Boot guides
Boot guides, one kind at a time
Each guide covers one kind of work boot and compares a handful of options by what their Amazon listings state.
Boots by trade
- Best work boots for electricians: EH-rated, non-metallic toe picksEH-rated work boots for electricians compared by safety toe material, the ASTM standard each listing cites, waterproofing and shaft height.
- Best work boots for concrete and standing on slab all shiftWork boots for concrete compared by outsole type, cushioning, safety toe and EH rating, using only what each Amazon listing states.
- Best welding boots: heat-resistant soles and met guards comparedSeven welding boots compared on heat-resistant outsole ratings, metatarsal guards, safety toe type, EH rating and shaft height, using listing facts only.
- Best safety toe boots for warehouse workLight safety toe boots and work sneakers for warehouse floors, compared by toe type, slip rating, cushioning and stated weight per listing.
- Best roofing boots: soft wedge soles and secure fit for pitch workSeven roofing boots compared on outsole type, non-marking claims, toe type, waterproofing and EH rating, using only what each Amazon listing states.
- Best lineman boots for climbing, gaffs and pole workEight lineman and climbing boots compared on shank, heel and outsole, safety toe, EH rating, height and waterproofing, using only listing facts.
- Best construction work boots for mud, rebar and laddersSeven construction boots compared on safety toe type, puncture resistance, waterproofing, EH rating and height, all taken from the Amazon listings.
Safety toes and ratings
- Best steel toe work boots ranked on fit, build and resoleabilitySeven steel toe work boots compared on stated ASTM toe rating, EH rating, waterproofing, construction and resoleability, using listing facts only.
- Best metatarsal guard work boots: internal and external met guardsEight metatarsal guard work boots compared by met guard type, the ASTM ratings each listing states, toe cap, EH protection, height and waterproofing.
- Best composite toe work boots with ASTM F2413 ratingsComposite toe work boots compared by the ASTM F2413 rating each listing states, EH protection, waterproofing and outsole, with no guessed specs.
Styles and builds
- Best wellington and pull-on work bootsSeven pull-on and wellington work boots compared by height, safety toe, EH rating, waterproofing and outsole, using only what each listing states.
- Best wedge sole work boots, and when a wedge is the wrong pickWedge sole work boots compared by safety toe, EH rating, waterproofing and outsole, with notes on where a wedge falls short. Facts from listings only.
- Best waterproof work boots for rain, mud and wet concreteWaterproof work boots compared by membrane or liner, safety toe, EH rating and outsole, based only on what each Amazon listing states.
- Best moc toe work boots, soft toe and safety toeSeven moc toe wedge work boots compared by safety toe, EH rating, height, waterproofing and construction, with every fact taken from the listing.
- Best logger boots for timber, rough ground and utility workEight logger boots compared by height, safety toe, outsole, welt construction, waterproofing and EH rating, all taken from the Amazon listings.
- Best lightweight work boots that keep the safety ratingSeven lightweight work boots compared on toe material, stated weight savings, ASTM rating, waterproofing and EH, with facts taken only from Amazon listings.
- Best insulated work boots for winter, by insulation weightEight insulated work boots compared on stated insulation grams, safety toe, waterproofing, EH rating and height, from 200g active boots to 600g cold-site picks.
Fit and sizing
- The most comfortable work boots, including safety toe picksSeven comfort-focused work boots compared on cushioning system, safety toe type, fit features, waterproofing and EH rating, all from the listings.
- Best work boots for wide feet: EE, 3E and wide-fit safety bootsWork boots for wide feet compared by the width each listing offers, safety toe type, EH rating and waterproofing, using listing facts only.
- Best women's work boots built for women's feetEight women's work boots compared on whether a women's last is stated, safety toe rating, EH, waterproofing and height, using Amazon listing facts only.
Brands and lineups
- Best Thorogood work boots and which one fits your jobEight Thorogood work boots compared by style, height, safety toe, waterproofing, EH rating and outsole, from American Heritage to Logger Series.
- Best Red Wing work boots: Classic Moc, Iron Ranger, Roughneck and moreRed Wing Heritage work boots compared by last, outsole, leather and welt, with a clear note on safety toes. Facts from each listing only.
- Best Keen Utility work boots: Cincinnati, San Jose, Philadelphia and moreKeen Utility work boots compared by toe type (carbon, aluminum, steel), stated ASTM rating, EH, waterproofing and outsole, from listings only.
- Best Danner work boots: Quarry, Vicious, Stronghold and Bull RunSeven Danner work boots compared across Quarry, Vicious, Stronghold, Bull Run, Super Rain Forest and Crafter on toe, waterproofing, EH and construction.
- Best Ariat work boots: WorkHog, Groundbreaker, Rebar and SierraEight Ariat work boots compared by line, style, safety toe, the ASTM ratings each listing states, waterproofing and outsole, pull-on and lace-up.