BRUNT Rying: Lightweight Comfort, Real Protection

While lots of boots feel like protective gear first and foremost, BRUNT's Ryng feels more like a running shoe that learned a trade. Weight lands near 1.6 pounds (712g) per boot in size 9, so it moves fast and stays nimble. It's able to pull this off while still including a composite safety toe that meets ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 EH. The outsole is rated to 572 degrees Fahrenheit (300C). These boots also include a waterproof bootie, a composite shank, slip testing to SATRA F2913 and Mark II F1677 standards, and BRUNT’s Switch Fit insert that toggles width from D to EE. They break-in easily and have a roomy toe box, and they provide comfort that holds up well on concrete. These boots are relatively durable, but naturally the lifespan varies by trade and job role. If you need a tank to battle with aggressive abrasion scenarios, it will probably be better to go with burly leather boots like the highly regarded Marin. If you want a lightweight and dry safety-rated daily, these boots are the ticket.

About BRUNT

BRUNT is a newer player in the workwear space started by Eric Girouard, a Babson grad who launched the company during the pandemic offering solid boots at a fair price directly to the consumer. In 2024 BRUNT moved into wholesale with 23 partners and 110 stores, which proves that these boots are seeing wider adoption on real job sites. As part of that growth, BRUNT listened to user feedback and refreshed core boots with better slip resistance and cushioning. The Ryng boot is BRUNT's lightweight safety platform aimed at folks who log long days on concrete and other unforgiving surfaces, but want the comfort of sneakers without giving up protection. BRUNT also carries everything from outerwear to safety gear to keep you stocked up with everything you need for the workweek.

Build and materials

This is a six-inch safety boot with a high abrasion textile upper and an internal waterproof bootie. Underfoot you get a rubber foam midsole for cushion, a composite shank for ladder time, and a BRUNT rubber outsole that is slip and oil resistant and heat rated to 572 degrees Fahrenheit (300C). There is an extra durable toe cap and heel guard plus metal-free eyelets which plays nice where metal detection is a thing.

Safety and certifications

These boots meet the ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH spec, which covers toe impact at 75 foot-pounds and compression to 2,500 pounds. EH means the sole and heel resist electric shock in controlled lab tests as secondary protection. Slip testing has passed SATRA F2913 and Mark II F1677 requirements which are common benchmarks for floor friction. The asymmetrical composite toe helps the fit feel less boxy, but more importantly it keeps it nonconductive. If your safety manager requires proof of these boots meeting required standards, the safety codes are printed right on the label for inspection.

Weight fit and Switch Fit

Weight is probably the greatest strength of this boot. A single size 9 boot weighs in at just 1.6 pounds (712g). That is unusually lightweight for a comp toe, and you feel the benefit when you hustle stairs or haul material. BRUNT’s Switch Fit insert lets one pair behave like a regular D or a relaxed EE, so you can wear them snug or loosen them up a bit which is especially handy if your feet are prone to swelling or if you sometimes prefer thicker socks. Pop the gray insert out under the insole to open up volume. The toe box runs roomy by design, which helps on long days standing when your feet can swell.

Surviving long shifts

We read though just about every review we could find, and real-world testers routinely praise the step-in comfort of these booths. Equipment World scored the Ryng at 4.5 out of 5 after use for traction and comfort and called the break-in easy. On Reddit, tradespeople say it wears like a sneaker on concrete and stays friendly through ten hour shifts, which is where lightweight and a forgiving midsole are most appreciated. A common shortcoming of the boot is arch support, which you can easily solve with an aftermarket insole if needed.

Waterproofing and breathability

Waterproofing employs a two-part strategy. The exterior textile shrugs off moisture, while a full bootie inside keeps water out. This design works because it keeps feet dry in rain, but the trade-off is that it can feel warm in the heat of summer (which is a normal tradeoff for sealed liners). You can stay dry through wet grass and ankle-deep slop, but like any safety boot the heat build-up on hot days in sealed boots can get toasty. If you run hot, it might help to change socks halfway through your shift. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot because it helps more than you would guess.

Heat rating and ladder feel

The BRUNT rubber tread grips well on dusty slab and wet shop floors and the outsole is rated to 300 C which is 572 F for hot surfaces around equipment. The composite shank is a big help since it spreads load on rungs so you do not feel every ladder step hammer the arch. Several tradespeople who spend long days on concrete mention steady footing with the caveat that any rubber wears faster under heavy abrasion (which is normal). Keep soles clean to maintain friction.

Durability check and what to expect

We read through a seemingly endless number of reviews across different forums, and feedback on durability splits by trade (which is typical). Manufacturing and HVAC folks often report many months of happy feet on concrete. Demo, roofing, and heavy site crews sometimes see early wear at the seams or faster outsole wear. Some of these were older reviews, and BRUNT refreshed core models in 2024 with improved slip and cushioning and says the line keeps evolving as they gather field data. We suspect that newer runs of the boots should be stronger underfoot than early pairs. Rotate pairs daily if you can (this is good practice with any boot). It extends life and keeps them smelling fresh.

In its element

The Ryng is in its element if your day is shops, warehouses, glass plants, HVAC calls, or light industrial. The weight reduction and waterproofing are a relief when steps stack up and floors stay damp. If you do demolition or grind rebar, or if you do torch work or spend lots of time with a jackhammer, a heavier leather build like the BRUNT Marin boot will handle abrasion better (with a tradeoff of weight and break-in). Leather stands up to that sort of abuse better, and you have to match the boot to the abuse. Plenty of people who have tried these boots echo this split across forums.

Sizing and Variations

If a six-inch boot is too much, here is also the Ryng Low option which raises just four inches. More like a sneaker, it shares the platform and meets the same core safety requirements while being even lighter weight and cooler to wear. If you spend any of your time doing metal detection, the nonmetallic hardware and composite toe help. It doesn't offer the same ankle support or protect as well, but these shoes could be a good match depending on your work. For fit, these are widely considered true to size with the insert in. If toes feel snug, you can pull the gray insert under the insole to switch from D to EE. Try both insert setups on day one and decide before your first long shift.

Vetted Verdict

The Ryng Waterproof is a smart choice for crews who want safety and speed without the brick feel of regular work boots. It meets the class 75 toe protection specification, provides a waterproof liner, keeps weight around the pound and a half mark per boot, and fits a range of feet with Switch Fit. This boot serves well as a fast daily that thrives on concrete while being able to handle occasional weather. Save it for lighter days and use a leather tank as your beater.