Yahoo Lifestyle 14 Work Boots That Will Help You Crush Your Upcoming Projects
- 1/15
14 Work Boots That Will Help You Crush Your Upcoming Projects
FOR SERIOUS work outdoors—or for any home project, whether for maintenance or for aesthetic—a pair of rugged men's work boots is one of the most essential tools in your footwear arsenal. Luckily, there are plenty of options to make any task that much easier. But, with so many options available, where do you start? When shopping for a pair of work boots, you're going to want to first consider what kind of work you'll be doing in them.
Are you planning on taking them to job sites and wearing them for hard manual labor on a regular basis? Or are you going to only use your work boots occasionally for yard work and other impromptu at-home projects? From there, you'll want to determine whether you need to prioritize heavy-duty features like steel toes and strong upper materials, or if you can pick a reasonably durable, light- to medium-duty work boot that balances safety features with premium comfort and perhaps even a dash of style.
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With many of the best work boots running north of $300, it can seem overwhelming to start. We definitely don't recommend grabbing the first pair of $50 steel-toe boots you find, but you don't need to spend a fortune either. To help you save precious time, consider one of these top-rated work boot picks. We've curated this list to include everything from the best lightweight work boots to work boots that will give you the best value for your dollar. There are even a few comfort-focused work boots on this list because, hey, sometimes a nasty blister can be the worst minor injury of them all.
Shop NowCourtesy of Retailer - 2/15
Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots
Ever Boots
amazon.com
$59.99
This budget men's work boot is an industrial construction site go-to. Its key features include Goodyear Welt construction for the utmost durability and soft nubuck leather that’s easy to break in. With more than 14,000 overwhelmingly positive Amazon ratings—including 10,000 5-star ratings—this is a well-trusted boot. With a loyal following that big, and a price that low, we can't help but recommend these as a solid bang-for-your-buck option.
At this price (under $100), it's hard to find much to complain about. The most notable downside is the lack of a steel toe insert, meaning these aren't an option for the most heavy-duty industrial workers. Some reviewers also note that they wear out a little too quickly if worn on the job site every day. But, if you're looking for a decent daily driver for your feet that's budget conscious to boot (get it?), you'd be hard-pressed to find a better alternative.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 14,500 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Ever Boots Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots with at least a 4-star rating.
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Courtesy of Retailer - 3/15
American Heritage 6” Moc Toe
Thorogood
amazon.com
$249.95
For steel toe work boots that provide both safety and comfort, look no further than this lightweight pair from Thorogood. The legacy brand has been crafting high-quality boots right here in the USA for American workers for over 100 years. We love how the moc toe design helps ensure your foot doesn't feel squeezed inside the steel insert when laced up (a common qualm with steel toes). The boots also feature a slip-resistant outsole and a removable shock absorption footbed atop a cushioned insole. Translation: heavy traction coupled with an ultra-comfortable fit that feels broken-in and ready to work right out of the box.
Our only real complaint is the price. At nearly $250, they’re some of the more expensive boots on the market. But, you do often get what you pay for, especially when it comes to work boots. No matter what sort of jobs you’re looking to tackle, if you’re shopping for a well-made pair from a well-trusted company, these are your man.
What do buyers say? “This is my second pair of Thorogoods, not because the first pair wore out, but because I needed steel-toe boots. Both these and the non-safety boots are incredibly comfortable (I prefer them over sneakers!) and well made,” said one Amazon reviewer.
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Courtesy of Retailer - 4/15
KEEN Men's Anchorage 3 Waterproof Pull On Insulated Snow Boots, Dark Earth/Mulch, 10
amazon.com - 5/15
The Stockton
Tecovas
tecovas.com
$245.00
Cowboy boots are the OG men's work boot. The Stockton from Tecovas is a luxe, work-focused boot made from buttery leather. Like the best cowboy boots of the last century, these feature an unlined 10" shaft and an oiled bovine outer that's built to last. Modern features include a sturdy Vibram outsole and weatherproof seams, to keep you sure-footed in all types of conditions (whether rain, hail, sleet, or snow). And, unlike most purely functional work boots, we can't overlook the timeless, badass style these bad boys give off.
Of course, the best work boots for men don't come cheap, and that's doubly true for the most stylish work boots. The Stockton have been a brand favorite forever, and with good reason. Sure, they're a little on the pricey side (at around $250), but they're also rugged, slip-resistant, weatherproof, and good-looking too. If you're looking for one of the best slip-on boots, we highly recommend these.
What do buyers say? “[V]ery comfortable, perfect fit, very nice leather and color, love the sole, will order another pair,” said one Tecovas.com reviewer.
Read more: Best Cowboy Boots
Courtesy of Retailer - 6/15
Floorhand Steel Toe
Wolverine
zappos.com
$104.95
Wolverine has been a fan favorite of hard-working men for decades. The brand’s best-selling Floorhand Steel Toe work boots are designed to provide maximum comfort, without that annoying break-in period, courtesy of a pliable but sturdy full-grain leather upper. Slip-resistant soles make for stable footing no matter the terrain, while a removable cushioned footbed molds to your foot. Plus, solid waterproofing ensures these are tough enough to survive the nastiest indoor and outdoor conditions. And, if jet-black isn’t your style, the Floorhand Steel Toe boots are also available in more traditional tan or brown colorways.
At a little over $100, these are a solid wallet-friendly footwear option. For the price, it’s hard to find anything to complain about, especially considering the steel-toe insert. Some reviewers note that the footbed could be a little more comfortable. If you’re working hard on your feet all day, we seriously recommend a good insole to compliment the fit of these work boots. Your feet will thank you!
What do buyers say? “... very sturdy and last a really long time. My job required lots of walking and these boots never hurt my feet. The waterproofing is decent. The padding ankles are a godsend,” said one Zappos reviewer.
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Courtesy of Retailer - 7/15
Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot
Under Armour
amazon.com
$130.95
Though you might be used to turning to Under Armour to support your performance at the gym, you might not realize that the athleticwear company also has your worksite footwear game covered. The Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot is a work-ready men’s boot that’s perfect for light- to medium-duty tasks. The lightweight construction comes thanks to a plastic toe cap that offers protection without extra weight. It also contours to the shape of your ankle for extra stability and comfort. Plus, the easy-lace-up design and side zipper make them easy to put on and take off too.
At under $100 (on sale), these are a near-perfect, budget-friendly work boot that’s tough enough for all but the most heavy-duty jobs. While we wouldn’t recommend them for hardcore job sites, these are ideal for round-the-house tasks like yard work or demo days. Add to that free shipping and free returns through Amazon and more than 1,000 positive ratings, and these are a great budget buy.
What do buyers say? “Great boots. Purchased them for work and they didn’t disappoint. Super comfortable and lightweight. All around great,” said one Amazon reviewer.Read more: Best Menswear Brands on Amazon
Courtesy of Retailer - 8/15
Pro Work Summit Composite Toe Ele 6 NT WP
Timberland
amazon.com
$189.95
When steel toe boots are overkill, but you need a little more to protect your feet than what traditional work boots offer, composite is the way to go. Function and safety are key in Timberland’s Pro Work Summit Composite work boots. They’re meant to keep your feet protected in the toughest conditions with ultra-hardy CarbonShield composite safety toes that are also lightweight (around only 2 pounds for the pair). A cushioned footbed provides maximum shock absorption and energy return—important if you spend hours on your feet every day. It’s all wrapped in a waterproof upper with an additional waterproof membrane to keep the elements out.
With more than 400 reviews—most overwhelmingly positive—these are a favorite of hard-working men everywhere. At around $160, these are a great mid-range work boot for medium- to heavy-duty tasks, including many hard-working occupations that are tough on “ordinary” work boots. We also love the rugged, serious look of these that exudes a badass “working man” confidence.
What do buyers say? “Best boots I’ve ever purchased … I’ve tightened them once and take them off and put them on without needing to untighten them,” said one Amazon reviewer.Read more: Best Clothing Brands for Men
Courtesy of Retailer - 9/15
- 10/15
6" Classic Moc Boot
Red Wing Heritage
huckberry.com
$309.99
Of course, there’s no need to sacrifice style for function. These moccasin-style Red Wing work boots boast plenty of that rugged cool factor. The classic, heritage look has hardly changed in seven decades because, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” right? They were originally created in 1952 and still boast a lot of the same construction, like leather that molds to the shape of your foot the more you wear them. The premium, full-grain leather upper is oil-tanned for a durable finish that resists water and stains. Plus, Goodyear welt construction allows for resoling, if necessary, to extend the life of these work boots almost indefinitely. We also love that they're made in the good ol' USA. Consider it proof that the best things stand the test of time.
For a heritage boot with classic good looks that stands out everywhere from your front yard to the job site, it’s hard to beat Red Wing’s Heritage 6” Moc Boot. These tick all the boxes for all of the most essential features we look for in a quality men’s work boot. Frankly, we can’t think of much that we’d change, other than the notoriously long break-in period for Red Wing boots. The only other downside? Price. At $300, these are easily among the most expensive work boots on the market.
What do buyers say? “Great boots .... These are proper tuff leather so a bit of breaking in pain can be expected but worth it in the end as these boots last for years,” said one Amazon reviewer.
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Courtesy of Retailer - 11/15
Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
CAT Footwear
amazon.com
$92.00
Thanks to its deep catalog of simple, reliable, and affordable workwear, Caterpillar has been a mainstay of job sites around the world for decades. Consider this work boot to be the bread and butter of men’s work boots. The Second Shift Steel Toe boots feature a 100% leather upper that’s lightweight and oil-resistant with padded ankles for stability and comfort. The synthetic, T3 rubber outsole helps maximize traction with excellent slip-resistance. An integrated steel toe offers industry-standard protection against crushing, impacts, and punctures, and adds 600 volts of electrical hazard protection in dry conditions too.
CAT Footwear’s boots are among the most widely used and best-reviewed in the world, and these steel toe men’s work boots are no exception. With roughly 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, they’re clearly a fan favorite among working men everywhere. The best part? At under $100 (on sale), these are arguably the best bang-for-your-buck work boots on the market today.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 13,000 Amazon reviews, 87% recommend the Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe with at least a 4-star rating.
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Courtesy of Retailer - 12/15
A7505 Romeo Carbon Nanofiber Composite Toe
Avenger Work Boots
zappos.com
$124.99
There’s no better easy-on/easy-off work boot design than the classic Chelsea boot. But, if you like the Chelsea style, but need something stronger than traditional Blundstones, then these reinforced work boots from Avenger will prove a suitable pick. On the toe and ankle are separate pieces of carbon nanofiber composite, which means you're getting serious armor without the added weight of traditional steel. It’s maximum protection against crushes and impacts in a freer moving design that’s easier on your legs and feet. The lack of metal also makes this a great choice for anyone in a metal-sensitive environment (think security screening and certain laboratories). It’s all wrapped in a waterproof upper that keeps your feet dry in even the nastiest conditions.
At around $150, these are a damn good mid-range work boot option. They tick all the most essential boxes for versatile work-ready footwear that works for just about any job. That includes slip-resistant outsoles, a waterproof upper, a rebound insole that maximizes absorption, and a metal-free composite safety toe for excellent job site protection.
What do buyers say? “These are one of the most comfortable boots ever. In the past I purchased boots of many brands from Redwing to timberland and others. Will only buy these for now on,” said one Zappos reviewer.Courtesy of Retailer - 13/15
Detroit XT Mid Boots
Keen
amazon.com
174.99
Keen makes some of the best hiking boots, including many favorites of ours here at Men’s Health. The company brings that same expertise to bear on its Detroit XT Mid Boots—a rugged, waterproof work boot that’s versatile enough for a wide range of jobs. The 100% leather upper features a KEEN.DRY membrane that’s completely waterproof yet breathable enough to let vapor (and sweat) escape. The result? Dry, comfortable feet in almost any condition. When the going gets wet, a non-slip rubber outsole also offers maximum traction in slippery environments, whether indoors or out. Plus, soft toe caps fend off minor bumps and impacts, and the design even protects against moderate electrical hazards too.
Given all of the above features and Keen’s legendary reliability, it’s no surprise that these are an Amazon’s Choice and some of the most well-reviewed work boots for men. Some buyer’s complain of a longer-than-usual break-in period, and they are a little pricey at around $175. Still, we think these are a solid premium work boot choice if you have a little extra money to spend.
What do buyers say? “This is my 3rd pair of Detroit soft toe boots. They are great overall boots,” said one Amazon reviewer.Courtesy of Retailer - 14/15
1460 Nappa Leather Boot
Dr. Martens
zappos.com
$169.95
“Doc” Martens are some of the most recognizable shoes in the world. Made for long days in the field, Dr. Martens' classic boot still has all of its familiar trappings: a tough-yet-smooth leather outsole with iconic yellow stitching and a tall lace-up front with metal eyelets. It’s rugged, durable, and makes a statement no matter where or how hard you’re working. The famous air cushioned sole boasts serious, cloud-9-like comfort for long days on your feet (and an optional Dr. Martens-branded insole adds even more comfort). A heel loop helps ensure a quick, snug fit, and the durable rubber sole helps keep your feet planted once the boots are on.
There’s a reason these OG do-anything boots from Dr. Martens have stood the test of time for decades. The simple, durable design is built to handle just about anything. Comfortable enough for everyday wear, stylish enough to make a timeless fashion statement, and durable enough to tackle hiking trails, city streets, and job sites alike. Like the Keen’s above, these are a little pricey at around $170. But, there’s nothing quite like them on the market, which is why they’re our pick for the most versatile work boot for men.
What do buyers say? “Great shoe. Waaaay more comfortable than I thought they’d be,” said one Zappos reviewer.
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Courtesy of Retailer - 15/15
Ankeny II Mid Boot
Sorel
sorel.com
$101.98
For the most adverse weather conditions, Sorel makes some of the best waterproof shoes and duck boots designed to tackle almost any environment. So, it’s no surprise that they also make heavy-duty work boots that look great too. Take this ankle-length boot with a black, brown, or tobacco leather upper that’s waterproofed and seam-sealed for even the wettest conditions. It sports an EVA midsole and cushioned footbed to make those tasks at the shed or on remote forest roads more bearable. Rubber heel and toe caps add extra durability and further protect your feet. With 100 grams of insulation, they’re plenty warm to survive cold winter days.
At around $175, these fall neatly into the “mid-range” category of men’s work boots for 2022. They’re not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. But, they are incredibly versatile for a wide range of cool- to cold-weather applications. If your work takes you to wet outdoor places in fall and winter, these offer excellent warmth, protection, and durability at a fairly reasonable price.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 400 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Sorel Ankeny II Mid Boot with at least a 4-star rating.
Courtesy of Retailer
![<p><strong>Tecovas</strong></p><p>tecovas.com</p><p><strong>$245.00</strong></p><p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tecovas.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-stockton&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.menshealth.com%2Fstyle%2Fg19540212%2Fwork-boots-for-men%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Cowboy boots are the OG men's work boot. The Stockton from Tecovas is a luxe, work-focused boot made from buttery leather. Like the best cowboy boots of the last century, these feature an unlined 10" shaft and an oiled bovine outer that's built to last. Modern features include a sturdy Vibram outsole and weatherproof seams, to keep you sure-footed in all types of conditions (whether rain, hail, sleet, or snow). And, unlike most purely functional work boots, we can't overlook the timeless, badass style these bad boys give off. </p><p>Of course, the best work boots for men don't come cheap, and that's doubly true for the most stylish work boots. The Stockton have been a brand favorite forever, and with good reason. Sure, they're a little on the pricey side (at around $250), but they're also rugged, slip-resistant, weatherproof, and good-looking too. If you're looking for one of the best slip-on boots, we highly recommend these.<strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>What do buyers say?</strong> <em>“[V]ery comfortable, perfect fit, very nice leather and color, love the sole, will order another pair,”</em> said one Tecovas.com reviewer.</p><p><strong><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/style/g40021476/best-cowboy-boots/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Cowboy Boots;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Best Cowboy Boots</a></em></strong><br></p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jocKwDTNRl4ZtdLZr0dQtg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/hearst_mens_health_171/ece879e0bbf91e2ff6e62bd6e89198a3)
![<p><strong>Tecovas</strong></p><p>tecovas.com</p><p><strong>$245.00</strong></p><p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tecovas.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-stockton&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.menshealth.com%2Fstyle%2Fg19540212%2Fwork-boots-for-men%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Cowboy boots are the OG men's work boot. The Stockton from Tecovas is a luxe, work-focused boot made from buttery leather. Like the best cowboy boots of the last century, these feature an unlined 10" shaft and an oiled bovine outer that's built to last. Modern features include a sturdy Vibram outsole and weatherproof seams, to keep you sure-footed in all types of conditions (whether rain, hail, sleet, or snow). And, unlike most purely functional work boots, we can't overlook the timeless, badass style these bad boys give off. </p><p>Of course, the best work boots for men don't come cheap, and that's doubly true for the most stylish work boots. The Stockton have been a brand favorite forever, and with good reason. Sure, they're a little on the pricey side (at around $250), but they're also rugged, slip-resistant, weatherproof, and good-looking too. If you're looking for one of the best slip-on boots, we highly recommend these.<strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>What do buyers say?</strong> <em>“[V]ery comfortable, perfect fit, very nice leather and color, love the sole, will order another pair,”</em> said one Tecovas.com reviewer.</p><p><strong><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/style/g40021476/best-cowboy-boots/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Cowboy Boots;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Best Cowboy Boots</a></em></strong><br></p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fK2VEMBvCj_h9JNyM12PdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTEzMQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/hearst_mens_health_171/ece879e0bbf91e2ff6e62bd6e89198a3)
