Best Work Boots of 2023
The results are in, and our list of the best work boots of 2023 is here. Check out cutting-edge, industry-leading styles from top brands to be sure you're lacing up with the very best.

Best Soft Toe Work Boots
No safety toe needed? Keep light on your feet with our pick for the year's best soft toe work boots.
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Best Wellington Work Boots
Pull 'em on and throw 'em off: the best wellington work boots of 2023 are designed for top-level performance.
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Best Safety Toe Work Boots
We take safety seriously, and our selection for best safety toe work boots will act like a fort for your feet.
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Best Soft toe Work Shoes
This is as light as it gets, but these soft toe work shoes still come with all the heavy-duty features you need.
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Best Western Work Boots
Better than the rest and best in the West: 2023's best western work boots have style without sacrificing safety.
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Best Met Guard Work Boots
Your metatarsal bones are fragile, but our pick for best met guard work boots are anything but.
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Best Best Safety Toe Work Shoes
Athletic agility meets job site stability. For a bit of everything, try out the best safety toe work shoes of 2023.
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Best Wedge Work Boots
The wedge boot is a classic look, and this year's best wedge work boots do it better than all the rest.
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Best Insulated Work Boots
Keep your toes toasty with our selection for the best insulated work boots of the year.
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Best Waterproof Work Boots
The best waterproof work boots of the year are the perfect choice for working in wet conditions.
View Our PickBest Soft Toe Work Boots
The Timberland PRO Direct Attach Leather Boots are a work boots staple for a reason. The look is timeless and the quality is exceptional, which keeps customers coming back for them year after year. They feature seam-sealed waterproof leather uppers that offer durability and ensure dry, comfortable feet. As functional as they are comfortable, the breathable mesh lining and open-cell polyurethane comfort footbed are treated with Agion anti-microbial treatment to combat foul-smelling odors. No wonder they have dozens of five-star reviews.
Pros
Seam-sealed waterproof leather uppers
Durable direct attach construction
Antimicrobial mesh lining
Cons
Not a good hot-weather boot
Water-resistant treatment fades over time
No extra-wide option
Best Wellington Work Boots
Wellingtons are great, aren't they? No laces, simple pull-on tabs, calf-level protection — you just slip them on and get to work. And no style has your back better on the job site than the Carhartt Mud Wellington Boots. At an impressive 11-inch height, the handsome leather uppers keep water out and clean easily. They come built with an ASTM-rated steel safety toe box that protects against 75 foot-pound impacts. You'll be wearing these for years and years.
Pros
Steel toe cap
Waterproof
Oil, chemical and slip-resistant outsole
Cons
No odor protection
Potential for long break-in time
Lack of breathability
Best Safety Toe Work Boots
The Timberland PRO Pit Boss boots are just that: the boss. That's why they're our pick for the best safety toe work boots of 2023. While composite, aluminum and alloy toe boxes are lightweight, nothing can touch the steel toe boxes trusted by those who built America. The fun doesn't end there, though; these boots are engineered with nylon shock-diffusion plates, nubuck leather uppers and padded ankle collars for extra comfort. If it's safety you're after, it's hard to beat the boss.
Pros
Electrical hazard protection
Padded ankle collar
Odor-resistant
Cons
Eyelets may pop out
Potential for long break-in time
Heavy, even for a safety toe boot
Best Soft Toe Work Shoes
The Georgia Eagle One Chelsea earned this year's top spot through their versatility. Stylish enough for a night out yet durable enough for the job site, these soft-toe boots are ready to slip on and go anywhere they're needed. The handsome leather is waterproof while the outsole is made from thick, durable rubber. The number one customer compliment, though? These boots are the most comfortable boots they have ever worn, even right out the box. Try them for yourself and see.
Pros
Oil-, chemical-, abrasion-, heat-, and slip-resistant rubber outsole
Full-grain leather
Little-to-no break-in time
Cons
On the heavier side
Cemented heel
Mesh lining not antimicrobial
Best Western Work Boots
The Ariat name is synonymous with the west, so it's not surprising that our pick for the best western work boots comes from this brand. Built to withstand the harshest outdoor environments, features like Duratread oil- and slip-resistant outsole and a composite toe keep feet safe in outdoor terrain. The stand out feature? The handsome leather upper has strategically placed mesh panels to help regulate heat. If western boots are your thing, Ariat boots are king.
Pros
Composite safety toe
Cooling mesh panels in the shaft
Roomier toe box
Cons
On the pricier side
Not waterproof
Best Met Guard Work Boots
Not everyone's job requires a met guard, but if yours does, the Reebok Trailgrip Work Met Guard Boots are a no-brainer. This style features an internal met guard to ensure the delicate bones on the top of your foot stay protected and intact. That's not all, either — these boots are waterproof, and they come with an alloy toe box as well. Despite this heavy duty protection, these boots manage to stay as light and athletic as possible.
Pros
Lightweight alloy toe cap
Electrical Hazard protection
Waterproof
Cons
Lack of breathability
Outsole not oil-resistant
May require some break-in time
Best Safety Toe Work Shoes
Puma has been a staple in the footwear industry for ages for a reason. Our pick for the best safety toe work shoe proves why. As sleek and athletic as a non-safety style, the Puma Safety Airtwist Low packs a lot of protection in a lightweight package. The fiberglass safety toe cuts down on weight while still providing protection. The microfiber exterior boasts the classic Puma style, with some reviewers saying their friends are in disbelief that they are safety shoes!
Pros
Fiberglass safety toe
Proprietary custom footbed
Reflective elements
Cons
Runs a half-size big
No water protection
Best Wedge Work Boots
There's nothing like a good wedge boot, and there's no boot brand like Thorogood. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Thorogood 1957 Moc Toe boots took the spot for best wedge boots of 2023. They come with a premium price tag, but you get a premium performance as a result: the wedge outsoles are slip-resistant, the Briar Pitstop leather uppers are waterproof, and they're made in the USA to boot (pun very much intended). If you can swing the cost, these boots will be your go-to style for years to come.
Pros
Made in the USA
Waterproof
Memory foam footbed
Cons
No safety toe
Big price tag
No extra-wide option
Best Insulated Work Boots
Staying warm when you're working out in the elements simply comes down to preparation. Gloves, pants, outerwear, headwear — you're only as warm as the clothing you bring along. The same goes for footwear and, as far as we're concerned, the Avenger 7264 boots are as good as insulation gets. Featuring 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, these boots are like a blanket for your feet. They're waterproof, too, which should help keep out all that pesky rain and snow.
Pros
Waterproof
100% metal-free
Slip and oil-resistant outsole
Cons
Composite toe cap isn't as protective as steel
Lack of breathability
Might run small
Best Waterproof Work Boots
And, finally, our best waterproof style of the year: the Wolverine Floorhand boots. These things are comfortable, protective and very well-reviewed. Not only are they waterproof, but they're also abrasion, oil and slip-resistant. They come with a steel toe cap, a nylon shank and electrical hazard protection. Basically, they do it all, and for a very reasonable price. They'll keep your feet dry, and they'll provide plenty more protection to keep up with even the most demanding jobs.
Pros
Pull tab for easy on/off
Padded ankle collar
Moisture-wicking lining
Cons
Steel toe cap is heavy
Tend to run small
Not metal detector-friendly