While you’re on the jobsite, it’s very important to have your feet protected. Steel toe work boots provide excellent protection against impact and compression from objects falling on your feet. We rank the best 7 pairs of work boots that provide protection with steel toes.

We rated all of our steel toed boots on the ability to protect from impact (Protection), the waterproofness of the boot (Waterproof), the comfortability, the ability to withstand abuse from some of the harshest jobs (durability), and boot’s flexibility. We took the average of all of these scores and created an overall score.

Let’s kick it off and start at number 7!

#7 Muck Boot Steel Toe Chore Boot (CHS-000) with an overall score of 4.4.

Leading us off at number 7 is the Muck Boot Company’s Steel Toe Chore Boot. Scoring in the protection category a perfect 5. This boot passes the impact and compression test from ASTM, making it ASTM F2413 approved.

Muck boots are known for being waterproof. It would be hard to score this boot as anything but a perfect 5 in this category. On the days when the construction site is muddy and you need a boot to hose off and keep your feet dry, look no further than the Muck Boot Chore Boots.

Scoring a 3.5 in the category of comfortability, making this boot more comfortable than the average boot. We found this boot to be very comfortable, although there are better outsoles that are softer and allow for better shock absorption. Now make no mistake, this boot is still comfortable.

Scoring another 3.5, this time in the durability category. Rubber is definitely a durable material, however, it is prone to slicing if you’re in a heavy-duty environment and are around sharp material.

Rubber is great at one thing, and that is being flexible. The Chore boot being made out of neoprene and rubber make it an extremely flexible boot. You won’t have to worry if you will be crouching and kneeling all day, as this flexible construction won’t wear you out.

 

#6 Carhartt 6-Inch Steel Toe Wedge Boot (CMW6295) with an overall score of 4.4

Coming in strong at number 6 is the Carhartt 6-inch Steel Toe Wedge Boot. Scoring a perfect 5 in the category of protection, meaning this boot can take the impact and compression as specified by the ASTM F2413. 

In the category of waterproofing, this Carhartt boot scored another perfect 5. Standing in wet work environments is typical for most of the workforce, meaning that waterproof work boots are nearly a must for most people. The Storm Defender waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry, but still allows them to breathe.

Comfortability is possibly the most important factor when considering work boots (maybe behind protection?). The Steel Toe 6-inch Wedge boot scored a perfect 5 in the category as well. The dual density rubber outsole is one of the most comfortable outsoles produced on boots, paired with the cushioned polyurethane insole for support, is the perfect combination for comfort.

 Scoring another perfect 5, this time in the category of durability. The goodyear welt construction provides excellent durability. You won’t be risking the sole falling off these things, as well as having the ability to resole the boots after you’ve worn the sole down (maybe the only downfall of having a comfortable soft outsole). 

The only downfall of the goodyear welt construction is flexibility. Leading us into scoring the flexibility of the Carhartt boot a 2. This doesn’t mean that the boot doesn’t flex. This construction of the boot is known for being stiff and not allowing you to easily flex the boot while crouching.

 

#5 Georgia AMP Steel Toe Chelsea Work Boot (GB00353) with an overall score of 4.4

Coming in at number 5 is the Georgia AMP Steel Toe Chelsea Work Boot. Aside from being a good looking boot, this boot is also one of the best steel toe work boots.

One of our favorite features of this boot is the ability to easily slip it on.

Scoring a perfect 5 in the category of Protection, this steel toed boot provides impact and compression safety from falling objects.

If you’re looking for water resistance, you’re in luck, as this boot has also scored a perfect score in waterproofing. This boot features the Georgia Waterproofing System, which is backed by the   The 5-inch height of this boot offers sufficient resistance to water.

The AMP LT insole with memory foam insole is one of the most comfortable cushioned footbeds, which makes this boot a perfect 5 in comfortability. If you will be standing all day, this is a great pick and considered one of the best in comfort. 

This boot is above average in durability, scoring a 3.5. This boot is great for light to mid-duty work and makes sure that you are comfortable while doing it. 

With the goodyear welt, this type of construction is not the best for flexibility, scoring a 3.5. Now although this boot is a goodyear welt, it is more flexible than some of the other goodyear welt boots. Although, if you’re looking for a boot that is very flexible because you crouch and kneel constantly, then I would recommend a boot that ranks higher.

 

#4 Irish Setter Two Harbors Pull-On Boot (83906) with an overall score of 4.5

Irish Setter is a subsidiary company of Red Wing Shoes, which means it still holds the same high standards during production.

This Irish Setter Two Harbors Pull-On Boot came in number 4 on our list here with an overall score of 4.5. 

As with the rest of the boots on this list, it scores a perfect 5 in the category of protection.

This boot is paired with Irish Setter’s UltraDry™ waterproofing, which is a moisture management and waterproofing lining that keeps your feet dry for long lasting comfort. Also, the 11-inch height gives you the extra protection for the deeper waters. We score this boot a perfect 5 in waterproofing.

In the comfortability category, these boots score above average at a 3.5. They are a great boot for anybody doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain and surfaces. Although, if your typical day involves standing on concrete for long periods of time, then there may be some better options. 

This boot is produced with a Vibram® Rubber-PU outsole, which is known for being able to take the abuse from lots of walking. This sole is also designed to perform on high heat surfaces, and is heat resistant to melting at a minimum of 475° F. This boot is scored at a 4 in durability.

Scoring a 5 in the category of flexibility, this boot is extremely flexible, especially for a pull-on boot. This boot is produced with Irish Setter’s StableFlex™ technology, which combines the flexibility of the forefoot with a stable platform in the heel. This dual-construction incorporates the durability of the welded heel in the back and the flexibility of the direct cement construction in the front for flexibility and comfort.

 

#3 Irish Setter Ely 6-inch Steel Toe Boot (83618) with an overall score of 4.5

Following the Irish Setter Pull-on, is another Irish Setter, but this time it's the Ely 6-inch Steel Toe Boot.

Scoring a 5 in the category of protection, this boot here complies with the ASTM F2413 safety standards for impact and compression. 

The built-in UltraDry™ Waterproofing System is made to keep your feet dry on the wet days, and also on the hot dry days. This system has the built in moisture management system which allows for the moisture inside to escape, keeping your feet dry from sweat. Perfect score of 5 in waterproofing.

This boot is made with a Polyurethane sole, making it soft and comfortable on harder surfaces. We gave this boot a score of 4 in the comfortability category.

This boot is constructed using the direct attach method. This makes the boot extremely flexible, similar to a shoe, although it is not as durable as other constructions like the goodyear welt. Scoring this boot as a 3.5 in durability (still above average) and a perfect 5 in flexibility. We would recommend this boot in a more light to mid duty work field.

 

#2 Thorogood 1957 Series 8-inch Moc Toe Boot (804-3898) with an overall score of 4.5*

This is a special number 2. This Thorogood 1957 Series 8-inch Moc Toe Boot also has a 6-inch version (804-3696) and a very close match (804-3600) which ranked the exact same. We thought we would save some space by mashing them all into one ranking. 

Scoring a perfect score in the protection category, this boot is perfect for anyone needing protection against impact or compression. If your company requires ASTM F2413, this boot is covered!

Scoring a 5 in waterproofing, this boot is made with Thorogood’s X-Stream waterproof liner, which is a very smooth and comfortable lining. Which also provides great protection from outer elements. No need to fear standing in water all day, as this boot is also warrantied by Thorogood for one year!

If you need a boot that you can stand on concrete all day and don’t want to worry about your feet aching at the end of the day, then this soft outsole paired with the Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed will definitely do the job. Again, perfect score of 5 in the comfort category.

This Thorogood boot is made with a goodyear welt construction, making it extremely durable. Giving it the perfect score of 5 in durability. However, this type of construction is a double edge sword, since this also hinders the ability for the boot to flex easily. Now that doesn’t mean that the boot doesn’t flex, it just doesn’t flex as easily as other boot constructions (like the direct attach). Giving this boot a score of 2.5 in the flexibility category.

 

#1 Timberland Pro 6-inch Waterproof Insulated Steel Toe Boots (TB065016) with an overall score of 4.7

Ranking number 1 in our list of steel safety toe boots, is the Timberland Pro 6-inch Waterproof Insulated Steel Toe Boots.

Scoring a perfect score in protection, this boot has a safety toe that exceeds the ASTM F2413 safety standards for impact and compression. Along with the steel toe, it also has electrical hazard protection. This protects the wearer from electric shock or electrocution. 

In the category of waterproofing, this boot scores a perfect 5. This waterproof leather and seam-sealed waterproof construction is ready for any wet environments that you can throw at it. If you need a boot that can withstand standing in water all-day, you’ve found the right one.

In the category of comfortability, this boot scores a perfect 5. This boot has the Anti-Fatigue technology, which is the comfort system designed for shock absorbing, geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot to deliver all-day support and comfort. This insole is also great at providing arch support, which is important for those of you who stand for long periods of time.

The durability of this boot is scored at above average, at a 3.5. This boots sole is constructed using the direct attach method, which is extremely flexible. Although, this type of construction is not as durable as some of the other types, such as goodyear welt. Make no mistake, this boot is still extremely durable.

To reiterate from before, this boot is made to be extremely flexible by utilizing the direct attach construction type. If you do all different types of work, such as crouching, and kneeling some days, and then lots of standing the next day, this boot is the perfect choice. 

No matter which style you choose from our list here, we believe that you will also find these to be some of the best work boots with steel toes. Remember, that even though some boots are ranked higher than others, it’s important to know which boots work best for your industry. Meaning that if you work in a heavy-duty industry, you may want to look for something that is ranked higher in durability.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to shoot us an email at support@greatlakesworkwear.com Or feel free to just say hi. We love to hear from all of our customers.