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Nov 02, 2024

Best Work Boots For Men 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Long days on your feet call for boots that can handle hard work, rough weather and all-day wear. With features like reinforced steel toes, waterproof uppers and grippy outsoles, the best work boots

Long days on your feet call for boots that can handle hard work, rough weather and all-day wear. With features like reinforced steel toes, waterproof uppers and grippy outsoles, the best work boots for men combine durability and comfort that set them apart. I spent years with a masonry crew in the Pacific Northwest, and while my trusty pair of Georgia boots didn’t have steel toes or nonconductive soles, I quickly learned that every job (and every foot) demands a different boot.

Whether you’re on a job site day in and day out or tackling a home renovation, I’ve evaluated work boots from Timberland, Red Wing, Thorogood, Blundstone, Carhartt, Danner and more to find the best work boots for men. From the classic Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe that tops this list to the budget-friendly Skechers Burgin-Tarlac and the waterproof Keen Cincinnati that withstands the elements, one of the eight boots below should meet your needs.

The best work boots for men offer rugged, reliable comfort for every job.

Thorogood

Sizes: 5 to 15; medium and wide widths | Materials: Full-grain leather, rubber sole | Weight: Not listed | Toe reinforcement: Soft toe | ASTM rating: Electrical hazard: F2892-18; Slip resistance: F3445-21

Whether you’re pouring concrete, installing cabinetry or putting the finishing touches on a landscaping job, the American Heritage Moc Toe Boot is built for the task at hand. Up top, Thorogood uses full-grain American leather for its durability, and they finish the boot with a MaxWear Wedge outsole to improve traction and keep you on your feet.

While the toe isn’t reinforced, I appreciate that it’s wide and roomy for comfort, or for a pair of thick socks if you’re working in the cold. Thorogood also uses a Goodyear storm welt that the company can repair and restore, so if you take care of the leather and treat the boots well, they should last for years to come. And while they’re technically work boots, I think it’s safe to say they’d look good with a pair of dark jeans if you’re heading out with friends and family.

With all that said, one of the biggest complaints Thorogood boots receive is their break-in period that typically lasts for two-to-three weeks. During that time, the boots feel stiff and downright uncomfortable, but as the leather softens and molds to your foot, comfort quickly improves. And once they’re fully broken in, you won’t find a more durable, reliable boot for the money.

Duradero

Sizes: 7 to 14; medium (D) and wide (EEE) widths | Materials: Leather, rubber | Weight: Not listed | Toe reinforcement: Steel toe | ASTM rating: Steel toe rated

If you’re on your feet all day, every day, Duradero’s Moc Toe Boot should be at the top of your short list. It offers a blend of safety and cushioning that other work boots don’t, with a wedge-shaped outsole that provides slip- and oil-resistance, and a removable memory foam footbed that molds to your foot and absorbs shock. Duradero also has an excellent rebuilding program: When the boots are worn out, you can ship them back to be resoled, relaced and have the leather reconditioned, all for free.

Keep in mind that Duradero’s boots run large, so you might consider moving down a half size or wearing them with thick socks to fill them out. If you lace them up and find that the comfort isn’t quite dialed in, consider investing in a pair of insoles for work boots to improve all-day comfort and support.

Blundstone

Sizes: 4 to 15 | Materials: Leather, elastic side, EVA footbed, polyurethane midsole, TPU outsole | Weight: 1.31 pounds | Toe reinforcement: Steel toe | ASTM rating: F2413-18 M/I/C/EH

While Blundstone boots are more popular nowadays among the style-savvy crowd, the brand, founded in 1870, hasn’t strayed from making tough, reliable work boots. The 172 Steel-Toed Boot, for example, is a great slip-on choice built to handle demanding jobs. Not only is it a safety-rated steel-toe boot, it’s also built with a kick guard for additional protection, helping the leather last longer. The outsole offers heat resistance up to 284 degrees and the defined heel lugs add further stability for stairs and ladders. And you can’t deny that it looks good, so you might consider it if you’re looking for a boot that’s easy to dress up or down.

For years, I resisted the urge to pick up a pair of Blundstones after seeing them hundreds of times a week on the streets of Portland. But once I was gifted a pair of the brand’s #1910 Original suede boots, I quickly understood the appeal. They’re comfortable, durable and so easy to put on and take off. If fiddling with laces isn’t your thing, this is the boot to get.

Skechers

Sizes: 7 to 14; medium and wide widths | Materials: Leather, rubber sole | Weight: 2.06 pounds | Toe reinforcement: Steel toe | ASTM rating: Steel toe: F2412/2413-2011 I/75 C/75; Electrical hazard: F2413-05

Skechers’ industrial boot has some of the same features found in its more expensive counterparts despite costing half as much. For exmaple, it features both steel toe and electric hazard safety ratings, a puncture-resistant outsole and a slip-resistant rubber for wet conditions when, say, you’re working on a roof in the rain. The boot also has a padded collar and breathable memory foam insole that makes it comfortable and supportive for hours of wear.

Of course, the biggest concern I have with a boot at this price point is long-term reliability. As you can probably guess, work boots are a “you get what you pay for” investment. But I’ll also note that Skechers has a 45-day return policy for guests and an even stronger 90-day policy for Skechers Plus members, so I would recommend these to anyone who needs a basic boot for casual use and wants some time to decide if they meet your needs.

Carhartt

Sizes: 8 to 15; medium and wide widths | Materials: Leather, rubber sole, polyurethane insole | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Toe reinforcement: Steel toe | ASTM rating: Steel toe: 2413-05, 2413-18; Electrical hazard: 2413-11, F2892-11 , 2413-18

Carhartt specializes in durable workwear, and their steel toe work boot offers reliable protection for jobs of all kinds. The steel toe is highly rated for impact and compression hazards, plus there’s a secondary electrical hazard protection against incidental contact with 18,000-volt electrical currents. In terms of comfort, a polyurethane insole and cushioned collar provide padding to support the foot, and a lightweight midsole helps reduce foot fatigue on a long work day.

Keep in mind that not all steel toe boots offer the same level of protection, even if they all feature a steel toe cap. The effectiveness of the toe cap can vary based on different safety standards, and the construction and fit of the boot can affect how well the toe cap protects your feet. Extra features, like metatarsal guards, can also add to the overall safety, so if you’re set on steel-toe boots, be sure to consider options that meet these guidelines.

Keen

Sizes: 7 to 15; medium and wide widths | Materials: Leather upper, PU midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 2.14 pounds | Toe reinforcement: Soft toe | ASTM rating: Electrical hazard: F3445-21, F2892-18; Slip resistance: F2913-19 SATRA

I really like Keen’s Cincinnati Waterproof Work Boot not only because it looks good and receives high marks for comfort, but also because it’s great at defending against moisture. Whether you’re working in the rain or constantly getting your feet wet while mixing concrete, a waterproof boot should keep your feet dry, and it should be breathable enough to let your feet breathe as you’re working.

Because Keen already builds breathable, waterproof hiking boots for big adventures in the backcountry, I feel comfortable recommending their Cincinnati boot that features the same technology. Add in a LuftCell insole, Goodyear welt and PFAS-free construction that’s easy on the environment, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded work boot that’s ready to go to work, rain or shine.

Danner

Sizes: 7 to 15; medium and wide widths | Materials: Leather upper, PU midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 5.31 pounds | Toe reinforcement: Composite toe | ASTM rating: Electrical hazard certified; Slip resistance: Oil and slip resistance

Whether you work in the dead of winter or find yourself standing in feet of snow on the job site, an insulated style like Danner’s Quarry Boot will keep your feet warm, no questions asked. Built with 400-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation, the high-performance lining locks in warmth without weighing you down. And to ensure the insulation doesn’t soak up moisture if you’re working in snow or walking through slush, the Quarry features a Gore-Tex liner for added protection against the elements. Danner also uses triple stitching to improve durability, a composite toe to protect against impacts and the entire design is recraftable.

Of course, the obvious hurdle you’ll need to look beyond is the sticker price—the Quarry is the most expensive boot in this guide and one of the more expensive styles on the market today. But if you weigh the price against Danner’s strong 365-day warranty and the brand’s well-established reliability, it’s easier to understand why it costs as much as it does. If I were to label any work boot a long-term investment that’s going to last for years to come, it would be this one.

Brunt

Sizes: 7 to 16; medium (D) and wide (EE) widths | Materials: Leather, rubber sole | Weight: 1.82 pounds | Toe reinforcement: Composite toe | ASTM rating: Composite toe and electrical hazard: F2413-18

The Brunt Marin Work Boot combines the classic look of a moc toe with the durability of a waterproof boot. The toe is made of a composite material that’s significantly lighter than a traditional steel toe, which makes you just a little lighter on your feet and less likely to notice you’re wearing boots at all. The boots are still ASTM-compliant for compression and impact hazard protection, and their rubberized outsole comes with built-in oil and slip resistance. Also great: The insert below the insole can be removed to give the boot a more relaxed fit.

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched gear articles that cover a range of outdoor topics. These include in-depth footwear guides that delve into apparel, brands and the tools you might need on the job site, like a pocket knife or multi-tool

To identify the best work boots for men, I relied on my own expertise, consulted others who wear work boots every day and read up on customer reviews from those who bought work boots with their own money.

The primary reason work boots are required at certain jobs is safety. Depending on the work, there are risks of dropping heavy or sharp items on your foot, encountering electrical currents that could generate a shock, extreme high—or low—temperatures, and slippery surfaces.

OSHA-approved work boots must be certified by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, which publishes technical standards for a range of products. According to the ASTM, safety shoes are rated for impact resistance (abbreviated with an I), compression resistance (C) and electrical hazard protection (EH). Different jobs may require different ASTM ratings, so be sure to check with your employer to confirm what is specifically necessary for your job. All of our recommended work boots are ASTM-certified.

Most work boots come with some sort of waterproof layer, which not only keeps your feet dry, but also protects and extends the life of the leather upper. It’s also recommended to reapply a waterproofing wax or silicone-based spray when you notice water no longer beads on the surface. The last thing you want is for water—or chemicals—to soak through your boots; it’s not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous if you foot isn’t dry and secure inside the boot. If your workplace exposes you to cold temperatures, an insulated work boot will provide additional protection and comfort for your feet and toes.

Work boots take a beating from daily wear in extreme conditions, so it’s important they have a strong upper and a long-lasting outsole. Some work boots are quite thick and require some break-in time to soften the leather, but once they’re molded to your foot, many reviewers said their boots can last for years, requiring only an insole or shoelace replacement. Some brands, like Duradero, even offer sole replacement services, which significantly add to the lifetime of the boot.

The toe reinforcement of the work boot can also become compromised over years of wear; a steel toe that has become exposed from exterior layers wearing down is not as protective as a new pair of steel-toe boots, for instance. You’ll want a very durable upper to ensure the best, most reliable, protection on the job. Once your work boots wear out, they’ll need to be replaced if repairing them can’t bring them back to their original condition.

Most jobs that require work boots call for long hours on your feet, so you’ll want work boots with at least a mid-height shaft to provide support for the ankle. Some work boots come with insoles that add cushion for the arch and heel of the foot, or even memory foam that will form to the foot’s shape, providing a more custom fit. The boot should also hold the foot securely with laces or elastic panels to prevent slipping. The last thing you want is for your boot to fall off while on a job site.

Work boot longevity depends on what you’re wearing them for and the duration. If you’re wearing work boots daily under intense conditions, expect to get 6 to 12 months out of them before you need a replacement or resoling. For other types of work, boots can last up to a few years with proper care. Keeping them conditioned, clean—dried mud can dry out the leather, for instance—and away from excessive heat can also help them last longer. Wearing your boots exclusively for work, not for casual everyday wear, can also extend their lifespan.

A composite toe is a protective feature found in some work footwear that keeps your toes safe from impacts and compression. Made from lightweight materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber, or plastic, composite toes are a comfortable alternative to traditional steel toes, and they don’t conduct heat or cold as much. Plus, they still offer solid protection that meets safety standards, so your feet are still protected without the added weight.

A moc toe, or moccasin toe, is a shoe style that features a rounded toe and a seam running along the top, giving it a look reminiscent of traditional moccasins. Made from materials like leather or suede, these shoes are known for their comfortable fit, making them a favorite for both work and everyday wear. And their versatile design means you can easily dress them up or down, so they’re perfect for the job site or the outings with friends and family.