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The best work boots for men are no longer just for weather-beaten railroad workers with sandpaper hands surgically attached to their lower lips. For the past few seasons, practical American-inspired workwear has made its way into modern closets. It’s not hard to see why, given its ability to place an orbit between form and function.
There is clearly a line. We’re not saying you should start strutting around town imitating Kanye’s infamous “Binman Chic,” but there are certainly some elements of workwear that can (and should) stick in your wardrobe. is. The case is very stylish: These are the perfect work boots for men.
With fashion’s endless appetite for appropriation and menswear’s desire for something somehow traditional, it’s only a matter of time before the humble work boot goes from being a functional workwear staple to a must-have staple. It was. Couple this with a connection to hip-hop royalty and you’ve got a boot that’s on-trend.
Image credit: Timberland
best work boots for men
The best work boots for men can cost a pretty penny, but they’re durable enough to last a lifetime. Here are the best work boots on the market that you can rely on for years to come.
red wing
When you hear the words “American work boots,” you can’t help but think of Red Wings. Founded in 1905, the 100-year-old company has a rich history and was the largest supplier of footwear to the U.S. military during World War I.
Today, the brand’s well-crafted boots are popular not only with workers, but with a variety of styles. Red Wing men’s work boots have become a cult favorite among denim enthusiasts because they look great with dark jeans.
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sorel
If you’re looking for work boots to keep your feet warm during the winter months, ask any Canadian for advice and they’ll definitely point you to Sorel and their line of mock-toe boots.
The Ontario-based brand made a name for itself by making rugged rubber-toed men’s work boots with thick linings to withstand snow during the winter months, but then Mother Nature took over. We’ve expanded to include a wide range of styles suitable for just about anything you throw at it. At your place.
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Grenson
If that’s tradition you’re looking for, Grenson Will won’t disappoint. Founder William Green began making handmade boots in his Northamptonshire loft in 1866, and over the next few years his company became known as one of the finest shoe manufacturers in the land.
In addition to sleek oxfords and stylish derbies, the brand also launches work boots with additional features such as chunky command soles for superior traction and weather protection.
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asos
Work boots can be an expensive endeavor, but if you want to get the look without selling your kidneys, the high street is a great place to start.
You can’t go wrong with grandaddy ASOS for menswear, one of the best brands when it comes to affordability and quality, and with a wider selection of styles than most retailers.
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tommy hilfiger
When you think of American preppy label Tommy Hilfiger, work boots probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But it turns out that a New York brand makes some of the best-looking work boots for men.
Sure, Tommy Hilfiger products err on the side of form over function, but who cares when they look this sophisticated?
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Viberg
Founded in 1931 by Ed Viberg, the Canadian boot brand is now in its third generation and is completely family-owned and operated. Today, everything is overseen by Glenn Viberg, who carefully inspects each pair of boots as they leave the factory.
Of course, that level of commitment comes at a price. Viberg are some of the best work boots for men, but they’re definitely on the upper end of most budgets. Still, you get what you pay for.
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cat
Any company that has been designing heavy machinery for hundreds of years is sure to be familiar with men’s work boots. Rugged, durable and functional, Cat’s footwear range is some of the best around.
Expect classic, no-frills work boot styling with some modern comfort elements incorporated. Still not convinced by their credentials? Step into your local building site and see how many pairs you can find.
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moncler
Italian luxury brand Moncler (short for the French Alpine town of Monestiers de Clermont) established itself as an outdoor favorite with its range of down jackets and turned its attention to waterproof work boots made for the outdoors.
While they may not be the label’s most famous aspect, Moncler’s durable all-weather shoes have all the usual features and finishes that fans of the brand expect. We’re talking premium materials, next-level craftsmanship, and, of course, the iconic tricolor branding.
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timberland
Perhaps synonymous with work boots, Timberland’s iconic 6-inch boots have garnered a loyal and diverse following over the years. Everyone from builders to Biggie to crane operators to Kanye are known fans. It’s easy to see why.
As well as being a fashion statement, the brand packs functional technical features that mean they’ll continue to have a place in your wardrobe for years to come.
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Trickers
One of Britain’s oldest shoe manufacturers, Trickers has been creating quintessentially British footwear to exacting standards for almost 200 years. During that time, the Northampton-based company established itself as one of the leading boot manufacturing companies.
Expect superior quality, traditional designs, and boots that are full of character in the seams.
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river island
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of style, variety and value for money, high street favorite River Island is always a safe bet. This retailer’s great-looking and affordable work boots are no exception.
With classic colorways and minimal branding, it’s hard to tell this range from pricier options at first glance, and it’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes.
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Thoro Good
It’s a strange idea to buy work boots that are likely to outlast you, but Thorogood gives you just that. The Milwaukee-based company was founded in 1855 and produces some of the most durable, purpose-built work boots money can buy.
When you buy from them, you’ll get the classic mock toe construction, iconic rubber sole unit, and shock-absorbing footbed, all for a boot like no other.
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Kurt Geiger
Kurt Geiger has been synonymous with the best men’s work boots for decades, not only making premium footwear for the mass market since the 1960s, but also adding unique twists and tweaks to the silhouette. It has gained fame as a
Buy your work boots here and you’ll walk away with something timeless, but with a touch of modernity, all at a price point that won’t leave you high and dry. Masu.
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Officine Creative
Officine Creative is more than just a shoe manufacturer. The pieces created by the Parisian brand in its Montegranaro “laboratory” are somewhere between apparel and art.
Expertly crafted from hand-polished Italian leather and brushed suede with impeccable attention to detail, Officine Creative’s work boots are the number one choice for high heel shoe lovers.
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L.L. Bean
LL Bean is a true workwear workhorse. Their infamous “Bean Boots” have a place in many winter wardrobes around the world, and their line of other equally rugged work boots can’t be ignored either. You can’t find this quality at this price anywhere else.
In addition, LL Bean offers a lifetime warranty in the unlikely event that the product is defective, so you can purchase with confidence.
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Caring for work boots
Let’s forget for a moment the work boot’s qualifications as a fashion icon and look at what it really is. In other words, it’s one of the few “buy now, wear forever” essentials.
“Work brands are popular today because of the increased focus on quality,” says the design team at classic American boot maker Red Wing. “These brands already have durability[built in]which means as a consumer you know what you’re getting and you still want the latest products years from now. It means you can get it.”
Thanks to their strength and minimalist, timeless design, reliable, durable work boots can last a lifetime, but only if you take care of them diligently.
The quality of work boots is determined by the quality of the leather. That’s why you should invest in leather oil, a good conditioner, and a leather protector to keep it in perfect shape.
How to care for men’s work boots
Start by removing excess dirt using a soft-bristled brush and a cloth soaked in warm water.
Then, using a clean, dry cloth, gently rub the oil or conditioner into the leather in small circular motions.
Finally, spray your boots liberally with a protector to provide an invisible shield from the elements.
You’ll need to repeat this entire process about once every two weeks to keep your boots looking worn and not worn out. Of course, caring for your leather doesn’t mean you have to keep it in pristine condition.
“Some people prefer well-polished boots, while others simply apply oil or cream once the leather is dry,” says the Red Wing team. “It comes down to what the boot owner feels comfortable with.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Work Boots for Men
Which work boots are the most comfortable?
Brands on this list like Timberland, Red Wing, and LL Bean offer comfortable and durable men’s work boots.
What are the most durable work boots?
For the highest quality work boots, look for work boots from traditional brands like Red Wing, Grenson, Viberg, Sorel, and Thorogood. More affordable brands like LL Bean and Timberland are also great choices when it comes to durability.
What is a moccasin toe?
When we refer to “mock toe” or moccasin toe boots, we mean work boots with stitching around the toe. This gives the work boots a moccasin-like appearance, hence the name. Many of the highest quality men’s work boots have this type of stitching.
