There are many challenges truck drivers face that everyday drivers aren’t aware of, like feet that become tired and sore after a long day of driving and dealing with cargo exchanges. This is surprising to most people who think that drivers don’t ever get out of the truck, but the reality is that they move quite a bit when they have to pick up/ drop off boxes, climb up to the cabin and lift heavy parts. Not to mention their feet are pressing on the gas and brakes for many hours each trip, making a structured boot incredibly important.
While practicing smart safety precautions can help keep feet safe, it’s also essential for drivers to have work boots that protect them. In fact, it’s often regulation for drivers to wear proper footwear at all times while they’re working, otherwise they could face fines by the company they work for. For any driver who doesn’t want to settle for a just any shoe, it’s beneficial to look into a brand new pair of work boots. There are more available than ever before, and because they are designed with safety in mind, they are perfect for truck drivers who want to remain protected.
Work Boots Reduce Risk and Offer Safety for Truck Drivers
Truck drivers should be comfortable while they are driving, especially since they’re on the road for an average of 8-10 hours every day. Unfortunately some drivers think that this means it’s okay to wear flip flops, sandals or even no shoes at all, and that can be incredibly dangerous for themselves and other drivers on the road. Flip flops can easily get caught behind the gas pedal or brake and being barefoot can reduce the driver’s ability to control the huge truck properly. In addition to this, improper footwear can be dangerous when walking outside to unload/load on uneven, icy, snowy or wet terrains.
According to the United States Department of Labor, proper footwear is also important for the protection of the back as well as other parts of the body. Due to the fact that truck drivers constantly unload pallets, lift heavy boxes and climb on/off their truck, they are at an especially high risk of strain if they don’t have the right shoes covering their feet. Having the right trucker gear, like work gloves and trucker boots with a solid structure will provide the proper protection and comfort. Wearing foot gear that offer support for the entire length of the foot, and also absorb shock when doing heavy lifting are some features to look at.
Although new work boots might take a driver a little while to get used to, they can be well worth it. Not only can this reduce the risk of injury while transferring cargo, but it can also keep them safer while driving on a daily basis. Listed below are some of the best work boots for truck drivers to consider. These are available in all different price ranges and styles so anyone can find the boot that fits their budget and individual taste. By utilizing these any truck driver will see the benefits from the first time they put them on their feet for a long haul.
Top Five Work Boots for Truck Drivers
When it comes to any type of shoe, and especially work boots, not everyone wants the same thing. Some individuals may prefer a boot that laces up while others might want something that has a sturdy rubber heel. This is why it’s important to research each of the options below to determine which suits your preference the best. Each boot listed will have all the essential information about features and benefits so you are able to more easily make your choice.
| Work Boots | Feature | Rating | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timberland PRO Direct Attach 6" Steel Safety Toe Waterproof Insulated Boot |
|
 |
$$$ |
| Timberland White Ledge Men's Waterproof Boot
|
|
|
$$$ |
| Timberland PRO Men's 26036 Direct Attach 6" Soft Toe Boot
|
|
 |
$$$ |
| Golden Fox Oil Full Grain Leather Moc Toe Light Weight Work Boots for Men Brown 7 D(M) |
|
 |
$$ |
| Air Balance Durable Black Leather Steel Toe Slip Resistant Insulated Work Boots |
|
 |
$ |
1. Timberland PRO Direct Attach 6″ Steel Safety Toe Waterproof Insulated Boot ($$$)
If you’ve never worn a pair of Timberland boots, then you’re in for an experience unlike any other when these are slipped on. These boots have rubber outsoles that are incredibly durable for rough use, but they also offer traction for adverse weather conditions that truck drivers face throughout the year. In addition to this, they are made with waterproof leather to help keep the foot dry, even in terrains that are wet or muddy. Truck drivers will appreciate the steel safety toe on these boots that offer extra protection against bumps or even cargo boxes being dropped on them. They’ll also appreciate the mesh lining that is treated with a special anti-microbial solution for the prevention of odor (which is useful for really long truck rides).
Timberland PRO boots are made with special structures that help reduce and even eliminate foot fatigue with arch support and added cushioning in the ball of the foot. There’s also a diffusion plate installed within the foot bed to help evenly disperse pressure when lifting something heavy. All of these features make this boot one of the top choices for truck drivers, especially since they are made to last for many years.
Individuals who purchase this boot also appreciate the fact that there is a comfortable lining installed that makes the boot easy to get used to and reduces the amount of time it takes to “break in” the shoe. The shaft measures 6″ from the arch and the heel measures 1.75″ so these are structured with comfort and increased safety in mind. They lace up and tie behind the tongue to reduce the chance of tripping over laces. With many different colors available, including wheat, yellow, black, brown and gray, anyone can find a style that they like.
2. Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot ($$$)
Another great boot made by Timberland, the Ledge style comes in wide or standard to accommodate all widths. It’s also available in many colors, including: dark brown, black, wheat, brown and tan. With an almost 5 star rating by over 5,000 people, this is sure to be a shoe that you will enjoy wearing while driving a truck for any number of hours. It’s made from high quality leather and has a rubber sole that is designed to make walking on any terrain much easier. It’s also designed with a shaft that’s 5″ from the arch, a 1.5″ heel and .75″ platform.
Because truck drivers often deal with unpleasant weather that brings rain, sleet and snow, the closely sealed seams and waterproof leather on these shoes will be especially useful. It will help keep the feet dry and will also increase the durability of the shoe as a whole. Not to mention this type of leather is very soft and will therefore be comfortable to wear for many hours without taking them off. The breathable footbed within the boot even has a perforated design to help wick away moisture so the foot is always left dry, cool and smelling great.
Any drivers who need added support will appreciate the B.S.F.P. support system that this Timberland boot offers. It includes a durable out-sole to help you stop, climb and walk with much more ease and stability. It also includes flexed grooves that are located behind the ball of the foot to help increase comfort while you step. Last, the gusseted tongue will reduce some of the pressure that laces often create off of the foot, offering a more comfortable experience from the time the shoe is put on until it’s taken off.
3. Timberland PRO Men’s 26036 Direct Attach 6″ Soft Toe Boot ($$$)
With a close to 5-star rating out of almost 1,000 reviews, this is a style that people in all types of industries trust to protect their feet. It’s made from high quality waterproof leather that is sealed closely at the seams to prevent any moisture from getting in. And to help keep feet dry no matter what the weather outside is like, there’s a mesh lining that allows the feet to breathe and comfortably move around. The design is also made with a supportive arch to help prevent and reduce foot fatigue, which is something any truck driver is sure to appreciate when they are loading and unloading their truck.
The 26036 boot is made to be comfortable from the first time it’s worn, which eliminates the initial “breaking in” period that most wearers dread. It will provide stability, comfort and durability for truck drivers who need to be sure-footed while they are driving and safe while they are hauling heavy cargo around. It’s available in many different sizes as well as colors that include black, wheat and brown so anyone can choose the style that fits their style the best.
4. Golden Fox Oil Full Grain Leather Plain Toe with Lightweight Work Boot ($$)
Golden Fox is a brand that’s known for being affordable while providing a high quality boot that is designed to last. This boot in particular has an outsole with lightweight oil resistant Rubberlon to help keep water out and the feet dry. It is also constructed with a plain toe and steel-shank foot board to ensure stability, safety and added comfort. The rich brown color and lace-up design is something that any truck driver can appreciate, as it is easy to wear with jeans and a comfortable t-shirt. Individuals who own this boot boast about how long it lasts and say that it’s very comfortable from the first time they wear it, making it ideal for truck drivers.
5. Air Balance Men’s Durable Black Leather Steel Toe – Slip Resistant Insulated Work Boots ($)
This boot is one of the most affordable choices, but that doesn’t mean it will compromise the safety of the person wearing it. The design is created with high quality leather that’s water, oil and slip resistant. It’s also insulated for added warmth, but has mesh inserts that allow circulation to prevent moisture from building up. In addition to this, there is a steel toe installed within the boot to offer added protection from the foot from injury. The lace-up design means being able to control how tight the shoe is, and the tie can be tucked under the tongue so tripping over laces isn’t an issue.
If you’re looking for a durable shoe that’s affordable, then this Air Balance boot is a solid choice. It will help keep you protected when walking through adverse terrains and will also provide added support that’s needed when lifting heavy objects or climbing onto the truck. It may not last as long as other options, but because it’s available at such a good price, it’s easy to replace as often as you find necessary.
Making Your Choice
When it comes to being a truck driver, there are a lot of ways you can increase both your comfort and safety. However, not many are more important than the shoes on your feet. Make sure you choose a solid work boot to wear on a daily basis so you can control your truck with stability and unload your cargo bed with more support. The boots that are listed above are some of the most highly rated by individuals in all types of industries, meaning they can handle wear and tear no matter what you’re doing on a daily basis.
How should you choose? Make sure your choice isn’t only determined by the cost of the boot (which varies based on brand and style), but also the features that are offered. These can vary considerably based on the brand, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for. For example, if you want a waterproof boot to help keep your feet dry when you’re driving through states with bad weather, then make sure that is a feature you see listed. If it’s not, then consider a different brand so you get what you want and don’t have to compromise.
Last, remember that comfort isn’t the only thing to keep in mind. While your sandals might be enjoyable while you’re driving, they likely won’t offer the protection and support that you need. It’s worthwhile to invest in a quality pair of work boots that you can rely on to help you do your job the right way. From the first time you put a pair on you’ll see the difference they make, whether you’re driving for 8 hours or are unloading a heavy cargo load after a long day.
Check out our review of the toughest, most durable and quality work boots.
Geoff is a freelance writer at TruckersTraining.com with 20+ years of experience driving trucks and buses, dispatching, supervising, and training commercial driving teams. His expertise is writing topics on the transportation and trucking industry, and information technology trends.
