Top 10 Best Low Cut Boots For Work (For Men And Women)

Hey there. Welcome to our review round-up of the best low-shaft work boots for 2022.

In A Rush?!

this is a work boot from the brand KEEN and a medal awarded by the editor as being the best low cut work boot that comes with a steel toe cap.

Overall, The Best Low Top
Safety Toe Work Boots

We’ve put together a list of top 10 work boots that come with a low shaft and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research and own experience is the KEEN Lansing

To bring you this article we’ve researched over 37 websites, looked at 46 different work boot brands and models and we have read dozens of customer reviews and feedback for each make of boot that made the cut, as well as a few that did not.

Overall we’ve spent over 70 hours looking into all of these work boots with a low shaft to bring you the most important information for each boot.

In this article, you’ll learn about which are some of the newest and most rated low-cut work boots. What features do they have, plus some things to consider before buying your boots, and much more.

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

You can jump straight into the low-cut work boots reviews section or go to the Q&A section first (if you want to learn more about this)

Our list of the top 10 most comfortable low-profile work boots

Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which work boots I’ve included in today’s round-up. I’ve had some of these and others I’m interested in buying myself.

1. KEEN

  • 5″ tall
  • Leather + textile
  • Steel toe

Very Comfortable Steel Toe Low Cut Work Boots

2. Timberland PRO

  • 4″ tall
  • 100% textile
  • Alloy toe cap

Most Rated Low Cut Work Boots

a pair of low profile work boots from Red Wing

3. Red Wing

  • 4″ tall
  • Leather
  • Soft toe

Soft Toe Low Shaft Work Boots For Interior

4. Dr. Martens

  • 4″ tall
  • Leather
  • Soft toe

Slip On Low Top Work Boots For Factory Workers

5. Skechers

  • 4″ tall
  • Leather
  • Soft toe

Non-Safety Toe Low Cut Work Boots

6. Caterpillar

  • 4″ tall
  • Leather
  • Nano Carbon toe

Low Top Work Boots With Composite Toe Cap

7. Nike

  • 5″ tall
  • Leather + synthetic
  • Soft toe

Tactical Style Low Top Work Boots

8. Rocky Legacy 32

  • 6″ tall
  • Leather
  • Soft toe

Hiking Style Low Shaft Work Boots

9. Carhartt

  • 5″ tall
  • Leather + synthetic
  • Carbon nano toe

Composite Toe Safety Work Boots With A Low Shaft

10. Wolverine

  • 3″ tall
  • Mesh
  • Composite toe

Low Cut Work Boots Idea For Indoor Work

What to know about low top work boots

How to choose a good pair of low-cut work boots?

First and foremost do your research. Articles such as ours are a perfect way to compare boots and read work boots reviews in order to get the necessary information you need to match your criteria or characteristics of the boots that are right for your job.

However, there is nothing like trying a boot on to see how it fits. Always, when trying new workboots on, wear the socks you would wear to work and preferably try boots on at the end of the day when your feet are at their most tired.

That way you can really feel the difference the boot will make to your feet and legs, especially because at the end of the day our feet are swollen from being on our feet all day.

If you buy your low-cut work boots at the beginning of the day without taking into consideration the foot swelling detail then when you go to work the boots will feel a bit tight at the end of a 10-12 hours shift.

Ensure the laces give adequate support needed when done up. Stretch and bend so you can see how they fit when moving.

Low or high-cut work boots? What’s better?

my colleague and I showing our different work boots. He's wearing a pair of high cut work boot and mine are a pair of low top work boots

There is no right or wrong here. It is simply personal preference and needs.

What length is right or best for the job you do? Where do you need support?

How much of your leg needs to be shielded by a boot or be free from a boot to move safely and comfortably.

Personally, I like to wear low-cut work boots in summer and when I’m operating machinery. In summer your feet will sweat less with a low-cut work boot vs a high-cut work boot.

And if you operate machinery, forklift, cranes, or even trucks, in my experience the low-cut work boots are more comfortable when driving since the boots won’t cut into the back of your leg.

So just think about your environment if you need to decide which type of work boot you should go for.

Who should avoid buying and wearing low-top work boots?

There’s only one type of person that comes to mind. A person such as myself, that have weak ankles due to different silly ankle injuries over the years.

So if you’re like me, if you have weak ankles AND work on uneven grounds, don’t buy low-cut work boots.

Go instead for a good pair of work boots that provides ankle support. Many times these boots are at least 6 or 8 inches tall.

What’s the best place to buy low-cut shaft work boots?

You can buy your favorite pair of low-top work boots at your local store but I believe the best place to buy this type of work boots is at the online stores.

For the simple reason that you can access lots of brands and models from the comfort of your home. Plus the delivery, many times is free.

Here are a few stores you might be familiar with:

  • Amazon
  • Boot barn
  • Zappos
  • Payless
  • Sears
  • Walmart

Reviews of the 10 most popular low-top work boots

this is me wearing a pair of steel toe low cut work boots from KEEN.

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

1. KEEN Utility Lansing

Comfortable Low Profile Work
Boots With Steel Toe Cap

The Lansing is a boot made for medium duty making them good performers in maintenance, transportation, and construction jobs.

These safety boots are very comfortable and also offer safety, support, and stability by way of steel toe caps, rubber soles, and leather material.

The reflective feature is an added safety feature as it provides visibility in poor lighting. These boots are 100% waterproof which means your feet will be kept nice and dry the whole day through.

These KEEN Lansing boots are one of the most comfortable steel toe work boots I’ve had.

They provide no support for the ankle (just like the other boots in this round-up) but they provide a lot of cushioning which is a great feature to have if you’re working all day on your feet.

Overall a great low-cut steel toe work boot, I recommend it for most workers.

PROS

CONS


2. Timberland PRO Powertrain

Top Rated Alloy Safety Toe Work Boots

The Powertrain is not only comfortable and lightweight but offers protection against slippage, trauma to your foot, and electric shocks.

Let’s focus on the comfort to start – Timberland has used an antifatigue technology in the insoles which reduces tiredness in your feet and legs and provides shock absorption.

The boot’s mesh lining has an antimicrobial treatment that reduces odor and the moisture-wicking footbed helps to reduce sweat build-up. The rubber outsole not only provides comfort but also protection against slips.

So now let’s look at the protection this boot offers. There are many features included in this boot for your safety.

The alloy safety toe protects against trauma from dropping or hitting your foot but it is also lightweight so will not weigh your foot down. This boot also offers electrical hazard protection as the sole and heel are penetration resistant.

The Powertrain offers a great deal of protection and comfort so, for this reason, is a clear contender for performance and durability.

PROS

  • Breathable mesh lining
  • ReBOTL material – 50% recycled materials used in the making of this boot
  • Lightweight alloy safety toe
  • Antifatigue technology 
  • EH rated

CONS

  • Not waterproof but is water resistant
  • No shank

3. Red Wing 3140

Great Low Top Work Boots For Interior Work

This Work Chukka from Red Wing is priced slightly higher than others in their range.

But even though these are some of the most expensive work boots on this list, the durability is worth the extra money. 

This boot has a desirable style made of full grain leather which is oiled and a wedge style outsole. 

The triple stitch design is extremely durable and the Atlas Tred outsole is well cushioned and flexible making them incredibly comfortable.

The Goodyear Welt outer sole is resoleable which is a cheaper option than buying a new pair of boots. (Here are some more Goodyear welted work boots if you want more options)

These boots are not only comfortable and lightweight but durable so are a good choice for interior work.

So these could be the perfect work boot if you work in a warehouse because of the flexibility and the cushioning the sole provides.

PROS

  • Atlas Tred outsole
  • Resoleable – Goodyear Welt outersole
  • Full grain leather – oiled
  • Puritan triple-stitch

CONS

  • No shank or toe protection

4. Dr. Martens Hardie

Good Looking Work Boots For
Factory Or Retails Workers

The Hardie is an easy-to-wear Chelsea boot with iconic Dr. Marten features for style, comfort, and durability.

With their pull-on style work boot made even easier by the two heel loops and the moisture-wicking lining for breathability, these boots are a good choice for all-day wear.

The synthetic sole provides slip resistance as well as comfort. This boot does not offer safety features but is a classic-looking boot that has durability and style.

Not everybody needs a safety toe cap in a work boot so these low-cut Doc Martens are a good option for those of you working in industries where a safety toe it’s not required.

If you want a taller Doc Marten work boot check out these steel-toe Doc Martens boots I’ve used on my construction site.

PROS

  • Iconic Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole
  • Classic Dr. Marten DNA – yellow stitching, heel loop, grooved sides

CONS

  • No safety toe or shank

5. Skechers Mariner

Good Low Top Work Boots For Under $100 With Soft Toe Box

The Mariner boot is the perfect choice for comfort due to its wedge heel and lug outsole which gives excellent shock absorption and traction.

So if you’re looking for a good work boot for yard work these Skechers are a good option precisely because of that traction the sole provides.

They’re not too expensive either which is always a great plus, isn’t it?

Make sure to apply some mink oil or boots oil to these Skechers as the leather is not that good but taking care of it will help increase the lifespan of the boot.

The supportive instep provides an added layer of comfort. The reinforced seam detail gives durability and longevity.

The Mariner is a work boot that can just as easily be worn as a casual shoe – an ideal addition to your footwear collection.

PROS

  • Leather upper
  • Good traction for outdoor works
  • Reinforced seam
  • Lightweight

CONS


6. Caterpillar Excavator Superlite

Best Combat Work Boots
For Hot Days

The Evacuator Superlite has a great combination of protection, comfort, and style whilst being lightweight. The footbed has a rebound foam top layer for added comfort.

These boots are slip-resistant, abrasion resistant, and perform well against oil and water along with good traction on slippery surfaces due to their rubber outsole.

This also means you have protection against electrical hazards. The NanoToe composite safety toe protects against impact without adding much to the overall weight of the work boot.

The bond welted forefoot and cemented heel makes for a very durable and comfortable boot. Some people complain that the sole’s adhesive is not that strong and the sole would come off after 6-8 months or so.

This boot should perform well under most tasks and will hold you up with comfort and give your protection too.

PROS

  • Lightweight safety cap
  • Rubber toe bumper
  • EH rated
  • Slip-resistant outsole

CONS

  • There are some mixed reviews about the lace rivets.

7. Nike

Lightweight Tactical Style Low Cut Work Boots


The Manao from Nike is a tactical style boot and offers comfort due to them being lightweight. 

Comfort is given by way of the full-length foam midsole which provides cushioning. The rubber sole has large lugs which provide good traction on a variety of surfaces. 

Your feet are able to breathe therefore reducing sweat and soreness due to the synthetic textile used. 

Also because the upper it’s made with part textile and part synthetic will allow for more flexibility when you’re bending or flexing.

If you’re looking for a pair of tactical or military-style work boots, but lighter, these Nike are a good option for security guards or law enforcement-related work.

PROS

CONS


8. Rocky Legacy 32

Great Soft Toe Low Top Work Boots


The Legacy 32 is a boot that can work well in a casual setting as well as in a workplace due to its design, features, and comfort.

The new 1 year guaranteed Rocky Vapor Pass waterproof technology is their most superior dry experience.

Protection underfoot is provided by the fiberglass shank and the comfort is provided by the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) sole which is a premium cushioning material and a great shock absorber.

Perfect for those of you working on concrete and hard surfaces all day long.

Some people used them for work around the farm in the summertime, for going hiking, and for their day job as well so this tells us how versatile these boots can be.

PROS

  • EVA midsole
  • Vibram outsole
  • Fiberglass shank
  • Waterproof leather
  • Versatile

CONS

  • You can’t wear them on jobs where a safety toe is required.

9. Carhartt CMH4480

Great Soft Toe Low Top Work Boots

These hiker work boots are crossing the boundary between work and leisure due to them being weatherproof and breathable boots with added safety features. 

The storm defender waterproof protection keeps feet dry whilst allowing them to breathe due to the breathable membrane. 

Someone was mentioning that the boots are not flexible enough but this obviously depends on what type of work or activities you’re doing whilst wearing the boots.

If you work as a tiler or do floor installations these might not be for you since you need to do a lot of bending and flexing. But if your job is more like standing and walking then you might still go for this boot if you liked it.

Wearing these boots all day you should not get excessive foot fatigue due to the footbed giving maximum arch support.

Safety toe and sole features provide protection against impact and electrical circuits. These boots are made for durability and comfort. A very solid performer.

PROS

  • Lightweight safety toe
  • Breathable panels
  • Fiberglass shank
  • Removable insole
  • EH rated

CONS

  • Not the most flexible boot in this round-up

10. Wolverine Amherst

Light Duty Low Top Boots For Indoor Work

The Amherst II Carbonmax is a lightweight boot that is both comfortable and versatile.

The ArmorTek toe and the nylon shank offer protection and support on the job and the mesh upper offers breathability which makes for more comfortable wear.

The cushioned EVA footbed and ultra-light EVA midsole provide a great deal of comfort and flexibility.

These Wolverine work boots are best for working indoors, maybe in the kitchen or in the shopping center, even on a construction site. (Electricians seem to like these boots)

I mean these boots are great if you’re working as a painter. They’re lightweight and flexible but at the same time protective. The composite toe cap on these boots will enable you to work on sites where a safety toe is required due.

Additionally, if you work on ladders a lot you’d be happy to know that these come with a nylon shank. This provides some extra support under your feet which should help avoid pain in your foot’s arches.

PROS

  • Composite safety toe
  • Breathable upper
  • Nylon shank
  • EH rated
  • Slip-resistant sole

CONS

  • Not waterproof

Final Verdict On This Low Cut Work Boots Round-Up

Whether you work indoors or outdoors, with heavy equipment or electric, one thing is for sure you will be needing a pair of work boots.

The features you’ll be needing from these low shaft work boots will be different for all of you because of the job you do and your personal preferences.

When looking for new work boots you need to consider the key characteristics, do your research then try them before you buy them ideally.

Articles like this offer valuable information that you can use to your advantage. Therefore, I hope the information included in this article was of help to you when making your choice.

I can not tell you what boot is best because even two people doing the same job will have slightly different desirable.

But one thing I will say is comfort and safety is key so I have done my best to provide a selection of boots that offer these features in one way or another.

Breathable Low Cut Work Boots
With Steel Toe Cap


Team Members Working On This Page

Jimmy Webb – Writer And Researcher

Hey, Jimmy here. I’m one of the researchers and writers here at BestForMyFeet.com.  I’ve been wearing work boots all my life working as a forklift driver, landscaper, groundworker, and now as a tower crane operator so I know a few things about footwear and footcare in general. I’m also working on my first novel. So writing IS my passion. When I’m not writing I love to spend time with my wife, two children, and furball.

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

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!

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