Work boots, work shoes, work booties… whatever you want to call them, we all need them. After all, we all have to do some form of hard work every now and then. We all need appropriate foot protection when we have to do some hardcore lifting or run around operating machinery.
I’ve researched and reviewed more than a dozen different work boots for you below. All rated according to comfort, fit, protection, durability and value for money.
With all the facts and research I’ve put into creating this buyer’s guide, these reviews should help you choose the best pair of boots for your needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Thorogood Men's American Heritage 6" Moc Toe | Best Overall |  |
| Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot | Budget Pick |  |
| Carhartt Men's Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Thorogood Men's American Heritage 6" Moc Toe
Pros:
- Waterproof leather uppers
- Durable Goodyear welted construction
- Goodyear welted construction means you have the assurance of a durable, high-quality boot that’ll stay true to its wear for generations
- Safe and made with the needs of the working man in mind
- Internal heel counter that permits for a natural walk
- Valcona footbed that’s removable and made for all day comfort
- A warranty for life if you own a pair of Thorogood boots, made between 0800 and 2100
- Quick service if you own a pair of Thorogood
- Goodyear welted construction, preventing water and mud from collecting
- Life-time warranty
The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6” Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Safety Toe Boot is built to deliver quality to customers. This brand is known for producing comfortable, high-quality, durable footwear.
Thorogood has been producing boots for over 100 years, and pleasing customers is what they do best.
2. Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss Steel-Toe
Pros:
- Good quality leather and rubber
- Generous ankle support
- Copper lining that’s antimicrobial and odor resistant
- High rubber boots for extra ankle support
- Perfect for people with wide feet
- The sole of the boots is both slip-resistant and oil-resistant
- Promotes great traction
- The laces don’t slip off the eyelets when you’re wearing them
Cons:
- May run large
- Might be too narrow for wider feet
Available in men’s sizes 6-12 and 13 and weighing 3.9 lbs. per shoe, these are among the best pairs of work footwear around.
Timberland Pro Men’s 6 inch Pit Boss Steel Toe Work is a handmade, quality boot that’s made with full-grain leather and has been oiled to provide you with a natural resistance against water and stains.
Inside the Pit Boss boots is a removable, antimicrobial, odor-resistant copper lining and a cushioned footbed designed for all-day wear.
3. ARIAT Men's Sport Patriot Western Boot
Pros:
- Non-slip outsole
- Machine washable
- Comfortable for long hours
- Durable
- Affordable
This pair of work boots is made from premium leather that requires little maintenance and has a long lifespan.
It's also super easy to clean this boot using a hose and some detergent. In addition to that, the leather is padded, making it very comfortable to wear for long hours.
The price of these boots is very reasonable, especially considering the features they have and the protection they offer.
4. Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Pros:
- Handcrafted
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Stylish
- Slip proof
- Good for arthritic people
- Very comfortable
- Affordable
- Amazing comfort
Timberland is popular for manufacturing safety boots. The Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid is a classical boot from Timberland; and it is completely awesome!
These boots are well made! They are made out of 100% premium leather and are water proof.
For your convenience, the boots come with a hand polished finish. This is for the shine and protection of the leather.
5. Caterpillar Men's Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Pros:
- The outer sole provides comfort while walking
- Good for a wide range of environments
- Outer sole is sturdy
- Sturdy construction
- Ethyl vinyl acetate
Cons:
- A little expensive
- The tread wears out after a while.
When looking for slip-resistant boots, the first brand to come to mind is Caterpillar.
The Caterpillar Men's Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boots are the brand’s flagship products that have dominated the market for many years. The name Caterpillar comes from the company’s roots, which started as a manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, before they ventured into more footwear and accessories such as backpacks and bags.
These Caterpillar work boots are designed with safety in mind. It comes with a steel toe that increases protection for your legs, especially against falling objects.
6. Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Rubber outsole for added grip
- Plenty of room for toe movement
- Several color options available
- Made of durable leather
- Made in America
Cons:
- Some are known to come in small sizes
- Could be heavy for some people
If you’re in the market for new work boots, look no further than these awesome options from Wolverine.
The Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot is made with Composite Safety Toe, which provides greater support and protection during job site activities. This boot has been tested by both the ASTM and Crib 5 parameters and is approved as a result.
The Wolverine Overpass is made from full grain leather and comes in six different color options (sage green, black, light brown, pine, dark brown, and bone). They’re also available in a variety of widths.
7. Caterpillar Men's Revolver Pull-On Soft Toe Boot
Pros:
- Great comfort
- Light enough despite the steel toes
- Oil resistant sole
- Lightweight and breathable.
Cons:
- High shipping fee
- A bit narrow
- Easy to get scuffed up
We think that these Caterpillar boots are one of the best work boots for coal mining. They are light enough for all day wear, which makes this boot well suited for those who are on their feet for long hours.
As they are pull on boots, you don’t have to worry about un-sticking the steel toes from the toes of the boots as common with lace up boots. These Caterpillar boots are also oil resistant.
If you saw the popular move Stepbrothers, this is the same brand and type of boots that Chuck wears as he is working at his new job as a coal miner. The only difference here is that these boots are safety toed.
8. Carhartt Men's Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot
Pros:
- Available in a variety of materials
- Good for individuals with large feet
- Excellent steel toe
- 100% leather uppers
Carhartt’s ruggedflex boots may be the best work boots for contractors. They’re incredibly comfortable and feel very natural on your feet. Inside, they’ve used mesh technology to keep your feet cool and dry.
The ruggedflex boots also have 100% leather uppers that are designed to resist heat, which means they’re one of the best options if you’re regularly exposed to fire.
If you have larger feet, you’ll be happy to know that these boots accommodate those with larger feet too. They also come with a steel toe that can withstand plenty of force. Overall, these are one of the most durable pairs of work boots you’ll find.
9. Carhartt Men's CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Good quality sole
- Cushioned ankle
- Good heel support
- Keeps feet warm
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Comfortable
Carhartt boots have always been my go to; especially during the cold months. Nothing can prepare you for the brutal, harsh winter, but the right pair of boots. It’s important that you don’t bite off more than you can chew, especially when it comes to choosing a pair of boots for work. You’ll want to find something that’s comfortable, durable, and waterproof.
You’ll want to find a boot that can protect your feet from the elements and has good support. You may even want a pair of boots that supply you with both! I try and find things that are durable and will last you a lifetime, without breaking the bank.
Your feet will thank you later.
10. Danner Men's Vicious 4.5 Inch Non Metallic Toe Work Boot
Pros:
- Waterproof and Insulated
- Breathable and Weather-Ready
- Vibram sole provides value and durability
- Top-notch leather construction
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Good ankle support
Most of the work boots reviewed are hard on the feet but not with the Danner Men’s Vicious 4.5 Inch Non Metallic Toe Work Boot.
This lightweight and tough boots is perfect for those people looking for comfort, utility and durability.
This boot is so flexible and comfortable that you can easily do your activities for hours. Whether you’re setting up a tent under the scorching sun or working with horses inside a barn, this boots is a great pick.
11. Carhartt Men's 6-Inch Waterproof Wedge Soft Toe Work Boot
Carhartt is a well-known and trusted name in work boots, but this is our first time checking out any of their waterproof boots.
The 84031 waterproof boot comes in 14 different sizes and a variety of colors to choose from. The boot itself is made from full-grain leather that makes it sturdy and hard-wearing.
It has a rubber wedge outsole for excellent traction, and the waterproof construction means that it can handle even the wettest grounds you’re going to find.
12. Irish Setter Men's 6" 83605 Work Boot
The Irish Setter boots are made with top-grain leather which makes them very comfortable to wear, so you can work for long hours in them without feeling soreness on your feet.
The boots are also cushioned inside which makes them very comfortable. The inner lining of the boot is fully heat resistant, which means that your feet will be unharmed even after the boots have been used for long hours.
These boots have a long life, thanks to their very high quality leather. A top grain leather brings a naturally breathable side to your boots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best boots for construction?
The height and design of the shaft determine which boots will be suited for HVAC work.
Work boots with a taller shaft design offer more complete protection to workers who are working in construction at heights or performing tasks that require them to lift their legs higher off the ground.
While the closed toe style will offer more protection than an open-toe style, the most important thing to consider is the nylon material used around the toes. Some of the better quality designs from higher-end boots will offer 360-degree thermal protection for the toes.
If you're just looking for the basic protection, a safety toe is a good place to start.
What are the most comfortable work boots?
We tried on a bunch of different work boots before finally deciding on the best work boots. I took the time to hand-test many different boots in the store, and we also had some on our feet throughout the day. After shortlisting 5 pairs, we got them to volunteers who actually do construction work.
After all this tests it wasn't hard to select as the most comfortable work boots winner. All our tests and reviews are designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing shoes, so you can save time and get it right the first time.
Which work boots last longest?
When creating this year's update, I noticed a few work boots that haven't been updated on Amazon in some time. Many of these models are still available for purchase, but for how long, I'm not sure. My guess is that they are on their way out. However, some of them are still surprisingly highly rated on Amazon.
We know that you are busy and don't typically have time to do extensive product research. However, when you are investing in work boots you have to be picky. It is worth the time to read the hundreds of customer reviews and see if you find the most mentioned pair.
It's easy to choose a cheap pair of work boots, but it doesn't pay off in the long run. Taking the time to find the best pair for you is worth the effort.
What is the most comfortable waterproof work boot?
The Danner 1461 is the most comfortable waterproof work boot of 2019. It is extremely comfortable, with a Gore-Tex 200 bootie and Comfort Cuff.
The boot also offers the perfect combination of stiffness and flexion while being an excellent performer. Most importantly, it is still a favorite of farmers who work continuously in tough conditions.
Conclusion
If you work in a warehouse, garage or construction site, you’re probably familiar with the often exhausting workplace conditions. Things get rough from time to time, and it’s always good to have some sort of protection on your feet. You know, you can’t enjoy your fancy carpeted office if you can’t work because you had your right foot crushed by a fork lift or slipped in some plaster and broke your ankle.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Thorogood Men's American Heritage 6" Moc Toe | Best Overall | |
| Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot | Budget Pick | |
| Carhartt Men's Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot | Upgrade Pick | |