The 10 Best Work Boots for Men

To a person who does not work manually, a pair of work boots will look like any other ordinary pair of shoes. Upon closer inspection, you will find that these boots are not as simple as they might appear but have an intricate design.

Each little component and detail are there to protect the feet of a laborer who works in hazardous conditions. They are specially crafted for men whose jobs require employees to take safety measures so that serious injuries and mishaps can be avoided. Work boots are there to protect you from twisted ankles, fractured bones or cuts on calves.

1. Timberland PRO Direct Attach Steel Toe Boot

If you want a work boot with a retro vibe, look no further. The Timberland PRO Direct Attach Steel Toe Boots are a classic, and construction workers swear by them. They are lightweight shoes with sock liners that can be removed.

The insulation system makes them fit for use in cold conditions, while the rubber lug sole keeps you firmly planted.

This brand has given some of the best work boots for men, but the soles deteriorate quickly. When they come in contact with oil, it leaves visible stains and marks over the soles, giving them a shabby look. They are just not the right kind of shoes if you want them to look like new for a long time.

Main Features

Made out of soft, full-grained leather, these work boots are comfortable. They are built for people who work for hours on end. You will be able to feel easy in them within days since they have a very short break-in period. Comfort is their most striking feature.

Specifications

• These work boots weigh 2 pounds
• They come in a range of colors
• This product is shock-resistant and waterproof
• Made out of 100% leather
• These work boots are insulated with a material known as Thermolite
• They have a sole made of rubber

2. Thorogood American Heritage Safety Toe Boot

Work boots by Thorogood are stylish as the brand has made its mark in craftsmanship. You can wear them to work and even go out for dinner to a restaurant afterwards. Whether you are a construction worker, an electrician or a carpenter, Thorogood work boots will be a sound choice for you.

These pair of shoes are ideal for heavy-duty work. Unfortunately, they are certainly not a good pick if your line of work requires you to wear waterproof work boots. If you step out into a damp area, you will run the risk of getting your feet wet.

Main Features

These boots are arguably the most comfortable work boots out there. They have a cushioned collar, which provides good grip and support to your feet. As they are made with a breathable material, your sweat won’t dampen the interior of your shoes, keeping your feet dry.

Thorogood work boots are durable as they are made of leather tanned with walnut oil, giving them a sturdy look. The studs at the top reinforce this product. Its sole is attached by hand and is made up of Goodyear welt construction, making it a durable pair of work boots.

Specifications

• This footwear has a “storm welt” construction built by Goodyear
• The insole is made up of Poron cushion
• The removable foot bed can fully absorb shocks
• Its soles offer resistance against electric shocks

Also read: 10 Best Work Boots for the Toughest of Tasks

3. Irish Setter 83608 Steel Toe Work Boot

Irish Setter makes some of the best work boots that you can own. Its 83608 Steel Toe Work Boot has an ergonomic design that keeps you snug.

One aspect which undermines its overall reputation as a good work boot is that the direct attach system used for assembling the product is not as durable as the Goodyear welt construction used in manufacturing Thorogood American Heritage work boots.

Main Features

The Irish Setter 83608 meets the requirements set by ASTM. Its safety toe is made up of steel, which provides protection to your feet in the case of an impact. The steel toe protects against both objects falling from a height and sharp nails lying on the floor. This helps it qualify as one of the best steel toe boots in the market.

The construction of the heel and sole protects you from any electrical hazard that might occur on the job. It is designed such that if you step on a live wire, your work boots will keep you safe. It is a must-have for those working in the automotive industry.

Specifications

• Has a removable cushion
• These work boots have steel toes and a shaft height of 6 inches
• Provide slip resistance along with a heat-resistant outsole
• The product’s footbed is made of polyurethane

4. KEEN Utility Flint Work Boot

KEEN Utility men’s work boots come with a strong exterior, giving you maximum protection against massive objects that might fall on your feet while you are working on site. These shoes are super comfy, making you feel at home. They are one of the best work boots worth your money.

However, they have had mixed reviews due to the sole which may detach over time. The adhesive used to attach the sole comes off, wearing out the boots sooner than they would.

Main Features

The key feature of these boots is that the steel toes are asymmetrical, so when you wear them, your toes are equally spaced out in a comfortable position. Such a design helps give you the perfect fit, making room for your toes to relax while you work.

The KEEN Utility Flint Work Boot have a padded collar and tongue, giving you additional support. Plus, these shoes are made of a breathable fabric that does not let sweat or moisture be trapped inside your shoes, thus keeping your feet dry.

Specifications

• These work boots have steel toes that are asymmetrical
• Made of waterproof nubuck leather
• They have a padded collar and tongue
• These work boots have mesh panels that are breathable

5. Timberland PRO TiTAN Safety Toe Boots

Timberland is a brand which always has a way to catch people’s attention with its products. Its work boots usually make it to the best work boots list one way or another. The Timberland PRO TiTAN Safety Toe Boots are slip- and oil-resistant, giving you traction against slippery surfaces.

However, the cement construction of these work boots is not as durable as the Goodyear welt construction in the Timberland PRO Direct Attach Work Boots. They won’t last as long as most products from the same company, despite their incredible features.

Main Features

The easy lacing system lets you put on the boots in no time. People often complain about how long it takes for them to lace up their boots, which can get annoying when you are running late for work. Fret no more, for you can easily glide into the Timberland PRO TiTAN boots.

Furthermore, Timberland uses advanced technology to keep odor at bay. Each pair is treated with an antimicrobial treatment that keeps a check on odor. Hence, your feet will remain fresh and won’t stink when you take your boots off after a long day at work.

Specifications

• Made of waterproof leather
• These boots have a cement construction
• Have antimicrobial treatment for controlling odor
• The product meets the standards set by ASTM
• The boots offer electrical hazard protection

Also read: Best Summer Work Boots

6. Irish Setter 83605 Work Boot

For generations now, Irish Setter has been selling style with a promise of quality, particularly in the case of this pair which has been handcrafted to the utmost perfection. Its rubber soles offer heat resistance at a minimum of 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although these work boots have been carefully designed to cater to the needs of working people, the toe at the front is a bit small for the size. Some buyers complain that the small toe makes them uncomfortable when they have to work for long shifts.

Main Features

The winning feature in these work boots is durability. The rubber sole used is non-marking, and the leather is Briar Turbo Vegas Leather. The shoes have a Goodyear welt construction, and all three combine to give you the toughest work boots which you can wear to work.

These work boots keep you safe from electric shocks thanks to the outsole, which is made up of a shock-absorbent material. It does not let electricity conduct through the boots, allowing the wearer to work freely without being too cautious of getting electrocuted if they step on electric wires.

Specifications

• These shoes have a shaft height of 5.5 inches
• They have an electrical rating of ASTM F2413-11
• They have a rubber sole resistant to 475 degrees Fahrenheit
• The shoes have Goodyear welt construction
• Made up of Briar Turbo Vegas Leather
• Have a shock-absorbent outsole and footbed

7. Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 Composite Toe Boot

Year after year, Carhartt keeps making top-rated work boots with premium quality. It is clearly an exception when it comes to comfort. This brand gives you an abrasion-resistant heel which gives excellent protection against nails and sharp objects at your workplace which might otherwise pierce through your skin.

However, these shoes are not suitable for construction workers as they don’t have a steel toe cap without which you are vulnerable to injuries. Apart from that, despite being resistant to water, they are not waterproof and are not recommended for damp environments unless you like having your boots soaking wet.

Main Features

Carhartt boots have multiple layers of cushions on the insole, which ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the day. In terms of comfort, the Carhartt CMF6366 is the best pair of work boots in the market right now.

The rubber soles provide enough resistance against oil as well as abrasion. They will give you a good performance, allowing you to work in different settings with various types of floors. If you get these boots, you won’t have to think about tripping or slipping so often.

Specifications

• These boots have a cement construction
• Have an OrthoLite insole
• These shoes have composite safety toes
• They have an EVA midsole

8. Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift Steel Toe Boot

These work boots are known as “second shift” for a reason. Made for working at a stretch, the Caterpillar Steel Toe Boots are for those who don’t want to feel tired after wearing boots the entire day. These shoes are durable and worth your hard-earned money.

If you work in very rough conditions with many objects lying around, there’s a fair chance the soles of these boots will fall apart very quickly. The rubber outsole can wear out at a much faster pace, which is a downside of these boots.

Main Features

These ASTM-approved steel toe boots provide you with a number of benefits. If you are a heavy-duty worker, you know that hazards lurk at every corner of your work. These boots are well-equipped to protect workers against innumerable hazards such as slipping on the floor or stepping on a live wire.

The Climasphere insole is odor-resistant, so when you take them off, your feet won’t smell like rotten fish. Besides, Climasphere keeps the interior dry while you’re wearing the boots, which will contribute to your overall performance at work by increasing your productivity.

Specifications

• These work boots have a nylon mesh that wicks away any moisture
• They have a Climasphere insole
• The outsole is made of slip-resistant rubber with gripping lugs
• Have EVA midsole with layers of cushioning

Also read: Best Waterproof Work Boots

9. Wolverine Men’s Nano Toe Work Boots

Wolverine is a brand that uses the latest technology to produce the finest boots for workers. It has been creating some of the best work boots for men for centuries now. The Nano Toe Work Boots have a sturdy leather and outsole made of rubber, giving them traction as well as making them durable.

On the downside, these boots give little protection against water. The tongue of the boots does not hold well in damp conditions and will make you uneasy while working. They are certainly not suitable for you if you are looking for work boots that will keep your feet dry.

Main Features

The Nano Toe is an exceptional feature which is only found in these work boots and not any other on this list of the best work boots. The nanotechnology has made these work boots lightweight. Even the toes are thinner than the toes found in other boots that are made of steel or alloy.

The EPX technology together with the midsole made from EVA and PU keeps you going without getting fatigued. Seldom will you complain of getting tired if you have these work boots on.

Specifications

• Safety toe caps have been made using nanotechnology
• The boots have an EPX honeycomb heel
• Made of 100% pure leather

10. Caterpillar Second Shift Soft Toe Boots

Caterpillar products which say “second shift” are designed for working for several hours on end. The upper part of these soft toe boots is breathable, so they will keep you fresh and comfy while you work.

It must be kept in mind that these boots are not suitable if your work involves sharp, heavy objects. Also, they aren’t waterproof. They ask a higher price for work boots that have soft toes and no waterproofing system, which makes them unpopular among workers.

Main Features

This pair has a removable insole and rubber outsole, which gives a firm grip on oil and slippery slopes. You will feel comfortable moving around in it because of the traction it will give you.

These boots give you a shaft height which is high enough to protect a good length near your calf. Together with the nubuck leather, the good height these shoes give and the type of leather used to make them will give your feet maximum protection.

Specifications

• These boots have a mesh lining which keeps them fully ventilated
• Have Climasphere sock liner to wick away any moisture
• The outsole is made of rubber that gives traction on oil
• These boots have a Goodyear welt construction

Last Words

Work boots are crucial for your safety, so choose them wisely. While it is definitely a challenge to find the best work boots that are worth your money, it isn’t impossible to find the right ones. The conditions at your job can help you make this choice as it is the hazards you encounter daily at your workplace which compels you to buy safety boots in the first place.

When deciding on a product, look for the type of safety toes used in it. They come in all types such as steel, aluminum, composite and soft. If you work at a construction site, steel toes can be a lifesaver.

This review has considered various characteristics such as durability, comfort and the material used in making the boots to list some brilliant options offered by various brands. The Thorogood American Heritage Safety Toe Boots have been an all-rounder on this list because they provide maximum protection in different conditions.