Steel-toe work boots (known as safety shoes, safety boots, or steel-capped boots) are stable boots or shoes with a defensive reinforcement in the toe that keeps the foot from falling objects or compression combined with a midsole plate to shield against punctures from below.
Although made of steel, it can further reinforce composite material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or aluminum. Steel-toe boots are essential in construction labor and many industrial settings. Occupational safety and health insurance requirements may demand the use of such boots in some settings and may command certification of such boots and the display of certification directly on the boots.
Some brands of steel-toe shoes have become trendy within subcultures such as punk, skinhead, and rivethead. While brands that were formerly outstanding within the fashion industry have likewise diversified into the safety footwear market, industrial brands like Caterpillar, Rock Fall, and JCB have also declared licenses to produce safety footwear. Safety footwear now takes place in many styles, comprising sneakers and clogs. Some steel toe boots are formal for supervising engineers who visit sites where protective footwear is compulsory.
We spent plenty of time assessing steel toe work boots & shoes that are best for men’s & women’s, talking to steel toe work boots users and experts, and interviewing podiatrists. We picked up a lot of useful information from there. We will now take you through the 12 best steel toe work boots-
Comfortable Steel Toe Boots For Standing All Day
| Product Name | Picture | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift 6″ Plain Soft-Toe Work Boot |  |
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| Dr. Martens 1460 Originals Union Jack 8 Eye Lace-Up Boot |  |
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| WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot |  |
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| Women’s Steel Toe Work Boots! Wolverine |  |
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| Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot |  |
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| Dr. Martens 1460 Originals Union Jack 8 Eye Lace-Up Boot |  |
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| Wolverine Men’s Legend 6 Inch Waterproof Comp Toe Work Shoe |  |
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| Caterpillar Men’s Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoe |  |
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| Dr. Martens Men’s 1461 Bex Smooth Oxford shoes |  |
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| WOLVERINE Women’s Jetstream Athletic Comp Toe Work Shoe |  |
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| Caterpillar Women’s Brode Steel Toe Work Shoe |  |
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| Dr. Martens Gunby Steel Toe Shoe (women’s) |  |
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3 Best Steel Toe Work Boots for Men
1. Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift 6″ Plain Soft-Toe Work Boot
The Second Shift work boot from CAT® delivers protection, comfort, and durability to get you through your day regardless of the work at hand. Rugged styling and quality leathers make this boot an easy everyday choice on and off the job. The soft steel toe boot is ideal for both light and heavy industrial work.
Oiled full-grain leather or nubuck leather is upper. Heel pull tab for an easier on and off. The Padded collar provides added comfort. Nylon mesh lining offers a great step-in feel. Climasphere™ sock liner helps wick away moisture for a cooler, drier in-shoe environment. The rubber midsole and steel shank provide added support. The T3 rubber outsole is the slip, oil, heat, and abrasion-resistant and delivers reliable traction over wet, dry and oily surfaces. Slip-resistant outsole rating based on the Mark II test standards.
These boots were slightly stiff and troublesome during the first couple of wears. However, after breaking in, they are suitable for snowy/slushy winter months. They fit well and are very stable.
Key Features:
- Climasphere™ breathable insole keeps your foot comfortable
- Goodyear Welt Construction provides maximum durability and allows for flexibility
- Quality oiled full-grain leather or nubuck deliver long-term durability and protection
- T3 Rubber Outsole delivers slip resistance for optimal traction
- Heel Height: 1 3⁄8 in
- Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (a single, not a pair)
- Circumference: 13 3⁄4 in
- Shaft: 5 3⁄4 in Product measurements were taken using size 8.5, width D–Medium
- Made at a Gold Rated Tanneries (LWG)
- Engineered nylon mesh lining optimizes breathability and comfort
- Steel Toe protects against impact and compression (ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75)
- Steel Shank for added support and stability
- Slip-Resistant outsole for grip on low traction surfaces
- Removable PU Sock Liner provides the all-day comfort
- 2 speed-hook lacing system
- Color: Black, Dark Brown, Honey, Tan
As the world’s foremost manufacturer of heavy equipment, we know Cat earthmovers around the world as a symbol of honest work, strength, and integrity. Cat Footwear manufactures boots and shoes based on these same principals.
2. Dr. Martens 1460 Originals Union Jack 8 Eye Lace-Up Boot
A new leather for old classic design, the iconic 8-eye women’s boot is soft, supple Nappa leather. The Pascal Virginia ankle boot has a full smooth leather upper in a revamped matte black finish and exposed stitching compliment these boots. They make Pascal with Virginia, soft, fine-grained Nappa leather. Combined with a rugged yet refined sole, the boot serves up unparalleled comfort mixed with an edgy style. Oil, Fat, Acid, Petrol, and Alkali Resistant soles – Goodyear welt construction – Reinforced black metal eyelets – heat-sealing process and distinctive Air Wair “Bouncing Soles”.
Key Features
- Dr. Martens 1460 boot, built for a woman, Lightweight, milled leather, which gives a soft, luxurious appearance.
- Prepared with all the classic Doc’s DNA, comprising grooved sides, heel-loop, and yellow stitching
- Formed on the iconic Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole, which is oil and fat-resistant, with good abrasion and slip resistance
- Color: Black, Aztec, Black Greasy, Black Smooth Leather
3. WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
The Wolverine Overpass features Contour Welt® innovative technologies providing the ultimate comfort, flexibility, and performance. Alongside that flexibility, the Overpass uses a lightweight rubber lug outsole and shock absorption that will keep you smooth on your feet and heavy on safety. Its carbon max toe-cap is lighter weight, thinner for a greater fit and ASTM approved, while the contoured and motion max technologies give the boot to bend and flex at requisite points for peak performance. The overpass also features a waterproof plus breathable membrane to provide your feet to stay dry in all work conditions.
Wolverine is an iconic American brand that combines superior materials with timeless craftsmanship. They build Wolverine boots to withstand the toughest of environments and provide all-day comfort. Wolverine leads the industry with a relentless commitment to innovation and patented technologies including Wolverine MultiShox, Wolverine Contour Welt, Wolverine Durashocks, Wolverine DuraShocks SR and Wolverine Fusion.
Key Features
- Premium waterproof leather with abrasion-resistant toe
- The moisture-wicking mesh lining keeps feet cool
- Advanced comfort PU midsole
- Dual compound rubber and PU outsole grips the ground
- Removable OrthoLite® cushioning footbed molds to your foot
- Nylon Shank provides extra strength
- ATSM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated composite toe
- Backed by Wolverine’s 30-day comfort guarantee
- 100% Leather and Textile
- Shaft measures approximately 5″ from arch
- Color: Summer Brown
3 Best Steel Toe Work Boots for Women
1. Women’s Steel Toe Work Boots! Wolverine
The Wolverine Women’s Piper Comp-Toe Work Boot define today’s version of women’s work. Rugged and made to keep feet dry on the job, the Piper work boot cushions for long days on your feet and ensure feet stay dry no matter the conditions. The Piper boots are lightweight, yet strenuous enough to combat your everyday work experience. Your feet are safe to stay dry with the waterproof leather and waterproof membrane lining along with a 75% lighter composite safety toe to keep you preserved.
Key Features
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper looks and feels premium
- Non-metallic hardware for safety
- Feet remain dry with a waterproof membrane and mesh lining
- All-day cushioning from removable air cell PU cushion and molded EVA midsole
- Rubber outsole grips the ground
- Lightweight cement construction
- ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated composite toe
- Shaft measures approximately 5.75″ from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1.75”
- Nylon shank
- Removable footbed
- Electrical Hazard, Oil Resistant, Slip Resistant, Water Resistant, Waterproof
- Color: Black, Brown
2. Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
They make the Echo perform under the strictest construction conditions. Designed to fit a women’s foot using Cat Footwear’s patented iTechnology, this steel toe work boot for women provides durability with athletic comfort. You can stay kept with the Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots from CAT. ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 rated steel toes give the highest available strength for impact and compression while the appropriate electrical hazard construction protects you against open circuits up to 600 volts. Slip-resistant rubber outsoles diminish the risk of slips and fall on low-traction surfaces. A tall shape and modern colors make this boot the favored option for women in tough physical jobs so they can concentrate on the work.
Key Features:
- Patented iTechnology® construction among Goodyear welted forefoot and cemented heel provides Cat Footwear durability and comfort
- Waterproof, premium nubuck leather keeps feet dry and preserved
- Steel Toe offer you the protection against impact or compression
- Electrical Hazard Protection rated to safeguard against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions
- Nylon mesh lining
- Nylex sock liner
- PVC midsole
- T1170 slip-resistant outsole
- PU Foam Footbed and PVC midsole provide cushioning comfort and shock absorbance
- Steel Shank provides support and stability
- Gold Rated Tanneries (LWG) use
- Color: Frost Grey, Marlin
3. Dr. Martens 1460 Originals Union Jack 8 Eye Lace-Up Boot
A new leather for old classic design, the iconic 8-eye women’s boot is soft, supple Nappa leather. The Pascal Virginia ankle boot has a full smooth leather upper in a revamped matte black finish and exposed stitching compliment these boots. They make Pascal with Virginia, soft, fine-grained Nappa leather. Combined with a rugged yet refined sole, the boot serves up unparalleled comfort mixed with an edgy style. Oil, Fat, Acid, Petrol, and Alkali Resistant soles – Goodyear welt construction – Reinforced black metal eyelets – heat-sealing process and distinctive Air Wair “Bouncing Soles”.
Key Features
- Dr. Martens 1460 boot, built for a woman, Lightweight, milled leather, which gives a soft, luxurious appearance.
- Prepared with all the classic Doc’s DNA, comprising grooved sides, heel-loop, and yellow stitching
- Formed on the iconic Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole, which is oil and fat-resistant, with good abrasion and slip resistance
- Color: Black, Aztec, Black Greasy, Black Smooth Leather
3 Best Steel Toe Work Shoes for Men
1. Wolverine Men’s Legend 6 Inch Waterproof Comp Toe Work Shoe
The new Wolverine Dura shocks is a perfectly unified energy return system adding warmth into every walk so you can power through the work. For workplace safety, the Wolverine® Men’s Legend LX waterproof work boots have you provided for everything. With aggressive DuraShocks® high-traction rubber lug outsoles, these men’s mid-cut work boots offer superior traction and gripping performance. Their whole-grain leather lends durability, while the OrthoLite® footbeds give cushioning. Direct-attach construction offers lightweight performance, and the lightweight CarbonMAX® composite toes supply impact safety and broad toe room. Engineered for performance and built to last.
Key Features
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper
- Waterproof Plus waterproof breathable membrane
- Moisture-wicking mesh lining
- DuraShocks technology with a fully unified energy return system to absorb shock and turn energy
- Wolverine CarbonMAX® is a strong, lighter, more comfortable safety toe
- Advanced Comfort PU midsole offers maximum support
- A unique cushioning design, Wolverine H-Plate™ suspension that stabilizes while harnessing the energy of each step
- Wolverine DuraShocks slip-resistant rubber-lug outsole delivers the superior grip in varied conditions
- Removable OrthoLite® cushioned footbed
- ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C75 EH rated safety toe
- Shaft measures approximately 6″ from arch
- The new Wolverine Dura shocks add comfort into every step so you can power through any job
- One-year limited manufacturer’s warranty against defect
- Color: Dark Brown, Black, Tan
2. Caterpillar Men’s Brode Steel-Toe Work Shoe
These Brode Steel Toe Men’s Work shoes by CAT are provided to you to give the most comfortable and supportive work experience. The steel toe shoe bucks the work boot trend with a sporty sneaker fashion that never sacrifices performance and durability. The SRX technology aids to prevent slip and falls, keeping your feet all day long while the FlexTech outsole provides for highly flexible hoes. The steel toe shoes are an industry rated to protect you on the job site. The electrical hazard protection covers open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions. This work shoe is comfortable and breathable with a mesh lining and an EVA molded sock liner for additional shock absorption and cushioning. Advanced Ergo technology promotes foot health by integrating flexibility, stability, and comfort. The steel toe shoes protect against heavy falling or rolling objects.
Key Features:
- ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 Steel Toe protects against impact or compression
- ASTM F2413-05 1/75 EH Electrical Hazard Protection rated to protect against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions
- Strobel Construction provides superior flexibility and lightweight durability
- Suede Upper brings long-term wear and durability
- Nylex™ Sock Liner wicks away moisture from the foot to preserve it dry and relaxed
- Dual Density EVA Footbed provides extra shock absorption
- Nylon Shank furnishes support and stability
- T1080 Outsole performs against oil and water, and abrasion-resistant
- Slip-resistant Rubber Outsole minimizes the risk of slips and falls on low tractions surfaces
- Color: Black Leather, Honey Reset, Pepper
3. Dr. Martens Men’s 1461 Bex Smooth Oxford shoes
Constructed on extra-chunky, extra-strenuous Bex sole, this minimalist 3-eye shoe brings subcultural style and everyday practicality to unique heights in classic smooth leather with a semi-bright finish. Having atop the Doc’s signature AirPair sole that is oil + fat resistant for ultimate abrasion. Finished with an iconic yellow stitch around the stacked rubber midsole and formed with a Goodyear-welted stitch that lasts a lifetime.
Key Features
- Constructed with classic smooth leather
- Made with classic Doc’s DNA, comprising grooved edges and visible stitching
- Built on the signature Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole, which is oil and fat-resistant, with good abrasion and slip resistance
- Lightly cushioned textile footbed
- Breathable textile lining
- Goodyear® welt construction
- Air-cushioned outsole
- Color: black, black smooth
3 Best Steel Toe Work Shoes for Women
1. WOLVERINE Women’s Jetstream Athletic Comp Toe Work Shoe
Wolverine introduces the jetstream weighing in at only 10.5oz to give you the lightweight comfort of an athletic shoe while staying safe and protected by wolverine Carbonmax safety toe. The Jetstream work shoe featuring CarbonMAX® safety-toe technology ultimately combines lightweight comfort and reliable protection. The athletically influenced Jetstream has a stable, breathable mesh upper and a slip-resistant outsole for exceptional performance and comfort.
Key Features
- Breathable mesh and TPU upper
- Moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep feet dry
- Memory foam footbed that adapts to the foot
- All-day comfort from a removable memory foam footbed combined with High-performance RMAT® rubber EVA blend midsole
- Slip-resistant rubber lug outsole that grips the ground
- Lightweight cement construction
- Durable nylon shank for extra strength
- Weighs only 10.7oz
- ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated composite toe 50% Mesh/50% Tpu
- Slip/oil/water/abrasion-resistant outsole to help keep your footing in wet or slippery work conditions
- Color: Grey/Pink, Orange/Purple, Black, Green/Silver, Black Mesh/Tpu
2. Caterpillar Women’s Brode Steel Toe Work Shoe
For the girl who needs a steel toe work shoe, Caterpillar offers footwear for all kinds of workers and jobs. With feminine color pop, this shoe looks like a sneaker but built with all the safety features of a work shoe. The steel toe is an industry rated to protect on the job site. The electrical hazard protection covers open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions. This work shoe is comfortable and breathable with a mesh lining and an EVA molded sock liner for added shock absorption and cushioning.
These Brode steel toe work shoes for women look like sneakers, but it builds with all the safety features the best work shoes offer. A slip-resistant rubber outsole provides the stability needed to handle low traction surfaces with grip and confidence.
Key Features:
- Strobel Construction gives superior flexibility and lightweight with durability
- ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 rated Steel Toe protects against impact or compression
- ASTM F2413-05 1/75 EH Electrical Hazard Protection rated gives you against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions.
- SRX Slip Resistant T1808 rubber outsole for superior traction and performs against oil and water and is abrasion resistant
- Suede Pigmented Leather Upper addresses long-term durability and protection
- Nylon Mesh Lining for breathability and comfort
- Nylex™ Sock Liner wicks away moisture from the foot to preserve it dry and healthy
- Dual Density EVA Footbed gives extra shock absorption
- Nylon Shank furnishes support and stability
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit, pull tab at heel for easy-on wear
- Cement construction for resilience and durability
3. Dr. Martens Gunby Steel Toe Shoe (women’s)
The Gunby ST is a 6-tie, steel-toe work shoe that is made with water-resistant leather uppers and a sneak collar and tongue. This Dr. Martens Gunby Steel Toe Lace to Oxford Work Shoes doesn’t look like they’re packed full of worksite ready features to put you secured and comfortable. But it’s true. These Martens’s work shoes boast all your favorite safety features with a stylish look.
The shoe has full-grain leather uppers and a removable polyurethane footbed to keep your feet dry and fresh. The stitched construction and PVC oil, fat, acid, and alkali-resistant outsole provide to the shoe’s sturdy durability. The shoe is too ASTM F2413 PT Class 75 Protective. Impact testing demonstrates the amount of protection to the toe under various foot-pounds of force. Compression testing measures the amount of static pressure a steel/composite toe cap can withstand. Toe certified and compliant with ASTM F2413 Electrical Hazard standards, so your feet are always safe.
Footwear is built with the nail-free structure to facilitate insulate you from the ground to slow down conduction but is not intended to be primary protection against electric shock. Leather footwear must be dry. The Gunby Im series by Dr. Martens is the ultimate shoe for on the job. No matter what field you are in, the comfort of the rubber sole and leather fabric will help you stay on your feet all day long. Stay trendy at work with these Dr. Martens Gunby Im shoes.
Key Features
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Removable contoured cushioned insole managed with anti-bacterial Smartmask®
- Slip-resistant sole lessen the risk of falls on hazardous surfaces
- Added insulation helps a safeguard against accidental contact with an electric charge.
- Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole is invulnerable to fat, petrol, and alkali
- Standard: ASTM F2413-11 MI/75 C/75 EH
- This is oiled and tumbled water-resistant leather.
- Ankle-High Leather Industrial and Construction Shoe
- Color: Teak, Black
What You Look for Before Buying Best Steel Toe Work Boots & Shoes
The markings on the steel toe boots will point out the national or international standards that meet and identify the level of protection offered for impact, electric shock, penetration, and chemical hazards. Safety steel toe shoes are effective for workers safe from sharp and heavy objects while working in workshops. Footwear for chemical processing or semiconductor manufacturers may disperse static electricity while still protecting the wearer from electric shock.
- Toe Protection: The steel toe cap, or known as safety toe, has predominantly been the standard in toe safeguards since it evolved in the 1940s. More recently, composite toe caps made of Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass—have gained a reputation. Both have their advantages. Steel is better at safety from puncture and cutting, although it keeps cold well, which is great in the winter. The composite is lighter and won’t conduct electricity, but it’s more expensive. Some jobs oblige workers to put on boots with toe protection that meets the exact standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Water Resistance/ Water-Proofing: Traditionally, boot leather was treated with oil or wax for waterproofing, but this required re-application to maintain and didn’t always fully keep water out. Leather is still treated this way today, but absolutely waterproof boots are made with synthetic membranes like Gore-Tex. Don’t confuse water-resistant with waterproof boots. The steel toe waterproof boots keep your feet dry if you’re standing in water for any length of time.
- Insulation: Insulated boots often have a layer of polyester or other polymers between the liner and leather for heat retention. The value of insulation is usually listed by weight in grams. The higher the number, the thicker and warmer the insulation is.
- Electrical Safety: Some steel toe work boots protect from electrocution by preventing electrical current from completing a circuit to ground. Boots with this feature has been tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Slip Resistance: Boots that boast slip-resistance have outsoles made of soft components that can preserve a grip on wet or oily surfaces, and tread patterns with siping constructed to draw fluids aside from under the shoe.
- Oil Resistance: This feature of the oil resistance has to do with the construction of the boot’s upper. Leather is oil-resistant, but regular synthetic threads or materials used in constructing the upper may break down in the presence of petroleum-based liquids like diesel fuel, oil, and kerosene. Oil-resistant steel toe boots use synthetics unaffected by petroleum products.