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The 14 Best Work Boots in 2023 for All Types of Projects

You won't realize you need them ... until you need them.

by Mike Richard and John Thompson
best work boots for men
Courtesy of Retailer

FOR SERIOUS work outdoors—or for any home project, whether for maintenance or for aesthetics—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.

  • Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots

    Best Budget Work Boots

    Ever Boots Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots

    $70 at Amazon
    Read more
  • American Heritage 6” Moc Toe

    Best Steel Toe Work Boots

    Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe

    Read more
  • Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot

    Best Lightweight Work Boots

    Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot

    Read more
  • Anchorage 3 Waterproof Pull On

    Best Waterproof Work Boots

    KEEN Anchorage 3 Waterproof Pull On

    Read more
  • Floorhand Steel Toe

    Best All-Black Work Boots

    Wolverine Floorhand Steel Toe

    Read more

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.

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 work shoes you find, but you don't need to spend a fortune either. To help you save precious time, consider one of these 14 best work boots for men below. 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.

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Best Budget Work Boots

Ever Boots Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots

Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots
Best Budget Work Boots

Ever Boots Tank Soft Toe Leather Work Boots

Now 30% Off
$70 at Amazon$85 at Walmart
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Great price (under $100)
  • Over 10,000 five-star Amazon reviews
  • Strong rubber sole
  • Water-resistant leather upper
  • Free delivery and free returns (via Amazon)
Cons
  • Will wear down quick if worn for daily occupation
  • No steel toe insert

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.

    Upper material100% leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water-resistant?Yes
    Best Steel Toe Work Boots

    Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe

    American Heritage 6” Moc Toe
    Best Steel Toe Work Boots

    Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Moc toe design leaves space for foot
    • Steel toe insert
    • Timeless style
    • Made in USA
    Cons
    • Pricey

    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.

    Upper material100% leather
    OutsoleMaxWear wedge traction
    Water-resistant?No
    Best Lightweight Work Boots

    Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot

    Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot
    Best Lightweight Work Boots

    Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Tactical Boot

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Plastic toe cap that adds strength
    • Comfortable
    • Lightweight construction
    • Side zip and easy-to-lace design
    Cons
    • Not suitable to wear for heavy-duty occupations

    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.

    Upper materialSynthetic leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water-resistant?No
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    Best Waterproof Work Boots

    KEEN Anchorage 3 Waterproof Pull On

    Anchorage 3 Waterproof Pull On
    Best Waterproof Work Boots

    KEEN Anchorage 3 Waterproof Pull On

    Now 40% Off
    Pros
    • Water resistance works good in snow and rain
    • Strong rubber outsole that grips
    • Leather material is more breathable than rubber waterproof boots
    • Easy to get on and off
    • Can be worn year-round
    Cons
    • Insulation level is not ideal for working in snow for long hours

    The Anchorage 3 is a trusted favorite for those who need a waterproof boot for general tasks and projects. They are super effective at keeping your socks dry, from both snow and rain, and they have a strong rubber sole that will grip onto all types of surfaces. One downside is the Anchorage 3 is not insulted enough to work in snow for long hours, but they are still warm enough and lightweight enough to be used for year-round wearing.

    Although there are a lot of work boots out there with good waterproof design, we like the Anchorage 3 as the top waterproof work boot due to its versatility in year-round wear, its ease in being able to pull on, and its general comfort.

    What do buyers say? "I slide them on to go outside and slide them off to go inside. They are a very nice looking boot and the leather allows my feet to breath, unlike rubber boots that make my feet sweat. After reading other reviews, I ordered 1/2 size larger and they fit nicely with wool socks. They have good traction in the snow," said one Amazon reviewer.

    Upper materialWater-resistant leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water ResistantYes
    Pros
    • Great price (around $100)
    • Solid waterproofing
    • Sleek, simple style
    • Steel toe insert
    • Slip-resistant soles
    Cons
    • Might want to swap insoles for better comfort

    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. If jet-black isn’t your style, the Floorhand Steel Toe boots are also available in more traditional tan or brown colorways; but we love the idea of how these boots would pair with our bests jeans and t-shirt.

    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.

    Upper materialFull-grain leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water-resistant?Yes
    Best Safety Toe Work Boots

    Timberland Pro Work Summit Composite Toe Ele 6 NT WP

    Pro Work Summit Composite Toe Ele 6 NT WP
    Best Safety Toe Work Boots

    Timberland Pro Work Summit Composite Toe Ele 6 NT WP

    Now 16% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Rugged good looks
    • Rigid fiberglass shank
    • Lighter than steel toe work boots
    • Waterproof
    • Decent price
    Cons
    • Takes a little while to break in

    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.

    Upper material100% leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water-resistant?Yes (waterproof)
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    Most Comfortable Work Boots

    Blundstone 585 Work Boot

    585 Work Boot
    Most Comfortable Work Boots

    Blundstone 585 Work Boot

    Pros
    • Over 100 years of proven construction and quality
    • Easy to get on and off
    • Great style
    • Leather material is hard and protective
    • Unmatched comfort once broken in
    Cons
    • Insulation level is not ideal for working in snow for long hours

    You might be confused seeing a pair of Blundstones on this list due to how fashion-forward they are right now, but it's important to remember these bad boys were made to be work boots and still are work boots at the end of the day. The Blundstone boot's construction and durability still holds true after 100 years, and once you break them in you'll find very few boots can compete with their high level of comfort.

    You can wear these for yard work or for smaller to medium-sized projects. Look for a more insulated pair of Blundstones if you plan on wearing them for long hours at a time in the winter, otherwise you can get away with wearing these for year-round use.

    What do buyers say? "These boots were exactly what I was looking for. Quality is top notch! My first wear was out working on a ranch, trekking through woods, through creeks and mud. Withstood everything, and feet stayed dry. Wiped them off and wore them out for a beer at night. Perfect blend of rugged style," said one Huckberry reviewer.

    Upper materialLeather
    OutsoleThermo urethane outsole
    Water resistant?Yes
    Most rugged Work Boots

    Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot

    Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
    Most rugged Work Boots

    Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Beefy construction
    • Steel toe
    • Slip-resistant sole maximizes traction
    • Protects against electrical hazards
    • Decent price
    • Thousands of 5-star reviews
    Cons
    • Not water-resistant

    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.

    Upper material100% leather
    OutsoleSynthetic
    Water-resistant?No
    The Classic Work Boots

    Red Wing Heritage 6" Classic Moc Boot

    6" Classic Moc Boot
    The Classic Work Boots

    Red Wing Heritage 6" Classic Moc Boot

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Full-grain, oil-tanned leather is durable and water-resistant
    • Goodyear welt construction
    • Classic good looks
    • Traction Tred wedge sole
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Long break-in period

    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 (especially when searching in the winter boot category). 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.

    Upper materialFull-grain, oil-tanned leather
    OutsoleTraction Tred wedge sole
    Water-resistant?Yes
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    Most stylish Work Boots

    Tecovas The Stockton

    Best Tested
    The Stockton
    Most stylish Work Boots

    Tecovas The Stockton

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Premium comfort
    • Classic Western style
    • Soft, high-quality oiled leather
    • Easy to break in
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • No steel toe insert

    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.

    Upper materialOiled bovine leather
    OutsoleVibram
    Water-resistant?No
    Best Insulated Work Boots

    Sorel Ankeny II Mid Boot

    Ankeny II Mid Boot
    Best Insulated Work Boots

    Sorel Ankeny II Mid Boot

    Now 40% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Waterproof, seam-sealed construction
    • Comfortable
    • Rubber heel cap and toe bumper
    • 100 grams of insulation
    • Well-reviewed
    Cons
    • Insulation not meant for extreme cold
    • Not non-slip
    • A little pricey

    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.

    Upper materialFull-grain leather
    OutsoleMolded rubber
    Water-resistant?Waterproof
    Best Soft Toe Cap Work Boots

    Keen Detroit XT Mid Boots

    Detroit XT Mid Boots
    Best Soft Toe Cap Work Boots

    Keen Detroit XT Mid Boots

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Rugged, waterproof design
    • Shorter boot height for added flexibility
    • Electrical shock protection
    • Very well-reviewed
    • Legendary Keen reliability
    Cons
    • A little pricey

    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.

    Upper material100% leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water-resistant?Yes (waterproof)
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    Best Chelsea Work Boots

    Avenger Work Boots A7505 Romeo Carbon Nanofiber Composite Toe

    A7505 Romeo Carbon Nanofiber Composite Toe
    Best Chelsea Work Boots

    Avenger Work Boots A7505 Romeo Carbon Nanofiber Composite Toe

    Now 11% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Easy-on/easy-off design
    • Lightweight, metal-free construction
    • Composite safety toe insert
    • Waterproof
    • Decent price
    Cons
    • Some customers note durability issues

    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.

    Upper material100% leather
    OutsoleDurable Meramec PU wedge outsole
    Water-resistant?Waterproof
    Most Versatile Work Boots

    Dr. Martens 1460 Nappa Leather Boot

    1460 Nappa Leather Boot
    Most Versatile Work Boots

    Dr. Martens 1460 Nappa Leather Boot

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
    Pros
    • Incredibly versatile design
    • Classic, timeless good looks
    • Comfortable sole
    • Thick heel loop for easy-on/easy-off wear
    • Wide variety of colors/styles
    Cons
    • A little pricey

    “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.

    Upper materialSmooth-finish leather
    OutsoleRubber
    Water-resistant?No

    What to Look for in Work Boots

    commerce break

    There is no one perfect work boot, but rather the best pair of work boots for you. It all depends on where you’ll be wearing them and what you’ll be doing in them. The best work boots for men can be pricey and the features are a little confusing. Let’s look at the most important considerations when shopping for your own pair.

    Fit and Comfort

    A comfortable fit matters above all else. For long days on your feet, you could argue that wearing no shoes at all is better than wearing uncomfortable shoes. That’s doubly true for work boots that, in some cases, could be worn for eight, ten, even 12 hours or more in a single day, depending on your job requirements.

    Good-fitting boots should feel snug, but not tight, against the sides of your feet. You want a firm fit that’s going to stay in place without squeezing your feet. Sizes can vary widely between brands, so if you can’t find a good width, you may want to consider wider or narrow sizes. For your toes, you want about a thumb’s width between the tips of your toes and the inside of the boot. This is usually enough to account for the swelling that’s typical in hard-working environments.

    One other thing to consider is the heel. Make sure it’s snug in place without any slippage, as this will keep you more surefooted in almost any environment. This is especially important for work boots where safety is key.

    For maximum comfort, look to steel shanks, which provide support between the insole and outsole and reduce the load on your feet and calves, as well as any type of comfort insole.

    Sole

    Like hiking boots or water shoes, the soles of work boots are specially treated to offer a high level of traction—i.e., extra grippy and slip-resistant. These can include special treads at the sole or designs that increase friction to the ground like lugged, grooved, ridged, deep-cut teeth, etc.

    When it comes to the style of the sole for work boots, wedge soles and heeled soles are the ones you should keep an eye out for. The wedge sole runs through the outsole from heel to toe, giving your whole feet complete contact with the surface. This design is easy on your feet because your weight is spread throughout a larger area. As such, work boots with wedge soles are often worn for working on (indoor) flat, hard grounds like a warehouse floor made of steel, concrete, or asphalt; but they’re not recommended for job sites or construction sites that are more likely to be bare ground rather than flat and hard.

    The heeled sole, though only limited to the back of the boots, is often treated with more grooves and lugs for higher traction that can really dig the sole into the earth. As such, work boots with heeled soles are designed for bare-ground work in uneven, bumpy, rough terrains (usually in the outdoors but heeled soles are a pro at any kind of job site). The heeled sole also gives you more stability on a ladder. All in all, heeled-sole work boots are a must-have for outdoor workers like construction workers or loggers, but it isn’t as comfortable as wedge sole.

    Construction

    Good work boots that last often are made with multiple layers of different materials. So be on the lookout for materials (most often you get leather for the upper and rubber for the sole) and how they’re put together to make a pair of work boots.

    Goodyear welt is a time-honored, tried-and-tested construction that puts shoes together by stitching the upper leather and insole together with a welt—a special piece of leather—along the outsole. This construction offers arguably the strongest and most durable build, though the leather will need time for breaking in.

    Application

    It’s a fancy word for “what will you be using your work boots for?” If you’re looking for a pair to protect your feet at home while mowing the lawn, working on your car, or doing light demo work on that house you’re planning to flip, a pair of durable, but lightweight boots will probably get the job done. If you’re working 12-hour days at a pit mine, you’re going to want something heavier, probably with a steel or safety toe. Then, of course, there's a long list of versatile, medium-duty work boots that fall somewhere in-between

    Water-resistance

    If your work outdoors takes you into wet or muddy terrain, be sure to invest in a pair of waterproof (or at least water-resistant) work boots. But if getting around quickly is your biggest concern, opt for a lightweight pair that won't weigh you down.

    Budget

    The best work boots for men (we’re talking brand-name work boots with a steel toe and dozens of great features) run north of $300. But, you can find a decent pair of light- to medium-duty boots for around $100-$150. If you’re minding your budget, there’s no need to overpay. Just find the best work boots that are only as tough and rugged as you need without unnecessary features.

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    What Safety Standards to Consider for Work Boots

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    Safety Toe

    "All construction sites require work boots to be worn with toe protection as a minimum," says David Nicholas, a professional electrician. "Typically this protection is provided by steel at the toe, hence the common name, steel-toe boots." And when it comes to work boots, the terms “steel toe” and “safety toe” are often used interchangeably. To get really literal, all steel-toe boots are safety-toe boots, but not all safety-toe boots are made with a steel toe. Confused? Let’s dig a little deeper.

    Steel toes were once the gold standard of protective work boots, and they’re still relied on for the most hardcore jobs. As the name implies, they’re built with an internal toe box that encases your toes in heavy-duty steel. Most steel-toe boots look like any ordinary work boot, but a hidden steel “cage” protects your toes from punctures, compression, crushing, and a whole lot more. Because they’re the most heavy-duty protective boots, they’re also the heaviest. "This extra weight becomes really noticeable after a long day on site and boots typically get quite uncomfortable," says Nicholas.

    So, if weight is a concern, thankfully, modern boots have solved this problem by offering composite-based safety toes that might be more your speed for protection, according to Nicholas. With composite materials, steel is no longer the only protective material used in safety boots. "Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) toe boots offer the same level of foot protection as metal but are considerably lighter and much more comfortable to wear all day long," he says. For instance, future-forward footwear like Timberland’s Men's Pro Work Summit Composite Toe Ele 6 NT WP features a composite safety toe that’s lighter and more comfortable than steel.

    ASTM Ratings

    The best work boots tend to be ASTM-compliant—i.e., work boots that meet the Standard Specification for Performance Requirements set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. This safety rating shows whether the boots comply with the minimum requirements for protective footwear in hazardous workplaces. It gauges performance standards such as impact resistance, compression resistance, puncture resistance, chain saw cut resistance, metatarsal protection, electrical hazard, static dissipation, conductive properties, etc.

    When searching for a pair of solid work boots, you should opt for one that at least meets some form of ASTM rating. For instance, the most common ASTM-F2413 standards rate anything from safety toe to electrical hazard resistance to impact and compression; and ASTM F3445-21 rates slip resistance. So be sure to read the product description.

    Should You Size Up for Work Boots?

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    For boots in general, it’s always better to have boots that run large than boots that run small—the tightness is much more intolerable. If you have wide feet, definitely size up by at least a half since you’ll get in more comfort that way. And while work boots are often roomy enough to be worn with socks, if you feel too tight with socks on, we do recommend sizing up by a half just in case.

    In addition, if you’re wearing steel-toe boots, you’ll definitely want to buy a half size larger than your normal shoe size since these boots are heavy and difficult to slip into. Larger-sized work boots will also give your toes more wiggle and breathing room.

    How We Selected

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    For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's own style and gear editors and writers on the top work boots for men. Experts including our fashion director, Ted Stafford, and our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, put dozens of top-selling men's work boots through the wringer to evaluate everything from fit and support to price and durability. We also considered well-reviewed men's work boots with at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust most. The list above represents our honest picks for the best work boots for men in 2023.

    Lettermark
    Mike Richard

    Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. 

    Headshot of John Thompson
    Gear and Commerce Editor

    John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals. 

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