Updated 29 September 2019 by James
After years and hundreds of hours of testing & reviewing, we have strong opinions about what makes the best steel toe work boots: full-grain leather upper, comfort and safety functions, breathability.
FOR MEN: The Keen Utility Pittsburgh (On special until end October 2019) has all the listed features and qualities that give it an upper advantage over its competitors.Robert, an ironworker, has been using them for over two years and he is utterly obsessed with them. It’s the work boot model he wears whether he is going for a casual date, professional gathering or to work.
He loves that it has the protective steel toe cap that safeguards his tiny toes from injuries caused by heavy falling objects at work. He also likes the internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support and cradle the natural contours of the foot, the waterproof, breathable membranethat lets vapor out without letting water in, and the reflective webbing for additional safety.
He’s vowed never to purchase a different model and regrets all the time he wasted on sub-standard pairs.
If you want work boots with a long list of technology and features that allow the boot to fend off fatigue and preserve your energy so that you have something left in the tank even after your shift is through, ones that are designed steel, toughness, and a willingness to tackle a hard day’s work, and a pair that have an asymmetrical toe protection specifically made to fit your left and right foot, protecting from the big toe to the little toe, then make sure you do not fall for cheap knock-offs and get the Keen Utility Pittsburgh from the leading supplier at the lowest price we’ve been able to find as of March 2019.
FOR WOMEN: The Caterpillar Echo WP (On special until end October 2019) has all the listed features and beats its competition hands down. Lenah, a millwright, has been using them for three years now and she would not trade them for any other model.
She loves the Cat Footwear’s patent-pending iTechnology construction that offers her work boots the much-needed durability with athletic shoe comfort, the Ergo Technology which combines biomechanics, ingenuity, hardened strength and trademark grit to create a kick that provides support all day long, and the breathable lining and sock liner, that offer her warmth, keep her feet dry and snug allday long.
She’s vowed never to purchase a different type again and regrets all the time she wasted on cheaper models.
If you a work boot that offer you the electrical hazard protection and slip-resistant properties, one that has the iTechnology construction, thus providing work boot durability with athletic shoe comfort for maximum coverage and stability, and a pair that allows you maintain your style while also giving you support, then ensure that you avoid the cheap knock-offs and get the Caterpillar Echo WP from the leading supplier at the lowest price we’ve been able to find as of February 2019.
Top Steel Toe Boots Overall
Men's
Well-rounded, great value
✔ Lightweight
✔ Excellent fit
Our top pick
Awesome value
✔ Secure and cute
✔ Breathable
* On special until end October 2019
Women's
Great features
✔ Durable and lightweight
✔ Attractive design
Our top pick
Well-rounded, great value
✔ Easy on/off
✔ Budget-friendly
* On special until end October 2019
Men’s shoes & women’s shoes differ so we’ve put together an in-depth buying guide on the best steel toe boots for men and the best steel toe boots for women. Read them now! We have done more guides on work boots. Please make sure to read our guide on the best slip on work boots or best Timberland boots. Check out the best black work boots reviews on MyBestWorkBoots now. Find out more.
Select Your Type Of Work Boots
Use the quick find buttons below to scroll to the relevant section.
Imagine waking up one early morning psyched up for work. You take your breakfast excitedly and kiss your kids and wife goodbye promising them the world. You are finally getting that job promotion today; you will be the new operations manager. You get to work, smiling and almost hugging everyone. Your boss then comes and asks you to help the newbies with the new machine.
You humbly oblige. You start it up and begin to illustrate how to use it. Suddenly, there is a loud thud; and you all turn only for the machine to drop the massive bricks you were making. You were not as careful when you set it up. So, you feel a numbing pain on your toes. With time it becomes excruciating, and you cannot bear with it anymore. You are rushed to the hospital only to get the worst news; you fractured your big toes. It is then that the company’s know-it-all informs you that your fake work boots worsened your situation. With the right steel toe boots, you could have avoided it all.
So, stop randomly picking out shoes in stores. Get to know your work boots better. We are aware that researching can be hectic especially with the broad range of work boots in the market. However, you need not worry. We have compiled a list of the top ten on the market this year so that you can narrow them down to your favorite work boot. Check it now!
Expand Your Knowledge of Boots by Learning about Steel Toe Work Boots for Men
There are numerous steel toe work boots on the market, and thus if you are new to this world, this can be intimidating.
All you have to know is that you need to get one that will support, protect and give you comfort.
Steel toe work boots are meant to protect you from hazards that can cause foot injuries.
So, because you may need some guidelines to go with when purchasing the perfect steel toe work boot, we tried to help you out by narrowing down the top ten best safety toe work boots. Our guidelines and reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. We do also provide unbiased Ratings to help you choose the best for your needs.
What Are They?
A safety toe or steel-capped boot has a protective reinforcement in the toe that protects your foot from heavy falling objects or compression. It incorporates a midsole plate that goes on to secure you from punctures from below. A safety toe boot is necessary for the construction industry and the industrial settings.
How Do They Work?
Occupational safety laws, health legislation and even insurance companies require you to use safe work boots when working in the construction and incredibly delicate industrial settings. Steel toe boots protect you in such situations. They offer you security from slippery surfaces, exposed nails, cold temperatures and dangerous electrical charges.
When you are busy trying to get that cent to support your lifestyle and also satisfy your basic needs, comfort and safety are necessary. There’s nothing worse than standing all day in a boot that’s not up to standard.
Steel toe boots have certain features that provide you with the ultimate protection, stability, functionality, reliability, comfort and also durability.
They have oil and slip-resistant soles that keep you upright even in the messiest of working conditions. They also have a steel shank that provides you with reinforced stability and protection. They also have cushioned padding that keeps you snug at all times. You can always rely on them to give you the best service and keep you as secure as possible.
Why You Should Trust Us?
Selecting a workboot that suits you best can be confusing. You need to calculate the risks that you face at your workplace and get one that ensures you are safe. Considering that there are a large number of impeccable steel toe work boots in the market, we ranked the best ten steel toe work boots to help you choose the best for you.
Our guide is honest and sincere, and you can fully rely on it to give you unbiased information on each product.
So, while writing this guide, we put into account the many features to look out for when comparing work boots.
Safety of Steel Toe Work Boots
First of all, we looked into the safety features. Is the steel toe cap reliable and in excellent condition? Does the steel shank give you the ample protection that you undoubtedly require?
Stability & Durability
Secondly, we considered the stability and durability features. These functions include the TPU toe cap and heel contours that give you the ultimate stability. Durable features include the welt construction element and dura-tread insole that provides you with a durable shoe.
Other Considerations
Other things considered are the comfort, breathability, price, and brand of the work shoes.
Thus, if you are looking for top-rated safety toe work boots with great features, then you will want to check out our best ten safety-toe work boots guide.
Choose The Perfect Steel Toe Shoes in 2019
Video Review
You can see the demo for 2019 here
Common Steel Toe Boots FAQ’s
Q: How Are Steel Toe Work Boots Useful/Pros?
A: Steel toe work boots are dependable, sturdy, and robust. They also shield your delicate toes from falling debris, molten construction materials and are exceptionally durable. They are for those who do not mind putting on a cumbersome metal boot. These work shoes have prevented countless of injuries in the last few years, and they are a stringent requirement for most occupations.
Q: What Are the Downsides/Cons to Steel Toe Work Boots?
A: Steel toe work boots are heavy, and when you are working in an eight- to ten-hour shift, their weight can cause foot and leg fatigue. Moreover, the steel-toed boots conduct electricity, making them insecure to wear around machinery with strong electrical and magnetic field. They are also notoriously known for their heat or cold retention.
Q: What Do Companies Refer to As Vibram Lug Outsoles?
A: A lug is a hard rubber cleat that consists of a sharp outside edge that is useful for digging or wedging into hard surfaces such as rocks, dry dirt or clay. It is a workhorse that people use when conditions are demanding, and grades are steep. Lugs are dependable in extremely rugged terrain.
Quick Summary
A steel toe work boot is important for the construction industry and most industrial settings. It has a protective reinforcement in the toe area that protects your foot from heavy falling objects or compression.
To come up with the best safety toe work boots, we did consider safety features such as the steel shank and also comfort and traction features which include the padding and the track-treads respectively.
Our Top Choices For Men’s Boots
Our favorite steel toe work boot is the Keen Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Workboots. They are the most secure workboot. They have the incredible steel toe cap that prevents heavy objects from injuring your toes. It also operates on keen technologies that primarily offer you high performance.
Our second favorite steel toe boot is the Keen Utility Milwaukee 6”. It gives you a perfect fit. It has the incredible rubber outsole that provides you with durability and excellent traction.
Our Top Choices For Women’s Boots
Our favorite steel toe work boot is the Caterpillar Echo WP. It is the most slip-resistant boot. It is also worth every penny you spend on it. It has the incredible oil, slip, an abrasive resistant outsole that has a firm grip on the ground, making it great for any messy working environment.
Our second favorite steel toe boot is the Caterpillar Women’s Jace Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot. It is the most secure boot. It features the sturdy steel toe and electrical hazard protection system for maximum protection.
