Updated 11 March 2020 by James
After years and hundreds of hours of testing & reviewing, we have strong opinions about what makes our favorite steel toe work boots: full-grain leather upper, comfort and safety functions, breathability.
FOR MEN: The Keen Utility Pittsburgh (On special until end May 2020) 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 May 2020.
In a hurry? Here are our recommended top work boots for men.
FOR WOMEN: The Caterpillar Echo WP (On special until end May 2020) 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 2020.
In a hurry? Here are our favorite work boots for men.
Top Steel Toe Boots Overall
Men's
Well-rounded, great value
âś” Lightweight
âś” Excellent fit
Our top pick
Awesome value
âś” Secure and cute
âś” Breathable
* On special until end May 2020
Women's
Great features
âś” Durable and lightweight
âś” Attractive design
Our top pick
Well-rounded, great value
âś” Easy on/off
âś” Budget-friendly
* On special until end May 2020
Select Your Type of Steel Toe Boots
Use the quick find buttons below to scroll to the relevant section.
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 service and keep you as secure as possible.
Why You Should Trust Us?
Selecting a workboot that suits you 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 top ten steel toe work boots to help you choose the correct one 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 top ten safety-toe work boots guide.
Men’s Steel Toe Boots |
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KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe
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KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe
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Irish Setter Men’s Ely 83608 6″ Steel Toe
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ARIAT Men’s Groundbreaker Pull-on Steel Toe
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Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe
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Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe
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Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe
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Condor Dakota Men’s 8″ Steel Toe
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Skechers for Work Men’s Hartan Steel Toe Slip-On Shoe
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Stanley Men’s Dredge Steel-Toe
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Men’s Steel Toe Boots |
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KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe
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KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe
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Irish Setter Men’s Ely 83608 6″ Steel Toe
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ARIAT Men’s Groundbreaker Pull-on Steel Toe
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Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe
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Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe
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Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe
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Condor Dakota Men’s 8″ Steel Toe
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Skechers for Work Men’s Hartan Steel Toe Slip-On Shoe
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Stanley Men’s Dredge Steel-Toe
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Steel Toe Shoes for Women |
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Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe
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Caterpillar Women’s Jace St/Black Industrial Boot
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ARIAT Women’s Fatbaby Steel Toe
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Timberland PRO Women’s 72399 Titan 6″ Safety-Toe Boot
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KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe
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KING’S 6″ Leather Steel Toe Work Boots (KCWB03)
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Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot
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AdTec Women’s 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot Brown
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Wolverine Women’s Maggie Steel-Toe
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Sheepskin Lined Pink
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Steel Toe Shoes for Women |
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Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe
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Caterpillar Women’s Jace St/Black Industrial Boot
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ARIAT Women’s Fatbaby Steel Toe
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Timberland PRO Women’s 72399 Titan 6″ Safety-Toe Boot
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KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe
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KING’S 6″ Leather Steel Toe Work Boots (KCWB03)
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Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot
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AdTec Women’s 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot Brown
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Wolverine Women’s Maggie Steel-Toe
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Steel Toe Working Boots for Men Reviewed
#01. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe
The Keen Work Boots take work and safety to the next level. They have the steel toe cap that protects your tiny toes from injuries caused by heavy falling objects at your job.
They also feature a breathable membrane that promotes airflow while also keeping your feet dry.
They also have the oil and slip-resistant rubber sole that helps keep you upright even in the messiest working conditions. They also have a metatomical footbed design that delivers excellent comfort as it cradles your delicate feet. It is one incredible steel toe shoe.
PROS
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Secure and cute
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Excellent traction capabilities
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Awesome fit
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Breathable
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Lightweight
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Perfect price range
CONS
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Eyelet rings pop out
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Bottom hooks snap off
#02. KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe
From the beautiful beaches to unmatched mountains and busy city streets, the Keen Utility Workboot supports its wearers. It is perfect for the outdoors. It has the removable, metatomical, dual density EVA comfort footbed that delivers ample coziness to you.
It gets better:
It also has the abrasive resistant tough-tech leather that keeps the boot sturdy. It, also, has the electrical hazard protection system and the oil and slip-resistant outsole that gives you great traction.
PROS
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Excellent fit
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Lightweight
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Great padding thus making it comfortable
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Secure and affordable
CONS
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Laces shred fast
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Boots wear off quickly
#03. Irish Setter Men’s Ely 83608 6″ Steel Toe
The Irish Setter Work Boots have antique brass stud eyelets that provide you with a premium shoe for hunters and construction workers. They give you a perfect fit and supportive boot.
They also have a thick and rugged outsole that makes this shoe durable and the waterproof leather upper that helps in keeping you warm and dry.
PROS
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Perfect fit
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Fantastic arch support
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Budget-friendly
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Comfortable
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Aggressive shoe treads
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Sturdy
CONS
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Top hook lace shreds off
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Bulky
#04. ARIAT Men’s Groundbreaker Pull-on Steel Toe
It is a reliable choice for you. It has the 4LR stability system for ample support. It also has the Dura-tread outsole for excellent durability and the steel toe cap for reinforced security.
It is built to meet athletes’ demands on the job. It is sturdy, secure and durable thus serving you till the long haul.
PROS
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Affordable and stylish
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Incredible traction
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Durable and robust
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Superb arch support
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Secure and reliable
CONS
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Narrow on the sides
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Toe box is a tad too tight
#05. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe
The ergo collective work boots are anatomically and accurately designed to enhance flexibility, comfort and insulation. They have a removable EVA foam insert with gel technology that provides you with cosiness.
This is crazy:
It also boasts of the Thinsulate technology that gives your feet that warmth and dryness you require.
PROS
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Slip-resistant
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Comfortable and secure
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Warm and dry
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Cute
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Excellent support
CONS
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Sole detaches within a short time
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Lace toggle breaks off
Extra Men’s Steel Toe Boots
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.
Steel Toe Working Boots for Women Reviewed
#01. Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
The attractive boots have the SRX slip-resistant outsole and I-Tech construction that allow the boots to be dependable and comfortable. They also feature waterproof leather that makes them durable.
It gets better:
They in addition have the steel toe for robust protection and maximum safety. When you need to be safe, they are the reliable choice.
PROS
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Supportive; incredible arch support
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Safe and cozy
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Durable and lightweight
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Attractive design
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Perfect fit
CONS
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Pricey
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Not breathable
#02. Caterpillar Women’s Jace St/Black Industrial Boot
They offer outstanding values for professionals and those who love the outdoors. They have a suede/wool upper and a sturdy steel toe for maximum protection.
The boots also boast of the slip resistant outsole and a sock liner that allows the boots to be as dependable and safe as they are durable. The electric hazard protection system also provides you with extra safety.
PROS
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Secure and durable
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Lightweight
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Easy on/off
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Attractive
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Budget-friendly
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Robust
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Warm and dry
CONS
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The toe area is too tight
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A size too small
#03. ARIAT Women’s Fatbaby Steel Toe Work Boot
The Ariat FatBaby Boots provide you with the foundation upon which world-class athletes work, ride and compete. They are for equestrian athletes. They boast of having the the Everly Sole that eases the foot by providing you with fine cushioning and wear-resistance.
They also have the 4LR technology that adds comfort and stability. They are the perfect choice to help you boost your confidence, day-in-day out.
PROS
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Lightweight and fairly priced
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Fashionable and durable
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High quality
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Fantastic cushioning liner
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Excellent traction
CONS
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Small
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Shallow arch
#04. Timberland PRO Women’s 72399 Titan 6″ Safety-Toe Boot
The Timberland boots have a roomy toe box which curves out any risks of blisters thus allowing you enjoy your working hours. They also have a super traction-grip that makes them efficient on slippery surfaces.
But here’s the kicker:
They also boast of the Titan alloy with a safety toe cap that gives you a roomy and secure fit. The incredible boots also incorporates the mesh lining Agion antimicrobial treatment for odor control.
PROS
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Perfectly priced
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Attractive
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Slip-resistant
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Waterproof
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Secure and sturdy
CONS
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Narrow thus making them uncomfortable
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Stiff lace up
#05. KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot
The Keen Utility Boots set a new standard for durability, convenience and comfort. They have a large toe box that is specifically designed to give your toes breathing space.
They also have a moulded reinforcement toe box that safeguards against abrasion and mild impact. They help you give out you perfect at the jobsite.
PROS
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Durable
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Breathable
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Slip resistant
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Convenient
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Comfortable and stylish
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Protective
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Insulated and affordable
CONS
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Cumbersome
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Huge
Extra Steel Toe Boots for Women
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 top 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 work bootKeen 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 best 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 best steel toe work boot 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.
