Best Work Boots for Your Job

by CARA SPINDLER

Work boot manufacturing has come a very long way. For generations, leather crafters have strived to build a pair of work boots that would be tough enough to withstand the grueling work conditions of their day. Over time, their craftsmanship evolved to the point where it has become extremely technical, with new improvements constantly being made year after year.

The technology incorporated into work boots has become highly specialized to cater to the specific requirements of the intended work. Today's work boots are expertly crafted, incorporating advanced technologies that are rooted in scientific principles. In this meticulous way, boot manufacturers aim to enhance the standard work boot for the everyday worker, while also tailoring work boots engineered with specific features to meet the demands of all types of worksite environments. 

Across generations, skilled leather crafters have dedicated themselves to creating durable work boots capable of enduring challenging work conditions. The evolution of their craftsmanship has reached a highly technical stage, marked by continuous years of improvements to their craft.

Safety Toe footwear is now crucial to working men and women across the world.

If Safety Toe work boots are required by your jobsite, they have to meet the current  ASTM Safety Standards. Today's protective work boots and work shoes have safety toes made of Steel, Composite materials, Alloy, or Aluminum that can all meet the protection level required to be ASTM certified.

Learn About the Worldwide ASTM Safety Ratings Here!

Forget the old-fashioned "One-Size-Fits-All" attitude that began with the work boot industry generations ago. Today’s workers can now purchase work boots and work shoes that are well tailored to meet the the specific needs of any jobsite that  they will be working on, giving them much needed maximum comfort and maximum protection.

Best Work Boots for the Top Job Industries

• General Construction
  

  If you work in the Home Building industry doing some form of general contracting, you will want to find work boots that have good flexibility because of all the bending and squatting you will be doing in your boots. Safety Toe Boots are recommended because the work involves lifting heavy materials and working with dangerously heavy equipment. If you will be spending time at work climbing or standing on ladders during the course of the work day, it is beneficial to search out work boots that feature Ladder-latch outsoles to prevent slippage while climbing ladders, and strong steel shanks to provide structure and stability underfoot.  Additionally, many work boots styles are made with Puncture-Resistant plates that prevent nails and other sharp objects from protruding up into your feet. If you are working in the roofing industry, look for wedge soled work boots that provide contact and stability while walking across precarious surfaces.

• Factory Workers
  

  Factory Workers who work around machinery need footwear that will protect their feet from on-the-job hazards; such as heavy objects that might drop onto, or roll over the feet. Look for work boots and shoes that meet the current ASTM safety standards for impact and compression. Because factory workers usually spend long hours standing in one place, comfort is also key. Work boots or shoes should have solid arch support and good shock absorption. Finding a brand of work boots that offers a comfort guarantee, like  Keen Utility, is recommended. They allow you to wear their work boots and shoes on the job for 30 days to ensure they are a comfortable fit.

• Law Enforcement and First Responders

  
  

  If you work in Law Enforcement or as an Emergency Responder, look for boots that have deep lugged outsoles for the superior traction needed while helping others in slippery or difficult terrains, or while in a foot pursuit, so you can make quick starts, stops and turns. For all First Responders, quick entry side zippers are a necessity to get you up and out the door quickly. If your job requires the wearing of a uniform, choose styles that have polishable toes to complete the professional look that is demanded.  When dealing with the public in dangerous, or emergency situations, Blood-born Pathogen Protection is a must. The primary purpose of blood-borne pathogen work boots is to prevent the entry of infectious materials through the footwear and to provide a barrier against potential contaminants. For police officers working in urban areas, search out Tactical Duty Boots with outsoles that sport fence-climbing toes, to allow for climbing quickly and confidently over chain link fences and other obstacles.
  

  Read our Expert Advice on Buying the Best Tactical Boots here!

• Logging Industry

  
  
  Those who work in the Logging Industry need to look for a few key features in order to stay safe on the job. Look for 8” tall work boots that will protect your shins to guard against banging and bruising. They should have elevated Logger Heels that help keep footing steady on uneven forest floors, where walking over sticks and branches is commonplace. Since loggers work outdoors in various weather conditions, waterproof or water-resistant boots help keep feet dry and comfortable, especially in wet, soggy forest floor environments. Choose high-quality and durable materials, such as full-grain leather, even though the price tag may be a bit higher than found on average work boots. This ensures longevity and protection against abrasions and cuts that are common on the jobsite. Logging work boots should also have a kiltie, which is a removable piece of fringed leather, that prevents dirt and debris from entering through the laced areas of the boots.

• Landscaping and Landscape Construction

  
  

  For general landscaping work, a basic low heeled utility boot with a deep lugged outsole would do the job just fine, but some workers prefer a higher logger heel if they find they will be working on uneven ground. Waterproof work boots are also key for this industry. Look for work boots that have Internal Waterproof Membranes built in that will seal out water 100%, but still allow for good airflow, since most landscaping jobs are done during the hottest months of the year. It is very important to look for work boots that are made to be flexible and that bend comfortably across the toe areas of the boots while working, to prevent any pinching or rubbing, so you do not  create friction that leads to the development of painful blisters. If your job involves using dangerous tools, or working around heavier equipment; such as excavators or industrial mowers, a safety toe boot with an ASTM Approved  Steel Toe. or Composite Toe, is highly recommended.

  Read our Expert Advice on Buying the Best Landscape Construction Boots Here!

• Mining Industry

  
  

  Work Boots for Mining have a very specific build, offering protection not just in the toe area, but all the way up to the top of the boots. Metatarsal protection is a must-have in this industry, because of the heavy tools used while mining underground, and for working around heavy machinery above-ground in the mining pits. Look for boots with added Torsional support to help to guard against the possibility of foot twisting while working in underground low-lit tunnel areas where uneven ground is common. Choose work boots with outsoles that have deep lugs for dig-in traction on sand, rocks and dirt. Mining Boots with heights anywhere between 10"-17" are needed in this industry, because they are made with thick, heavy duty leather for tear strength for enhanced protection.

  Read our Expert Advice on Buying the Best Mining Boots Here!

• Lineman and Tower Climbers

  
  

  If you are a Lineman, a Tower Climber, or a Cable Technician working on poles fixing electric wires or cable lines, you need Lineman work boots that have strong logger heels to keep feet secure when wearing climbing stirrups. They also should have strong steel shanks to protect the arches of your feet when climbing ladders, tower rungs or pole pegs. Search out Lineman work boots that specifically have anatomically correct heavy duty left and right Lineman Shanks for maximum comfort. Choose boots made with thick leather Uppers for extra leg protection and Internal Waterproof Membranes; essential when working outdoors during storms and in all types of inclement weather.

  Read our Expert Advice on Buying the Best Lineman Boots Here!

• Nursing and the Medical Field

  

  Industry Nurses and other medical professionals usually work long shifts on their feet. Therefore, it is important to choose work shoes built for comfort and support to avoid foot fatigue. The shoes should be non-restrictive; such as clogs with heel counters that allow the feet to move up and down naturally as you walk. Your job may also require that your shoes have been certified with Slip-Resistant Outsoles, that meet the ASTM safety standards, for secure footing on wet, slippery floors. Shoes should be lightweight, with good arch support and a rocker-bottom outsole that helps to propel you forward as you walk, such as  Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs.
  

  Check out Dansko XP 2.0 Certified Slip Resistant Clogs Here!
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Science plays a big part in how work boots and work shoes are engineered for specific industries today. Comfort and protection are paramount to prevent foot fatigue and to keep you safe on your particular job, so It pays to search out the right boots for your specific job industry.

The time and money spent by major footwear manufacturers is testament to how important work boot technology has become. Take advantage of this, by investing in high quality work boots or work shoes that are designed to meet the specific needs of your  job industry.