The Best Work Boots of 2024

We understand that not everyone can afford the best on the market, especially when you’re just starting out. I recall my first construction job and the boss saying, “Don’t show up if you don’t have steel-toe work boots on.”

The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot ($115) fits the needs of someone looking for a great boot at a lower price. The Second Shift is comfortable enough right out of the box to wear for a full day’s work with no blistering or hot spots. As you wear them, the thick, oiled leather uppers break into a really comfortable fit that forms to your foot. It has a padded cuff to prevent chafing and a mesh liner that allows your feet to breathe.

These boots can handle water exposure decently well; they’re water resistant but not waterproof. We found that on a long day in the slush of a Minnesota spring, the leather was soaked, leading to damp and clammy feet. Because of this, we would say these are best suited for dry location work with occasional water exposure.

Keeping the leather oiled helps keep the water out in the occasional deep puddle or on really wet days. The slip-resistant tread is shaped in a way that sheds dirt and rocks very well while still providing great traction. Sole and mid-foot flexibility is great as well, allowing for all-day comfort.

If you’re shopping for work boots on a budget, the Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boots are a great buy.

If you gave a child a crayon and asked them to draw a work boot, chances are they would push back a sketch similar to the Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe ($250). With a simple 6-inch shaft, bold, reinforced stitching, and a moccasin-style cap sewn over a wedge sole — it’s an American classic that defines the early work boot.

Many companies sell a wedge-style moc toe, but nobody owns the market like Thorogood. The American Heritage 6-inch remains the brand’s bellwether boot.

The American Heritage style has worked its way into the closets of the fashion-forward. But make no mistake — this is a hardworking boot that’s entirely capable of an honest day’s work. The 2.2mm, oil-tanned leather upper is unlined, triple-stitched for durability, and anchored to the MAXwear wedge sole with a Goodyear storm welt.

People who stand on hard surfaces all day swear by them for comfort. Why? Instead of putting pressure on a heel and the ball of the foot, the flat outsole disperses your weight across the entire sole. The tread is too shallow for reliable traction outside, but this boot excels on the hard, smooth, slick surfaces you find in warehouses.

One of the best parts of owning a pair of American Heritage boots is Thorogood’s restoration program. After you’ve put some abusive miles on them, you can box them up and send them back to Thorogood, where the brand will rebuild your boots by hand to a “like new” condition for $90-125.

Not every job requires the protective heft of the safety toe, and that’s why we love the flexibility and comfort of this classic soft-toe moc. It has the durability most weekend workers will ever need and provides the unassuming confidence to walk through life’s lighter tasks.

If you need more protection, the American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe is available in a steel-toe model ($255).

Since 1932, Danner has been renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and making durable boots for tradesmen and women. The Danner Steel Yard ($200) is part of the brand’s most popular work boot family. But with the addition of the metatarsal guard paired with a steel toe, you’ve got the best total protection for your foot.

The upper full-grain leather has been tested six times to ensure it is the strongest and most durable leather. The Goodyear welt construction attaches the outsole to the upper and creates a stable and long-lasting connection. The outsole uses an oil-and-slip-resistant rubber with angled lugs and a defined heel for versatile traction. It is also Electrical Hazard Certified. These are made to keep you safe.

Safety is crucial, but comfort is a bonus. The inside has a mesh lining to help with airflow, a patent-pending plush, dual-density footbed, and underfoot venting for airflow. The heel is slightly narrow, but it opens up in the toebox. 

Our tester noted that while the footbed is comfortable, the steel plate over the metatarsals does limit flexibility. However, it is a small price to pay for the safety the Danner Steel Yard provides.

For almost three decades, Wolverine has been delivering us their DuraShocks line, which provides work boot durability and sneaker-life comfort. The SR Icon 6” Comp Toe ($165) is a new take on the original DuraShocks that first hit the market in 1998. Being heralded as the “new standard in comfort,” the SR Icon 6” Comp Toe has no break-in period which means you can wear them right off the back of the Amazon truck if the driver lets you.

For those of you unfamiliar with the DuraShocks feature, the dual-density polyurethane outsole is designed to absorb shock and displace impact. This gives the boot an initial sneaker-like feel that we appreciated after a long day of walking around on concrete, up and down ladders, and hauling material around. An additional benefit of this pair of DuraShocks is ASTM F3445-21 certified slip resistance. This allows you to walk on any surface in any condition and have the peace of mind that you won’t go slip-sliding away.

The SR Icon 6” Comp Toe features waterproof full-grain construction as well as a waterproof, breathable membrane. This double layer of protection also helps when working in adverse weather conditions and provides a little warmth to this otherwise uninsulated boot. But it’s not enough warmth to keep your feet warm in colder weather.

Another bonus of these boots is that they look good. I know that might not mean a lot on the job site or out in the garage, but after a long day, you won’t feel like changing into something that looks and feels better. The SR Icon 6” Comp Toe is the kind of boot you can wear for work and play.

For really cold, snowy, wet conditions, we reach for a simple pull-on neoprene boot. They’re super easy to work with and provide bombproof weather protection. Muck’s Arctic Pro ST ($215) is the go-to boot for contractors in Idaho’s ever-expanding mountain towns, and for good reason. They are easy to use, warm the legs, and allow you to work in deep drifts without ingressing snow, which hampers progress.

The 17.5-inch shafts are made from a thick, 8mm neoprene and lined with a soft fleece. The lower boot is protected by a rubber layup, adding complete waterproofing. A 2mm thermal foam footbed rides over the EVA midsole. It’s comfortable and prevents valuable heat from seeping out of the sole.

The boots are anchored to a Bob Tracker outsole. It’s not an aggressive hiker grip and doesn’t sport the ice-gripping rubber found on the Arctic Ice. Overall, it’s more suitable for snow and “muck.”

A comprehensive package brings these boots’ comfort range all the way down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit. We haven’t tested these ratings, and we hope you don’t have to either. But know that you’ll be comfortable working through any wet, wintry task.

Muck’s Arctic boot line is available in mid and tall models. But for serious work, we recommend the Pro version, which is the warmest in the fleet and sports a steel toe and shank for protection.

The Muck Arctic Pro ST fits true to size with a minimal sock. Keep in mind, Muck Boots are only available in whole sizes. If you prefer a thicker sock, we’d recommend sizing up.

The Blundstone #172 ($205) is a great choice for folks looking for a slip-on work boot with robust construction and a timeless design. Featuring a premium leather upper and a protective toe kick guard, this boot is stylish and built to withstand the rigors of both work environments and everyday use. 

The elastic side panels make it easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, the lack of laces simplifies the process. The pull tab is robust and is large enough to pull while wearing work gloves. The boot’s durable leather is complemented by a heat-resistant TPU outsole, providing traction and stability on various surfaces. Our tester found it worked well when things got slippery on the worksite, or there was an oil spill on the shop floor. The treads provided the security she needed to continue working without second-guessing her steps.

The boot has a cushioned midsole and a convenient removable footbed if you want to swap out insoles. At first, the steel toe restricted mobility, but after a month of break-in, our tester found it comfortable for all-day wear. She also noted that the Blundstone website has advice on the best way to break in the boots. She followed the instructions and had little issues breaking them in. 

Overall, these are best for those looking for a slip-on with a contemporary look that still offers protection while working. Just be sure to schedule some break-in time before you use them for daily use.   

Sometimes, it’s nice to have a work shoe when a full-size boot isn’t necessary. Cat’s Men’s Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe ($145) stands out by blending durability with the modern comfort of a shoe and the safety features found in work boots.

Designed with a composite toe, these shoes protect against impact and compression without the added weight of traditional steel toes. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need a lightweight yet protective option for their work environments. 

Comfort is a key highlight of the Invader Mecha Work Shoe. Its cushioned insole and shock-absorbing midsole work together to minimize foot fatigue, even during long hours on hard surfaces. Our tester appreciated the comfort of a shoe when his work days didn’t need a full boot. The moisture-wicking lining kept our tester’s feet dry. However, he did notice his feet heating up when he was on the move. When he was working in the shop and not hustling around, his feet stayed comfortable, but when he was actively working outside, he found they weren’t as breathable as he would like a shoe to be. 

Performance-wise, the Invader Mecha has both versatility and traction. The slip-resistant outsole provides grip on a variety of surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, the shoe’s design incorporates features like reinforced toe caps and durable stitching, ensuring longevity and resilience in harsh working conditions. While some users might find the shoe’s appearance a bit more casual compared to traditional work boots, the blend of functionality and comfort makes it a solid choice for those seeking reliable and stylish low-top work footwear.

In the short time that they’ve been on the market, BRUNT Workwear has made quite the name for themselves with both their workwear and footwear. Their 6-inch Sullivan Comp Toe is named after Garit Sullivan, who BRUNT calls “a jack of all trades”. He needed a comfortable work boot that could be worn while cutting down trees, repairing roofs, and doing general construction work.

Customary of BRUNT, the Sullivan’s come in one width that can be converted down from EE to D by using a proprietary insole system. This feature has come in handy as the weather has changed from summer to fall; requiring thicker socks. However, if you’re someone who falls between widths, you may need to forego this feature altogether and get an insole or orthotic that works for your needs. 

The Sullivan 6-inch Comp Toe is made from waterproof full-grain leather and features a breathable waterproof membrane. The leather is also Barnyard-resistant. This means that it can hold up against oleic acid, urea, sodium chloride, and ammonium hydroxide. These chemicals are known to break down leather, lacing, and stitching and are corrosive to metals.

The outsole on the Sullivan is both slip-resistant and high-heat-resistant up to 572 degrees. It also features a 90-degree defined heel, making it safer and easier for climbing ladders, scaffolding, and maintaining your balance on uneven terrain.

In testing, we were beyond pleased with how comfortable these boots were from day one. By day ninety, they still looked relatively new and were just as comfortable. When we switched over to thicker socks for colder mornings, we removed the thicker insole to switch over to a “relaxed fit.” Though the fit was still adequate, it made the heel cup looser. So, be forewarned, you’re going to want to really crank down on your laces to make sure you don’t ruin the heels of your foot.

From machinery to workwear, Caterpillar is a staple in the work industry. The Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot ($160) is a top overall work boot thanks to its unique features. With a short break-in period, they offer a rare combination of comfort and durability. These boots are also built with a Goodyear welt, a feature that sets them apart as they can be repaired repeatedly. Designed for the rigors of work, these boots are a smart investment for daily use.

The Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot is the best of both worlds. They look good, and can keep up with long days in the shop or outside in the elements. The waterproof full-grain leather upper keeps your feet dry even on muddy, wet days, and the mesh liner helps the boot breathe so your feet don’t get stuffy.

The rounded steel toe is the main safety feature, but Caterpillar included other thoughtful details in the design. The ankle and tongue have an additional cushion, and the heel counter is made of a flexible yet durable material that protects your Achilles. For extra safety, they double-stitched a reflective piece on the back of the heel, making for a nice visibility feature.

The cushioned footbed is comfortable and made for a short break-in period, a bonus when you need a boot to be comfortable right away. Our tester works both on concrete floors and outside in uneven terrain, and the boot keeps up nicely. He didn’t notice his feet fatiguing during long 14-hour work days, whether inside or outside.

The boot is agile enough to hop in and out of skid steers and climb up and down tall potato trucks. The trade-off of a steel toe boot is the rigidity of the toebox, but the leather toe vamp allows for enough bend that climbing up and down isn’t too restrictive. 

The footbed itself is wide and might not fit those with narrow feet well. Our tester found the toe box wide enough for his toes to spread out, but the heel cup is a little too wide for his streamlined heel. The laces stretch, something we’re not crazy about, and it’s difficult to get the toebox to cinch down tight. It may be hard to get a precise fit if your feet are already swimming in these boots. The eyelet hooks are well-built, and the laces never budged when tied.

Overall, the Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot is ideal for daily work. It is comfortable for long days and protects feet from the elements and potential work accidents. The CAT Alaska 2.0 boots come in 6-inch steel-toe (tested), 6-inch standard-toe, and 8-inch steel-toe insulated varieties.

Although BOGS is best known for its neoprene pull-on “farm” boots, the brand’s work boots are worth a look. Available in a variety of protection types, BOGS’ Bedrock series is a lightweight boot that wears like a hiker. We particularly like the 6-inch Bedrock II ($170).

At the core of the boot is the bouncy midsole. The soft boot truly feels like a hiker and can be worn straight out of the box. This is what we’d expect from a boot with a cemented outsole, which generally provides a wonderfully comfortable fit.

The pebbled insole is a nice touch, too. Slide your feet into the boots, and the insole massages your feet. It’s super comfortable and wakes up the feet in the early morning.

The entire boot is wrapped with lightweight but protective “action” leather. This “shell” leather is reputed to be ten times more durable than traditional leather and (true to all BOGS) is 100% waterproof.

With a 6-inch shaft, the boot has the potential to be very supportive. We just wished it offered a little more, as we found more ankle support in some of the other 6-inch boots we tested.

The BOGS Bedrock 6-inch WP runs slightly wide, and it looks like it. With a large profile, we’d recommend sizing down a half size for a more precise fit.

Overall, the combination of supple materials and a wonderfully comfortable midsole made this boot the most comfortable work boot we stepped into this year.

The Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge ($175) is a top-notch safety workboot, a testament to Carhartt’s commitment to quality. Crafted with oil-tanned leather, a steel toe, and a dual-density rubber outsole with Goodyear welt construction, these boots are not only waterproof and durable, but they’re also a stylish addition to your work gear.

The wedge adds over an inch in height but always feels stable. The extra cushioned tongue provides protection and helps relieve any pressure when the laces need to be locked down tight. The laces are long, round, and a little stiff. They do come untied in the beginning and, like the shoe, have a bit of a breaking-in period. 

Our testers were on their feet all day shipping out seed potatoes, which included a mix of manual labor and standing next to a conveyor belt. The boots did a good job keeping the dust out and the feet dry. They are not the most comfortable climbing in and out of tall trucks, but as they break in, the leather continues to soften. The sole is stiff, and the outsole offers oil and slip-resistant lugs.

The lugs are not aggressive and are best used indoors or outside on flat terrain where extra grip is not needed. The boot includes a Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane that keeps moisture out while allowing sweaty feet to breathe. The FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat and keeps your feet dry.

The Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge is a reliable choice for those looking for a stylish steel toe boot, especially for indoor use. However, it’s important to note that these boots do require a breaking-in period before they can provide optimal comfort. So, if you’re planning on using them for long workdays, be sure to allow for this initial period of adjustment.

The Wolverine Reforce EnergyBound 6″ CarbonMAX Work Boot ($170) is a solid choice for workers seeking a blend of comfort, protection, and durability. The combination of CarbonMAX technology for lightweight safety, EnergyBound midsole for superior cushioning, and rugged construction make these boots well-suited for demanding jobs. 

These boots feature Wolverine’s CarbonMAX safety toe technology, which is made of lightweight carbon fiber for protection against impact and compression hazards. Our tester used these on concrete floors, navigating construction sites, and working in adverse weather conditions, these boots delivered. He appreciated the lightness of the composite toe and the short break-in period. 

The 6-inch height provides ankle support with minimum restriction and provides a bit of height that’s beneficial for walking through worksites on rainy days. The boots are also equipped with slip-resistant rubber lugs, which worked well when our tester was working outside during a rainy spring season in the Colorado Rockies. He was confident in his step when he transitioned from a muddy outside into a concrete floor workspace. They aren’t the most breathable, however, and his feet did get hot working long days outside mid-summer. 

The Wolverine Men’s Reforce EnergyBound™ 6″ CarbonMAX Work Boot is recommended for those who prioritize comfort and safety without compromising on quality and don’t want to pay over $200. They are slightly roomier compared to traditional steel toes, which can be beneficial for those with wider feet or those who prefer a bit more toe wiggle room. These would be best to try on first. For more height options, they come in 6”, 8”, and 10” with a composite toe as well as a 6” soft toe. 

The pull-on ankle boot is one of our favorite boot styles. They fit over the foot with ease and quickly kick off after a long day of work. Our Blundstone 566 is one of our favorite winter boots and is great for more desk-bound office work. But they aren’t suitable for hard labor.

Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea ($180) is an interpretation of the pull-on through the lens of the work boot. All seams on the 6-inch boot are double-stitched, which locks all the high-stress points. The composite safety toe rides unobtrusively inside the boot. The silhouette is slightly stouter than a non-safety-toe boot, but the Chelsea styling hides it well.

The McKinney Chelsea runs about a size too large. We’d recommend buying a full-size down from your normal size. But once the fit is dialed, you get a boot that provides all-day comfort with wearable protection. The composite toe is very light and provides full coverage for the first four toes. The pinky toe rides just outside the toebox.

Kodiak’s McKinney has a fat chevron tread. The traction is blocky, but the spacing is tight and prone to collecting debris. A 1.5cm heel gives the boot a middle-of-the-line lift that, in our minds, splits the difference between what we look for in an indoor and outdoor boot, making this boot a good all-rounder.

The leather on the McKinney Chelsea is waterproof. Unfortunately, the elastic stretch panels are not. Step into anything deeper than 4 inches, and your feet will get wet.

We also wished the boots had a front pull-on strap to pair with the back. Of course, that sort of detailing starts to tread into the look and feel of a stylish pull-on style boot, so we’ll let it slide. This is a capable boot considering it’s casual vibes, though we liked the the Blundstone #172 even more thanks to its dual pull-tabs and steel toe.

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots ($470) are built to withstand tough conditions. They have double and triple stitching in high wear areas, 2.8 mm thick full-grain leather uppers, and 7mm nylon midsoles for extra support.  There are no seams down the tongue for abrasion resistance and to beef up its waterproofness. 

At 7” tall, these boots provide excellent ankle support, crucial for navigating uneven or rocky landscapes. The Lightweight K-Talon outsole and protective rubber sole guard give you confidence on slippery or loose surfaces. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or working in demanding environments, the boots offer solid footing.

The Windtex waterproof capabilities are outstanding, keeping your feet dry even in wet and muddy conditions. This feature saved our tester’s feet as he packed out his elk in wintery weather in a canoe.  

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots are an excellent choice for individuals who demand performance and durability in challenging outdoor environments. With top-notch waterproofing, traction, and support, these boots excel in various conditions. While there might be a brief break-in period, they are not insulated, and with a noticeably higher price point, the long-term reliability and comfort make them a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The Danner Vicious boot ($220-270) is comfortable right out of the box. The dual-density EVA midsole allows for comfort on those extra-long work days or when carrying heavy loads. It’s a relatively lightweight work boot, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t built to be used. The full-grain leather upper, Vibram outsole, and composite toe option make it durable and ready to work. 

The lining is waterproof with a GORE-TEX liner, which our tester put to the ultimate test by packing out an elk with several creek and snow crossings. Her feet stayed dry and she appreciated the heel cup and wider toebox. Her feet didn’t slip inside the boot and never had any blisters.

The 90-degree heel adds more lugs and grooves to help maintain balance on uneven terrain but has a low enough profile that transitions from shop to outdoor work easily. Which came in handy when she wore the same boots standing on a concrete floor to process the elk she helped pack out.  

This boot is a top-tier option for those in need of reliable and durable footwear. The combination of comfort, traction, and waterproofing makes them versatile for various activities and environments. Despite a higher price point, the long-term durability and performance make them well worth the investment.

The Danner Vicious comes in many different options. For women, there is a 4” plain toe or composite toe version. For men, there is a 4.5”, 6”, and 8” option with plain, composite, or composite with a floating PU metatarsal guard. They even have an 8” insulated version.

Heritage boots are defined as classic leather boots, often made in America. The style exudes a vintage aesthetic, traditional materials, and heirloom quality. Perhaps no boot brand better exemplifies heritage footwear better than Red Wing. At the tip of the feather of Red Wing’s Heritage line is its iconic Iron Ranger ($350)

The Iron Rangers are named after Minnesota’s Iron Range mountains, where miners still trolly taconite ore out of the hills to produce iron. The boot’s 2mm full-grain leather is triple-stitched and patched with an extra protective leather cap over the toes. Polished nickel eyes and hooks ride up the 6-inch shaft to close the boot around the ankle.

A Vibram 430 Mini Lug outsole sits under a cork midsole and is sewn to the boot by way of a Goodyear welt. It’s a negligible lug, providing just enough bite on sloppy sidewalks or in the back end of the restaurant.

The Iron Rangers are at the other end of our utility scale, wearing far more casual than utilitarian — which shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, this is the boot Bradley Cooper pairs with a two-piece suit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t pull a swing shift.

Our friend Tim Reeve, who sits at the helm of our favorite knife company — Chris Reeve Knives — has two everyday carries: his Sebenza 31 knife and his Iron Rangers.

The boots list for $330, but our reviewer bought his on eBay for $125. In addition to the price break, the boots were already broken in and perfectly faded.

If you’re upping your game from sneakers or desert boots, we highly recommend stepping into a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. With comfort, looks, and the “handmade in America” stamp, you really can’t go wrong with the Rangers.