Union-made in Carolina's Martinsburg, Pennsylvania factory, the Sarge Hi 1809 is an 8" steel-toe work boot built on a resoleable welt, with three comfort technologies managing moisture, cushioning, and odor.
Key Features of the Carolina 1809
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Steel Safety Toe — Meets ASTM F2413-18 I-75/C-75 for impact and compression.
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Amber Gold Pitstop Leather Upper — Heavily oiled full-grain leather that needs little breaking in.
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DRi-LEX® Lining — Wicks moisture and keeps the foot cool and dry.
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Poron® Permafresh Insole — Cushions underfoot and guards against microbial and fungal development.
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Removable AG7™ Polyurethane Footbed — Carolina's comfort system with enhanced arch support.
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Electrical Hazard Rated — Tested to withstand up to 18,000 volts at 60Hz for one minute without leakage.
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Steel Shank — Underfoot stability and support.
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Welt Construction & Dual-Density Polyurethane Outsole — Resoleable, oil- and slip-resisting, shock-absorbing.
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Union-Made in the USA with Global Parts — Built by UFCW Local 1776 in Martinsburg, PA.
Three Technologies, One Comfortable Foot
A DRi-LEX® lining pulls moisture off the foot and keeps it cool, a Poron® Permafresh insole cushions while resisting the microbes and fungi behind boot odor, and a removable AG7™ footbed adds arch support. Together they keep a daily-wear boot fresh and comfortable.
Built to Be Rebuilt
Welt construction stitches the dual-density PU outsole to the upper rather than gluing it. When the tread wears down, the boot goes to a cobbler rather than a landfill.
Why Choose the 1809?
An American-made steel-toe boot with real comfort technology and a rebuildable welt platform — in a size and width range almost nothing else matches.
Similar Styles to Consider
Prefer a 6" height? The 1309 is the Sarge Lo steel-toe version. Don't need a safety toe? The 809 is the soft-toe Sarge Hi. Browse the full Carolina collection at Overlook Boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Carolina Sarge boots actually made in the USA?
Yes, with a qualification Carolina states plainly: the boots are assembled in Carolina's own Martinsburg, Pennsylvania factory by members of UFCW Local 1776, using globally sourced components. That's “Made in the USA with global parts” — union labor and domestic assembly.
Can the 1809 be resoled?
Yes. Welt construction stitches the outsole to the upper through a leather welt, so a cobbler can replace the dual-density PU sole repeatedly. A well-kept pair outlasts several bonded boots.
What sizes and widths does the Sarge come in?
Carolina builds the Sarge across an unusually wide range: B (narrow), D, 2E, 3E, and 4E, with some widths running to size 18. If you've struggled to find a safety boot in a narrow or very wide fitting, this is one of the few places to look.
Do these boots need breaking in?
Less than most. The Amber Gold Pitstop leather is heavily oiled, so it's supple from the start rather than stiff. A welted boot still needs a little time for the footbed to compress to your foot.
What does the Poron® Permafresh insole do?
Two things. It cushions, and it resists the microbial and fungal growth that causes boot odor — treating the cause rather than masking it, which is what you want in a breathable boot worn every day.
Is the 1809 waterproof or insulated?
Neither. It's a non-insulated, non-waterproof boot. The DRi-LEX® lining moves moisture from the inside out, suiting three-season wear.
