Last Updated: November 3, 2025 | By: The BootsGuru Team
For workers in demanding, wet, and rugged environments (think construction, farming, or oil & gas), a pull-on boot needs to be more than just convenient. It needs to be a fortress for your foot. The Irish Setter Marshall 11″ Waterproof Steel Toe Pull-On is a workhorse boot designed to be exactly that. It’s built to combine the toughness of a traditional, resolable boot with 100% waterproof protection and modern comfort.
But does it hold up to the abuse of a real job site? We dove into the specs, analyzed long-term user feedback, and put it through its paces to see if this boot truly stands out from the competition.
Who This Boot Is For: Farmers, ranchers, construction workers, welders, and anyone working in wet, muddy, or rough conditions who needs a durable, waterproof pull-on with a safety toe.
Who This Boot Is NOT For: Workers needing a lightweight, flexible “sneaker-like” feel, those who prefer the snug fit of a lace-up, or anyone on a very tight budget.
Quick Verdict: Irish Setter Marshall 11″ Steel Toe
- Meets ASTM Safety Standards: This leather non-metallic safety toe work boot with HRO designed rubber outsole is slip, heat, impact, compression, and electrical hazard resistant to meet ASTM F2413-18, M/I/C, EH and ASTM F3445-21, SR safety standards. HRO soles are heat resistant to melting at a minimum of 475º Fahrenheit.
- Steel Safety Toe: Steel safety toe provides an additional protective layer of defense from many hazards that may be encountered at a worksite.
- Comfortable & Durable: The removable polyurethane footbed gives your feet long-lasting comfort, and the midsole of the boot includes a comfortable steel shank that increases stability and offers extra underfoot support. The sole is built with RPM technology, a special composite material that reduces the weight of the boot and adds all-day comfort.
- Waterproof Design: Full grain leather is protected with UltraDry waterproof construction that combines a moisture management lining with waterproof components for dry, long-lasting comfort and performance.
- Platform Construction: The Goodyear Welt construction of the sole prevents water intrusion and adds strength and durability to the boot making it long lasting. It allows the boot to be resoled to extend the life of the boot.
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ 4.4/5 |
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| Best Use Case | Demanding outdoor work in wet, muddy, or rough conditions where durability, safety, and waterproofing are top priorities. |
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| Where to Buy | Check Price on Amazon |
Key Features Breakdown: What Makes the Marshall a Workhorse?
This boot’s reputation comes from its blend of old-school construction and modern technology.
1. UltraDry™ Waterproofing System
This isn’t just “water-resistant” leather. The Marshall features Irish Setter’s UltraDry™ construction, which combines a moisture-management lining with seam-sealed, waterproof full-grain leather. This creates an internal bootie that blocks external moisture while still allowing some sweat to escape, keeping your feet dry in rain, mud, and slush.
2. RPM™ Technology Outsole
One of the biggest complaints about durable pull-on boots is the weight. Irish Setter addresses this with their RPM™ technology. This is a special composite material used in the sole that significantly reduces weight, making the boot feel lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear without sacrificing durability or strength.
3. Goodyear Welt Construction (The Durability Secret)
This is a critical feature. Unlike cheaper, glued (cemented) boots, the Marshall’s sole is attached using a Goodyear Welt. This method stitches the upper to the sole, making it incredibly durable and resistant to sole separation (a common failure point). The biggest benefit? It makes the boot fully resolable. When you wear down the tread after a year or two of hard use, you can take it to a cobbler and have a new sole put on, saving you the cost of a brand new pair.
4. Steel Toe & EH Protection
The boot is fully safety-rated, meeting ASTM F2413-18 standards. It features a Steel Safety Toe for maximum impact and compression protection, as well as an Electrical Hazard (EH) Rating to provide secondary protection from live circuits.
Our Honest Take: A Tough Boot That Demands Patience
After analyzing the build and a ton of long-term user feedback, my takeaway is this: the Irish Setter Marshall is a true, old-school workhorse that rewards patience.
First, the positives. The construction is bombproof. The Goodyear Welt, steel shank, and thick, full-grain leather mean this boot is built to last for years, not months. Users in welding, farming, and power generation all praise its ability to withstand serious abuse. The UltraDry™ waterproofing is highly effective, and the lightweight RPM sole genuinely makes a difference in reducing leg fatigue compared to traditional, heavy-rubber-soled pull-ons.
Now, for the reality check: the break-in period is real and can be tough. Many users report the boot is extremely stiff out of the box, particularly around the ankle and top of the foot. You should expect to wear them for 1-2 weeks before the leather softens and they “become as comfortable as slippers.”
The other common issue is sizing, which users report is consistently large and wide. The general consensus is to order a half to a full size down from your normal shoe size for a proper fit. Once you get the size right and push through the break-in, you’re left with an incredibly durable, comfortable, and reliable waterproof work boot.
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How Does the Marshall Compare?
Irish Setter Marshall vs. Muck Boot Chore
This is a classic “Leather vs. Rubber” battle. The Muck Boot Chore is 100% waterproof out of the box, flexible, and has zero break-in. It’s better for extremely wet, muddy, or messy jobs (like drain cleaning or farming). The Marshall, however, is far more durable against abrasion/punctures, offers superior foot support from its shank and leather upper, and is resolable. Choose the Muck Boot for wetness and convenience; choose the Marshall for rugged durability and long-term support.
Irish Setter Marshall vs. Ariat WorkHog Pull-On
Both are premium, safety-toe leather pull-ons. The Ariat WorkHog often features more “athletic” comfort technology (like their ATS or Shock Shield system) and may have a slightly easier break-in. The Irish Setter Marshall is often praised for its more traditional, bombproof build quality (Goodyear Welt vs. Ariat’s welt-look-alike) and robust UltraDry waterproofing. It’s a trade-off between Ariat’s modern comfort and the Marshall’s classic, rebuildable durability.
Who Should Buy the Irish Setter Marshall?
This boot is an ideal choice for:
- Workers in heavy-duty trades like farming, construction, and oil & gas.
- Anyone needing a durable, resolable pull-on boot for long-term value.
- Individuals working in consistently wet or muddy environments who still prefer a leather boot.
- Welders (the pull-on design and high shaft offer good spark protection).
You should probably look elsewhere if:
- You need a lightweight, flexible boot with no break-in period.
- You work in a very hot, dry climate (it will be too warm).
- You are not willing to be patient with sizing and break-in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the sizing run for the Irish Setter Marshall?
They tend to run large, often by a half or full size. Most long-term users strongly recommend ordering at least a half size down from your standard sneaker size. If you have narrow feet, you may find the regular width (D) to be roomy.
Is the Irish Setter Marshall truly waterproof?
Yes. It’s not just coated leather. It features the UltraDry™ waterproof membrane system combined with seam-sealed construction, which provides reliable, long-lasting protection from standing water, rain, and slush.
How long is the break-in period?
Be prepared for a break-in period of 1 to 2 weeks of regular wear. The thick, high-quality leather is stiff, especially around the ankle. Many users recommend using a quality boot oil or conditioner (like Mink Oil or Saddle Soap) to help soften the leather faster.
Is this boot insulated for cold weather?
This specific model is not insulated. It is designed as a three-season waterproof boot. While the leather and waterproof membrane provide some warmth, it is not a dedicated winter boot for standing in snow or extreme cold. Irish Setter offers other models with Thinsulate™ insulation if that is needed.
Final Verdict: A Tough, Waterproof Workhorse (If You’re Patient)
The Irish Setter Marshall 11″ Steel Toe Boot is a high-quality, durable piece of gear. It’s a “forever boot,” not a disposable one. Its Goodyear Welt construction, UltraDry waterproofing, and tough leather upper make it a true workhorse capable of surviving years of abuse on demanding job sites. The lighter-than-expected RPM sole is a huge bonus for reducing fatigue.
However, it demands a commitment from you: the commitment to get the sizing right (order down!) and to power through the break-in period. If you have that patience, you will be rewarded with an incredibly comfortable, durable, and protective boot that becomes a trusted part of your daily gear.
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