12 Best Waterproof Work Boots for Men in 2022

Buying a pair of work boots is an investment and something you will be using for many hours a day. You certainly do not want ones that are going to hurt your feet or cause back pain.

Finding the right work boot can be difficult, especially when there are so many different styles and features available. It is crucial to have the correct shoes to keep your feet protected and provide comfort throughout the workday.

There are many different aspects to the perfect work boot, depending on the industry you work in and what your personal needs are. 

Here are some pointers to help you find the best work boots for your job, your feet, and your budget:

• Water resistant – note that some boots are described as water resistant rather than waterproof, because truly waterproof boots (such as the rubber waders worn by fishermen) don’t let any water in or out. Your feet can become extremely wet from perspiration if your boots can’t wick moisture away from the feet. Fully waterproof boots should allow your feet to breathe a little while resisting water droplets and water seeping in from outside.

• Slip resistant – The type of outsole your work boots have will determine how much traction you get. Traction is simply a measure of how well the boots grip the surface you’re walking on. Textured rubber soles tend to provide better traction than leather soles. If you are working on slippery surfaces such as wet concrete or metal, you might want to prioritize this element.

• Electrically absorbent – there are different types of electrically insulated boots. Some are electrostatic resistant, meaning that they won’t pick up an electrical charge, and thereby accumulate dust or other particulates. If you are working around potentially dangerous electrical sources, you will want boots that are electrically-insulated, meaning that they ground any electrical discharge, keeping you safe. Certainly, you want to avoid work boots made from any material that conducts electricity. Boots reinforced with traditional hobnails might be unwise in such scenarios.

• Acid Resistant – these are specialist work boots that do not corrode in acidic environments.

• Oil resistant – this feature means your boots won’t absorb oils and become slippery, which can be extremely helpful in some environments.

• Puncture Resistant – If your workplace has a lot of sharp objects, you’ll want puncture-resistant boots – ideally for both soles and uppers. In construction work, for instance, this is a must.

• Heat/Cold Insulated – As well as work boots that keep your feet warm in cold environments, you can get boots that protect you from excessive heat. These would be particularly helpful in working in a foundry, or outdoors in the summer, heat for instance. Did you know that the tarmac of the roads in Death Valley gets hot enough to melt the soles of running shoes?

• Steel Toe Capped – As we’ve seen, these boots will protect you from some (but not all) accidents involving falling objects. The only significant downside to wearing steel toe cap boots in the workplace is that they are considerably heavier than normal boots.

• Extra Supportive – Some work boots designed for prolonged use in workplaces where there may be a lot of twisting and stretching, provide additional support for the ankles and calves and offer improved comfort. There may be a trade-off in price and other functionality if comfort is your main priority.

• Lightweight – As with extra-supportive work boots, lightweight ones will be good for prolonged wear but may not be much better than normal shoes at protecting your feet. However, there are new technologies being developed all the time, such as carbon fiber, which provides strength without resorting to metal plates.

• Stylish – Since there are a host of manufacturers making waterproof work boots with a lot of the same essential safety features, you may not entirely have to sacrifice style to be safe.

Learn the lingo. You need to know what things like a metatarsal guard, EH and ESD, Goodyear Welt construction, and Dri-Lex mean. That way, you can make an informed decision on which features you need or want in a pair of boots.