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Oct 18, 2024

The Best Work Boots of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Manual labor can be hard on the feet , but a good pair of work boots can keep them comfortable and well-protected. We’ve narrowed down the best work boots to help you tread carefully in dangerous work

Manual labor can be hard on the feet, but a good pair of work boots can keep them comfortable and well-protected. We’ve narrowed down the best work boots to help you tread carefully in dangerous work environments, and also stand comfortably on hard surfaces for hours at a time.

Like any tool, there’s a right boot for the job. While most of us will sacrifice comfort for safety and function, bulky and stiff work boots can lead to chronic pain. Overall, the best work boots should balance the competing priorities of comfort and utility.

Even if you’re careful, heavy materials can unexpectedly fall and crush a foot. When that happens, the only thing that sits between you and workmen’s comp is a work boot. Finding the proper footwear is a step toward a long and healthy career.

Based in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado, lead author and boot tester Constance Mahoney was raised as a fifth-generation hunter and rancher. Mahoney and her husband live a life that demands a lot from footwear. They manage property, work seasonal jobs, hunt, fly fish, and frequently venture out into the mud and snow. Every boot on this list has been submitted to careful examination and real-world scrutiny.

We’ve categorized boots into steel-toe, safety-toe, and soft-toe varieties. To better evaluate each boot’s utility, we rated each on a “utility scale,” measuring a boot’s casual wearability against its utility.

From weekend chore masters to heavy-duty diesel drivers, here are the best work boots of 2024. To help you find the best work boot for your needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide, a frequently asked questions section, and a comparison chart.

Editor’s Note: Heading into Fall, the days are getting shorter, but the workdays are just as long, so we updated this guide on August 12, 2024, to include a few more models to keep you safe and comfortable on your feet. The Classic Blundstone #172 is our new favorite pull-on boot, the Wolverine Reforce Energybound 6” Carbonmax makes for a roomy steel-toed option, and the CAT Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe is a good choice for those looking for a low top with the safety features of a boot.

From machinery to workwear, Caterpillar is a staple in the work industry. The Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot ($140) stands out as our top overall work boot thanks to its unique features. With a short break-in period, they offer a rare combination of comfort and durability. These boots are also built with a Goodyear welt, a feature that sets them apart as they can be repaired repeatedly. Designed for the rigors of work, these boots are a smart investment for daily use.

With the price under $150, we weren’t sure how the Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot would hold up. They looked good, but could they actually keep up with long days in the shop or outside in the elements? Turns out they are the best of both worlds: affordable and comfortable. The waterproof full-grain leather upper keeps your feet dry even on muddy, wet days, and the mesh liner helps the boot breathe so your feet don’t get stuffy.

The rounded steel toe is the main safety feature, but Caterpillar included other thoughtful details in the design. The ankle and tongue have an additional cushion, and the heel counter is made of a flexible yet durable material that protects your Achilles. For extra safety, they double-stitched a reflective piece on the back of the heel, making for a nice visibility feature.

The cushioned footbed is comfortable and made for a short break-in period, a bonus when you need a boot to be comfortable right away. Our tester works both on concrete floors and outside in uneven terrain, and the boot keeps up nicely. He didn’t notice his feet fatiguing during long 14-hour work days, whether inside or outside.

The boot is agile enough to hop in and out of skid steers and climb up and down tall potato trucks. The trade-off of a steel toe boot is the rigidity of the toebox, but the leather toe vamp allows for enough bend that climbing up and down isn’t too restrictive.

The footbed itself is wide and might not fit those with narrow feet well. Our tester found the toebox wide enough for his toes to spread out, but the heel cup is a little too wide for his streamlined heel. The laces stretch, something we’re not crazy about, and it’s difficult to get the toebox to cinch down tight. It may be hard to get a precise fit if your feet are already swimming in these boots. The eyelet hooks are well-built, and the laces never budged when tied.

Overall, the Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot is ideal for daily work. It is comfortable for long days and protects feet from the elements and potential work accidents. The CAT Alaska 2.0 boots come in 6-inch steel-toe (tested), 6-inch standard-toe, and 8-inch steel-toe insulated varieties.

We understand that not everyone can afford the best on the market, especially when you’re just starting out. I recall my first construction job and the boss saying, “Don’t show up if you don’t have steel-toe work boots on.”

The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot ($115) fits the needs of someone looking for a great boot at a lower price. The Second Shift is comfortable enough right out of the box to wear for a full day’s work with no blistering or hot spots. As you wear them, the thick, oiled leather uppers break into a really comfortable fit that forms to your foot. It has a padded cuff to prevent chafing and a mesh liner that allows your feet to breathe.

These boots can handle water exposure decently well; they’re water resistant but not waterproof. We found that on a long day in the slush of a Minnesota spring, the leather was soaked, leading to damp and clammy feet. Because of this, we would say these are best suited for dry location work with occasional water exposure.

Keeping the leather oiled helps keep the water out in the occasional deep puddle or on really wet days. The slip-resistant tread is shaped in a way that sheds dirt and rocks very well while still providing great traction. Sole and mid-foot flexibility is great as well, allowing for all-day comfort.

If you’re shopping for work boots on a budget, the Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boots are a great buy.

If you gave a child a crayon and asked them to draw a work boot, chances are they would push back a sketch similar to the Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe ($250). With a simple 6-inch shaft, bold, reinforced stitching, and a moccasin-style cap sewn over a wedge sole — it’s an American classic that defines the early work boot.

Many companies sell a wedge-style moc toe, but nobody owns the market like Thorogood. The American Heritage 6-inch remains the brand’s bellwether boot.

The American Heritage style has worked its way into the closets of the fashion-forward. But make no mistake — this is a hardworking boot that’s entirely capable of an honest day’s work. The 2.2mm, oil-tanned leather upper is unlined, triple-stitched for durability, and anchored to the MAXwear wedge sole with a Goodyear storm welt.

People who stand on hard surfaces all day swear by them for comfort. Why? Instead of putting pressure on a heel and the ball of the foot, the flat outsole disperses your weight across the entire sole. The tread is too shallow for reliable traction outside, but this boot excels on the hard, smooth, slick surfaces you find in warehouses.

One of the best parts of owning a pair of American Heritage boots is Thorogood’s restoration program. After you’ve put some abusive miles on them, you can box them up and send them back to Thorogood, where the brand will rebuild your boots by hand to a “like new” condition for $90-125.

Not every job requires the protective heft of the safety toe, and that’s why we love the flexibility and comfort of this classic soft-toe moc. It has the durability most weekend workers will ever need and provides the unassuming confidence to walk through life’s lighter tasks.

If you need more protection, the American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe is available in a steel-toe model ($255).

Since 1932, Danner has been renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and making durable boots for tradesmen and women. The Danner Steel Yard ($200) is part of the brand’s most popular work boot family. But with the addition of the metatarsal guard paired with a steel toe, you’ve got the best total protection for your foot.

The upper full-grain leather has been tested six times to ensure it is the strongest and most durable leather. The Goodyear welt construction attaches the outsole to the upper and creates a stable and long-lasting connection. The outsole uses an oil-and-slip-resistant rubber with angled lugs and a defined heel for versatile traction. It is also Electrical Hazard Certified. These are made to keep you safe.

Safety is crucial, but comfort is a bonus. The inside has a mesh lining to help with airflow, a patent-pending plush, dual-density footbed, and underfoot venting for airflow. The heel is slightly narrow, but it opens up in the toebox.

Our tester noted that while the footbed is comfortable, the steel plate over the metatarsals does limit flexibility. However, it is a small price to pay for the safety the Danner Steel Yard provides.

Although BOGS is best known for its neoprene pull-on “farm” boots, the brand’s work boots are worth a look. Available in a variety of protection types, BOGS’ Bedrock series is a lightweight boot that wears like a hiker. We particularly like the 6-Inch Bedrock II ($170).

At the core of the boot is the bouncy midsole. The soft boot truly feels like a hiker and can be worn straight out of the box. This is what we’d expect from a boot with a cemented outsole, which generally provides a wonderfully comfortable fit.

The pebbled insole is a nice touch, too. Slide your feet into the boots, and the insole massages your feet. It’s super comfortable and wakes up the feet in the early morning.

The entire boot is wrapped with lightweight but protective “action” leather. This “shell” leather is reputed to be 10 times more durable than traditional leather and (true to all BOGS) is 100% waterproof.

With a 6-inch shaft, the boot has the potential to be very supportive. We just wished it offered a little more, as we found more ankle support in some of the other 6-inch boots we tested.

The BOGS Bedrock 6-Inch WP runs slightly wide, and it looks like it. With a large profile, we’d recommend sizing down a half size for a more precise fit.

Overall, the combination of supple materials and a wonderfully comfortable midsole made this boot the most comfortable work boot we stepped into this year.

The Blundstone #172 ($205) is a great choice for folks looking for a slip-on work boot with robust construction and a timeless design. Featuring a premium leather upper and a protective toe kick guard, this boot is stylish and built to withstand the rigors of both work environments and everyday use.

The elastic side panels make it easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, the lack of laces simplifies the process. The pull tab is robust and is large enough to pull while wearing work gloves. The boot’s durable leather is complemented by a heat-resistant TPU outsole, providing traction and stability on various surfaces. Our tester found it worked well when things got slippery on the worksite, or there was an oil spill on the shop floor. The treads provided the security she needed to continue working without second-guessing her steps.

The boot has a cushioned midsole and a convenient removable footbed if you want to swap out insoles. At first, the steel toe restricted mobility, but after a month of break-in, our tester found it comfortable for all-day wear. She also noted that the Blundstone website has advice on the best way to break in the boots. She followed the instructions and had little issues breaking them in.

Overall, these are best for those looking for a slip-on with a contemporary look that still offers protection while working. Just be sure to schedule some break-in time before you use them for daily use.

Sometimes, it’s nice to have a work shoe when a full-size boot isn’t necessary. Cat’s Men’s Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe ($145) stands out by blending durability with the modern comfort of a shoe and the safety features found in work boots.

Designed with a composite toe, these shoes protect against impact and compression without the added weight of traditional steel toes. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need a lightweight yet protective option for their work environments.

Comfort is a key highlight of the Invader Mecha Work Shoe. Its cushioned insole and shock-absorbing midsole work together to minimize foot fatigue, even during long hours on hard surfaces. Our tester appreciated the comfort of a shoe when his work days didn’t need a full boot. The moisture-wicking lining kept our tester’s feet dry.

However, he did notice his feet heating up when he was on the move. When he was working in the shop and not hustling around, his feet stayed comfortable, but when he was actively working outside, he found they weren’t as breathable as he would like a shoe to be.

Performance-wise, the Invader Mecha has both versatility and traction. The slip-resistant outsole provides grip on a variety of surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, the shoe’s design incorporates features like reinforced toecaps and durable stitching, ensuring longevity and resilience in harsh working conditions.

While some users might find the shoe’s appearance a bit more casual compared to traditional work boots, the blend of functionality and comfort makes it a solid choice for those seeking reliable and stylish low-top work footwear.

For really cold, snowy, wet conditions, we reach for a simple pull-on neoprene boot. They’re super easy to work with and provide bombproof weather protection. Muck’s Arctic Pro ST ($215) is the go-to boot for contractors in Idaho’s ever-expanding mountain towns, and for good reason. They are easy to use, warm the legs, and allow you to work in deep drifts without ingressing snow, which hampers progress.

The 17.5-inch shafts are made from a thick, 8mm neoprene and lined with a soft fleece. The lower boot is protected by a rubber layup, adding complete waterproofing. A 2mm thermal foam footbed rides over the EVA midsole. It’s comfortable and prevents valuable heat from seeping out of the sole.

The boots are anchored to a Bob Tracker outsole. It’s not an aggressive hiker grip and doesn’t sport the ice-gripping rubber found on the Arctic Ice. Overall, it’s more suitable for snow and “muck.”

A comprehensive package brings these boots’ comfort range all the way down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit. We haven’t tested these ratings, and we hope you don’t have to either. But know that you’ll be comfortable working through any wet, wintry task.

Muck’s Arctic boot line is available in mid and tall models. But for serious work, we recommend the Pro version, which is the warmest in the fleet and sports a steel toe and shank for protection.

The Muck Arctic Pro ST fits true to size with a minimal sock. Keep in mind, Muck Boots are only available in whole sizes. If you prefer a thicker sock, we’d recommend sizing up.

The Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge ($175) is a top-notch safety workboot, a testament to Carhartt’s commitment to quality. Crafted with oil-tanned leather, a steel toe, and a dual-density rubber outsole with Goodyear welt construction, these boots are not only waterproof and durable, but they’re also a stylish addition to your work gear.

The wedge adds over an inch in height but always feels stable. The extra cushioned tongue provides protection and helps relieve any pressure when the laces need to be locked down tight. The laces are long, round, and a little stiff. They do come untied in the beginning and, like the shoe, have a bit of a breaking-in period.

Our testers were on their feet all day shipping out seed potatoes, which included a mix of manual labor and standing next to a conveyor belt. The boots did a good job keeping the dust out and the feet dry. They are not the most comfortable climbing in and out of tall trucks, but as they break in, the leather continues to soften. The sole is stiff, and the outsole offers oil and slip-resistant lugs.

The lugs are not aggressive and are best used indoors or outside on flat terrain where extra grip is not needed. The boot includes a Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane that keeps moisture out while allowing sweaty feet to breathe. The FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat and keeps your feet dry.

The Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge is a reliable choice for those looking for a stylish steel toe boot, especially for indoor use. However, it’s important to note that these boots do require a breaking-in period before they can provide optimal comfort. So, if you’re planning on using them for long workdays, be sure to allow for this initial period of adjustment.

The Wolverine Reforce EnergyBound 6″ CarbonMAX Work Boot ($170) is a solid choice for workers seeking a blend of comfort, protection, and durability. The combination of CarbonMAX technology for lightweight safety, EnergyBound midsole for superior cushioning, and rugged construction make these boots well-suited for demanding jobs.

These boots feature Wolverine’s CarbonMAX safety toe technology, which is made of lightweight carbon fiber for protection against impact and compression hazards. Our tester used these on concrete floors, navigating construction sites, and working in adverse weather conditions, these boots delivered. He appreciated the lightness of the composite toe and the short break-in period.

The 6-inch height provides ankle support with minimum restriction and provides a bit of height that’s beneficial for walking through worksites on rainy days. The boots are also equipped with slip-resistant rubber lugs, which worked well when our tester was working outside during a rainy spring season in the Colorado Rockies. He was confident in his step when he transitioned from a muddy outside into a concrete floor workspace. They aren’t the most breathable, however, and his feet did get hot working long days outside mid-summer.

The Wolverine Men’s Reforce EnergyBound 6″ CarbonMAX Work Boot is recommended for those who prioritize comfort and safety without compromising on quality and don’t want to pay over $200. They are slightly roomier compared to traditional steel toes, which can be beneficial for those with wider feet or those who prefer a bit more toe wiggle room. These would be best to try on first. For more height options, they come in 6”, 8”, and 10” with a composite toe as well as a 6” soft toe.

The pull-on ankle boot is one of our favorite boot styles. They fit over the foot with ease and quickly kick off after a long day of work. Our Blundstone 566 is one of our favorite winter boots and is great for more desk-bound office work. But they aren’t suitable for hard labor.

Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea ($180) is an interpretation of the pull-on through the lens of the work boot. All seams on the 6-inch boot are double-stitched, which locks all the high-stress points. The composite safety toe rides unobtrusively inside the boot. The silhouette is slightly stouter than a non-safety-toe boot, but the Chelsea styling hides it well.

The McKinney Chelsea runs about a size too large. We’d recommend buying a full size down from your normal size. But once the fit is dialed, you get a boot that provides all-day comfort with wearable protection. The composite toe is very light and provides full coverage for the first four toes. The pinky toe rides just outside the toebox.

Kodiak’s McKinney has a fat chevron tread. The traction is blocky, but the spacing is tight and prone to collecting debris. A 1.5cm heel gives the boot a middle-of-the-line lift that, in our minds, splits the difference between what we look for in an indoor and outdoor boot, making this boot a good all-rounder.

The leather on the McKinney Chelsea is waterproof. Unfortunately, the elastic stretch panels are not. Step into anything deeper than 4 inches, and your feet will get wet.

We also wished the boots had a front pull-on strap to pair with the back. Of course, that sort of detailing starts to tread into the look and feel of a stylish pull-on style boot, so we’ll let it slide. This is a capable boot considering its casual vibes, though we liked the Blundstone #172 even more thanks to its dual pull-tabs and steel toe.

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots ($470) are built to withstand tough conditions. They have double and triple stitching in high wear areas, 2.8mm thick full-grain leather uppers, and 7mm nylon midsoles for extra support. There are no seams down the tongue for abrasion resistance and to beef up its waterproofness.

At 7” tall, these boots provide excellent ankle support, crucial for navigating uneven or rocky landscapes. The Lightweight K-Talon outsole and protective rubber sole guard give you confidence on slippery or loose surfaces. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or working in demanding environments, the boots offer solid footing.

The Windtex waterproof capabilities are outstanding, keeping your feet dry even in wet and muddy conditions. This feature saved our tester’s feet as he packed out his elk in wintery weather in a canoe.

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots are an excellent choice for individuals who demand performance and durability in challenging outdoor environments. With top-notch waterproofing, traction, and support, these boots excel in various conditions. While there might be a brief break-in period, they are not insulated, and with a noticeably higher price point, the long-term reliability and comfort make them a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Timberland’s PRO line offers boots for serious work, but keeps comfort in mind. The Boondocks boots ($200) are protected with soft, waterproof leather and a robust rubber-toe bumper, all sewn together with double, triple, and quadruple stitching. These boots exude quality in look and feel.

Despite tipping the scales at 35 ounces (per boot), these hardwearing boots are deceptively light on the feet. Under the hood, the toes are protected by a composite safety toe. A fiberglass shank lightens the load while providing structural support. The midsole is made from dual-density foams, simultaneously subtracting weight and adding flexibility and comfort.

The Boondocks have a hybrid outsole. The front three-quarters of the boot is fastened to the upper with a Goodyear welt, but the heel is cemented. Underfoot, the traction has a distinct hiker-style tread that sheds muck and is resistant to slipping, oil, and abrasions.

The combination of a welted and cemented sole allows for durability, stability, and a very comfortable boot that breaks in quickly. These are the most comfortable Goodyear welt* boots on the list. We use an asterisk because, unfortunately, the three-quarter welt is not resoleable.

A fully waterproof bootie sits under the waterproof leather, extending into the gusseted tongue. We typically find this level of weather protection in winter hiking boots but rarely in work boots. Bonus: This also protects against bloodborne critters.

Though the Boondock is not insulated, we found the waterproof membrane adds to the warmth. Our boots tested to be comfortable down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Two speed hooks allow you to lace up to the top of the boot, and the hooks have integrated eyelets so, should you prefer, you can lace the boot entirely through eyelets.

If your 9-to-5 runs closer to 7-to-7, the Boondock shouldn’t be overlooked — these are supremely comfortable boots. Keep in mind, the Boondocks boots run about a half-size big and also wide, especially in the toebox.

If your dogs sit squarely in E, these will feel great. Otherwise, we’d recommend sizing down a half size. And if you still have questions, Timberland allows returns within 30 days — with a full refund.

The Danner Vicious boot ($220-270) is comfortable right out of the box. The dual-density EVA midsole allows for comfort on those extra-long work days or when carrying heavy loads. It’s a relatively lightweight work boot, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t built to be used. The full-grain leather upper, Vibram outsole, and composite toe option make it durable and ready to work.

The lining is waterproof with a GORE-TEX liner, which our tester put to the ultimate test by packing out an elk with several creek and snow crossings. Her feet stayed dry and she appreciated the heel cup and wider toebox. Her feet didn’t slip inside the boot and never had any blisters.

The 90-degree heel adds more lugs and grooves to help maintain balance on uneven terrain but has a low enough profile that transitions from shop to outdoor work easily. Which came in handy when she wore the same boots standing on a concrete floor to process the elk she helped pack out.

This boot is a top-tier option for those in need of reliable and durable footwear. The combination of comfort, traction, and waterproofing makes them versatile for various activities and environments. Despite a higher price point, the long-term durability and performance make them well worth the investment.

The Danner Vicious comes in many different options. For women, there is a 4” plain toe or composite toe version. For men, there is a 4.5”, 6”, and 8” option with plain, composite, or composite with a floating PU metatarsal guard. They even have an 8” insulated version.

Heritage boots are defined as classic leather boots, often made in America. The style exudes a vintage aesthetic, traditional materials, and heirloom quality. Perhaps no boot brand better exemplifies heritage footwear better than Red Wing. At the tip of the feather of Red Wing’s Heritage line is its iconic Iron Ranger ($350)

The Iron Rangers are named after Minnesota’s Iron Range mountains, where miners still trolly taconite ore out of the hills to produce iron. The boot’s 2mm full-grain leather is triple-stitched and patched with an extra protective leather cap over the toes. Polished nickel eyes and hooks ride up the 6-inch shaft to close the boot around the ankle.

A Vibram 430 Mini Lug outsole sits under a cork midsole and is sewn to the boot by way of a Goodyear welt. It’s a negligible lug, providing just enough bite on sloppy sidewalks or in the back end of the restaurant.

The Iron Rangers are at the other end of our utility scale, wearing far more casual than utilitarian — which shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, this is the boot Bradley Cooper pairs with a two-piece suit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t pull a swing shift.

Our friend Tim Reeve, who sits at the helm of our favorite knife company — Chris Reeve Knives — has two everyday carries: his Sebenza 31 knife and his Iron Rangers.

The boots list for $330, but our reviewer bought his on eBay for $125. In addition to the price break, the boots were already broken in and perfectly faded.

If you’re upping your game from sneakers or desert boots, we highly recommend stepping into a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. With comfort, looks, and the “handmade in America” stamp, you really can’t go wrong with the Rangers.

The GearJunkie team does not shy away from manual work. Our crew is used to being on their feet for hours in all different weather and working conditions. Safety is a priority, and work boots are critical.

Boots that are ill-fitting or not made to a certain standard can be dangerous and put your feet and sometimes your life in danger. That is why it is so important for us to list all of the safety ratings for the boots in this guide.

Lead author Constance Mahoney grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana. She is no stranger to long days on her feet in all weather conditions. She understands the importance of having the right boot for the job and thinks work boots are just as important as the tools she works with. Quality matters.

Constance’s husband, Taylor, has been working in the trades since 2006, and is on-site 5 days a week putting the gear he’s wearing to the real test. He is also a licensed chiropractor trained in biomechanics, gait, and orthotics, giving him a unique perspective on how work boots should support, fit, and flex.

Some of the boots in our selection are versatile enough to hike in, but if you’re looking to get into the woods after you’ve clocked out, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best hiking boots and the best boots for hunting.

Of course, a work boot should protect your feet, but the unsung task of the work boot is to enable you to work hour after hour, day after day.

If the boot isn’t working, your legs, hips, back, and neck will compensate and eventually take the brunt (and do so with less grace). Above all else, a work boot’s task is to address stress at the ground level. A comfortable boot is arguably a safer boot. You’ll be more sure-footed and focused on the task at hand in a comfortable boot.

The outsole is where the rubber meets the road. Riding over the cushiony midsole and in direct contact with the ground, the outsole is about grip and protection.

Many boots use special formulas of urethane compounds that strike a balance of flexibility, durability, and increased traction on slick surfaces. If you work in shops where oils occasionally spill on the floor, look for shoes that specifically indicate oil and slip resistance. The best of the best are certified to meet SRC slip-resistance standards.

For standing all day on concrete, we prefer the simple wedge-shaped sole. Unlike a heeled boot, the sole has full contact with the ground. This helps absorb the shock with every step and disperses forces equally across the sole. A full-contact outsole also adds a little extra traction and, hence, is often a preferred sole for those working on slick surfaces.

When you think of the wedge sole, you immediately think of the classic moc-toe boot. We listed Thorogood’s American Heritage 6-inch moc toe MAXwear Wedge as our preferred soft-toe boot. But if your shoes are resoleable, a wedge sole can be added to any work boot regardless of the toe type.

If you’re standing all day on cement, like working the floor at Costco, a wedge-shaped sole should be on your list. Or, if your work brings you outside, look for a hiker-like tread that provides more traction in dirt and mud.

Sitting opposite the wedge sole is the heeled boot. The raised cowboy-style heel shifts your center of gravity slightly forward. These boots can be extremely durable and stable. But that gap between the heel and under the ball of the foot doesn’t give the foot full contact with the ground.

Because of this, they can feel a little squirrelly on slick ground. But they seat well with climbing spurs and have added ankle stability while climbing. Hence, you’ll often find taller heels on logger-style boots.

Soles can be cemented or welted to the boot. Cemented boots are lighter, more flexible, and arguably more comfortable out of the box. But once the sole wears out, shoes with cemented outsoles are irreparable.

A Goodyear welt can be resoled several times, increasing the life of your purchase. The outsole welt is sewn to the bottom of the shoe, enabling boots to be sewn and re-sewn multiple times. The shoe won’t be as comfortable underfoot as a boot cemented to an EVA midsole, but the durability and support are reasonable trade-offs. Over time, slipping into a Goodyear-welted boot will feel wonderfully comfortable.

Need more support? Consider an aftermarket insole. Available in a variety of thicknesses and cushion levels, Superfeet orthotics add a touch of personalized support to your boot. We particularly recommend an aftermarket insole for boots that lack a midsole.

Dry feet are warm feet. If you’re working in truly wet conditions — like pulling crab pots off the Aleutian Islands — look for 100% waterproof boots. If it’s both wet and cold, upgrade to a thicker neoprene shell like Muck Boot’s fleece-lined Arctic Pro. It’s both 100% waterproof and rated down to -60 degrees F.

Other boots, like the BOGS Bedrock, use waterproof leather. In addition to waterproof leather, Timberland’s Boondocks and Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots add a waterproof-breathable membrane to keep moisture out. These membranes allow boots to be both waterproof and breathable.

Cold-weather boots include a thermal footbed and insulation in the shaft. The insulation is listed in the fabric’s weight per yard in grams. The higher the gram count, the warmer the boot is.

For cold job sites, we recommend boots with no less than 200 g of insulation in the liner (with 400 g the preferred winter standard). Muck Boot’s Arctic Pro has a fat neoprene outer lined with fleece.

If winter work boots have a safety toe, look for boots with insulation around the cap (or composite cap). This reduces the conductive effects of heat transfer from the toes to the safety toe.

High-vis accents are also great, especially if your work starts and ends in the dark or if you’re working roadside.

When he was younger, our lead tester’s dad worked on a farm that still plowed the fields with steel-wheeled tractors. Long story short, he now has nine toes. The importance of protective boots can’t be overlooked.

“Safety boots” are boots that have a protective cap that covers the phalanges (your actual toes). The cap resists compression, puncture, and impact forces.

Steel toe versus safety toe: What’s the difference? All steel-toe boots are considered safety-toe boots. Safety-toe boots are available in composites, alloys, Kevlar, and hard plastics. Steel is more durable and is considered the gold standard on many job sites. But they can conduct cold, heat, and electricity. Our top pick for a steel-toe boot is the Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot. The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot is a great budget-friendly option.

Composites still meet the compression and impact safety standards, but they may only be able to sustain one of these impacts. On the flip side, composite-toe boots are lighter and won’t conduct currents. If you need toe protection on cold-weather job sites or work with high-voltage equipment, consider buying a non-metallic safety toe boot like the Perkins boot. Or if you are looking for an office boot with a composite toe, check out Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea.

Nineteen of the foot’s 26 bones sit under the tongue and vamp of a shoe. The five bones that connect the toes to the ankle and form the arch of the foot are your metatarsals. Some boots like the Danner Steel Yard come with an additional protective “met-guard” that lies over the laces, protecting the metatarsals.

Protection is what elevates a boot from a supportive hiker to an industry heavy-hitter. Standards provide confidence in the boot’s ability to perform under specific stressors.

If you poke around work boots enough, you’ll likely come across safety ratings set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These are international standards that identify the minimal requirements for protective footwear on the job site. They rate everything from viral penetration to puncture resistance to compression ratings.

ASTM-F2413 standards rate boots specifically for compression, impact, metatarsal, conductive properties, electrical hazards, static dissipation, and puncture. Here are some typical ASTM abbreviations:

Each is followed by a number. To find how your prospective boot rates, the ASTM standards are outlined in four lines:

So if we interpret the Timberland Boondock, we get the following:

EH: Outsole is made from non-conductive materials that are shock-resistant

Which boot is best for you? If you’re puttering around the house on weekends, choose a comfortable boot with appropriate protection for your daily tasks.

Unless you’re Clark Griswold, you probably don’t need a heavy-duty, steel-toe boot to hang Christmas lights. You’d be better served with a comfortable, supportive boot with traction like the Danner Vicious. If you want something more stylish that pairs well with suites and shop work, look at the American-made Red Wing’s Iron Ranger. However, if you’re splitting wood or mowing the lawn, it’s not a bad idea to consider a safety toe for protection.

Many jobs will explicitly share which footwear meets required ASTM standards before you can step foot on the site. Neglecting to follow them can incur large fines from OSHA. Getting injured while deciding not to wear protective boots on the job can affect your workmen’s comp and insurance. If you’re unsure, ask your boss what standards your boots need to comply with.

You can buy any of these boots online. And some manufacturers, like White’s, will only build a boot off of your mailed measurements. But for most boots, it’s best to try them on at a local shop. A boot’s last can be different than your street shoe. A shop can measure your feet and ensure you’re stepping into a proper-fitting boot.

Try boots on at the end of the day, preferably after work. Your feet swell over a day’s work, and trying on shoes after your shift will provide a better gauge of a proper fit.

When you try on ski boots, you bring ski socks. The same goes for work boots. Bring a pair of socks you intend to wear with the boots. Better yet, buy yourself a new pair of socks; they wear out quicker than you think. Plus, nobody wants to try on shoes with socks pulled from the shop’s community bin.

Take care of your boots. Invest in a good horsehair brush to regularly dust off dirt and grime. Clean your boots with warm water. Leather is like your skin and needs moisturizing. Condition your leather boots after every wash.

Your boots are tools, so periodically check them for wear and tear. Treat the safety toe like a helmet. If a composite toe has taken a hit, it’s probably best to retire the boots. If the boot has a Goodyear welt, uneven wear on the sole’s heel, or any splitting from the boot, it’s a good indication it’s time to resole.

Work boots can be expensive, but they’re part and parcel of your health and wage. Buy wisely, and they should serve you well for years to come.

We found that the BOGS Bedrock II 6″ WP is the most comfortable work boot on the market for most foot shapes. However, if possible, go to a store after your shift is done and try on different boots to see what feels more comfortable to you.

The best work boot you can buy will be the one that matches the safety ratings you need and one that you can wear repeatedly for hours on end. Everyone’s specifics will differ, but the Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 and the Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST were two of the best overall boots we tested.

A MOC toe is a style of boot that has a seam running around the top edge of the toe. The Thorogood American Heritage 6-inch moc toe is a prime example of this.

Work boots that hurt your feet generally do not provide the correct support, or they do not fit correctly. Finding the correct boots for your feet is important, and generally, the more money you spend on a work boot, the more comfort and support you will get. Follow our buyer’s guide above to help make a comfortable choice.

Everyone’s feet are different, so finding the correct boot for your feet is important. Here are some tips to lead you to the right boot when you go out boot shopping. If you need more info on how to choose the right boot, check out GearJunkie’s boot-buying tips.

Try on boots at the end of the workday. Your feet change shape throughout the day so trying on boots at the end of the day when your feet have swollen, widened, and flattened will allow for a much better fit that won’t have your feet hurting at the end of a long day.

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