Choose the Best Work Boots

Outdoor boots are designed to provide padding, shock absorption and ankle support for hiking, farm work or doing chores outside. These boots typically have textured soles specially designed to prevent slipping when walking over rough terrain, slippery rocks or through the mud. Waterproof outdoor boots are available as well. While wearing boots that prevent your ankle from turning over is important, tall outdoor boots can present a challenge for jobs that require a lot of stooping or bending, so they may not be the best choice for an all-around work boot.

Duty boots, which are sometimes referred to as tactical boots, are intended for use by law-enforcement professionals and members of the military. These boots are designed to offer support and protection for tough police work while remaining flexible and easy to move in — and even run in — when needed. The best duty boots should be comfortable enough to wear all day.

Military boots, which are sometimes referred to as combat boots, are mostly made of tough leather and are designed for soldiers to wear during combat assignments or training exercises. Military boots are often heavier and more rugged than recreational hiking boots but incorporate much of the same design and technologies. These boots are designed for rough terrain, and some can be worn in wet climates, snowy and icy conditions, and even desert environments. Some military boots also offer a steel toe to protect against heavy compression.

Rubber boots are made specifically for walking on very wet or muddy surfaces and even wading through shallow water. These boots are made from nonbreathable materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or rubber. While they work very well for their designed purpose, they offer no ventilation and wouldn’t be the best choice for an everyday work boot for those who don’t frequently come in contact with standing water or very wet ground.

Western boots were originally worn by cowboys — hence the alternate name of cowboy boots. They have a narrow design that goes up the calf, a pointed toe and a higher heel, which allows this type of boot to easily slide into horse stirrups. Cowboy boots also don’t have laces, so a comfortable, exact fit is very important. They’re typically made of leather, have a recognizable embroidered design and may be covered in an exotic hide. Some authentic western boots are made exclusively for riding, while some “street” varieties are designed to be more comfortable for everyday wear. One of the biggest issues with western-style boots is that they take a while to break in because of their tight fit and stiff leather. But they can be very comfortable once the leather is slightly worn.

The best steel toe boots offer maximum protection and are recommended for job sites where workers are required to do a lot of heavy lifting or operate heavy machinery that has wheels. The drawback to steel toe boots is that they’re heavy and don’t provide much ventilation. They can be hot and uncomfortable if you’re required to wear them all day.

Composite toe work boots serve the same function as traditional steel toe boots, but the toe portion is lined with a nonmetal compartment made of carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass or Kevlar. Composite toe work boots can be a superior choice for jobs that have metal detectors on site. They’re also lighter and cooler than boots with a metal component, which makes them good for hot environments. While they offer protection against some types of compression, they don’t provide the same level of protection as a steel toe. When deciding between steel toe boots or composite toe boots, you’ll need to balance the danger presented with the comfort and ease of motion required for the work.

Leather uppers are common due to the durability of the material. Leather also creates an excellent fit, as it conforms to the shape of your foot over time. Full-grain leather is considered the highest-quality type of leather, creating an upper that’s more durable and flexible than other types. Keep in mind that untreated leather isn’t waterproof and may be damaged by too much exposure to water.

You may also see boots with polyurethane (PU) leather uppers. This synthetic material has the appearance of leather. While it’s more water-resistant and isn’t susceptible to water damage like natural leather can be, it doesn’t provide the same durability or protection. This material isn’t breathable, so it’ll retain perspiration.

Rubber work boots are great for protecting your feet from water and mud, and can be the right choice for specialized tasks. But they don’t fit as well as leather boots and don’t provide the same durability or protection from impacts, compression and punctures. Like PU leather, rubber isn’t breathable.

Materials such as nylon, which adds breathability and reduces weight, may be included in the boot construction, and rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may be included with natural or PU leather to add waterproofing.

Two common outsole materials are rubber and TPU. Both provide a measure of slip resistance, giving you better traction and helping prevent falls. 

• Rubber also helps the outsole resist abrasions from rough surfaces.
• TPU is a light, durable option for outsoles that has better resistance to splitting.

Pay attention to how the outsole is attached to the upper. Welt construction — assembly using a strip of leather, plastic or rubber (the welt) stitched to the upper and outsole — is the more hard-wearing construction and is the best choice if the boots will see heavy use. It also allows for sole replacement. Boots with direct-attach construction and cement construction are lighter and less expensive but usually can’t be re-soled. These are best for lighter-duty work.

Work boots offer varying levels of protection from water. The level of protection also relates to how well the boots resist water damage. While some boots aren’t designed for wet areas, you’ll see many listed as water-resistant, water-repellent or waterproof.

Footwear that’s labeled only as water-resistant or water-repellent will give you some protection from wet weather. These boots are good for yard work and other projects where they won’t be submerged or subjected to a lot of rain or snow. If submerged, the water will eventually soak through the boot.

Waterproof work boots are designed to keep your feet dry, even in puddles or heavier rain and snow. They’ll also resist water damage better than water-resistant boots. Rubber boots are waterproof, but they’re not usually comfortable or durable enough for long-term work. Other types of boots have a liner that keeps water out while allowing perspiration to evaporate. You can find work boots with waterproof leather uppers, typically with a water-repellent treatment applied. They’ll require regular application of a water-repellent product to remain waterproof and prevent damage.

Don’t overlook the importance of a good fit. Look for features that give you the comfort and support you need to reduce fatigue.

•  A padded area at the top of the upper and a padded tongue will give you a better fit and improve comfort.
• Taller boots will provide more protection for your legs, keep out more debris and give you additional support. If you don’t need the extra protection or support, work shoes and low-rise boots may feel better, particularly in hot weather.
  
• Lace-up boots provide better support for ankles. They give you a more secure fit that provides stability and keeps out debris. Pull-on boots are easy to put on and take off and don’t have laces that might get caught and cause you to trip. Pull-on boots are often taller, providing more protection for your legs.
  
• A heel-sole boot has a raised heel that often has a deep or aggressive tread pattern. Heel soles typically wear better and last longer. They’re good for outdoor work and are some of the best boots for working in mud since the raised heel helps keep your foot out of mud and the tread pattern gives you good traction. Wedge-sole boots don’t have a raised heel — the sole is simply thicker at the heel and thinner towards the toe. The design allows the entire surface of the sole to contact the floor or ground, and your heel will be less likely to catch on tripping hazards. Wedge soles are typically more comfortable if you’ll be on your feet for a long time. They’ll often have less aggressive tread patterns that won’t give you as much traction in dirt or mud, but you’ll be less likely to track the material into your home.

Understanding these terms will help you find work boots or work shoes that feel good and give you the support and security you need.

• Steel, TPU or fiberglass shanks all provide arch support, help footwear keep its shape and provide a degree of puncture resistance to the bottom of a boot. Steel shanks add more weight but provide the most protection.
• Metatarsal protection helps prevent impact injuries to the top of the foot.
  
• Hook eyelets or speed eyelets on a boot allow for quick lacing.
  
• Lug soles are outsoles with a deep tread pattern that improves traction on different types of terrain and gives you better footing in snow.
  
• A kiltie is a removable panel that fits under boot laces to create an additional barrier to water and debris and to protect the tongue from damage. You may see these on logger boots designed for use in rugged terrain or areas with a lot of brush.
  
• Gusseted tongues are attached to the upper all along the sides creating a better barrier to dirt, debris, water and mud.
  
• Electrical-hazard resistance (often indicated as EH) helps protect you from incidental contact with anything that might cause electrocution, such as wires or electrical components. EH boots are designed to reduce exposure in dry conditions and don’t provide complete protection from electrical hazards.
  
• Electrostatic-dissipating (ESD) boots don’t provide protection from electrocution. They’re designed to conduct electricity through the boot and into the ground, reducing the buildup of static electricity in the wearer.
  
• A moc toe boot features two pieces of material stitched together to cover the toe and top of the foot. A round toe boot has a single piece of material stitched to the outsole to cover the top of the foot and the toes.
  
• Insulated boots keep your feet warm, whether you’ll be outdoors in cold weather or working on a cold concrete garage floor.