Best Work Boots 2021 • 6 Work Boots Reviews
People who work in construction sites, farms and other manual labour fields need work boots that offer maximum protection against safety hazards. The following is an informative guide on work boots.
Work Boots Leaderboard 2021
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What is a Work Boot?
A work boot is speciality footwear made to guard the calves and feet of steelworkers and other people who are exposed to construction site hazards such as stepping on molten metal. Most work boots are made from leather, use laces, and they have thick rubber soles. Boots are usually worn with socks to guard against blisters and chafes, to absorb sweat, and to enhance the grip of the foot in the boot.
How Does a Work Boot Work?
The best work boot is normally fitted with a protective reinforcement in the toe to protect the worker’s foot from falling objects and compression. There’s also a mid-sole plate in place in the shoe to guard against any punctures from underneath. A metatarsal guard is also included in some of the best work boots to guard the upper part of the foot.
Advantages & Applications
More and more nations are embracing the mandatory work boots standards so that they can guarantee protection of workers at the workplace. The best work boots help to protect the feet against injuries such as crushed feet, toes loss, broken bones, cuts to the feet, lacerations, burns, contamination, electric shock, sprains and fractures.
Standing for extended periods is not easy, particularly for those who tackle dangerous or heavy tasks. This is why it is important to wear correctly set, comfortable safety footwear, to provide adequate support to the worker’s spine and a healthy posture. Wearing the best safety boots not only guards workers from accidents at the workplace, but it also ensures their overall health is safeguarded.
The best work boots are crucial not only for workers, but also for the company owners who surely want to avoid lawsuits. Using safety boots at work is part of the laws, which need to be followed all the time to avoid potential accidents. Companies need to ensure that all the members of staff wear the best safety shoes when necessary, so that they can avoid accidents and potential risks that might cost health, money and time.
In general, the advantages of the best work boots are
- Protect against physical harm
- Help to keep you comfortable at the workplace because of excellent properties
- Help you to work more efficiently
- Give you an added kick in case there’s an emergency
- Take care of your feet
- Knowing you are guarded while at work raises your confidence and self-esteem
- In many cases, work boots look good and are very comfortable.
These safety shoes are mostly applied in the following sectors
- Construction
- Forestry
- Fishing
- Jobs that involve the use of blades, nails and scrap metal
- Those who work with chainsaws and similar tools
- Jobs that involve use of chemicals and sprays of molten metal
- Electrical and maintenance works.
What Types Of Work Boots Are There?
Work boots are mainly categorized according to the safety toe feature. This feature protects the toes of people who work in hazardous conditions.
The following are the types of safety toes used in work boots.
Steel Toes
Steel toes have been used in some of the best work boots since the early 20th century and they are the heaviest of all types. They fully seal the toe region, thus assuring the best protection in dangerous working conditions. As a matter of fact, some companies require all employees to wear steel toe boots while working. These are strong enough to guard the toes from huge or sharp falling items, and accidental bumping into surfaces. Many of them have electrical hazard ratings to prevent electrocution.
PROS
- Resistant to punctures and cutting
- Cheaper than composite toes
- Protect against electric shocks
CONS
- They are heavy, making them unsuitable for jobs that involve a lot of working
- Susceptible to cold conditions
Composite toes
Composite toes are newer than steel toe caps and they have received positive reviews from users because of being lightweight. They are usually made of carbon fibre, plastic or Kevlar material, and they shelter against bumps and impact. Moreover, they are very good insulators; they can be used in hot or really cold temperatures.
Since they are neither metallic nor magnetic, composite toes are the best for certain industries where such materials can cause problems in footwear.
PROS
- Lighter than their still counterparts
- Do not set-off metal detectors
- Good insulator
CONS
- More expensive than steel toe caps
Alloy Toes
These are lighter and thinner compared to steel but they have the same strength and durability as steel. Made from a mixture of aluminium and titanium or other elements, they can offer a special solution to the weight problem seen in steel toe footwear. They provide great protection from injuries and impacts.
Alloy toe caps have been reviewed positively by customers because the thinner silhouette allows for more room in the toe region, making them convenient for those with wide feet.
PROS
- Lightweight material
- Protect the toes from injury and impacts
- Thinner silhouette creates more space in the toe box
CONS
- Sensitive to temperature thus not suitable for use in really cold or hot areas
- The more exotic the material used, the more the price.
Other than the safety toe feature, the best work boots are also categorized according to the type of outsoles they have- shallow tread, vibram lugs and air bobs.
Shallow tread boots are the best option for slick surfaces, garages with oily floors or working on wet grass. They leave mud behind because of their special tread depth. Vibram lugs provide great grip and are best suited for toughterrain and steep grades where a good grip is super important. Outsoles composed of air bobs are great for working on rocks and dirt.
The Big Work Boots-Buyer’s Guide
Not all work boots are the best, mistakes happen during the manufacturing process which can lead to defects in boots.
Some typical defects in work boots that you need to take note of include
- Excess glue
- Weak cementing
- Abrasion marks
- Asymmetry
- Incorrect sizing and
- Protruding sharp points.
Look at the Comfort
The first step in picking a great pair of boots is to test how they feel. Here’s a quick practical test you can try to avoid being overwhelmed while shopping- pick 5 different pairs of work boots at different price points. Sit down somewhere and try all the pairs one at a time. Stand up and walk around in the shoes noting how you feel in them. Note how well the shoes support your feet and calves. Inspect the work shoes for added padding and soft materials that enhance the comfort level.
After the experiment, rule out the boots that don’t offer adequate comfort and narrow down your selection to a maximum of 3. The remaining three will proceed to the next practical test.
Analyse the Durability
It is also important for you to do an inspection of the boot’s durability. If you are working with a sales representative, the person may show you the durability of the shoe by throwing it against a wall or down a flight of stairs.
At times, you cannot predict how a new pair of boots will act over time. All you can do is to wait. As these are work boots, they will be exposed to scuff marks and scratches. What you do not want is for the material to cut with minimal use or for the stitches to come loose.
In general, a good indicator of high quality materials and quality brand is if the manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty. This means that the manufacturer is standing behind the durability of the footwear and you can rely on them to repair the boot or send a new pair if something breaks down while you’re still using it.
Check the Safety Toe Feature
If you work at a workplace where there’s a risk of something falling on your feet, then you should get work boots that have a steel toe. This safety toe feature will guard your toes and part of your foot against injury from falling objects. Steel-toed boots are used in construction, manufacturing, warehousing and in commercial kitchens.
If you need a steel-toed work boot, you should do a test run of different brands, not just a variety of styles. Different companies approach the design of the steel toe differently. The best work boots are rated with codes that show safety standards, like whether a chainsaw will cut through the boot or if they guard your soles.
Check Whether The Boots Are Waterproof
If you’ll be spending many hours outside on a construction site, or if you’ll be working in an area that receives snow or rain many times in a year, then you should probably go for the best work boots that are made using waterproof materials or can be easily waterproofed with over the counter materials. When boots are waterproof, you can spend a lot of time in inclement weather and face whatever the day might hold for you on the work site without getting worried about wet, uncomfortable feet.
Consider How Long It Takes To Put On And Remove Work Boots
As you continue to do a test run of your boots, you should also study how long it takes to put them on and take them off.
This will be important for certain industries where time is important; therefore you may want to consider use of Velcro tabs on boots rather than laces in some cases.
Moreover, you need to consider the ankle and feet support offered by the boots. It is crucial to consider the fit after you have secured your feet in the shoes with a zip, laces etc. The last thing you want is wobbly ankles or sliding inside the shoe.
How Are You Going to Maintain the Work Boots?
At this point you should have narrowed your selection to just one or two choices, and the final thing to consider in your trial is the amount of time required to clean the boots. This might be important for those who work in the outdoors or in conditions where they come across debris and dirt. Read the maintenance and care instructions for the boots, as many of them need special care and products to serve their purpose. Depending on the material used in construction, they might need to be washed, dried and polished relatively frequently.
Apart from the mentioned tips, it can also be a good idea to check out online reviews from other customers who have used certain work boots before. Online reviews will give you an indication on the best work boots that are suited for your particular industry. Asking for reviews from trusted friends or family members who have used the product before can also help in finding the best shoe.
Brands – Check
Brand names are always important when it comes to work boots. Some of the most popular shoe brands have been improving their design and construction techniques for decades, thus generating positive reviews from users. With safety being a huge concern, picking the most suitable brand is very important. Knowing which brands to choose will help workers to avoid knock-offs that could potentially put them at risk. The following is a review of some of the most popular brands that manufacture work boots.
- Timberland Pro
- Caterpillar
- Keen
- Wolverine
- Thorogood
- Red Wing
- Carhatt
- Irish Setter
- Golden Fox
- Chippewa
Interesting Facts & Guide
The development of the work boots over time
The history of safety work boots can be traced back to the early 20th century when people began to address industrial safety concerns. During this period compensation laws were enforced. Before this time, replacing an injured employee was considered less expensive and quicker than introducing safety measures. However, due to liability costs, many huge companies started to focus on using equipment that was safer for work than before. During the 1930s, Red Wing Shoes Company began to produce steel toe boots. German marching boots that were worn by officers who weren’t commissioned in the Second World War were also reinforced with metallic safety toe caps.
Safety footwear nowadays is a mandatory requirement in construction, mining and other heavy industries. Work boots have continued to evolve according to the current fashions.
Numbers, Data, Facts around Work Boots
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be the last step in reducing exposure to hazards at the worksite. This is the same case when it comes to implementing a safety footwear program. Foot-related injuries are very common in certain industries like construction, which can cause significant morbidity, disability as well as lost wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2016 estimated that 60% of all workplace injuries are musculoskeletal related, out of which 10% are specifically injuries to the feet and ankles.
Safety work boots are included within the PPE category in accordance with the “Personal Protective at Work Regulations 1992”. These regulations state that every employer should ensure that appropriated personal protective equipment is provided to the employees who might be exposed to health and safety risks while at work unless the employer has implemented other safety means that are effective at reducing the risk.
Safety Instructions When Dealing With Work Boots
The best safety work boots are designed to guard feet against a wide range of injuries such as impact, compression and puncture.
The boots chosen also need to fit the user properly. It is best to test on new work boots during midday because feet usually swell around that time. The boots should have sufficient toe space; never expect the shoes to expand with wear. Moreover, it is important to make allowances for socks or any special arch supports. Boots need to fit snugly around the ankle and heel region when they are laced.
10 Tips for Care & Maintenance
Work boots can last for a long time if they are given the necessary care and maintenance. There are some things that need to be done to ensure work boots serve their lifetime. The following are 10 tips for care and maintenance of work boots
Tip 1: Clean them regularly
Tip 1: Clean them regularly
Tip 2: Use the work boots for their intended purpose
Tip 2: Use the work boots for their intended purpose
Tip 3: Be mindful of the break in period
Tip 3: Be mindful of the break in period
Tip 4: Only use water-based waterproofing
Tip 4: Only use water-based waterproofing
Tip 5: Regular conditioning is mandatory
Tip 5: Regular conditioning is mandatory
Tip 6: Replace worn out insoles
Tip 6: Replace worn out insoles
Tip 7: Use leather polish
Tip 7: Use leather polish
Tip 8: Don’t use external heat sources to heat/dry leather boots
Tip 8: Don’t use external heat sources to heat/dry leather boots
Tip 9: When donning use both hands
Tip 9: When donning use both hands
Tip 10: Dry as soon as possible
Tip 10: Dry as soon as possible
Useful Accessories
Work boots usually use some useful accessories that enhance their performance such as
- Anti-fatigue insoles
- Toe guards
- Laces
- Water seals
- Boot brushes
- Boot liners
- Boot dryers
FAQ
What are the best work boots for roofing?
The best boots for roofing are the ones that offer great traction and grip, can withstand constant abrasive effects of roofing materials, and provide comfort and support to the feet and calves. Some recommendations on the best boots for roofing according to some online reviews are- Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Lace-To-Toe Roofer Boots, Irish Setter Men’s 6” Work Boot, Timberland Pro Men’s Barstow Wedge Work Boot, Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift 6” Plain Soft Toe Work Boot and Cougar Paws Performer Roofing Boots.
What are the best work boots for plantar fasciitis?
Most work boots nowadays have great orthopaedic cushioning to suit the needs of those who have sore feet. Timberland Men’s Euro Hiking Boot, Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift ST Work Boot, and Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion 4 Inch Alloy Toe Work Boot are some of the best boot for those suffering from plantar fasciitis as seen in online reviews.
What are the best insoles for work boots?
Insoles should fit the wearer’s foot type and be able to guard the areas of the feet that bring the most pain. Some of the best models of insoles for work boots according to consumer reviews are- Timberland Pro Series, Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotics, Superfeet Green Heritage, and Sof Sole Airr Orthotuc Insoles.
What are the best lightweight work boots?
Which are the best breathable work boots?
The best breathable work boot maintains constant air circulation to prevent accumulation of sweat and more importantly lasts longer and wears better.
Some of the best breathable work boots that have received good customer reviews include- Chippewa Men’s 9” Waterproof Steel-Toe Super Logger Boot, Keen Utility Men’s Sheridan Insulated Work Boot, Thorogood Men’s 814-4200 American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Boot, Timberland PRO Men’s Pitboss 6” Steel-Toe Boot, and Wolverine Men’s 6 Inch Raider Steel Toe EH Work Boot (W02419).
Which are the best rated work boots in the UK?
Best rated work boots in the United Kingdom in accordance with comfort, durability, style and safety include- Dewalt Titanium, Scruffs Switchback, DeWalt Apprentice, Scruffs OXIDE, Dickies Hiker, Apache Safety Boots, CAT Holton, Scruffs Twister, Scruffs Twister Sport and Amblers FS7.
What are the best composite work boots?
The best composite-toed work boots keep the toes safe while working, and also allow the wearer to move freely thanks to the lightweight nature.
What are the best insulated work boots?
Insulated work boots help to shelter the user’s feet against cold temperatures and other hazards in the work site. Some of the best insulated work boots according to online customer reviews include- Timberland PRO Men’s 6” Boondock Comp Toe WP Insulated Industrial Work Boot, Wolverine WA01041 Men’s Gold 6” Insulated waterproof Boot, Keen Utility Men’s Sheridan Insulated Comp Toe Work Boot, Timberland PRO Men’s 95567 Endurance Pr 8” Workboot and Chippewa Men’s 29416 8” Waterproof Insulated Work Boot.
Which are the best steel toe cap work boots?
Steel-toed work boots protect the toes of the user from being crushed by falling objects or accidental bumping with hard surfaces. Some of the best steel-toed work boots out there, which have received positive online reviews from buyers, are: Thorogood American Heritage, Wolverine W02421 Raider, Caterpillar Second Shift, Dr. Martens Icon Industrial, and Original MuckBoots Steel.
What are the best work boots for construction?
The best construction boots that are safe, comfortable and durable can make work life easier.