The Best Work Boots For Men

What to Look For

In our search for the best work boots on the market, we considered three factors above all others: safety, comfort, and durability. Any pair of work boots worth its salt will have those three bases covered and then some. It didn’t take long for the Irish Setter work boots to come out on top, largely due to their unparalleled regard for meeting safety standards in electrical hazards and heat resistance. But if you’re after a work boot that’ll give you a little bit more coverage, you can’t go wrong with Cat Footwear’s pull-on work boots, which offer protection all the way up to the mid-calf level. Read on to discover what works about the rest of our top choices.

Irish Setter Work Boot

Work it

Designed for the everyman, this stylish work boot strikes the perfect balance between rugged durability and affordability.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

Irish Setter understands that safety comes first when it comes to high-quality work boots. These stylishly sturdy work boots earned our top slot due to the superior construction of their outsoles. Aside from that, we also appreciate that the boots’ rubber-EVA material meets official electrical hazard standards and boasts a heat resistance of up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Not to mention, the USA-made full-grain leather is tough as nails.

Pros:

• These impeccably designed work boots manage to do what few others can: look great while keeping you safe at work, and all at a reasonable price.
• We love that these tend to feel comfortable right out of the box without a lengthy break-in period.

Cons:

• The design might be a little wide for those with narrow feet.

Carhartt Waterproof Soft-Toe Work Boot

Happy feet

These beauties boast a durable build and classic design that'll keep you comfortable on the job.

Runner Up

Find on Amazon

These Carhartt work boots are an easy favorite for a few reasons. To start, their waterproofing is a standout factor for anyone who might need to work or commute in inclement weather. Aside from that, we also like the wedge outsole design, which helps distribute weight evenly across the sole of the foot. That results in a mighty comfortable fit. What’s more, Carhartt offers a wide selection of leather colors to choose from.

Pros:

• Carhartt offers “wide” sizing for those with broader feet.
• Designed with long work days in mind, the soles are well-cushioned and offer plenty of support.

Cons:

• These might not provide as much traction on slippery surfaces as comparable work boots.

Thorogood American Heritage Steel-Toe Work Boots

Suit of armor

With these American-made steel-toe boots on your feet, workplace accidents become a lot less scary.

Best Steel-Toe

Find on Amazon

If you work in any environment where your feet could get injured, these steel-toed work boots can provide them with the protection they need in the event of an accident. Aside from their steel-toe reinforcement, Thorogood’s boots have a shock-absorptive cushioned insole that can keep you light on your feet during long work days. And despite their rugged, steel-toed construction, these full-grain leather work boots offer a flexible, relaxed fit.

Pros:

• Thorogood’s wedge outsole provides superior traction on wet surfaces when compared to many leading brands.
• The shank construction utilizes a winning blend of fiberglass and composite that helps maintain the boot’s shape, even after heavy use.

Cons:

• There’s plenty to love about these work boots, but there’s no denying that the asking price is a bit hefty.

Cat Footwear Revolver Pull-On Work Boots

High and dry

These slick mid-calf boots provide the kind of protection that smaller boots simply can't.

Best Mid-Calf

Find on Amazon

If your job calls for more protection than standard work boots can offer, this pair from Cat Footwear might be the perfect choice for you. These long and strong full-grain leather boots come equipped with two durable pull-on loops that make them a breeze to slip on. We also like the slim-fit design, which tends to fit nicely under any pair of boot-cut work jeans. What’s more, the slip-resistant outsole provides dependable traction for traversing wet surfaces.

Pros:

• The thick leather construction allows the Revolvers to double as a reliable pair of snow boots.
• The outsole is rated for protection against electrical hazards, making this an excellent choice for tradesmen in construction and carpentry.

Cons:

• The insole could be a bit more comfortable with more padding.

Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boots

Working wonders

This pick proves that you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to get reliable work boots.

Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for a top-notch work boot that can get the job done without breaking the bank, these boots from Wolverine might be the perfect pick for you. Constructed with full-grain leather, the waterproof design makes these boots a must-have for working at muddy job sites in inclement weather. In short, if you’re looking for a sturdy, budget-friendly work boot that will stand the test of time, this is it.

Pros:

• Despite the low asking price of these boots, they tend to last a long time.
• Unlike comparable brands, Wolverine offers a wide selection of color options with this pick.

Cons:

• These run a bit large, so consider ordering a half size down from what you’d normally wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are work boots suitable for everyday wear?

If you find a pair of work boots that fit you comfortably and look great on you, there’s no reason you can’t wear them while you’re off the clock. After all, they’re built with comfort and durability in mind, so you shouldn’t run into any issues with walking off the job site and out for a night on the town in your work boots.

When should I replace my work boots?

Work boots are made with more durable material than dress boots and sneakers, which means you’ll likely get a longer lifespan out of them than your casual footwear. Still, when the insole gets too worn down, or the outsole eventually loses traction, you’ll know it’s probably time to grab yourself another pair.

About the Author

There's no better feeling than walking out the door in well-made clothes that make you look and feel great. Nick’s goal is to help readers feel that way every day. A true New Yorker, Nick is always up to date on the latest trends fresh off the runway. When he’s not writing about fashion, you can find him writing and producing music.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.