Functionality in clothing isn’t too hard to come across these days. The move from trend and fast fashion, to styles which take inspiration from brands’ heritage and workwear — which was a contributing factor to contemporary menswear moving towards more hard-wearing garments — has changed how a lot of us choose to spend our money.
It’s probably still a bit early to see the true lasting effects of this shift, but it has made us more conscious of materials, labor costs, design and function. This can even come into play when you’re looking for a pair of work boots. Some of the best work boots for men are built with a focus on durability and design. They take a beating and look good doing it. Here are seven of the best work boots:
Danner Quarry USA Wedge Boot
Bossing this line-up is the formidable 8” Quarry Wedge Boot by Danner. Built with safety being of paramount importance, this full-grain, triple stitched, 100% waterproof model is the brand’s most popular work boot. Wearing pride on their sleeve, this non-slip style is one of a few USA-made boots on our list—proudly being produced in Portland, Oregon. With each pair weighing in at 68 oz, you know these will be able to take a battering. Also available in a steel toe cap variation. $250
Red Wing 877 Boot
Red Wing’s iconic 877 8” work boot has been a go-to for many since its introduction to the market back in 1953. Built with both intent of purpose, design and comfort in mind, the 877 is suitable for all types of outdoor work—construction, logging, maintenance for example, and has successfully crossed over to motorcycling and men’s style. The point of difference with the new US-made 877’s (now known on the Red Wing site as 10877) is that they’re available in a made-to-order, custom fit. Link
Timberland Pro Direct Boot
The iconic Timberland 6” gets a hearty industry-ready overhaul, taking the brand back to its roots, with this steel-toe cap Pro Direct boot. Featuring the instantly recognizable Timberland work boot silhouette—championed throughout the 90s hip-hop scene and more recent commercial musical dabbling—in this classic wheat nubuck leather. Built with endurance and long working hours in mind, featuring: waterproof leather upper, steel toe cap, padded top collar, odor-controlled liner and a oil-resistant and none marking sole. $150
Thorogood Heritage Work Boot
If high risk work is your trade, then you’ll be doing everything you can to make sure you’re safe at all times. Don’t let the name “Heritage Work Boot” deter you, Thorogood has a much celebrated history in rugged footwear, and their 6” Moc Toe is no exception. Tested to resist up to 18,000 volts of electric shock as standard, and made with their patented MAXwear wedge sole, the Heritage Boot is for those who are looking for a design with a more timeless look. $239
CAT Second Shift Work Boot
A no-nonsense business end offering here from CAT and their affordable Second Shift Work Boot. CAT take somewhat of a minimal approach to practical design here, but have still produced a boot that is capable of light industrial outdoor work. The all black, full-grain leather Second Shift Work Boot features everything an everyday work boot should include, with the added benefit of a Goodyear welted sole and a price tag coming in at under $100. $85
Dickies Fife Dealer Boot
One of the most affordable of our selections is the slip-on style Fife Boot by good old Dickies. The smooth, simplicity appearance almost makes the Fife resemble an everyday casual boot, but the added protection of a steel-toe cap, foam insock and Nitrile rubber, heat-resistant outsole would suggest otherwise. They may be one of the lowest priced on the list, but the minimal details of the upper make the Fife the least likely to get caught on anything in the workplace. $91
Wolverine Steel-Toe EH Boot
Labeled with “fatigue-fighting cushioning,” we’re inclined to believe these hefty traditional 6” work boots by Wolverine could last for years on even the most tested of construction sites. Similar in build to the Danner Quarry Boot, but with a stripped-back appearance, Wolverine’s interpretation on the 6” is one of the slickest designed in the line up. Full-grain supple leather upper, with a Goodyear welted construction, slip-resistance sole and added lightweight shanks to help ease strain on your ankles. $130
