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Table Of Contents
What to Look for in the Best Men’s Work Boots
How We Selected the Best Work Boots for Men
Meet the Expert
Meet the Author
Top Work Boots for Men of 2023
Best anti-fatigue work boot
Timberland Pro Irvine Work Boots
Buy Now AT AMAZON$149.95
Best men’s insulated work boots
Wolverine I-90 Durashocks Waterproof Work Boots
Buy Now at amazon$109.99
Best work boots for men walking on concrete
Keen Arvada Mid Work Sneaker Boots
Buy Now at amazon$125.00
Best work boots for maximum traction
Brunt Distasio Composite Toe Boots
Buy Now at brunt workwear$179.99
Best insulated work boot for the harshest winter
Thorogood V-Series Crazy Horse Safety Toe Boots
Best Steel-toe work boots for men
Keen Milwaukee 6-inch Steel Toe Boots
Buy Now at amazon$131.10
Best slip-on work boot
Ariat Big Rig Chelsea Waterproof Work Boots
Buy Now at amazon$199.95
best men’s work boots for plantar fasciitis
Orthofeet Granite Work Boots
Buy Now at orthofeet$139.95
Best work boot for wet snow
Muck Boot Company Artic Pro Insulated Boots
Buy Now at amazon$129.95
While everyone benefits from properly fitting footwear, for those who work on their feet, it can make or break the day. The best work boots for men are comfortable, supportive, grippy, protective, and in some cases address existing issues, like flat feet or plantar fasciitis, to make an eight-hour day feel comfortable.
“Boots that don’t fit well or are low quality are more likely to cause pain and discomfort,” explains Dr. Alex Tauberg, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania chiropractor. “Boots that don’t provide the proper support increase the risk of injuries to the foot, ankle, knee, and possibly even the back.”
The world of work boots for men is vast, ranging from more fashion-forward Chelsea boots to rugged work boots you’ll find on every construction site in the country. While men’s dress shoes and work boots can both feature handsome leather, that’s usually where the similarities end. Sleek, everyday, or dress boots can sometimes be waterproof but offer little protection from cold, slipping, falling objects, and they tend to have a narrower, more elegant toe box.
True work boots are burlier in their build to withstand the rigors of a job site where the footwear is often required to meet specific safety standards. The toe box is almost always generously rounded to encourage movement while providing the space for a safety toe to protect against falling objects. The price for this all-day comfort and protection? Work boots are usually heavier than their fashion-forward counterparts. And the outsole is always much thicker, which is a feature sought out by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania chiropractor Dr. Brian Meenan. “It doesn’t matter how well the boot fits if you are going to be falling on your butt because the outsoles don’t grab the ground enough,” Dr. Meenan explains. “I like rubber outsoles that have thick rugged tread pattern.”
Advancements in protective workwear have come a long way from the humble beginnings that started with a wood block. Sometime in the early 1700s, protective shoes called sabots were introduced to workers in Europe. Often hollowed out from a chunk of wood, these shoes protected feet from stepping on sharp objects, but also from ones that fell, or the wayward trample of a farm animal’s hoof. It wasn’t until World War II that a steel toe was added to the boots for soldiers.
Today there are a few brands that make the best work boots for men, including Timberland, Wolverine, Red Wing, Ariat, and Keen, with many of these brands manufacturing other styles of hard-working footwear, like hiking boots or cowboy boots, where they can mix and match technologies so work boots remain comfortable to wear for long stretches of time. Some of the pricier boot brands offer models that can be resoled so you can get several years out of them.
You can find the best work boots for men in nearly any combination of key attributes: insulated, waterproof, slip-proof, and with an impact-resistant toe. Modern work boots have generous widths, especially in the toe box, and while they are still tougher than your average Chelsea boot, they cut a more modern silhouette, and always come with a grippy outsole to keep you upright in the harshest conditions. Manufacturers offer waterproof boots, usually with a liner next to your foot to prevent moisture from seeping in, and options stuffed with synthetic insulation to keep feet warm in extremely cold conditions.
For the opposite — working in very hot or humid environments — you can find breathable versions that prevent moisture from accumulating around the foot, often with a lightweight build that’s easier to move around in. Safety toe options come in a range of materials, too, from classic steel to newer composite and alloy materials. These work boots for men can also accommodate a range of existing foot issues, like wide feet.
To help you find the best work boots, we did the research to find what experts like Dr. Tauberg, Dr. Meenan, along with chiropractor Dr. Peter Hinz and podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, value in a good pair of boots. Then we researched the most reputable work boot brands to produce a list of well-reviewed models.
Timberland Pro Irvine Work Boots
Size Range: Men’s 7 to 15, in medium and wide width
Colorways Available: Brown or black
Materials: Full-grain leather upper, fiberglass shank, EVA midsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Dick’s Sporting Goods Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
$149.95Buy Now AT AMAZON
$164.99Buy Now at Dick’s
While this is a hard-wearing work boot, the soft moc-style toe of the Timberland Pro Irvine is trendy enough for the streets of Brooklyn or San Fransisco, with the style’s trademark contrasting wedge outsole. Timberland sandwiches an EVA midsole between a heat-, oil-, and slip-resistant outside and a polyurethane-infused footbed that returns energy to you with each step.
An exterior fiberglass spline running up the heel adds support that won’t slump in on itself over time while the curved moc style toe adds generous room in a medium or wide size. The moc style, short for moccasin toe, is the boot version of the footwear Native Americans would wear, designed for hunters and farmers who would appreciate the extra wiggle room in the toes the rounded front provided. Wrapped in full-grain leather with a moisture-wicking lining inside to keep feet dry, these boots will age with their fair share of lumps and scuffs on the job.
What testers say: “I wear the boots every day to work. Comfortable to wear all day. They are casual with jeans and I wear them out on weekends.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$149.95
Best men’s insulated work boots
Wolverine I-90 Durashocks Waterproof Work Boots
Size Range: Men’s 7 to 14, in medium and extra wide widths
Colorways Available: Brown
Materials: Nubuck leather upper, fiberglass shank, Thinsulate Ultra insulation, polyurethane midsole and outside
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
On Sale 42% off
$109.99Buy Now at amazon
$174.99Buy Now at dsw
Every leather boot provides some layer of warmth retaining insulation, but the walls of the Wolverine go beyond that. With 200 grams of Thinsulate Ultra, which retains its ability to trap heat even in damp conditions, wrapping your feet in these boots will keep toes toasty in snow, ice, and slush, through winter cold. Often some level of waterproofing rides along with the insulation, and the membrane inside the leather boots here are no different, stopping any water that might seep in from getting to your socks while letting sweat pass out of the shoe. The removable dual-density footbed, along with the polyurethane outsole helps return energy to the user with each step, which reduces fatigue when you need shoes for standing all day. Also available with a steel toe.
What testers say: “I drive a big rig delivering food products to restaurants and I’m pleased with these boots. I have tried several brands over 20 years of delivery experience. They are a nice soft leather that needs zero break-in time, they are ready to go straight out of the box.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$109.99
SPONSORED
Thorogood Infinity FD Waterproof Boots
Size Range: 7 to 15, regular and wide widths
Colorways Available: Brown, tan, and black
Materials: Full-grain leather upper, composite shank, waterproof lining, flexible outsole, rubber outsole
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
On Sale 17% off
When you have plantar fasciitis a little extra cushion in the heel helps keep your feet going throughout the day. The Thorogood Infinity has a flexible welt construction that encourages the toe box to move. But it’s the details in the rear that will keep you pain-free: anti-fatigue rebounding soles stabilize the heel with every step, absorb shocks, and return some of that energy to you. The rest of the boot is typical Thorogood construction with a non-insulated body that’s waterproof with a composite safety toe and excellent grip that, based on reviews, won’t require much break-in time out of the box.
What testers say: “These are by far the best lasting and most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. I’ve had them for a year now, working outside in dirt, concrete, gravel, mud and water puddles (very waterproof). They’ve held up extremely well under abuse and unlike other boots, my heels haven’t worn down, they still look relatively new.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$199.95
Best work boots for men walking on concrete
Keen Arvada Mid Work Sneaker Boots
Size Range: 7 to 15, regular and wide widths
Colorways Available: black
Materials: Abrasion-resistant synthetic upper, nylon shank, mesh liner, polyurethane footbed, slip-resistant rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$125.00Buy Now at amazon
For long days on your feet indoors, these Keens provide all-day comfort with the toe protection of a work boot. Up front, a composite shield covers the toes against falling material while weighing less than a traditional steel version. Underneath, the oil- and slip-resistant rubber treads provide grip on a range of surfaces, from smooth tile to gritty concrete. The styling looks like a comfy men’s sneaker, with bright swaths of yellow and white, and the shoe provides electric hazard protection against accidental contact with a live circuit. These are ideal for warmer climates where you don’t need insulation to keep comfortable.
What testers say: “Perfect fit and light for a work boot. Comfortable to wear for a full shift.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$125.00
Brunt Distasio Composite Toe Boots
Size Range: 7 to 14, regular and extra wide widths
Colorways Available: brown and black
Materials: Waterproof leather upper, steel shank, memory foam insole, composite toe, rubber outsole
$179.99Buy Now at brunt workwear
The tall, 9-inch shank on the Brunt boots help with stability, especially when paired with the steel shank running up the heel. The chunky, one-inch-thick heel provides extra bite on slippery surfaces like logs, or wet trails where the lugs grip in all directions, while a composite toe provides protection without the weight of steel. And the welt construction means you can get them resoled by a cobbler for long-term use. Brunt’s adjust width system, below the insole, includes a removable gray insert that can take the boot from a regular fit to a wider, more relaxed fit for those who need shoes for wide feet or those you prefer wearing chunkier socks.
What testers say: “Have had them for 2 weeks now and very comfortable and easy to break in. Feet don’t get hurt from climbing wind turbines and don’t lose grip on slick areas.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$179.00
Thorogood V-Series Crazy Horse Safety Toe Boots
Size Range: 8 to 14, regular and wide widths
Colorways Available: Brown
Materials: Waterproof leather upper, composite shank, Thinsulate insulation, removable polyurethane footbed, composite toe, rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
On Sale 6% off
$149.95Buy Now at Amazon
If you live in a northern part of the country where single and negative-digit wind chills are a badge of honor, then you need a different breed of boot. The 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation in the Thorogood V-Series Waterproof/Insulated 8-inch Crazy Horse will keep your feet warm and dry in everything short of submerging them in an ice-fishing hole. The extra insulation works in stealth mode, keeping you comfortable without adding any noticeable bulk. And behind the handsome leather exterior is a waterproof shoe that will keep slush or rain out. The V-shaped outsole provides great traction in slippery conditions, including oil-slicked surfaces, and the construction can be resoled for years down the line.
What testers say: “I have never owned a pair of Thorogoods and thought every man should try a pair before he dies. The fit and quality of these boots are amazing. I have only worn them in 22-degree weather and am sure they will be okay down to 5 or 10 degrees with a good pair of socks.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$149.95
Best Steel-toe work boots for men
Keen Milwaukee 6-inch Steel Toe Boots
Size Range: 7 to 15, regular and wide
Colorways Available: Black, Dark Earth, Slate Black
Materials: Leather upper, TPU shank, sprayed on durable water repellent, removable PU footbed, electrical hazard rated, steel toe, rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
On Sale 25% off
$131.10Buy Now at amazon
While many work boots have removable footbeds that allow you to supplement your arch support, these Keens are arch-support shoes straight out of the box. That is one of the most important factors in increasing comfort and reducing pain, especially if you need shoes for flat feet. The moderate heel helps lock the foot in place, especially on a ladder, for increased stability. And the outsole is designed to grip on oily and slippery surfaces while providing electrical hazard protection. Put simply, they’re some of the most comfortable steel-toe work boots for men.
What testers say: “These boots feel good right away. I have suffered through days of painful feet problems like blisters, etc. with high-end boots because they need breaking in so long. I had a pair before that lasted 5 years, but finally died to the point I was getting burned while welding and cutting, so I tried several pairs of boots…All of them killed my feet. I broke down and bought another pair of these Milwaukee boots and they felt great right away.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$195.55
Ariat Big Rig Chelsea Waterproof Work Boots
Size Range: 6 to 18, wide to extra wide
Colorways Available: Brown
Materials: Full grain leather upper, waterproof, foam midsole for cushion, flared outsole for debris release, elastic sides
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ariat Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
$199.95Buy Now at amazon
$189.95Buy Now at ariat
Chelsea boots might not have the reputation of being up for the rigors of a job site, but these Ariat versions are different. Aside from the elastic webbing, which will let water through on nearly any boot, the rest of the build shouldn’t have an issue shrugging off puddles and rain. Designed for a roomer fit, and those with bigger feet, the sizing starts at wide to accommodate wider calves and higher insteps. A removable insole returns energy to you with each step, which helps in all-day comfort. And the two looped pull tabs make these a cinch to put on. The outside is oil- and slip-resistant and made of chunky leather to provide years of excellent bite on surfaces.
What testers say: “If you have wide feet these are for you they fit great and are very comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$199.95
best men’s work boots for plantar fasciitis
Orthofeet Granite Work Boots
Size Range: 7 to 14, in standard, wide, and extra wide
Colorways Available: Black and brown
Materials: Leather upper, composite shank, composite safety toe, orthotic insole with arch support, EVA midsole, slip-resistant outsole
On Sale 18% off
$139.95Buy Now at orthofeet
If ignored, common foot issues can lead to pain in the knees and eventually up into the back. While there are a host of shoes for back pain and knee pain, these OrthoFeet Granite Work Boots are designed to resolve foot issues before they cause trickle-up issues in your body. The orthotic insoles have a deep cushion in the heel to help with plantar fasciitis and anatomically correct arch support for those with flat feet. And that arch support is adjustable with a series of spacers to increase it, if needed: You can adjust the overall fit by adding or removing either a 1/16- or 1/8-inch thick full-footbed spacer.
What testers say: “Worn from day one without any break-in! I’ve had more expensive boots, but none as comfortable!”
Price upon publish date of this article:$139.95
Muck Boot Company Artic Pro Insulated Boots
Size Range: 7 to 14, in standard width
Colorways Available: Brown
Materials: Neoprene construction lined with insulation, steel toe, molded outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
On Sale 40% off
$129.95Buy Now at amazon
Designed to keep your feet dry and warm in deep snow or very wet outdoor conditions, the Muck Artic Pro boots are, essentially, wetsuits for your feet. Attached the the neoprene construction, which creates a water barrier around your foot, is a warm fleece lining to increase comfort next to the skin. Because heat, when stepping on cold surfaces, leaves your feet through the bottom, Muck added a two-millimeter thick layer of insulating foam under the foot. The 17-inch shaft height is tall enough to protect through very deep snow, mud, and water.
What testers say: “Going on the third season in these boots and I’m pretty happy. This is my second pair and I wear them every day pretty much for our 7 month winters here in Wyoming. Only boot I can do hard work in deep snow and creeks without getting wet, and snowmobile in all in the same week.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$129.95
What to Look for in the Best Men’s Work Boots
While a work boot once was a stiff combination of leather and rubber designed to last, manufacturers have turned their attention to making the footwear for job sites more comfortable. That means there are more work boot options to choose from today than ever before and finding the right pair depends on your foot, the job, the site, and the weather. Still, there are a few key elements you should evaluate in any work boot.
- Grippy treads: An outsole that grips is important in any shoe, but it’s vital in a work booth since the conditions of a jobsite vary: indoors and outside, wet surfaces and dry ones, smooth floors versus climbing over rocks. This is especially important if you’re working on a ladder, roof, or climbing a tree.
- Custom insoles: If you have a favorite pair of insoles that help with a specific condition for your feet, say supination insoles or plantar fasciitis insoles, stick with them. “I do like insoles, especially for work boots since the surfaces you might be on will be very hard and you will probably be moving around a lot. The generic over-the-counter style insole can be OK, but you might as well spend the extra money and get a customized version that you know is good for you,” says Dr. Meenan. In some cases that means planning for the extra room if the boots don’t have removable insoles. “If it’s a larger insole that needs to be the only insole present, make sure that the boot has a removable insole,” says Dr. Tauberg.
- Arch support: Look for boots to have a comfortable level of arch support, whether you have flat feet or not. This is one issue where an aftermarket insole can help increase a boot’s comfort in the long term. “I have seen many cases where the wrong footwear has created problems for individuals who spend long hours standing or walking,” says Dr. Hinz. “One of the most common issues is lower back pain, which can be caused by wearing shoes without proper arch support.” Arch support can also help prevent plantar fasciitis. “This is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes,” explains Dr. Fuchs. “It can be caused by shoes that don’t provide proper arch support.”
- Generous toe box: You don’t see many work boots with a narrow or square toe box for a reason — your toes appreciate the room. “Some boots, especially some cowboy style boots, can get very narrow at the toe box,” says Meenan. “A narrow toe box is never good but especially in a work boot when you will probably going to be going over different terrain, up and down hills. This would cause your toes to jam up even more against the toe box.”
- Cushioning: From standing on concrete to walking across varied terrain, your feet take a pounding inside a pair of work boots. Cushioning is an important element in how your footwear feels hours into the day. “Look for shoes with a well-cushioned footbed to reduce strain on the feet and back,” Dr. Hinz says. “Also, choose shoes with good shock absorption to protect your joints from impact.”
How We Selected the Best Work Boots for Men
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To create this list of the best work boots for men, we consulted with podiatrists and chiropractors, all of whom have worked with patients who’ve had foot and body issues related to improperly fitting work boots. Customer reviews and footwear market research helped to round out our selection of top work boots for men. We made sure to include options for different work places and job sites, so you can shop with confidence. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Alex Tauberis a Pittsburgh-based chiropractor specializing in alleviating pain. Dr. Tauber has years of experience and is also a certified chiropractic sports practitioner, strength and conditioning specialist, and emergency medical responder.
Dr. Brian Meenan is a chiropractor and the founder of Pittsburgh-based Premier Chiropractic in 2019 to serve the South Hills Pittsburgh area. Dr. Meenan has worked with all types of people from NFL athletes to elderly seniors who do not like the typical chiropractic adjustment. He believes that the quickest results come from modern soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation exercises along with traditional chiropractic techniques.
Dr. Peter Hinz is a chiropractor based in Franklin, Tennessee. Dr. Hinz advocates for all components of living a healthy life from the inside out. He is an Eagle Scout, a crossfit athlete, and is also certified as a crossfit level 1 coach. His passion for healthy living and natural care has been shared during time serving the community abroad in Vietnam, as well as for the past six years here in Franklin.
Dr. Suzanne Fuchs is a podiatrist based in Jupiter, Florida, who specializes in sports and regenerative medicine at LuxePodiatry. She provides hands-on customized care for lower extremity conditions, taking a holistic approach to treatment in order to get to the root cause of foot-related problems.
Meet the Author
Sal Vaglica is a freelance writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience across home, tech, kitchen, and outdoor gear products and trends. Vaglica‘s writing and editing has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Serious Eats, Men’s Journal, Fatherly, Men’s Health, This Old House, USA Today and more. Vaglica applied his expansive knowledge of shopping trends and his expertise in men’s gear to pen this article on the best work boots for men.
