Men aren’t exactly left wanting when it comes to options for boots. You’ve got dress boots, Chelsea boots, chukka boots and even hiking boots, all of which have their own unique look and specific purpose. But, just to throw another option into the mix, there are even boots for men.
Work boots, by their very name, are designed to be worn to work. Typically, they’ll be far sturdier than some of their dressy cousins, being made from more durable materials and having reinforced areas around the toe especially, to protect your feet from debris, bumps and just about anything else from landing on them.
However, such is their necessary nature, some brands have taken the traditional work boot aesthetic – the type you see tradies and guys who work on building sites wearing, and usually covered in cement, paint and dirt – and turned them into something that can be worn every day as a casual pair of boots, paired with a variety of outfits.
If you’re not quite following what we mean, just think of Timberland. Technically yes, they’re what are known as desert boots, but they also comfortably fit into the work boot category, yet how many pairs do you see on site? We reckon the answer is zero.
But, because they are still boots by definition, you can wear them on a building site if you so wish, and reap the full benefits of their build and protection. Admittedly, they’re not going to work with a suit at your cousin’s formal cocktail party, but these boots can easily be worn with jeans and a t-shirt or casual button-down for a casual off-duty weekend look.
But which brands are making the best work boots for men right now? Allow us to reveal all, with this compressive guide, revealing the very best brands you need to know.
Some other helpful DMARGE stories about footwear:
CAT
1/16
Price: From $100
Sizes: 6-16
Material: Full-grain leather
A brand practically synonymous with building sites and workwear is CAT. You’ll no doubt have seen the name emblazoned on the site of excavators, tractors and all manner of other heavy machinery, so you know it’s a name you can trust. And, with such a reputation within the building industry, you can be sure the company’s boots are built to withstand all the rigours that come with it.
You’ll find steel toe constructions across the entire range, waterproofing on select pairs to help see you through downpours on site, and even protection against electrical currents to save any nasty shocks. What’s more, CAT’s boots are designed to help prevent injuries and to provide extra stability around the heel and ankle, to allow you to work all day, everyday.
Blundstone
2/16
Price: From $210
Sizes: 8-13
Material: Oiled leather
Founded in Tasmania, Australia in 1850, Blundstone was one of the original manufacturers of boots. Crafted from high-quality leather, yet lightweight to keep you from feeling bogged down, Blundstones have, and always will be, built to last.
Best known for their Chelsea-boot style boots, Blundstone boots have become just as much of a fashion accessory as they have capable work boot, and so you’ll easily be able to pair these with jeans, chinos and shorts for cool and casual looks.
KEEN
3/16
Price: From $145
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Waterproof leather, performance mesh
A relatively young brand compared to some others on this list, KEEN Footwear, now based in Portland, Oregon is all about producing shoes and boots designed for heavy outdoor use. The brand has gained much experience in its life, and now produces some of the finest boots around. Only making boots of genuine quality, KEEN’s boots for men benefit from its own midsole cushioning technology for supreme comfort, with a hint of energy return, along with lightweight builds and breathability.
KEEN produces a range of boots that it believes suit various specific industries, such as carpentry and transportation, and these are listed in the product description for each pair, so you can be assured the pair you get, will be more than fit for the purpose.
Timberland
4/16
Price: From $125
Sizes: 6-12
Material: Full-grain leather
The aforementioned Timberland was founded in 1952 and found its footing in New England, USA, in an area surrounded by mountains and forests. It, therefore, knew how to make a pair of boots that could survive any eventuality. The now-iconic Timberland boot is a jack of all trades, being waterproof, durable and above all, comfortable. These features have meant it’s become just as popular with builders and tradies as it has with fashion-conscious guys.
You can, however, also get even more heavy duty versions of this famous boot, with features such as steel toe caps, electrical hazard protection, extra cushioning on the midsole for all-day comfort and some thermal insulation to keep your toes warm on cold days.
Carolina
5/16
Price: From $110
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Full-grain leather
Carolina is only in the business of producing footwear for the working man, so with all that dedication to one purpose, it’s fair to say the company’s boots will prove to be a suitable companion on site. It’s range of boots is vast, encompassing a variety of styles, from shoe to mid-height boot, to those that journey well up over the ankle for added protection.
With steel toe caps, electrical hazard protection, slip-resistant soles and breathable mesh liners featuring across the board, Carolina boots are built to last, and look the part whilst doing so.
Under Armour
6/16
Price: From $90
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Light & breathable textile
You might find it strange to find a sportswear brand on this list, but unlike some of the other big names in sports, Under Armour has found itself to be a dab hand at offering products to those with slightly more niche needs, and that includes work boots. Falling under the category of tactical boots, Under Armour’s collection relies heavily on its own UA Storm technology for waterproofing and breathability.
Quality is assured thanks to leather and heavy-duty nylon to help keep weight down yet ensure protection is kept at an all-time high. They’re rather handsome for 9-5 boots too, and while they may be a little tricky to pair with your everyday outfits, they’ll happily double up as a pair of hiking boots, for example, for whenever you fancy stretching your legs in the great outdoors.
Scarosso
7/16
Price: From $415
Sizes: 39-48
Material: Calfskin with cap toe
If you’re a regular reader of DMARGE, you will recognise the Scarosso name. We’re big fans of their minimalist sneakers and loafers, and we’re equally smitten with their range of boots. How come? As with their shoes, Scarosso boots are handmade in Italy, which is a surefire sign of outright quality.
Admittedly, Scarosso’s boots are less likely to be worn on a building site compared to some other brands on this list, but they still feature heavy-duty Vibram outsoles, plenty of cushioning and insulation and even waterproofing. But, as we mentioned earlier, boots can simply refer to the style, and that’s exactly what Scarosso does perfectly, with their boots being plenty capable of being worn up or down.
Hunter
8/16
Price: From $150
Sizes: 5-11
Material: Certified vegan materials
Not just a purveyor of wellington boots you need to be seen in, Hunter also has an eclectic range of boots for other situations.
You may not find many steel toe caps here, but as with Scarosso before, Hunter’s work boots are designed more for aesthetic purposes, but that’s no bad thing. They look great, and still provide plenty of insulation and comfort, as well as protection against water, to provide boots that can be worn day in, day out without stress.
Red Wing Heritage
9/16
Price: From $439
Sizes: 6-16
Material: Leather
Founded in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota, Red Wing Heritage quickly became an American icon, an accolade it still holds to this day. It’s mission was to produce a range of lifestyle boots that would remain timeless and last for a lifetime. And, while you certainly can get boots designed with more of a lifestyle persuasion in mind, the brand’s experience is best-seen in its range of boots.
Red Wing’s work boot range provides complete protection for your feet, with such features as metatarsal guards, waterproofing and electric hazard protection, and you even get plenty of room inside the boot for your feet to move and breathe when compared to other brands.
Danner
10/16
Price: From $240
Sizes: 8-13
Material: High-quality full-grain leather
One of the biggest names in durable work footwear is Danner. Founded in 1932 in Portland, Oregon, Danner was literally founded with a mission to design “the best boots loggers had ever known.” Its boots are made from some of the highest quality materials around, and construction methods continue to be some of the best in the business. After all, the brand has its reputation to uphold.
The beauty of Danner’s workbooks is their ability to be worn in all manner of situations, due to their great design.
The majority of pairs of Danner boots take on a hiking boot style, so you’ll find plenty of insulation, along with waterproofing and extreme levels of grip provided by the outsoles. Perhaps not suited for the hardcore builder, but for guys who still need to visit building sites, Danner’s boots are some you need to be checking out.
Dr Martens
11/16
Price: From $170
Sizes: 6-16
Material: Leather
Another iconic brand in the congested world of men’s boots is Dr Martens. Born in England in 1901 as the brainchild of the Griggs family, their boots quickly gained a reputation for quality and durability. The Griggs family partnered with Dr. Klaus Maertens, a young soldier who invented the revolutionary air-cushioned sole, and the first Dr Marten boot arrived in 1960.
Today, Docs are instantly recognisable thanks to their yellow stitching, heel tabs, and even the look of the leather used. They’re as durable and comfortable as ever, and perfectly blur the lines between workwear and casual wear.
Wolverine
12/16
Price: From $175
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Full-grain leathers
Wolverine can have its history traced back to 1883, but it wasn’t until the 1910s that its 1,000 mile boot was introduced, named as such because it offered 1,000 miles of wear. This model is still produced today, so will happily accompany you wherever you need to go.
But while that boot is more for everyday wear, Wolverine has a comprehensive range of dedicated boots, to boot (pun intended). The range includes all the features you could need, including waterproofing, breathable membranes, Goodyear welt constructions for longevity and comfort, and cushioning in the midsole for all-day comfort. Plus, they’re perfectly stylish enough to be worn as an everyday pair, if you wish.
Nicks Boots
13/16
Price: From $540
Sizes: 9-14
Material: Leather
For the ultimate in guaranteed quality, look no further than Nicks Boots. Founded in Spokane, Washington in 1964, Nicks Boots has an ungodly number of shoe lasts from which it creates its exquisitely made boots. With several ranges all implying they’re built to last and will comfortably protect your feet and toes from all sorts of nasties, Nicks Boots are ones you can trust.
Only leather sourced from the US is used, and every single pair is hand-cut, hand-stitched and hand-finished. They’re certainly worth the extra investment.
Quoddy
14/16
Price: From $450
Sizes:8-13
Material: Full-grain hot stuffed leather, Vibram®
Another US bootmaker that likes to do things by hand is Quoddy. Hailing from Maine, this family-owned company has a slightly more limited range of boots compared to some others, but that’s only because the small team would rather dedicate themselves to ensuring unrivalled quality in a few pairs, as opposed to churning out hundreds of models that don’t get to receive as much love.
Quoddy boots are made in such a a way that it takes a little bit of time for them to perfectly conform to the proportions of your feet, but once they do, you’ll benefit from comfort levels unlike any you’ve felt before. Tough, sturdy and durable, Quoddy work boots are an incredibly stylish option for the rugged, burly man.
Helm Boots
15/16
Founded only in 2009, Helm Boots has made great strides in the footwear industry. Production initially took place in Turkey, but all aspects have since been moved back home to Maine, where locally sourced leather is now used within the 153 steps it takes to construct a single pair. So, while again, like some other brands on this list, Helm’s work boots aren’t exactly the type you’d see ankle-deep in cement or getting paint splattered on them, they employ the work boot style incredibly well, making for a stylish upgrade to any outfit.
Merrell
16/16
Price: From $160
Sizes: 3.5-15
Material: Waterproof leather
If there’s one brand that performs at its best when confronted with all manner of outdoor conditions, it’s Merrell. Primarily an adventure and hiking clothing and footwear brand, Merrell understands what it means for a pair of boots ti have grip, comfort and all-day wearability.
It’s with this in mind that you’ll find a range of materials used throughout their workboot boot collections, including leather sourced from America, their own M Select GRIP outsoles for improved traction, breathable mesh linings and waterproof outer layers, with the ultimate goal of keeping your feet protected in comfort.