How in the world do you recommend the best work boots for men and women in the trades? Every trade has different features and priorities and everyone’s foot is different. Add in literally thousands of choices from plenty of quality brands with different designs and styles, and it’s overwhelming.

Seriously, we’ve been trying to narrow the list down for weeks now and we’re leaving out so many great boots to keep this from turning into an encyclopedia-length review. While these are our top choices for the best work boots in each category, we had to leave out some of our favorites.

So help us and your fellow readers out! If you see a brand, collection, or model you love that didn’t make our list, tell us about it in the comments below!

Best Work Boots for Men/Best Work Boots for Women

Keen Utility Cincinnati

As we said, it’s impossible to tell you there’s one best work boot for everyone. It doesn’t exist. So we have to give you the best work boot for the way we work. That means covering everything from concrete floors at trade shows to outdoor power equipment reviews and standard jobsites. In other words, we need a great all-around boot and the Keen Utility Cincinnati is the one we keep coming back to over and over again.

Its combination of comfort, soft or carbon fiber safety toe options, solid construction, wedge design with aggressive tread, and even the look make it our top choice as the best work boot for men. Thanks to women’s-specific models, it’s also our choice as the best work boot for women.

Price: $190 – $225

Best Waterproof Work Boots

Wolverine I-90 DuraShocks Moc Toe Wedge

Obviously, the best waterproof boot has to be waterproofed and Wolverine’s I-90 DuraShocks Moc Toe Wedge does it in style with their premium waterproof full-grain leather and waterproof membrane with a moisture-wicking liner. From there, the I-90 gets even better with a DuraShocks insole and wedge outsole to improve comfort.

This model features a more dense midsole than some of our other selections. While it’s not as cushy because of that, it does offer more stout protection and is able to resist oil, chemicals, and heat better.

• Wedge design
• Moc toe style
• 6-inch height
• Full-grain leather upper
• Removable Durashocks dual-density footbed
• Goodyear welt construction
• Waterproof
• Soft or CarbonMax safety toe
• Men style only (I-90 EPX CarbonMax has a women’s option)
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Check out the I-90 line here.

Price: $160 – $170

Why Do Your Feet Get Wet in Waterproof Boots?

Waterproof boots are great, but they have limits. Waterproof linings, sealed stitching, and other techniques can prevent water from penetrating the material. However, the tongue area on a traditional boot is one likely area where water can find its way in if you’re standing in water.

If you’re looking for the best way to keep water out of your work boots, consider a Wellington slip-on style to avoid a tongue. If you need the ultimate protection against water, go with a dedicated water boot, such as the Grundens’ Deck Boss.

Best Steel Toe Work Boots (Safety Toe)

Thorogood 1957 Series Safety Toe

We love the look of classic boots and Thorogood’s 1957 Series and their safety toe models make the cut as our best steel toe work boots. A wedge sole storm welted to the upper and moc toe design set the stage for this one. It’s a comfortable and durable waterproof steel toe boot with a great style to match. Plus, it’s made in the USA using global materials.

• Heeled or wedge design
• Moc toe style
• 6-inch or 8-inch heights
• Full-grain leather upper
• Removable Ultimate Shock Absorption memory foam footbed
• Goodyear storm welt construction
• X-Stream Waterproof
• Steel toe (soft toe also available)
• Men’s style only
• Slip resistant
• EH-rated (heeled style only)

Other options are available in the series. You can select 6-inch or 8-inch heights and there are also heeled options. If you don’t need a safety toe, you can get them in a soft toe.

Price: $249.99

Best Non-Metallic Safety Toe Work Boots

Red Wing King Toe 8-Inch Waterproof CSA Safety Toe (Style 3512)

The King Toe collection is all about giving those toes of yours some extra wiggle room—44% more than Red Wing’s standard boots. Red Wing’s King Toe 3512 has it all: it’s EH-rated, puncture-resistant, has a non-metallic safety toe, and features a waterproof design. If you happen to be north of the border, it’s also CSA-approved. It can handle the heat, too, with an HRO sole that’s rated to 475°.

• Heeled design
• Traditional style
• 8-inch height
• Full grain leather upper
• Swen-Flex puncture-resistant footbed
• Direct attach construction
• Waterproof
• Non-metallic safety toe
• Men’s style only (check out the King Toe 2340 for a women’s option)
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated
• CSA-approved

Price: $269.99

Best Pull-On Work Boots (Slip-On/Wellington)

Ariat WorkHog XT Tumbleweed

We love the convenience of Wellington boots and if you’re looking for the best pull-on work boots, take a turn to the West and check out Ariat’s WorkHog XT Tumbleweed. They have the western look and quality of Ariat’s cowboy boots with a distinct jobsite focus with a waterproof design and aggressive tread to go with a carbon safety toe.

Ariat goes with a dual-density midsole and Energy Max insole to keep the comfort level high and the entry is designed to be friendly if you have high arches.

• Heeled design
• Western Wellington style
• Mid-calf height
• Full grain leather upper
• Energy Max anti-fatigue footbed
• Goodyear welt construction
• Carbon safety toe
• Men’s style only (check out the Krista for a women’s option)
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $224.95

Best Lightweight Work Boots

Keen Utility Roswell

Getting lighter boots often means sacrificing quality and/or stability and that’s simply not a trade we’re willing to make. That’s why we selected Keen Utility’s Roswell as the best lightweight boot. The average carbon fiber safety toe version weighs 22.6 ounces and the soft toe checks in under 20 (19.3 ounces).

It’s also a very unique boot. The canvas upper helps reduce the weight and adds breathability. Most unusually, it has a fold-down design that lets you go wear it up or down based on the conditions you’re dealing with or the look you’re going for.

• Heeled design
• Canvas style
• Mid and tall heights in one boot
• Canvas upper
• Keen ReGen midsole
• Polyurethane footbed
• Cement construction
• Soft or carbon fiber safety toe options
• Men’s only
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $150 – $155

Most Comfortable Work Boots

Keen Utility Cincinnati

Finding the most comfortable work boots starts with the correct fit. It has to fit right or the other comfort features and design functions go out the window.

The most comfortable works boots we’ve put on our feet are the Keen Utility Cincinnati. Its combination of a wedge sole and air-infused polyurethane (KEEN Luftcell) midsole makes it incredibly comfortable over long days, even if you’re a big guy. I’m 200+ and this is my go-to boot for shows such as World of Concrete where we’re on asphalt and concrete for even longer days than normal.

New starting in 2022, men now have a wellington option.

• Wedge design with aggressive tread for hard surfaces or bare ground
• Moc toe and wellington styles
• 6-inch, 8-inch height, or mid-calf height
• Full-grain leather upper
• Keen Luftcell air-infused PU midsole
• Removable PolyAer dual-density footbed
• Goodyear welt construction
• Waterproof options
• Soft or left/right-specific carbon fiber safety toe
• Men and women’s styles
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated
• Barnyard chemical resistant

Price: $190 – $225

Best Insoles for Work Boots

Dr. Scholl’s

Sometimes the insoles that come in our boots just don’t cut it for one reason or another. Often, it’s a preference, but your foot shape, arch, or other characteristics can create more painful chronic issues. If that’s what you struggle with, your best insole for work boots is going to be an orthotic from a podiatrist that works closely with you.

If it’s more of a preference thing, we recommend starting with Dr. Scholl’s as the best insoles for work boots. They’re readily available over the counter at a ton of retailers and they carry everything from extra support and odor-fighting to heel pain and plantar fasciitis insoles. They’re also not crazy expensive, so you can afford to try them out and see if they work for you before trying more expensive brands.

Price: $4.99 – $44.99 (most are less than $15)

Best Work Boots From Brands We Trust

Best Caterpillar Work Boots: Caterpillar Fairbanks

Cat’s Fairbanks line includes mid and high models with a couple of Chelsea options and either soft or steel toe. Our favorite in the line is the standard Fairbanks soft toe. It has a classic light brown/tan look and puts its focus on comfort with an EVA/memory foam footbed, microfiber footbed liner, and DuoFuse midsole that blends rubber and foam. Adding to the comfort of everyone around when your boots come off, the footbed liner has a CleanSport NXT layer that actively fights odor.

• Heeled design
• Traditional or Chelsea style
• 6-inch and 8-inch heights
• Leather upper
• DuoFuse rubber/foam midsole
• EVA/memory foam footbed
• Strobel construction (cement construction on Chelsea models)
• Waterproof options
• Soft, or steel safety toe options
• Men’s style only (check out the Paisley line for a solid women’s option)
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $135 – $170

Best Danner Work Boots: Danner Caliper

Danner focuses on all-day comfort with their Caliper line of work boots. Working from your foot down, the insole is Danner’s Dual Layer Comfort design featuring memory foam and polyurethane. That sits on top of the Strobel sock base that uses memory foam instead of a basic fabric to complete it. The midsole uses polyurethane to wrap it all up on top of Danner’s Caliper oil and slip-resistant outsole.

• Heeled design
• Traditional style
• 6-inch height
• Full grain leather upper
• Polyurethane midsole
• Dual layer comfort footbed
• Strobel construction
• Waterproof
• Soft or aluminum safety toe options
• Men’s and women’s options
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $130 – $150

Best Georgia Work Boots: Georgia Amp LT Edge

Georgia Boot’s AMP LT Edge series has three basic styles to choose from: standard, moc toe, and Wellington. The standard style is available with either a soft or aluminum safety toe. Across the board, these are some of the more attractively styled boots we’ve seen even though they only come in one color (medium brown).

The entire line is EH-rated and waterproof with an EVA midsole and AMP LT insole promoting comfort. A fiberglass shank and heel lock help keep your feet stable on nearly any jobsite surface.

If you like the AMP LT Edge idea, but prefer a wedge, Georgia Boot has AMP LT models with that outsole and includes a couple of women’s styles with it. AMP LT Edge boots are only available in men’s styles currently.

• Heeled design
• Traditional, moc toe, or Wellington style
• 6-inch of mid-calf height
• Full grain leather upper
• EVA midsole
• AMP LT footbed with memory foam
• Goodyear welt construction
• Waterproof
• Soft or alloy safety toe options
• Men’s style only (check out Georgia’s AMP LT Wedge for a women’s style)
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $190 – $201

Best Irish Setter Work Boots: Irish Setter Nisswa

If you’re looking for something more athletic in style with a lot more breathability and lighter weight, check out Irish Setter’s Nisswa line. These safety toe work boots (more work shoes, really) feature an oxford style on top of a wedge sole and makes for a great warehouse or delivery shoe.

• Wedge design
• Athletic style
• Low height
• TPU-infused nylon mesh upper
• EnerG EVA midsole
• Memory foam/EVA footbed
• Cement construction
• Aluminum safety toe
• Men’s and women’s options
• Oil resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $149.99

Best Kodiak Work Boots: Kodiak Quest Bound

Outstanding comfort and a perfect fit are the two things Clint DeBoer mentioned the first time he put Kodiak’s Quest Bound Mid work boots on. Available in low or mid heights, these composite toe hiker-style boots offer reasonably lightweight protection as an excellent all-around work boot.

• Heeled design
• Hiker style
• Low or mid height
• Full grain leather upper with TPU guards
• EVA midsole
• Comfortzone footbed with Ortholite comfort foam
• Direct attach construction
• Waterproof
• Composite safety toe options
• Men’s style only (check out Kodiak’s Bralorne for an excellent women’s option)
• Oil and slip resistant
• ESR-rated
• CSA-approved

Price: $155 – $165

Another Great Wolverine Work Boot: Wolverine Raider Durashocks

We just couldn’t leave out Wolverine’s Raider Durashocks. The Raider design has been around for more than 10 years but the Durashocks combination is fairly new. It’s a more flexible, comfortable ride and keeps the classic Raider style with soft or Carbonmax toe options.

• Heeled design
• Traditional, Wellington, Romeo, or low work shoe styles
• Low, 6-inch, 8-inch, or mid-calf heights
• Full grain leather upper
• Polyurethane midsole
• Full cushion footbed
• Wolverine CountourWelt construction
• Soft or Carbonmax safety toe
• Men’s style only
• EH-rated

Price: $115 – $200

Bonus Brand to Keep Your Eyes On: Brunt Workwear

Brunt work boots are relatively new to the scene, entering the market in 2020 with a direct-to-customer business model. Despite the circumstances, they gained a lot of momentum and are seeing great success. If you’re the type of person that likes to support smaller brands, give them a shot. The lineup is more limited than bigger names, but we like the quality we’ve experienced so far.

Check out our review of the Brunt Marin wedge or take a closer look at the Ryng for a more traditional style. It’s a lightweight design with a composite toe and flexible cement construction that’s more affordable than similar boots from other brands. As long as your checking out the boots, consider the Coady sweatshirt while you’re there—it’s not as bulky as most sweatshirts and moves really easily.

• Heeled design
• Traditional style
• Low or 6-inch heights
• Tech mesh upper
• Rubber/foam midsole
• Triple layer comfort footbed with memory foam
• Cement construction
• Waterproof
• Composite safety toe options
• Men’s style only
• Oil and slip resistant
• EH-rated

Price: $105 – $135

Work Boots Buying Guide | What We Look For

Fit

Never, ever buy a work boot that doesn’t have the proper fit. It’s a recipe for a lot of discomfort for your feet. When you put your foot in, make sure your heel is as far back in the shoe as it can go. Once there, find a size that gives you a little extra room—about the width of your thumb. If you do that, you’ll have room for the foot swelling that everyone experiences over the course of a day. The amount of room can be tough to check on steel toe boots, so try a soft toe for sizing if you’re buying in the store.

Then there’s the width. Good-fitting boots should snug up against the sides of your feet, but they shouldn’t squeeze them. You’re looking for stability, not discomfort. The opposite is also true—you don’t want too much width. Too much room can let your feet slide side-to-side and leave you with unstable footing.

The other big piece of the fit puzzle is the heel. When you’re trying on boots, check to make sure your heel is locked in and stable. You don’t want it sliding around.

Comfort

What makes a boot comfortable changes with your foot shape. In general, your foot should feel secure without putting any undue pressure on parts of your feet. You can always loosen the laces over the course of the day (which is why we LOVE BOA systems), but you can’t do anything about the rest of the boot.

The midsole does a lot for the overall comfort of a boot. One of the reasons you see some contractors wear sneakers on jobsites is that the EVA foam in them is so cushiony that it’s much more comfortable than boots. At least until recently.

New midsoles are air-infused and less dense, giving them more cushion than most. Like sneakers, the midsole breaks down faster than more dense designs, but we’ve found we’re replacing most of our boots for other reasons before the midsole is shot.

The last major discussion point is the insole. Most brands put some type of polyurethane insole in their boots to help with cushioning. Keep in mind that they’re replaceable. If you want more cushioning, arch support, or just a different feel, you can always pick up another insole and swap them out.

Sole

Boots usually come in one of two sole styles: heeled or wedge.

Heeled boots are the most traditional style and there are more of these available from virtually every brand. They tend to have an aggressive tread that offers fantastic traction on bare ground. They’re appropriate for just about every jobsite but typically aren’t as comfortable as wedges on hard surfaces.

Wedges tend to be more comfortable because they spread your weight out over a larger surface, reducing fatigue in your feet and legs. The trade-off is that they typically have very shallow tread that isn’t as appropriate for work on bare ground jobsites. They do their best work on asphalt, concrete, steel, and other hard surfaces.

Recently, we’ve started seeing hybrid boots that combine a wedge design with a medium-aggressive tread that fits the best of both worlds. As a big guy, it’s the style I prefer for all-around work.

Construction

Materials are important but it’s how they’re put together that tells you a lot about how long the boot will last. There are three main types of construction with a fourth we see from time to time.

Cement construction is when the upper, midsole, and outsole are glued together. It’s the weakest connection type but tends to be lighter and more flexible with a lower price tag than other construction types.

Strobel construction pops up occasionally and is more common with athletic shoes. With this form, the upper is sewn to fabric to create a sock-like look. From there, the midsole and outsole are glued on.

Direct injection is a process of injecting molten material (often polyurethane work boots) for the sole and then immediately pressing the upper onto it so they bond. This keeps the boot lightweight, flexible, and is generally stronger than cement without driving the cost as high as welting.

Goodyear welting has been around for a looooooong time and is still considered the strongest possible way to put a shoe together, the upper, midsole, and outsole are sewn together using thick, strong thread. These boots tend to be heavier and take longer to break in, but are much more durable.

Features and Certifications to Consider

• Pull-on, laces, or BOA system
• Low, mid, or high lengths
• Waterproof or non-waterproof
• Steel, aluminum, non-metallic (carbon) safety toe
• EH: Electrical Hazard rating
• CSA: Canadian Safety Authority approval
• Oil and slip resistance
• Heat resistance
• Puncture resistance
• Chemical/barnyard chemical resistance
• Anti-bactieral/anti-odor treatment

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested anything or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves, and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 350 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

Pro Tool Reviews consults with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites. We consult with them extensively on testing methods, categories, and practical applications.

Our site will provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers. That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Work Boots 2022 | Most Comfortable Boots for Men and Women appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Georgia Boot Offers Three Styles Of Athens SuperLyte Boots For Light Duty Work

Finding the right pair of work boots for the job can seem like a laborious task. There are, after all, so many to choose from. If you’re working in a heavy-duty environment like a construction site, you have plenty of options, but what if your needs are more on the lighter side? Find out how Georgia Boot Athens SuperLyte Work Boots aim to stand the test of time and provide you with all-day comfort for lighter-duty jobs.

Georgia Boot Athens SuperLyte Work Boots: The Big Deal

Georgia Boots emphasizes a lightweight design with the introduction of this line. How light? The Moc Toe Chelsea style is the lightest at 2.6 pounds per size 10 pair. That’s just under 21 ounces per boot, which is pretty dang light (that’s a technical term, by the way) for a work boot.

All Athens SuperLyte work boots are constructed with Crazy Horse full-grain leather for long-term durability. Georgia Boot designed them with abrasion-resistant dual-density EVA and Carbo-Tec rubber on the outsoles. These boots also carry an ASTM F2892 electrical hazard classification thanks to their nail-free design.

They offer three different styles giving you the option of boots with or without laces. All three styles feature the Georgia waterproof system, which keeps your feet cool and dry by allowing air in and keeping water out.

Moc Toe Hiker Style

The 6-inch Moc-Toe (GB00547) includes eyelet and hook hardware, giving you a laced-up style. They feature a padded collar and tongue, with Advanced Memory Polyurethane (AMP) insoles for a comfortable fit. They weigh 2.9 pounds per size 10 pair (23 ounces per boot).

Moc Toe Pull-On

If you’re in need of something on the taller side, the 11-inch Moc-Toe pull-on boots (GB00549) might be the pair for you. They feature grip panels on the side for an easy pull-on and a back zipper to make accessibility even easier. They’re also constructed using no metal material or parts, which is perfect for working in environments that require you to routinely pass through metal detectors. You do have the option to include an alloy toe in these boots, though.

These are the heaviest of the group. “Heavy” is a relative term in lightweight boots, though. A size 10 pair weighs 3.4 pounds or 27 ounces per boot. If you want the alloy toe, add 3 ounces per boot.

Moc Toe Chelsea

Like the 11-inch variety, the Moc-Toe Chelsea (GB00548) boots feature twin side panels for easy pull-on. These boots are also non-metallic, waterproof, and feature an AMP insole. They are the lightest model in the SuperLyte collection, at just 2.6 pounds (for a size 10 pair).

Additional Features

• Stretch gusset technology
• Georgia Anchor Disk for added arch support
• Fiberglass shank
• Cement construction

Georgia Boot Athens SuperLyte Work Boots Price

You can get these boots direct from Georgia Boot or through a number of retailers. We found the entire line at the lowest prices from Amazon. Here are the retail prices for each style:

• Hiker Style: $197
• Chelsea: $185
• Pull On: $208
• Pull On with Alloy Safety Toe: $225

The post Georgia Boot Athens SuperLyte Work Boots appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Red Wing’s EcoLite Hiker Work Boots Combine Renewable Resources With Lightweight Comfort

Some of us work in a field that requires footwear a little stronger than a traditional sneaker, but not as heavy-duty as a rugged work boot. If this describes you, Red Wing may have exactly what you’re looking for. Find out how the Red Wing EcoLite Hiker Work Boots combine a lightweight design with the protection you need for lighter-duty work.

Red Wing EcoLite Hiker Work Boots: The Big Deal

There are quite a few details that make this work boot stand out from the crowd. For starters, Red Wing designed them using 25% sustainable and recycled materials. The uppers are comprised of 50% discarded plastic bottles, and the midsoles contain renewable sugarcane for cushioning and comfort. 30% recycled rubber also makes up the outsoles.

Then there’s the BOA Fit System. If you’ve never owned a shoe that features this lace-replacement system, it’s an easy concept to grasp. You simply push to engage the system and turn the dial to adjust tighter or looser to a fit that feels right for you. The nice thing about this is that you can adjust each shoe’s fastening separately without having to retie laces to a specific tightness.

Suitability

Red Wing tells us that these work boots’ lightweight design works best for light-duty applications such as warehousing, manufacturing, and service. If you work on a construction site or another place where your feet need more heavy-duty protection, you’ll want something more rugged.

That’s not to say that these boots don’t have their fair share of safety features. The Red Wing EcoLite Hiker work boots include a Vibram Litebase outsole, which makes them slip- and abrasion-resistant. The outsoles are also HRO (Heat Resistant Outsole) designated, making them resistant to melting at temperatures up to 475°F.

Additionally, they meet the ASTM safety standard for electrical hazard protection and have an aluminum safety toe.

Additional Features

• Available in sizes 6 to 15 in half-size increments
• Three width options: Regular, Wide EE, and Wide H

Red Wing EcoLite Hiker Work Boots Price

These work shoes retail for $224.99 and you can find them at any authorized Red Wing retailer. Red Wing offers a 30-day comfort guarantee, as well as a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Specifications

• Model: Red Wing 2283
• Style: Hiker
• Height: 4 in
• Construction: Cement
• Footbed: Removable EVA
• Weight: 2 lb 2 oz

The post Red Wing EcoLite Hiker Work Boots appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Truewerk Double-Stitch T1 Werkshort Retains What We Love About the Pants

The Truewerk Double-Stitch T1 Werkshort is nearly identical to their T2 Werkpant, just as a short. That’s a really good thing because it means I get to keep all the same pockets and features.  The material features a combination of polyester, nylon, and spandex to produce a 4-way stretch and is treated with a durable waterproof coating for days when the weather is less than ideal. Double stitching is in the name and it’s everywhere along with reinforcement in areas that are prone to higher stress from stretching.

Truewerk T1 Werkshort Functional Pockets

Functional pockets are in most of the traditional places with a couple of bonuses. You have your traditional right and left deep pockets. On the upper right side, you’ll find a shallow zippered pocket. It’s great for storing your keys or any other small items you don’t want to get wet. Your cell phone is going to be a bit too big for it unless you’re carrying a flip phone though. The knife and pen pocket on the lower right are where you’ll find my Kershaw Blur and ZT Tactical Pen spending most of their day.

On the lower left, you have a deep pocket. This has a hooded, solid-holding Velcro closure that protects the contents from falling water. It also has a loop if you need to clip anything below your waistline. There’s just one rear pocket on the right side that zippers closed. It’s slightly offset toward your hip which I’ve come to really appreciate.

Comfort and Fit

We can’t overstate the comfort level of these shorts. They fit and feel like you’re wearing a board short style swimsuit to work every day. Yeah, they’re really lightweight and breathable. There are a couple of things I’d like to see changed, the first being the button fly. I’d much rather have a zipper when it comes to taking care of business around porcelain. The tie at the top is also a bit curious. It tightens the shorts well enough but is in the way a little bit if you want to wear a belt, which I do. Neither of these is anywhere close to deal-breakers, just points you’ll want to be aware of.

Like the other workwear that Truewerk has developed, I’m a huge fan of the summer lineup. I love the fit that’s geared toward guys that are more athletic and the technical nature makes it so much more comfortable than what’s traditionally been available.

Truewerk Double-Stitch T1 Werkshort Specifications

• Material: 50% polyester, 40% nylon, 10% spandex
• Sizes: 28-44 waist
• Colors: Deep Grey, Navy, Sand
• Style: 9″ or 11″
• Pockets: Traditional front (left and right), shallow hip pocket (right), deep Velcro pocket (left), knife and pen pockets (right), rear pocket (left)
• Riveted pocket corners
• Price: $69

Final Thoughts

Truewerk’s gear does come at a premium price point. If you’re a professional, you really need to take a look at these. If your work lends itself to technical gear, it’s worth your time to check these out.

The post Truewerk T1 Werkshort Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ariat WorkHog XT BOA Work Boots Meld Cowboy-styling with Modern Tech

When you’re constantly searching for the best work boots you tend to pay attention to anything out of the ordinary. When our managing editor approached me about trying out the Ariat WorkHog XT BOA Work Boots. Wait…cowboy-style work boots with a BOA Fit System? I couldn’t say no. I wanted to know if that would make give Ariat WorkHog XT boots more adjustability without getting in the way.

Pros

• Super-comfortable heel
• BOA Fit System lets you control the snugness
• Excellent arch support
• True-to-size fit
• Hybrid “cowboy boot” look
• Goodyear welt construction

Cons

• Requires boot-cut jeans or work pants

Ariat WorkHog XT BOA Work Boots Overall Design

I’ve always appreciated traditional cowboy boots for their inherent comfort and design. Merging that design into a work boot intrigues me. While several different bootmakers do this. Ariat has a long history of making high-quality western boots. Naturally, a company that goes from those roots toward a work boot stands to overshadow those companies which don’t have a lot of experience making western-style footwear.

As a soft-toe boot, the Ariat WorkHog XT BOA Work Boots get you really close to the look of a square-toe western boot. They then add lots of features to help you stay comfortable regardless of what the jobsite tosses your way.

Build Quality

To address build quality on this boot we need to look outside and inside. Starting at the bottom you get a Goodyear welt construction. We prefer this for its excellent durability, water resistance, and longevity. It may require some breaking, but it holds up much better than cement construction. You can find the latter on a lot of mainstream work boots.

The ATS Max system combines roughly 8 layers—perhaps more—to deliver a truly comfortable experience. Under your feet, you have a moisture-wicking layer with Agion antimicrobial technology to reduce odor build-up. A gel-cushioned footbed comes next and softens the impact of your foot during each step.

A Smart Rebound layer dissipates pressure in the forefoot and further cushions the heel. For stability, Ariat employs a forked shank. All of this sits atop a flexible Duratread outsole that resists acids and oils. It also has just the right amount of grip, so you don’t slide around on dusty concrete.

With no toe cap, this boot maintains a more traditional look that we really like. As a soft-toe boot, it also doesn’t create that overly large squared-off boxy look many steel-toe boots in this style have.

The sides of the boot use full-grain leather and feature a six-row stitch pattern for the design. You can get these boots in any color you want—provided you want Aged Bark. If you can only have one color, this one’s not bad!

Additional Design Features

• Waterproof PRO construction with an impermeable barrier
• Mesh lining
• Removable Energy Max anti-fatigue insole
• 90° heel

Certifications

• ASTM F2892-18 EH (electrical hazard) rated

Comfort

I typically wear a wedge boot like the Keen Utility Cincinnati. The greater surface contact area spreads out your weight and gives you lots of cushion. This helps a bunch when working on hard surfaces—we’re talking to you, warehouse workers!

The multiple layers that make up the Ariat ATS Max system really make this a comfortable boot to wear. The heel almost feels like you sink into it a little when you walk. The Ariat WorkHog XT BOA work boots also nail the arch support.

I wore these boots over a period of several weeks. I kept coming back to just how well they fit my feet regardless of what I was doing. Standing in the shop, running a mower, or driving—they simply felt comfortable all the time.

Adjusting the BOA Fit System

The BOA Fit System gives you just one more way to dial in the fit. With it, you can tighten the area right above your midfoot area. As this is where most of your foot tendons fall, it helps to get this right—and not too tight. I found myself just slightly adjusting the BOA Fit System after slipping my foot into the boot. After a while, I determined that I needed just a single 360-degree turn to get a comfortable fit. Pulling the BOA dial out releases it immediately.

If you want to mess with the insole, the removable Energy Max anti-fatigue insole lets you customize the boot further.

Fit

I wear a size 9.5 in both work boots and shoes. Ariat stocks these boots in sizes ranging from 7-15 in both D and EE widths. That should cover a lot of people.

The Ariat WorkHog XT BOA work boots run true to size so they should be easy to order. Stick with the size you normally wear, and you should do well.

Ariat WorkHog XT BOA Work Boots Pricing

Given the Goodyear welt construction, attention to detail, and excellent design, the ~$285 retail price presented no surprise. In addition to these soft toe boots, you can get the WorkHog XT BOA line in Carbon Toe, Waterproof Carbon Tie, and a more traditional design with carbon toe and rubberized toe cap.

The Bottom Line

Ariat has a history of making excellent footwear—from cowboy boots to traditional work boots and even casual wear. The cowboy boot style and BOA Fit System technology stand out among the competition. If you like western wear boots but need durability for a workplace environment, we highly suggest giving these a try.

The post Ariat WorkHog XT BOA Work Boots Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Klein Gives You The Knee Protection You Need With The Comfort You Deserve

Despite offering much-needed protection when working on the ground, messing with knee pad straps can be a real annoyance. They tend to become loose and slip off of your knee, which can make you just want to avoid them altogether. Klein hopes to change this with its knee pad sleeves. Find out how they can keep your knees protected in any situation.

Klein Knee Pad Sleeves: The Big Deal

The Klein Knee Pad Sleeves let you avoid the typical behind-the-knee strap design present in many knee pads on the market. Instead, they use a flexible, breathable sleeve design to help the pad stay in place. Better yet, you can wear them over or under your pants, making them versatile in any working situation that puts pressure on your knees.

There are two different pad designs offering different levels of protection. The lightweight knee pads use EVA material to give you a base layer of padded protection.

The heavy-duty knee pads, on the other hand, incorporate three layers of padding (an anti-abrasion layer, impact-absorbing polyurethane padding, and neoprene comfort foam) to give you protection against harder or uneven surfaces like gravel or concrete.

Both models contour to your leg to offer all-day comfort. They also use a silicone upper cuff to make them slip-resistant.

Additional Features

• Both styles are available in two sizes: M/L and L/XL
• Lightweight, breathable mesh back

Klein Knee Pad Sleeves Price

The lightweight knee pads retail for $19.97, and the heavy-duty ones sell for $39.99. Each model is sold as a pair. Additionally, Klein backs your purchase with a lifetime warranty.

Specifications

• Models: Klein 60611; 60511; 60492; 60592
• Knee pad material: Foam
• Finish: Black

The post Klein Knee Pad Sleeves: Slide-On Knee Protection appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

There are plenty of excellent options for off-the-shelf work boots out there. For some people, the throw-away consumable mentality is wearing thin, though. We had the opportunity to put our feet in a pair of Nicks BuilderPro handmade boots for a review and see for ourselves the difference wearing a boot that thinks long-term can make.

Nicks BuilderPro Handmade Boots: Not Your Ordinary Shopping Experience

With most work boots, you root through the boxes on the shelf or hope the online retailer has your size in stock. With Nicks, every boot is made by hand once you order it. It’s not quite a completely customizable process, but there are a ton of options.

Because the boots are handmade, there is a lead time consideration. Material availability, amount of labor required, order demand, and other build chain elements have an effect. Give yourself enough time before you need a boot replacement a be patient—the final product is worth it. Here’s what lead times are running at the time we’re writing:

• Standard lead time: 16 – 24 weeks
• Quick ship and best sellers: 8 – 12 weeks
• Size exchanges and warranty boots: 3 – 5 weeks
• In-stock boots: 3 – 5 business days

If you want the most options, go with the BuilderPro Custom Configuration to get exactly what you want. Here are the selections you can make:

• Fitting method
• Boot length (size)
• Width
• Last
• Height
• Upper Leather (color)
• Lower Leather (color)
• Hardware Configuration
• Inside Lineman Patch
• Midsole Thickness
• Toe Structure
• Toe Style
• Lineman Shank
• Sole Stitching Thread
• Heel Stack
• Outsole
• Edge Color
• Heel Profile

Nicks BuilderPro Handmade Boots Design

Fit

I’m a size 12 1/2, which means I usually have to choose between 12 and 13 with most boot brands. However, Nicks has sizes from 3.5 – 14.5 with 1/2 sizes running the full range. You’re not just stuck with medium (D) and wide (EE) widths, either. There are nearly a dozen widths available ranging from AA to FFFF.

In chatting with Lucas Grasberger from Nicks, he told me that he hasn’t been able to find another brand that has more stock size options than they carry.

I was happy to go with a 12 1/2 in medium width with a regular arch and the fit was fantastic. That said, Nicks does recommend ordering a 1/2-size down from your normal boots. If the fit isn’t quite right, you can exchange them as long as they’re in like-new condition.

First Impressions

As you get ready to open that Nicks box for the first time, go ahead and close your eyes and enjoy the smell of that natural leather as you do. There’s nothing like it.

When I slipped my feet in my first thought was “blessed arch support, there you are.” In terms of full-foot support, I can’t remember having anything better on my feet.

The boots come with a leather insole. If you’re on the wrong side of 200 pounds and the wrong side of 40 years of age like I am, you’ll want to add an insole with some extra cushioning. That could be something off the shelf or a custom orthotic; it’s your call.

The leather laces come long. Once you determine how much extra length you want, go ahead and clip the excess with a pair of scissors.

Break-In

To their credit, most modern off-the-shelf boots are capable of working long days out of the box without much break-in period. That’s not the case with Nicks handmade boots, though. With the quality of the materials and construction, plan on spending a couple of weeks breaking them in at the least.

The leather will begin to loosen up as it stretches and the sole will develop the flex it needs to move with your foot. Plus, it will take the shape of your foot better than other boots through the break-in period. Persevere through, though—it’s worth it once they hit your stride.

Wearing Nicks BuilderPro Boots

Once you get through the break-in period, you’re off to the races. Well, off to the jobsite, anyway. There are several things you should be aware of if you’ve never worn boots of this quality before.

The leather is thicker than most. At 7 – 8-ounce, it’s nearly twice the industry standard for uppers. The boot doesn’t have fiberboard, cork, or synthetic fibers. It’s all oak tanned leather from right here in the USA. That all adds durability, but also makes a heavier boot. The boot is also completely rebuildable and resoleable.

The heel and aggressive Vibram V-100 lug sole make the BuilderPro a great choice for jobsites where you’re spending a lot of time on soil. If you’re primarily on concrete, steel, and other hard surfaces, you might want to go with a lower heel or shift to a wedge.

The style of the boot varies with your choices, but in general, it has an overall aggressive, yet professional look. The outsole gives the boot its aggressiveness while the smooth upper can easily pass for a dress boot. If you’re in the upper levels of your construction firm, it looks good in the board room with all the stability and grip you need for the jobsite.

Nicks BuilderPro Handmade Boots Price

The price of your boots depends on your choices. The configuration I went with runs $555.00. Most of the pre-configured best seller versions run $545.

One thing to keep in mind as you’re considering the investment of a handmade boot is that Nicks is a USA-owned company out of Spokane, Washington. Some of their bootmakers have been with them for decades and the company itself has been around for nearly 60 years. More than 98% of the material they use is directly from the United States. Even the leather comes from US-based tanneries.

The Bottom Line

Moving from off-the-shelf boots to quality handmade boots is a big change and there are several things you need to consider. If you’re looking for a relationship with your work boots that’s more than just a short-term fling, we highly recommend taking a look at the Nicks BuilderPro or their other handmade boot options and experiencing them for yourself.

Visit Nicks Handmade Boots website by clicking here.

The post Nicks BuilderPro Handmade Boots Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Keen Utility Offers Durability with Their Independence Work Boot Series

We’ve reviewed a ton from Keen Utility on our site so far, including Keen Roswell boots and Troy boots. Now, the company is gearing up to release its Independence series of boots. Made in the U.S.A with global materials, could the Keen Independence work boots find their way onto your front porch after a long day on the job? We’ll tell you what we know about them so far leading up to their release so you can decide.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best work boots article to see our top picks!

Keen Independence Work Boots – The Big Deal

Whether you’re working, hiking, or anything in between, you can’t stay comfortable with wet feet. Like many of their other footwear items, Keen Independence boots feature KEEN.DRY technology. That keeps water from entering the boot and getting to your feet. Keen describes this technology as a waterproof, breathable membrane that uses microscopic holes to allow vapor to escape while keeping water out.

Another important factor when considering user comfort is the support level. Keen tells us that the Independence boots feature a Luftcell midsole infused with about “100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter” to offer all-day support and comfort.

Keen Independence work boots also have the expected safety features we expect. They offer asymmetrical carbon fiber toes that contour with the shape of your feet. Carbon fiber is 15% lighter than steel. It offers the same level of protection without the thickness of a composite toe. It also doesn’t conduct electricity. We have a lot of reasons to prefer carbon fiber safety toes in our boots.

These boots also feature KEEN.Toughsole, an oil- and slip-resistant outsole. Keen tells us that this outsole material is lighter in weight and more durable than the rubber found on many work boots.

Additional Features

• EH (Electrical Hazard) rated
• Assembled in the Pacific Northwest using global materials
• Available in several configurations

Price and Availability

You can order Keen Utility Independence boots in sizes ranging from Men’s 7 to 15 (as available). They cost about $195. Currently, they only come in a Dark Earth/Black 6-inch model.

Initial Thoughts

These look like a solid, if not traditional, 6-inch boot. Next to perhaps the Keen Braddock or Mt Vernon boots, these look like the most conventional USA-made boot Keen Utility has ever made. Priced at $195 they have some stiff competition, but we look forward to getting them on our feet and seeing how they do in terms of both protection and comfort.

Specifications

• Model: KEEN Independence
• Heel: 5/8 in., 90º
• Weight: 25.3 oz
• Collar height: 6 in.
• Toe type: Carbon-fiber
• ASTM F2913-19 SATRA Non-Slip
• ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH

The post Keen Utility Independence Work Boots appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Tecovas Midland Boots Blend Classic Cowboy Look With Work-Ready Design

We spend a lot of time talking about traditional work boots, and the type you choose can say as much about your style as it does the function and safety they provide. For those of you who prefer a cowboy-style look, check out what Tecovas Midland boots have to offer.

Tecovas Midland Boots

Tecovas starts with either oiled bovine or bison for its material choices and crafts it into a classic western look with a broad square toe.

On the surface, you’d be forgiven if you mistake it for a dress boot, but this one is designed for work. The Vibram outsole has an aggressive tread pattern that offers better traction along with oil and slip resistance.

Inside, there’s a dual footbed system. It begins with an integrated insole that’s permanently connected to the boot. Then Tecovas adds a removable polyurethane insole that’s leather-lined and shock-absorbing. You can wear it with or without the PU insole, or feel free to remove it and add the orthotics you prefer.

One thing to note is that the Tecovas Midland does not have a safety toe option. If that’s a requirement for your jobsite, you’ll need to look at something else.

Additional Highlights

• Handcrafted in Leon, Mexico
• Sealed seams offer waterproofing
• Ochre Bovine color features a black/medium brown combination
• Soil Bison color features a medium brown/dark brown combination
• Available in men’s 7 – 13 with half sizes and whole sizes to 15
• D and EE widths are available

Tecovas Midland Price

You can pick up these boots from Tecovas online or at one of their retail stores for $255. Shipping is free when you order online.

Don’t be afraid of ordering online. Returns are super-simple (we’ve used it) and they’ll cover your return shipping. Just remember to try your boots out on the carpet first to avoid scratching the outsoles while you check the size.

The Tecovas Square Deal

• We promise quality, comfort, fit, and style
• We stand by everything we make
• We’re Texan on service
• Free shipping, returns, and exchanges

Check out the entire line of Tecovas boots by clicking here.

The post Tecovas Midland Boots: Built To Work As Hard As You appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Iron Age Updates Its Solidifier Work Boot Line To Address Pros’ Requests

Many tradesmen need a comfortable, affordable pair of work boots for those long work days and Iron Age Solidifier boots aim to be your next pair. With two more additions to the line, they are addressing some of the top requests from professionals. Is there a style that fits your needs and budget?

Iron Age Solidifier Work Boots: The Latest Styles

Two pairs of boots made their way into the Solidifier lineup for this update. The newcomers are the IA5070 Romeo-style work boot and the IA5093 11-inch mocassin-style waterproof work boot. Both pairs are slip-on and launch with a composite toe (no soft or steel toe options). Let’s dive a little deeper into each style.

Iron Age Solidifier Romeo

The Romeo-style work boot is slowly becoming more popular as a pull-on mid-height design. A cutout around the ankle makes this style easier to pull on. Iron Age sticks with a Goodyear welt to connect the outsole. It may take a little longer to break in, but it’s going to last much longer than cement and direct attach methods.

• Twin-Gore work boot
• Composite toe
• Leather Upper
• Moisture-wicking liner
• Removable Bootbed memory foam footbed
• Polyurethane abrasion-resistant outside
• Ladder-friendly heel design
• Certified ASTM F2413
• Electrical hazard compliant
• Oil and slip resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Odor-absorbent
• Available in sizes 7-14
• Available in Medium or Wide width

Iron Age Solidifer Moc Toe Pull-On

Iron Age already had several Wellington-style pull-on boots in this lineup. This version simply adds a moc-toe design. Apart from the look, it actually serves to offer higher toe protection, particularly from crush and slice hazards. Like the Romeo and every version of the Solidifier, that Goodyear welt holds the boot together.

• 11-inch waterproof work boot
• Composite toe
• Leather Upper
• Moisture-wicking liner
• Removable Bootbed memory foam footbed
• Polyurethane abrasion-resistant outside
• Ladder-friendly heel design
• Certified ASTM F2413
• Electrical hazard compliant
• Oil and slip resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Odor-absorbent
• Available in sizes 7-14
• Available in Medium or Wide width

Price

As with all work boots, the price varies with the style and toe you choose. The Iron Age Solidifier line ranges from $139 – $171. Considering the material choice and construction, it’s an attractive price range. Here’s the full price breakdown:

• IA5070 Romeo Composite Toe: $145.00
• IA5093 Moc Toe Pull-On Composite Toe: $171.00
• IA5090 Pull-On Composite Toe: $159.00
• IA5091 Pull-On Soft Toe: $143.00
• IA5092 Pull-On Composite Toe: $161.00
• IA5082 8-Inch Composite Toe: $159.00
• IA5062 6-Inch Composite Toe: $155.00
• IA5064 6-Inch Soft Toe: $139.00

The post Iron Age Solidifier Work Boots appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.