Top 10 Best Slip Resistant Work Boots With Great Sole Traction

Hey there. Welcome to our best slip-resistant work boots round-up review for 2022 (updated for 2023).

In A Rush?!

a yellow work boot from timberland pro with an anti slippery sole

Overall, The Best Work Boot
With A Non Slippery Sole

We’ve put together a list of the top ten most popular slip resistant work boots models and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research is the
Timberland Pro Direct Attach.

To bring you this article we’ve researched 37 websites, looked at 21 work boots brands and models, read 201 reviews and customer feedback. Overall we’ve spent over 52 hours of our time looking into all of these slip-resistant work boots to bring you the most important information for each boot. 

We have worked hard to bring you the best quality information about these top-rated slip-resistant work boots.

In this article, you’ll learn about which are some of the newest and best in this category, as well as giving you some useful information about what accessories are available, comparisons with other brands.

Plus some things to consider before buying your slip-resistant work boots. (and much more)

So keep reading. There’s a lot of good information for you in this article…

You can jump straight into the slip-resistant work boots reviews section or go to the buyer’s guide first (if you’re new to this type of boots).

a sign saying: "caution. wet floor." and in the background a person on floor who have some pain after trippings due to the floor being slippery.

Our list of the 10 best slip resistant work boots for men and women

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

Comparison Table

1. Timberland PRO

  • Waterproof
  • 100% leather
  • Soft toe

Best Soft Toe Slip
Resistant Work Boot

2. Red Wing

  • Waterproof
  • Leather
  • Steel toe

Best Slip Resistant
Pull-On Work Boots

3. Wolverine

  • Water resistant
  • Leather & synthetic
  • Composite toe

Comfy Slip Resistant
Work Boots

4. Caterpillar

  • Not waterproof
  • 100% leather
  • Steel toe

Lightweigt Steel Toe Boots With Anti Slip Soles

5. Dickies

  • Water resistant
  • 100% leather
  • Steel toe

Affordable Slip Resistant Work Boots

6. Dr Martens

  • Not waterproof
  • 100% leather
  • Steel toe

Stylish Work Boots With Anti Slippery Soles

7. Rockrooster

  • Water resistant
  • 100% leather
  • Steel toe

Comfy Slip-on Work Boot With Non-Slippery Sole

8. Dunlop

  • 100% Waterproof
  • Purofort
  • Steel toe

Great Slip-Resistant Boots For Gas Oil Industry

9. Carhartt

  • Water resistant
  • 100% leather
  • Composite toe

Slip Resistant Work
Boots For Contractors

10. Skechers

  • Not waterproof
  • Leather & textile
  • Steel toe

Hiker Style Anti
Slippery Work Boots

Reviews of the best non slip work boots brands on the market

Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these good work boots with anti-slippery outsoles.

1. Timberland PRO Direct Attach

Soft Toe Anti-Slip Boots
For Warehouse Workers

The Timberland PRO Direct is the ultimate soft toe work boot for warehouse workers as well as those who love a bit of Do It Yourself. 

The three hallmarks of this work boot are the comfort it offers, the safety features, and the warm insulation and waterproofing which means it will protect your feet from the elements. 

This men’s waterproof work boot has a breathable lining to keep feet dry. Warehouse workers who do long hours can therefore be assured that their feet will be dry and 

The Timberland PRO 24/7 comfort system that this work boot utilizes helps to reduce foot fatigue by cushioning the heel of your foot while reducing shock absorption in the forefoot in a big way. 

The MaxTRAX outsole with slip resistance technology provides traction on multiple surfaces, making this a versatile choice of workboot. 

This amazing pair of work boots also comes with 200g of Thermolite insulation contained within, this work boot is also well-suited for winter workers who may need some of that extra warmth and protection in the cold winter months. 

Or, the insulation may also be useful for workers who work in refrigerated environments, such as food processing. 

Long shifts in sub-0 temperatures make warm work boots, that are also non-slip, essential! 

So this boot is an excellent choice for warmth, comfort, and safety. 

PROS

  • 200g of insulation for the cold winter months
  • Soft toe work boot makes it more comfortable and lighter in weight
  • MaxTrax outsole provides excellent traction for multiple surfaces
  • 24/7 comfort system reduces foot fatigue. 

CONS

  • Soft toe work boots might not be accepted by all warehouses.

2. Red Wing WORX

Waterproof Pull-On
Slip Resistant Work Boots

The Red Wing Worx is the ideal pull-on slip-resistant work boot for professionals across a wide range of industries. 

Over the years, Red Wing Shoes has built a reputation for making high-quality work boots that can withstand even the toughest jobs. However, they also make comfortable and stylish boots that are perfect for everyday wear. The WORX boot is one such option. 

This boot features a durable leather upper and a direct attach welt construction to help it last longer than similar products on the market. 

It also has an oil and slip-resistant lightweight and durable Urethane ENDURANCE Arrowhead Sole, a high-quality reliable sole that will keep you steady on your feet during long shifts. 

The steel toe cap will also provide you with excellent protection when on the job site, and it is ATSM certified. 

Customers who bought this pair of pull-on work boots also loved the fact that they are waterproof, and this has been of great use to many workers who bought these boots and work in sewage or water management. 

PROS

  • ATSM certified steel toe cap
  • Waterproof, making it ideal for workers in rainy weather. 
  • Pull-on work boot so no need to fiddle with laces that take up your time. 
  • Made in the USA- meaning you will be supporting American jobs and families with this purchase.

CONS

  • Steel toe cap may make this pair of work boots slightly heavier.

3. Wolverine Overpass

Insulated Composite Toe
Slip Resistant Work boot

Athletic and comfortable, the Wolverine is a great choice for workers who spend long hours on their feet. 

The waterproof leather upper keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, while the removable Ortholite footbed offers all-day comfort

The Contour Welt construction moves with you by bending and flexing at essential points, so you can work comfortably no matter what your job entails. 

A slip, oil, water, abrasion, and chemical-resistant outsole provides added protection from injuries or accidents. 

Finally, these boots also contain a substantial portion of Thinsulate material, 400g, which is more than the amount in the Timberland Pro. This will keep your feet nice and snug in the colder winter months. 

PROS

  • These boots are available in black- a much more stylish option than the dull brown.
  • The boot contains a flexible, athletic Contour Welt construction that offers excellent comfort. 
  • 400g of Thinsulate material that will keep workers in refrigerated environments warm
  • Slip-resistant outsole that will keep you on your feet all day long and prevent slipping. 

CONS

  • Small shaft may not provide the support that is required for some of you.

4. Caterpillar Outline

Steel Toe Work Boots
With Excellent Anti Slip Sole

These Caterpillar Men’s Outline Construction Boots are designed with the hard-working man in mind. The boots feature a rubber outsole that is slip-resistant and durable leather upper for long-lasting wear.

The removable insole provides comfort and support to your feet all day long. These boots are made mostly for people working indoors since the leather that’s made with is not the toughest out there.

The shaft measures approximately 6″ from the arch, making these boots easy to slip into and comfortable to wear whether you’re working indoors or outdoors. 

The boot is suede leather and this makes it an excellent work boot to break in quickly. You can go ahead and work hard straight away with these bad boys. 

PROS

  • Slip-resistant rubber outsole which hexagonal patterning
  • Removable insole for comfort
  • Equipped with electrical hazard protection, making it an excellent choice for electricians

CONS

  • Some reviewers are disappointed in the durability of these work boots; complaining that they fall apart too quickly

5. Dickies Wrecker

Cheap Slip Resistant Work Boots
For Smaller Budgets

If you are looking for an excellent value for money pair of work boots with anti-slippery soles then look no further than the Dickies Men’s Wrecker. 

This is a high-quality work boot designed to keep your feet protected from the elements. 

It features a leather upper and nylon mesh lining for comfort and breathability, making it an ideal choice for those with sweaty feet

But do not think that because it is cheap it will fall apart quickly! The durable Goodyear welt construction means these boots can be resoled over and over again for years of wear. 

Finally, the synthetic rubber outsole provides excellent traction, meaning you can walk around in most worksites very confident that you will not slip and fall over. 

Synthetic materials are different from PVC because they are high on versatility and resistance to wear, meaning the sole will last longer. 

Synthetic soles can be used on more surfaces than PVC, meaning that you’re less likely to ruin them outdoors.

They are also more shock absorbent, making them ideal for workers who do a lot of walking around. 

PROS

  • 100% leather, making this pair of work boots very easy to break into 
  • Removable EVA comfort insole for additional comfort and support
  • Synthetic, slip-resistant and shock-absorbing sole

CONS

  • Not enough ankle support acording to some users

6. Dr Martens Winch

Non Slip Stylish Work Boots
For Concrete Floors

Dr. Martens Winch is a lace-up boot with a sturdy rubber sole and steel toe cap for safety on the job. 

The upper is made from premium grade leather and has been tanned to make it soft and supple. 

These boots have a lightweight PVC outsole which provides durability, cushioning, and comfort whilst reducing foot fatigue. This outsole makes this pair of work boots great for those who work on concrete floors as they have an excellent shock-absorbent as well as slip-resistant outsole. 

There is also an added protection in these work boots for those of you working with electricity; they are electricity resistant to the ASTM F2892-11 EH standard. 

The lining of these boots is moisture-wicking, which helps to keep your feet dry during wear; this is ideal for people with sweaty feet.

Finally, one more amazing feature of these work boots is how stylish they are! We simply love the Dark Brown Wyoming hue of these work boots that convey earthy tones and a general seriousness that we love to see among working professionals.

PROS

  • A stylish Wyoming Brown colour.  
  • Moisture-wicking lining which will keep your feet dry during wear. 
  • Shock absorbing sole, making it great for people who work on concrete.

CONS

  • At 4.41 pounds, these work boots are on the heavier side, and this may cause fatigue in some workers

7. Rockrooster AK

Best Slip On Non Slippery Work Boots

The Rockrooster is an excellent slip-on pair of work boots

This pair of workboots utilizes a Thermoplastic Polyurethane sole. This kind of sole is better than other types of soles for winter boots because it does not conduct heat. 

It also lasts longer than other types of materials found in soles because it is resistant to breaking or tearing.

Also has low electrical resistivity (meaning that the material resists conducting electricity). This prevents static shocks during cold temperatures. 

These work boots are also slip-on, meaning there is no need to fiddle around with laces. Easy to get in and out of them!

Finally, they are also constructed from Nubuck leather, which is a type of leather created from the outer hide or nub of a cow, which has been sanded to give a light finish with a distinct sheen. 

Unlike suede, this raw form of leather does not require special care and can be treated just like ordinary fabric. It then goes into processing that leaves it soft but strong enough to cling to its shape. 

This style and comfort and owner’s feedback lead us to conclude that these are the best slip-on work boots with a strong non-slip sole. 

PROS

  • Long-lasting Thermoplastic Polyurethane sole which is great for workers in cold environments. Also more durable than conventional rubber alternatives
  • Slip-on work boot, easy to put them on and get them off
  • Protects you against electrical hazards

CONS

  • Slip-on work boots generally have less flexibility than laced work boots

8. Dunlop Explorer

Best Oil And Slip Resistant Work Boots

The Dunlop Full Thermo Safety Boots are an ideal pair of work boots for workers who need their boots to be both slip and oil resistant

Oil resistance is also very important in a pair of work boots. The extent to which boots are oil resistant is the extent to which they are able to keep dangerous chemicals and fuels away from your feet. 

So for those of you who work in the oil, gas, or mining industry, even for those pouring concrete, this boot is an excellent purchase for keeping you safe and upright. 

Made with lightweight construction to make sure your feet are happy all day long. It comes equipped with dirt-repellent Vibram soles which will keep them safe from any slippery substances on the ground while providing traction at different surfaces.

This boot truly has it covered when working outside where you don’t want to slip and fall over too easily during a shift. 

People who have purchased this pair of work boots love the fact that, despite being a heavy-duty option, they never pinch or feel uncomfortable and they are able to keep feet warm consistently throughout the cold winter months. 

PROS

  • Pull-on pair of work boots so no need to fiddle around with shoe laces
  • 100% waterproof, meaning your feet will stay warm and dry under all conditions
  • Vibram Rubber is up to 40% more flexible than regular rubber, ensuring a more comfortable fit from these work boots

CONS

  • One of the more expensive pairs of work boots in this round up. 
  • Some users think that they need to clarify width sizes.

9. Carhartt Energy

Best Anti Slip Work Boots
For General Contractors

These Carhartt anti-slip work boots are ideal for contractors and construction professionals

The Insite engineered footbed was created from 120,000 3D Foot scans. This footbed thus went through rigorous Computer-aided design (CAD) to ensure the best comfort and fit for working professionals. 

There are two different layers of foam that provide unique compression and rebound abilities that help prevent fatigue while you use them for a long time.

This boot was made to be resistant to the chemicals and oil-like substances you might work with. This will make it last longer. It is also good if you are rough on your boots. 

So you can confront the dangers of a worksite confident that little can damage your work boots. 

These work boots are also resistant to electrical hazards, making them an ideal choice for electrical contractors, offering protection against electrical hazards of up to 18,000 volts.

The Ax Suede top cover material provides 30% more grip which helps reduce fatigue as well as protect you from slips, trips, and falls. 

PROS

  • Storm defender waterproofing technology also makes them an excellent outdoors choice. 
  • Slip resistant ax suede top cover. 
  • Well-engineered internal footbed creates an excellent fit for comfort.
  • Protection from electrical hazards of up to 18,000 volts.

CONS

  • Not good for wide feet


10. Skechers Holdredge Rebem

Hiker Style Work Boots With
Slip Resistant Soles

For people who are looking for a work boot that will also kind of serve them well for hiking, a pretty solid choice are the Skechers hiking style work boots in a definitely big way. 

These men’s work boots from Skechers feature a lace-up ankle height hiker-style steel toe design in a subtle way. 

A rubber sole offers traction on multiple surfaces. Customers who actually have used these work boots on a site have praised the durability of the particular sole and its ability to keep users upright in slippery environments in an amazingly versatile way. 

The memory foam footbed cushions generally your feet, preventing foot fatigue on both the concrete worksite and the forest trail, which is fairly significant. 

This basically high-quality boot provides all-day comfort with its memory foam footbed cushioning your feet while the rubber outsole delivers definitely long-lasting durability in a major way. 

Finally, this work boot also utilizes a steel toe cap which is ASTM F2412/2413-2011 I/75 C/75 certified. 

PROS

  • Steel toe cap for maximum protection
  • Flexible leather design
  • Durable rubber outsole

CONS

  • Steel toe cap may make this work boot slightly heavier


All you need to know about
slip-resistant work boots

Aren’t all work boots slip resistant?

Some work boots are slip-resistant, but not all. Many work boots are designed to provide protection and comfort for the wearer, but not necessarily traction.

So while many safety shoes and boots should be slip-resistant and designed to keep the feet of the person wearing them safe from harm when they may come into contact with an unusual or hazardous floor surface, there is no law stating that this must be so.

Work boots with smooth soles and no tread are pretty slip-resistant. Studded soles are also more likely to be a trip hazard unless an anti-slip sole is used. 

Plus, with the sole being worn and torn over time, even boots marketed as ‘slip-resistant’ can lose some of this quality over time. 

Be sure to regularly check and make repairs to work boots if you work frequently in wet or slippery environments. 

So be careful out there. No work boot company is going to explicitly say their boots are ‘slip friendly’ or ‘slippery’. And even with boots that claim to be non-slip, investigate the material and pattern of the treads. 

And also there is no work boot in the world that will 100% be able to prevent you from falling over. 

Are rubber boots slip resistant?

Yes. Rubber boots, in general, are optimized for traction and don’t slip anywhere near as easily as leather soles. 

Rubber boots are also often slip-resistant because they are self-cleaning and dirt is not allowed to build upon the surface of the sole. 

They typically have a roughened sole, which makes it very difficult for water to get in – thus making them resistant to slipping on slippery surfaces. 

The wear of the soles also makes them more grippy or “gripper.” 

How do slip resistant soles work?

Slip-resistant soles are soles that have had some type of extra material added to the heel or sole that repels water. 

Alternatively, they are soles that are designed to maximize the friction of the sole and the surface, preventing slips and falls. 

The soles are also usually treated with a non-stick coating, either for protection against oil spills or to produce an overall slipperier surface on wet floors. 

One simple way of adding slip resistance is by using metal nubs, which help create gaps in the boot’s contact area so water can’t pool up and cause slipperiness. 

This is suboptimal however because the wearer needs to be conscious of where they’re walking if they want to avoid these nubs altogether. 

Other ways to make your boots more slip-resistant include engraving the soles with a knife and applying a mixture of rubber-based glue to the sole will work effectively as well. 

Anything that will generate more friction between the soles of your boots and the floor will work. 

Is slip resistant the same as non slip?

There is no such thing as a boot that makes it impossible for you to fall over. Some work boots will be very effective at preventing you from falling over, and some will be very very effective. 

So slip-resistant as a term is in fact largely used interchangeably with non-slip by manufacturers and retailers of work boots. 

Do not be fooled by false marketing claims anymore! 

Difference between slip resistant and non slip resistant work boots?

The primary difference is the grip of the soles.  

Soles of slip-resistant work boots are either made of a rubber or synthetic that contains added chemicals for increased durability and resistance to heat, oils, and slips. 

These soles don’t do much other than providing better traction on wet surfaces so they are primarily used by factories where there are bottlenecks in manufacturing processes. 

Non-slip work boots usually have a good grip because the sole is made from leather or a different kind of rubber designed to have excellent traction-giving qualities without too much-added material making them bulky. 

The downside is that these soles wear out quicker since you’re relying on padding rather than rubber composition for increased durability. 

Non-slip resistant soles have none of these qualities but may have the advantage of additional durability. 

What type of sole is best for wearing on wet floors?

The material and the shape of the work boot sole are very important. 

The shape helps the boot grip the floor when it comes in contact with a wet or oily surface. Also, the shape creates a tunnel for water to go through, creating the slip-resistant effect. 

Each boot has some amount of slip resistance but the flat edge of an outsole with hexagons, triangles, or squares will sometimes create a wall that can stop water from moving away from your boot sole, making it more slippery. 

For this reason, it is best to have a boot with a circle-grip outsole. With no flat edge, the circular shape acts as a moving pad. With each step, more rubber hits the floor, and water is dispersed rapidly. 

To create even better traction, pick an outsole with snipes or small incisions that divide the tread shape into three or four movable parts. These snipes channel more liquid to the outer portion of the outsole and increase its slip-resistant effect.

As well as the shape being important, the material that the sole is composed of also matters. 

For wet smooth floors, rubber soles are the better choice, this is because they provide additional friction even with the water. For wet textured floors, e.g. carpets, foam soles are better. 

How to choose a pair of slip resistant work boots?

It substantially depends on what job you are doing for a living.  For example, a construction worker needs something different from a nurse. 

Firstly, the extent to which the sole needs to be non-slip or slip-resistant will depend very much on the job you are doing and how serious it would be in that job if you fell over.

If it would be fatal, i.e. you work at height, or you are working with dangerous materials, as in construction then non-slip is vital. 

If it would just be embarrassing or you would only mildly injure yourself, as would be the case for industries such as nursing or agriculture, then slip-resistant boots are important but they do not have to be of the highest standards or quality.  

What’s the best place to buy slip resistant work boots?

You can check your local stores but I believe the best place to buy 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
  • Payless
  • Sears
  • Walmart
  • Target

The takeaway on this best non slip sole work boots round up

Slip-resistant work boots are a crucial safety item for anyone who works in an environment where they may be exposed to slippery surfaces. 

A slip and fall accident can lead to injuries that require hospitalization or even death, so it’s important to take precautions against slipping by wearing the appropriate footwear. 

Make sure that when you buy new work boots, you get ones that offer slip resistance on both wet and dry surfaces – not just one or the other! 

But also tailor your choice to your profession, for example considering the surface of the floors that you work on and how likely they are to be wet. 

As well as how serious a fall or a slip could be in your chosen profession. 

Overall the pair of work boots we most recommend is the Timberland Pro, an excellent choice for those valuing safety, comfort, and warmth. 

Top Choice

The Best Overall Pair Of
Slip Resistant Work Boots


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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!

Theo Cox / Researcher, Writer

I’m an MA student currently working on a research project for King’s College London Museum of Life Sciences alongside my MA dissertation. I have been published in my student newspaper, The Spectator, and the Adam Smith Institute. I’m doing part of the research and writing of the content you’ll read on BestForMyFeet.com Enjoy!

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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!