I work in a landfill, are these boots strong enough to walk through the garbage and drive heavy machinery?

These are the best mud boots I have ever owned. I work as a plumber in trenches full of water all day no issues at all. They do run a little big though, I would get 1/2 size to 1 full size smaller. I wear a size 12, ordered a size 12 and they are just a little big. I bought inserts and it hurt the top of my feet. Went with a smaller insert feels better. You will never find a heavier duty mud boots. If you walk a lot or along way, you might want something that is a lighter duty.

I wear a size 11.5 in normal work boots what size would you suggest

11.5 should fit in the 11. I’m 13 and got 13, and there is plenty of spare room.

Whats the difference between the purofort thermo boot and this explorer thermo boot?

So… “purofort” is what Dunlop calls the rubber material they use to make their boots. It’s is basically a trademark name. Now the “Explorer” is their boot that they offer that is rated for colder climates. It has a rating of -40f where as the purofort professional has a rating of -4. Plus the explorer most of the time has a vibrom soul(very big upgrade). Basically both are purofort but the explorer is upgraded as far as soul, cold weather, and electrically insulated. Hope that helps.

I need to replace my icebear baffin size 15. are these boots better? shall i get the same size?

I have never used the icebear baffin boot but after looking a pictures it seems to out do the Dunlop on the design of the back heel of the boot. I have purchased 3 pair of the Dunlop due to the back heel on the boot has a vertical seam that goes from the back middle of heel at sole all the way to the top of the boot that split all the way up. Unfortunately I purchased the boot 2 more times hoping for different results before I finally learned my lesson. Besides that I really loved the Dunlop. I work in the oil fields and had high hopes. They may serve their purpose for you though and had it not been for the boot seam splitting I would have loved the boot.