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When you work in the construction industry, wearing the right type of footwear is a big deal. This is because every day is like a marathon. As such your boots can make or break your day.
In this article, I will be going through the best construction work boots for construction workers that are currently available on the market.
Wearing the wrong pair is as good as leaving your feet exposed. If you don’t get hit by an object, there’s a huge chance you will feel sore throughout the day.
This is why you need good construction work boots that do not only fit well but are also safe and comfortable for your working day.
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The 7 Best Work Boots For Construction Workers:
This list is a result of my years of experience in the field as a contractor. I have both experienced the pain of wearing the wrong shoes and the gain of wearing the right one. So you can be rest assured these are the best out there.
Below are seven of the best work boots you should add to your gear collection when next you go out on the field.
1. Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6″ Work Boot
Key Features:
- 100% full leather, one of the best leather work boots
- Synthetic sole for durability
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Molded rubber toe protectors
- TPU outsole features deep lugs
To kick off this list of the Best Work Boots for Contractors is one of the most durable work boots with incredible ankle support – the Timberland PRO Boondock. These boots are not only designed to keep you on your feet but also ensure you get the best form of protection and comfort even the most demanding environment.
It’s not much of a surprise they are so popular among construction engineers and contractors.
One of the first things you will notice about the shoes is the rugged design, which consists of the Ever-Guard leather reinforcement with abrasion-resistant protectors to secure your toes and feet from debris and sharp objects.
In the same manner, the shoe outsoles are equipped with deep lugs to ensure better traction and stability while also protecting from abrasion and chemicals.
These boots also excel in comfort. Despite the rugged exterior, the inside of the shoes is made to provide ample support to your feet so you can feel comfortable even in the toughest work situations.
This is complemented by an anti-fatigue technology which helps to absorb shock thus keeping your feet energized all through the day.
Overall, the Timberland PRO Boondock is an ideal choice you’re looking for work boots with reliable quality and performance. I cannot recommend them enough.
Pros
- Non-slip and shock-resistant
- Waterproof
- Nice looking
- Very comfortable and flexible
- Highly durable
- 100% leather
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
2. EVER BOOTS “Tank Men’s Soft Toe Construction Work Boots
Key Features:
- Premium 2.0MM Nubuck leather
- Shaft measures approximately 7″ from arch
- Rubber outsole delivers stability
- Break In free
- PU Insole provides maximum comfort
If your current work shoes give you a lot of discomforts such that you have to take them off while working, then you might want to check out the EVER BOOTS Tank Men Soft Toe Work Boots.
These shoes are specifically built to ensure you have the most comfortable experience so you can stay on your feet for as long as the job demands without feeling sore or fatigued.
Thanks to its Goodyear Welt construction, this is one of the most durable boot pairs you will find out there. More so, there are oil resistant and have really decent insole, not the flimsy liner you find in many similar boots. You can wear these all day without experiencing any pain.
Interestingly, you have the option to use your custom insoles just in case you’re not satisfied with the ones provided. But I don’t think this would be necessary as the normal insoles seem to be adequate.
Pros
- Removable insole
- Comfortable
- Good arc support
- No break-in
- Oil resistance
Cons
- Some users complained about durability
3. Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Steel Toe Industrial Work Boot
Key Features:
- Quality full grain leather uppers
- Rugged Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 5.25″ from arch
- Waterproof Membrane
- Steel Toe protection
- Nylon Shank
When it comes to finding high-quality lightweight boots, Caterpillar is a name that frequently pops up. The Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Steel Toe Boot is designed to offer you all the comfort and support you need to survive each day in an industrial environment.
Although the boots appear to be a bit heavier than normal (due to the steel toe), they provide extra protection than what you get in most average work boots. In fact, the reinforcement around the toe region makes them more capable of absorbing impacts.
Mere looking at these boots, you can tell they were built for the serious-minded. They offer everything you would need to survive in a construction environment.
Some of these include an elevated shaft to prevent debris from accumulating inside the boots, an outsole that is non-slippery, a breathable upper for proper ventilation and a waterproof.
As earlier indicated, in terms of comfort, these boots are dependable. The inside consists of a soft lining and padded collars that combine with the insoles to keep your feet comfy all day long.
It comes highly recommended!
Pros
- Steel toe for improved protection
- Attractive design
- Built to last
- Waterproof
- Affordable price
- Perfect fit for its size
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Break-in might take longer
4. Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ Rigmaster XT Work Boot
Key Features:
- Premium materials – waterproof leather upper
- Shaft measures approximately 8″ from arch
- Fiberglass shank for structural support
- Lug rubber outsole
If you work in oil and gas, then you will need a pair of work boot that is not only comfortable but also slip-resistant, well-built, oil-resistant, and waterproof. This is exactly what you get with the Timberland PRO Rigmaster XT. These shoes offer a number of interesting features you will not normally find in similar work boots.
The first thing you will notice about the pair is that they have a full-grain leather upper, which doesn’t only provide a comfortable cover but also protect your feet from moisture.
You can also expect to get a lot of use from the shoes.
The waterproof leather is also outfitted with a PRO rubber vamp, which adds heat protection and enhances durability.
One feature that really stands out is the “finger-grip” pull-on lace closure that makes it very easy to slip into the shoes and also take them off. The steel toe also offers the best protection from falling objects.
Overall, good shoes, great price, lots of value.
Pros
- Oil and slip-resistant
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Great traction and grip
- Durable construction
- Waterproof
Cons
- Some people may find it a little too heavy
5. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot
Key Features:
- Waterproof full-grain leather
- Shaft measures approximately 5″ from arch
- Lightweight, durable midsole for comfort
- Durable mesh tongue
- Available in various color
- Omni-Grip Advanced Traction Technology
Columbia sportswear has been in the shoe space for a long time and has been established an incredible reputation in producing high-quality boots, especially for sports and hiking. The Newton Ridge Plus II is one of their best offerings for contractors and construction workers.
As the name suggests, these are hiking boots, but they also provide the same level of comfort and protection required in construction work boots. The boots are not only built to last but also provide superior comfort and advanced traction to keep you steady on your feet.
It uses a lace-up closure to provide a secure fit that can always be adjusted.
These boots are available in a wide variety of sizes, which makes it easier to find the perfect fit for your feet. Apart from the normal fit, it also has an option for wide feet. These days, finding the right shoes for wide feet can be a daunting task as not all the brands offer this.
Pros
- Durable construction
- High traction grip
- Good breathability
- Lace-up closure
- Versatile
- Waterproof
Cons
- Few users complained about the heel
6. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot
Key Features:
- 100% Nubuck Leather
- Locking metal lace hooks
- Contoured heel-lock for a secure fit
- Lateral support
- Waterproof
KEEN Utility is another reputable brand with a shoe collection that speaks volumes in terms of quality and performance. The Men’s Pittsburg is undeniably one of them.
If you’re looking for a pair of work boots that have all that is required to survive in a construction jobsite or a similar environment, then you will not be disappointed with these Keen Utility boots.
The Pittsburg boots are one of the highest-rated in the company’s line-up and easily a top contender for the best work boots for contractors and construction workers. It comes with a leather upper, which is fully waterproof. Within the boots is KEEN’s dry membrane which provides good breathability while protecting your feet.
Luckily the insole is removable so you can always replace it if you wish. The midsole is made with EVA and PU which makes it very flexible and stable.
Overall, these are nice work boots that will provide a lot of value for your money.
Pros
- Locking metal lace hooks
- Safe toe
- Waterproof upper
- Slip and oil resistant
- Removable foot-bed
Cons
- Few customers complained about durability
7. Skechers Men’s Verdict Men’s Construction Boot
Key Features:
- Waterproof leather upper
- Lugged rubber outsole
- Cushioned insole
- Speed-lacing hardware on shaft
- Lace-up front
To round off the list is one of Skechers finest work boots – the Verdict Men’s Boot.
These boots are designed to provide ultimate protection and comfort to your feet while adding color to your outfit. It is available in different color options; so feel free to pick one that matches your preference and style.
Like the other pairs we’ve reviewed, the boots are ankle-high, so you need not worry about debris finding their way inside. In terms of construction, they are made of high-grade full leather material, which makes them highly reliable.
They have a compact build that provides a secure fit for the right size. You have the chance to choose from various size options, which makes it easier to find the perfect fit for your feet.
As expected, a lace closure is used to give you a snug fit.
Besides keeping your feet out of harm’s way, these boots also score high when it comes to comfort. And this is largely due to the combined effect of a cushioned insole and a smooth fabric lining.
This, together with the good breathability inside the shoes and its waterproof leather upper ensures your feet stay cool and dry all day.
From all indications, it is obvious the Skechers Verdict Men’s Boot is an excellent choice when it comes to keeping the feet protected and feeling comfy on a jobsite. It comes highly recommended.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Durable construction
- Warm and comfy
- Good ventilation
- Provides a snug fit
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
Best Work Boots for Construction Workers – Buyer’s Guide
So what are those things to look out for when shopping for boots for construction workers? Let’s quickly look at the criteria to find the right boots for you.
Comfort for Construction Workers
This one is quite obvious. Comfort is an essential requirement of all work boots regardless of your work condition. Wearing something uncomfortable will make you struggle on your feet and lose focus on your work.
So make sure you choose a pair that doesn’t only protect your feet but also keep them comfortable. This is really important, especially if your job requires you to stand all day.
Some of the things to look at include good cushioning, anti-fatigue technology, a padded footbed, and a flexible midsole, amongst others.
Safety for Construction Workers
Those who work in the construction industry are often exposed to a lot of risks such as electrocution, falling objects, slipping, and so on. In other to protect your feet from these things, you need to wear work boots that come with safety toes.
Safety toes are specifically designed to protect your feet from falling objects. Steel toe and composite toe are the most common safety toes you will find in work boots.
Besides safety toes, other safety features you might want to look out for depending on the condition of your work include heat-, oil-, and abrasion-resistance.
Construction Material
In addition to comfort and safety, you should go for work boots that are durable. This is a key feature you must not overlook, or else you might end up with the wrong work boots.
When you’re working at a construction site, you will need a pair of boots that hold up well against the conditions in the place without wearing out sooner. This largely relies on the quality of the materials used for the boot construction.
Thus, you would want to invest in a pair that is made of highly durable materials like full-grain leather and rubber. Also, look out for construction like Cement or Goodyear Welt.
We personally like shoes with Goodyear Welt construction as they are usually very flexible and durable.
Shaft Height
You’re most likely going to encounter a lot of debris and dust when working at a construction site. These things can easily get into your boots if the shaft is not high enough. To prevent this from happening, you need to choose a pair with a high shaft, anything from 5-inches and upward.
Types Of Work Boots for the Construction Industry
There are various types of work boots in the market. Let’s look at the most common ones.
Steel Toe Work Boots
When it comes to safe toe boots, steel toe work boots are the top choice. These boots come with a protective reinforcement in the toe to offer protection against injuries and hazards such as falling objects and compression. They are usually the most durable option. The major downside of these boots is that they can be heavy.
Composite Toe Work Boots
Another type of work boot you may come across is the composite toe. These are non-magnetic and non-metallic safety toes, which are usually constructed with materials like carbon fiber, rubber, fiberglass, or even plastic.
They are also durable but weigh less and cost less than a steel toe. However, unlike steel toe, they don’t offer protection against sharp objects or punctures. But a carbon fiber toe work boot will weigh a lot less than a steel toe work boot.
Aluminum Toe Work Boots
Aluminum toe boots are far less popular compared to steel toe and composite toe but they’re still worth noting. Their major perk is that they are lightweight and look sleeker than the other options. However, they are not as strong or durable as steel toe or composite toe.
Soft/Plain Toe Work Boots
Soft toe is another option that seen more as mere work boots and less as safety boots. And the reason for this is that they don’t come with the protective toe cap seen in the other boot types. They also offer a measure of protection but not as steel toe or composite toe. However, they are usually very comfortable.
Best Work Boots for Construction Workers FAQ’s
Q1# How Can I Make My Work Boots To Break In Fast?
Ans: Some work boots have almost zero break-in time, and some don’t. For the latter, you might experience some pain or discomfort while wearing them for the first time. Not everyone enjoys this as it can make it difficult to focus on your job.
In such a situation, there are still certain things you can do to make the boots break in faster.
Some of these include applying a leather softener or conditioner, using padded inserts, wearing the boots for work and outside work (at least for the first few days), inserting a shoehorn inside the boots when you put them off and so on. All these tips can potentially fasten break in.
Q2# When Should I Replace My Work Boots?
Ans: It is common for most people to wear their boots until it’s no longer possible to wear them. While there’s nothing wrong with patching up the boots a few times, it’s not advisable to use them for so long for safety concerns.
Even the best work boots for construction get worn out with time. Nothing lasts forever, but that doesn’t mean you should wait till the shoes are completely damaged before replacing them.
It is generally recommended to replace work boots every six to twelve months, depending on the condition of your work and the environment.
Q3# How Do I Maintain Leather Work Boots?
Ans: When you purchase a pair of leather boots, it’s very important you keep them clean and safe in order to get the most use from them. There are two things you mustn’t do to a leather boot if you want it to last longer and be in good shape.
First, you must not submerge completely in water, and second, you must not machine dry. Use cold water for cleaning and dry naturally under the sun (air dry).
Q4# What Are The Best Work Boots For Construction Workers?
Ans: Our favorite work boot is the Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock. But you can’t go wrong with anyone of the options above. It all depends on your style and budget.
Q5# Where Can I Get These Construction Boots?
Ans: Click on the corresponding link to go to the product page.
Conclusion – Best Work Boots for the Construction Industry
It is important to understand the Best pair of Work Boots for Contractors is subjective. What is good for Mr. A might not be perfect for Mr. B. In other words, what is best for you will largely depend on your needs, particularly your work conditions like arborists or and how well they fit.
What you have above are arguably the best work boots for contractors; that I can assure you. Thankfully, they are not entirely the same. Each pair seems to be unique in its own way. So feel free to make your choice. I’m pretty sure you won’t go wrong with anyone of these.
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