construction but this winter in the northeast has been brutal. Icy, snowy days. Slippery work areas and these have been good so far. I’m going to buy at least one more pair to have on hand as extra, possibly two. I highly recommend these boots. “

Toe Box, Safety Cap & Abrasion Resistance

3/5

The steel toe box is perfect for the regular version of these work boots, and wider version is way roomy. If your toe area is wide, then don’t order the regular version. 

But unfortunately, there are no Bump or Scuff caps for safety or abrasion resistance. But these boots are way more safe for their steel toe safety, and you know what, these are ASTM F 2413-11 CERTIFIED. They are very capable of resisting a range of injury hazards in the workplace. 

Break-in Time & Fitting

4/5

Almost 85% of users are satisfied with the fittings. If you have a wide foot then you need to order “W” version (wider version). Or you can order a half size bigger for better fittings. If you run or walk between your work time, then a bit bigger size is better for you, and it won’t hurt your toe or nails. 

Some users claim that these boots fit like sneakers and some said not fit well. So why don’t you see their size chart? I guess they have ordered the wrong size.

Perhaps it’s a little uncomfortable when the boots are new. Don’t worry at that time and don’t think to return or replace with a bigger size. Indeed, they need a few days break-in and not more than 10 days. So wait for the real comfort after the break-in period.

Electrical Hazard & Static Dissipative

2/5

Nope, They don’t have EH (electrical hazard) assessment. I don’t expect with 60 bucks. Condor Dakota is not recommended for electrical workspaces or powerhouses. 

Style & Presentable

5/5

As a work boot pair, I must give them 5 out of 5 for looks. See the boots photo. Don’t you like the style? Yes, they are way more stylish then expensive boots. You can use them not only in the workspace but also in casual meetups or friends hangout. They are really presentable with jeans and a jacket. Indeed, these boots do not look like typical work boots. I call it rockstar style. 

Breathable & Insulation

4/5

Yes, Dakota is pretty good breathable but need a few days to get comfortable. It might feel like sweating in the first few days, but after the break-in time, they won’t sweat or smell bad. However, the manufacturer has not used specialized forms of insulation, but these boots can give reasonably good support in winter. Indeed, These are not made for extreme cold weather or snow. You can use worm socks in winter.

Leather, Upper, Lace & Heel

4/5

You already know, these boots are made by quality genuine leather. All upper part is formed of leather except collar. I don’t wish more than that. Also, the laces are nice and heavy duty and have a speed lacing feature. 

Hills are soft and specially made for long time use. But they are not extremely durable and won’t go for years. Also, You’ll get good arch support. If you want more comfort, you can buy Dr. Scholl’s inserts.

Tongue, Collar & Weight

5/5

The tongue and collar are well padded. The manufacturer has used leather in the upper part of tongues but used PU in the collars. Indeed, you need some breathability too. 

Moreover, these boots are not heavy for their PU and TPU soles. It’s really better for all day wear.

Insole, Midsole, Shank & Arch Support

4/5

These work boots have removable inserts. They are not specialized but moderately good. Don’t think insoles are not cushioning. They are very comfortable and give good arch support but not very much durable. I’ve already suggested you buy an aftermarket insert pair.

Moreover, the midsoles are very comfortable and flexible. But they don’t have steel or composite shanks. Again, I don’t expect more for 60 bucks.

Outsole, Construction, Puncture Resistance & Sewing

4/5

The outsoles are specially made for good grips. They have used TPU for outsoles and used direct soling technology for construction. It means, they’ve not used glue to join upper and sole. So there is a little chance to fall apart. As you already know the TPU is soft, so the outsoles are not puncture resistant. And see the sewing. It’s looking great to me as well as sturdy.

Anti-odor & Cleanable

4/5

Well, these low budget boots are not passed the Antimicrobial Treatment, but they are moderately good in terms of odor. They don’t smell bad after a long shift. And you can see the boots; these are not patchworked type. So, you can clean them with ease.

Warranty, Return & Post Purchase Service Policy

5/5

Condor is giving a 12-month warranty on all footwear. It’s really huge for low price boots. They will replace the boots if there are any defects in materials or workmanship. But, if you damage them by regular use or excessive and abusive wear conditions, then they’ll not give any replacement. 

You’ll get a 30 days refund facility in unworn condition. One crucial information I must share that, if you buy from Amazon then claim the warranty to Amazon seller.

Brand Faith

5/5

You know Condor Outdoor Products Inc. is a popular brand and doing business for almost 20 years. Not only footwear, but they are also selling outdoor products, performance apparel, and other tactical accessories. Indeed, they are maintaining quality. Otherwise, they didn’t hold the market for years. 

Special & Uncommon Features

5/5

1. Used AM-TECH® Direct Soling Technology.
2. Steel toe and ASTM F 2413-11 certified.
3. Ultra cushioning soles.
4. The soles are flex tested.
5. Given speed lacing.
6. Comfortable and Durable compare the price.

Cons

4/5

• No composite or steel shank.
• Soles will crack after a few months (6-7 months) if you do work on wet, snowy, rainy weather.
• Toe cap area is a little hard. If your feet are wide then order the wider boots.
• After a few months, you need aftermarket insoles.

Editor’s Boost

5/5

These Dakota boots are excellent comparing to the price. If your budget is low and searching a comparatively good quality pair, then this is the best option for you. Trust me; you can pass a minimum of 1 year with some cares. Just clean them regularly and keep them dry.

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