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Working outdoors can be great when the weather is to your liking.
But as for working in wet weather? Eech!
If your socks get wet, it can be really unpleasant. Imagine having wet, cold feet all day long?
We have the perfect solution for you, however. We’ve been checking out some of the best waterproof work boots on the market, and, after much deliberation, we were able to hand-pick our top few favorites to review for you here today.
These reviews are unbiased and contain both pros and cons. And a quick heads up – this article is going to focus on waterproof work boots for men. If you need women’s boots, please check out our article titled “Best work boots for women” which is available on this link.
But if you haven’t really looked into much, you may be a little unsure what to look for in your work boots, which is why we’ve also put together a buying guide for you that will walk you through the key things to think about before you buy.
Then we’re going to top that off with a section where we answer some of your most frequently asked questions on the subject.
And without further ado…
In a hurry? Check out our number one pick!
Our Best Waterproof Work Boots Reviews
Ever Boots “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots
With “Ultra Dry” in the product name, you know these work boots are going to be 100% waterproof. They do not absorb water at all, they repel it, and it just rolls off. Your feet will remain completely dry no matter how heavy or persistent the rainfall.
And your feet won’t just be dry – they’ll be cozy and warm too, thanks to the insulated lining.
They also have a great outsole, it’s really thick and made of rubber. And they have a great tread pattern, so that you get great traction on the ground underneath, even if it’s wet with rain, oil, or mud.
And in addition to this oil and slip resistance, the outsole also offers abrasion resistance too, so it can take a scrape without getting damaged.
The outsole also features a slimline steel shank so that your weight is more evenly distributed, and therefore alleviates pressure on your feet when you’re using a ladder and such.
They’re comfortable to wear from the get go, and you don’t have to wear them for a while to “break them in”, because the leather outer is nice and soft.
Moreover, there’s also a PU removable insole. Which means if you’re not 100% happy with the insole, you can replace it with a better one.
They’re only available in the one color, copper, which is really more of a beige with brown accents.
They’re available in a wide range of sizes, starting at 6 and going all the way up to 14, and this includes several half sizes.
They also come backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, which is good to know.
Pros
- 100% waterproof, dry and insulated
- Has oil, slip and abrasion resistance
- Thick, rubber outsole with a great tread
- Ensures weight is evenly distributed
- Soft & doesn’t require any breaking in
- Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- No steel or composite capped toe for impact resistance
- Not true to size, runs half a size bigger than most other work boot brands
Rockport Men’s Waterproof Storm Surge Toe Boot
Now, this is a work boot with excellent waterproofing. It has a special hydro-shield construction that consists of not only the waterproof leather outer, but also a waterproof insole board and seam sealing, to ensure that your feet remain as dry as can be.
And it has some other great features besides. For example, there’s a thick thermoplastic man made outsole that is entirely slip resistant, with a great read pattern for traction on the ground underneath, which is perfect for working on wet or muddy terrain.
And they’re comfortable to wear hour upon hour, thanks to the adidas adiPRENE shock-absorbing heel cushioning, and the waxed flat laces and plush collar that ensure that the laces won’t dig into your feet.
This is a really smart looking work boot, and would make an excellent accompaniment to a uniform, if you have to wear one. It’s available in two great color options, namely black and tan.
It’s available in a wide range of sizes, starting small at 6.5 and going all the way up to 14, with plenty of half sizes and wide sizes along the way.
If you click on “Check price” the product page will open in another tab, and from there you can find the brand’s size chart. You’ll find that the brand runs true to your usual size.
Pros
- Special hydro-shield construction
- It has a slip-resistant outsole
- Shock-absorbing heel cushioning
- Available in both black & brown
- Available in half and wide sizes
Cons
- No steel capped or composite toe
Wolverine Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
These are our next favorite waterproof work boots, because not only does it have a premium waterproof leather outer, but it also has some great safety features, too.
It meets all the main safety standards, specifically ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH. This is thanks to the composite toe to protect against impact damage. And because it’s composite rather than steel, it’s more lightweight.
It also has an excellent outsole, which is slip, water, oil, and even chemical resistant. It also has a good tread pattern for better traction and grip on the ground. You’ll be perfectly fine, however wet the ground is.
And you don’t need to worry about the boot getting scuffed, because it has an abrasion resistant toe.
And they’re really comfortable too, thanks to the Ortholite cushioned foot bed that will keep you comfy all day long. And the boot has plenty of blend and flex to it too.
It’s available in just one color option, Summer Brown, which is a mix of black and brown with high-visibility orange accents. It’s a far more sporty look than your usual work boots.
It’s also available in a wide range of sizes, starting at 7 and going all the way up to 14, with plenty of half sizes and extra wide sizes along the way.
The biggest drawback to these boots is the price tag. Even the smallest size costs over $100, while the larger sizes cost closer to $200. But clearly, from the sales and customer feedback, people are more than happy to pay the extra for this top brand.
Pros
- Has a 100% waterproof outer
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Has a very protective outsole
- Lightweight composite toe
- Available in a range of sizes
Cons
- Premium product at a premium price
Free Soldier Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Work Boots
Now, if you’re looking for a bargain, these could be the very boots for you, since even the larger sizes come in at well under $100.
They’re also classed as hiking and tactical boots as well as work boots, because they’re built for the outdoors and wet weather.
In addition to the waterproof coating on the outer, there’s also a waterproof Lycra cloth lining, so there can be no doubt that your feet will remain dry as long as you’re wearing them.
Better yet, this lining is breathable, and your feet will remain comfortably cool as well as dry.
There’s also a strengthened toe cap and heel to protect against impacts and collisions.
It has a thick outsole with deep lugs for better traction on the terrain, so you can be sure you won’t slip and fall.
These boots are very durable and are made from anti-puncture, wear resistant materials.
And they offer excellent cushioning in the EVA midsole, making them comfortable enough for all day wear. And they’re super lightweight at just 2.2 pounds, and flexible too.
It’s available in three different color options, namely tan, which is a kind of beige, and brown, which is a pale brown, and a black, which is our favorite.
It’s available in a wide range of sizes, starting as small as 7 and going all the way up to 13. And this includes half sizes and wide sizes, too.
Pros
- Bargain, affordable price tag
- Durable waterproof outer fabric
- They have a thick, non-slip outsole
- Lightweight with flex & cushioning
- They have a breathable lining
Cons
- Not classed as a safety boot
Carhartt Men’s 6-Inch Waterproof Wedge Soft Toe Work Boot
Now, these work boots are perfect for being out in wet weather. This is because the premium grade leather that they are made with is 100% waterproof, and will repel water rather than absorb it, keeping your feet dry throughout the rainy day.
And, these wedge style work boots offer excellent comfort and durability, with great cushioning underfoot, and with a breathable liner that won’t get too hot.
One of the great things about these work boots is that they have a very large boot opening, coming in at 10.5 inches around, so you’ll have no problem at all getting your feet in. And once in, you can lace them up to almost 6.5 inches high (measured from the arch), so no rain will seep through.
It has a thick, dual-density, durable, wear resistant outsole with a decent tread for traction.
And because it’s a soft toe, it’s much more lightweight than steel capped toe boots.
It’s available in a range of different colors, namely brown, tan, black oil tanned, brown oil tanned, dark bison oil tanned, and regular black. (Our favorite is the tan option, it’s a classic.)
It’s also in a wide range of sizes, starting as small as 7 and going all the way up to 13. And this includes half sizes and wide sizes, too.
Amazon occasionally has deals on certain sizes of these boots – simply click on “Check price” to see if there happens to be a deal on now.
Pros
- 100% waterproof leather
- It has a large boot opening
- Cushioning & breathability
- Available in a range of colors
- Available in half & wide sizes
Cons
- Because they feature a soft toe, they do not have the same level of resistance as a steel capped toe
Take a look at our best boots for UPS drivers here.
Take a look at more boots for Contractors here.
Buyer’s Guide
As promised, here’s your buying guide. We’ll highlight some of the key points to think about, and you can use it as a handy checklist.
Size And Fit
Size and fit is arguably the most important factor in determining how comfortable you will feel in your work boots. You don’t want the boots to be so tight that you end up taking them off.
So make sure you know your shoe size. This is especially important if you’re buying shoes online rather than in a store, because you won’t have the opportunity to try them on before you buy.
As for the boot opening, you need it to be wide enough to get your feet in easily, but it also has to be able to fasten up tight enough to prevent any rain coming through the opening.
Level Of Water Resistance
Unfortunately, the product descriptions of work boots rarely feature the water resistance rating. But, if it does show a water resistance rating, you should look for a rating of at least IP57, or preferably higher.
That said, if a work boot is described as waterproof rather than water-resistant, you can generally rely on them to be true to their word, and not let any rain through.
Safety Features
The key difference between work boots and regular boots is their various safety features.
Safety Standards
If this is why you’re investing in work boots, we recommend checking whether your boots meet, or exceed ASTM safety standards. And, if you’re working with electrical equipment, you’ll need the boots to meet or exceed EH standards, too.
Capped Toes
A typical feature of safety boots, and safety shoes for that matter, is capped toes. The idea behind them is to protect your feet from impact damage, should something heavy land on your feet.
Moreover, having such capped toes also enables you to pull your feet out so that you don’t get trapped in machinery.
Traditionally these have been made of steel, but now you can get composite or alloy toes that are just as effective.
A Top Quality Outsole
Working outdoors means that you not only need the outers to be waterproof, but you also need a top quality outsole that can protect you from slipping on puddles of rain or mud on the floor.
These non-slip outsoles are typically made from rubber, but synthetic outsoles can often be just as good. Thicker outsoles are more wear resistant. You can also get oil resistant outsoles, too.
Comfort Features
If you’re going to be fit all day, the more comfortable your work boots are the better. So underfoot cushioning is important.
And if you’re often out in the wet and cold, you may be interested in thick, insulated boots that will keep your feet warm.
Brand
Big name brands have a reputation to maintain, which helps make them a good choice for your work boots. Our shortlist includes the likes of Rockport and Wolverine.
Aesthetic
You may also want to consider how the boots would look against the rest of your outfit. Does it lend itself to your overall look?
Value For Money
The good news is that waterproof work boots are typically no more expensive than their non-waterproof counterparts. However, work boots with safety features do not come cheap.
They do vary in price, however, with larger sizes generally costing more than smaller ones, so be sure to check prices as you go along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Boots Are Most Waterproof?
We would argue that the work boots which offer the most protection against rain and water are our number one pick, the Ever Boots “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots. The clue is in the name.
These boots simply will not absorb water and moisture. Instead, they repel it and the water, and it just runs straight off. And, they’re also insulated, so your feet will be cozy and dry throughout your working day. Moreover, they also offer excellent slip resistance to boot (Pun intended!)
Are Waterproof Work Boots Worth It?
We would argue that waterproof work boots are absolutely worth it. Mainly because most of them cost about the same as work boots that aren’t necessarily waterproof.
For those of you who are particularly budget conscious and want to catch a bargain, we can recommend our number 4 pick, the Free Soldier Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Work Boots. Because even the brand’s larger sizes cost well under $100.
Is It Bad To Wear Work Boots Every Day?
If you happen upon a great pair of work boots that you’re perfectly comfortable in, there’s absolutely no harm in wearing them every day. If they are ergonomically designed and sufficiently lightweight, you can go right ahead and wear them anywhere you please. Some of them actually look quite smart.
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