Pull-on work boots can protect your feet from grime and muck, dangerous hazards and the weather and keep you comfortable while you’re on the job. You need to consider the construction and materials of the boots as well as waterproofing and toe protection when selecting a pair of pull-on work boots. The Timberland Pro Women’s Titan Waterproof Boot is flexible, lightweight, comfortable and protective.
The pair of work boots you choose depends on your work situation, lifestyle and what you plan to do while wearing the boots. For instance, concrete workers need waterproof work boots with deep tread, while carpenters benefit from boots that protect them against puncture wounds and welders require boots that safeguard them from hot metal shrapnel.
In many work situations, your supervisor will tell you exactly which boots to buy, while in other situations, you might get a set of guidelines, but you need to find the specific pair of work boots. Think about your needs, the kind of toe protection your job requires, whether you need boots with high-tech injection technology or cement adhesive and more.
Some work boots have steel plates on the inside the toe box, while others include toe caps composed of composite or aluminum materials.
Scrape debris and dirt from your boot tread as soon as you can, since ground-in dirt can lead to blistering and abrasions, and mud-filled treads don’t offer any traction. Inspect your boots daily for damage, and use a leather conditioning product such as mink oil to keep the uppers water-resistant and supple. Air out your boots on a shoe stand when not in use.
Some workers like having a metatarsal guard in addition to a toe box. The metatarsal guard fits over the tongue of your boot and extends to the toe box, which protects your upper foot from hot materials and sudden impact.
The quality of the construction between the body and sole of the boot affects its durability. Companies use three methods to attach leather uppers to rubber soles, including cement construction, molded construction and Goodyear welt construction.
The tread style of your boot impacts your comfort and stability at work. If you work in oily or wet conditions, consider a slip-resistant tread that offers additional traction. If you work at a construction site with soft ground, buy shoes with a tread that improves your earth grip.
Pull-on work boots typically range in price from about $60-$200, depending on the quality and construction of the boots.
A. No, not always. Move up at least half of a shoe size for work boots of any style.
A. Leather is flexible, but composite materials, aluminum and steel won’t necessarily flex over time. It’s best to get boots that fit properly the first time rather than assuming your boots will break in over time. It’s worth noting that a boot that’s too loose is just as bad for your feet as a boot that’s too tight.
A. OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This organization adheres to standards recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials, also known as ASTM, for safety-toe work boots. In the past, OSHA endorsed standards by the American National Standards Institute, also known as ANSI.
Timberland Pro Women’s Titan Waterproof Boot
What you need to know: These boots are protective, lightweight and suitable for working on soggy, wet ground.
What you’ll love: These boots include an ergonomic design for all-day wear, an antimicrobial lining to keep bacteria and smells at bay and a rugged design. They’re flexible, breathable and comfortable, and they meet ANSI safety standards.
What you should consider: The toe of the boot sustains scuffs easily, and the boots run slightly narrow.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
CAT Footwear Men’s Threshold Waterproof Industrial Boot
What you need to know: These work boots are affordable while providing multiple supportive and protective features.
What you’ll love: These boots come with a slip-resistant outsole, a thick rubber sole, an all-leather construction and a waterproof membrane, which works well for working in wet conditions. The outsole of this classic work boot is well-received for the stabilizing traction details.
What you should consider: These boots sometimes see wear and tear sooner than you might expect.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Wolverine Men’s Overpass Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot
What you need to know: These tough work boots will hold up even under difficult work conditions.
What you’ll love: These shoes feature a removable OrthoLite-cushioned footbed for supreme comfort all day. They also come with waterproof leather to keep your feet dry in all weather conditions and a lightweight carbon max toe-cap for extra protection from abrasion.
What you should consider: These work boots don’t breathe well, so they might develop a smell or feel too warm.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Alex Kilpatrick writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
