The Best Work Boots of 2024

Caterpillar (CAT) has been known as a leader in construction and earth-moving equipment since 1925. With its prowess as one of the best in the business, it has also pushed to offer builders-quality footwear and clothing that’s as durable as its machinery.

After testing for several weeks, the Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot ($140) came out on top. The Alaska 2.0 is a 6-inch steel toe boot that was newly designed for increased comfort, while still offering the same safety features and durability that CAT has always been known for.

The boot features a full-grain leather upper that’s waterproof and durable. Compared to most new work boots we tried, these provided immediate comfort straight out of the box with a broken-in feel that only gets more comfortable with use. They’re comfortable and flexible enough for long, hard days on the job site, and we didn’t feel the urge to get out of them as quickly as possible when we got home.

The uppers feature mesh sides as well as a mesh liner for breathability. They have a large leather pull loop to make slipping them on a breeze and heavy-duty riveted metal loops and hooks for the laces.

A steel shank in the sole provides stability and support but does not overwhelm the flexibility of this boot. Many work boots boast protection but are bulky and can negatively affect your gait. The Alaska 2.0 felt nimble and still allowed for foot awareness. The abrasion and slip-resistant outsoles shed mud and dirt easily while offering good traction. These boots are also built with a Goodyear welt, which means they can be resoled repeatedly.

The CAT Alaska 2.0 boots come in 6-inch steel toe (tested), 6-inch standard toe ($135), and 8-inch steel toe insulated ($155) varieties. For comfort and durability, these are some of the best work boots for a wide range of environments and projects.

We understand that not everyone can afford the best on the market, especially when you’re just starting out. I recall my first construction job and the boss saying, “Don’t show up if you don’t have steel-toe work boots on.”

I spent over an hour at the local fleet store looking at boots, not sure what to buy, and worried I wouldn’t be able to afford the high prices for a good pair of boots. The pair I ended up with hurt my feet terribly after a long day’s work and were so heavy that I felt like I had weights strapped to my feet.

The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot ($115), fits the needs of someone looking for a great boot at a lower price. The Second Shift is comfortable enough right out of the box to wear for a full day’s work with no blistering or hot spots. As you wear them, the thick, oiled leather uppers break into a really comfortable fit that forms to your foot. It has a padded cuff to prevent chafing and a mesh liner that allows your feet to breathe.

These boots can handle water exposure decently well; they’re water resistant but not waterproof. I found that on a long day in the slush of a Minnesota spring, the leather was soaked and my feet were starting to get damp. Because of this, I would say these are best suited for dry location work with occasional water exposure.

Keeping the leather oiled helps keep the water out in the occasional deep puddle or on really wet days when I’m outside. The slip-resistant tread is shaped in a way that sheds dirt and rocks very well while still providing great traction. Sole and mid-foot flexibility is great as well, allowing for all-day comfort.

If you’re shopping for work boots on a budget, the Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boots are a great buy.

KEEN Utility’s Chicago work boots ($200) are as comfortable as you can get for a real work boot. The construction quality is evident to the touch, the eye, and the try-on feel. Crisp stitching, clean, straight lines, and generous use of full-grain leather dotted with quality hook and hole hardware set the product apart.

The break-in time is much shorter than an all-leather “heritage” work boot. KEEN incorporates fabric in the upper flex zones as well as decent forefoot flex in the sole, making these feel wonderful on the feet right out of the box.

With that said, our reviewer “went full-blown lumberjack” with his KEENs, going on a 6-hour hike in the woods. Hot spots ensued on both heels, which could probably be chalked up to the stiffness of the soles and stout heel cup. Both lend to the supportive structure of the boot. The carbon safety toe was unnoticeable, however, making them possibly the best protective-toe boot we’ve ever worn.

The arch feels low as well, but it’s not grossly unsupportive. And we didn’t notice too much arch fatigue related to the low arch. Traction is excellent in mud as well as on ice. The soles have ample, thin sipes that provide great traction in winter conditions.

The boots aren’t insulated but are lined with KEEN Utility’s proprietary bootie liner. It helps trap heat, providing enough “R-value” to work into the low 30s. KEEN’s Chicago boots are at home doing real work. They’re relatively stiff, but not more than they need to be. They deliver the protection and support you need in a utility boot without being overly uncomfortable.

The Chicagos aren’t aimed at the lumbersexual (if that’s you, take a look at the heritage boots in this review). But they look good enough to pass this threshold when they need to.

The Chicago Work Boots are available in a 6-inch boot with a carbon fiber toe (reviewed), a met-guard ($180), and a low-cut Oxford ($165). If you don’t need the protection and just want a comfortable boot for tasks around the house, we’d recommend considering the soft toe ($185).

If you gave a child a crayon and asked them to draw a work boot, chances are they would push back a sketch similar to the Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe ($250). A simple 6-inch shaft; bold, reinforced stitching; and a moccasin-style cap sewn over a wedge sole — it’s an American classic that defines the early work boot.

Many companies sell a wedge-style moc toe, but nobody owns the market like Thorogood. The American Heritage 6-inch remains the brand’s bellwether boot.

The American Heritage style has worked its way into the closets of the fashion-forward. But make no mistake — this is a hardworking boot that’s entirely capable of an honest day’s work. The 2.2mm, oil-tanned leather upper is unlined, triple-stitched for durability, and anchored to the MAXwear wedge sole with a Goodyear storm welt.

People who stand on hard surfaces all day swear by them for comfort. Why? Instead of putting pressure on a heel and the ball of the foot, the flat outsole disperses your weight across the entire sole. The tread is too shallow for reliable traction outside, but this boot excels on the hard, smooth, slick surfaces you find in warehouses.

One of the best parts of owning a pair of American Heritage boots is Thorogood’s restoration program. After you’ve put some abusive miles on them, you can box them up and send them back to Thorogood, where the brand will rebuild your boots by hand to a “like new” condition for $90-125.

Not every job requires the protective heft of the safety toe, and that’s why we love the flexibility and comfort of this classic soft-toe moc. It has the durability most weekend workers will ever need, and provides the unassuming confidence to walk through life’s lighter tasks.

If you need more protection, the American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe is available in a steel-toe model ($255).

Since 1932, Danner has been renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and making durable boots for tradesmen and women. The Danner Steel Yard ($200) is part of the brand’s most popular work boot family. But with the addition of the metatarsal guard paired with a steel toe, you’ve got the best total protection for your foot.

The upper full-grain leather has been tested six times to ensure it is the strongest and most durable leather. The Goodyear welt construction attaches the outsole to the upper and creates a stable and long-lasting connection. The outsole uses an oil-and-slip-resistant rubber with angled lugs and a defined heel for versatile traction. It is also Electrical Hazard Certified. These are made to keep you safe.

Safety is crucial, but comfort is a bonus. The inside has a mesh lining to help with airflow, a patent-pending plush, dual-density footbed, and underfoot venting for airflow. The heel is slightly narrow, but it opens up in the toe box. 

Our tester noted that while the footbed is comfortable, the steel plate over the metatarsals does limit flexibility. However, it is a small price to pay for the safety the Danner Steel Yard provides.

Although BOGS is best known for its neoprene pull-on “farm” boots, the brand’s work boots are worth a look. Available in a variety of protection types, BOGS’ Bedrock series is a lightweight boot that wears like a hiker. We particularly like the 6-Inch Bedrock II ($170).

At the core of the boot is the bouncy midsole. The soft boot truly feels like a hiker and can be worn straight out of the box. This is what we’d expect from a boot with a cemented outsole, which generally provides a wonderfully comfortable fit.

The pebbled insole is a nice touch too. Slide your feet into the boots, and the insole massages your feet. It’s super comfortable and wakes up the feet in the early morning.

The entire boot is wrapped with lightweight but protective “action” leather. This “shell” leather is reputed to be 10 times more durable than traditional leather and (true to all BOGS) is 100% waterproof.

With a 6-inch shaft, the boot has the potential to be very supportive. We just wished it offered a little more, as we found more ankle support in some of the other 6-inch boots we tested.

The BOGS Bedrock 6-Inch WP runs slightly wide, and it looks like it. With a large profile, we’d recommend sizing down a half size for a more precise fit.

Overall, the combination of supple materials and a wonderfully comfortable midsole made this boot the most comfortable work boot we stepped into this year.

For really cold, snowy, wet conditions, we reach for a simple pull-on neoprene boot. They’re super easy to work with and provide bombproof weather protection. Muck’s Arctic Pro ST ($215) is the go-to boot for contractors in Idaho’s ever-expanding mountain towns, and for good reason. They are easy to use, warm the legs, and allow you to work in deep drifts without ingressing snow, which hampers progress.

The 17.5-inch shafts are made from a thick, 8mm neoprene and lined with a soft fleece. The lower boot is protected by a rubber layup, adding complete waterproofing. A 2mm thermal foam footbed rides over the EVA midsole. It’s comfortable and prevents valuable heat from seeping out of the sole.

The boots are anchored to a Bob Tracker outsole. It’s not an aggressive hiker grip and doesn’t sport the ice-gripping rubber found on the Arctic Ice. Overall, it’s more suitable for snow and “muck.”

A comprehensive package brings these boots’ comfort range all the way down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit. We haven’t tested these ratings, and we hope you don’t have to either. But know that you’ll be comfortable working through any wet, wintry task.

Muck’s Arctic boot line is available in mid and tall models. But for serious work, we recommend the Pro version, which is the warmest in the fleet and sports a steel toe and shank for protection.

The Muck Arctic Pro ST fits true to size with a minimal sock. Keep in mind, Muck Boots are only available in whole sizes. If you prefer a thicker sock, we’d recommend sizing up.

The pull-on ankle boot is one of our favorite boot styles. They fit over the foot with ease and quickly kick off after a long day of work. Our Blundstone 566 is one of our favorite winter boots and is great for more desk-bound, office work. But they aren’t suitable for hard labor.

Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea ($180) is an interpretation of the pull-on through the lens of the work boot. All seams on the 6-inch boot are double-stitched, which locks all the high-stress points. The composite safety toe rides unobtrusively inside the boot. And the silhouette is slightly stouter than a non-safety-toe boot, but the Chelsea styling hides it well.

The McKinney Chelsea runs about a size too large. We’d recommend buying a full size down from your normal size. But once the fit is dialed, you get a boot that provides all-day comfort with wearable protection. The composite toe is very light and provides full coverage for the first four toes. The pinky toe rides just outside the toebox.

Kodiak’s McKinney has a fat chevron tread. The traction is blocky, but the spacing is tight and prone to collecting debris. A 1.5cm heel gives the boot a middle-of-the-line lift that, in our minds, splits the difference between what we look for in an indoor and outdoor boot, making this boot a good all-rounder.

The leather on the McKinney Chelsea is waterproof. Unfortunately, the elastic stretch panels are not. Step into anything deeper than 4 inches, and your feet will get wet.

We also wished the boots had a front pull-on strap to pair with the back. Of course, that sort of detailing starts to tread into the look and feel of a stylish pull-on style boot, so we’ll let it slide.

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots ($470) are built to withstand tough conditions. They have double and triple stitching in high wear areas, 2.8 mm thick full-grain leather uppers, and 7mm nylon midsoles for extra support.  There are no seams down the tongue for abrasion resistance and to beef up its waterproofness. 

At 7” tall, these boots provide excellent ankle support, crucial for navigating uneven or rocky landscapes. The Lightweight K-Talon outsole and protective rubber sole guard give you confidence on slippery or loose surfaces. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or working in demanding environments, the boots offer solid footing.

The Windtex® waterproof capabilities are outstanding, keeping your feet dry even in wet and muddy conditions. This feature saved our tester’s feet as he packed out his elk in wintery weather in a canoe.  

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots are an excellent choice for individuals who demand performance and durability in challenging outdoor environments. With top-notch waterproofing, traction, and support, these boots excel in various conditions. While there might be a brief break-in period, they are not insulated, and with a noticeably higher price point, the long-term reliability and comfort make them a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Timberland’s PRO line offers boots for serious work, but keeps comfort in mind. The Boondocks boots ($200) are protected with soft, waterproof leather and a robust rubber-toe bumper, all sewn together with double, triple, and quadruple stitching. These boots exude quality in look and feel.

Despite tipping the scales at 35 ounces (per boot), these hardwearing boots are deceptively light on the feet. Under the hood, the toes are protected by a composite safety toe. A fiberglass shank lightens the load while providing structural support. The midsole is made from dual-density foams, simultaneously subtracting weight and adding flexibility and comfort.

The Boondocks have a hybrid outsole. The front three-quarters of the boot is fastened to the upper with a Goodyear welt, but the heel is cemented. Underfoot, the traction has a distinct hiker-style tread that sheds muck and is resistant to slipping, oil, and abrasions.

The combination of a welted and cemented sole allows for durability, stability, and a very comfortable boot that breaks in quickly. These are the most comfortable Goodyear welt* boots on the list. We use an asterisk because, unfortunately, the three-quarter welt is not resoleable.

A fully waterproof bootie sits under the waterproof leather, extending into the gusseted tongue. We typically find this level of weather protection in winter hiking boots but rarely in work boots. Bonus: This also protects against bloodborne critters.

Though the Boondock is not insulated, we found the waterproof membrane adds to the warmth. Our boots tested to be comfortable down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Two speed hooks allow you to lace up to the top of the boot, and the hooks have integrated eyelets so, should you prefer, you can lace the boot entirely through eyelets.

If your 9-to-5 runs closer to 7-to-7, the Boondock shouldn’t be overlooked — these are supremely comfortable boots. Keep in mind, the Boondocks boots run about a half-size big and also wide, especially in the toebox.

If your dogs sit squarely in E, these will feel great. Otherwise, we’d recommend sizing down a half size. And if you still have questions, Timberland allows returns within 30 days — with a full refund.

The Danner Vicious boot ($220-270) is comfortable right out of the box. The dual-density EVA midsole allows for comfort on those extra-long work days or when carrying heavy loads. It’s a relatively lightweight work boot, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t built to be used. The full-grain leather upper, Vibram outsole, and composite toe option make it durable and ready to work. 

The lining is water-proof with a GORE-TEX liner, which our tester put to the ultimate test by packing out an elk with several creek and snow crossings. Her feet stayed dry and she appreciated the heel cup and wider toe box. Her feet didn’t slip inside the boot and never had any blisters. The 90-degree heel, adds more lugs and grooves to help maintain balance on uneven terrain but has a low enough profile that transitions from shop to outdoor work easily. Which came in handy when she wore the same boots standing on a concrete floor to process the elk she helped pack out.  

This boot is a top-tier option for those in need of reliable and durable footwear. The combination of comfort, traction, and waterproofing makes them versatile for various activities and environments. Despite a higher price point, the long-term durability and performance make them well worth the investment.

The Danner Vicious comes in many different options. For women, there is a 4” plain toe or composite toe version. For men, there is a 4.5”, 6”, and 8” option with plain, composite, or composite with a floating PU metatarsal guard. They even have an 8” insulated version.

Heritage boots are defined as classic leather boots, often made in America. The style exudes a vintage aesthetic, traditional materials, and heirloom quality. Perhaps no boot brand better exemplifies heritage footwear better than Red Wing. At the tip of the feather of Red Wing’s Heritage line is its iconic Iron Ranger ($350)

The Iron Rangers are named after Minnesota’s Iron Range mountains, where miners still trolly taconite ore out of the hills to produce iron. The boot’s 2mm full-grain leather is triple-stitched and patched with an extra protective leather cap over the toes. Polished nickel eyes and hooks ride up the 6-inch shaft to close the boot around the ankle.

A Vibram 430 Mini Lug outsole sits under a cork midsole and is sewn to the boot by way of a Goodyear welt. It’s a negligible lug, providing just enough bite on sloppy sidewalks or in the back end of the restaurant.

The Iron Rangers are at the other end of our utility scale, wearing far more casual than utilitarian — which shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, this is the boot Bradley Cooper pairs with a two-piece suit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t pull a swing shift.

Our friend Tim Reeve, who sits at the helm of our favorite knife company — Chris Reeve Knives — has two everyday carries: his Sebenza 31 knife and his Iron Rangers.

The boots list for $330, but our reviewer bought his on eBay for $125. In addition to the price break, the boots were already broken in and perfectly faded.

If you’re upping your game from sneakers or desert boots, we highly recommend stepping into a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. With comfort, looks, and the “handmade in America” stamp, you really can’t go wrong with the Rangers.