For truck drivers, a durable, long lasting and comfortable pair of work boots are necessary given the kind of work that they do on and off the truck.
Good work boots need to protect the feet from the ground underneath and anything that can potentially fall and injure the feet.
High quality work gear and accessories, such as work boots, can lend to more productivity and efficiency throughout the day, which can make any worker stand out. Good boots can also give individuals more confidence with the work they do, whether they’re hauling, driving, or moving items on and off the truck.
If you work in any field where you rely on your feet to get you through the day, then you’re likely looking for a great pair of boots that will last.
While it’s a good thing thing that there are many choices out there, it can be difficult to determine which brand or style is going to hold up the best.
This is why it’s so important to look at the features that each pair offers in order to determine which is right for you. Fortunately once you have these on your feet, you’ll see why it was worth the effort to search for quality boots that you can rely on.
What are Important Work Boot Features?
One of the best ways to narrow down all of the work boots for men is by taking a look at the features they offer. While color might be important for some, the core features of the boots will lend to their longevity and durability. To help get you started with your search, some of the most important features to look for include:
Comfort
A boot can look great and provide coverage, but what if it’s not comfortable? This can make it impossible to wear for a few minutes let alone hours until the end of the day. To make sure you have boots that you will be able to wear for as long as you need to, make sure the insole is soft and comfortable. This will help absorb shock from walking around while helping to ensure the bottom of your feet don’t get sore from short walks.
Safety
Even outside of a hazardous work environment, safety features are still very important. This means they should have safety toes (these normally come in aluminum, composite, or steel materials) to help offer additional protection for the toes. Rubber outsoles with deep lugs are also important because they help provide maximum traction for all types of surfaces. In addition to this, it’s helpful to have steel eyelets where you lace up to make sure your feet stay secure and in place throughout the day.
Waterproof
Waterproof or water resistant boot exteriors are incredibly important because they help keep moisture out. Even if you don’t plan on working in the water, it’s important to have these just in case you come across bad weather or other moisture that might touch your shoes. However, the interior of the boot should still be designed with a breathable insole to ensure feet don’t overheat or get sweaty during a long work day.
Quality Materials
A work boot will not last long if it’s not made with high quality materials that are designed to withstand long days and various climates. Inferior quality materials can also leave anyone with blisters or discomfort when they tear or begin to break down. Reliable boots are generally made from leather and other high quality materials in addition to having solid stitching and construction.
How to Choose Your Work Boots?
The first step in choosing your ideal work boots is determining if they offer the features that are listed above. If they do, then you’ll know you have high quality that you can rely on.
The next step is to think about the type of fit that you want, as some individuals prefer boots that go up and over the ankles while others like those that are easier to slip on.
Last but not least, once you have the boots in hand, it’s important to walk around in them to make sure they are comfortable and fit properly. If they don’t, then take the time to exchange them to make sure your feet will be as comfortable as possible.
To help make the selection process a little less stressful, take a look at some of the toughest boots for men listed below. Not only do these have excellent reviews from professionals in all fields, they also have the features that you want in shoes.
Best Durable & Quality Work Boots for Men
Work Boots | Photo | Rating | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Carhartt CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot | $$$ | ||
Pro Direct 6" Steel Safety Toe Boot by Timberland PRO | $$$ | ||
Direct Attach 6" Boot by Timberland Pro | $$$ | ||
Steel Toe Raider Boot by Wolverine | $$$ | ||
Rugged Handcrafted Boot by Chippewa | $$$$ |
1. Men’s Carhartt Boot Style CMF6366
These Carhartt boots are some of the most highly rated because they are durable as well as comfortable. What makes them truly unique is that they are incredibly flexible so they’re easy to wear.
In addition to this, the heel bumpers are designed to be abrasion resistant so you can wear them for longer lengths of time without discomfort. When it comes to the interior, it has been designed with comfort cushions that wick away moisture prevent sore feet.
There are also EVA midsole inserts that help keep your feet comfortable no matter what type of surface you’re walking on.
Making these boots even better is the fact that they have rubber outsoles that grip to the earth so you can work with confidence without worrying about slipping.
For those further concerned about safety, the boot is water resistant and designed with the highest quality materials (including leather). Carhartt is a brand that is known for making some of the best work boots on the market, so you can rely on these to last for longer than cheaper boots on the market would.
Customer Rating:
>>View More Details or read real Customer Feedback from Amazon
2. Pro Direct 6″ Steel Safety Toe Boot by Timberland PRO
Another well-reviewed work boot, this is made with high quality leather and features a shaft that’s 6″ from the arch.
The heel also measures 1.75″ to provide added height and security. This boot is packed with even more features, including an 8″ insulated steel toe for added safety no matter where you’re working.
It also has 400 grams of insulation to help keep your feet warm during the colder months of the year. Worried about traction? This Timberland Pro boot has a non-marking rubber outsole with deep lugs for incredible traction.
Adding even more to this boot is the fact that it’s finished with seams that are perfectly sealed to remain waterproof. The leather uppers are also waterproof so you don’t have to worry about wet feet. However, the mesh lining inside of the footbed helps to wick away interior moisture and has also been treated with antimicrobial solutions to prevent odors. To help make sure your foot is supported, the boots have also been designed with nylon shock diffusion plates.
For those who work in the electrical field, these shoes have electrical hazard protection so they are safe to wear. They have also been engineered with smart arch support to reduce fatigue and soreness on the feet.
Customer Rating:
>>View More Details or read real Customer Feedback from Amazon
3. Men’s Direct Attach 6″ Boot by Timberland Pro
Available in neutral colors such as tan, black, and dark brown, these Timberland Pro boots will not disappoint.
They have been designed with a shaft that measures 6″ from the arch and lace up to a padded collar for comfort without pressure while being worn.
These boots also feature Thermolite insulation to help keep feet warm as well as dry, even when they are sweating. For those concerned about quality, the boots have waterproof leather that lasts long and seam-sealed construction for added durability.
The steel safety toe and electrical hazard features offer another layer of protection for those who work hard. The rubber soles are also made with deep lugs to provide traction on any surface.
Further adding to the comfort, these Timberland boots have padded top collars that prevent blisters and ensure a nice fit from the very first time being worn. Those who have purchased these boots say that they are excellent choices because they provide solid ankle support, are slip resistant, and last quite a long time. If you need boots for work that you don’t have to break in, this is likely to be an excellent pair.
Customer Rating:
>>View More Details or read real Customer Feedback from Amazon
4. Men’s Steel Toe Raider Boot by Wolverine
Available in brown or black, these sleek work boots have great online reviews from those who own them.
Even better than the style that they offer is the fact that they have been made with solid construction and high quality materials.
This includes genuine full-grain leather uppers, cushioned footbeds, and flexibility for comfort. In addition to this, these Wolverine boots have mesh linings inside of them that allow the foot to breathe so moisture buildup doesn’t cause irritation or discomfort.
If you work on various surfaces, the MultiShox outsoles, which are made of rubber, will resist chemicals, heat, oil, etc., so you don’t have to worry about traction.
If you work hard and long days, the steel toe will keep you protected and ensure your toes are kept safe all throughout the day. If you’re in the electrical field, these boots have been electrical hazard rated so you can rely on them. Offering incredible support, pads to absorb shock, and high quality materials, these shoes are excellent to have for all types of jobs. Even if this isn’t a brand you are familiar with, the excellent reviews make them worth trying out to see what they have to offer.
Customer Rating:
>>View More Details or read real Customer Feedback from Amazon
5. Men’s Rugged Handcrafted Boot by Chippewa
These boots were handcrafted in the USA and are known for being designed with some of the best materials available. They are also designed to look nice and have an American flag lace pin on the front for an added bit of style. The shaft on this is approximately 5.75″ from the arch and the shoe has been made from leather. The boot also offers traction as well as stability thanks to the lug pattern on the outside. The rubber makes the shoe slip-resistant as well, but doesn’t make the weight bulky so it’s easy to wear for long periods of time.
When it comes to comfort, these boots have a removable cushion insert that you can choose to wear based on your preferences. In addition to this, the leather around the ankle helps to prevent chafing and blisters. Although some reviewers do say that these require a short break-in time to get used to, they explain it’s worth it for how long they last and the excellent quality they provide. These boots are overall excellent for someone who wants a stylish yet long-lasting work boot for any type of job.
Customer Rating:
>>View More Details or read real Customer Feedback from Amazon
Which Work Boots are Right for You?
By taking a look at the best rated toughest boots that are listed above, you’ll have a much better idea of what qualities make up a truly long-lasting shoe.
No matter which you choose, make sure you give yourself some time to try the style on before you begin to wear it out. This will help make sure it fits your foot and is the style that’s ideal for the type of work that you do.
Want to make sure your shoes last as long as possible? It’s best to maintain them by drying them if they get wet (even if they are waterproof), keeping them clean, and using leather cleaner to condition the leather.
By doing these short and easy maintenance techniques you’re sure to make this investment last a lot longer.
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.