Best Work Boots by Job Industry

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.

Work boots today are expertly crafted, with the technology used being grounded heavily in science, all in an effort to perfect the common work boot for the common worker..

Work boot technology has become extremely specific to address the needs of the work it is crafted for.

Advanced scientific methods are used to test and build work boots that are geared toward every job industry there is. Work boots have always come in all different shapes, sizes, heights and widths, but now they are even made with a mixture of different types of leathers combined with a myriad of different outsoles, and a whole host of well-researched safety and comfort features to boot.

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

If required in your industry, safety toe boots have to meet the current  ASTM Safety Standards. Protective work boots and work shoes may have Steel toe caps, or toe caps made out of Alloy or Aluminum. Very popular these days are safety toe caps made out of a composite of non-metallic materials, resulting in a much lighter weight form of protective footwear.

Learn About the Worldwide ASTM Safety Ratings Here!

Forget the old-fashioned one-size fits-all attitude that began with the beginning of the work boot manufacturing 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 they will be working on, giving them maximum comfort and 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, for all the bending and squatting you may be doing in the boots. Safety Toe Boots are recommended because the work involves working with heavy materials and equipment. Search out work boots that feature Ladder-latch outsoles and strong steel shanks, if you will be spending time at work climbing or standing on ladders during the course of the work day. If working in roofing, look for  wedge soled work boots for maximum contact and stability 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 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.

• 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 excellent traction when in a foot pursuit so you can make quick starts, stops and turns. For all First Responders, quick entry side zippers. polishable toes and blood-born pathogen protection are also highly recommended. 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. Logging work boots should also have a kiltie, which is a removable piece of fringed leather, to prevent 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 lug, outsole would do the job, but some workers prefer a higher logger heel for working on uneven ground. Waterproof work boots are also key for this industry. Look for work boots that have Internal Waterproof Membranes that will seal out water 100%, but still allow for good airflow, since most landscaping is done during the hottest months of the year. It is important to look for boots that are flexible. 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. Look for boots with Metatarsal protection and Torsional support to help prevent foot twisting while working in underground low-lit tunnel areas with uneven ground. When working above ground choose work boots with deep lugs for traction on sand, rocks and dirt. Choosing boots with heights anywhere between 10"-17" that are made with heavy duty leather, with tear strength, are recommended. 

  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 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 naturally as you walk. Choose shoes with certified Slip-Resistant Outsoles for secure footing. Shoes should be lightweight, with good arch support and a rocker-bottom outsole that helps 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 the job, so It pays to search out the right boots for your particular 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 particular job industry.