Top Choices For The Best Work Boots:

Choosing the best safety shoes for you can be quite challenging, considering the extensive range of work boots available across multiple brands. Steel toe, composite toe, heat resistant or not heat resistant, waterproof versus water resistant, 6-inch or 8-inch work boots; how do you know which features matter most for your work environment?

To make things a bit easier on you, we’ve put together an ultimate guide to buying the best work boots for you. We’ve picked our favourites, and we’re stripping each brand down to the basics to give a clear indication of the different features (and what they mean!), specs, highlights, and downsides to each.

Here are our top choices for the best work boots:

 

Product

Boot Profile

Pros & Cons

Blundstone Style 147 Boa Safety Boot
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  • Suede nubuck upper
  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsole
  • Boot height: 6 inch/15cm
  • Broad fitting steel toe cap
  • Water resistant nubuck upper
  • XRD Extreme Impact Protection
  • Resistant to 140 degrees Celsius
  • Anti-static
  • Quick closure and simple release Boa® lacing system
  • Colour: Available in Wheat

Pros

  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsole: This is highly resistant to abrasion, hydrolysis and microbial attack.
  • Pull-on boot, quick closure with Boa® lacing system
  • XRD Extreme Impact Protection
  • Broad-fitting, suitable for wide feet

Cons

  • This boot is not waterproof
Caterpillar Argon Zip Steel Toe Boot
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  • Full grain leather upper
  • T901 rubber outsole
  • Boot height: 6 inch/15cm
  • Ergo technology-contoured midsole
  • Steel Toe Boot
  • Electrical Hazard-Resistant Technology
  • SRX – Withstands Impact
  • Anti-slip, outsole flex grooves provide traction and flexibility
  • Side zip
  • Colour: Available in Honey

Pros

  • Comfortable boot with excellent foot support. Ergo midsole contouring cradles the foot in the critical support areas of the arch and heel
  • Electrical hazard and slip resistant
  • Water resistant
  • Steel Toe
  • Convenient side zip for ease of use

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Not suitable for heavy industrial environments
Caterpillar Device Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot
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  • 100% leather upper with waterproof membrane construction
  • Rubber sole
  • Shaft measures approximately 5.5″/14cm from arch (approx. 6 inches)
  • Heel measures approximately 2″/5cm
  • Platform measures approximately 1.25”/3cm
  • Composite Toe
  • Waterproof
  • Non-metallic closures
  • Colour: Available in Honey, Dark Beige, and Black

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Lighter Weight Composite Toe
  • Suitable for work, boot specs are in accordance with ASTM F2413-11
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Not a steel-toe boot
Hard Yakka 3056 Lace Zip Safety Boot
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  • Rubber outsole
  • Boot height: 5 inch/13cm
  • Comfortable Insole – Memory foam footbed
  • Steel toe boot
  • Neoprene Hoddie – Zip hold and Anti-Rub Protection
  • Water-resistant
  • The sole is heat resistant to 300 degrees Celsius
  • Fuel, Oil & Slip Resistant
  • Anti-static
  • Good for wide feet – wider last, sole and toe cap
  • Side zip

Pros

  • 30-day comfort guarantee
  • Comfortable with memory foam footbed
  • The sole is heat resistant
  • Steel Toe
  • Wide fit for wide feet

Cons

  • Not waterproof
King Gee Tradie Boot
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  • Water Resistant Full Grain Nubuck Leather upper
  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) sole
  • Boot height: Ankle boot
  • Wide profile steel toe cap
  • Neoprene collar to add comfort & protection from debris
  • Dual Layer Memory foam / PU footbed
  • Resistant to 140 degrees Celsius
  • Anti-static
  • Zip closure
  • Colour: Available in Wheat and Olive

Pros

  • Lots of padding, very comfortable
  • Dual Layer Memory foam / PU footbed
  • Wide profile steel toe cap
  • 130° Celsius heat resistant
  • 10 Gauge YKK Coil Zip, ease of removal

Cons

  • Not waterproof
Mack Octane Lace Up Safety Boot with Zip
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  • Leather upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Boot height: 160mm (6″)
  • Wide profile composite toe cap
  • Water resistant upper
  • 300°C heat resistant low catch sole
  • Fuel and oil resistant sole
  • Slip-resistant sole (SRC)
  • Anti-static
  • With zipping
  • Colour: Available in Honey and Black

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Flexible and light
  • Good choice as hiking boots
  • Composite Toe
  • 300°C heat resistant low catch sole
  • Fuel and oil resistant sole
  • Wide profile composite toe cap, suitable for people with wide feet
  • Compliant with safety standards AS/NZS 2210.3, EN-ISO 20345 and ASTM F2413-11 for use in a work environment.
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Not waterproof
Puma Conquest Waterproof Safety Boot
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  • Premium Nubuck Leather upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Boot height: 7 inch/18cm
  • Fibreglass toe cap
  • 300°C heat resistant and slip resistant, injected rubber outsole
  • Waterproof
  • Zip closure with waterproof webbing
  • Colour: Available in Wheat and Black

Pros

  • Fully waterproof
  • 300°C heat resistant
  • Highly slip resistant
  • FAP, Flexible Anti-Perforation midsole offers increased protection against penetration of sharp objects through the sole
  • Stylish appearance
  • Zip closure for ease of fitting
  • Fibreglass Toe Cap is Lighter than steel toe boots

Cons

  • Fibreglass toe cap, only suitable for moderate impact
Steel Blue – Argyle Lace Up Ankle Boot with Zip
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  • Upper: Cowhide full grain waxy/Nubuck leather
  • Sole: Antistatic Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU)
  • Six inch/15cm ankle boot
  • Steel toe boot
  • Water-resistant
  • Non-corrosive lacing
  • With zipping
  • Colour: Available in Wheat, Sand and Black
  • Available in a version with a bump cap: Argyle Lace Up Boot with Zip and Bump Cap
  • Available in a women’s version: Argyle Ladies’ Safety Boot

Pros

  • Steel Blue’s 30-day money back comfort guarantee
  • Multiple Comfort Features
  • Steel Toe Cap
  • Non-corrosive lacing
  • Suitable for work, as boot specs are in accordance with Australian/NZ Safety Standard AS/NZS 2210 3

Cons

  • Not waterproof
Timberland 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boot
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  • Premium leather upper
  • Rubber outsole
  • Boot height: 6 inch/15cm
  • Soft toe boots
  • Padded collar
  • Waterproof, seam-sealed
  • Protection against cold
  • Traction against any surface, anti-slip
  • Lace-up closure
  • Colour: Available in Wheat
  • Available in a women’s version: Timberland Women’s 6″ Premium Waterproof Boot in Wheat or Black

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Fully waterproof
  • Recycled rubber for outsole and recycled nylon for laces
  • Stylish classic
  • Good for hiking, especially in cold weather

Cons

  • Not heat-resistant
  • No Steel toe or composite toe

9 Best Work Boots in 2020

Blundstone Style 147 Boa Safety Boot Review

Boot Profile:

  • Suede nubuck upper
  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsole
  • Boot height: 6 inch/15cm
  • Broad fitting steel toe cap
  • Water resistant nubuck upper
  • XRD Extreme Impact Protection
  • Resistant to 140 degrees Celsius
  • Anti-static
  • Quick closure and simple release Boa® lacing system
  • Colour: Available in Wheat

See Lowest Price

Made from water-resistant suede nubuck and featuring a quick closure and simple release Boa® lacing system, these Blundstone 6-inch work boots are ready to go to work even in the most hazardous industrial environment. These wide boots are a great choice for those looking for slip on square toe work boots.

The highly abrasion resistant thermoplastic polyurethane outsole has anti-static and heat resistant properties, offering a degree of protection from burns, scalds, chemical burns, and electric shocks, while the steel toe provides extreme resistance to impacts and compression. On the inside, a polyurethane midsole offers extra cushioning and support for all-day comfort.

If you are looking for women’s or men’s steel toe boots, these are an excellent choice for proven comfort with maximum safety.

Pros:

  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsole: This is highly resistant to abrasion, hydrolysis and microbial attack.
  • Pull-on boot, quick closure with Boa® lacing system
  • XRD Extreme Impact Protection
  • Broad-fitting, suitable for wide feet

Cons:

  • This boot is not waterproof
This boot is ideal if: You frequently work closely with harsh chemicals or your work environment requires you to have a high level of toe protection.
 

Caterpillar Argon Zip Steel Toe Boot Review

Boot Profile:

  • Full grain leather upper
  • T901 rubber outsole
  • Boot height: 6 inch/15cm
  • Ergo technology-contoured midsole
  • Steel Toe Boot
  • Electrical Hazard-Resistant Technology
  • SRX – Withstands Impact
  • Anti-slip, outsole flex grooves provide traction and flexibility
  • Side zip
  • Colour: Available in Honey

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An excellent every day steel-toe boot for light industrial or service environments. This Caterpillar boot is constructed from a full grain leather upper and a T901 rubber outsole and combines anti-slip and anti-static technologies with an ergo midsole contouring for footwear that offers you great support.

Pros:

  • Comfortable boot with excellent foot support. Ergo midsole contouring cradles the foot in the critical support areas of the arch and heel
  • Electrical hazard and slip resistant
  • Water resistant
  • Steel Toe
  • Convenient side zip for ease of use

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
  • Not suitable for heavy industrial environments
This boot is ideal if: You work in a light industrial or service environment, and you require a steel toe cap boot with extra ankle and arch support. These are not ideal if you’re looking for moc toe steel toe boots.
 

Caterpillar Device Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot Review

Boot Profile:

  • 100% leather upper with waterproof membrane construction
  • Rubber sole
  • Shaft measures approximately 5.5″/14cm from arch (approx. 6 inches)
  • Heel measures approximately 2″/5cm
  • Platform measures approximately 1.25”/3cm
  • Composite Toe
  • Waterproof
  • Non-metallic closures
  • Colour: Available in Honey, Dark Beige, and Black

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A 100% waterproof boot with lightweight carbon fiber Nano Toe technology, these leather work boots are fully compliant with safety standard ASTM F2413-11, with a lighter weight feel than a standard steel-toe boot. While CAT manufactures some of the best moc toe boots on the market, this particular model has composite toes.

Made from premium leather upper, this boot combines safety, functionality, and style with excellent ankle support, making this one of the best composite toe boots on the market.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Lighter Weight Composite Toe
  • Suitable for work, boot specs are in accordance with ASTM F2413-11
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Not a steel-toe boot
This boot is ideal if: You want boots with ankle/arch support and a degree of toe protection without the heavy feel of a steel toe boot. It is not ideal if you’re looking for men’s moc toe boots.
 

Hard Yakka 3056 Lace Zip Safety Boot Review

Boot Profile:

  • Rubber outsole
  • Boot height: 5 inch/13cm
  • Comfortable Insole – Memory foam footbed
  • Steel toe boot
  • Neoprene Hoddie – Zip hold and Anti-Rub Protection
  • Water-resistant
  • The sole is heat resistant to 300 degrees Celsius
  • Fuel, Oil & Slip Resistant
  • Anti-static
  • Good for wide feet – wider last, sole and toe cap
  • Side zip
  • Colour: Available in Wheat, Olive and Black.
  • Available in a Women’s Version

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This is an excellent all-around choice, and one of the best men’s lace-up work boots on the market. Being comfortable, convenient and having multiple safety features incorporated into it; steel toe, slip-resistant, shock-resistant, heat-resistant and water-resistant, and available in a wide fit for an extra degree of comfort. This boot ticks several boxes.

These lace-up steel toe work boots allow for continued adjustment to ensure the best fit while the side zip is a convenient feature to allow ease of fitting.

Pros:

  • 30-day comfort guarantee
  • Comfortable with memory foam footbed
  • The sole is heat resistant
  • Steel Toe
  • Wide fit for wide feet

Cons:

  • Not waterproof

This boot is ideal if: You’re looking for the most comfortable steel toe boots that strike the perfect balance between comfort, safety, and style.

 

King Gee Tradie Boot Review

Boot Profile:

  • Water Resistant Full Grain Nubuck Leather upper
  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) sole
  • Boot height: Ankle boot
  • Wide profile steel toe cap
  • Neoprene collar to add comfort & protection from debris
  • Dual Layer Memory foam / PU footbed
  • Resistant to 140 degrees Celsius
  • Anti-static
  • Zip closure
  • Colour: Available in Wheat and Olive
  • Available in a Women’s Version

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These King Gee leather steel toe boots have multiple safety features while maintaining a strong focus on comfort. A steel toe cap, also wide in profile, makes it suitable for wearers with wide feet, while a Thermoplastic Polyurethane sole makes it heatproof up to 140 degrees Celsius and has anti-static qualities to help prevent electric shocks.

Also comes in a lighter women’s version, King Gee Women’s Tradie Boot. The King Gee women’s work boots are a wide-profile, zip-up ankle boot that has a dual layer memory foam footbed and a neoprene collar for high levels of support and comfort all day long.

Pros:

  • Lots of padding, very comfortable
  • Dual-Layer Memory foam / PU footbed
  • Wide profile steel toe cap
  • 130° Celsius heat resistant
  • 10 Gauge YKK Coil Zip, ease of removal

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
This boot is ideal if: You’re looking for a wide-fit boot to give you maximum comfort and support while still providing the benefits of a steel toe boot.
 

Mack Octane Lace Up Safety Boot with Zip Review

Boot Profile:

  • Leather upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Boot height: 160mm (6″)
  • Wide profile composite toe cap
  • Water resistant upper
  • 300°C heat resistant low catch sole
  • Fuel and oil resistant sole
  • Slip-resistant sole (SRC)
  • Anti-static
  • With zipping
  • Colour: Available in Honey and Black

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Mack Octane lace-up work boots combine electrical hazard certifications and high-performance features to create a lightweight safety boot ideal for electrical work, light construction work or even a leisure boot for hiking. Mack safety boots are a great choice for those working in such environments.

Comfortable, slip resistant and functional even on rough terrain, the lace up boot is famous for being a lightweight safety boot that can withstand moderate impact and is one of the most comfortable composite toe boots on the market.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Flexible and light
  • Good choice as hiking boots
  • Composite Toe
  • 300°C heat resistant low catch sole
  • Fuel and oil resistant sole
  • Wide profile composite toe cap, suitable for people with wide feet
  • Compliant with safety standards AS/NZS 2210.3, EN-ISO 20345 and ASTM F2413-11 for use in a work environment.
  • Water-resistant

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
This boot is ideal if: You’re looking for lightweight, flexible footwear with good traction and moderate impact resistance.
 

Puma Conquest Waterproof Safety Boot Review

Boot Profile:

  • Premium Nubuck Leather upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Boot height: 7 inch/18cm
  • Fibreglass toe cap
  • 300°C heat resistant and slip resistant, injected rubber outsole
  • Waterproof
  • Zip closure with waterproof webbing
  • Colour: Available in Wheat and Black

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A high-quality waterproof nubuck leather boot, the Puma Conquest features a fibreglass toe cap allowing for a roomier and lighter feel in the toe area while still providing toe protection for up to 200 joules.

Other safety features include Flexible Anti-Perforation midsole and heat and slip resistant injected rubber outsole. The comfort, style, and waterproof qualities make this boot very popular in the construction industry.

Pros:

  • Fully waterproof
  • 300°C heat resistant
  • Highly slip resistant
  • FAP, Flexible Anti-Perforation midsole offers increased protection against penetration of sharp objects through the sole
  • Stylish appearance
  • Zip closure for ease of fitting
  • Fibreglass Toe Cap is Lighter than steel toe boots

Cons:

  • Fibreglass toe cap, only suitable for moderate impact
This boot is ideal if: You’re looking for a stylish waterproof calf high boot that offers moderate impact protection to the toe.
 

Steel Blue – Argyle Lace Up Ankle Boot with Zip Review

Boot Profile:

  • Upper: Cowhide full grain waxy/Nubuck leather
  • Sole: Antistatic Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU)
  • Six inch/15cm ankle boot
  • Steel toe boot
  • Water-resistant
  • Non-corrosive lacing
  • With zipping
  • Colour: Available in Wheat, Sand and Black
  • Available in a version with a bump cap: Argyle Lace Up Boot with Zip and Bump Cap
  • Available in a Women’s Version

See Lowest Price

The robust and classic appearance of cowhide hides a multitude of modern materials and features designed to enhance comfort, safety, and durability in the best slip on men’s boots available. A polyurethane midsole allows for excellent shock absorption while a heavy-duty, flexible anti-bacterial non-woven insole, together with a wickable Baltico lining, combines to encourage dry, comfortable feet all day long and promote good foot health.

Additional features include non-corrosive lacing and an Antistatic Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) outsole for superior wear properties and added functionality.

Pros:

  • Steel Blue‘s 30-day money back comfort guarantee
  • Multiple Comfort Features
  • Steel Toe Cap
  • Non-corrosive lacing
  • Suitable for work, as boot specs are in accordance with Australian/NZ Safety Standard AS/NZS 2210 3

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
This boot is ideal if: You work in a heavy industrial or construction environment and require a high level of protective footwear.
 

Timberland 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boot Review

timberland waterproof boots

Boot Profile:

  • Premium leather upper
  • Rubber outsole
  • Boot height: 6 inch/15cm
  • Soft toe boots
  • Padded collar
  • Waterproof, seam-sealed
  • Protection against cold
  • Traction against any surface, anti-slip
  • Lace-up closure
  • Colour: Available in Wheat
  • Available in a Women’s Version

See Lowest Price

Premium Waterproof Leather Upper offers the classic Timberland appearance and all the comfort, flexibility and breathability of natural material. The extra durable outsole, made from 34% recycled rubber, has excellent traction, increasing stability in areas of rough terrain or uneven surface.

The inside of the boot is 3/4-length, leather-lined with an anti-fatigue material to enhance comfort over long periods of wear, combined with extra padding around the collar to cushion the ankles and reduce the possibility of chafing or tightness, making these some of the best leather boots on the market.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Fully waterproof
  • Recycled rubber for outsole and recycled nylon for laces
  • Stylish classic
  • Good for hiking, especially in cold weather

Cons:

  • Not heat-resistant
  • No Steel toe or composite toe
This boot is ideal if: You’re looking for a fully waterproof boot with light protection, extra traction, and decent foot support. Makes an ideal hiking boot.
 

Types of Work Boots

Different boot types have varying features and, depending on your requirements, you may not need all of them. Here’s a brief rundown of the different kinds of work boots and their primary features.

See Lowest Price For Steel Blue Lace Up Ankle Boot

 

Industrial Work Boots

To work in certain environments you may not only want to invest in a practical, high-quality pair of work boots for personal reasons, but it may also be a legal requirement to wear safety boots that are in accordance with certain government standards, such as SF-003: Occupational Protective Footwear.

Before investing in a pair of work boots, we recommend asking the relevant bodies whether they need to be compliant with Australian Safety Standards for your occupation. See more detailed information on safety standards for occupational footwear.

See Lowest Price For Timberland 6-Inch Work Boots

 

Apart from the legal health and safety obligations, here are a few more reasons why you might want to invest in a good set of safety boots:

Avoid punctures from accidents in the workplace: They provide an extra layer of protection from puncture wounds to your feet. Not all hazards come from above in a construction environment. Injuries can come about from accidentally stepping on nails, broken glass or other sharp objects, which can be incredibly painful and easily avoided by wearing safety shoes with a puncture resistant layer engineered into the midsole.

Protection to toes and feet: Heavy falling objects or even the general proximity of heavy machinery exposes the vulnerable foot to the risk of severe injury from compression or impact. The best steel toe shoes and composite toe boots can provide a resilient layer of protection to the delicate metatarsals, or toe bones.

Reduce your risk of slips and falls: It’s rare that the ground underfoot in a construction site is clean, dry and hazard free. Uneven surfaces or spills from oils, harsh chemicals or even just standing water can lead to slips and falls. This can be inconvenient at best and cause severe damage and injury in more extreme circumstances. A pair of non-slip work shoes is crucial in these situations. Anti-slip technology and mud release systems built into the soles of work boots increase traction to reduce your risk of slips and falls.

Anti-static and heat resistant soles: While working with electricity is tightly regulated and requires lengthy health and safety procedure across all sectors, there is still room for human error and rare accidents or incidents. The use of electric hazard compliant work boots is a simple and highly effective measure to reduce the risk of significant injury from electrical shock. Heat resistant soles provide a layer of protection from heat underfoot by up to 100 degrees Celsius, reducing the risk of burns or scalds.

Comfort and support during long hours of work: Aside from all the safety features, high-end comfort is an integral part of any quality work boot. Many are designed to maintain soft, flexible foot support over long periods, and incorporate modern materials such as soft polyurethane, insulation, and anti-fatigue lining into the boot’s structure to allow flexibility, breathability and a more natural feel.

Waterproofing: While seemingly insignificant, dry feet can make all the difference during a long day at work and wet feet can be uncomfortable and unhealthy. Improvements in waterproofing technology and materials mean waterproof boots can keep your feet dry in any environment.

Steel Toe Work Boots

The ultimate in impact protection, a steel toe boot is probably the first thing that springs to mind when you think of safety shoes. Hard toe boots will protect your foot from injuries at work. You can find steel toe boots for men and women. Insulated steel toe boots will also allow you to work in environments with high or low temperatures while keeping your feet safe from temperature changes. Hard toe work boots are a popular choice with blacksmiths. Blacksmith steel cap work boots can be found in the selection we’ve reviewed.

The Upside: Maximum protection of your toes from compression or impact injuries.

The Downside: They can have a narrower toe box, meaning less room for your foot to expand comfortably over the course of the day. They also tend to feel a bit heavier underfoot and can contribute to foot fatigue over long periods of use.

Best For: Heavy-duty construction environments.

Composite Toe Work Boots

These boots weigh in at 30% less and offer a lighter weight alternative to the traditional steel toed boots while still providing a good level of impact protection. Composite toe boots are generally constructed from carbon fiber or fiberglass allowing for a more spacious toe box and a lighter feel in general.

The Upside: Lighter weight and generally a safety standard compliant alternative to steel toe boots that can offer protection of up to 200j from impact injuries.

The Downside: Strong, but not as much as the men’s steel toed boots. However, carbon fiber is an excellent material to combine strength with a lightweight feel.

Best For: Environments prone to extremely high or low temperatures, as the composite toe material will not heat up or cool down as much as a steel toe.

Waterproof Work Boots

Where most work boots are water resistant to a degree, waterproofing ensures no water or moisture reaches your foot at all. Modern waterproofing techniques combine a variety of materials, treatments, and processes to provide maximum effectiveness.

Manufacturing begins with sealing the boot leather as part of the tanning process and can then involve seam-sealing and the use of internal waterproof membranes to add extra layers of waterproofing. Then, they are finished off with treating tongues, zippers, and fixtures with specialised waterproof coating.

The Upside: Fully waterproof boots prevent all water from entering.

The Downside: Can sometimes be less breathable than other options.

Best For: Working in heavily muddied areas or construction sites.

Pull-On Work Boots

In a fast-paced work environment, pull on work boots can be a great option for quick fitting and time-saving. A speedier alternative to the more traditional lace-up work boots, zippers will have you up and working in no time. Sometimes lace-up boots can have a zip feature at the side, allowing the benefit of the adjustable fit that lace-ups offer, with the quick fit of a zip.

Blundstone offers slip-on boots with the quick closure and simple release Boa® lacing system which can be handy in an emergency.


See Lowest Price For Caterpillar Zip Steel Toe Boot

 

The Upside: Quick and easy to put on and remove.

The Downside: More potential for the zipper to fail or compromise waterproofing than traditional lace-ups. However, most work boots on the market are made using high-grade materials built to last, ensuring that this is very rarely an issue.

Comfortable Work Boots

With the degree of research that goes into footwear options, it’s fair to say that most high-quality work boots these days are built with comfort in mind. However, different designs incorporate varying features, using advancements in modern technology and materials to produce the most comfortable boots with optimum, support and flexibility.

Work boots can be designed using modern materials, including boots with Ankle/Arch support and padding around the tongue for an all-around comfortable fit. Many boots now come fitted with a memory foam footbed as part of the insole, generally made from soft polyurethane, designed to fit snugly to your foot and offer extra cushioning over extended periods of wear. Also, small adjustments to the boot design, such as having laces, allows for a more adjustable and personalised fit. Orthopedic steel toe work boots are also a great choice.

The Upside: Reduced fatigue, improved foot, and joint health and an all-around better day at work.

The Downside: It can be challenging to pick the best one for you

Best For: Any work environment. Comfort should always be high on your list of priorities when choosing a work boot.

Work Boots For Women

Work boots used to have a stigma for being manly, intended for the predominately male industrial and construction work environments. Thankfully, the focus is no longer only on the best boots for men; things have changed (a lot!) over the years, and humankind has progressed in such a way that women are often working in these same environments.

Women now require safety compliant, comfortable and effective work boots to the same degree as their male counterparts. Product ranges are reflecting this with their rising development of stylish work boots for women. In this article, we share some of the best steel toe shoes for women. Non-slip work boots for women are also important in certain working environments.

Work boots for women come in a specific “women’s fit” that is designed to adhere to the contours of their feet, ensuring a snug fitting and optimum performance of the various features. There may be some occasional differences in boot design. For example, the King Gee Tradie Boot has a composite toe for a lighter fit in the women’s boot whereas the equivalent in the men’s design has a steel toe.

There’s a vast range of stylish work boots for women on the market, all with their unique features, but here’s a couple of examples to get you started:

King Gee Women’s Tradie Boot: Made from full-grain nubuck leather with a breathable and light oxford fabric tongue. Fitted with a genuine 8 Gauge YKK coil zip with leather and Velcro protector, and a lightweight composite toe cap. A gel technology sports performance footbed lines the boot, allowing for optimum comfort and ease of movement. Colours available: Wheat and Blue.

Hard Yakka Women’s 3056 Lace Zip Safety Boot: Features energy rebound heel pods and a “Sports Eva” midsole for the lightweight feel of a sports shoe in a durable and robust work boot. See our Hard Yakka boot review here and get the pros and cons of this boot. Colours available: Black, Wheat and Shiraz.

Criteria for Choosing Work Boots

Your choice of work boot depends on many factors including workplace requirements, fit and personal style. When deciding which boot to invest in, it is always important to prioritise safety and comfort over style, even though it might be tempting to choose the one with the most stylish appearance. Cheap steel toe boots are popular but focus on the best steel toe boots for comfort rather than the most stylish work boots near you. The best steel toe boot for men are often the ones they find most comfortable as many men often have wider feet than women.

Which Work Boot Should You Pick?

How are work boots different from typical boots? A quality pair of work boots will always be designed with comfort and safety as a top priority. While many brands of work boots have improved the style and appearance over the years to fall in line with fashion trends, the safety features have remained an integral part of the best boots.

The original work boots were a basic design of leather and wooden clogs; not very ergonomic and by today’s standards, the epitome of poorly constructed footwear. However, the theory behind them was the same: to engineer a footwear product to protect workers from potential hazards that they may encounter while on the job.


See Lowest Price For CAT Waterproof Safety Boot

 

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from wooden clogs and, at the bare minimum, you can now expect the best men’s boot brands to be created with soft premium leather upper and flexible rubber soles of different varieties and specifications, offering a highly flexible product designed with foot health and safety in mind. Ongoing product research and the development of modern materials and processes continue to improve safety and comfort features in work boots.

Features vary across boots and brands, and therefore, it can be quite frustrating trying to decide which are the top men’s boots for you. Whether you’re a tradie on a construction site or you’re looking for waterproof boots for your next hiking adventure, your requirements will be as different and individual as you. Pick the best men’s boots in Australia with our boot reviews. Here’s a glance at some common safety features you may come across in most standard work boots:

  • Reinforced steel or carbon fiber toe area
  • Electrical shock resistance
  • Slip-resistance
  • Mid sole plating for protection from puncture injuries underfoot
  • Waterproofing
  • Durable construction features

However, it’s not just about safety. Due to the industrial and construction industries typically having long days, hard labour and lengthy periods spent on foot, extensive research has gone into discovering ways to reduce fatigue and increase comfort and foot health over long times of wear. Now that’s got to be better than wooden clogs!

Safety Features Of Boots

Consider your environment and the hazards you are most likely to encounter daily. Will there be electrical hazards, high risk of chemical spillages, extreme temperatures variants, rough terrain, the risk of injury from falling objects, or heavy machinery?

There is no “one size fits all” for safety boot requirements, and while some features may be an absolute must for you, others may be unnecessary for your circumstances. Whatever work boot you choose, remember that safety and comfort should always take priority over style.


See Lowest Price For Hard Yakka Lace Zip Safety Boot

 

What Workplace Hazards Are You Likely to Encounter?

  • Electrical hazards
  • Presence of sharp objects on the ground
  • Uneven terrain – Falling and Slipping from Heights
  • Areas with high heat, explosives and fire hazards
  • Extreme weather conditions, e.g., cold
  • Exposure to poisonous chemicals
  • Rough terrain (anti-slip boot)

Most Comfortable Work Boots

The comfort of your footwear can have a significant impact on your workday and your well-being in general. Comfort levels vary according to the individual wearer and what may be a perfect fit for one person might be a tight squeeze for somebody else. It’s worth the effort to take the time to ensure that your boots fit correctly, keeping in mind the following helpful hints:

Make sure your toes are not touching the toe cap. Over time, and with foot expansion, this will cause painful blistering.

Don’t choose boots that feel “tight” initially. Feet expand over the course of a day, particularly in jobs involving physical exertion or long periods spent on your feet. Choose a slightly roomier fit to allow plenty of room for your foot to expand comfortably throughout the day.

Wide Feet? You might find it a bit more challenging than most to find boots that fit snugly without feeling overly tight. Many work boots come with a wide-fit option; if you have wide feet, restrict your search for work boots to ones that have the necessary sizing profile to avoid pinching and blistering.

Room for Adjustment: Lace-ups are good in this regard as they allow for regular adjustments to fit snugly, but not tightly, around the foot.

Wear the right sock: A small thing to overlook but essential, nonetheless. When you’re trying on a work boot for the first time, wear a sock of similar thickness to what you’ll be wearing with your work boot daily to ensure the right fit.

Pick the right size: Often, people buy a size bigger thinking it will make for a better fit. However, while it’s a good idea to allow enough room for foot expansion, if the shoe size is too big, you may lose some of the benefits of the anti-fatigue padding and lining. Also, you may be leaving yourself prone to trips or falls from loose-fitting shoes.

30-day Comfort Guarantee: As it may take a “breaking in” period of a few days to know whether they’re the right fit for you, many brands, such as Steel Blue and Hard Yakka back their product up with a 30-day comfort guarantee. If within 30 days of purchase, you feel that the boots are not the right fit for you, you can get a refund!

Stylish Work Boots

As stated previously, safety and comfort should be your top concerns when investing in stylish steel toe shoes, even if they are cheap steel toe boots. However, everybody likes a bit of style. Men’s moc toe work boots, for example, are a stylish choice for work wear. Black dress boots are also a good option.


See Lowest Price For Steel Blue Argyle Boot

 

Thankfully these days you won’t have to compromise on your work wear boots, because many work boots come in sleek and classic styles to complement all the relevant safety and comfort features. While most safety boots are made from a leather upper, different styles and a variety of colours have become available over the years to suit individual tastes.

Bottom Line

Work boots are an integral part of any workplace health and safety policy, particularly across the construction and industrial sectors. Workplace injuries can cost employers hundreds of thousands of dollars in downtime and treatment. More importantly, however, it can cost the individual insurmountably in personal trauma, long-term recovery and time out from work. Many workplace injuries are avoidable by wearing the correct PPE, adhering to all health and safety policies and investing in a pair of high-quality, effective work boots.

We have reviewed several of the best work boots out there, highlighting the different features of each. Whether your priority is heavy-duty safety wear, a good, waterproof hiking boot or the best steel toe boots for walking., it’s clear that there is an extensive and varied range of boots to choose from. Ultimately, however, it will come down to your own needs in determining which boot works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Work boots have been around since the 19th Century. Even as far back as the early days of construction, common sense indicated the importance of protecting yourself from unforeseen hazards in a heavy-duty work environment as much as possible.

However, with the advancement of technology and the massive boom in the construction and industrial sectors, there has been a significant increase in focus on workplace health and safety, including the requirement for safety shoes or steel toe boots to minimise injuries and protect workers.

As the construction industry progresses, the risk of workplace injuries does as well; the massive machinery, an increased electrical charge, the presence of hazardous materials and the steep rise in the number of workers in the field are all contributing factors.

To keep up with these advancements, health and safety policies and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) regulations are implemented; this includes composite toe boots, and men’s good steel toe boots, which are now provided as standard on many construction and industrial sites, significantly reducing cost, downtime and, most importantly, personal trauma as a result of workplace injuries.

Safety compliant work boots form the foundation of every work kit. The most comfortable work boots have comfort technology engineered into them and the capacity to protect workers from slips, falls, electrical shocks and compression injuries. Aside from it being a legal requirement on many construction sites, purchasing the right safety shoes is an investment in your health and safety.”

The time to replace your work boots is not after they’ve failed to prevent an injury. Work boots live a hard life and, no matter how well you take care of them, they will eventually suffer from general wear and tear. Perform regular checks on them and keep an eye out for any material degradation or points of damage that may mean a less than optimum performance from your work boot.

Soles: Don’t wait until you’ve suffered a fall! Check the out sole of your boots occasionally, looking for areas where the rubber has been worn down, or the tread has gone thin or bald. Like tyres on a car, boots need good tread to remain useful as a slip-resistant surface.

Toe Cap: Whether steel or composite, check for areas of wear and tear or damage. Like a helmet for your head, the toe cap needs to be in top shape and undamaged to provide maximum protection from impacts. If you notice any dents or holes in the toe cap, it’s time to replace your boots. Even the best composite toe shoes need replacing after some time.

Boot Upper / Seams: Check for holes, thinning spots or wear and tear in the seams. Most often, work boots are seam-sealed for waterproofing purposes. Any break in the seams or wearing of the upper could compromise waterproof integrity and allow chemicals or sharp objects to enter the boot, causing injury.

The best work boots will:

  • Be comfortable.
  • Protect your feet from hazards.
  • Be appropriate for your role.
  • Be affordable.

The most comfortable work boots in Australia will be:

  • Properly fitted.
  • Robust.
  • Hardwearing.
  • Capable of protecting your feet.

The best safety boots:

  • Will be appropriate for your line of work.
  • Will have solid toe caps.
  • Be comfortable enough to wear for long periods.
  • Support the ankle.

The best steel toe boots:

  • Will have strong protection.
  • Be lightweight.
  • Support your feet and ankle.
  • Be comfortable worn all day long.

Composite toe is sometimes stronger than steel toe, but this depends on the make and design. Composite toes are more lightweight than steel toed boots but often are larger and more bulbous as composite toe itself is less strong than steel toe.

The best work boots for standing all day will:

  • Be lightweight.
  • Properly support your ankle.
  • Have sufficient padding to prevent blisters.
  • Be properly fitted to your shoe size.

The best lightweight work boots:

  • Will feature composite toes instead of steel.
  • Have enough padding to be used all day.
  • Provide ankle support.
  • Be strong enough to protect your feet from injury.

When buying the longest lasting work boots, you should ask yourself:

  • What work boots have a lifetime warranty?
  • Are they made from quality materials?
  • Do the maker have a good reputation for making robust footware?