What are the best work boots to buy

What are the best work boots to buy? Strong, durable, and warm enough to keep you going through most cold months - that's all a work shoe really needs. Not surprisingly, the style was perfected about half a century ago. 

Editions have since expanded certain functions to accommodate certain customers or to emphasize comfort, as the work often requires a lot of time.

The simple lace-up style protects the lower legs and feet and usually has a durable lug outsole. A steel toecap is ideal, but it's rare to find an affordable boot with it. 

The guard fingers are something else entirely: they prevent the blows when you kick a box or knock over a tree trunk. What else should a work shoe have and do?

Shopping Tips

Look for a high-height boot: 6 inches or longer.

Leather boots are better because the material is more durable.

Steel toecaps are the end of all protective shoe features, but a reinforced toecap will suffice if you can't afford the extra cash.

Always have a serrated sole. The thicker the better in my opinion.

A non-slip sole, like that of Red Wing's Moc Toe boot, helps prevent falls.

Goodyear boots with welt can be worked out if you wear them.

An expensive boot is almost always worth it, as long as the function justifies the price, not just the aesthetics. They last longer, look better with age, and prevent the annual renewal we all dread.

The Best Work Boots for Men

• Best Overall Work Boot: Red Wing Iron Ranger Cap Toe Boot
• Best Update Working Boot: Viberg Service Boot 2030 - Chromexcel
• Best Affordable Work Boot: Timberland Waterproof Boot
• Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boat
• Red Wing Heritage Gore-Tex Moccasin Toe 6" Boot
• Ariat Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
• Filson x White's Shop Boots
• Wesco standard steel nose Jobmaster
• White's Boots 350 Cutter
• Archie-01 GRM boots unmarked

Iron Ranger Toe Boat

If you just want to know which work boots to buy, the Red Wing Iron Ranger is it. The brand's reputation is based on the Goodyear boots and the Iron Ranger is one of the most iconic. It features a protective toe cap, a cork midsole that molds to the unique shape of the wearer's foot, speed hooks, and a dissolvable Goodyear rim construction. 

Pull-up leather (tanned by Red Wing) is beautiful from the start but gets more over time. You'll have to approach them knowing how difficult the break-in period is, but fans will tell you it's worth it.

Pors:

• Goodyear-welted
• Protective nose
• Speed crochet
• Four colors
• Made in EE.UU.
• Vibram rubber sole

Cons:

• Hard to break
• Not for high arches

2030 Service Boot - Chromexcel

I wouldn't go splashing around on a wet job site here, but the work was done in a studio or small to medium size factory. Safe. This is Viberg's most iconic style, with a history dating back to 1931. They are made from durable Chromoexcel leather, have a Dainite sole and brass hardware.

Pors:

• Brass fittings
• Dainite non-slip sole
• Chrome excels top
• Reliable

Cons:

• Without steel handle
• Without a protective nose
• Not waterproof

Waterproof Boot

When Timberland introduced their now iconic work boots in 1973, it was a revolution. Its cement construction made it one of the first boots to be truly waterproof and the design has remained much the same ever since. Nubuck upper is made with quadruple needle stitching and is equipped with PrimaLoft insulated padded ankle collars and sturdy rubber outsoles.

Pors:

• Classic style
• Easy to find
• Raincoat
• Isolated
• Rubber soles
• Many sizes
• Four colors

Cons:

• The heel wears out with a lot of walking
• Tight on the toes
• The scratches are very noticeable

1000 Mile Boot

This is Wolverine's 1000 Mile boot. It's named after the number of miles you can drive in a pair, but you can probably put more miles on it. This one is inspired by the pattern of the original, which was first produced in 1914 and made in Big Rapids, Michigan. 

The upper of the boot is unlined and is made from premium Horween leather and also features a leather sole with a Vibram heel.

6 Inch Classic Gore-Tex Moc

When Red Wing introduced the Moc Toe, it was designed for outdoor enthusiasts, those who walk through mud and rough terrain, who needed to find a balance between comfort and courage. 

This version of the venerable boot is made with a Gore-Tex membrane, making it completely waterproof. Your feet won't get dirty if someone splashes or surprises you.

Pors:

• Made in the US
• Waterproof
• Rip- and stain-resistant
• Goodyear-welted
• Anti-slip traction tread outsole
• Oil-tanned leather uppers

Cons:

• No reinforced or protective toe
• Sizing is different — most should order a half size down
• No shank
• No arch support

Groundbreaker 6" work boot

This Ariat boot is one of the brand's more affordable options, but that doesn't mean it can't get the job done, whatever it may be. It is a 15cm lace-up boot with an Ariat rubber sole and a pull tab at the heel for easy removal. 

You won't find a steel toe cap here, but you can add one for ~$50. Some customers have mentioned a discrepancy between this version and the more expensive Ariat boots, but you get what you pay for and it's still good enough.

Pors:

• Accessible
• Durable rubber sole
  

Cons:

• without steel nose
• weaker body
• The seams are not that strong.
• Not file

Shop Boots

These work boots originated from a collaboration between White and Filson, two well-known clothing suppliers in Washington. They look a bit like Timbs, but they are definitely an improvement. (Sorry, Timberlands.)

Made in the USA, the co-branded Shop Boots feature a steel shaft, Vibram sole, and a thick full-grain leather upper.

Pors:

• Timbo's, updated
• Made in the USA
• Vibram Outsole
• Steel shaft
• Padded collar

Cons:

• The light color makes the markings more visible.
• Structured but not steel toecap.
• More expensive than others on this list

Standard Steel Toe Jobmaster

Whatever the job demands, the Wesco Jobmaster gets it done with a full-grain leather upper and a Vibram studded outsole that lifts you up 10 inches tall. 

With an effectively indestructible build quality, full leather insoles and midsoles, and brass eyelets that get better with time, our Just Get This pick is worth considering the price hike.

Pors:

Thick Vibram sole

A very tall boot - 10 inches

leather insoles

trustworthy

steel nose

two widths

can be customized

Duration

Archie-01 GRM

Incredibly durable, the Archie-01 boots from Unmarked are designed as a tribute to Mexican worker boots, which are made from thick cowhide leather with a calf leather lining and a cork-filled insole and midsole. There's also a wave-sole version for those looking for something... more daring.

Pors:

• Made in Mexico
• Calf leather lining
• Cork-filled insole
• Three colors
• Goodyear-welted
• Fairtrade

Cons:

• Natural leather has undergone a special treatment, which may cause inconsistencies.
• Production on demand means they can be delayed
• Without a protective nose

350 Cutter

The 350 milling cutter was originally designed by then-white owner Otto White, who took a chainsaw to a higher boot to create something loggers could use on days off. The upper is waterproof and has a mini Vibram sole, and each pair can be refreshed and rebuilt.

Pors:

• Raincoat
• Trustworthy
• Vibram Outsole
• 11 colors
• Two widths
• Leather handle
• Handmade in the USA.

Cons:

• Runs large - order half a size smaller.
• Without a protective nose