Best Work Boots

It takes approximately 80 to 100 hours to break new work boots in.

You can break in work boots fast by wearing them for a few hours a day.

Work boots are harder to break in compared to regular boots, due to how hard leather is. 

Read more about how to break in work boots in our in-depth article. 

You can maintain your work boots by cleaning them now and then using a water-based cleaner and nylon brush, as well as applying a leather conditioner. 

Regular cleaning will keep your work boots in good shape, as well as maintain the suppleness of the leather.

Read more about maintaining your work boots in our in-depth article.

Work boots last on average between 6 and 24 months. 

Leather boots worn by a construction worker will last around 6 months, while sturdier cowboy boots can last between 5 and 10 years.

There are various ways to tell that your work boots are worn out.

Some ‌signs include seams falling apart, a wrinkly or compressed appearance in the midsole area, and less cushion and shock absorption when walking. 

Read more about how to know it’s time to change your work boots in our in-depth article.

Work Boots should fit tight enough to support your foot but loose enough so that your foot can flex and move normally. 

Work boots should fit snug and comfortably, and not pinch you across the ball of the foot or the toes. 

Read more about how your work boot should fit in our in-depth article.

It usually takes up to a month to get used to steel-toe work boots. 

The length will depend on how diligent and consistent you are in breaking in your steel-toe boots, but if you work hard at breaking in your steel-toe work boots, it can take as short as a week.

The EE in work boots means Extra Wide.

Work boots come in 6 width options: B (extra narrow), C (narrow), D (regular), E (wide), EE (extra wide), and EEE (triple wide).

Read more about work boot width variations in our in-depth article.

No, your work boot size is not the same as your shoe size, due to how the sizes are measured.

The best is to start with 1/2 a size down from your normal shoe size when buying your first work boots. If you are between sizes, order 1/2 size up.

Read more about how to know your boot size in our in-depth article.

You will know you need a wide work boot if your feet’s width and length require it. 

If your feet feel caged inside normal pairs of work boots, it’s a sign that you need a wide fit.

For example, if your foot is 3.75 inches wide and you wear a size 5, you’ll need a wide fit.

Read more about work boot width variations in our in-depth article.

Yes, work boots can cause back pain. 

High arches, low arches, and improper footwear cause an imbalance in the feet, which can affect the ankles, knees, hips, lower back, and even the neck.

Read more about if work boots can cause back pain in our in-depth article.

You measure your feet for work boots by measuring the width and the length of your feet.

Make sure you use a measuring tape to measure your feet’s width and length.

Read more about how to know your boot size in our in-depth article.

You can make your work boots last longer by focusing on good maintenance, regular cleaning, and good storage. 

Read more about maintaining your work boots in our in-depth article.

You can keep your feet from getting sore by choosing the correct work boots size and breaking them in fast. 

Read more about what to do to keep your feet from getting sore in work boots in our in-depth article.

Yes, you have to wear steel-toe work boots in a warehouse, to protect your feet from heavy falling objects, sharp objects, and electrical shock.

Many industries require employees to wear steel-toe work boots because it’s a requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Read more about the industries that require work boots in the workplace in our in-depth article.

Yes, Vaseline is good for leather work shoes. 

Vaseline can help restore a shoe’s color, remove scratches, make your shoes waterproof, and help keep the work boots soft and shiny.

Read more about how to oil/moisturize your work boots in our in-depth article.

You should oil your work boots every 3 to 6 months. 

Oiling or conditioning your work boots often will help the leather maintain its natural oil so it can remain supple for longer.

Read more about how to oil/moisturize your work boots in our in-depth article.