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Anyone who’s worked a day on their feet knows the relief of returning home, slipping off your boots, and putting your feet up for the evening. When working labor-intensive jobs on changeable terrain, it can feel particularly unforgiving on our feet, with some cheap work boots only making things worse – but it doesn’t have to be this way. 

👢 Be sure to use  your boots with what we think are the best work boot socks as of 2023.

As we move into the winter months, with wind, rain, and snow on the horizon, now is the perfect time to upgrade to a pair of waterproof boots. By investing in quality, you will soon start to notice the superior comfort provided by cushioned insoles, the newfound dryness of sealed seams, and added warmth from insulation. All of which will keep you prepared for whatever the day throws at you so you can get the job done in comfort.

We know that waterproof work boots don’t just have to serve a function; they can be stylish too.

When putting our top recommendations together, we looked for a range of boots that prioritized comfort, quality, and safety, with options at varying budgets to accommodate all. By analyzing product reviews through Fakespot, we ensured each pair of boots comes highly recommended by other genuine users, so you can rest assured your feet will remain dry and dependable whenever you need them.  

1. KEEN Utility Davenport 6″ Composite Toe Insulated Waterproof Work Boot

Designed with extreme conditions in mind, the 6” 400G waterproof, insulated work boots from Davenport are comfortable regardless of the weather. With composite toe protection, they are approximately ten percent lighter than steel counterparts.

These boots incorporate proprietary components: 

• Keen Dry – a waterproof, breathable membrane that allows any moisture to escape but doesn’t let water in, keeping your feet dry and comfortable 
• Keen Polar Traction – micro-glass fibers built into the outsole creating “micro-cleats” to give you superior grip during the winter months
• Keen Warm – insulation that is built-in into the boots for extra warmth.

Keen boots don’t rely on glues or cement to attach the sole to the upper but use a “direct attach” method of construction. Both the sole and the upper are placed in a mold, injected with a polyurethane midsole material under pressure, resulting in a permanent bond between the upper, midsole, and outsole, giving you a lightweight but sturdy work boot that will last for years to come.

Being rated with electrical hazard protection, these boots provide you with a supplementary layer of protection underfoot in the event you come in contact with live electrical wires.

If you work in an area that has high security, then you can put your mind at ease since you won’t be setting off any metal detectors with your boots because there is no metal used in the construction as they are 100% metal-free.

Features:

• Electrical Hazard Rated
• 100% non-metallic construction
• Composite toe protection
• Oil and slip-resistant soles

What we love:

• They are a good fit, keep your feet cozy and the soles give you a good grip in the snow
• For a waterproof work boot, these are extremely light but still give toe protection thanks to the composite toe cap
• If you’re on your feet all day then you’ll appreciate the wide toe box and the support these boots offer

We don’t like this as much:

• The 400g of insulation the boots have, may be inadequate for extremely cold conditions

2. Timberland PRO 6″ Boondock Soft-Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot

If you require your boots to work just as hard as you do, then the Timberland PRO 6″ Boondock Soft-Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot will stand up to everything you can put them through. Made from full-grain leather, they have a waterproof membrane incorporated into the construction designed to keep your feet dry when working in conditions or job sites that are wet.

They feature a padded collar, dual-density anti-fatigue cushions with two shock-absorbing layers, plus support in the heel and ball area using a contoured insole to make these boots extremely comfortable to wear. The composition toe cap gives your feet impact protection and is covered with a rubber anti-abrasion cap. For anyone working in areas with electrical wires and cables, these boots are EH rated, giving added protection from electric shock.

These waterproof work boots are extremely hard-wearing, constructed from full-grain leather, a reinforced external rubber toe cap, Goodyear welt/cement heel construction, and for extra structural support, a fiberglass shank. The TPU outsole has deep lugs providing excellent grip and they are resistant to oil, slip, and abrasion. An anti-fatigue system is built into the boot with shock-absorbing technology that returns energy to the foot for added comfort, and support. The insoles have an antimicrobial treatment that helps control and prevents odors.

The Timberland PRO Boondock doesn’t have any insulation, but the waterproof quality will keep your feet dry in wet conditions. They are also marginally heavier than some other work boots, and they are wider than normal, which if you have wide feet should be a perfect fit.

Features:

• Composite safety toe
• Waterproof leather
• Electrical hazard protection
• All-weather TPI outsole

What we love

• The heel is high enough to go over the ankle giving good support in case you have an ankle roll
• There’s little to no break-in period for these boots, meaning you can get to working in them right away
• The shock-absorbing insole gives you plenty of cushioning so you can work and walk all day without discomfort or pain

We don’t like this as much

• As these boots are designed to be wider, they may not provide such a good fit for those with thinner feet

3. Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Industrial Boot

This waterproof industrial boot from Caterpillar comes in a choice of brown or black and is a soft-toe work boot. Perfect for difficult projects and extreme job sites, these are great all-around waterproof work boots.

The uppers are made from resilient full-grain leather and have D-ring lace eyelets with speed lacing at the last two lace points for quick lace-ups. The comfortable fit that these boots possess will gradually form to your individual feet producing practically a custom fit. They have padded collars, tongues, and to make it easy to pull on and off, there are finger pulls.

The deep tread in the rugged outsole exceeds the requirements of ASTM standards for traction and is T1260 heat, abrasion, oil, and slip-resistant. These boots also give you additional protection from electric shocks and they are rated to protect you against live circuits, cables, and wires up to 600V in conditions that are considered dry.

The midsole of the Caterpillar Threshold boot is a flexible ERGO that is 30% lighter with more shock-absorbing properties than the standard EVA midsoles found in other waterproof work boots. They also have a nylon shank for ankle support, and the whole boot has a nylon mesh lining to help control sweat and moisture from ruining your day. To add to the robustness, there are rubber toe and heel guards to protect the leather from scuffs, and every seam is sealed and double stitched.

Features:

• Slip-resistant soles
• Waterproof sealed seams
• Electrical hazard protection
• Flexible shock-absorbing midsole

What we love

• The materials used in these boots make them suitable for all kinds of weather, summer or winter, rain or snow
• The boot width is excellent for those with wider feet, practically making it feel as if you’re wearing slippers
• They are lightweight and the sizes are true to fit, with hardly any break-in period required

We don’t like this as much

• The laces that are supplied with these boots are a little lightweight, so a separate pair is recommended to be purchased

4. Carhartt Construction Shoe

The Carhartt rugged flex work boot has been designed and constructed to move with you and keep your feet dry no matter the weather. The rubber, flexible sole gives the ultimate grip when climbing ladders, walking over rough ground or concrete, and the double layer of cushioning gives you all-day comfort.

These boots have composite toe caps that provide protection against compression and impact. They also provide the wearer with a second layer of protection against accidentally coming in contact with live electric wires or cables up to 18,000 volts. The CMF6371 construction shoe has proprietary “Storm Defender” waterproof protection. This breathable membrane allows your feet to remain dry while permitting air to circulate.

Choose from black or dark brown oil-tanned leather with normal lace eyelets, “D” eyelets, and two speed laces at the top of the boot. There is an EVA midsole plus a cushioned polyurethane insole for added support to give an element of shock-absorbance.

The toe and heel have rubber bumpers for stability as a safeguard against slipping. The inside of the boot has a FastDry polyester lining material to help remove any sweat. 

Features:

• Electrical hazard protection
• Shock-absorbing insole
• Waterproof breathable protection
• Oil-tanned leather uppers

What we love

• The toe box in the Carhartt construction shoe is wide enough so that there is no rubbing on your toes
• The soft leather means there is very little to no “breaking in” period which is a plus in work boots
• They are comfortable with plenty of padding on the ball of the foot and heels plus support through the arches

We don’t like this as much

• The only potential negative is that the tongue of the boot tends to rub a little after wearing it for a long period

5. WOLVERINE Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot

The Wolverine Overpass insulated work boot showcases Contour Welt® technology that provides superior flexibility and comfort. It has been designed to move and flex at certain essential points as you move and bend your feet so that the boot delivers maximum performance and relief from foot pain. Toe protection is by way of a carbon-max composite toe cap which is lighter in weight and thinner for a superior fit and is ASTM rated.

Made with a full-grain waterproof leather upper combined with an abrasion-resistant toe, a dual compound, lightweight, rubber sole that is water, oil, slip, chemical, and abrasion-resistant, designed to give you the protection you need on any job site.

These boots are six inches high with a nylon shank for extra strength. The lace fasteners are raised “D” eyelets that are less abrasive than the normal eyelets, and there are two speed fasteners at the top of the boots to facilitate fast lace-ups.

The inside of the boot has a moisture-wicking mesh lining to absorb sweat and keep your feet cool, plus 400g of insulation for those colder days. Add in the removable “Ortholite” cushioned footbed and your feet will be dry and comfortable all year round.

Features:

• Slip-resistant
• Electrical hazard protection
• Composite toe
• 30-day comfort guarantee

What we love

• The solid feel you get with these boots climbing up and down ladders, and when standing on a ladder rung
• Rubber protective toe covering prevents the leather from getting scuffed if you are on your knees working a lot
• For anyone on their feet all day, these boots give great support, helping to prevent leg fatigue or back pain

We don’t like this as much

• We’d like to see a little extra ventilation with these boots to help keep your feet fresh throughout the day

6. KEEN Utility Philadelphia 6” Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots

The Philadelphia 6” waterproof work boot from KEEN is a combination of a tough work boot and indisputable comfort. Made with full-grain waterproof leather, they are ideal for any strenuous labor in fields such as metal fabrication, construction, landscaping, assembly line, or utility work. The leather is resistant to the effects of chemicals such as sodium chloride, oleic acid, ammonium hydroxide, and urea extending the life of the boots.

The non-metal, carbon fiber toe caps are lighter than steel toe caps by approximately 15%, give a roomier fit where it matters, and meet the ASTM standards for protection against electrical hazards. The toes have an added level of protection from scuffs and damage by way of a rubber cap cover. The soles have a lug pattern to give excellent traction and they are oil and slip-resistant. The 90° heel of the boot is 5/8-inch in height, adding to the grip, and the rubber sole is also rated to be able to withstand heat up to 572° F / 300° C.

With Goodyear welt construction, longevity and functionality are immediately evident in the waterproofing quality of the Philadelphia 6” work boot. The waterproof properties of these boots are additionally complemented by the keen. Dry breathable, waterproof membrane lining that allows moisture out but stops water coming in, helping to keep your feet comfortable and dry.

A nylon shank is built into the boot used to support the mid-foot and give rotation stability. The inner components of the boot include a ‘KEEN Luftcell’, an air-infused PU midsole that offers shock absorption, and underfoot support, plus a removable dual-density Polymer footbed complete with pillow-top cushioning. The boots have a traditional lace-up using fabric-woven laces with robust metal eyelets and speed hooks at the top for a secure, yet comfortable fit.

Features:

• Electrical hazard (EH) or Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) rated
• Full-grain waterproof leather
• Carbon fiber toe cap
• Heat resistant outsole

What we love

• Although they are rigid boots, giving ample ankle support, they are flexible enough to kneel down without any problem
• These are made using a wider footwear form and they actually do accommodate a wide foot
• The one year warranty that these boots come with provides a little extra peace of mind

We don’t like this as much

• We wish there was a little extra insulation in this boot to keep the feet warm of those working in colder environments

7. Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Gore-Tex Waterproof Insulated Work Boot

The Georgia Boot Company brings you an insulated, waterproof soft toe work boot with the ‘Lace-to-Toe’ feature that allows you to adjust the fit of the boots lower on the foot than regular work boots.

Made with 8-inch full-grain leather uppers, these boots are extremely rugged and will stand up to the roughest conditions, with GORE-TEX® fabric, a patented product that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, making these boots suitable for wearing in wet situations. The lace eyelets and speed hooks have all been secured to steel washers to prevent them from being detached while you’re working or in a hurry to lace them up. Being able to customize the fit of the boots from the top of the boot down to the toes means your feet are comfortable without being constricted.

In addition to the normal available sizes, these boots are available in medium, wide and extra-wide fitting, so if you normally have problems getting work boots that fit, these Georgia work boots are well worth looking at.

Made using Goodyear welt construction for strength and stability, the leather, although tough, will stay soft and flexible. The inside of the boots has 200g of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation to keep your feet warm and the whole of the inside is completely lined, plus there is a removable cushioned Orthotic insole. There is a steel shank to give you a steady footing and added arch support while you are working.

Features:

• The outsole can be resoled
• Steel shank
• Solid stud hooks & eyelets
• Goodyear welt construction

What we love

• These boots are comfortable straight out of the box and required little to no breaking in period
• The high cut keeps your ankles supported and the steel shank helps to correct your step
• We especially like the finish on the lace eyelets and speed hooks

We don’t like this as much

• We’d like to see this boot available in a handful of other colors for a little personal touch

8. Muck Boots Chore Classic Tall Steel Toe Rubber Work Boot

The perfect solution for anyone working in landscaping or construction where water is prevalent, these 12-inch high, Muck Chore Classic Tall Rubber Work Boots with a steel toe cap will keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter what the terrain or conditions.

Made with 5mm neoprene, they are waterproof and shock-absorbing, with a steel shank that provides extra support, and for additional protection, they have triple reinforcing layers in the toe and quadruple reinforcing layers in the heel. The lightweight rubber outsole with a deep tread pattern gives you unrivaled traction, even in the harshest of conditions. Not only do these boots have outer waterproof qualities, but they keep your feet dry inside by absorbing moisture and perspiration with their breathable air mesh lining allowing air to circulate in the boot. They are comfort rated from below freezing to 65 °F/18 °C.

The overall boot height is 16.5 inches and the shaft is 17 inches in circumference. The top of the boot has a stretch-fit binding to close around the calf keeping the heat in, the cold out, and also preventing mud, water or gravel from finding their way into the boot. A removable sock liner is included for added comfort.

If you have been working all day in wet, muddy conditions, these rubber work boots are simple to clean—just hose them off and they are ready for tomorrow.

Features:

• 100% waterproof
• Electrical hazard rated
• Steel toe
• Reinforced toe and heel

What we love

• The soles are solid, the heel shank gives good ankle support and the steel toe cap is a bonus too
• Very comfortable. The uppers are very supple and flex when you walk or kneel down, and your feet are kept dry
• They are warm to wear, but being able to fold down the top solves the heat problem in the summer

We don’t like this as much

• Ensure that you choose a size that fits you straight out of the box, as there are no laces to help ‘tighten’ the boots

9. Timberland PRO Titan Waterproof Boot

The Timberland PRO® Titan waterproof work boot provides lightweight but heavy-duty protection for a multitude of uses. They are a combination of the Titan alloy safety toe and their rugged, oil, heat, slip, and abrasion-resistant rubber outsole. 

Made with 100% full-grain waterproof leather uppers, and a sturdy rubber outsole that gives exceptional grip, these boots are not only tough, they are also very comfortable. The cement construction used in the sole reduces any break-in time and adds to the comfort while reducing the weight of the boots.

They feature a nylon diffusion shank that supplies support, a padded top collar for extra comfort around the ankles, and a breathable, moisture-absorbing inner lining that has been treated to control odor. These boots give you additional underfoot protection from electrical hazards like open circuits or live wires and cables, and they have a rebound heel insert that gives sturdy cushioning and energy return.

Features:

• Asymmetrical alloy safety toe
• Electrical hazard protection
• Cement construction for flexibility
• Timberland PRO® Rubber

What we love

• These boots keep the feet dry, and there are no sweaty or clammy socks. Insoles are dry to the touch
• They are extremely comfortable and to top it all off, they look fantastic
• Designed with plenty of space for the toes. After an initial break-in, they are a joy to wear

We don’t like this as much

• The laces that come with the boots may be a little short, so we recommend purchasing laces that suit your needs

10. NORTIV 8 Safety Steel Toe Work Boots

If safety, comfort, and style are important qualities in your work boots, then the NORTIV 8 Safety steel toe work boots are for you. The ideal pair of hard-wearing work boots that not only serve you well on the job site but are stylish enough to wear at the weekend on a casual night out.

Incorporating a steel safety toe cap, rugged enough to protect your toes from falling objects, they are made with waterproof, full-grain crazy-horse leather uppers, plus a waterproof membrane that will keep your feet dry and cool. The waterproof leather is long-lasting and with a breathable fabric lining, this winning combination gives you maximum comfort along with enduring protection.

They feature a dynamic three-sole system. A removable, shock-absorbing, cushioned insole for all-day support and comfort, a flexible MD midsole that reduces absorbs shocks and reduces foot fatigue, and a rubber out-sole that is flexible enough to respond to different terrains, and is abrasion, oil, and slip-resistant.

The lace eyelets are a “D” link design that goes a long way in preventing the laces from fraying, plus two speed-hooks at the top of the boot for fast lace-ups. The laces supplied are of a braided nature, giving extra strength and security to the wearer.

Features:

• Dynamic 3-sole system
• Quality crazy-horse leather
• Impact-reducing midsole
• Multi-directional traction sole

What we love

• They are comfortable and lightweight
• They look good with practically no break-in period, and the speed lacing makes it easy to tie-up
• The support they give means no more tired or aching feet

We don’t like this as much

• Users report that if you lace them all the way up, the tongue may bunch up at the top and sides

Frequently asked questions:

What are the advantages of having waterproof work boots?

Work boots aren’t meant to make a fashion statement. They are meant to keep you safe at work. So what are the advantages of having waterproof work boots?

Support.

You are probably on your feet most of the workday, and this can ultimately have an adverse effect on your feet and legs, not to mention your back. Work boots have been designed to help make your workday a bit easier. Nearly all waterproof work boots available today have built-in heel and arch support so that your feet stay in an ergonomic and healthy position all day. Some waterproof work boots have shock-absorbing insoles and other features like torsion support.

Increased performance.

Believe it or not, but a good pair of waterproof work boots can actually help in your work productivity. With the safety features they have, combined with the comfort they provide, you’ll be able to work for longer periods of time without feeling the need to take a break because of aching feet or general fatigue.

Maneuverability.

If you work on a construction site, you know how messy that can be. Obstacles all over, such as water, mud, and other liquids are commonplace, and you have to maneuver safely from job to job. Work boots make this task a little easier. Rugged soles mean you won’t slip so much. Climbing ladders in the rain becomes easier. Some of the best waterproof work boots reach above your ankles with full lacing, giving you total support.

What makes a good work boot?

A good work boot should have at least the following attributes:

• Toe protection. Work boots should have adequate toe protection and should meet the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The types of toe cap protection include:

• Steel toe caps are the most commonly used in work boots. Steel is a conductive material and as such your feet will probably feel cold in the winter.
• Composite toe caps. Lightweight, made from carbon fiber, plastic, and Kevlar, they don’t absorb heat or cold.
• Aluminum toe caps are perfect for workers in construction since they are lighter than steel although they are thicker.

• Rugged soles that give good traction, are non-slip, and are oil and abrasion-resistant. Also important are soles that have ladder treads to give extra security when climbing. Being rated with electrical hazard protection will provide you with a supplementary layer of protection underfoot in the event you come in contact with live electrical wires.
• Comfortable insoles that provide support for the arch and heel areas. Various types of insoles are available for different situations, including anti-fatigue insoles.
• Sturdy construction. Boots that have been constructed using welts and stitches are able to be resoled or repaired, extending their life.

How do you break in your waterproof work boots faster?

When you buy a new pair of waterproof work boots, they may not feel very comfortable the first time you wear them. So, what do you do? Here are some tips to help you with the process:

• Whenever you are home, wear them with a pair of thick socks or more than one pair of ordinary socks. This stretches the inside area and helps conform them to the shape of your feet. Wear them as often as you can for as long as you can, while bending your toes, heels, and arch.
• Soak the boots in warm water for between 30 minutes and an hour. (NOT THE INSIDE) Being waterproof, this will not damage the boots but will help to loosen the fibers in the leather. Put a pair of thick socks on and wear the boots. Continue wearing them until they feel almost dry, then with the boots still on your feet, finish the drying process with a hairdryer.
• Use boot stretchers. A boot stretcher is designed to stretch your boots in various places by mechanical means. Insert the stretcher into the boots and adjust it until you feel it has reached its limit. Repeat until they fit.

The benefits of using waterproof work boots:

If your job involves being outside most of the day, exposed to all kinds of weather, then you know how vital it is to stay warm and dry. Your feet, however, are one of the hardest areas of the body to accomplish this. The answer is waterproof work boots. Here are some of the benefits of having work boots that are waterproof.

Keeping your feet dry.

It goes without saying that if you have waterproof work boots they must be capable of keeping your feet dry. Modern technological advancements make this possible without using all rubber. Materials able to keep water out while allowing air to circulate are now available in work boots.

Staying safe.

If your feet are wet inside your boots, it’s not only uncomfortable but it is unhealthy. The protection you get from waterproof boots means that bacteria or unsafe chemicals stay where they belong. Waterproof work boots also have rugged soles to give you grip on slippery surfaces.

Durability.

Unlike standard work boots waterproof boots won’t deteriorate over time when wet, and if you are on a construction site then at some point your boots are going to get wet. Another advantage is that they don’t have to be put aside to dry out.

• Budget – Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Industrial Boot
• Mid-range – Timberland PRO Women’s Titan Waterproof Boot
• High End – KEEN Utility Men’s Philadelphia 6” Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots Construction

Related post: 10 Best Wide Work Boots Work Boot Slip on Winter Work Boots and Best Steel Toe Shoes

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