re: I need guidance on a new work boot purchase.

Georgia Romeo's

I had many different types and brands of boots. These were the most comfortable and longest lasting I ever had. I have a straight office job and still wear them around and occasionally to the office.

Thorogoods are terrible boots.

Keen

I have a pair that I wore daily for 2 years. Not it’s maybe once a month. They are recraftable but the vibrant soles are still kicking. Keep the leather nourished and you feet will be pleased for a very long time. Best boot value imo.

Do you want something with ankle support or not? If so you should look into a laced up bolt. The gusset of a boot will make or break waterproofing. If you look on the websites of most boot manufacturers, they will tell you if they are waterpoof or water resistant. Main difference is If the welt is cemented construction to a midsole, or if it’s Goodyear welted to a midsole. Next will be if there is a membrane inside the boot to keep water out or if they just seal the stitching from the inside. If you want waterproof boots, get some rubber boots.

I have a pair of the Thorogood boots also. They are good boots but I also have pair of L.L. Bean Kangaroo leather moc toes that are a lot lighter and more comfortable.

LL Bean

If you want lace ups, I highly recommend Timberland Pro. I use model # 26078.
My boot of choice for over 15 years.

You’re going to hear many different brands here. To a point of about 200$, all the boots are made with the same materials. After you break the $300 mark you will see a different level of craftsmanship.
You really need to get properly sized to see what type of pronation you might have. This will make a difference in boot purchasing because of the type of last used to make the boot.
All here are great brands. It took me trying many brands to find the right one. Once you do, buy many and keep a rotation.

Redwings.
My last pair lasted 8 years. I wore off the the tread. The leather tops above were the toes join the foot cracked completely.
The most comfortable workboot I ever owned.
Price has gone up significantly but feets are important.

I have bought so many brands of boots over the years roses which one was worth a shite and while all of them are gonna tear up eventually anyway, Red wing boots were actually comfy.