Whether you work construction or carpeting, trail work or trim carpentry, welding or window cleaning, you need a quality work boot. The best boots protect the wearer from relevant job site hazards and provide daily comfort for years.
But finding the right boot can be challenging. It’s an enormous field, with a wide array of specifications and price points. Our testers rounded up boots for whatever your job throws at you. For those who punch the clock and build the world around us, here’s our guide to the best work boots.
The best work boots
Most innovative: Brunt Workwear The Ryng Men’s Work Boots
- Lightweight
- Composite toe allows spacious toe box
- Adjustable width
- Model: The Ryng
- Weight: 1.57 pounds
- Upper Material: Synthetic
- Outsole Material: Non-slip rubber
- Safety Toe: Composite
- Height: 6 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
- Electrical Hazard Protection: Yes
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: Yes (outsole)
PROS
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Good traction
CONS
- Unproven composite “nano toe”
The Ryng, by Brunt Workwear, is a work boot for people who hate work boots. It’s light by work boot standards, breaks in quickly, and its toe box felt spacious enough to accommodate our tester’s extra-thick socks. Our tester reported a good grip on loose soil and mulched areas and a stable platform for swinging heavy tools. The Ryng’s wearability tested well, too. In his cold home climate, the boot’s composite toe was an advantage, helping protect his feet without delivering the chill of a steel toe. The Ryng’s adjustable-width design also helps wearability: you can remove an insert beneath the insole to relax the boot’s fit.
Many work boots feature leather, and Brunt does offer leather styles, but the Ryng’s upper is a textile material. Our tester experienced it as durable, waterproof, and with improved breathability over leather. The Ryng’s all-black styling continued to look good throughout the testing period, even covered with dust and pine sap.
Finally, this waterproof boot has two lace hooks at the top, which our tester used to alternate between wraparound and pass-through lacing.
Brunt boasts of the Ryng’s “ultra-lightweight” qualities — a size 9 weighs 1.57 lbs. For comparison, one Danner Steel Yard 6-inch Steel Toe boot weighs about 2.25 lbs. I can guarantee you’d feel the difference after eight hours on your feet. Read the in-depth review here.
See Brunt Workwear The Ryng on Brunt
Best all-around: Timberland Men’s Mid White Ledge Waterproof Work Boots
- Waterproof
- Hiking boot
- Streamlined profile — not a clunky work boot
- Model: TB012122001
- Weight: 1.06 pounds
- Upper Material: 100% leather
- Outsole Material: EVA
- Safety Toe: No
- Height: 5 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
- Electrical Hazard Protection: No
- Slip Resistant: No
- Oil Resistant: No
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
- Designed for comfort
CONS
- Isolated construction issues reported
- Discontinued style
Get yours before they’re gone forever — Timberland has discontinued the sixth most popular hiking boot on Amazon. Most sizes were still available at the time of writing, but the boot is so popular that it’s a question of when, not if, it will be history.
The Timberland White Ledge features a streamlined profile, a 100% leather upper, and a thick polymer footbed and outsole with aggressive lugs. Seam-sealed construction adds performance to this waterproof work boot. The boot promises to deliver all-day comfort, traction, and dry feet, no matter what conditions you wear it in.
Timberland installs speed-lace hardware and lace hooks to make the White Ledge easy to adjust and get on and off. Gussets help keep the tongue right where it’s supposed to be.
Some reviews indicate that the outsole can delaminate from the boot’s toe, but incidents seem isolated. Overall, the Timberland men’s White Ledge Mid reviews well and won’t empty your wallet. It’s a hiking boot by build but could also make a good work boot.
See Timberland Men’s Mid White Ledge Boots on Timberland
See Timberland Men’s Mid White Ledge Boots on Amazon
Most vintage: Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Moc Toe Work Boots
- High-performance outsole for hard, slippery surfaces
- Cushioning footbed
- Moc toe for vintage style
- Model: 814-6201
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Upper Material: 100% Leather
- Outsole Material: Polyurethane
- Safety Toe: Steel option
- Height: 6 inches, 8 inches
- Waterproof: No
- Electrical Hazard Protection: Yes, up to 18,000V
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: Yes
PROS
- Thick, high-performance sole
- Great for concrete or wet, smooth surfaces
- Looks cool casually or on the clock
CONS
- Expensive
- Low lugs mean it’s not an all-terrain boot
The Thorogood men’s American Heritage Moc–toe boot instantly recalls the good ol’ days. The ones when you’d kick off your American-made work boots at the end of the day, sit back in your lawn chair, and crack open a cold one.
The American Heritage series’ genuine leather upper, Moc–toe style, and lace hooks are rooted in tradition. But Thorogood’s MAXwear Wedge outsole and fiberglass shank make the boot belong on modern job sites.
Thorogood collaborated with actual workers to create MAXwear technology, which resists slips, oil, and electrical shock up to 18,000 volts, which is the highest ASTM-prescribed standard for electrical hazard safety footwear. For comfort, Thorogood adds a removable shock-absorbing footbed.
If you walk on hard or potentially slippery surfaces a lot at work, the Thorogood American Heritage Moc–toe looks like the tool for the job. Plenty of cushioning and a high-performance outsole characterize the stylish men’s work boot. The series is also available in 8-inch, and steel-toe builds.
See Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe Boot on Amazon
See Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe Boot on Zappos
Best bargain: Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boots
- Straightforward design
- Steel toe and shank
- Breathable insole
- Model: P89586
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Upper Material: Nubuck leather
- Outsole Material: T3 rubber
- Safety Toe: Steel
- Height: 6 inches
- Waterproof: No
- Electrical Hazard Protection: Yes, up to 600V
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: No
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Performance drives design
CONS
- Some users report delaminating soles
- Questionable comfort
Oiled leather, a steel toe, heavy lugs, and a reasonable price: Caterpillar men’s Second Shift work boots for men exemplify the form. Its lace eyelets are even styled as hex nuts. Beyond the boot’s aesthetics, it is functional too. A slip-resistant, heavy-lug outsole anchors the boot. A steel shank protects the wearer’s feet from puncture hazards, and a breathable insole keeps the boot cool under pressure.
The ASTM-compliant steel toe resists crushing, and a padded ankle helps the boot’s all-day wearability. The Caterpillar Second Shift steel toe is a consummate work boot designed to get the job done. It may not be flashy, but its performance-first approach might make it the best cheap work boot.
See Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Boots on Amazon
See Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Boots on CAT
See Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Boots on Zappos
Toughest: Iron Age IA5019 Groundbreaker Internal Met Guard Work Boots
- Internal met guard and steel toe
- Meets all ASTM F2413 safety requirements
- Understated aesthetic
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Upper Material: 100% Leather
- Outsole Material: Vibram rubber
- Safety Toe: Yes
- Height: 6 inches
- Waterproof: N/A
- Electrical Hazard Protection: Yes
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: Yes
PROS
- Intensive safety features
- Built for durability
- Looks cool
CONS
- Could be heavy
- Relatively untested brand
With the Iron Age Groundbreaker black work boot, you’ll look almost as cool as Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator, and your foot will be almost as bulletproof. Iron Age builds the Groundbreaker to protect wearers from just about any imaginable job site hazard.
This is more than just a steel toe work boot. An internal metatarsal guard and steel toe protect virtually the entire top of the foot from impacts. The Vibram rubber outsole resists heat up to four digits — I’m not sure how that’s possible or what four-digit heat feels like, but it’s an impressive stat. The sole is also slip, oil, and chemical resistant. Iron Age completes the tank of a boot with Kevlar stitching.
I would replace the Groundbreaker’s removable memory foam footbed (that stuff doesn’t work for me, especially over the long haul) but appreciate its moisture-wicking nylon lining.
For those interested, the Iron Age Groundbreaker meets all ASTM F2413 standards, which is pretty tough to do.
The Iron Age Groundbreaker is as tough a boot as you’re going to find.
See Iron Age IA5019 Groundbreaker Internal Met Guard Boots on Amazon
See Iron Age IA5019 Groundbreaker Internal Met Guard Boots on Walmart
Most high-tech: Timberland PRO Men’s 6” Pit Boss Steel-Toe
- High-performance, all-terrain sole
- Moisture-wicking and odor control faculties
- Steel toe
- Model: TB033034214
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Upper Material: Nubuck leather
- Outsole Material: Timberland PRO rubber
- Safety Toe: Steel
- Height: 6 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
- Electrical Hazard ProtectionYes
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: Yes
PROS
- Engineered for wearer comfort
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Trusted brand
CONS
- Possible construction concerns
Timberland engineers a high-performance work boot with the PRO Series 6” Pit Boss steel toe. High-tech innovation and state-of-the-art fabric characterize the insulated work boot at MSRP $115. The rubber outsole resists abrasion, slips, and oil. A polyurethane midsole adds comfort. Inside the boot, an open-cell polyurethane footbed adds another comfort layer and even fights microbial growth and odors. Timberland uses Cambrelle in the Pit Boss’s liner for more odor control and moisture-wicking. The military-grade material absorbs up to three and a half times its weight in moisture.
An asymmetrical steel toe provides critical impact protection, and a padded ankle and speed-lace hardware add comfort at the top of the boot. This next sentence is a humdinger: nylon shock-diffusion plates add torsional rigidity. What does this mean? This Timberland shoe has nylon panels that prevent it from getting soft and collapsing over time.
Thinking critically, I wonder if the PRO Pit Boss’s construction quality may be compromised for its high-tech material choices — especially at the price point. The boot’s upper has a lot of stitching, which would all need to perform well over the long haul.
Timberland builds the PRO Pit Boss steel toe with worker comfort in mind; most work boots show no regard for odor and microbial control and feature little moisture-wicking ability.
According to most reviews, the Pit Boss also proves itself a reliable workhorse.
See Timberland PRO Men’s 6” Pit Boss Steel-Toe on Timberland
See Timberland PRO Men’s 6” Pit Boss Steel-Toe on Zappos
Most versatile: KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6” Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot
- Asymmetrical steel toe
- Non-slip sole
- Full-length torsion plate
- Model: 1007024
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Upper Material: Nubuck leather
- Outsole Material: Non-marking rubber
- Safety Toe: Steel
- Height: 6 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
- Electrical Hazard Protection: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: Yes
PROS
- Versatile
- Solid foundation
- Supportive
CONS
- The untested brand for work conditions
KEEN is known for its hiking sandals and boots more than work boots, but it enters the work boot field with the Pittsburgh 6” Steel Toe. It’s a versatile product with a waterproof nubuck leather upper and a heavy-lugged, non-slip sole.
The Pittsburgh 6” work boot has impressive comfort features. Its asymmetrical steel toe mitigates the discomfort of a traditional steel toe. A two-zone lining system adds breathability. A full-length torsion plate fits into the boot’s midsole to limit awkward twisting in the ankle and arch. KEEN’s trademark toe cap gives the toe box an added layer of protection from the elements or the job site. KEEN builds the Pittsburgh 6” Steel Toe to take you from the grind to the trail and back.
See KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Boot on Zappos
Cheapest: EVER BOOTS Tank Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots
- Nubuck leather
- Steel arch shank
- Safety toe available
- Model: EB611TAN
- Weight: 3.65 pounds
- Upper Material: Nubuck leather
- Outsole Material: Rubber
- Safety Toe: Available
- Height: 7 inches
- Waterproof: Claimed but not substantiated
- Electrical Hazard Protection: No
- Slip Resistant: Claimed but not substantiated
- Oil Resistant: No
PROS
- Cheap
- Straightforward
CONS
- Mystery brand
The EVER BOOTS Tank is as basic as a work boot can get, and it’s priced accordingly at $59. Nubuck leather, a standard rubber sole, and a steel arch shank anchor the simple boot. Customers can choose a safety toe model, the Tank S, for $10 more. EVER BOOTS categorizes the Tank (non-‘S’) as “waterproof/non-slip”, but the claim is unsubstantiated.
So, is the Tank a good work boot? It can be tough to evaluate a flash-in-the-pan company like EVER BOOTS, which features basic boots for various applications at lower-than-competition prices on its Amazon store. I’d give the Tank a shot if I wanted a boot for occasional home projects or if my everyday boots were getting close to retirement and I wanted to test the waters. There’s not much to say and not much to lose with the EVER BOOTS Tank.
See EVER BOOTS Tank Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots on Amazon
See EVER BOOTS Tank Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots on Walmart
Sturdiest: Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8” Plain Toe Boot
- 8” shaft height
- Non-slip outsole
- 8” fiberglass shank
- Leather Upper
- Model: 814-4364
- Weight: 1.94 pounds
- Upper Material: 100% Leather
- Outsole Material: Polyurethane
- Safety Toe: Steel option
- Height: 8 inches
- Waterproof: No
- Electrical Hazard Protection: Yes, up to 18,000V
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: No
PROS
- High-performance outsole and shank
- Comfortable footbed and insole
- Classic look
CONS
- Expensive
If I needed a robust, American-made work boot that gave me stability and confidence, I would go with the Thorogood American Heritage 8” plain toe. Boots with tall shafts can provide tremendous ankle support and protection for those with the rowdiest jobs.
Thorogood builds its comfortable work boots in the USA with premium leather uppers and carefully designed soles and footbeds. Thorogood designed its MAXWear Wedge outsole with help from professionals on job sites, and the result is a high-performance, all-day-comfortable platform. The outsole is slip-resistant and backed up by an 8-inch fiberglass shank to add stability and resist punctures.
A shock-absorbent footbed and orthotic insole complete the package.
I featured the Thorogood American Heritage series 8” boot with a plain toe because it adds support and protection for the wearer without sacrificing weight. The boot is available with a safety toe, but if you don’t need one at your job, why have one?
The Thorogood American Heritage 8” plain toe promises to be among the most comfortable work boots on our list. It has a high-performance foundation and classic style.
See Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8” Plain Toe Boot on Amazon
Best slip-on: Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot
- 4LR footbed technology
- High-traction outsole
- 10” Suede shaft
- Model: Groundbreaker Pull-on
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Upper Material: Leather/suede
- Outsole Material: Duratread rubber
- Safety Toe: No
- Height: 10 inches
- Waterproof: No
- Electrical Hazard Protection: No
- Slip Resistant: Yes
- Oil Resistant: Yes
PROS
- Cowboy style means easy on and off
- High shaft protects shins and calves
- Good traction
CONS
- 4LR system may flatten under ongoing heavy use
Every work boot roundup needs a cowboy boot. Ranch work is specific and demanding, and boots designed to stand up to it can perform well in many heavy-duty trades. Legendary brand Ariat executes a no-nonsense slip-on work boot for MSRP $130.
The Ariat Groundbreaker features a leather foot and 10-inch suede upper, mounted on a high-traction sole. Ariat designs its Duratread outsole to handle rough conditions. It resists oil and slippage, and a coarse tread keeps wearers steady. Ariat fits the Groundbreaker with another proprietary technology, 4LR support and cushioning, and a four-layer footbed system including a lightweight shank.
A non-safety toe ensures that this Ariat boot is one of the easier-wearing boots in our lineup (as long as you’re ok with a little western flair). Forget laces and pressure points — heck, slide out of your boots on your lunch break if you want.
See Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot on Amazon
See Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot on Walmart
Why trust this guide
I spent years in work boots — sometimes doing conventional work, sometimes doing pretty unusual things.
When I was a trail worker in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York, I wore work boots to cut trees and move boulders. I also wore them to hike heavy loads of tools, food, and supplies into the backcountry.
As a result, I needed a boot with a safety toe that was also waterproof and good for hiking — a bit of a hybrid. The experience taught me a lot about a good boot’s specific ability, work capacity, and tolerance.
I’ve also worked framing and demolition jobs, done farm work, installed cabinets, and cleaned windows in various types of work boots. Each trade requires a different type of boot, but one rule remains true in any job: if you have bad boots, you will be miserable at work.
Who this guide is for
Anyone who works on their feet all day deserves quality work boots.
In this guide, inclusivity is crucial. Whether you’re a mechanic, a road worker, a carpenter, a cowboy, a machinist, a garbage collector, or if you need a boot to wear around the backyard, there’s a boot for you here.
How I chose the best work boots
My main priority in choosing the best work boots was selection diversity. More specialized trades exist than my brain can process. Each one requires footwear as specific as its job description. For instance, if you work outside in all weather conditions, you need an insulated waterproof boot. If you work in people’s homes (like an electrician or a mover), you need a lightweight, streamlined boot that won’t mark floors.
I also selected boots across various toe styles, heights, sole qualities, and aesthetic profiles. Choosing a broad selection of brands was relatively easy, but equally important. KEEN clearly makes better hiking boots than Timberland, but each brand is a quality choice for its intended application.
How we tested boots
Testers headed into the woods and the city to challenge the best work boots. We cut trees, split rounds for firewood, and even performed a move that required carrying many heavy items. Happily, no chopped or broken toes were reported.
Features to look for in work boots
The best way to make sure you get the right work boot is to think about it one feature at a time. Here’s our list to help you brainstorm.
Insulation
Keeps your feet warm in cold conditions.
Thinsulate is the most common type of boot insulation. It’s durable, lightweight, and retains heat even when wet.
Boot insulation comes in different weights. The higher the number, the toastier your toes.
Slip resistance
Slip-resistant soles create a seal between the sole and the wet floor by channeling water away from the spaces between the treads. The sole’s soft rubber expands with pressure to squeeze the remaining water out.
Oil resistance
Oil resistance usually refers to the materials in a boot’s upper rather than the sole.
Most oil-resistant boots contain glues and materials that resist degrading after exposure to petroleum-based chemicals.
Flame, chemical, and shock resistance
Chemical-resistant boots protect the wearer from industrial chemicals, acids, oils, and animal fats.
Flame-resistant boots are made with flame-retardant materials — it’s important to note that it’s still NOT a good idea to walk around in a fire.
Shock resistance can refer to electrical protection (covered below) or shock absorbency. Different.
Most hiking boots are great at absorbing shock; look for thicker soles and softer rubbers.
Reinforced toe
A boot with any extra material built into the toe box has a reinforced toe. Steel-toe boots are trendy, but boot toes can also be reinforced with alloy, composite, rubber, or simply an extra fabric layer.
Electrical protection
Boots built for electrical protection are constructed without nails to slow electrical conduction as it travels toward your body.
According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the sole of an electrical hazard-resistant boot must resist 18,000 volts at 60Hz for one minute. I have no idea what that means, but you can research it all here (https://www.astm.org/).
Waterproofing
Waterproof material technically won’t absorb water regardless of saturation. Think about plastic, actually waterproof boot material is equally non-absorbent.
Water-resistant boots are different: the material will eventually saturate.
Durability
The million-dollar question for any work boot, how long will it last? To some extent, every work boot is designed to be durable.
I do two things to make my boots last: 1) choose the best boot for the specific conditions I’ll encounter, and 2) follow the care instructions as closely as possible.
Brands
This is a tricky one. Many brands make quality work boots, but you wouldn’t want to wear certain brands for certain types of work. For instance, when I was a chainsaw operator in the Adirondacks, I did not want to wear Caterpillar steel toes, even though they’re solid boots, they’re too damn heavy. Instead, I needed waterproofing, hiking resiliency, and dexterity, so a KEEN was a better choice.
Types of safety toes
Steel toe
The heaviest work requires the heaviest boot and the most protection. Steel toes resist crushing and penetration. They protect workers’ feet from the heaviest impacts on construction and demo sites. Steel toes have prevented countless hospital visits.
Soft toe
Just the opposite of a steel toe, a soft toe boot is not reinforced. This makes it lighter and more dexterous. Soft toes are the way to go for install techs or anyone who does lighter work like finishing carpentry or cabinetry.
Composite toe
Composite toe work boots withstand impacts similar to steel toes but weigh less, for improved, all-day comfort. Composite toe materials include Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, and fiberglass.
Alloy toe
Often made from aluminum or titanium, alloy toes are another alternative to steel toes. They’re lighter and offer the same protection levels, but they’re also usually more expensive than old-school steel.
Puncture-proof toe
Puncture-proof boots usually feature layers of puncture-resistant material in the outsole. Puncture-proof boots resist sharp objects like nails throughout the sole and can still have a composite, steel, or other types of toe.
Work boots FAQ
Q: How long should a pair of work boots last?
A: Unless you abuse the hell out of them, you should get at least a year out of a pair of boots. In my opinion, you’re rolling the dice under a threshold of about $100, and keep in mind that better-constructed boots will be more comfortable for longer.
Again, the best way to promote your boots’ longevity is to choose the right boot for the job and take good care of it throughout its life.
Q: Are work boots comfortable?
A: Sometimes. Every boot has a break-in period, and the break-in process may not be the most comfortable.
Safety toes and boot weight also affect user comfort (especially for a lightweight like me). But, if you find the right pair and take good care of them, you’ll eventually forget you’re wearing them.
Q: How to maintain and care for your work boots
A: I check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Nearly every boot maker has a “how-to” on its website.
But the general rules are simple and universal. Don’t put your boots away wet and dirty, don’t put them in the washer and dryer unless the label says it’s ok, and only clean them with gentle detergents.
There are various ways to condition leather and other materials, including countless after-market waterproofing/conditioning salves. I use these with discretion and always try to pay attention to any drying or discoloration of a boot’s upper.
Q: How important is the fit?
A: I recommend paying close attention to how your work boots feel as soon as you put them on (you’re going to be wearing them a lot).
Are there pressure points? Is there room in the toe or ankle? Is the width appropriate?
For instance, I have spurs on my Achilles tendons that make it uncomfortable to wear any boot that’s tight through the lower heel. Even if the boot fits elsewhere, if trying it on causes pain in that area of my foot, I reconsider.
Q: How long does it take to break in your work boots?
A: “Break-in” is a subjective term on a sliding scale. You could argue that you’re breaking in your boots for their entire lifetime. In fact, their fit and feel will continue to change forever.
As far as releasing tight spots or pressure points, it depends on the material and construction. Leather stretches much more easily than most synthetic materials, and unlike synthetics, it will change and hold shape over time.
Cheaply built boots will generally feel comfortable sooner than solidly built boots, but they’ll also break down faster.
Personally, I’m happy if my boots feel like they were made for my feet after four to eight weeks of everyday wear.
Q: What are the different heights of work boots?
A: Generally, 6, 8, and 9-inch. I like ‘em high, I never quite know what I’m about to get into.
Q: What lacing systems are there for work boots?
A: Most work boots feature some combination of eyelets and hooks. Taller boots usually have hooks at the top to help the wearer take them off easier. Slip-on, cowboy-style work boots, of course, have no laces.
Sources:
- American Safety Standards – National Shoe and Occupational Solutions Limited
- Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry – U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Next Generation Safety Footwear – ScienceDirect
