Footwear is one of the most vital pieces of equipment for making it through long, exhausting days. The Black construction boots you put on can make the difference between finishing the job and crying when you go home.
A decent pair of work boots is a must-have investment for anyone undertaking manual labor, whether at work or home. Work boots should be supportive, comfortable, and long-lasting, with all the necessary safety features to keep your feet safe.
We put nine of the most popular work boots on the market to the test to determine the finest work boots for men. The Chippewa 55025 Hador Steel Toe Boots (available at Amazon) emerged as the clear winner after stress testing and wearing each for numerous days of yard labor and in my woodshop. They look and feel terrific, plus they provide the necessary protection and traction to get you through a full day of work.
The Ever Boots Tank Men's Soft Toe Work Boots (available at Amazon) is our Best Value selection if you're a more infrequent wearer with a restricted budget and no need for steel toes. These comfortable work boots are ideal for spending the entire day in the yard.
Here are the top Black construction boots that we tested, rated from best to worst:
- Hador Steel Toe Chippewa 55025
- Men's Soft Toe Ever Boots Tank
- Wolverine Raider Steel Toe 6-Inch
- Steel Toe Caterpillar Second Shift
- Timberland Pro Pit Boss Steel Toe 6-Inch
- Rocky MobiLite Steel Toe Waterproof
- Steel Toe Brahma Raid
- Danner Bull Run Steel Toe Moc Toe
- Hudson Classic Boot from Lugz for Men
Hador Steel Toe Boots, Chippewa 55025
If you're searching for a pair of workboots that can handle hard work day after day, week after week, and month after month, the Chippewa Steel Logger Boots are hard to beat. These work boots are made of heavy-duty leather and provide all of the necessary protection. The steel safety toes meet ASTM impact and compression standards, and the soles have electrical hazard protection to keep you safe even in potentially hazardous situations.
The traction of the soles particularly pleased us. We put each boot through its paces on a 45-degree
shingled mock roof and these were the only ones that allowed me to stand up straight without slipping. These are something I'd feel comfortable wearing on any roofing project (with other proper equipment, of course). These are something I'd feel comfortable wearing on any roofing project.That comfort does not have to be sacrificed for the sake of safety and control. These were some of my favorite boots by the end of our testing. They ascend well up the calf, providing ample ankle support without putting any pressure on the collar.
The arches are tall and strong, with a steel shank for further support, allowing you to be on your feet all day without aches and cramps.
While the Chippewas are heavy, as are all-steel toes, they are insulated with 3M Thinsulate Ultra to save weight while keeping the boots breathable and moisture-resistant. It took them a few days to break in.
The Chippewas felt as if they had been molded to my feet once they had done so. This is a pair of boots that I would be glad to work in for the rest of my life, and it's one of two pairs that I kept returning to after the testing was completed.
Pros:
- There are numerous safety features.
- Support for the ankles and the arch
- Materials of superior quality
Cons:
- Heavy
Buy now at Amazon
Work Boots Ever Boots Tank 6-Inch
One of the biggest surprises of my testing was the Ever Boots Work Boots. From the moment I slipped these inexpensive boots on, I was smitten. They're soft and comfy, with a good balance of flexibility and stability in the foot and ankle.
The arches, which contain a steel shank, are on the low side, but they nevertheless give enough support for all-day usage. During any of our tests, I did not suffer any uncomfortable chafing or blistering.
Ever Boots work boots are constructed of high-quality materials, including genuine leather, reinforced stitching, and rubber bottoms.
When you get them, you should buy a new pair of shoelaces from the store because the included laces ripped within a few days. The lack of a steel toe is the only true flaw with these boots, which means they'll only be useful in certain situations.
They're better suited to occasional-use homeowners than to those who want constant protection on the job site.
If that describes you, these are difficult to beat for the price. Once the official testing was completed, those were the boots I wore the most.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Supportive
Cons:
- There are a few safety features.
- Over time, it becomes less durable.
Buy now at Amazon
How We Put Work Boots to the Test:
The Examiner
I'm Jean Levasseur, a writing instructor at a local university and a former conveyor mechanic, property manager, and amateur woodworker. My grandfather was a carpenter, my father operated an excavating company, and my mother was a mechanic, so I grew up in a tool-using family.
I've used most tools you've heard of and quite a few you haven't as a result of growing up working for my family's enterprises and then moving on to my projects. I spend a lot of time in my shop woodworking or out in the yard maintaining my landscaping.
The Examinations
The first step was to break in each boot and examine its comfort and fit. There are a variety of ways to break in boots, but we chose the tried-and-true method of wearing them. I attempted to wear each pair of boots for five days, beginning with an hour or two on the first day and finishing with a multi-hour working session either in the yard or in the shop. As I wore them, I examined the overall fit, breathability, and support, as well as any signs of wear, such as leather peeling or stitching pulling.
We ran each pair of boots through several safety and performance testing once we ended the wearing phase. The first dealt with traction. I used asphalt shingles to create a 45-degree tiny ramp that resembled a 12-pitch roof, which is quite steep. From then, I attempted to stand in each pair of boots on the ramp.
Each pair was assigned to one of three groups. If I couldn't gain enough traction to stand on the ramp without holding on, it was the lowest. Second, I wanted to see whether I could step up onto the ramp by myself and then slide down after a few seconds. The best result would be if I could stand on the ramp and stay there.
The next test was a drop test. We used modeling clay to fill the toes of the boots, then dropped a 40-pound weight onto the toes from a height of 22.5 inches. This gave us an energy impact similar to ASTM 175 safety regulations, the maximum impact grade in the United States.
All of the steel toe boots, predictably, passed this test with flying colors. This test also demonstrated the importance of not dumping 40-pound weights on your feet if you don't have steel toes.
The final test was to evaluate how tough each boot's sole was. I hammered a nail into a piece of wood and then tried to shove it through the soles of each pair of boots by hand. Again, we divided each pair of boots into three groups based on how easy, intermediate, or tough it was to complete the task. I was pleasantly delighted to discover how difficult it was to drive a nail through any of the boots by hand.
What You Need to Know Before Purchasing Work Boots
It's vital to have good footwear to keep you on your feet until the job is finished. The correct work boots will keep you safe, supported, and comfortable if you're doing any kind of hard activity.
Safety
Work boots must, first and foremost, provide you with the necessary protection. Not everyone, however, needs the same level of security. Steel toes to defend against drops and electrical resistance to protect you on job sites with potential electrical risks are included in higher-end boots.
Both of these elements are vital safety measures for many employees, and they are well worth the additional expense and weight they entail—if you need them, don't miss them.
These safety measures may not be necessary if you're only looking for a pair of boots to mow the lawn on the weekend. A pair that is lighter and more flexible might be the best choice for you.
Fit
Your feet's safety is what keeps them intact. Fitness is what keeps you moving. If your feet slip around inside the boots, quality, durability, and safety are meaningless.
Boots that are properly fitting should be snug around the heel to prevent your foot from moving side to side. Your ankle and calf should be supported while walking, but they should still be able to move and bend. You don't want your gait to be altered or your knees to be strained. And you certainly don't want the boot's neck to obstruct circulation.
There should be enough room in the toe box for you to wiggle your toes. This will allow circulation to return to your foot, as well as the movement and flexibility that your toes require to keep you balanced.
Finally, take note of the arches. Do you require the support of a high arch? Or do you require something a little more flattering? If you require a different level of arch support, you can purchase fresh insoles.
Above all, you want your new boots to allow you to walk naturally. Anything else will sap your vitality and leave your legs and feet aching day after day.
Allow Them Too In
The majority of boots (especially those made of natural materials like leather) are stiff right out of the box. You'll have blisters and painful feet if you try to wear them for more than eight or ten hours on the first day. It's certainly worth the time and effort to break in a pair of boots before wearing them regularly.
To break in boots, people swear by a variety of methods. It's a good idea to use a substance like a mink oil to condition the leather. The leather can be softened by simply folding, bending, and rubbing it, especially around the ankle and toes, where the boot needs to flex the most.
However, wearing boots gradually is the most dependable technique to break them in. Begin with an hour, then two, then a few more, gradually increasing over several days or a week. This allows the boots to expand and mold to your foot's shape, which is the ultimate purpose.
During the breaking-in stage, don't be hesitant to use band-aids or fabric tape in areas where blisters appear to be forming. Also, don't expect uncomfortable boots to become more comfortable once they've been broken in. They won't feel comfortable at home if they aren't comfortable in the store. Stiff boots will soften up, but uncomfortable boots will most likely continue to hurt.
We also tried the following work boots:
Raider Steel-Toe 6-Inch Work Boot-Wolverine
The Wolverine 6-inch Raider steel toe work boots passed nearly all of our tests with flying colors, performing almost as well as our overall winner. The shoes were quite comfy right out of the box, and they just got better as I used them. For a full day of work, the rubber soles and arches give ample support. The cushioned ankle collar supports your leg while yet allowing you to move about freely.
The Wolverine Raiders also excel in terms of safety and performance. After our drop testing, the steel toes showed no signs of damage, and I was able to stand up straight on our mock roof. After all of our testing, the leather construction seems sturdy and exhibits no signs of wear.
These boots should be able to handle some of the toughest duties out there, in my opinion. This is a fantastic pair of boots for anyone who requires high-quality footwear to keep them on their feet all day.
Pros:
- Effective safety features
- Comfortable
- High-quality materials are used.
Cons:
- We couldn't find any.
Buy now at Amazon
Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
It's no surprise that a company recognized for tough, heavy-duty work tools would create tough, heavy-duty work footwear. The ASTM safety criteria for impact, compression, and electrical hazard protection are met by the Caterpillar Second Shift steel toe boots, keeping you safe on even the roughest job sites.
I was able to stand up and stay on our test roof because of the slip-resistant soles' great traction.
All of this security comes with a high level of quality and reasonable comfort. Even in a rain boot, the leather is robust and heavy-duty, and the insoles are breathable and don't become too hot. They offer excellent support and comfort across the foot and heel.
The collar that goes around the ankle never softened up, which was my major issue with the boots. After each multi-hour wearing session, my calf ached.
They didn't hurt while I was wearing them, but getting them off at the end of the day was a welcome relief. However, if you don't experience the same level of pressure, this is another high-quality boot worth trying on.
Pros:
- Rugged, high-quality build
- There are numerous safety features.
- Exceptional grip
Cons:
- The collar is stiff.
- Over time, it becomes less comfortable.
Buy now at Amazon
Steel Toe Timberland Pro Pit Boss 6-Inch
The Pit Boss steel toe work boots are a wonderful example of why Timberland is one of the top names in industrial footwear. They're crafted of high-quality, long-lasting leather, offer lots of support, and comply with ANSI, ASTM, and F2892 safety regulations.
Furthermore, they're one of the lightest pairs of heavy-duty work boots we've ever tried, and they never
got too hot. Even after a long day at work, the antimicrobial footbed and odor-resistant interior keep your feet fresh.
They're stiff right out of the box and take a few days to break in before they're comfortable. The padded, v-shaped collar provides ample ankle support while allowing your legs to breathe, but it is also one of the boot's significant flaws.
That collar made my calves pain after only an hour or two of wearing it. This was also one of the rare pairs of boots that gave me blisters throughout the break-in period.
Of course, your feet may grow accustomed to these concerns over time, but I like boots that fit comfortably within a day or two of unpacking.
Pros:
- Rugged, high-quality build
- There are numerous safety features.
- Exceptional grip
Cons:
- The calf is dug into by the collar.
- Over time, it becomes less comfortable.
Buy now at Amazon
Rocky Mobilite Waterproof Work Boots with Steel Toes
The Rocky MobiLite steel toe work boots got off to a fantastic start. After a few hours of wear, they felt like high-quality material with a nice fit. They provide plenty of support while remaining adaptable enough to fit in quickly.
They're perfect for walking around because of the low collar and ankle support, as well as the comfy
footbeds and padding that keep your feet feeling fresh. They're also ASTM-rated against collisions and compression, so you can rest easy knowing your toes are safe.
However, there were a few flaws with these waterproof work boots. My knees ached every time I wore them for more than an hour or so. In addition, their traction on our test roof was poor.
On the 45-degree pitch, I could never get up without sinking back down to the earth. Finally, after only a few days of use, I discovered the leather was peeling in various spots.
These are probably good for many homeowners seeking occasional-use boots, but I wouldn't trust them to get me through a full day on the job site, especially at this price.
Pros:
- There are numerous safety features.
- The exterior is water-resistant.
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
- There is no long-term comfort.
Buy now at Amazon
Raid Steel Toe Work Boot by Brahma for Men
The Brahma Raid steel toe work boots were the least priced of the ones we evaluated, but that cheap price came with significant drawbacks. The boots were not of the greatest quality right out of the box. The synthetic leather was damaged, and the stitches were beginning to pull.
The quality didn't improve much after I tried them on. The sole didn't have any cushioning, and it felt
like I was standing straight on top of the rubber sole. And those soles aren't traction-friendly. In these shoes, I couldn't even stand on our test roof.
All in all, these boots are steel-toed and come at an unbeatable price. These are worth a look if you're looking for a cheap pair of steel-toe boots to wear for a few hours on the weekend.
These, on the other hand, are unlikely to withstand the demands of a typical workday.
Pros:
- Toes made of steel
Cons:
- Uncomfortable
- No long-term viability
- a lack of traction
Buy now at Amazon
Danner Bull Run Moc Toe 6-Inch Steel Toe
The first thing to notice about the Danner Bull Run steel toe boots is that they don't resemble labor boots in the least. With a high ankle and a thick toe, they resemble a pair of moccasins.
That's OK if that's the aesthetic you're going for. Unfortunately, the boots' performance did not
compensate for their unconventional appearance.
They were uncomfortable right out of the box. The tongue dug into the top of my foot and ankle, and I could never find a comfortable posture.
My feet ached after only a few minutes of wearing them because the soles didn't seem to provide any support.
While they passed our drop testing just as well as any other pair and performed admirably in our rooftop grip test, there isn't enough good in these boots to justify the price tag.
Pors:
- The toe is made of steel,
- which is a strong material.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable
Buy now at Amazon
Hudson 6-Inch Water-Resistant Classic Boot-Lugz
Lugz appears to be attempting to bridge the gap between expensive dress boots and work boots with the Hudson Classic work boots. Unfortunately, it appears that they went a little too far in the direction of dress boots. The fact that these boots are so light is a plus.
However, they don't appear to provide much protection or have the kind of long-term durability that a
good pair of work boots should have. They don't have a steel toe, thus they won't be able to withstand the rigors of a genuine construction site. However, I'm not sure how well they'll hold up in the home.
They're also about as comfortable as my dress shoes—and I don't have any comfortable dress shoes. They don't offer much in the way of stability or support.
If pricing is your primary concern, there are other, higher-quality boots available in this price range.
Pros:
- We haven't found any.
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
- Uncomfortable
- It is devoid of safety features.
Buy now at Amazon
How we selected:
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Style and Gear editors and writers on the top work boots for men. Experts including our fashion director, Ted Stafford, put countless men's work boots through the wringer to evaluate their fit, support, and durability.
We also considered top-reviewed men's work boots that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.
Protection:
When it comes to the heavy lifting involved in day-to-day construction projects, consider steel toe boots, the standard for protecting your toes from all the hazards of a dangerous work area. Another option is a carbon fiber toe, also tough but a little lighter to wear.
Comfort:
For 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. And if you’re afraid of your toes getting crunched, consider a pair of work boots in a wide fit.
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