Brunt Workwear Boots Compared: Marlin, Danto and Bullock Reviewed

Introduction

Brunt Workwear has expanded into a wide range of boots, with different colors, linings, and variations available. This comparison focuses on the three main models: the Marlin, the Danto, and the Bullock. All three were worn for a couple of months in real working conditions, including junk removal jobs and general property work.

The short version: all three are decent mid-range boots built around a roughly $100 price point, but there is one consistent caveat that affects two of the three models.

How the Three Boots Differ

The Marlin and Bullock are both slip-on style boots, while the Danto is a full lace-up with noticeably more structure and protection. All three are designed as workwear and all three are made in China, which some buyers weigh into their decision. For what they are, they sit fairly at mid-range: they are not rebuildable, premium-grade boots, but they are also not priced like them.

Expectations matter here. A $100 boot will not last six years, and a $500 boot that can be resoled and rebuilt over time can be the better long-term value. What you pay for is largely what you get, and these boots aim squarely at the light-to-mid-duty end of that spectrum.

The Sole Problem: Marlin and Bullock

The biggest weakness across this lineup is the sole on the Marlin, and it carries over to the Bullock, which shares the same outsole. Neither is an anti-slip sole. In rain or wet conditions you will slip and slide around, and there were a couple of near-falls while wearing the Marlin that made this hard to ignore.

It is a frustrating flaw because non-slip soles feel like a given on any work boot, and almost every other pair owned before these had one. The rest of the Marlin holds up well: good quality materials, solid waterproofing, and no other real issues found from the sole up. If the outsole were improved, this would be a genuinely strong value boot. As it stands, the Marlin only makes sense for light-duty use on dry, easy surfaces.

Brunt Danto: The Lace-Up Pick

The Danto solves the sole problem. It uses a completely different outsole that performs well as a genuine non-slip sole, which makes it the standout of the three for actual working conditions. The full lace-up design provides real ankle support and protection, which is especially useful for physical jobs like junk removal. Once fully laced, the boots feel solid and secure on the foot.

One honest note: the lace-up style itself will not be for everyone. The Danto was also tested in water up to the ankle with no issues at all, and it is rated as waterproof, making it the most versatile of the three for wet environments and heavier-duty tasks.

Brunt Bullock: Easy Slip-On for Dry Days

The Bullock is a straightforward slip-on for around-the-house and property work. It shares the Marlin’s weak, slippery sole, so it is not a boot for rain or wet ground, but in dry conditions it is generally fine. Comfort across all three boots rates around a seven out of ten: above average, though not the most comfortable boots tried.

The Bullock’s practical appeal is convenience. There are no laces to deal with, the waterproofing keeps socks dry, and it handles casual yard and lake-side work without fuss.

Buying Advice: Are Brunt Boots Worth It?

Brunt boots land just above average overall. They are a good choice for someone working around five days a week, four to eight hours a day, who swaps boots or does lighter work. They are not the right pick for someone on their feet eight to ten hours a day, six or seven days a week doing heavy-duty work. For that, higher-end brands like Thorogood, which can last years with care, are the smarter investment.

If you can find these on sale at around the $100 mark, they become a genuinely decent value. At $200, $300, or $400, other brands simply offer more for the money. The boots themselves are well built, and a better outsole would make this lineup a real winner.

Conclusion

The Danto is the clear pick of the three thanks to its non-slip sole and better protection. The Marlin and Bullock are fine light-duty slip-ons as long as you stay away from wet surfaces. Match the boot to your actual work conditions, and Brunt’s mid-range lineup can do the job, just do not expect premium longevity from any of them.