Tough, functional, and comfy, the best pull-on work boots are essential for your safety and job success. Whether you’re mud-stomping, hammer-banging, or cement-mixing, suitable footwear is a must-have for any working man. However, this guide won’t just focus on the rough and ready kind. I’ll also offer up some rather stylish options for the office gang too.
Luckily, there are plenty of options out there—no matter what your occupation. But where should you start? To save you hours of endless scrolling, I’ve pulled together an impressive section of some seriously awesome styles that every guy should own. Keep reading for my round-up of the crème de la crème.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re finishing off some at-home projects or working the 9-5, being equipped with the right boots is vital. Which is why I’ve done some digging (pun intended) and found the perfect tools for the job.
With classic brands like Timberland, alongside other workwear stalwarts such as Carharrt, my definitive list of the best men’s pull-on work boots includes a pair for every situation and occupation. You’ll find Cat Footwear’s Wheelbase boots, as well as my top budget boots from Skechers. I also highlight what separates the good from the bad—plus how they should fit and feel.
Our Top Picks
Material: Leather | Sizes: 6-14 (wide available) | Colors: 1 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Steel
From the building site to the barn, it’s essential to wear work boots that provide ample durability, comfort, and support. Overall, the best pull-on work boots should balance all of these to help you tread carefully throughout the day.
CAT Footwear’s Wheelbase boots certainly tick all the right boxes. The perfect all-rounder, they’re best suited to industrial work environments but are also an excellent option for any type of manual labor. Tough on the outside with super comfy cushioning, they ensure your safety with a bunch of protective features, including electrical hazard protection, slip-resistant outsoles, and steel toes.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-13 | Colors: 6 | Water Resistant: No | Toe: Pointed
Not all work shoes prioritize function over form. Nor do they have to resemble combat boots. For those that work in the city or at a desk, there are a variety of styles that won’t only feel at home with a suit or chinos but also look fresh with your favorite jeans at the bar after hours.
Cobbler Union’s Benjamin boots won’t keep you safe on a building site, but they’ll certainly impress your colleagues in the office. Handcrafted in Spain from full-grain leather, they use Goodyear-welted construction to ensure they’ll last you for many years to come.
Material: Suede | Sizes: 7-13 | Colors: 4 | Water resistant: No | Toe: Round
Work dress codes have changed drastically over the years, which is great news for our shoes. Styles that would have once been deemed unsuitable are now the kind that’ll impress your boss the most.
Better suited to an office than an oil rig, these Chelsea boots from
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-14 | Colors: 2 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Steel
Sometimes it’s acceptable to take the cheap option. For example, no one’s going to care if your hi-vis is a little rough around the edges. When it comes to your work boots, though, it pays not to penny-pinch. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of affordable options available.
This pair from Skechers offer excellent value for money, and the quality far exceeds the modest price tag. Made from leather with electrical hazard protection, they also feature a steel toe cap to protect your tootsies from falling debris or clumsy hands. In true Skechers fashion, they’re finished with a memory foam footbed for ultimate comfort.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-15 | Colors: 4 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Composite
If you like your toes where they are, protective work boots are essential. Your shoes have to be able to stand up to the rigors of physical labor (and keep your feet safe at all times), so regular run-of-the-mill boots simply won’t cut it.
My top pick is this calf-covering pair from Timberland Pro. Ideal for any worksite, they’re designed to deliver optimal performance whatever your occupation. Offering all-day comfort with electrical hazard protection and slip-and oil-resistant soles, they have everything you need from men’s slip-on work boots.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-15 | Colors: 2 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Moc
If your day-to-day gig involves lifting steel beams or cutting wood, chances are you do a lot of your graft outside. Which means you’re going to need a pair of boots that’ll stop your feet from getting soggy in the rain. Equipped with everything for the task at hand are UGG’s waterproof boots. But their capabilities of keeping out the elements are only the tip of the iceberg.
The versatile design also features a seam-sealed construction, lightweight foam cushioning, and rubber soles that maintain traction in the cold. What I particularly like about this pair is that they’re not only an excellent option for work, but they won’t look out of place at the weekend with jeans and a flannel shirt.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-17 | Colors: 3 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Rubber
Like it or not, work doesn’t stop in the winter. So when the snowy season arrives, you’re gonna want some suitable footwear that’ll keep you warm as well as dry. But where do you find such a shoe? I’m glad you asked.
KEEN’s ankle-high boots boast a waterproof, breathable membrane that features lightweight insulation to provide you with plenty of warmth when you need it most. As for stopping your toes falling off, the non-marking rubber soles have enough grip to keep your rear end from hitting the pavement.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 8-14 | Colors: 2 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Steel
The best pull-on work boots should offer the perfect mash-up of comfort, durability, and safety. But that doesn’t mean they can’t look good too. In fact, the right pair could even be teamed with your jeans at the weekend without anyone batting an eyelid.
As tough as they are handsome, Clitenk’s boots are made from full grain leather with steel toe caps and pull tabs to make taking them on and off a breeze. Inside you’ll find a memory foam insole and an anti-piercing, puncture-resistant plate that protects your feet from sharp objects.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-14 (wide & x-wide available) | Colors: 1 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Composite
If you’re planning on wearing your pull-on work boots on building sites or for hard manual labor, you’ll require some extra protection at the toe. And while steel toe boots are an excellent choice, composite toe caps are quickly becoming just as popular (and for good reason).
As these are made from non-metal materials, they can feel more comfortable, especially when working in the cold. Composites are also lighter than steel, meaning the boots feel lighter. This pair from Wolverine has the ultimate combination of comfort and performance. They’re designed to bend and flex at essential points, while the waterproof, breathable membrane promises to keep your feet dry in all work conditions.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 8-14 (wide available) | Colors: 1 | Water Resistant: Unknown | Toe: Steel
No one does workwear quite like Carhartt. Stylish yet functional, the label’s collection of on-the-job essentials has been kitting out hard workers since 1889. You may be most familiar with the sought-after cargo pants and tees, but they also specialize in a range of work footwear.
Now I know what you’re thinking. These look more like a casual boot than a construction shoe, but don’t let their stylish appearance fool you. From the steel toe (which meets ASTM standards) to the electrical hazard protection, there are more than enough features to keep you safe on the job.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 6-15 (wide available) | Colors: 1 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Square
From working on the ranch to tending cattle, cowboys are some of the hardest-working men around. So if you’re planning on doing some serious manual labor, copying their footwear choice is a pretty smart move.
The Groundbreaker boots from Ariat are built for lasting performance and durability. Using tough leather with cushioning, metatarsal protection, and stability technology, they offer an excellent all-rounder that can be worn for construction, warehouse, or farm work. You could even wear them to a rodeo with some light denim and a check shirt.
Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-14 (wide available) | Colors: 2 | Water Resistant: Yes | Toe: Steel
Nothing will ruin your working day quite like a pair of bad-fitting boots. Okay, maybe your boss asking you to stay late comes close, but you get the gist. Trouble is, finding suitable shoes can be tricky. Especially as not every brand offers shapes for wide feet.
Thankfully there are some that do (and even go beyond just a little more room). DIIG’s slip-on safety boots are available in regular fit and wide, plus go all the way up to size 14. You simply need to choose the size and the fit you require. Built to last, they’re made from full-grain leather with a solid steel toe cap for safety.
What to Look For When Buying The Best Pull-On Work Boots
Safety
If you’re buying pull-on work boots for a job that involves manual labor, safety (alongside comfort) should be your top priority. To understand what type of safety features you require, you must consider the hazards and risks associated with your job.
For example, if you’re regularly lifting heavy objects, you’ll need steel toe caps. Or if you’re working with wires, electrical hazard protection is key.
Comfort
It doesn’t matter whether you work in the city or construction, comfortable footwear is key—especially if you’re on your feet a lot. It’s vital you look out for features that aid comfort (trust me, it’s seriously important). This can include memory foam insoles or cushioned outsoles.
Material
The best pull-on work boots are available in a range of materials, each bringing something different to the table. Some will be waterproof (perfect for rainy commutes), while others are durable enough for the building site.
If you’re lucky, they’ll offer both. To ensure you choose the right material, think about what it is you require. Do they need to be tough? Or are you more worried about what they look like? Once you have a better idea of your requirements, you can then make a better decision.
Final Verdict
Now you are clued up about the best pull-on work boots available, it’s time to decide which ones are suitable for the job at hand. You’ll now need to determine what it is you should prioritize. Will you need heavy-duty features like steel toes? Or should they be a mixture of safe and stylish?
If you’re still undecided, CAT Footwear’s Wheelbase boots are a fail-safe choice suitable for pretty much any kind of manual job. Not just available at an affordable price point, but they perfectly blend a tough exterior with comfy cushioning and plenty of protection.
FAQ
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Work boots should fit just like any other pair of shoes, although you may find they feel a touch looser. Your boots must be snug around the top and sides of your foot, while your toes should be able to move without touching the end. You shouldn’t feel any pain or tightness, nor should your feet be able to slide back or forward.
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Pull-on work boots shouldn’t be tight or loose. They must be snug enough to support your feet but still have enough room to let your foot flex and breathe as it’s supposed to. Your instincts will serve you well; if your boots feel uncomfortable, you’ve probably got the wrong size.
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Work boots can take a bit longer to break in than an ordinary pair of shoes. This is because they are generally made from tougher materials that aren’t as flexible. You can expect a new pair of boots to take a week or two before they’re at their most comfortable. However, you can try wearing them around the house (with some boot socks) beforehand to help speed up the process.
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Generally speaking, the best slip-on work boots are manufactured to give you a little more wiggle room than lace-up versions. This provides you with enough space to slip your foot in and out. Unless a brand says otherwise, there shouldn’t be any need to size up.
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