Thorogood vs Danner work boots

The lineups in brief

Thorogood American Heritage is a moc toe line sold in 6, 8 and 11 inch heights, in soft toe, steel toe and composite toe versions, with wedge or heel outsoles. The listings describe the boots as American made with USA and globally sourced components. See best Thorogood boots.

Danner Bull Run is a moc toe line with a wedge outsole, oiled full-grain leather and stitch-down construction, in soft toe, steel toe and Chelsea styles. Danner Quarry is an 8 inch waterproof boot with Gore-Tex, an alloy safety toe and a Vibram heel outsole; the Quarry listing says it is made in America. See best Danner work boots.

Construction: storm welt vs stitch-down

Thorogood's listings describe Goodyear storm welt construction, where a welt strip is stitched to the upper and the sole is stitched to the welt, with a storm welt adding a seal at the joint. Danner's Bull Run and Quarry listings describe stitch-down construction, where the upper is turned outward and stitched straight to the sole, which Danner says adds stability underfoot. Both are listed as recraftable or serviceable, meaning they can be resoled by a qualified shop. See can work boots be resoled.

Side by side

We paired the soft toe 6" moc toes from each brand, then the 8" waterproof safety toe boots.

Compare moc toe work boots →

Where each brand fits

Both brands have long followings in the trades. The choice is less about which brand is better and more about which build suits your ground and climate. For the wedge vs heel question read why do work boots have heels and see wedge sole work boots.

• Hot weather, light rain: Danner Bull Run, which the listing describes as unlined leather for warmer temperatures.
• Flat sites and concrete with a wedge: either moc toe; Thorogood lists its MAXWear Wedge outsole as meeting ASTM F3445-21 slip standards.
• Wet ground, rain and mud: Danner Quarry with Gore-Tex or Thorogood American Heritage 8" Waterproof.
• Heeled sole for ladders or slopes: Danner Quarry, which lists a heel and non-linear lug pattern.

Fit, footbed and care

Thorogood's listings describe a removable dual-density footbed, with a Poron comfort cushion insole on several safety toe models. Danner's listings describe a removable OrthoLite footbed with three layers of density. Both are removable, so you can swap in your own insoles; see how to choose insoles for work boots.

Sizing varies by model and last, so use each brand's size chart and our boot size and width converter. Read are Thorogood boots true to size before ordering, and break either boot in gradually. For leather care, see how to care for Red Wing and Thorogood boots; the same steps work for Danner leather.

How to choose between them

If you are still unsure, start with the job. Concrete and flat sites favor the moc toe wedges from either brand. Rough, wet or sloped ground favors a waterproof heeled boot like the Quarry. For more options across brands, browse construction work boots.

1. 1

   Check your site rules. If a rated toe is required, compare the steel or composite American Heritage with the Danner Quarry or Bull Run Steel Toe.

2. 2

   Decide on water protection. Wet ground points to the Quarry's Gore-Tex or Thorogood's waterproof American Heritage; hot dry work points to the unlined Bull Run.

3. 3

   Pick a sole. A wedge spreads pressure on flat floors and concrete; a heel helps on ladders, slopes and loose ground.

4. 4

   Confirm EH if you work near live circuits; both brands list EH on the boots compared here.

5. 5

   Try the boot with your work socks late in the day, and keep the receipt until you know the fit works.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thorogood or Danner better? Neither is better across the board. Thorogood's American Heritage is a welted moc toe line; Danner's Bull Run is a lighter-built unlined moc toe and the Quarry is a waterproof heeled boot. Pick by build and job.

Are Thorogood and Danner boots made in the USA? Thorogood's American Heritage listings say American made with USA and globally sourced components. Danner's Quarry listing says made in America. The Bull Run listings here do not state the country of origin. See which work boots are made in USA.

Can both be resoled? The listings describe Thorogood's storm welt as fully serviceable and Danner's stitch-down as recraftable, so both are built to be resoled.

Which is better for hot weather? The Danner Bull Run, since its listing describes an unlined leather upper made for warmer temperatures.