The Best Work Boots for Any Type of Job

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Yesteryear’s work boots were simple, they were leather with lugged, rubber soles. They were waterproof-ish with attention. Today’s work boots are as varied as the conditions they’re meant for. There are work boots for men and women, work boots with or without protected toes, waterproof and ventilated work boots and insulated work boots. Certain work boots are also designed to resist oil, chemicals, water and weather. These are best styles and types of work boots for all types of working conditions.

Best Work Boots

Basic Types of Work Boots

What to Consider

Finding the perfect work boots wasn’t always a challenge. The Romans had two choices: sandals with or without hobnails for traction. Around the year 1800, workers got to chose between laces or buckles. Then anatomical left and right boots appeared—they still had leather soles soles though. Rubber soles were popularized with the introduction of the Goodyear Welt, which makes a shoe more water resistant easier to resole. Late in WWII, steel-toe protection was developed. With all these advances, modern work boots wear more like hiking boots and have a slew of features and choices, with many long-lasting favorites breaking in almost immediately. These are the things you should consider when looking tor your ideal pair of work boots.

Toe Protection

Some jobs require workers to wear boots with toe protection meeting certain standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) depending on the type of job. Since it was developed in the 1940s the steel toe cap (safety toe) has remained the standard in toe protection. Now composite toe caps have gained popularity. They’re made of Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. Steel protects better against punctures and cutting, but conducts cold easily as well as electricity. Composite safety toes are lighter and won’t conduct electricity, but are more expensive and not as durable.

Water Resistance

Traditionally, boot leather was waterproofed by applying oil or wax. This required regular reapplication to maintain waterproofness and didn’t always fully keep water out. Many leather boots are still treated this way, but truly waterproof boots are made with modern, synthetic membranes like Gore-Tex. Water-resistant boots are not waterproof. They can shed plenty of water, but if you’re standing in water for any length of time, they will get wet.

Insulation

Insulated work boots typically have a layer of polyester or other polymers between the liner and leather for heat retention. The amount of insulation is usually listed by weight, in grams. (This isn’t the total weight of the insulation in one boot, rather the weight of how much a square meter of the insulation weighs.) The higher the number, usually the thicker and warmer the insulation. Insulated boots are intended for cold conditions and are not ideal for working in the warmer months.

Electrical Safety

Some work boots provide protection from electrocution by preventing electrical current from completing a circuit to ground. If you need this feature, look for certification from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Slip Resistance

Boots that boast slip-resistance have outsoles made of soft materials that can maintain grip on wet or oily surfaces, as well as tread patterns with siping designed to draw fluids away from under the shoe.

Oil Resistance

Leather is oil-resistant, but synthetic threads or materials used to construct the upper of many synthetic, modern boots may break down in the presence of petroleum-based liquids like oil, diesel fuel, and kerosene. Oil-resistant boots use synthetics unaffected by petroleum products.

Chemical Resistance

Some work boots are also designed for chemical resistance. These boots can withstand chemicals that may impact leather and even many synthetic boots.

What is ASTM?

ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, sets standard specifications for a vast number of products. As it relates to work boots, ASTM F2413 sets performance criteria for footwear designed to protect wearers from a variety of hazards. There are nine specific categories of hazards, represented by a one- or two-letter abbreviation:

• C: Compression, or crushing forces in the toe area, with four classes: class 75 (2,500 pounds) for men and women, and class 50 (1,000 pounds) for men and women.

• I: Impact to the toe area (class 50 or 75, as described above).

• CD: Conductive, or static electrical discharge hazards, to prevent ignition of volatile materials.

• EH: Electrical shock, resistance to protect heels and toes from connecting to ground.

• SD: Static dissipative properties, to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity.

• PR: Puncture resistance, to protect soles from puncture.

• Mt: Metatarsal impact, to protect the top of foot from impact.

• CS: Chain saw, to provide cut resistance.

• DI: Dielectric insulation, to provide insulation in the event of accidental contact with circuits or conductors.

Footwear that meets ASTM F2413 uses a specific four-line format to identify the type of hazards it protects against:

• Line 1 identifies the specification: ASTM F2413

• Line 2 identifies user gender (M/F), and classification (50, 75) for I, C, and Mt.

• Lines 3 and 4 identify the specific hazards the footwear protects against.

How We Tested These Boots

Every work boot on this list has been vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, and use our own experience with these brands and styles to determine the best options. Our testers have used most of them in many “work boot” situations, including: lawn mowing, raking leaves, loading/unloading trucks, snow blowing, construction projects, cleaning gutters, landscaping, cutting firewood, and working while standing on a concrete floor. We evaluated the boots on features, value, comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

For more great stories on workwear and boots, check out the following: Everything That Goes Into Making a Danner Boot, The Best Workwear Jackets to Keep You Warm and Dry, See How This Historic Outdoor Gear Company Crafts the Toughest Clothes Around

—BEST OVERALL—

Cat Footwear Excavator Superlite

While there are a number of features to praise, comfort is at the top of the list for the Excavator Superlite. They felt light and comfortable right from the start, according to our tester, who ran a half mile in them to get out of a downpour on the first day wearing them. A composite safety toe, nonmetallic construction (there’s no steel shank in the outsole), a cushioned insole, and a contoured footbed with rebound foam help give the Excavator Superlite its springy, athletic-shoe feel. The outsole is made from a rubber material that resists slipping in both wet and oily conditions, confirmed by our tester in both the workshop and hiking a long, wet, rocky trail that followed and traversed a creek. That first experience in the rain, and the hike, also brought our attention to the fact that these boots are waterproof. The rubber toe cap and abrasion-resistant heel cup are effective at protecting areas that can typically scuff and wear, shortening the life of a work boot. The Excavator Superlite runs true to size and meets ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75, EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

—BEST HIGH-TOP—

Thorogood American Heritage Plain-Toe

The Tobacco Plain-Toe from Thorogood is a classically styled work boot, with the unexpected, no break-in, comfort of running shoes. The tobacco oil-tanned, full-grain leather is soft and pliable right out of the box—we liked it so much we were reluctant to put the boot on and scuff it all up. We did, however. The boot runs true to size, fitting well with mid-weight to heavier socks. It’s a tall boot, so we appreciated the speed hooks, which allow for quick lace-ups. The soft, nonslip MaxWear wedge outsole was comfortable when we stood on hard surfaces. The boot tested has a plain toe, a steel-toe option or composite-toe option is available, should you need that level of protection. One of our favorite aspects of Thorogood boots is that they’re fully serviceable; once you’ve put many miles and years on them, you can take advantage of the refurbishment program the brand offers to give them new life.

—BEST MEDIUM-DUTY BOOT—

Keen Utility Troy 6-In. Composite Toe

According to Keen, the Troy—with its waterproof upper and anatomically shaped, asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toes—is a medium-duty boot. So, it may not be the best option for heavy construction or extreme conditions on a daily basis. In testing we felt the comfort and middle-of-the-pack weight make it a good candidate for work that keeps you moving and on your feet. We found the Troys to be comfortable right out of the box, with no unusual pressure points, and wore them all day after putting them on. Sizing was spot on for our staff, and according to our tester, these only got more comfortable over time. The Troy has a partial rubber cap around the front of the toe where leather boots frequently get cuts or scuffs, a feature we’ve come to appreciate. Keen uses a rubber material across the forefoot as well, creating a hinge where leather can crack from repeated bending over time. Testing during the summer made us thankful for the breathable, waterproof lining, which helped keep out feet dry and comfortable on humid, 90-plus degree days.

Keen’s Troy work boots meet several ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM F1677-96 MARK II, non-slip standards

• ASTM F2412-17, F2412-18, F2413-17, and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH for impact, crushing, and electrical hazards

• ASTM F2913-17 SATRA non-slip standards

• ASTM D471-06 903 oil and isooctane chemical resistance for the midsole

—BEST LOGGER BOOT—

Carolina Elm Plain Toe

These Elm work boots by Carolina are traditional, eight-inch, all-leather loggers. While boots of this style often require days of break-in, our tester said that aside from being a little stiff, they laced up fairly comfortably right out of the box. And, while it took two days to get them loosened up, it wasn’t two days of discomfort. We appreciated the padded tongue—and thin webbing attaching it to the upper—which helped keep things comfy when we had the boot laced up firmly. The Elm runs true to size and had adequate arch support for our average-footed (by his estimation) tester. We noted the round, button-like speed hooks appear to be forged, rather than stamped out of flat sheet metal—they were easy to lace and should resist getting caught and bent. Our feet stayed dry during early-morning testing in tall, wet grass and brush, thanks to a light waterproof lining and that tongue webbing that continues almost to the top of the boot. Like with other tall boots, operating the gas pedal in some cars could be a little uncomfortable, due to the height of the boot collar. But we didn’t experience this with the more upright position driving a pick-up.

Carolina’s Elm meets ASTM F2413-18 EH for electrical hazards and ASTM F1677-05 for oil and slip resistance.

—BEST MILITARY-STYLE BOOT—

Danner Acadia

A favorite among public safety and emergency services personnel, the 8-inch Acadia has a military look with the rugged features to back it up. A fiberglass shank and 8 mm Vibram sole make a stable platform with enough flex to be comfortable while still resistant to torsion. The Acadia comes with a composite safety toe, and the lugged outsole maintains traction on dirt inclines, wet rocks, and oil-slicked asphalt. In several inches of water, our tester’s feet remained dry, while the boot still felt breathable when wet. It’s clear why soldiers and police started wearing textile-plus-leather styles like this—they feel more ergonomic and cooler than all-leather options. You can even run in them, though lighter boots do exist. As advertised, the Acadia runs narrow and long—unless you have narrow feet, consider an EE width and buying down at least a half size. Break-in was less severe for us than what other owners say they’ve experienced. We had one complaint, though: The collar can create hot spots where it overlaps the tongue.

—BEST TRADITIONAL STYLE BOOT—

Carhartt 6-In. Moc-Toe

Carhartt’s six-inch Moc-Toe work boot is ideal for those who prefer the typical aesthetics—the type you’d find on residential building sites. Our test editor liked the fit and feel of the supple oil-tanned leather and lightly padded liner, saying they were up to the task of a day’s work, right out of the box. After two days, creases had formed in all the right spots, and it was easy to forget about the new boots on our feet. The liner incorporates a waterproof membrane that kept us dry during rain and when stepping in standing water during testing. However, our experience with moc-toe boots and stitching around the toes has been that, eventually, water will get in. So, we probably wouldn’t recommend these for landscapers who may be frequently walking through wet grass. That said, they’ll perform as expected on a construction site for carpenters, electricians, or plumbers, working in and out of the rain or stepping in the occasional job-site puddle. The Moc-Toe meets ASTM F2892-18 EH for electrical hazard protection.

—BEST COMFORT BOOT—

Timberland Pro Work Summit 6-In. Composite Toe

Timberland Pro’s Work Summit boot offers toe protection, electric hazard protection, is waterproof and blood-borne pathogen resistant. Despite the features and the rugged looks—we were surprised at how comfortable it is. The theme of flex and comfort continues with the insole and outsole, which are designed to absorb shock and return energy. Many super-soft outsoles can twist too much and lack support on uneven surfaces, this boots fiberglass shank prevents this, and it seems to work fairly well from the heel through the arch. It does feel a little twisty in the forefoot though. The toe and heel of the boot are wrapped in thermoplastic urethane (TPU) to protect these abrasion-prone areas, and there’s a hard lip at the heel to facilitate pushing them off with your other foot. The waterproof boot liner is generously padded and, overall, the Work Summits were remarkably comfortable from the moment we put them on.

The Timberland Pro Work Summit meet ASTM F2412-18a and ASTM F2413-18 I and C for impact and compression.

—BEST SUPPORT BOOT—

Wolverine Hellcat Ultraspring

Wolverine’s Hellcat Ultraspring, with a smooth, seamless toe and thick chunky outsole, sort of resembles a traditional hiking boot. In fact, our tester decided to do some hiking to gauge the Hellcat’s comfort and reported that the boot was supportive on uneven, rocky surfaces. We found it to be true to size and comfortable in daylong outdoor use during the humid heat of an eastern Pennsylvania summer—although it did take a couple of days for the webbing on the tongue to settle into place. While we wouldn’t say the Hellcat is lightweight, it is reasonably light, with the carbon safety toe and nylon shank keeping it from feeling heavy. The breathable, waterproof lining performed well during a day’s worth of landscape maintenance on several acres of wet grass after a rain, keeping our tester’s feet dry and comfortable. In these same conditions, the lugged outsole provided adequate traction without fear of slipping on side slopes.

The Hellcat Ultraspring meets ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

—BEST WINTER WORK BOOT—

Muck Boot Arctic Pro Hunting Boot Steel Toe

For working those working in the absolute worst conditions, the Muck Boot Arctic Pro Hunting Boot Steel Toe will protect your feet. The boots are rated to wear in weather ranging from -60 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and has an 8mm neoprene bootie for comfort and 2mm of thermal foam underneath. These pull-ons are the boot we’d turn to when working in an industrial freezer or Alaskan winters. The steel toes are ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C PR EH certified.

—BEST BUDGET WORK BOOT—

Soft Toe Leather Work Boots

The Tank boot rom Ever Boots is proof you don’t need to spend hundreds to get a quality work boot. This basic work boot is classically styled and uses the Goodyear welt construction to increase water resistance underfoot and ease resoling. Wearers claim these are extremely comfortable out of the box and put years on them at construction sites, refrigerated areas and elsewhere, and many have purchased them more than once. The Tank is available with or without a steel toe and are waterproofed traditionally by applying wax or oil.

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