The Best Construction Work Boots For Contractors (Top 10 Models Included)

Welcome to our best work boots for construction professionals review for 2022 (updated for 2023).

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The Best Steel Toe Work
Boots For Construction

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 work boots that are great for working in construction and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research is the Thorogood American Heritage

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To bring you this article we’ve researched over36 websites, looked at 48 work boots brands and models, read 162 reviews and customer feedback for a total amount of 51 hours.

In this article, you’ll learn about some of the newest and best work boots for construction sites. What accessories are available, comparisons with other brands, plus some things to consider before buying the best construction work boots (and much more)!

So keep reading. There’s a lot of good info in here…

Our Top 10 Safety Toe Work Boots For Contractors

Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which work boots we’ve included in our round-up.

1. Thorogood Heritage

• Fiberglass shank
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Made In The US Construction Boot

Latest Price

2. Caterpillar Second Shift

• Oil resistant outsole
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Most Rated
Construction Work Boots

Latest Price

3. RockRooster 6″

• Ankle support
• 100% leather
• Composite toe

Best For Electricians (Electric Hazard Rated)

Latest Price

4. Caterpillar Revolver

• Waterproof
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Steel Toe Pull-On Work Boot For Construction

Latest Price

5. Irish Setter Marshall

• Waterproof
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Cowboy Style Boots For Construction Work

Latest Price

6. Dunlop Explorer

• Waterproof
• Purofort
• Steel toe

Great Construction Boot
To Pour Concrete

Latest Price

7. Larnmern

• Anti puncture
• Leather + mesh
• Steel toe

Lightweight Construction Work Boots

Latest Price

8. Keen Flint

• Asymmetrical toe caps
• Leather + mesh
• Steel toe

Great In Summertime
For Sweaty Feet

Latest Price

9. Carhartt Traditional

• EH rated
• 100% Leather
• Steel toe

Great Construction
Boot For Wide Feet

Latest Price

10. Timberland Rigmaster

• Anti-fatigue insoles
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Quality Waterproof Construction Work Boots

Latest Price

Reviews of the top 10 best work boots for construction workers

Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these construction work boots we’ve included in today’s round-up.

We’ll start with the best rated …

1. Thorogood American Heritage

Most Comfortable
For Construction Workers

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Thorogood has a rich history that dates back to 1892. And, the American Heritage Moc Toe confirms this, with black and tobacco oil-tanned colors to offer.

The Thorogood work boots are the most comfortable for construction work and fashionable for your evening business casual meetups.

Thorogood boots are made for comfort, and they are true to size. The in, middle, and out-soles all have cushioning and shock absorption.

So it’s goodbye to your knee or foot pains. The fiberglass shank is lightweight, and the leather shaft adds to the comfort.

The boot has a steel toe that meets the ASTM rated as F2413-05 for electrical hazards. So, the boot serves electrical engineers and technicians right.

 Noticeably, the American heritage boot will outlive most of your other shoes. The Goodyear Welt construction and oil tanned leather keep doing your difficult job without wearing out.

• If you want to know more about Thorogood’s boots check out this page: Thorogood work boots reviews where we go more in-depth into this brand alone.
• Also, read my full review of these Thorogood 804-4200 moc toe work boots
• Additionally learn more about what goes into these boots here: Thorogood moc toe boots cut in half

Check out my review of this boot on YouTube

2. Caterpillar Second Shift

Most Rated
Steel Toe Work Boots

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Every time you talk or think about the construction site, you probably have the CAT logo on your mind. Probably, it’s because Caterpillar leads the world of construction equipment.

So, it shouldn’t catch you by surprise that some of the best-rated steel toe boots are Caterpillar. The Caterpillar Second Shift construction boot lives up to the brand’s quality by providing you with durable, safe, and comfortable footwear.

The Caterpillar steel toe has a rating from the ASTM f2413 11 standard. A round toe provides enough room in your shoes, and you don’t have to feel compressed.

If you’re looking for a comfortable construction boot, the second shift should be top of your mind. The nylon mesh liner keeps moisture and sweat away while the padded collar cushions the ankle.

If you take good care of leather products, they could last a decade. Second Shift features 100% full-grain leather as well as a single stitched Goodyear Welt construction.

The lace-up feature and metallic eyelets keep your boot functional for long.

If you’re working in an environment with lots of CAT machinery, you may also derive some sense of pride wearing CAT boots. But, it’s the comfort, steel toe, and oil sleep resistance that makes you proud.

3. RockRooster

Construction Work Boot With Composite Toe For Electricians

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For more than three decades, Rockrooster has been making some of the finest boots you can get. The RockRooster DG615 lives up to this dream as the best construction work boots with a composite toe for electricians.

If you’d like a protective boot that’s light and comfortable, consider having the composite toe Rockrooter. The boot is 30% lighter than ordinary work boots and therefore assures you less fatigue.

And unlike the metallic steel toe, the composite does not conduct heat or electricity. 

This Rockrooster has a water-resistant full-grain leather that will outlast most of your ordinary shoes. Even when you use them for hiking or other tedious work, they will not wear out.

Electricians deserve lightweight, stylish, and comfortable boots—the cooling technology insulation legs from any external changes.

The duo density footbed absorbs shock and massages your feet as your as you walk. So, your blood flows flawlessly, and fatigue is kept a bay.

4. Caterpillar Revolver

Great Pull-on Work Boots
For Construction Sites

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Of course, you want your attire to match with the machinery used at the construction site. 

It gives you a sense of credibility and prestige. And, the Caterpillar Revolver gives you great pull-on work boots for construction sites that manifest CAT’s power, safety, and functionality.

Caterpillar revolver pull-on put is 100% full-grain leather and has a Goodyear welt construction for durability. The steel shank not only supports you but also keeps the boot stable for long.

The T3 outsole resists all abrasion and therefore fits in the construction site.

The Revolver comes with a nylon mesh lining that offers breathability and ventilation. The lining also wicks away all unwanted sweat and moisture. So, bad odors and fungi are unwelcome near your feet!

And, if you’re working in a place full of loose wires or electrical hazards this boot will resist up to 600 volts. The outsole has high traction and will protect you from any slips or falls. The oil and slip-resistant outsole provide the security and assurance you need at slippery workplaces. 

5. Irish Setter Marshall

Cowboy Style Work Boots
For Construction Workers

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Yes, cowboy boots can also serve as work boots. The Irish setter is possibly the best cowboy-style work boots for construction workers.

You can keep your Texan culture but at the same time get protected at the site!

This 100% leather boot comes with a steel toe and sturdy construction. The removable polyurethane footbed and full-grain waterproof genuine leather make your boots stick around for a long time.

Yes, cowboy boots are not only elegant- they are comfortable too.

The Irish Setter comes with a flexible rubber sole and 12 shaft and a wide-opening and ultra-dry waterproofing system.

The Vamp khaki lining drill and quarter combat lining all work together to give your feet a comfortable ride. In short,  you put your feet on a comfy pouch where it’s protected from the hazards of the environment.

Irish Setter brings you a heat-resistant outsole and waterproofing system. The boot withstands up to 475 Fahrenheit of heat without burning you a single bruise. Also, the boot meets ASTM 52413 11 standards.

6. Dunlop Explorer

Great Work Boots
For Concrete Pouring

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If you want a pair of 100%  waterproof work boots, Dunlop should be your first stop. Pouring concrete comes with a packet of challenges, and most boots just can’t withstand the fluids.

Ordinary leather boots end up damaged during this work.

The Dunlop E90203307 ranks among the best work boots for concrete pouring for a reason. 

Perhaps the moment you hear about 100% waterproof boots, your mind screenshots a farmers’ gumboot.

But in this case, Dunlop has PUROFORT patented technologies to provide you with spongy lightness and anti-fatigue features that keep you working for long.

Dunlop is made of material that’s 40% more flexible than rubber.

I can cash on the bet that you don’t want to step on wet concrete with bare feet. And, you don’t wish to have the concrete fluid penetrate through your work boots.

Dunlop gives you superior protection and insulation.  The ASTM-certified steel toe and steel mid plate give your feet enough support while protecting you from compression. Dunlop is so protective that it’s one of the work boots considered as PPE. 

The premium materials that make Dunlop are not only challenging and resistant but also durable. The patented Acifort makes Dunlop last even when used in oil, cement, mud, or corrosive chemicals. 

7. Drivetrain – the best summer work boot from Timeberland

Lightweight Construction
Work Boots For walking

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If you are looking for the best lightweight construction work boots for walking around, then you should have Larnmern top of your list.

The brand may be little-known and doesn’t exactly compete favorably with the big boys (Tims, CATs…), but it’s one of the cheapest work boots with a complete package of features to offer.

Imagine working in a lightweight boot and does not allow any punctures.  Yes, it’s possible!

The leather, mesh, and TPU materials are not only durable but also oil resistant. 

Although Larnmern is a simple shoe, it has a steel toe cap and a midsole through which no nail or thorn will make its way. Plus, the boot is fully insulated from electricity and heat, and electricians would love it!

The boot has lightweight materials, and the insoles absorb both shock and electricity. Then, its midsole allows ventilation and absorbs unwanted moisture.

8. Keen Flint

Great In Summer
For Sweaty Feet

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KEEN Utility Flint has the average construction worker in mind. If you’re looking for a boot that’s great in summer for sweaty feet, here it is.

And, Keen Flint’s got you covered if you work in a region with a hot climate. That’s how KEEN makes it to our list of the best work boots for summertime round-up.

Made of leather and synthetic solid materials, this boot has excellent longevity compared to other summer boots.

The carbon fiber toe is not precisely like the steel toe, but it’s lighter and offers heavy-duty protection. In addition, the metatomical PU design of the footbed adds to the shoes’ stability.

The only reason the Keen Utility boot does not have heavy-duty construction is that it’s built for comfort. This is not the kind of boot you wear to a concrete preparation site.

Instead, it is the boot you wear to a hike with or do electric or plumbing work.

The molded EVA form, non-removable metatomical footbed, and torsional stability shank ensure that shock is distributed evenly through the boot. So, your feet can rest assured that they are safe.

9. Carhartt Traditional Welt

Great Construction Work
Boots for Wide Feet

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Carhartt has been producing great construction work boots for wide feet since 1889.

The Carhartt Traditional series of boots live up to the standards of safety and comfort over a long time for every construction worker. Check out our awesome Carhartt work boots review article here.

The boot comes with a steel toe that meets ASTM 2413-05 standards. In short, the toe is so strong that it could save your toes from the weight of a falling 20 kg brick. Your feet are safe from electricity because of the insulation.

The boot is 100% leather and has the sturdy Goodyear Welt construction that adds to the longevity of the boot.

The Carharrt doesn’t just insulate you from electricity and heat but also secures your feet in a comfortable leather boot. The flexible rubber outsole gives you excellent traction and incredible comfort.

10. Timberland Rigmaster

Waterproof Construction
Work Boots

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Many people consider Timberland a casual business boot for its aesthetics and fashionable style. That doesn’t typecast Timberland boots as a Hip-Hop attire only.

Instead, the brand has so much to offer on the construction site.

One of the best waterproof construction boots is the Timberland  PRO Rigmaster, which’s built to withstand all the work you put them through.

Whether you are working in the oil/gas industry or at the construction site, the Rigmaster has features that got you covered.

The 100% leather boot has a synthetic sole and anti-fatigue technology. For Timberland, it’s not just about wearing a boot but also keeping you energetic and comfortable all day long.

The boot has unique soles, insoles, and other support systems that are designed to reduce leg, foot, and backbone fatigue. The anti-fatigue technology and shock absorption features allow you to work for a long without getting tired.

Timberland Rigmaster boot is made of 100% leather material and a synthetic sole firmly stitched to give a reliable construction.

Such a boot resists abrasion and withstands scratches without breaking an inch. As one of the best Timberland Pro work boots, the Rigmaster provides durable and comfortable construction.

Combine that with industrial traction and easy-to-wash material, and you will see why the boot is worth your bucks.

Have a question? Let’s try answering it below:

Who makes the best construction boots?

You must have heard the cliche:

Don’t buy the brand name; buy the features you will need at the actual construction site!

If you want to know the companies that manufacture top construction boots, the rule of the thumb is to look at their experience, popularity, and quality.

But, some companies show consistency in their quality. Which are they?

• Carharrt
• Caterpillar
• Dunlop
• Timberland
• Ariat
• Thorogood

Where to buy construction boots?

Buy your boots from safe, reliable dealers. See our list of the best online stores for construction boots:

• Amazon
• Payless
• Sears
• Walmart
• Target

What size of construction boots should you get?

Get a pair of work boots that are neither too tight nor too loose. Loose boots may end up exposing you to the dangers of your work environment. For instance, your steel toe needs to be above your toes at all times.

Wearing loose boots could stress up your feet and cause Achilles tendon inflammation. In some other cases, you could end up with plantar fasciitis and heel pains.

Likewise, avoid work boots that are too tight as they increase the friction between your feet and the insoles. Tight work boots may lead to calluses, blisters, and even Morton’s neuroma.

Therefore, get work boots that fit snugly from the bottom of your foot. Choose work boots that are true to size.

Then measure the length and width of your foot and get a boot that is 0.25 or 0.5 inches longer. Compare that with the manufacturer’s work boot size chart and buy one that fits you well. 

Do you need steel toe work boots to work in construction?

Yes, you have to wear steel-toe work boots on a construction site. The rules of working at construction sites make it mandatory for you to have proper footwear.

Working at the constructions ranks among the most dangerous jobs in the world. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there are more than 6.5 million people working in 252,000 construction sites in America alone every day.

20% of all worker fatalities reported in 2019 were from construction sites. That is one in every five people who die at their workplaces.

The risks at the workplace are so immense that in the best-case scenario you survive, your toe could get crushed by rolling or falling objects. Wearing a work boot with a steel toe feature keeps your feet safe throughout your working hours. 

And, the United States laws require you to wear a steel toe work boot to a construction site. 

Can’t you just wear normal boots on a construction site?

Regular boots are more stylish, fashionable, and comfortable than the average construction boot. But you certainly don’t want to wear them at the construction site because of the risks they pose.

First, understand that construction work boots act as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and not for aesthetics.

While it is not illegal to have normal boots at a construction site, they could be prohibited from certain construction activities or you might not be allowed to go onsite if you don’t have the right PPE.

Some jobs require specialized steel toe or waterproof features that may not be present in normal boots.

Then, US law may penalize you and your employer if any injuries result from wearing inappropriate footwear at the construction site.

Cheap vs premium work boots? Which should you buy for a construction job?

In most cases, you get the quality of work boots you pay for. When you pay a premium, you get premium quality; and, when you go cheap, that’s exactly what you get.

The price of a work boot depends on two main factors: production costs and the brand.

Features of cheap vs premium work boots

Cheap boots cost less because they are made of low-priced material and labor. Expensive boots fetch a fortune because their materials are costly!

Every feature you find on a work boot is a product of money spent making it.

A steel toe is more expensive than carbon or soft toe. In the same way, pure leather work boots would fetch more than synthetic fiber.

Also, the more you want your boots to be comfortable, the more you will have to pay! The comfy Eva Foam and rubber soles fetch some big bundle of bucks!

In the end, manufacturers have to meet the cost of making a work boot at the factory when pricing the work boots.

Consequently, high-quality work boots with all the protective, comfortable, and durable features are pricier.

Why some work boot brands are expensive

The second factor that influences the price of work boots is the brand.

The popularity of Timberland and Caterpillar boots, for instance, increases their demand and cost. But, this doesn’t make them any better than other brands in terms of performance.

So, not all boots from popular brands are high quality, and it does not make a good boot from a lesser-known company any worse.

The rule of the thumb is to buy the features of the boot and not the brand. Find work boots that serve your needs instead of concentrating on the allure that comes with big brands. 

Conclusion: So, which is the best pair of work boots for construction?

The best work boot for construction is one that offers safety, comfort, and longevity.

While the specific pair of boots you take home depends on your occupation and personal requirements, you must wear a workbook that supports you to get the work done.

For instance, if you are pouring concrete, Dunlop E90203307 has a series of 100% water-resistant steel toe features that save your feet from the mess.

And, in case your construction work is all about laying electric cables, you need an insulated work boot such as the RockRooster DG615.

Each one of the boots we’ve recommended above is great for construction work. Just pick the one that suits you. You can’t go wrong.

Top Choice

Overall – The Best Work
Boots For Construction

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Team Members Working On This Page

Adrian – Web Master / Construction Professional

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher

Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!