Skip to main content
The best work boots: Two pair of work boots sitting on top of a work bench. Credit: Reviewed / TJ Donegan

The Best Work Boots of 2025

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

The best work boots: Two pair of work boots sitting on top of a work bench. Credit: Reviewed / TJ Donegan

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
1
Editor's Choice Product image of Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots
Best Work Boot for Most

Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots

Check Price at Amazon

The high-quality Chippewa steel logger boots are a supportive pair of work boots that will protect your feet in almost any condition. Read More

Pros

  • Lots of safety features
  • Ankle and arch support
  • Quality materials

Cons

  • Heavy
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Ever Boots Tank 6-Inch Work Boots
Best Value Work Boot

Ever Boots Tank 6-Inch Work Boots

Check Price at Amazon

The EverBoots Tank soft toe work boots are an affordable, comfortable pair of boots perfect for homeowners and weekend warriors. Read More

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Supportive

Cons

  • Few safety features
  • Less durable over time
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Wolverine Raider Durashocks Waterproof 6-inch Carbonmax Work Boot
Most Comfortable Work Boot

Wolverine Raider Durashocks Waterproof 6-inch Carbonmax Work Boot

Check Price at Amazon

The high-quality Wolverine Raider Carbonmax-toe boots are durable, and they include all of the safety and support features needed for daily work. Read More

Pros

  • Good safety features
  • Comfortable
  • Made of quality materials

Cons

  • None that we could find
4
Product image of Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Best Ankle Support in a Work Boot

Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot

Check Price at Amazon

These steel toe boots are rugged, heavy-duty, and meant to keep your feet safe and secure on nearly any kind of job site. Read More

Pros

  • High quality, rugged construction
  • Lots of safety features
  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • Stiff collar
  • Less comfortable over time
5
Product image of Ariat Sierra Shock Shield Work Boot
Best Work Boot for High Heat

Ariat Sierra Shock Shield Work Boot

Check Price at Ariat

This work boot features a fun Western style paired with a durable construction meant for intense, high-heat environments. Read More

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Durable
  • Extra protection around the ankle and shin

Cons

  • No safety toe
  • Best Work Boot for Most Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots
  • Best Value Work Boot Ever Boots Tank 6-Inch Work Boots
  • Most Comfortable Work Boot Wolverine Raider Durashocks Waterproof 6-inch Carbonmax Work Boot
  • Best Ankle Support in a Work Boot Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
  • Best Work Boot for High Heat Ariat Sierra Shock Shield Work Boot
  • Best Chelsea Work Boot Brunt Ohman Brunt Toe (Comp Toe)
  • Best Work Sneaker Keen Arvada Work Sneaker (Carbon Toe)
  • Other Work Boots We Evaluated
  • What To Consider When Buying Work Boots
  • FAQ: What To Know About Work Boots
  • Why You Should Trust Our Expertise
  • What Other Reviewers Are Saying About the Best Work Boots
  • Read More About Boots and Shoes on Reviewed

One of the most important pieces of equipment to help make it through long, hard days is footwear. The work boots you wear can be the difference between finishing the job with ease and crying with your feet up when you get home. For anyone doing manual labor, whether for their job or at home, a quality pair of work boots is a must-have investment. Work boots should be comfortable, supportive, and durable—with all the necessary safety features to keep your feet healthy all day.

To find the best work boots for men, we tested nine of the most popular work boots available. After stress testing and wearing each for multiple days of yard work and in my woodshop, the Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots (available at Amazon) emerged as the clear winner. They look and feel great, and offer the protection and traction you need to make it through a full day’s work.

If you’re more of an occasional-use wearer with a limited budget and no need for steel toes, then the Ever Boots Tank Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots (available at Amazon) are our pick for Best Value. These comfortable work boots are perfect for being out in the yard all day. If you’re searching for your first pair of work boots or just need to upgrade a well-worn set, here are the eight best work boots that we’ve tested.

Our winner for the best work boot, the Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots, being worn on a shingled rooftop.
Credit: Reviewed / TJ Donegan

The Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots is the best work boot that we tested.

Best Work Boot for Most
Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots
  • Safety toe: Steel
  • Size range: Men’s 7.5-13, medium and extra wide
  • Insulated: 400g Thinsulate
  • Safety Features: Steel shank, electrical hazard rated (meets ASTM F2413 standards)

If you’re looking for a pair of durable work boots that'll perform day after day, week after week, and month after month, then you’ll be hard-pressed to do better than the Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel-Toe Boots. These steel-toe logger work boots are made of heavy-duty leather and offer all the protection you need. The steel safety toes meet ASTM standards for impact and compression, and the soles feature electrical hazard protection to keep you safe even in certain dangerous conditions.

We were particularly impressed by the traction the soles provided in real-world applications. We tested each boot using a shingled dummy roof pitched at 45 degrees, and these were one of the only pairs of work boots that let us stand right up without slipping. We’d feel confident wearing these for any roofing job (with other proper equipment, of course).

Most notably, the outstanding safety and control found with this pair of work boots do not come at the expense of comfort. By the end of our testing, these were some of our favorite boots of the group. They come up high on the calf, offering plenty of ankle stability without any uncomfortable collar pressure around the leg. The arches are high and supportive, reinforced with a steel shank, letting you stay on your feet all day without aches or cramps.

While the boots are heavy—as all steel-toe are—the Chippewas are insulated with 3M Thinsulate Ultra to take some of that weight away while keeping the boots breathable and moisture-resistant. Although they took several days to break in, the Chippewas felt like they were molded to my feet once they did. As outlined below, there are ways to make the break-in period shorter and less painful, like wearing them for short spurts until your foot has had a chance to acclimate to them.

Once they’re broken in, these are boots that I would be more than happy to work in for an entire career, let alone an entire workday. They are one of two pairs that we keep coming back to.

You can shop this work boot in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 7.5 to 13 in standard and extra wide widths. The shoe currently comes in a brown leather colorway.

Pros

  • Lots of safety features

  • Ankle and arch support

  • Quality materials

Cons

  • Heavy

Buy now at Amazon


$203.95 from Walmart


$140 $165 at eBay

Stepping on a wood beam wearing our 'best value' pick for the best work boot, the Ever Boots Tank Soft Toe Boots, worn by someone stepping on a 2x4.
Credit: Reviewed / TJ Donegan

The Ever Boots Tank Soft Toe Boots offer great performance at a low price, becoming our best value pick out of all the best work boots.

Best Value Work Boot
Ever Boots Tank 6-Inch Work Boots
  • Safety toe: No
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 6-14, medium and wide width
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Oil and slip resistant (meets ASTM F3445-21 standard)

The Ever Boots Tank Work Boots were a major surprise throughout testing. We fell in love with these affordable boots from the moment we put them on. They are comfortable, with a mix of flexibility and stability through the foot and up the ankle. The arches, which include a steel shank, are on the low side but still provide plenty of support to wear comfortably all day. We didn’t experience chafing or blistering while testing these out.

The Ever Boots Work Boots are made of quality materials: genuine leather, reinforced stitching, and rubber soles. The only material drawback? The laces that come with the shoes were stripped within a few days of the start of testing. We recommend picking up a pair of heavy-duty boot laces and lacing them up from day one to avoid any mid-workday hiccups.

The one real drawback of these boots is the lack of steel-toe, which means they have limited applications. Although this might be a deal breaker for some, not all work boots need a steel-toe, and sometimes, they can add unnecessary weight to the shoe.

These work boots are much better suited to occasional-use homeowners than someone who needs real protection on the job site day after day. If that sounds like you, these are hard to beat for the price. Once the official testing was done, they were the work boots I wore most often, thanks to their outstanding blend of comfort, support, and light protection.

Available in brown and tan leather, this budget-friendly work boot is available in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 6 to 14 in standard and wide widths.

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Supportive

Cons

  • Few safety features

  • Less durable over time

Buy now at Amazon


$79.99 from Walmart

A workboot and its sole on a light gray background
Credit: Reviewed / Wolverine
Most Comfortable Work Boot
Wolverine Raider Durashocks Waterproof 6-inch Carbonmax Work Boot
  • Safety toe: Carbon
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 7 to 14, medium and extra wide
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Nylon shank, toe is ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C rated

We originally tested Wolverine’s 6-inch Raider steel-toe work boots, which have now been replaced with the Raider Durashocks 6-inch Carbonmax work boot. The difference is the Carbonmax toe, a proprietary composite toe that works as well as steel-toe but is lighter and ASTM-rated.

These perform nearly as well as our ultimate winner. Right out of the box, the shoes were very comfortable and grew even more so as we wore them. The rubber soles and arches provide plenty of support for a full day. The cushioned ankle collar cradles your leg while still offering the flexibility to move around easily. Unlike our overall winner, there was virtually no break-in period.

In terms of safety and performance, the Raiders excel. The leather construction feels durable and shows no sign of wear after all our testing.

These boots will make it through the toughest jobs out there. This is an excellent pair of boots for anyone needing quality footwear to keep them on their feet daily.

Pros

  • Good safety features

  • Comfortable

  • Made of quality materials

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon

A workboot and its sole on a light gray background
Credit: Reviewed / Caterpillar
Best Ankle Support in a Work Boot
Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
  • Safety toe: Steel
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 5 to 14, medium and wide widths
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Steel shank, slip resistant, electric hazard rated (meets ASTM F2413-18 standard)

It’s no surprise that a company known for rugged, heavy-duty working machinery and construction equipment produced a rugged, heavy-duty work boot. The Caterpillar Second Shift steel-toe boots meet the ASTM safety standards for impact, compression, and electrical hazard protection, keeping you safe on even the toughest job sites. The slip-resistant soles have excellent traction, allowing me to stand up and stay on our test roof.

All of that safety comes with good quality and decent comfort. The leather is durable and heavy-duty, while the insoles are breathable and don’t get too hot, even in a waterproof boot. They provide excellent support with solid comfort through the foot and heel.

Our biggest problem with the boots is that the stiff collar that wraps around the ankle never softens up. On more than one occasion, my calf ached after any multi-hour wearing session. They didn’t hurt while I was wearing them, but getting them off at the end of the day was a relief.

But if you don’t feel that same pressure or prefer a work boot that fits closer to the ankle, this is another high-quality boot worth trying on.

This work boot is available in four colors—black, dark brown, tan, and honey—in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 5 to 14 in standard and wide widths.

Pros

  • High quality, rugged construction

  • Lots of safety features

  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • Stiff collar

  • Less comfortable over time

$109.95 from Amazon


$114.95 from Walmart


$126.99 from eBay

Workboots that look like cowboy boots sitting on a gray table
Credit: Reviewed / Ariat
Best Work Boot for High Heat
Ariat Sierra Shock Shield Work Boot
  • Safety toe: No
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 7 to 15, medium and wide
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Oil- and slip-resistant (ASTM F3445 rated), electrical hazard rated (ASTM F2892 rated), high heat-resistant

If your priority is heat resistance, this Western-style work boot from Ariat delivers. The higher 10-inch shaft with a four-row stitch gives you added ankle and shin protection in a pull-on style that won’t come loose or unlace.

And while it’s not a safety-toe style, the Sierra is packed with work-ready features: The outsole is oil- and slip-resistant as well as electrical hazard-rated, and it’s meant for use in high-heat scenarios. It’s also built for long days, with a removable antifatigue insole and the brand’s Shock Shield technology that absorbs shock.

This work boot is available in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 8 to 12, with whole sizes 12 to 15 in medium and wide widths.

Pros

  • Stylish

  • Durable

  • Extra protection around the ankle and shin

Cons

  • No safety toe

Buy now at Ariat

A workboot and its sole on a light gray background
Credit: Reviewed / Brunt
Best Chelsea Work Boot
Brunt Ohman Brunt Toe (Comp Toe)
  • Safety toe: Composite
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 7 to 16, medium and wide; women’s sizes 8.5 to 17.5
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Water-resistant, oil- and slip-resistant, electrical hazard rated, sole heat resistant rated to 572°F (ASTM F2413)

For workers who prefer the slip-on comfort of a Chelsea-style work boot, Brunt’s Ohman Brunt Toe (Comp Toe) boot is a smart choice. The 6-inch unlined shop boot has a nylon shank and composite toe for protection and support that won’t conduct electricity, and an oil-, slip-, and electric-hazard-resistant outsole that can keep up.

It’s also built for comfort: Anyone working a long shift will appreciate the supportive midsole and an anti-odor and moisture-wicking insole with a memory foam layer.

What sets it apart, though, is the build: The Brunt Toe version of this boot (it’s also available in standard composite and soft toe) uses an additional exterior toe cap to add even more abrasion protection at a high-wear area, and the boot is made with the brand’s proprietary Farmguard leather that’s designed to stand up to urea, salt, and ammonia.

This work boot is available in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 7 to 16 in standard and wide widths, and in women’s whole and half sizes 8.5 to 17.5 in standard and wide widths.

Pros

  • Excellent patented toe protection

  • Leather construction that won't let anything in

  • Easy to get on and off

Cons

  • Not insulated

A workboot and its sole on a light gray background
Credit: Reviewed / Keen
Best Work Sneaker
Keen Arvada Work Sneaker (Carbon Toe)
  • Safety toe: Carbon
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 7 to 15, medium and wide; women’s sizes 8.5 to 17.5
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Nylon shank, metal-free, abrasion-resistant, oil- and slip-resistant, electrical hazard rated (ASTM F3445-21, F2413-18 M I/75 EH, F1677-96 Mark II, ASTM SATRA TM31, ASTM D471-06 903#)

While leather boots have been the job site standard for decades, it’s not the only option—work sneakers have won legions of fans for bringing athletic-shoe comfort to the workday. The Keen Arvada work sneaker has the low sneaker cut (the style is also available as a mid-cut sneaker boot for wearers who want a running shoe feel with more ankle protection), a synthetic upper, and a lightweight midsole—it looks and feels like a true athletic shoe.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t packed with features. The Arvada has carbon toe safety protection, reflective details on the upper, and a nylon shank. It’s fully metal-free, so it’s a great choice for any job site with metal detectors or secured workplaces. It’s also slip- and oil-resistant (and non-marking), electrical hazard-rated, and the synthetic upper is abrasion-resistant.

This work boot is available in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 7 to 15 in standard and wide widths.

Pros

  • Carbon-toe protected

  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No ankle or shin protection

Buy now at Keen

Other Work Boots We Evaluated

Product image of Timberland Pro Pit Boss 6-Inch Steel Toe
Timberland Pro Pit Boss 6-Inch Steel Toe
  • Safety toe: Steel
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 7 to 15, medium and wide
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Heat-, oil-, slip- and abrasion-resistant outsole, electrical hazard protection

Timberland is one of the top names in working footwear, and the Pit Boss steel-toe work boots are a good example of why. They’re made of high-quality, durable leather, provide plenty of support, and meet ASTM F2413, F3445, and F2892 standards for safety. What’s more, they’re one of the lighter pairs of heavy-duty work boots that we tested, and never got uncomfortably warm. The antimicrobial footbed and odor-resistant interior help keep your feet fresh even after a long day at work.

Right out of the box, they’re pretty stiff and require several days to break in before they are genuinely comfortable. The padded, V-shaped collar provides ankle support while allowing your legs to breathe a bit, but it is one of the significant drawbacks of this boot. After only an hour or two, that collar made our calves ache. Like the Caterpillar boot, this wasn’t an isolated incident and happened every single time I wore them.

In addition, this was one of the few pairs of boots that gave us blisters when breaking them in. These are issues that your feet might get used to over time, but I prefer boots that fit comfortably within a day or two of unpacking.

The Timberland Pit Boss work boot comes in three colors in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 7 to 15 in standard and wide widths.

Pros

  • High quality, rugged construction

  • Lots of safety features

  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • Collar digs into calf

  • Less comfortable over time

Buy now at Amazon

Avoid
Rocky Mobilite Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots
  • Safety toe: Steel
  • Size range: Men’s sizes 8 to 16, medium and wide
  • Insulated: No
  • Safety Features: Waterproof, oil- and slip-resistant, electrical hazard rated (ASTM F2413)

The Rocky MobiLite steel-toe work boots feel like high-quality material with a comfortable fit, especially after a few hours of wear. They provide support while still being flexible enough to break in relatively quickly. The comparably low collar and ankle support make them great for walking around, with comfortable footbeds and cushioning to keep your feet feeling fresh. And, of course, they are ASTM-rated against impacts and compression, so you can rest assured that your toes will be safe.

That being said, there are a few drawbacks to these waterproof work boots. Every time we wore them for more than an hour, our knees started to ache. What’s more, their traction on our test roof was quite bad. We could never stand up on the 45-degree pitch without slipping back down to the ground.

Finally, after only a few days of wear, we noticed the leather started peeling in several places. The MobiLite steel-toe work boots are probably fine for casual homeowners looking for occasional-use boots, but they’re not a pair I would trust to get me through a full day on a serious job site—particularly not at this price.

This work boot is available in men’s whole and half shoe sizes 8 to 16 in standard and wide widths.

Pros

  • Lots of safety features

  • Waterproof exterior

Cons

  • Not durable

  • No long-term comfort

$139.99 from Amazon


$145.00 from Walmart


$128.75 from Macy's

What To Consider When Buying Work Boots

Who uses work boots?

If you work anywhere your feet could be injured, you may want to consider investing in a pair of work boots. Construction workers, landscapers, builders, welders, plumbers, electricians, factory workers, and warehouse workers are several of the jobs where it’s smart—and often required—to wear work boots. Additionally, work boots can provide foot and ankle protection.

Key features

  • Material quality: The majority of work boots are leather or suede, materials that offer durability and protection in their own right but can be enhanced with insulation, waterproofing technology, or treatments that make them fire-resistant, chemical-resistant, or even bloodborne-pathogen resistant. Some work boots intended for wet environments are rubber, and some sneaker-style work boots have textile uppers, although usually paired with leather or suede. When selecting a work boot, look for a well-made, well-finished upper with intact, secure seams and overlays.

  • Fit: Properly fitted work boots should be snug around the heel to anchor your foot in the boot, and the toe box should have enough extra space all the way around that you can wiggle your toes. Boots that fit you well will feel supportive under your foot, especially on the arch, and will lace comfortably across your instep.

  • Construction: Work boots come in a variety of constructions.

Construction What to expect
Goodyear welted The upper is attached to the outsole by a welt (a strip of leather or fabric). This method is highly durable and also makes it very easy to replace a worn-out sole, which can extend the life of your boot. However, the method can make the boots stiffer with a longer break-in period than other methods, like direct-attach, and is a more expensive option.
Stitchdown Like Goodyear welted styles, stitchdown sees the upper sewn onto the shoe, this time to the midsole. Similarly, it is extremely durable, and easy to resole—but heavier and stiffer.
Direct attache The outsole is cemented directly to the boot’s upper and allows for maximum flexibility. It is one of the lightest-weight and most comfortable constructions to wear. However, it’s not easily re-soleable, and is often not as durable as other methods.
Injection molded A material (often rubber) is melted into a mold to create the outsole, then the boot is coated with adhesive and pressed with great force into the outsole, then cured in an oven to create a boot that is all of one piece. This method produces boots with excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and oil, and outstanding puncture resistance. However, they’re difficult to repair, and they tend to be less breathable and flexible.


  • Safety features: Work boots are designed to protect your feet from impact and abrasion, as well as industry-specific threats like electric or static shock, chemical spill, or heat and fire. Protective technologies include safety toe caps (either steel or composite); slip-resistant outsoles (shoes that are marked as ASTM 3445-21 rated means they have been tested according to industry standards for slip resistance); a rigid shank in the midsole and outsole for stability and rigidity (usually steel, nylon, or composite); flame-resistant coatings and heat-resistant outsoles; shock-resistant outsoles and heels (look for boots that are certified for ASTM F2413 for safety toe footwear or ASTM F2892 for non-safety toe footwear); and chemical- and oil-resistant uppers and outsoles for protection and traction.

  • Waterproofing: Work boot waterproofing is achieved in several different ways. The most common technologies include waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, where a membrane laminated to the shoe’s interior keeps water from coming in but allows sweat out, then water-repellent coatings, and seam-sealing that keeps water from sneaking in where stitching or seams offer an opportunity. Other boots use sprays, oils, and material choices to create shoes that are water-repellent for shorter exposures to water, but don’t offer the same level of protection as waterproof styles.

Care, maintenance, and warranty

Proper care will ensure your boots keep doing their job, so you can do yours for years to come.

To keep your boots in top shape, start by removing the laces from your boots, and then use a boot brush to get all of the surface dirt and dust off. After that, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any excess dirt, being sure to pay close attention to crevices where dirt can accumulate, like the seams and along the tongue. If you have heavier stains, you can use a trusted leather cleaning soap to get your boots in tip-top shape.

Use water and a coarse brush to clean the soles of your work boots, ensuring that mud and dirt aren’t hiding in the heavy-duty lug soles. Once they’re clean, let the work boots sit undisturbed at room temperature until they’re completely dry.

If your work boots are made from leather, once they’ve fully dried, use a leather conditioner to keep the material from cracking. Leather, much like your own skin, needs moisture to stay supple. Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of the conditioner into the work boots, being sure to cover every leather surface.

For best results, clean and condition your boots every month or as needed, but even occasional cleaning will pay dividends.

FAQ: What To Know About Work Boots

What’s the best way to budget for quality work boots?

High-quality work boots aren’t cheap, but they are an essential piece of protective equipment, and they can save your feet, so they’re not something you should compromise on. That being said, there are ways to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money.

  • Shop the sales: Work boots may not go in and out of style like fashion shoes, but they do get marked down for big sales, and, just like other shoes, they get periodically replaced by new models or new colors. Looking for boot styles that are being replaced with a newer model, or shopping during promotional times like Black Friday, Presidents’ Day, or others, can mean scoring a good deal on a fully functional pair of boots.

  • Buy what you need (and not what you don’t): The fastest way to waste your money is to buy a boot that doesn’t work for you and needs to be replaced. Before you buy, know what features are must-haves for you—if you need a steel-toe (or don't need to have a steel-toe), if chemical resistance is essential, or if you know your boot needs to hold up to ultra-wet conditions, don’t compromise on a not-quite-right boot that doesn’t meet your needs. On the other hand, the more features a boot has, the more it’s likely to cost: If there are features you know you don’t need, you can save money by looking for styles that don’t have them.

  • Prioritize durability: The most cost-effective shoe is one you don’t have to replace. Looking for a work boot with solid construction. Secure stitching, well-placed overlays, and thick outsole treads are all good signs—cheap-looking or feeling finishes (including things like eyelets and shoelaces) are not. Shoes that can be resoled (look for Goodyear-welted or stitchdown constructions) can also help extend the life of your boot.

Where can I buy work boots?

As with any new shoe, finding the best work boot for you might take some experimentation. You may have to try on many pairs, each with different features that provide differing levels of comfort, support, and safety, until you can be sure that you’ve found the right work boot for you.

Although you can visit specialty brands like Chippewa, Caterpillar, and Wolverine in person, you can also have mega-retailers like Amazon and Walmart send you a selection of work boots from each and try them all on and assess for yourself.

If you find that your work boots are defective, many of the more established brands listed above will assess the boots and either replace them or give you a credit toward a replacement pair.

Brands like Danner even offer repair and recrafting services through its website where you can send in your well-loved work boots to be resoled and refurbished—and in some cases, even fully rebuilt. These services typically come at a cost, but can prevent the need to buy and break in a new pair of work boots.

Will a wet environment damage work boots?

Water is not good for most pairs of shoes, so if your work environment is very damp or involves frequent time in wet conditions, planning can make sure you get the most out of your boots.

For wearers who have frequent exposure to water, looking for waterproof uppers can help protect the uppers of your boots. You’ll find the most robust protection from boots that combine a waterproof membrane construction (either from manufacturers like Gore-Tex or proprietary brands) with waterproof leathers. Styles with drainage ports in the upper and midsole can also help.

Since leather uppers and shoelaces, as well as the adhesives that attach the outsole, can all be degraded by extended exposure to moisture, making sure boots are thoroughly dried after wear (we recommend using a drying rack or even a heated drying rack) can help extend your boots’ useful life.

Seeking out boots that have antimicrobial linings can help inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms that thrive in wet environments, reducing odor and damage to the boots.

Should I buy steel-toe work boots?

When it comes to maximum protection for toes on the job site, safety toe caps are the gold standard. Toe caps come in two main varieties: Steel-toe and composite-toe options. (Composite-toe is made of a variety of materials, including fiberglass, Kevlar, and plastic.)

Composite-toe caps are generally lighter weight than their steel-toe counterparts, which can be more comfortable for long days. They don’t conduct electricity, making them a good choice for electricians and builders, and they don’t conduct heat or cold the way steel-toes do either. They’re also a more convenient option for workers who need to pass through metal detectors at job sites.

Steel-toe boots, on the other hand, tend to offer the maximum amount of impact protection, making them a good choice for mechanics, machine operators, and loggers. If your work requires maximum protection, steel-toe boots are a great choice. If you’ll need protection from live electric current, or will be working in hot or cold conditions, composite safety toes may be a better choice.

Should I buy insulated boots?

If your work takes place in freezing or subfreezing temperatures—outdoors in winter weather or in a refrigerated warehouse, for example—then insulated boots are a great choice.

Workers who spend most of their time in milder temperatures may find that they get enough warmth from work boots with waterproof membranes, which tend to trap heat, especially when feet are sweating.

However, for persistently cold temperatures, insulation will keep feet warmer and more comfortable longer. Look for boots that specify the weight of the insulation for maximum warmth: The higher the number of grams, the warmer the boot. For extra warmth, choose boots that are both insulated and waterproof.

Why You Should Trust Our Expertise

Our testers and evaluators include Jean Levasseur, a former conveyor mechanic, property manager, and hobbyist woodworker who grew up in a family of hard workers—his father owned an excavation company, and his mother was a mechanic, and Jennifer Ernst Beaudry, a journalist who has spent years writing about the footwear industry for Running Insight, Footwear News, and more.

We tested many of the work boots highlighted in this article by actually wearing them on and off a manufactured “jobsite.” In some cases, we’ve included boots that we weren’t able to test ourselves by carefully evaluating personal experiences as told to us, user reviews, and subject area expertise to vet picks that we stand behind.

What Other Reviewers Are Saying About the Best Work Boots

How a work boot fits and feels is subjective, but with so many good options available, it’s good to know what other experts think. We checked out other publications to see what they recommend.

  • Pro Tool Reviews: Pro Tool Review’s top pick is the Red Wing Traction Tred Lite, which the site praised for its grippy and versatile Vibram LiteBase wedge outsole and durable welt construction.
  • Gear Junkie: Gear Junkie recommends the Timberland PRO Boondock 6-Inch Composite Toe for its high-quality build, waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry and warm, and on-foot comfort.

Read More About Boots and Shoes on Reviewed

Meet the testers

Jean Levasseur

Jean Levasseur

Contributor

Jean Levasseur became a professional writer over a decade-long career in marketing, public relations, and technical writing. After leaving that career to stay home to care for his twin boys, Jean has continued to write in a variety of freelance roles, as well as teaching academic writing at a local university. When he's not reviewing tools or chasing toddlers around the house, he's also an avid fiction writer and a growing woodworker.

See all of Jean Levasseur's reviews
Jennifer Ernst Beaudry

Jennifer Ernst Beaudry

Freelance Editor, Style and Home

Jennifer Ernst Beaudry was the former Managing Editor of Home at Reviewed, where she oversaw home, garden, laundry, and gift guides. In more than 20 years of covering the consumer market, her work has appeared in USA Today, Footwear Insight, Footwear News, Complex and Solecollector, and more. Read more about her on her website.

See all of Jennifer Ernst Beaudry's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email