For heavy-duty tasks, severe outdoor work, and construction workplaces, robust good work boots are crucial. In addition, in extremely harsh conditions where you have to stand all day long, you can not neglect the importance of these most comfortable work boots.
Finding the best comfortable work boot is not an easy job. With their increasing demand, many boots of varying height, color, toe protection type, material, and resistance are available. However, preference must be given to high-quality and reliable boots that can provide premium protection. Furthermore, only a good pair of well-designed boots can help you focus on the job. Hence, a boot needs to be durable, rigid, and comfortable.
Among the plenty of available options, we have listed the best work boots for men that are highly recommended and made while focusing on quality and stability. Moreover, they will protect against exposed nails, slippery surfaces, electrical charges, and cold temperatures. So, based on your preferences, choose the best boot wisely.
Buying Guide
If you are an amateur, then this guide will help you throw some shade on good work boots and choose a perfect one.
How to Pick a Work Boot?
Choosing the perfect work boot from such a wide variety is equivalent to searching for a needle in a haystack. Therefore we have narrowed down all the options you must look for while picking up your ideal boot. Things that you should focus on are listed below and further explained in detail.
- Steel Toe Caps
- Water-Resistant
- Ankle Support
- Slip Protection
- Electrical Safety
- Comfort Level
- Quality
- Design
- Price
Steel Toe Caps
A steel toe cap is an essential element to look for if you work at a place that requires continuous movement and lifting of heavy items. They will protect your feet from any sort of injuries. However, they increase the overall weight of the shoe and make them less comfortable. Hence, one must be sure about the operational requirements before opting for them.
Water-Resistant
If you are working in the industry and dealing with chemicals or outdoors where you may get your feet wet, waterproofing is crucial to protect your feet and shoes. Working the whole day with wet feet is the worst nightmare. Thus, in this regard, water-resistant shoes help protect your feet. However, the water-resistant layer can result in non-breathable shoes, and you might feel hot in them.
Ankle Support
The majority of the top-rated work boots have a soft paddle ankle support that supports your feet on uneven surfaces. This additional feature helps you work outside and make your feet comfortable. Prefer shoes with this feature if you deal with outdoor tasks.
Slip Protection
Another additional feature that will improve your work efficiency is anti-slip. If you are working in oily or wet environments, you are always at the risk of slipping. Thus to protect yourself, the boot with slip protection is worth having. Furthermore, their tread patterns with slipping design can maintain the grip on slippery surfaces effectively.
Electrical Safety
Electricians and all those working in fields where they might encounter electricity are strictly advised to consider this feature in the boots. They can prevent current from reaching the ground and completing the circuit, thereby protecting you against electrocution.
Comfort Level
You will wear your work boots every day for a long time, so one must consider comfortability. Uncomfortable boots will reduce your efficiency at work, and you will not be able to work correctly because of feet ache and blisters. Therefore, regardless of your job nature, comfortability must be your priority.
Quality
There is a massive variety in the quality of top rated work boots. In this competitive market, every manufacturer is fighting to design better quality shoes than the other company. Therefore, some boots are high-quality but not pricey, while others cost a considerable amount. Hence, one must look for durable ones and always remember that it is better to pay once than every year. However, do not forget, some cheap models can be durable too. So search thoroughly before buying.
Design
Design is the least priority for the work boots manufacturers as they are more focused on its quality and protection aspects. However, some have made incredibly stylish boots without compromising on their functionality and purpose.
Price
As work boots are designed to give their exceptional performance, they will cost money. However, not everybody has deep pockets; hence one must look for the ones that offer the full features at affordable rates.
Work Boots Performance Criteria
The performance criteria of the work boots are according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). In addition, they have a standard performance criterion for all the boots that are specially designed for protection purposes.
ASTM Performance Criteria
ASTM F2413 has nine categories of different hazards that are represented by certain symbols. These symbols are usually an abbreviation in one or two letters. The nine categories are listed below.
- Compression or Crushing Forces
- Impact on the Toe Area
- Conductive
- Electrical Shock
- Static Dissipative
- Puncture Resistance
- Metatarsal Impact
- Chain Saw
- Dielectric Insulation
Compression or Crushing Forces
Symbol: C
There are four classes of compression or crushing force standards for work boots. For men and women of 2500 pounds, it is Class 75, while Class 50 is 1000 pounds.
Impact on the Toe Area
Symbol: I
It is the same as compression.
Conductive
Symbol: CD
It deals with the static electrical discharge hazards that prevent volatile materials ignition.
Electrical Shock
Symbol: EH
EH is resistance that will protect your heels and toes from connecting to the ground.
Static Dissipative
Symbol: SD
This category deals with the reduction of the accumulation of excess static electricity.
Puncture Resistance
Symbol: PR
This one deals with the protection of soles against punctures.
Metatarsal Impact
Symbol: MT
This impact protects the top of your foot from various hazardous impacts.
Chain Saw
Symbol: CS
This category works to provide cut resistance.
Dielectric Insulation
Symbol: DI
It provides insulation if your boot accidentally comes in contact with conductors or circuits.
How to Check Your Work Boot Meet the Criteria?
One can easily find that work boots meet ASTM F2413 protection criteria by checking the four-line format. The format uses abbreviations that will help in identifying dangers the boot will protect against. Below is the summarized format.
ASTM F2413 Four Line Format
Line I ~ The specifications
Line II ~ Gender and classification
Line III and Line IIII ~ Hazards that boot will protect against.
Cleaning and Caring of Work Boots
You can prolong the life of your work boots by taking proper steps in cleaning, washing, and maintaining them. The easiest and best way in which you can properly clean your shoes is explained in detail.
Step 1- Remove the insole
If the sole is removable, then first remove the insole of your work boot.
Step 2- Scrubbing
Next, you will take some powder or detergent to help scrub the grime and dirt off your shoes. After scrubbing thoroughly, rinse them until there is no remaining residue of soap. Then, clean the insole too for getting rid of the foul odor from your boots.
Step 3- Mild Cleanser
After that, you will have to clean the work boots’ interiors with a mild cleanser. Besides, you can make one of your own by mixing baby shampoo drops and natural shampoo. Then, fill your shoes with the soapy mixture and rinse them thoroughly.
Step 4- Air-Dry
Now it is time to air-dry them. After removing all suds by thoroughly rinsing them, keep them under the sun to dry.
Step 5- Tackling Smell
Work boots, particularly the non-breathable ones, are famous for holding bacteria that cause your feet to stink and result in a terrible odor. To get rid of the smell, fill a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into two socks and tie a knot. Then, put those socks inside your work shoes for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 6- Put Shoes in Freezer
After that, pack your shoes properly inside a zipper bag and let them sit in the freezer. Doing this will remove all the remaining smells, leaving no sign of bacteria.
Step 7- New-Looking Work Boot Shoes
In the end, after an hour, take your shoes out of the freezer.
Following all the above seven steps will lead you to have fresh, clean, and new-looking work boots at the end.
Best Work Boots for Men
Below are the top rated work boots.
Caterpillar Mens Steel Toe Work Boots
Caterpillar Men's Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot, Black, 7 M US
These are one of the best steel work boots for men that are slip-resistant and have a waterproof membrane. The comfortable shaft and durable leather make it stand out from the rest of the best work boots. No one will regret buying these best steel toe boots.
Key Features
Material & Build
These best steel toe work boots for mens are 100 % durable and breathable leather with a waterproof membrane. Moreover, it features a slip-resistant outsole and lightweight midsole for comfortability.
ASTM Safety Standards
The boots with steel toes are rated ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 for impact and compression. This is the highest available strength of ASTM. Also, it is rated ASTM F2413-11 1/75 EH for electrical hazards. This shoe can protect up to 14000 volts in dry conditions.
Dunlop 8677603 Safety Mens Steel Toe Work Boots
Dunlop 8677507 Chesapeake Boots, 100% Waterproof PVC, Lightweight and Durable Protective Footwear, Men Size 7/Women Size 9
The composite toe work boots are another best steel toe boots. It is designed to increase your work efficiency by providing comfort all day long with anti-slip, water-resistant, and durable work boots. It is one of the most comfortable work boots.
Key Features
Material & Build
These lightweight work boots feature a modern design of durable leather. Moreover, the material is 100% waterproof with a PVC outsole and a built-in protective toe cap that provides ultimate protection.
ASTM Safety Standards
According to ASTM standards, the boot is rated F2413-11 with a protective toe cap that provides maximum protection against impacts and pressure. Hence, one can quickly wear them at places requiring rigorous tasks without fear of falling heavy metal objects.
Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Industrial Boot
Caterpillar Men's Threshold Waterproof Industrial Boot, Black, 7 M US
One of the best waterproof work boots that offer great comfort at very affordable rates. The non slip work boots have an anti-slip sole that ensures a perfect grip, while the water-resistant feature keeps feet dry and warm.
Key Features
Material & Build
It is a 100% leather boot of premium durable quality. Also, the full-grain leather is abrasion-resistant and protective. Moreover, the insole is removable and soft, while the outsole is anti-slip and sturdy. The midsole is further lightweight and more shock absorbent. The waterproof membrane features seams seals that protect boots against any liquid spills.
ASTM Safety Standards
The outsole exceeds ASTM standards of anti-slip for grip on low traction surfaces. In addition, for electrical hazard protection, this work boot is rated to protect up to 600 volts in dry conditions.
Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
Carhartt Men's Rugged Flex 6" Comp Toe Construction Shoe, Brown Oil Tanned Leather, 10.5 Wide
$130.99 in stock
The composite toe work boots are built using the highest design and quality standards. This durable boot meets applicable safety standards and provides exceptional durability.
Key Features
Material & Build
The upper consists of high-quality full-grain durable leather and a wider front area for easy toes movement. Moreover, the abrasion-resistant outsole features lugs and ladder lock channels. Further, the dual-density footbed offers solid and comfortable cushioning to reduce foot pain.
ASTM Safety Standards
This boot meets F2413-18 EH standards of ASTM, thus protecting open circuits or incidental contacts of 18000 volts.
Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Caterpillar Men's Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot, Dark Brown, 7 M US
Caterpillar’s steel toe work boot offers comfort, protection, and durability with its rugged style and quality leather for a tireless working day. In addition, they are highly comfortable steel toe shoes.
Key Features
Material & Build
This boot is a durable leather with a synthetic sole and ankle-cut design that provides flexibility and durability. Further, the breathable insole keeps your foot in comfort. Moreover, it offers a padded ankle and an outsole that delivers anti-slip features for maximum traction.
ASTM Safety Standards
These non slip work boots are rated with the highest available strength as ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 to protect against compression and impacts. Also, it is rated ASTM F2413-11 1/75 EH for electrical hazard protection to protect against open circuits for up to 14000 volts.
Thorogood Men’s American Work Boot
Thorogood American Heritage 8” Non-Safety Toe Work Boots For Men - Premium Breathable Plain Toe Leather Boots With Slip-Resistant MAXWear Wedge Outsole 8.5 4E US
While manufacturing the best construction boots, Thorogood primarily focuses on comfort, craftsmanship, and innovation. They make shoes which fit in all sorts of workplaces and let you perform your task with high efficiency. It is the best waterproof work boots for places that involve work with chemicals and liquid.
Key Features
Material & Build
The 100 % leather work boot is built with Goodyear welt construction. It further features a Vibram sole and removable ultimate shock absorption footbed. Additionally, it also features a Poron comfort cushion insole. The outsole is slip-resistant. The fiberglass shank provides extra support and comfort. The membrane is waterproof and breathable, which keeps your feet comfortable, warm, and dry.
ASTM Safety Standards
The shoe features electric-shock resisting soles and heels, which can easily withstand up to 18000 volts at 60 HZ for a minute. Therefore, it will protect the person from high current hazards under dry conditions effectively.
Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss 6 Inch Soft Toe Work Boot
Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss Soft Toe Work Boot, Brown, 12
$99.95 in stock
The unique comfort system of this shoe makes it an ideal one to meet the most rigorous demands of the work duty site.
Key Features
Material & Build
This boot is 100% leather built with a Goodyear welt construction Nylon Shock-diffusion plate for durable mechanical bond and stability. Also, the boot features comfort suspension technology which helps minimize foot pain. In addition to that, it supports the arch and cushions your feet in every step. Furthermore, the outsole is slip-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and also oil-resistant, thereby providing this shoe maximum traction.
ANSI Safety Standards
This leather boot meets the ANSI standard and provides protection against falling of heavy material, and eases your walk at uneven surfaces by reducing foot fatigue.
Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot – Men’s Safety, Wide Calf, Work Boots
ARIAT mens Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot Men s Safety Wide Calf Work Boots, Brown, 10 US
This shoe is highly comfortable, tedious, and strong, which makes it ideal for heavy-duty tasks at construction sites and industries. It ensures high efficient work without any fatigue and un-comfortability.
Key Features
Material & Build
This 100 % leather shoe features a dura tread outsole that is slip and oil resistant. Moreover, the supportive cushioning, stability technology and extra metatarsal protection makes it strong, rigid, and durable. In addition to that, the four-layer rebound technology further provides additional support and comfort,
ASTM Safety Standards
This steel toe shoe is rated as ASTM F2892-11 EH to provide protection against electrical hazards. The open-circuit protection will lead all the current to the ground, thereby protecting the person.
LARNMERN Steel Toe Boots, Industrial and Construction Boots
LARNMERN Mens Work Safety Boots, Steel Toe Casual Breathable Outdoor Protection Footwear/9.5/Black/Yellow …
$53.90 in stock
The non-slip work boots feature standard European protection. The oil-resistant and anti-slip function makes it highly recommended for heavy-duty tasks. In addition, these shoes are among the most comfortable steel toe boots.
Key Features
Material & Build
The leather mesh is of premium quality and highly durable. In addition, it also features a synthetic insole and slip-resistant outsole. The steel midsole and toe cap further provide protection against punctures. Moreover, the anti-skid material of the sole makes it sweat absorbent.
European Safety Standards
The anti-smash impact resistance is more significant than 200J, while anti-static pressure is greater than 15 KN. Thus, the high strength prevents it from being stabbed by sharp objects. Also, it makes it highly protective and usable in hazardous places.
To conclude, the right pair of boots is capable of doing a lot more than just protecting your toes. Everyone has different requirements when it comes to picking a work boot. Some prefer comfort, while others need strength or high functionality. Hence, we have listed all sorts of work boots above. Pick one and have a productive working day.
