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Oct 30, 2024

10 Best Work Shoes for Men 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us. Get the job done in these tough

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.

Get the job done in these tough performance picks.

Work smarter, not harder. If you're in a job where you're on your feet a lot, that means picking the right footwear—you know, the work shoes that are safe, durable, protective, and comfortable.

For hazardous, on-site jobs, a classic tennis shoe isn't going to cut it. You need a shoe that meets safety regulations (this usually means it has an alloy or steel toe, is slip-proof and waterproof, has shock-absorbing properties, and won't be an electrical hazard), is cushiony, offers the right arch support, and isn't going to weigh you down. Lucky for you, we have ten of the best pairs that meet those exact criteria right here.

We put a bunch to the test to find the best work shoes listed below that are all about making you feel better during and after your workday. They're tough and sturdy, up for whatever task you need 'em for. Whether you're walking all day or standing a lot, these editor-approved options will get the job done.

With a lightweight, flexible membrane that allows your foot to breathe, these work shoes are protective yet ventilating. They have a slip-resistant sole and sturdy tread and feature a composite, protective toe that meets standard safety regulations. Plus, the responsive cushioning technology will make you feel that much lighter on your feet.

These leather shoes are tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Textile lining wicks away moisture on your feet, and the sole is all about traction—don't fear any slipups. Keen designs its work shoes with a PU midsole so they can be as lightweight as possible, and instead of steel toes, these shoes have aluminum-alloy safety toes, which are 35 percent lighter.

One reviewer writes:

"I work in a metal factory. Very dirty & oily. These shoes don’t slip like others I’ve had. Worn them for a year with the original sole insert. Very comfortable. I’ve had $200 boots that are not close to the quality of these. Buying another pair soon!"

Skechers have always been a go-to footwear choice for all-day comfort, and these work shoes are no different. They feature a nonslip sole that's virtually immune to oil and water, plus a memory-foam insole for maximum cushioning. These also have a lighter-weight alloy toe, instead of steel, which still meets safety regulations.

One reviewer writes:

"Highly recommended for anyone who works outside in the summer months. I'm a power plant operator and I'm on my feet for 10 hours of my 12-hour shifts. Too hot for the boots in the summer and these shoes are great."

Carhartt is a tried-and-true brand for work gear, down to the shoes. These breathable, waterproof sneakers are designed to meet electrical-hazard safety standards, with a soft toe, cement construction featuring a hardy rubber sole, and a breathable membrane. The classic Carhartt footbed is engineered specifically to cater to your arches, too, so your foot can go on feeling unfatigued.

Although these are hiking shoes, they're perfect for outdoor work, too. Hoka's construction is universally comfortable and durable, and these shoes, with a Gore-Tex membrane and plenty of traction, bring the heat in terms of breathability. They're waterproof, too, and have toe caps and heels designed for maximum protection.

One reviewer writes:

"Best shoes ever. Three foot surgeries and these are the only shoes I can wear!"

If your work finds you outside in the cold, Teva has the ultimate pair of shoes for you. This waterproof style features waffle-knit linings for maximum warmth, plus a durable antislip sole, nylon shanks to keep you stable in any terrain, and a lace-up bootie style that protects and warms your ankles.

Designed to meet work safety standards in the U.S. and Canada, these shock-absorbing shoes are all about keeping you light on your feet. The alloy safety toe is significantly lighter than a steel toe but still protective, and the rubber sole is a no-slip must-have.

One reviewer writes:

"It is definitely worth your money. It gives you great arch support and you know the soles of the shoes are wonderful. I can't deny that you get it in the exact size and it fits just great."

From the folks over at Columbia comes a staple work shoe—especially if you want something plush and cushiony. This sneaker has adjustable laces that'll never come untied, plus an abrasion-resistant outer and slip-resistant sole.

One customer writes:

"Very happy with them. Good looking, comfortable, breathable and really great traction on all surfaces/terrain. Slippery rocks, muddy trails, asphalt trails, clay trails...zero issues. Felt very confident in their grip on everything. Highly recommend."

For something that extends protection to your ankles, too, opt for a boot instead of a shoe. This one has hard-wearing Blake stitching, plus a super-lightweight sole that won't drag you down. They're great for winter and outdoor wear, at work or home.

Who says a Chelsea boot is only for dressing up? These Chelsea work boots are all about durability and comfort, with a waterproof, abrasion-resistant outer, a slip-resistant sole, and a safety-approved design that even passes the melt-point test.

All right, you've seen the options, but what do you need to know before taking the next step? Here are a few things to consider when deciding which are the best work shoes for you.

Sole: A nonslip sole is going to take you far. Look for a shoe that also has plenty of traction and, even better, a shock-absorbing sole, too. Some options on this list have passed electrical-safety standards, so if that applies to your job, those will be the best work shoes for you.

Upper: The type of shoe upper you choose should depend on the type of work you do. If your feet are prone to getting hot or if you work in a space that heats up easily, something with a breathable, moisture-wicking upper will serve you well. If you need something warmer, a lined upper covered by a protective shell will be great. Waterproofing is a great feature no matter what.

Toe: Some of the picks on this list have alloy toes or toes that meet safety regulations. If your line of work includes the potential of things dropping or you're walking through construction zones, you need the extra protection.

Cushioning: The key to comfortable shoes is cushioning. Being on your feet a lot calls for shoes with plush interiors—and arch support, too, if you need it.

Here at Esquire, we consider ourselves to be experts in comfort. We prioritize only the best options for ourselves. The ones we pick for you are the same ones we would wear—and we only accept the very best in terms of functionality and style. The work shoes you see above are from brands we know and love, in styles our editors endorse, and have passed our criteria and scored high in the face of thousands of customer reviews. We've put in the time and research and decided that these are the best picks.

We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great.

Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully chosen by our fashion and e-commerce teams. When it comes to work shoes, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally researched, tried, tested, and loved.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, researching thousands of customer reviews, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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