Top 10 Best Work Boots For All Types Of Mechanics

Hello and welcome to our best work boots for mechanics review round-up for 2022 (updated for 2023).

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Overall – The Best Safety
Work Boots For Mechanics

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most popular work boots models for mechanics (car, diesel, electrical, elevator, etc), and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research is the
Timberland PRO Pit Boss.

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To bring you this article we’ve researched 25 websites, looked at 41 work boots brands and models, read north of 190 reviews and customer feedback 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 60 hours looking into all of these work boots for mechanics 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 mechanic’s work boots. Also, you’ll find out which boot is best for different types of mechanics, plus some things to consider before buying your boots for mechanical work. (and much more)

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

Our list of the top 10 most comfortable work boots for mechanics

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

1. Timberland Pit Boss

• Anti-slippery sole
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Best Steel Toe
Boot For Mechanics

Latest Price

2. Danner Vicious

• Flexible outsole
• Leather + Gore-Tex
• Composite toe

Great For Electrical Mechanics

Latest Price

3. Wolverine Overpass

• Flexible outsole
• Leather + textile
• Composite toe

Good For Elevator Mechanics

Latest Price

4. Skechers Burgin

• Memory foam
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Affordable Work Boots
For Mechanics

Latest Price

5. Carhartt Wedge Sole

• EH rated
• 100% leather
• Composite toe

Good For Aviation Mechanics

Latest Price

6. Caterpillar Revolver

• Great traction
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Pull-On Work Boots For Yard Mechanics

Latest Price

7. Rockrooster AK050

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

Side Zip Safety Toe Work Boot For Mechanics

Latest Price

8. Keen Milwaukee

• Abrasion resistant
• 100% leather
• Steel toe

Great For Diesel Mechanics

Latest Price

9. Timberland Bundock

• Puncture resistant
• 100% leather
• Composite toe

Good Choice For Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Latest Price

10. Blundstone BI990

• Anti-slippery sole
• Leather + textile
• Steel toe

Comfy Slip-On Safety
Boots For Mechanics

Latest Price

Reviews of the 10 best-rated work boots for mechanics

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

1. Timberland PRO Pit Boss

Best Steel Toe
Boots For Mechanics

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Not all mechanical jobs will require you to wear a steel toe cap work boot. But if you work as a mechanic in the construction industry, you will have to wear one of these safety work boots.

That, or you simply like the extra protection a steel toe boot can offer. Either way, these Timberland work boots are great for mechanics. 

Their sole is made of rubber and it’s slip-resistant which comes in handy especially if you work with cars and vehicles in general where grease and oil might be present on the floor.

They are a bit on the heavy side so if you have to walk long distances they might fatigue you a little bit. I’ve had these Timberland boots for a couple of years and I have to tell you that even though they were heavy, the support of these boots, especially on the sole, was amazing. 

The toe box is quite roomy and that’s great because the last thing you want is a toe cap that squeezes your toes. They need a week of breaking-in so be aware of that. 

Buy them before you throw away the old ones so you can swap between the two. As you break in the new ones and become comfier you can get rid of the old ones.

Otherwise, you’ll be the most miserable mechanic out there due to the blisters and discomfort these might cause you.

Once broken in, you will love them!

• Read my review of the Timberland Pit Boss steel toe boot here

Learn more about this boot on my YouTube channel

2. Danner Vicious

Best For Electrical Mechanics

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If you’re an electrical mechanic you know how important it is to not mix electricity and water. 

I know that nowadays you’re using battery-powered tools so the risk of electrocution is quite low … but it’s better to be protected than to be sorry!

These Danner work boots help to keep you safe when you have no choice but to work when those two are present since there’s no metal in them that could conduct electricity.

Also, these boots come with a composite toe cap which makes them not only safer for electrical mechanics but also lighter than their steel toe work boots counterparts for example.

The majority of users’ reviews are saying these work boots are pretty comfortable right out of the box. So it seems like there’s no breaking in period as is the case with the Timberland boots.

3. Wolverine Overpass

Best For Elevator Mechanics

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This Wolverine Overpass has made it to the list as the best work boots for elevator mechanics for a few good reasons.

First, these boots have a safety toe so you’ll be protected from heavy gear rolling over your toes whilst moving elevator gear around.

Also, they’re super lightweight because the toe cap is made of composite material and the leather is made of a mix of leather and textile. 

Another reason that this boot is good for an elevator mechanic is because of the Welt Contour technology. This makes the boot flex and bend in specific points as you bend inside the lift shaft for example when you’re doing your daily tasks.

• Read my full review of the Wolverine Overpass 6 inch work boot

Check out my review of these boots on YouTube

4. Skechers Burgin

Cheap Boots For Mechanics
On A Low Budget

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If you’re a mechanic on a low budget or maybe you’re a mechanic apprentice and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a pair of work boots, these Skechers boots are a great option to consider.

They come with steel toe protection to keep your toes safe if you end up dropping the wrench or something heavy on your toes.

One of the best things about this boot (besides being affordable) is that you can choose from size 7 all the way up to 14. And they have a wide fit also. So they fit most mechanics out there.

The memory foam insole will keep this boot comfortable for longer as the insole goes back to its initial shape once you take the boots off at the end of your shift.

These Skechers work boots are not waterproof. The good news is that as a mechanic you work mostly indoors in a garage, a hangar, or similar, so you won’t need waterproof work boots.

They are water-resistant though and you can make them water repellent by applying some mink oil.

• If you’re curious what other options you have from this brand check out our Skechers work boots reviews page for more info.

5. Carhartt Energy CME6351

Best For Aircraft Mechanics

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If you’re working as an aircraft mechanic there are some chances you’re working at some airport making sure those huge birds keep flying properly. One of the reasons these Carhartt work boots are great for you is because they don’t have any steel in them.

They ARE safety toe boots but the toe cap you’ll find in these is a composite toe cap. 

Why is that good? 

Because, for one, you won’t set off the metal detector alarms every time you have to go in and out of the hangar if it’s inside an airport. That’s annoying since you have to go through manual search, take off your footwear, etc, etc!

Additionally, this type of safety toe cap makes the boots much lighter than other models with steel toe protection.

Also, these Carhartt boots have a lot of the latest footwear tech in them. They provide a very comfortable footbed that was engineered by taking more than 120.000 3D foot scans.  

The upper of the boots is made of oil-tanned leather and it’s water-resistant. So if you have to go through a little bit of water your feet will be dry. You should be fine as most aircraft mechanics work indoors, mostly in hangars away from wet weather.

Just keep in mind that these are water-resistant and not waterproof.

6. Caterpillar Revolver

Best Pull-On Boots For Mechanics

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This pull-on work boot from Caterpillar can be a great option for a mechanic who loves or needs to get in and out of his work boots FAST. Being a pull-on boot you don’t need to lose time tying and untying laces. 

Caterpillar Revolver will offer better protection than most boots in this best work boots for mechanics round-up. 

Especially when you have to deal with changing engine oil, hydraulic oil, and what have you. This boot will not only protect your foot but also the lower parts of your legs in case of spillages as these boots go way over your ankles.

The shaft is about 9.5 inches tall. The upper of these boots are made with quality full-grain leather that’s water-resistant. 

It features a slip-resistant outsole and in all honesty, it looks a bit rugged if your job as a mechanic involves tasks that are primarily done inside a nice workshop floor.

These are great for those mechanics who work in the yard where you might have soft ground, mud, and similar. The deep lugs in the sole will give you extra grip and traction.

• Check out these other great pull on work boots if you’re looking for more models.

7. Rockrooster AK050

Side Zipper Boots For Mechanics

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The best boot for a mechanic that loves to get in and out of his/her boots as fast as the shift has ended is a pair of pull-on boots as we’ve mentioned above with the Caterpillar Revolver. 

The next best thing to that is a boot with a side zipper. So if you’re looking for something that is comfortable to wear but you don’t want a full almost knee-high boot, then this Rockrooster is for you.

The outsoles are not only slip-resistant but also come with a Kevlar soft plate that helps to prevent any sharp objects from penetrating the outsole and injure your feet.

So if you like these Rockrooster boots and this is a requirement for your job as a mechanic, make sure you ask the seller about what standards the boot meets or exceeds.

The CoolMax technology in this boot makes it a great boot to work in the summer. This tech transfers moisture away from the body keeping your feet cool and dry on warm days.

8. KEEN Milwaukee

Best For Diesel Mechanics

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A sturdy, comfortable, and slip-resistant 6-inch steel toe work boot for diesel mechanics. When you work repairing or inspecting buses and trucks you really need these features. 

Slip-resistant will keep you on your feet if there are any oil spillages and the steel toe will protect you from whatever might accidentally drop on your toes whilst you’re doing your job.

Keen has added to this boot an abrasion-resistant toe and heel overlay which will extend the lifespan of this boot by not allowing those two parts of the boot to wear out prematurely.

If you’re a mechanic with weak ankles, this boot will be a good choice for you. This 6 inch work boot will go a bit over your ankles and as you tight them tight using the iron hooks your ankles will stay in place no matter what.

The upper of this boot is made of a mix of leather and synthetic which makes it a bit more lightweight than the boots that are 100% made of leather.

• Make sure you take a look at these other excellent work boots from Keen for more inspiration.

9. Timberland PRO Boondock

Best For Heavy Equipment Mechanics

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These bad boys look amazing. They’re definitely made for mechanics working with heavy equipment since they’re pretty rugged and have some great features. 

The upper of this boot is made of highly abrasion-resistant leather which basically means the boot will last longer, even when you work in the toughest conditions.

As a mechanic, you’ll spend your day standing next to a bus, truck, an airplane engine and you’ll need something comfortable that won’t kill your feet.

For that purpose, these Timberland PRO work boots come with dynamic anti-fatigue technology. This absorbs shocks and returns energy to key points of your foot leaving you with a less stressed foot at the end of your shift.

The composite toe in this boot will not only make the boot lighter but also will help you keep your feet nice and warm in cold conditions. 

Why?

Simply because they composite toe it doesn’t get cold as the steel toe cap does. Steel being a conductor, once the toe cap gets cold it will pass that cold over to your toes making you feel very cold during your shift. 

Not with the composite toe cap though!

• Check out my colleague’s full review of these Timberland PRO Boondock work boots if you want more details about this model.

Check out our review of this boot on YouTube

10. Blundstone BI990

Best Slip On Boots For Mechanics

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All the way from down under we have these Blundstone slip-on boots.

I’ve said these a couple of times already in this review round up but based on what my mechanic friends have told me, a slip-on boot is the most comfortable boot you can ever buy for a mechanic.

Simply because if you need a quick break for your feet to breathe a little bit, guess what?! You just slip off them. When you’re ready to fix the next car just slip back on them and you’re ready to rock and roll.

What I liked about this boot, in particular, is that it has very solid arch support. This is great for mechanics with regular arches and also for those mechanics with flat feet as well. 

It comes with a comfy and thick insole that you can remove if you want to add one of yours.

Another great feature you’d want to find in any mechanic work boots is to be oil/ acid resistant and chemicals in general. At the end of the day, that’s what you’re dealing with all day long. 

This doesn’t mean you can walk on diesel and hydraulic oil all day and your boot will never break (oils destroy everything over the long run) but at least your boots will last longer than boots that don’t have this feature.

• You can read my Blundstone BL990 review here
• I’ve also cut this Blundstone 990 boot in half (in case you want to know what goes in it)
• Discover more popular slip-on boots for work

Watch my review of this boot on YouTube

Most important features of a work boot for mechanics

Different jobs require different types of work boots based on what kind of hazards you might find doing a particular job.

When you’re out there buying work boots for a mechanic (either for yourself or as a gift for a mechanic friend or family) here are some of the most important features you should look for.

1. Anti slippery outsole

Probably the most important feature in a work boot for mechanics. 

No matter how clean your garage floor is, one single drop of oil on the floor will put you at risk of slipping and God knows what can happen if you fall.

So make sure your work boots are slip-resistant rated. That should give you some extra grip when you work on oily or wet surfaces.

2. Toe protection

Even though many mechanics out there prefer to wear sneakers and trainers instead of a proper safety boot … let me tell you that a toe cap that can protect your toes is vital as a mechanic.

Most mechanics out there will work in an environment where you have to deal with heavy tools and heavy equipment. You don’t want any of that on your toes without protection.

I mean you don’t want anything dropping on your feet anyway, but if it does happen (and it happens a lot) at least you’re protected. 

So consider buying a boot with some kind of safety toe if you appreciate your feet (steel toe, composite toe, alloy toe) and try to avoid soft toe work boots.

3. Comfort

Again, most of you mechanics out there will spend your day on your feet. So the last thing you want is a boot that kills your feet 3 hours into your shift.

If you keep wearing them, by the end of the shift you won’t be even able to walk.

If you’re a mechanic with flat feet, make sure the boot you’re buying has a rigid sole to give you the proper support. Here are some great work boots for flat feet.

On the opposite spectrum, if you’re a mechanic with high arches then go for a work boot that has a soft sole. This will help release some pressure on your heel as you go up and down fixing stuff.

For a regular foot look for cushioned footbeds with semi-rigid arch support. If you can’t find a boot with these configurations, you can always buy an insole specific to your needs.

Do not sacrifice this. I repeat. Do not sacrifice comfort for dollars. Buy affordable work boots but don’t buy cheap stuff or you’ll regret it. 

4. Oil resistant

When you read a work boot is oil resistant, first, it’s talking about the sole of the boot not about the upper of the boot. 

Unless the manufacturer specifies that the boot’s upper is oil resistant as is the case with work boots for pouring concrete for example.

What it means is that if you keep stepping on oils a lot (diesel, hydraulic, etc) your work boot’s sole won’t break down immediately. 

Oils break down everything in the long run but having a pair of boots that are oil-resistant will make sure your boots will last longer than boots that aren’t oil resistant.

5. Flexibility

This is not required for all mechanics.

But for those of you who need to kneel and crawl a lot (I’m thinking auto mechanics, elevator mechanics) you need to look for work that comes with a flexible outsole and upper.

This is for two simple reasons:

1. The boot will feel more comfortable as you bend and flex.
2. If the boot doesn’t have this type of technology, it will start to break very fast around the areas that keep bending when you’re kneeling.

So if you want your boot to be more comfortable and long-lasting, look for flexible work boot technology. (The Wolverine Overpass is this round up is a good example)

6. Anti puncture

This is not a must since it’s not that common for mechanics to use screws and nails that can puncture your sole, leaving you with bad injuries. But it’s a good feature to have in any boot. 

That extra level of safety will give you some peace of mind that if you end up stepping on something sharp (broken glass, sharp metal edges, etc) your foot will be safe. 

How to choose a good boot if you work as a mechanic?

Each one of us is different so it’s not easy to recommend work boots that will work exactly the same for all mechanics. 

Some of you will need more protection whilst others can go lighter on protection. 

But as a general checklist if you want, here’s how to choose a good work boot for mechanics:

1. How big is the risk of something falling or rolling over your toes is?

Is it high? Is it low? If you’re a diesel mechanic for example the risk is quite high I’d say. In that case, go for extra protection on your toes and even metatarsal.

On the other hand, an electrical mechanic will work with lighter tools and the risk of a serious injury is much smaller. In that case, I’d go for work boots that are not that rugged. 

2. What type of foot do you have?

This is also very important because if you buy the wrong type of boot for the type of foot, then the boot will be uncomfortable.

There are a few things to think about:

• If you have fallen arches or flat feet, go with a pair of boots that have hard, rigid arch support.
• If you have high arches you need to look for support and cushioned footbed.
• If you have none of the above go for a boot that has some arch support. Everyone needs the arch support feature.

3. Is it cold or is it hot in your area?

Depending on the weather conditions in the area you’re living in you should consider these things.

First, if it’s hot in summer and cold in winter, I’d have at least two pairs of boots. One insulated boot to wear in the cold winter and another one that’s more breathable maybe with some ventilation panels to wear in summer.

There are many good reasons to own more than one pair of boots and the one I’ve mentioned above is one of them.

But if you can’t afford to buy more than one then at least buy a boot that has a composite toe instead of a steel toe.

These should avoid your boots transferring the outside temperature (hot or cold)  from the toe box to your toes. 

4. Cheap versus expensive

Be smart about it. Don’t buy a pair of Red Wing boots if you can’t afford them yet. And also don’t go for the cheapest you’ll find at Walmart or Target. 

If you have the budget, the more expensive boots are usually (not always) better quality. Many times, the higher price tag is due to the fact that they are made in the USA. So quality should be there.

But you can find a few good-quality boots for a hundred bucks or less.  

Just go for whatever your pocket can afford. 

Things to avoid when buying boots for mechanics

• Avoid wedge sole work boots

Although wedge sole work boots look great and they’re very comfortable on concrete floors, they are very slippery when water or oil is present. And that’s the last thing you want.

• Avoid bright colors boots 

If you buy cream or yellow work boots or any other light colors you’ll see how fast those boots get dirty. Oil mixed with grease and dust and dirt will make your boots unrecognizable and a week or two. 

You can clean dirty work boots, you can even wash them in the washer if you want … but they won’t be the same once you’ve had oil on them!

That’s why most mechanics prefer black or brown work boots.

What’s the best place to buy work boots for mechanics?

You can buy your favorite pair of work boots at your local store but I believe the best place to buy boots for mechanics 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
• Zappos
• Payless
• Sears
• Walmart

Good work boots for mechanics: The Takeaway

It’s not always the easiest thing to choose a good pair of work boots. Most of us buy work boots based on how they look and not necessarily based on the features they have and how they can protect us at work.

Also, not all work boots are created equal. As you’ve learned in this article, there are different types of mechanics.

That means that there is more than one type of environment a mechanic can work in. And that requires different features to protect you at work from the different hazards that you might encounter in YOUR specific environment.

There’s no cookie-cutter solution for this.

But at least this round-up helped you understand the differences between different types of footwear for different mechanics and what things you should look for when buying your next pair of boots.

Best Pair Of Steel Toe Work
Boots For Mechanics

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Team Members Working On This Page

Victor Adrian – Editor & Construction Pro

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!