Heavy Equipment Guide Logo

5 tough men’s work boots for 2020

Red Wing's Burnside 8-inch safety toe boot.
Red Wing's Burnside 8-inch safety toe boot.

Whether you're on your feet all day, or getting in and out of the cab, work boots are an essential piece of PPE for staying safe on the jobsite. A good pair of work boots protects the wearer from impacts, punctures, falls and slips. Thick outer soles are engineered to shield the wearer from electrical hazards, extreme temperatures, and everyday weather conditions, and steel toes are usually mandatory on construction sites. Check out our roundup of some of the most durable men's work boots that are on the market in 2020.

Red Wing's Burnside 8-inch safety toe boot

This waterproof leather boot has a non-metallic safety toe, triple stitching and Helcor ProGuard technology which provides durability, while the exclusive Red Wing UltraSole by Vibram offers slip resistance. A four-layer footbed cushions every heel strike with soles that have been designed and tested to perform on high heat surfaces. 

Additionally, the Red Wing waterproofing system uses a 3-layer approach to keep feet dry:

1. Linings help move moisture away from the foot. 

2. Foam provides cushioning and a comfortable fit. 

3. A waterproof bootie is a barrier to keep water out. Tricot, a protective material, is applied to the outside of the boot to ensure a complete waterproof system.

CAT's Threshold waterproof work boot.

CAT's Threshold waterproof work boot

The Threshold waterproof work boot from CAT is available in steel and soft toe and offers slip-resistant outsoles; seamed seals that ensure all-around water protection; and durable, abrasion-resistant full-grain leather uppers. Electrical hazard protection is rated to protect against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions, while the flexible ERGO midsole is 30 percent lighter and more shock absorbing than standard EVA.

Chippewa's steel toe EH 20091 logger boots.

Chippewa's steel toe EH 20091 logger boots

Chippewa's 20091 EH steel toe boots are made of apache leather, making them less likely to change shape and flexibility over time. The wax and oil applied during the tanning process makes the leather soft and flexible, therefore requiring less break-in time. Drill vamp lining keeps the wearer cool and comfortable, while the cotton-type material pulls moisture away from the skin to help keep feet comfortable in warmer temperatures.

Blundstone's 168 work and safety boot.

Blundstone's 168 work and safety boot

While the steel toe protects the wearer's feet, a rubber toe cap protects the boots and extends wear life. Blundstone's 168 boots have no laces for added safety, while still offering over-the-ankle protection. The weatherproof leather is 2.5 mm thick, but remains breathable for added comfort. A dual-density polyurethane midsole and TPU outsole makes the boots weatherproof, durable, lightweight and provides reliable certified traction.

Thorogood's American Heritage 6-inch steel toe work boot.

Thorogood's American Heritage 6-inch steel toe work boot

The American Heritage 6-inch steel toe work boot from Thorogood features a composite shank for support on the wearer's underfoot, electrical hazard protection and Goodyear storm welt construction. Removable, dual-density Ultimate Shock Absorption inserts with a Poron 4000 comfort cushion provides arch support and soft comfort. Tobacco, oil-tanned leather allows the wearer's feet to breathe, while the MAXWear wedge outsole prevents slipping on wet or muddy surfaces. 

You can see our list of women's workboots here.

Related Articles