25 Best Men’s Work Boots
Just because spring is in the air — soon enough at least — doesn’t mean it’s time to shelve your sturdy work boots. In fact, the promise of warmer weather means it should be high time for all of us to kick out of winter hibernation and kick back into gear. That’s what each of the 25 best men’s work boots are designed to help you do — get back out into the field working on projects you put off (maybe) over the winter.
Made with tough, sturdy materials for hard-working functionality, the best men’s work boots combine the grit you need with the added bells and whistles to withstand melting snow, rain, mud, heat — you name it. With classic brands like Danner joined by other workwear stalwarts like Filson, our list of the best men’s work boots has a pair for every situation — and then some.
Danner Gritstone Work Boots
For more than eight decades, Danner has made a name for itself by providing boots designed to go where other boots just simply can’t. The Gritstone Work Boot even has “grit” in its name, and that echoes the toughness you’ll get when you lace these guys up. Made with full-grain waterproof leather and featuring lighter construction (but the same classic durability), this is a pair of boots you’re going to reach for over and over any time you need gear to take on the toughest of jobs. – Shop Now
Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots
It’s not too far off to say that there might not be a more instantly recognizable boot silhouette in recent years than the Red Wing Iron Ranger, what with the mid-2000s boom in heritage Americana. Lest we forget though, the Red Wing Iron Ranger is still a classic style, able to be worn with anything and everything. That they originally started as a tough work boot is sometimes forgotten, but with a tough lug sole and remarkably durable leather, you should bring these back for intense outdoor work this year. – Shop Now
Chippewa Apache Selkirk Boot
If a sturdy pair of mud-stomping boots is what you need this spring, look no further than the Chippewa Apache Selkirk Boot. Cut higher than average at 8 inches, the distressed leather can surely take even more of a beating as we claw our way out a winter freeze, and the 5 Iron Texon insole provides durability and comfort along the way. Non-tarnishable hooks and eyelets can definitely stand up to the elements, and Chippewa proudly puts the “Made-in-the-USA” stamp on these work boots. – Shop Now
Red Wing Roughneck Boots
Based on the venerable footwear brand’s classic work boot style, the Red Wing Roughneck should surely be the latest boot addition to your closet, featuring durable leather and a sturdy-as-heck lug outsole for maximum traction. Certainly, if there’s one pair of boots you can count on, it’s boots inspired by the hard work done on oil rigs. With unique Briar Oil Slick leather that’s just as eye-catching away from work, these rugged boots are worth the investment and ready to be broken in. – Shop Now
Danner Workman Work Boots
For all the attention given to the Danner Gritstone Boot, let us not forget what the Danner Workman Work Boot can do. It’s the original Workman silhouette — a modern-day favorite among tradesmen following its 2004 introduction — and the newest iteration is 13 percent lighter. That difference can mean navigating a work site more smoothly and quickly, yet you lose none of the durability thanks to the waterproof leather upper and breathable GORE-TEX liner — not to mention the tough alloy toe. – Shop Now
Timberland Pro Pit Boss Work Boots
With a name like Pit Boss, this Timberland PRO Boot has all the trappings of the next pair of work boots you need in your rotation. From the nubuck leather upper to the Goodyear welt construction — replaceable after it wears out — you can rest assured that these boots have tons of the brand’s classic DNA built right in. For steel toe boots, the brand says they should be comfortable — yet tough — and that’s exactly what you need when you’re going to be on the job. – Shop Now
Filson Traveler Work Boot
It should come as no shock that when you need a great pair of leather work boots to go along with your Filson bag or jacket, you can turn right to the same brand. The Traveler Work Boot carries on the brand’s legacy of heritage quality and toughness, and it does so using features like a cushioned Christy Vibram sole and American leather. A higher-than-normal cut underscores the reliability and work-ready nature of these boots, too. Ready to get to work? – Shop Now
Danner Quarry USA Work Boots
Is it any surprise that in just about a decade, the Quarry Work Boot has become a reliable new staple from Danner? It shouldn’t be — the Quarry is beloved by craftsmen who need work boots built for anything. Vibram soles — via both the midsole and outsole — provide excellent comfort and stability, for starters. And components like reinforced and revamped back heel stitching pair nicely with a comfortable and breathable collar. You very well might need to add another pair of Danner work boots to your closet. – Shop Now
Hanwag Grunten Boots
Hanwag calls its work boots “classic, timeless and tough,” and one look at the instantly recognizable Grunten drives that point home nicely. With a leather lining for moisture management, you can be sure these boots are going to provide as much comfort as they are rugged functionality. They’re resoleable, and a custom last molds to the shape of your foot — no matter where your work finds you stepping, that’s a good look indeed. Made with full-grain leather, design touches like a reinforced padded heel collar finish these boots quite nicely. – Shop Now
Red Wing Classic Moc
Although they’ve been co-opted by those who among us who prefer less strenuous forms of work — like style writing, for instance, — the Red Wing Classic Moc is every bit the tough, timeless and essential work boot you need in your closet. Made from the brand’s signature Rough & Tough leather, the Classic Moc is an instantly recognizable work boot that was first made for sportsmen and then used just as hard by farmers and factory workers. With that kind of pedigree, the Classic Moc is a keeper. – Shop Now
Caterpillar Ergo Flexguard Steel Toe Work Boots
Some companies don’t mess around when it comes to ridiculously tough, durable and hard-wearing work boots. And when you pick up the Ergo Flexguard Steel Toe Work Boot, you’re getting the best of the best — when it comes time to take on tough jobs, the Caterpillar Ergo Flexguard is the way to go. Made with a one-of-a-kind flexible metatarsal guard, these boots get the job done. Featuring the brand’s proprietary iTechnology for what the brand calls durability and comfort, these boots certainly provide both crucial shock absorption and toughness. – Shop Now
Wolverine Nation Durashocks Carbonmax Boots
Wolverine is yet another brand that stakes its name on the quality and durability of its footwear — often focusing on the smallest design details in the process. It’s a good thing that the small design details make a big difference in terms of its Nation Durashocks Carbonmax Boot, from the new energy return system geared to absorb shock to the slip-resistant rubber lug outsole. Further helpful add-ons like the waterproof leather upper and moisture-wicking lining offer even better protection and utility. – Shop Now
Filson Uplander Boot
The tough style and relentless durability you need in a work boot is achievable when you grab a pair from Filson. When that pair is the Uplander Boot, you’re in luck. Although it’s a bit — or a lot — of an investment at more than $400, these are boots you’ll surely have for years (possibly decades) on end. Made with oil-tanned, full-grain leather that’s crafted to perform, sealed seams provide maximum water repellency and a Vibram rubber sole offers plenty of grip and comfort in extreme situations. – Shop Now
Woolrich Squatch Boot
Don’t get caught off guard thinking all work boots are expensive or investment-worthy. In fact, the Woolrich Squatch Boot can be picked up for a steal right now from Huckberry, and you’d do well to jump on it. The upper on the Squatch Boot features waterproof wool and suede for functionality in wet weather, and the lugged rubber outsole provides traction in the event of rain. A Woolrich wool sock liner adds warmth for harsh conditions, too — it’s about as warm as it gets. – Shop Now
Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Work Boots
Some boots just have essential quality, toughness and durability baked right into their name. Such is the case with Georgia Boot Company, purveyors of hard-wearing essentials for eight decades. The Lace-To-Toe Work Boot, though simple in name, provides just about all the grit you need as you move through your spring and summer (and winter) workload. With a steel shank and Goodyear welt construction, these boots are definitely built right from the ground up — that’s great news if in fact you need a new pair. – Shop Now
Danner Bull Run Work Boots
Add another boot from Danner to your shopping list — or heck, just buy the Bull Run Work Boot now. Featuring a reliable wedge outsole from the brand itself, the Bull Run is constructed with durability in mind from the ground up. Through rigorous testing, the brand arrived at a leather that would conform to the foot and stand up to repeated wear. It’s a classic design merged with modern comfort, and neither of those are bad to have on your feet. – Shop Now
Carhartt Safety Toe Logger Boots
It’s quite likely that if you’re used to doing rugged work through the changing seasons, you’ve got plenty of Carhartt gear in your life. Yet, what if you want footwear that works alongside your tough apparel from the brand? Enter the Saddle Safety Toe Logger Boot, complete with all the bells and whistles you need in your line of work. From waterproof protection — via the brand’s Storm Defender technology — to Goodyear welt construction, the specs of this pair are ready for any job you can throw at ‘em. – Shop Now
Duluth Trading Contractor’s Moc Toe Boots
Duluth Trading Co. makes gear for the working man who needs head-to-toe functionality and stability – if you fit that bill, you’re going to like the Contractor’s Moc Toe Boot from Duluth Trading. Made in America from a unique Sure-Grip Vibram outsole, these boots feature top-of-the-line, well, everything. From leather that’s carefully picked out and then stitched in Wisconsin to Goodyear welt construction for durability that lasts and lasts, there’s no better way to complement other Duluth Trading Co. gear in your closet (and on your job site). – Shop Now
Rocky Hauler Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots
Great work boots often take everyday functionality and amplify it a bit. Take the Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot from Rocky Hauler. Featuring the brand’s signature construction — geared to fight against water and the rigors of a job site — they’re a great pair of boots for under $200. In fact, with everything from a slip-resistant outsole to a moisture-wicking mesh lining, one could make the argument that they do just about everything that an essential pair of work boots should do. – Shop Now
Timberland Pro Boondock 6″ Comp Toe Work Boots
If you’ve got experience with work boots that continually let you down in terms of functionality and toughness, you don’t have to worry any longer — the Boondock 6-Inch Comp Toe Work Boot is here to save the day from Timberland Pro. Crafted from premium waterproof leather with a waterproof membrane and a leather heel, those specs are only the beginning of the brand’s approach to one-of-a-kind work boots. The rubber toe protector also provides increased abrasion resistance and a Titan last offers non-metallic protection. – Buy It
Danner Rain Forest GTX Work Boots
Danner says that the Rain Forest GTX Boot is an “all-purpose” work boot, and given the rugged specs and go-anywhere dependability of this pair, it’s tough to dispute the brand’s claim. From the breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX liner to angled outsole lugs — all the better for traction on slippery surfaces — it doesn’t get any better than these boots. They’re recraftable and made in America from a full-grain leather upper, so you should be as proud of these boots as you are of your work — agreed? – Buy It
Keen Tacoma Wellington XT CSA
Not every work boot needs to lace up — just take the Keen Tacoma Wellington XT. It’s a slip-on style made with what the brand calls “ultra-tough” leather. What’s more, the brand says that these boots are “barnyard-proof,” made to withstand each and every type of element you run into throughout a hard day’s work. The fact that the Keen Tacoma Wellington is finished off with reinforced toes and a puncture-resistant plate in the sole only adds to the appeal of making these boots part of your everyday work gear. – Buy It
5.11 Tactical XPRT 2.0 Boot
When you can’t possibly be bothered to mess around with boots that aren’t durable or sturdy, you need to grab a pair of the 5.11 Tactical XPRT 2.0 Boots. They’re just about as tough as it gets, made with a ripstop nylon frame and a blend of nubuck, suede and full-grain leather. The brand’s signature Kick Toe provides another touchpoint in terms of durability, while the high cut ensures you can take on the foulest of conditions on the ground. – Buy It
Filson Insulated Highlander Boot
If you’re prepared to pony up more than $400 for a pair of work boots, you need to know you’re getting your money’s worth. That’s absolutely the case with the Filson Insulated Highlander Boot — it’s worth every penny given the brand’s knack for tough footwear that works as hard as you do. The wool lining and full-grain, oil-tanned leather make these boots comfortable, warm and exceptionally hard-wearing; you’d do well to team them with other rugged Filson essentials, like a tough jacket and a dependable bag. – Buy It
Wilcox Shiloh Boots
One part work boot, one part handsome throwback footwear style, the Wilcox Shiloh Boot is the pair you need in your arsenal for tough looks and functionality that just won’t quite. The full-grain leather upper and calfskin lining are just about everything you could ask for in a work boot, and the memory foam footbed with removable athletic insoles is also just about as comfortable as it gets. The ribbed leather Goodyear welt should provide traction and prevent you from slipping and sliding, too. – Buy It
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