Tested: The Best Work Boots For The Job Site

Whether it’s something done five days a week or merely on the occasional night or weekend, anyone that spends extended periods working on their feet is almost certainly aware of how vital it is to be equipped with a quality set of work-specific footwear. This is because a decent pair of boots — work or otherwise — needs to be able to afford all-day comfort and stability while providing ample traction and fortifications from abrasions, impacts, and the elements; and be able to do so day in and day out for years, if not decades. And it’s this segment that we’ll be exploring today as we get hands-on with our picks for the finest pairs currently on the market for this in-depth buyer’s guide to and review of the best men’s work boots. 

Selection & Testing

Work boots have been used for generations, and with the segment having been around for such a long time, there’s unsurprisingly an enormous number of available options to pick from when shopping. So, when we set out to highlight the best pairs that money can buy, we kicked off our hunt by first making a list of the most important qualities and characteristics to review when judging each pair, such as material selection, construction technique, style, and toe type.

Additionally, we also looked at price, value, warranty, longevity, and whether or not a given pair can easily be re-soled or repaired once damaged or worn out. Allowing these areas to guide our picks, we then generated a shortlist of candidates that we suspected may currently represent some of the best pairs available. While you can get a decent sense of how a pair of boots will probably perform based on factors such as length, upper construction, and outsole, the reality is that the only way to really get a complete understanding of a pair of work boot’s performance and user experience is to actually try them on and wear them for an extended period. So, we did precisely that; tracking down a sample from each pair on our list and then putting them to the test.

As a full-time senior staffer at a men’s lifestyle publication, I obviously didn’t have the opportunity to try these boots all day on the job-site, but I fortunately happen to possess a backlog of projects, chores, and maintenance that I’ve been neglecting — ranging from performing a valve job on one of my vintage bikes to chopping wood to mounting a new hood range in my kitchen to installing in new radiator in my roadster to building a Micarta knife handle set to demoing and repaving my patio — all of which made for perfect opportunities for putting these work boots through their paces.  Our editor-in-chief is also a former automotive mechanic, and many of these boots have been put through the paces in the shop.

What’s more, I also opted to wear each pair of work boots for anywhere from one to two weeks in an effort to see how comfortable they are right out of the box, and how quickly they broke in. Our hands-on testing process also allowed us to examine areas such as build quality and craftsmanship, plus enabled us to individually test the waterproofing on the membrane-equipped pairs we tried. Once armed with the information we’d gleaned through our hands-on testing phase, we were then able to narrow our initial shortlist down to a final selection of what our review proved to be the best pairs of men’s work boots that money can currently buy. 

Measurements: I stand at a skinny 6’ 2” and weigh in at around 185lbs. I typically wear a men’s size 12 U.S. shoe (11 UK/ 46 Euro), and that’s the size that I tested in each in — with the exception of a pair of two with slightly unconventional sizing that ran a bit larger or smaller than normal. 

Danner Vicious Boot

Best Hybrid Work Boot: Though it produces a wide variety of footwear, Danner is no doubt best known for its hiking boots. And with a history dating back to the early 1930s, the company has nearly a century of experience and expertise to draw from when designing and crafting its boots. For the Portland-based boot purveyor’s Vicious model, it takes one of its modern hiking boot designs and bestows it with a host of elements and features that make it highly conducive to use on the job site — while still lending itself to use at camp and out on the trails. 

The Good

Going through half-a-dozen tests before being selected, the leather that’s used to make the Vicious’ uppers is a rugged full-grain construction that’s extremely durable and abrasion-resistant. Built on Danner’s DLE-01 last, this work boot-hiker hybrid features a nylon shank, a dual-density EVA midsole, a 90° heel, a polyurethane footbed, and a  Trailguard TPU shank borrowed from Danner’s hiking boots. Fortifying this hiking boot silhouette — and readying it  for the job site is a nonmetallic composite toe, a full GORE-TEX membrane, electrical hazard protection, and an oil and slip-resistant Vibram Vicious compound outsole with a low-profile 90° heel.

I wasn’t really sure of what to expect when first trying on these boots, and didn’t know if they’d require a break-in period — and if so, how long of a break-in period they’d require. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, like Thorogood’s American Heritage Moc Toe, Danner’s Vicious boot has a pretty much non-existent break-in period, as the boot is comfortable right out of the box. Between its plush footbed, cushiony midsole, soft tongue, and equally-soft collar lining, they really are a pleasure to wear. The retro Jordans that I wear most days (at least when I’m not testing footwear for buyer’s guides and reviews) even felt a little stiff and uncomfortable after being put on right after these Danners. 

The waterproofing on the Vicious is superb. Whether sprayed or dunked into water, not a single drop found its way into the boot. This area was made all the more impressive by the fact that the boots were still remarkably breathable. In fact, my feet got a lot sweatier when testing some of the unlined pairs of heritage boots on this list — despite them not being equipped with any waterproof lining. What’s more, their impressive breathability also allowed the interior of the boot to dry out completely overnight (as I accidentally submerged them beyond the collar at one point, flooding the interior). 

Supplementary Strengths

In order to get a more complete sense of how this boot performed, I opted to lace up the pair for a day on the trails at a local park, where I was able to discover how they performed as a hiking shoe. For comparison, I also brought along my trusty pair of Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots in order to have a baseline to compare them to. Because they’re built to withstand the rigors of the job site, I anticipated some of its more robust protective elements to possibly hinder its on-trail performance, though this simply wasn’t the case either. The Vicious legitimately manages to offer the best of both worlds as both a hiking boot and work boot. It’s incredibly comfortable and supportive, it feels stable on steep inclines, and affords stellar traction on all manner of terrains, from sand to mud to gravel to loose or hard-packed dirt. 

What’s more, after wearing the Vicious back-to-back with the Lowa’s Renegade GTX Mids, I was able to immediately notice the extra bit of space in the Danner’s toe box along with the tighter heel-cupping setup at the opposite end of the boot. These elements were designed in this way to help make it easier to walk around while carrying heavy loads or piece of equipment — just one of several of this hiking-style boot’s hidden workwear features. With oil and slip-resistant outsoles, a composite safety toe, and electrical hazard protection, the Vicious actually affords a ton of protection on the job site, and isn’t just a hiking boot that’s being marketed as work-ready. 

Between pull tabs on the heel, two sets of speed lacing hooks, and small dip at the back of the collar — similar to many retro pairs of Jordans I own — Danner’s Vicious boot is remarkably easy to don and doff these boots, and just as easy to get a secure and snug fit. The fitment of these boots was also accurate and true-to-size. I was also pretty impressed with the toughness of the Vicious’ leather uppers. At first I thought they just did a really good job of hiding scuffs, before later realizing they weren’t hiding scuffs, they were preventing most of them from occurring at all. This no doubt speaks volumes about the quality and durability of the upper’s leather.

With a roughly $200 price tag, it may not seem like the Vicious offers the best value, though it’s crucial to note that this single pair of boots can be used both on the job-site and out on the trails, which ultimately makes it much easier to justify its MSRP. Additionally, as of the time of writing, Danner has this pair marked down to just $173, giving them even better-bang-for-your buck. Danner also offers this boot with multiple toe options, and sells the thing in four different colorway — including a more traditional workwear-style tan pair with black accents, and a brown pair with orange accents. On the particular color way that I tested, I also really like how Danner has bestowed the primarily black and brown color scheme with some red accent stitching, along with matching red laces — as these elements really do give the boot a lot more character. 

The Not So Good

When I first got my hands on the Danner Vicious, I expected most of my gripes to stem from the fact that they’re hiking boot hybrids rather than dedicated workwear boots — though testing proved that this wasn’t the case. Instead, the boot suffers from a few other issues that are all fairly minor. For starters, unlike some of Danner’s other boots, the Vicious isn’t made in America. Second, at 48oz per pair, they’re also pretty heavy — especially for a pair of mid-top-length 4.5” boots. Next, while they don’t look at all out of place on the job site, they nonetheless lack the distinctive appearance offered by most heritage boots — admittedly a subjective area, but one I don’t love either way. 

My final issue doesn’t actual stem from the performance of the boots, though could have a decent impact on the overall longterm user/ownership experience. Aside from a few minor scuffs resulting from regular day-to-day use, I didn’t notice any obvious wear-and-tear after the two weeks I spent testing these boots, though I was still a little bothered by the fact that Danner’s warranty on these boots is limited to only one year — which doesn’t really point to them affording a lifetime of use like many of the other pairs that I tested. With a regular MSRP of $230, this was a little disappointing to see — especially with that price not getting you a USA-made construction. 

Verdict: The Danner Vicious takes inspiration from the brand’s flagship hiking footwear in order to deliver a mountain and trail-ready work boot that offers excellent comfort, stability, and grip — and does so in a super affordable, value-laden package. While it may not offer the longevity or build quality of its heritage brand-made counterparts, the Vicious is nonetheless an unbeatable choice for a do-it-all outdoor and work boot. 

Chippewa Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups Boot

Best Upgrade Pick: Chippewa is another more-than-century-old, American footwear brand that needs to be part of the conversation when discussing work boots. Since 1901, the Wisconsin-based boot-maker has churned out some of the most rugged and dependable pieces of work-specific footwear on the market. And this tradition continues today with pairs like the Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups Boot, which combines a timeless design and silhouette with a myriad of contemporary features and touches — plus it does so while coming at an exceedingly fair price point. 

The Good

Crafted using a tried-and-true Goodyear welt construction, these boots boast full-grain leather uppers mated to a  Vibram 1752 Stockbridge “Gumlite” outsole. Inside, the boots also feature a steel shank and Orthotic insoles that are ridiculously plush and cushiony. The exposed leather midsole furthers this second-generation work boot’s vintage-inspired appearance — a particularly cool feat when you consider that they also sport thoroughly modern electrical hazard protection. And, while I opted for the non-safety toe model, Chippewa does offer the Classic 2.0 with available safety toe options. 

It’s a little tricky to describe what the break-in period of these boots felt like, as the insole and footbed are extremely comfortable, yet the rest of the boot requires a bit of time to conform to your feet. With the leather being noticeably softer than the upper construction of pairs like White’s Foreman boots, the break-in time was a lot quicker. With that said, the reinforced rim at the collar of the boot did rub up against my lower leg and ankle, and was definitely the most uncomfortable part of breaking them in. Because the boot has a bit more flex and give to it than the models from White’s or Red Wing, it was particularly comfortable to wear when squatting down or putting myself in other positions where my toes were fully crunched. 

Other than the three sets of speed hooks, the rest of the lacing setup’s eyelets sport a unique hexagonal shape that’s no doubt inspired by common bolts — a small detail, no doubt, but one that helps to elevate the boot as a whole. I was also impressed with how little my feet sweat when wearing the Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups — something that can’t be said about White’s Foreman boots. Like any quality pair of heritage-style work boots, the second-generation Classic Lace Ups can also be rebuilt or resoled once worn out — furthering their already stellar value. And, though I wasn’t given a chance to test out this aspect of the boot, Chippewa’s Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups are designed to excel in extreme temperatures. 

Supplementary Strengths

The upper’s full-grain leather construction takes on scratches and scuffs to a pretty ridiculous extent. Even running my fingernail over the material leaves what appear to be permanent lines and scuffs in the leather. This honestly bothered me at first, though after only a few days of wearing them, I actually started to really appreciate the character of the patina and lived-in look that this minor wear-and-tear affords. And, not unlike Thorogood’s American Heritage 6” Moc Toe MaxWear Wedge, the Chippewa’s Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups Boot proved to make for a surprisingly strong lifestyle boot. Its rounded toe not only low-key affords this pair a military-inspired aesthetic, but also gives it a more dapper look that allows it to jive well with casual outfits and use off of the job site. 

Whenever testing and reviewing any piece of gear, I always try to ignore pricing and manufacturing origin, as I want my experience using an item to dictate my opinions rather than preconceived notions of quality or capabilities stemming from an exorbitant price tag. And Chippewa’s Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups epitomize why I try to take this approach, as I legitimately expected this pair to be priced similarly to the heritage brand-made boots on this list based on how they performed. And this is no doubt a massive part of what makes this pair so incredibly special, is that it really can go toe-to-toe with its markedly pricier counterparts while coming in at a literal fraction of the price. 

The Not So Good

Despite their accessible, markedly lower price, my gripes with the Chippewa Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups Boot were few and far between. Though they’re undeniably cut from a rugged full-grain leather and benefit from pretty solid craftsmanship, they’re not quite on par with the material selection or build quality exhibited by pairs from White’s, Red Wing, and even Thorogood — but they also aren’t that far off either. And, while it does slightly lessen protection and durability, this pair’s slightly softer leather construction did make them more flexible and hastened the break-in time which I no doubt appreciated. 

My biggest sticking point with these boots, however, was unquestionably the outsole. Because they feature a modern Vibram compound, I expected them to afford pretty stellar traction, which they did, until I found myself on a wet or oily surface, at which point grip was extremely limited. This was also surprisingly because of how well they performed in almost every other area. Lastly, though it doesn’t have any impact on performance or user experience — and if anything actually results in them being sold at a much more accessible price — I don’t love that Chippewa has ceased its U.S. manufacturing and begun outsourcing it to overseas, as it’s always nice buying from an American brand that still makes its wares on U.S. shores, which can no longer be said for Chippewa. 

Verdict: The Chippewa Classic 2.0 6” Lace Ups Boot offers the look, feel, and much of the quality of heritage boots at a fraction of the regular price. Though they may not be quite as finally crafted as pairs from outfits like Red Wing and White’s, they’re more-than-sufficient for use in the shop or on the job site — making this the obvious go-to pair for anyone looking for a seriously-capable piece of work-specific footwear while on a tight budget. 

Blundstone 550 Boot

Most Comfortable Pick: Designed in the 1960s, the Blundstone 500 Series has become an iconic and instantly-recognizable piece of footwear that’s lauded for its snug fit, solid protection, effortless donning and doffing, and unparalleled comfort. And the Australian brand’s original 550 not only offers these traits in space, but in some cases even doubles down on them. While Blundstone does make a workwear-specific Extreme Series 990 pair and Work Series 491 and 490 models, we opted to test out the Aussie outfit’s tried-and-true 550 boot, as it still offers more than its fair share of protection and work readiness, while also being markedly more versatile, a bit more fashion forward, and quite a bit more comfortable. What’s more, we also felt the 550 had a few distinct advantages over the classic 500 model — details we’ll be breaking down below. 

The Good

The boots are comprised of a set of leather uppers with side elastic panels, and a full leather liner. Further elevating the 550’s comfort is a leather lining, a cushioned midsole, and the Max version of the brand’s Shock Protection System. The entire boot comes stacked atop a TPU outsole that affords tremendous traction and grip, while also further upping the pair’s ridiculous levels of comfort. The craftsmanship and build quality exhibited on the 550s is also pretty top-notch — so much so in fact that I was surprised to learn that this pair is made in Thailand and not Europe, America, or Australia. 

In lieu of a traditional lacing setup, the Blundstone 550 features a set of elastic panels on and inside and outside of the ankles. This setup may not look all that unique or impressive, but it’s unquestionably one of the most important parts of the entire boot, as it makes the 550 extremely easy to put on and take off, but it also provides a really snug and supportive fit around the ankle and collar that’s not overly tight but is just perfectly snug enough to provide a ton of support and stability. Even when climbing stairs of walking on an incline, they continue to afford a ridiculous amount of stability and support. So much so in fact, that I feel like it would be almost impossible to roll your ankle while wearing a pair of 550s. 

One of my favorite aspects of this boot is actually its insoles. Not only are they extremely plush — helping to make an already plush boot that much more comfortable — but they’re also equipped with heel pad inserts composed of XRD impact foam, which is more commonly used for padding and armor on motorcycle jackets. The fact Blundstone has incorporated this technology into the footbed of the 550 is a minor touch, but one that not only hugely bolsters impact absorption, but also helps to elevate the piece of footwear as a whole. 

Supplementary Strengths

And, while it’s devoid of the XRD inserts, the 550 boots do ship with an extra set of included foam footpads that allow its already-snug fit to be more precisely dialed-in. Compared to the original Blundstone 500, the 550 also benefits from a thicker TPU outsole, along with a leather lining and an arch support-bolstering steel shank. I wasn’t fond of how the front and rear pull-tabs looked either, though they quickly became one of my favorite parts of the 550, as they truly do make donning and doffing them a breeze. This area is made all the more impressive by how snug and secure of a fit they offer. 

As someone that primarily wears jeans, hoodies, and either skate shoes or retro basketball sneakers (or what my better half calls “dressing like an 8th grader”), I’ve never been particularly fond of Blundstones or their more dapper, fashion-forward appearance. Having gone into this review with this bias, I expected the 550s to be comfortable, but wasn’t anticipating myself to actually like them. But wow, oh wow, was I ever wrong, as it legitimately only took a few minutes of walking around in them before I was instantly sold on Blundstones. The use of thermoplastic polyurethane for the 550’s outsole is another unique but meaningful design decision — and one that no doubt contributes to this pair’s immense overall comfort. 

At the end of the day, this pairs truly unparalleled comfort massively outweighs any qualms I had with the 550’s appearance. In fact, going forward, the 550 will almost certainly be my go-to pair of boots when taking on basic maintenance jobs around my house or when wrenching under the hood. Additionally, on top of work use, these boots are also super versatile, and lend themselves just as well to being worn on date night or at the office as they do the shop or job site. 

The Not So Good

Though I was legitimately blown away by how much I ended up actually liking Blundstone’s 550s — especially after going into this review with the complete opposite view — they weren’t without a few minor issues here and there. First off, while it’s purely subjective, I still don’t love the way these boots look. Sure, I’d still wear them just based on how comfortable they are alone, but I’d by lying if I said the aesthetics of this pair resonated with me personally. Second, though they undeniably offer solid protection, they simply don’t offer the same level of fortification as most of the more traditional heritage-style boots that I tested — though Blundstone does make some more robust (albeit less versatile) pairs of workwear-specific boots that remedy this shortcoming. 

Verdict: The Blundstone 550 is an iconic and instantly-recognizable pair of work boots that are in a league of their own when it comes to comfort and fitment. Ridiculously easy to don and doff, these work-ready boots are also largely defined by their extreme versatility. If you’re tired of aching feet at the end of the day, the 550s may be your answer. 

Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe MaxWear Wedge Boot

Best USA-Made Pick: Dating all the way back to 1892, Thorogood is a thoroughly-iconic heritage footwear firm that’s been trusted by countless generations of craftsmanship, construction workers, machinists, ranch hands, and other laborers. Deeply rooted in tradition, the Wisconsin-based brand keeps one foot planted in the past and the other constantly striving forward towards the future — an MO that ultimately results in distinctive pieces of footwear that benefit from both timeless designs and construction techniques, as well as modern compounds, membranes, and materials. For proof of this, look no further than Thorogood’s American Heritage 6” Moc Toe MaxWear Wedge Boot. 

The Good

Made in the U.S.A, the American Heritage 6” Moc Toe features an unmistakably retro-inspired outward appearance that conceals a host of thoroughly modern elements. Crafted around a set of uppers cut from durable US-sourced full-grain leather, the boot also features a Poron Comfort Cushion insole, a composite shank, and a rubber midsole, all stacked atop a slip-resistant MAXWear Wedge outsole. Non-insulated and unlined, this non-safety-style moc toe model also massively benefits from the use of an ultra-sturdy, built-to-last Goodyear Storm Welt construction — a similar construction technique to a regular Goodyear welt, only a bit wider, which allows the welt to be bent slightly upwards, thereby creating a seal between the midsole and upper. 

Though they admittedly may look similar to other moc boots from other American heritage boot-makers, the actual wearing experience is wildly different. Right out of the box, they genuinely offered all-day comfort, and after only a day or two of wearing them, they appear to have completely broken in. For a pair of actual contractor-grade work boots, this nearly-non-existent break-in period is legitimately unheard-of — plus it eliminates the immense discomfort that’s normally involved in breaking in a new pair of work boots. 

Their immense comfort stems from a myriad of different elements, though the most significant are undoubtedly the pair’s removable “Ultimate Shock Absorption” footbed, Poron cushion insole, and soft collar lining. The rubber midsole and shock-absorbing polyurethane-based MAXWear Wedge outsoles do their part here, too. These details collectively add up to a ridiculously comfortable piece of footwear — and not just a pair that’s comfortable for a pair of work boots. Even compared to regular sneakers or running shoes, this Thorogood model feels insanely plush and supportive. 

Usually, in addition to some rubbing on the toes or heels and pressure at the arch of the foot, a major part of the discomfort of breaking in a new pair of work boots comes from the wearer’s ankle rubbing up against the collar of the boot — especially when kneeling down. Thorogood has eliminated this cause of discomfort by using a super soft collar lining to massively improves comfort while still allowing the boot to maintain its timeless look. And, even after closely examining the boot, I still can’t quite figure out exactly how Thorogood has managed to deliver such impressive breathability on the American Heritage 6” Moc Toe, but regardless as to how it’s been achieved, I was pretty blown away by this — especially with the decided lack of breathability on pairs like White’s Foreman boot and Red Wing’s Traction Tred. 

Supplementary Strengths

For a boot that’s advertised as not being waterproof, I was also pretty blown away by just how well this Thorogood moc toe boot was able to keep water out. So long as they were never submerged or sprayed with water at their collar, the uppers allowed water to simply bead and roll off, while the extra-sturdy Goodyear Storm Welt worked as intended, with its seal effectively keeping water out. I’m also not typically a big fan of having a bunch of logos or branding on a work boot, though I actually really like the way Thorogood has decorated this particularly boot, as the label tag on the tongue, the embossed logo adorning the outside of the heel, and the little American flag tag collectively add a lot of character without giving the boot a “busy” or cluttered look — plus I appreciate how they announce their U.S. manufacturing origin. 

The polyurethane MAXWear wedge outsole has a bit of cushion and bounce to it, and was super grippy across a variety of surfaces, from dirt to gravel to hard wood to even oil-stained concrete. Ultimately, what’s really special about this outsole is that its unique, proprietary polyurethane-based construction allows it to afford tremendous traction and grip, while also lasting substantially longer than typical rubber outsoles — in some cases, up to ten-times-longer even. With the outsole of Thorogood’s American Heritage 6” Moc Toe, there is no distinctive heel like there is on most heritage moc toe boots, but based on how the mild arch of White’s 610 Last impacted break-in time and comfort (or lack there of), I imagine this was a design decision on Thorogood’s part that further improved overall comfort and helps to minimize the break-in period. 

The American Heritage Moc Toe isn’t just a causal pair of boots masquerading as a piece of workwear footwear, but is in fact a true contractor-grade boot that happens to be stylish and fashion-forward enough to make for a fantastic lifestyle boot — without in any way skimping on work-readiness, toughness, or longevity. More so than any other boot I tested, this model boasts the ability to seamlessly pair with a wide variety of casual outfits and styles, looking just as natural and at-home at the pub or office as it does at the shop or job-site. Our multimedia producer even wears a pair of these exact USA-made boots to the office most days, and swears by them — and understandably so. 

Additionally, on top of lending themselves to casual and work use, these boots are surprisingly conducive to outdoor applications and use on the trail. So much so, in fact, that I wasn’t all that surprised to learn that Thorogood’s original Moc Toe was actually the official boot for the boy Scouts of America when it first debuted back in 1960. This unparalleled level of versatility and its ability to double as a lifestyle boot no doubt plays a monumental role in what makes Thorogood’s American Heritage 6” Moc Toe so special. 

Offering true-to-fit sizing, the American Heritage Moc Toe is also surprisingly lightweight — without skimping on durability or build quality — thanks to the use of more modern constructions for areas such as its shank and outsole. Like its more expensive counterparts, this Thorogood boot can also be rebuilt, re-soled, and re-stored as needed — another blatant, major selling point of this pair, along with its lifetime warranty. 

The Not So Good

Though there’s absolutely no denying that Thorogood makes an exceptional moc toe work boot, I did expect to stumble across a few downsides or shortcomings when testing this pair — after all, they were being compared and contrasted alongside some of the finest modern and heritage work boots currently on the market. Despite the high bar set by its competition, I ultimately discovered only a few very minor gripes with this pair. First off, without a separate heel, there’s a tiny bit less grip when climbing stairs, ladders, or walking on uneven surfaces, granted I was only able to notice this in a few instances over two weeks of testing so it’s hard to deduct too many points here. 

Second, while I appreciate how the soft collar lining helps to improve comfort and mitigating painful ankle-rubbing during the break-in period, I did start to notice this element breaking down just a bit over my weeks of testing — no doubt a result of how soft the material is. Because it showed signs of wear after only a few weeks, I anticipate this issue being exacerbated over time. 

Verdict: Offering terrific bang-for-your-buck, the Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe MaxWear Wedge is a classically-styled moccasin-toe work boot that’s made in America and offers a unique ability to excel on the job site while also being just as conducive to use as a lifestyle boot. Add to that terrific craftsmanship and an almost-non-existent break-in period and you’ve easily got one of the best work boot options that money can currently buy. 

Red Wing Traction Tred 10875 Boot

Best Overall Pick: Red Wing is univocally one of the most iconic and well-known heritage boot brands in the country — and for good reason, as the Minnesota-based boot-maker has been crafting dependable piece of footwear since 1905. And while a lot has changed in the nearly-120-years since its inception, the company’s commitment to churning out high-quality, built-to-last boots is just as unwavering today as it was when Charles Beckman first began the operation. Case in point; the Red Wing Traction Tred 10875 Boot.

The Good

Sporting a 6-inch height, the 10875 features a set of USA-sourced, oiled, full-grain Red Wing leather uppers that have been mated to a leather midsole and Traction Tred Cushion Crepe Wedge outsole using an ultra-sturdy Goodyear welt construction. Made in America, these unlined boots benefit from a level of overall craftsmanship and fit and finish that’s more on par with boots from small boutique brands than from pairs coming from large operations. 

It’s also in no way hyperbolic to say that the Traction Tred is built to last a lifetime. Not only does it use premium materials and ultra-hardwearing craftsmanship, but the boot can also be re-soled and rebuilt. Not only does this pretty much guarantee a lifetime of use, but this also makes the 10875 a stellar modern-day family heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Because the boot uses a more flat-shaped outsole and last, its break-in period isn’t as long — or as uncomfortable — as White’s Foreman boot and its mild-arch 610 Last. With that said, the break-in period was still fairly uncomfortable, and lasted around two-to-three weeks before fully conforming to my feet. The collar of the boot also rubbed up against my ankles and lower leg in a pretty uncomfortable manner, though the rimmed lining admittedly lessens this issue. Thanks to the flatter outsole, walking around in the Traction Treds felt more like the experience typically afforded by a sneaker than a work boot — at least once broken in. 

I was also really impressed with the level of grip that this pair’s Traction Tred Cushion Crepe Wedge outsole afforded, as they allowed the boots to be extremely stable on wet, slick, and even oily surfaces. So much so, in fact, that the 10875 actually achieves ASTM standards for slip protection — plus sports ASTM electric hazard protection as well. I also really like how these boots are devoid of any labels or branding, save for a Red Wing logo that’s been subtly embossed onto the ankle of the uppers. 

Supplementary Strengths

Though it’s been engineered from the ground up specifically for work duties, this boot’s silhouette and moc toe make it fashionable enough to also excel as a lifestyle boot — bolstering both its versatility and its value. Additionally, while they don’t afford as robust protection as dedicated, armor-equipped riding boots, the Traction Tred nonetheless makes for a solid pair of motorcycle riding boots, too. Despite not possessing their own separate heel, I didn’t find the Traction Tred to suffer from the same stability issues as the Thorogoods when it came to climbing ladders or stairs. 

I will readily acknowledge that at around $300, these boots aren’t necessarily cheap, but at that price that actually afford pretty solid value — especially when you consider everything that you get for your money; outstanding USA-sourced materials; even more outstanding craftsmanship; the ability to be re-soled; and the ability to double as a pair of lifestyle boots. At the end of the day, you really do get what you pay for here — and arguably even a bit more. 

On top of being offered in sizes 6 through 15, Red Wing also produces the 10875 in narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide widths, which make it even easier to get a snug and precise fit. And, though close, a found the fit of these boots to run just a tad big, though they’re fairly close to being true-to-size (plus the little bit of extra room allows you to more easily pair them with a set of thicker wool socks on colder days). The immense and continued popularity of this moc toe model has also resulted in Red Wing producing the Traction Tred in numerous constructions and color options, plus it even makes a pair that conceals a full GORE-TEX lining. 

The Not So Good

After reviewing my notes from several weeks of testing, I was a little surprised to see that my findings were pretty much devoid of any gripes or complaints — above and beyond the mildly uncomfortable, albeit fairly short, break-in period. As such, I went back to the drawing board and wore them for another few hours in an attempt to discover some shortcoming or downside, but this was ultimately to no avail. I don’t want to go as far as to say the 10875 is a perfect work boot, but it’s just about as close to perfect as a work boot can get. 

Verdict: The very epitome of a built-to-last boot, the Red Wing Traction Tred 10875 is a tried-and-true piece of footwear that’s as iconic as it is hardwearing. Between its stellar performance, ability to be re-soled and rebuilt, and conduciveness to use as a lifestyle boot, this is an obvious go-to option for anyone that’s in the market for a classic pair of American heritage boots. 

White’s Foreman Boot

Best Heritage Pick: From Chippewa to Wesco to Wolverine to Red Wing to Frye to Thorogood, there’s no shortage of legendary American heritage footwear brands with a history dating back over a century or more. One brand, however, sits at the very top of the heritage-grade boot-making pantheon, and that outfit is White’s. The company’s history can be traced back to before the Civil War, when Edward White set up a one footwear-making operation in Connecticut. Several generations later, and Spokane-based firm continues crafting heirloom-grade boots today very much like it did when Edward first opened up shop, individually producing finely-crafted built-to-order boots using premium materials and old-world construction techniques. 

The Good

Built atop White’s low-arch 610 Last, the Foreman is made with a set of 6-inch full-grain leather uppers that come paired with a leather half slip and leather shank, and an unlined leather interior. Though the full-grain leather uppers are already somewhat water resistant right out of the box, the heritage brand also sells its own brand of White’s Boot Oil that can be used to fortify and preserve the construction. The bottom of the boot comes capped off with a retro-looking yet thoroughly modern Vibram Cristy Crepe outsole. Additionally, the Foreman boot isn’t just handcrafted and produced in small batches, instead, each and every pair of done on a made-to-order basis, ultimately allowing for an even higher degree of craftsmanship. 

Though these details are admittedly noteworthy, a major part of what really sets White’s Foreman boot apart from other pairs on the market is its Stitchdown construction. This consists of the leather liner being glued to the bottom of the insole before the boot’s vamp is turned inside out so that its bottom and midsole can be machine-stitched together through the vamp — a multi-step process that ultimately results in not only a ridiculously sturdy boot, but also one that can be rebuilt and re-soled as needed. This quite literally guarantees a lifetime of use. This construction technique also affords both a more secure fit and better response and feel than a Goodyear welt construction — which frankly speaks volumes considering how sturdy and hardwearing Goodyear’s welt construction is. 

I really appreciated how the immense quality of these boots, their rugged materials, and rebuildable nature makes them an excellent modern-day family heirloom that, after being worn for a lifetime, can be passed down to future generations to enjoy. Considering the price point at which they’re sold, I also really like how White’s stands behind the Foreman boots with a generous lifetime warranty. And, while it’s not really a good thing or a bad thing, it is nonetheless crucial to note that White’s boots typically run around a half-size large. I also love how the modern Vibram outsole perfectly matches the timeless, old-school appearance of the Foreman boot, while still providing stellar cushioning, fantastic traction and grip, and ample resistance to oil and slipping. 

Supplementary Strengths

Right out of the box, the full grain leather uppers offered surprisingly decent waterproofing, with most liquid simply beading and rolling off. When given a once over with boot oil, this effect was even more noticeable. With that said, when water does find its way into the boot, it takes a pretty extended period to dry — as I discovered when putting a still-damp pair of Foreman’s on one morning following the pair getting wet the day prior. Each made-to-order pair is also offered in either blacked-out smooth (seen here) or distressed brown leather color options, plus it can be configured with either D or EE (i.e. Normal or Extra Wide) widths. This ultimately allows for a slightly more precise fit, which may not sound like a big deal, but snug sizing can make an enormous difference when it comes to overall comfort. 

Though I only had roughly a fortnight to test the pair of Foreman boots that White’s sent over, I happen to personally own a pair, so I can confidently speak on the break-in period. After wearing them daily for around a week or two, they had noticeably started to break in, and by the end of week four, my personal pair had fully conformed to my feet and are now almost certainly the most comfortable pair of work boots that I own. This initial period is marked by a lot of contact with the collar at the top of the uppers, a bit of rubbing around the toe, and just a bit of heel-rubbing. And while this doesn’t make for a very fun break-in period, it is necessary, as these points need to be broken in in order to conform to the shape of your foot. 

This initial break-in period is a little uncomfortable, as the arch can really be felt under your foot until it’s done breaking in — though it’s also this same arch that affords the Foreman boot with so much support. The 610 Last’s arch was even more noticeable when trying them on immediately after wearing a pair of work boots with a much flatter setup. I was also particularly impressed with how much grip the Vibram outsoles offered. Even on oil-stained concrete, that afforded plenty of traction and it wasn’t until walking over the same slick surface in another pair of work boots several days later that I fully realized how grippy the Crispy Crepe truly was. The generally robust and well-crafted nature of the Foreman boots also make them a pretty fantastic choice for a pair of motorcycle riding boots — hell, there’s even a Roland Sands Design motorcycle-specific version of the boot that’s been tweaked to be even more conducive to use-in-the-saddle. 

The Not So Good

White’s Foreman boot’s immense popularity didn’t come about by accident or by chance, and the pair’s legendary status is very much deserved, as they truthfully one of the best pairs of work boots ever made. With that said, they do have a few very minor issues — granted all of them are massively outweighed by the pair’s many, many strengths. As touched on above, while it’s well worth it in the end, the initial break-in period during the first 3-4 weeks is fairly uncomfortable, with a fair amount of hot-spots and rubbing points that slowly go away over time. And, while quite a few of the boot I tested were guilty of making my feet perspire, I found that White’s unlined Foreman boots made my feet noticeably sweatier than every other pair I tested — though this is no doubt at least partially owed to the fact that I have fairly sweaty feet in general, so I can only fault White’s so much for this. 

Next, with a roughly $560 MSRP, there’s no getting around the fact that White’s Foreman boots are objectively expensive — though they can occasionally be found on sale (as of the time of writing they’re currently marked down to just $448). I’d actually argue that due to the material selection and unparalleled craftsmanship, it’s actually not all that hard to justify the cost of the Foreman boots, and that’s before even factoring in the pair’s lifetime warranty or the fact that they can be rebuilt and re-soled pretty much indefinitely — areas that undeniably increase the Foreman’s bang-for-your-buck. Lastly, though I actually really like both the smooth black leather and distressed brown leather versions of the Foreman boot, I nonetheless wouldn’t mind seeing White’s offer this boot in a wider variety of color and leather options. 

Verdict: Made by a legendary American heritage brand, the White’s Foreman Boot is tried-and-true piece of work-specific footwear that’s made to offer years and years of dependable daily-use on the job site. Benefitting from a top-notch material selection and old-world craftsmanship, these American-made, built-to-order boots truly are some of the very finest that money can buy — though they do come at a fairly steep price, plus require a somewhat uncomfortable multi-week break-in period. 

Work Boots Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

Buying work boots is a fairly straightforward process, though over the last decade or two there have been a number of advancements that have made shopping in this segment a bit more complex of an experience. Below, we’ll briefly touch on the most crucial areas to take into account before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Main Construction: As the main element that comprises it, the primary construction (i.e. the material used to craft the boots’ uppers) is extremely important. The uppers on most modern boots are either crafted from leather, high-denier nylon, or some type of synthetic material — or a combination of the above — and are regularly fortified with additional treatments to add extra protection from the elements or increase longevity.

Construction Technique: Almost as important as what a pair of boots is made from is how they are crafted, better known as the “construction technique(s).” Regular machine-stitched construction remains fairly common, though there are also techniques such as stitchdown, lockstitch, Goodyear welt, or storm-welted constructions that routinely appear on more premium work boots. A decent number of the boots on this list are also made entirely by hand, allowing for a much higher degree of craftsmanship and quality control.

Height: While some may think a boot’s height is simply about personal preference or aesthetic tastes, the reality is that this dimension determines how much of the foot is covered, as well as how the boot fits and the degree of stability it offers. Typically, 6″ is considered short, 9″ is seen as medium-length, and 12″ or more is viewed as long. It’s also worth noting that the longer boots tend to offer better protection and fortification from precipitation and cold weather.

Outsole: It doesn’t take an expert to know that ample traction and grip are paramount to a quality pair of work boots, as a lack of these two areas can be extremely hazardous on almost any job site. Fortunately, there is a myriad of wildly grippy outsole compounds available at the moment — many of which are proprietary constructions from premium brands like Vibram — that are incredibly resistant to slipping, oil, and even heat.

Protection: One of the most important jobs for a pair of work boots is to protect your feet from hazards on the job site, and one of the most common ways we see this accomplished is through the use of safety toes — reinforced rigid constructions used to comprise or reinforce a boot’s toe-cap. While steel-toes have been commonplace for decades, in recent years we’ve started seeing lighter — though no less effective — safety toe constructions such as high-grade aluminum, carbon fiber, or other advanced composites.

Comfort: When you spend your days laboring on your feet, the comfort of a pair of boots is of utmost importance. Knowing this, plenty of boot-makers have managed to manufacture pieces of work-focused footwear that are immensely comfortable, while still providing plenty of protection. A boot’s comfort mainly boils down to the arch of the boot, its footbed, its midsole, and insoles. There is always the option of upgrading to aftermarket insoles, however, plenty of today’s boots come equipped with wildly plush — sometimes name brand — insoles straight from the factory.

Additional Amenities: Components such as the uppers, membranes, and outsoles do make up the most important parts of any pair of boots, though there are often supplementary elements that are worth looking into. This includes areas such as the last that a pair of boots are built on, if they have protective coatings or treatments, or if their uppers have been fortified with rubber or TPU rands, just to name a few.

Weatherproofing: Alongside the height or length of a boot, the other main area that determines a boot’s level of protection from the elements is whether to not it is equipped with a waterproof — and almost always breathable — membrane, and if so, what type of membrane is uses. GORE-TEX’s membranes still remain the king in this space, though there is a slew of other proprietary membrane materials currently on the market. There are also plenty of boots that are lined with insulation to afford more warmth and more robust protection from the cold.

Closure System: The vast majority of today’s work boots use standard lace closures, though there’s actually quite a bit of variation just within this one area, as factors such as the number of eyelets and whether they are supplemented via a speed-lacing system/hooks can greatly affect how precisely and snuggly a given pair of boots will fit. There are also boots with ratcheting closures or models that utilize BOA closure systems.

Lifetime: Though every single pair of boots on this list is designed to last for an extended length of time — and were at least partially selected because of this — some modern work boots offer markedly longer lifespans than others. This is not only owed to the materials and construction techniques utilized to create a pair of boots, but also whether or not a pair can be re-soled, as this essentially allows them to be repaired as needed and used for a literal lifetime. Hell, these boots can in theory be passed down to future generations who can continue having them re-soled as needed.

Specialty Features: A standard set of work boots will lend itself to a wide variety of tasks and applications, however, for certain jobs, specialty amenities can be extremely useful. On top of safety toes, this includes components such as met (i.e. “metatarsal”) guards, work boots that are compatible with crampons, and even pairs with Aramid linings that allow them to stand up to chainsawing duties.

Style: At the end of the day, there are a lot of work boots that can perform the same basic duties, which is why allowing your aesthetic tastes to at least partially guide your decision is often a decent idea — so long as it takes a back seat to more crucial areas such as primary construction and your intended use. Not only do work boots come in a wide variety of lengths, colors, and constructions, but there are also plenty of thoroughly modern-looking pairs, as well as ultra-minimalistic items and work-specific pieces of footwear with an unmistakably vintage-inspired appearance — in fact, some of the boots in this latter category have been modeled directly after boots from more than a century ago, albeit while now using more contemporary materials and construction techniques.

Honorable Mentions

Putting a modern spin on the classic work boot silhouette, the Caterpillar Threshold Rebound Waterproof Comp Toe Work Boot is a value-laden pair of work-specific footwear that can handle just about anything the job site can throw at it, whether that’s scapes and impacts, mud and water, or even electric shocks. This is all thanks to an abrasion-resistant set of full grain leather uppers with a crushproof composite toe, nylon hardware electrical hazard protection, a waterproof membrane, and shock-absorbing EVA foam mid-soles. With a sub-$150 MSRP, these boots offer pretty great bang-for-your-buck, though the reason we opted to make this pair an honorable mention ultimately came down to the fact that it uses a cement-glued construction — rather than a more hardwearing stitch down or full-welt setup. With that said, if you’re looking for an affordable and capable pair of boots for the shop or worksite, CAT’s Threshold Rebound Comp Toe Boot is a stellar option. 

Though it may not possess the same level of household recognition as other heritage brands like Red Wing and White’s, Frye is nonetheless a brand with a catalog that’s definitely worth taking a look at when shopping around for a new pair of workbooks, as the New York outfit has a proven track record of producing finely-crafted pairs of built-to-last boots that dates back more than 160 years. Crafted around 6-inch set of uppers cut from a combination of leather and suede, the Frye Hudson Workboot Wedge features a one-inch heel, a leather lining, a shock-absorbing EVA outsole pieced together using an ultra-sturdy 360° Goodyear welted construction. Sure, at approximately $350, they don’t come cheap, but they really are built to last a lifetime — and as such are arguably worth every penny. 

Handcrafted in Big Rapids, Michigan, the Wolverine Rough Out 1000 Mile Plain-Toe Original Boot is a modern-day reissue of a tried-and-true footwear pattern that the brand first debuted in 1914. Pieced together using a Goodyear welt construction, these timeless work boots come outfitted with Rough Out leather uppers, flat waxed cotton laces, and a stacked leather outsole that’s made today just as it was in 1914 — save for the addition of a more contemorary Vibram heel. Having been engineered for use at the warehouse,  dock, shop, or job site, the 1000 Mile Original is obviously highly conducive to work use, though with its uncapped toe and more dapper appearance, this pair also lends itself pretty well to casual use, and can even be dressed up to pair with a more formal outfit. 

Though their pair ultimately didn’t make the cut for being featured on our main list, the Nicks Handmade Boots is another brand that’s worthy of being in the conversation when shopping around for work boots — and their reason for not getting a main spot was more a reflection of how incredibly stellar some of the other pairs were more than it had to do with Nicks not making a great pair of boots. Take for instance, the Nicks WedgeWork. Also crafted on a built-to-order basis, the WedgeWork gives customers the option to select from multiple heights, several widths, numerous toe structures, a handful of outsole choices, and a myriad of leather styles, all of which use an ultra-rugged 7.5oz to 8oz leather that’s of the highest grade, plus each pair is cut from the same hide. They definitely cost a bit more, but considering all you get for your money, it’s not hard to justify the lifetime investment that is buying a pair of Nicks. 

With the vast majority of workwear items, the more you spend, the better materials and features you get, and the work boot space is no different in this regard. Case in point, the Wesco Warren boot. Made by a West Coast heritage brand that’s been in operation since 1918, each pair is meticulously crafted on an entirely custom, built-to-order basis that gives the buyer an unparalleled slew of configurable options. On top of being offered in a total of nine lengths ranging from 6” to 20”, and in five different toe patterns, Wesco’s Warren also allows buyers to build out the boot by selection other options such as materials, sole, lining, lacing pattern, hook and eyelet setup, and a ton of other options for elements such as false welders tongues, heel lifts, toe caps, and double midsoles, just to name a few.

Tested: The Best Durable Work Pants

If you’re in the market for a pair of work boots, then there’s a pretty decent chance you could also use a rugged pair of pants to go with them — the latest and greatest of which you can find in our buyer’s guide to and hands-on review of the best work pants for the job site where we get hands-on with today’s most hardwearing pair of workwear trousers.