As someone who made a career walking around on chunks of ballast the size of your fist and hopping on and off rail cars, I can tell you that both the best and worst boots I ever owned were Redwing. The USA made Wings are the finest work boots you can buy. The Chinese “King Toe” or whatever they call them are like wearing concrete slabs on your feet.
My last 2 or 3 pair have been Timberland Pro. Very comfortable, virtually no break in, but by the time my next boot voucher comes the following year, I’m due a new pair.