Deep Dive into Brunt Workwear: Are Brunt Marin Boots Worth the Hype?

A Deep Dive into Brunt Workwear: Are Brunt Marin Boots Worth the Hype?

When it comes to work boots, the market is saturated with options promising durability, comfort, and value. Among the newer players vying for attention is Brunt Workwear, a brand that’s gained traction through aggressive marketing and a direct-to-consumer model. Their flagship product, the Brunt Marin boot, has sparked both praise and criticism across forums, job sites, and social media. But does it live up to the claims—or is it just another overhyped disappointment? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Brunt Workwear, dissect the Marin boot’s performance, and determine whether it’s a solid investment for hardworking individuals searching for reliable footwear.

What is Brunt Workwear?

Founded in 2020 by Eric Girouard, Brunt Workwear emerged from a frustration familiar to many tradespeople: the high cost and short lifespan of quality work boots. Girouard, drawing from his own experiences in landscaping and construction, aimed to create a brand that delivers rugged, comfortable boots at an affordable price point. By cutting out the retail middleman and selling directly to consumers, Brunt promises premium features without the premium price tag. The Marin, named after Girouard’s childhood friend Matt Marin, a superintendent at Century Drywall, is their bestselling moc-toe wedge boot—and the focal point of much debate.

Brunt Workwear’s lineup extends beyond the Marin to include other styles like the Ohman Chelsea and Perkins Steel Toe, as well as work apparel and accessories. The brand markets its products as purpose-built for skilled trades, boasting features like waterproof leather, slip-resistant soles, and innovative insoles. With over 200,000 pairs sold and a 4.8/5-star average from 50,000+ online reviews (per their own claims), Brunt has certainly made waves. But popularity doesn’t always equal quality, so let’s dig deeper into the Marin boots specifically.

The Brunt Marin Boot: Design and Specs

The Brunt Marin is positioned as a versatile work boot designed for everything from oily workshop floors to muddy fields. Available in soft toe, composite toe, and “Brunt Toe” variants (featuring an exterior toe cap for added durability), it’s crafted with full-grain, chrome-tanned leather sourced from Texas steer. At 2mm thick (roughly 5 oz), the leather is thinner than what you’d find in premium brands like Red Wing (2.4mm) or Pacific Northwest heavyweights (2.8-3.2mm). The boot sports a cemented construction—glued rather than stitched via Goodyear welt—paired with a rubber outsole rated for slip, oil, and heat resistance (up to 572°F).

The Brunt Marin boot in its classic brown leather finish.

A standout feature is the adjustable width insole: a removable gray insert allows users to switch between a regular fit (D) and a relaxed fit (EE), catering to varying foot shapes. The Marin also promises triple-layer waterproofing and a lightweight design, with prices starting around $139—a bargain compared to competitors in the $150-$180 range. On paper, it’s an appealing package for budget-conscious workers. But how does it hold up in real-world conditions?

Testing the Brunt Marin: A Firsthand Perspective

To get a clearer picture, I enlisted a colleague—a seasoned construction worker—to test the Marin boots for 30 days on the job. His work involves long hours on concrete, frequent walking, and exposure to rough conditions, making him an ideal candidate to push these boots to their limits. Here’s what he found—and how it aligns with broader sentiments about Brunt work boots.

Comfort: Out of the box, the Marin impressed with its lightweight feel, a plus for anyone tired of clunky, heavy boots. The adjustable insole provided a decent fit, though it took a few days to settle in. Initially, the boots felt “a little better” than expected, likely due to their thin, flexible construction. However, after two weeks, the comfort waned. The soles, described as “thin-feeling,” began to wear down, and the lack of robust arch support became noticeable during extended wear. By the end of the month, he was eager to switch back to his trusty Red Wings, citing foot fatigue and discomfort on long shifts.

Durability: This is where the Marin faltered most. After 30 days of moderate-to-heavy use, the boots showed significant wear. The leather, while soft and initially appealing, scuffed easily and developed small tears near stress points. The cemented sole started to separate slightly at the edges—a common issue with glue-based construction under strain. My colleague doubted they’d last another month in his demanding environment, a stark contrast to brands like Thorogood or Red Wing, which often endure a year or more of abuse.

Visible wear on the sole of a Brunt Marin boot after 30 days of use.

Performance: The waterproofing held up in light rain and puddles, but the slip-resistant sole didn’t inspire confidence on slick surfaces like wet metal or oily floors. For a boot marketed as a jobsite companion, this was disappointing. The thin sole also transmitted more ground feel than desired, making it less ideal for rough terrain or prolonged standing on hard surfaces.

The Marketing vs. Reality Disconnect

Brunt Workwear leans heavily on its marketing, flooding social media with ads touting the Marin as “the most comfortable work boot available.” They’ve partnered with influencers and targeted blue-collar workers with promises of durability and value. Yet, this aggressive promotion has drawn skepticism. Critics argue that the brand oversells a subpar product, relying on hype rather than substance. The F rating from the Better Business Bureau—stemming from customer complaints about quality and service—further fuels this narrative.

My colleague’s experience echoes a recurring theme: the Marin boots start strong but fade fast. Posts on X reflect similar mixed feelings. One user praised their Marin boots for surviving a year of heavy construction with “no holes or rips,” while another lamented going through three pairs in under a year on a dairy farm, citing ripped seams and poor longevity. This disparity suggests that the boots’ performance hinges heavily on the specific demands of the job—light-duty users may fare better than those in brutal conditions.

Comparing Brunt Marin to the Competition

To put the Marin in context, let’s stack it against alternatives. Red Wing’s Classic Moc, a benchmark in the work boot world, uses thicker leather (2.4mm) and Goodyear welt construction, offering superior durability and resoleability for around $300. Thorogood’s American Heritage line, priced closer to $200-$250, also outclasses the Marin in build quality. Even budget options like Siete Leguas ($130) boast decent materials and craftsmanship. The Marin’s cemented construction and thinner leather make it less competitive in the long run, despite its lower price and initial comfort.

A side-by-side comparison of the Brunt Marin and Red Wing Classic Moc.

Who Are Brunt Marin Boots For?

The Marin isn’t a total write-off—it has its niche. If you’re a tradesperson on a budget, working light-to-moderate jobs (think indoor tasks or occasional outdoor gigs), these boots might suffice. The lightweight design and adjustable fit are genuine perks, and Brunt’s 30-day risk-free trial (wear them and return if unsatisfied) sweetens the deal. But for heavy-duty workers—those in construction, farming, or rugged environments—the Marin falls short. Its thin materials and lack of lasting support can’t match the punishment that premium boots endure.

The Verdict: A Cautionary Tale

After peeling back the layers, the Brunt Marin boot emerges as a mixed bag. It’s not the “worst boot ever” in an absolute sense—its initial comfort and affordability have merit—but it’s far from the game-changer Brunt Workwear claims. The disconnect between glossy marketing and real-world performance is the crux of the issue. For every glowing review praising its out-of-the-box feel, there’s a counterpoint highlighting its rapid decline. Made in China rather than the USA (a sticking point for some), the Marin reflects a cost-cutting ethos that sacrifices longevity for accessibility.

If you’re tempted by Brunt boots, proceed with eyes wide open. They’re a gamble—decent for casual or short-term use, but risky for anyone needing a reliable workhorse. For those asking, “Are Brunt boots good?” the answer depends on your expectations. If you prioritize value over hype and can invest a bit more, brands like Thorogood or Red Wing remain safer bets. The Marin’s story is a reminder: in the world of work boots, you often get what you pay for.

References

1. Murawski, Carl. "The Worst Boots I've Ever Reviewed: Brunt Marin." carlmurawski.com. Published February 20, 2024.
2. "The Marin BRUNT Toe - Comp Toe Work Boot." bruntworkwear.com. Accessed March 21, 2025.
3. Stridewise. "Brunt Boots Review 2024 | Is The Marin Actually a Comfortable Workboot?" stridewise.com. Published September 3, 2024.
4. Posts on X regarding Brunt Marin boots durability and performance, March 2025.