Wolverine is no newcomer to the world of work and outdoor boots. Since 1883, American workers have depended on the comfort and durability of the Wolverine brand. A historic mile marker for the brand took place in 1914, when Wolverine introduced a footwear line called the 1000 Mile Boot, setting the standard for durable footwear. With that said, it is no surprise that this 6” Waterproof steel-toed work boot not only functions properly but does so with great comfort. At a street price of less than $160, the Wolverine Hacksaw Boots are by no means cheap, but they’re definitely a better value than many other brands in their class. The company is also consistent as we’ve favorably reviewed and enjoyed their Wolverine EPX Cabor Work Boot as well as the Wolverine Wellington boots.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best work boots review article for our favorite products for all applications.
Wolverine Hacksaw Boots Testing and Use
Versatility comes to mind when I think of the Wolverine Peakflex 6” boot. Steel toes for safety onsite, but comfortable insoles and flexible soles for everyday use off the job site as well.
While the Wolverine Hacksaw Boots is only 6 inches tall and won’t provide much protection against stepping into a pool (don’t ask); the waterproof protection is perfect for the normal day-to-day rain puddles and water runoff that most jobsites have to offer. The Vibram rubber lug outsole does a great job in adding a soft step, as well as aiding in protecting the foot from more extreme conditions, like rolling a log back into the fire. Don’t try that with your Pumas. The Steel toe rated ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 provides ample protection from the falling object and the normal stupid things we do because… “Hey, I have steel toe boots on”.
But I Digress…
In writing about steel-toes, an old story comes to mind. Step back in time to 1977: I’m 6 years old, in the garage working with my Dad on his race (drag) car. “Dad, are those the new boots you were talking about?” Intent on torqueing head bolts on a new motor, still on the motor-stand; Dad replies without his eyes leaving his work: “Yes son, they are”. Son: “I don’t see any steel on your toes”. Dad: “They’re called steel-toe boots because they have steel on the inside to protect your toes from falling objects”. Son: “So Dad, you could probably even get hit by a hammer on the toe and not even feel it, right?!” Dad: “Yeah Son, that’s right.”
Still, his eyes have not glanced at me, nor left his torque wrench and head bolts. Thankfully, my Dad is not only good with a wrench, but he’s also pretty smart as well. Again, while still torquing bolts, he’s thinking: Why would a 6-year-old ask me if my boots could take a blow from a hammer? His eyes finally leave his work as the light-bulb went off in his head as he looks down to see the ball-peen hammer in my hand hurling toward his brand-new boots, foot inside. With quick reflex, he moves said foot so my hammer gives the death blow to the concrete below. I’m sure chances were high that my ball-peen hammer skills would have landed the hammer somewhere on the upper foot, totally missing the steel part. Lesson to learn: Just because they’re steel-toed doesn’t mean you have to test it!
This is probably the section that most work-boot-wearing folks are not going to be proud of, or at least admit to, but this is something that needs to be acknowledged. The design and aesthetics of the Wolverine Hacksaw Boots are very complimentary. These are not something you want to wear with the Armani suit in your closet, but they work fine with jeans (not-skinny) and a polo, or even khakis and a casual button-up. The rubber toe and heel cover make it a very easy cleanup for this boot.
Personally, my work boots see the majority of the wear on the toe…tile work, getting up and down from the concrete, setting mirrors and glass on my toes in order to keep them from breaking, and kicking a pig every now and then (for the PETA crowd out there: that was a joke, I don’t believe in kicking my bacon). If this were leather, I’d see the normal scuffing and eventual hole in the toe. The rubber definitely gives this protection from abrasion. Even after days and weeks of heavy use, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth yields a clean boot and is ready to meet the wife at the country club. Okay, maybe the country club with the red solo cups or mason jars.
Wolverine Hacksaw Boots Features & Specs
- Synthetic
- Vibram sole
- Heel measures approximately 1.5″
- Platform measures approximately 1″
- Waterproof Full Grain leather upper
- Wave mesh lining with waterproof membrane
- Removable Open Cell polyurethane footbed
- PeakFLEX Anti-Fatigue molded insole
- Genuine Vibram rubber outsole with Puncture Shield
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
- Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year limited, 30-day comfort guarantee
We know that every shoe/boot manufacturer has to place their mark somewhere on the product, so it’s no surprise that the rear of the boot has a red-molded-rubber “Wolverine” embossed. What was perplexing is the additional use of the red…stuff for some non-functional design features. These are work boots, very good ones, so what’s the need for something that resembles pleats on your prom cummerbund or the louvers on the back window of a ’75 Camaro (don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about, you probably still have your baby-blue ruffled tux-shirt and drive that Camaro, jacked-up with Cragars).
I guess it’s like putting NOS (Nitrous Oxide) decals on your car to make it go faster, or maybe even truck-nuts but we won’t go there. Point is, there just doesn’t seem to be a point or function, just a design choice. I would rather just see the brown leather or black rubber replace this, as on the rest of the boot.
The only performance issue that I have with this boot happens on occasion. The speed-laces or hooks seem to let go under pressure when lacing the boots; however, I don’t know that I recall them letting go while in action. The hooks seem to be of great quality, and they are mounted very steady. It may be my tying method, but about 1 out of 20 times, while pulling the laces tight, one of the hooks will release. So what, I have to spend another 5 seconds to loop the lace around the hook one more time, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Rugged
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Waterproof
- Rubber-covered toe
- Easy cleanup
- Correct Sizing
- 30-day comfort guarantee
Cons
- Top Boot Hooks (Speed Laces) sometimes malfunction
Conclusion
Don’t get me wrong, I have running shoes that are more comfortable and thigh-high waders that are more waterproof. The key with the Wolverine is that it is job site tough, but with that added benefit of being waterproof and office-comfortable at the same time. Wear most other steel-toe boots and you’re sacrificing something else in the name of safety.
Wolverine seems to have designed the Hacksaw Peakflex with one thing in mind: versatility. Versatility, because you’re getting comfort, waterproof, design, and steel-toe safety. Comfort for less fatigue. Waterproof so you’re not walking around all day in soppy socks. Design characteristics that make this boot perfectly OK for the impromptu business meeting, and steel-toe for safety when you’re training that new kid with the 8# sledge. This is a great boot and I would definitely recommend it to family and friends.
