Janice Emerald

Contractors place themselves in a unique position in the world of employment. They take on work for other people or companies without the safety net of employment laws, as they would have if they were regular employees. There are many rewards to contracting, of course, but it does often mean that a contractor has to take care of their own health and safety requirements.

Now, contractors can come from any field, but when we say “contractor” we are mostly referring to construction trades—roofers, bricklayers, electricians, etc. In short, trades where personal health and safety are essential. We’re not saying an IT contractor doesn’t have to work hard, but they generally don’t have to worry about protecting their feet from falling bricks!

That is why a good set of work boots are essential for a contractor—it is one area where you can’t afford to skimp. Your work boots will not only protect your feet in the event of any unfortunate droppage but also keep you comfortable in a job where you will typically be on your feet a lot.

When it comes to choosing a work boot, there is no shortage of options, which can sometimes be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this list of best work boots for contractors. We can’t tell you which boots to buy for your specific circumstances, but we can narrow your choices down considerably.

1. Timberland PRO Men’s Titan Waterproof 6″ Alloy Safety Toe

Timberland’s PRO Men’s Titan boots are a beefy entrant to this list. It makes use of a lightweight alloy that is, nevertheless, strong enough to exceed ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Protection is not limited to the steel toe cap, however. The outsole of the Titan is slip-resistant, and the reinforced upper section of the boot provides ample protection and reinforcement to your ankles.

The Titan is waterproof, making them suitable for outdoor work, or working in standing water, as long as it isn’t higher than your ankles! Being waterproof does not come at the cost of sweaty feet; however, as spaced mesh is utilized to keep air circulation flowing inside of the boot. Speaking of the insides, they are moisture-wicking, which should help to keep your feet fresh, and anti-microbial, which should keep the unpleasant odors at bay.

The Titan is exceptionally durable; making use of cement construction to ensure they stand up to the hardest of use. The upper section is made from premium leather, which is a sturdy, durable material, and looks great as well.

For comfort, the Titan has extra cushioning in the heel, a padded collar around the ankle area, and a surprising degree of flexibility for such a solid boot.

Pros

• Anti-slip outsole
• Waterproof with breathable mesh lining
• Extra ankle support

Cons

• Bonded outsoles are not as secure as stitched

2. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boot

Aimed squarely at the more technical side of contracting, such as electricians, and plumbers, the Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic boots offer a higher degree of flexibility that you will find from many other boots on this list. Of course, that increased flexibility comes at the cost of some protection, but these are trade-offs you will have to weigh up for your personal circumstances. And that should not be confused with no protection—these boots still offer a great deal of protection.

The boot makes use of cement construction and a steel shank for excellent durability, while the waterproof treatment of the boot makes it great for most outdoor situations. The outsole is slip-resistant, with oil, water, heat, and abrasion all listed as things it can withstand. The upper section is constructed from full-grain leather, which is both durable and looks great.

Inside you will find a comfortable, breathable lining that should keep your feet from roasting in their own juices. The collar sports some substantial padding, and is quite high for a boot of this kind, meaning more protection for your ankle.

Appearance-wise, this boot is a striking mix of tan leather and black rubber, liberally adorned with the famous CAT logo. Looks aren’t generally a priority for work boots, but if that kind of thing interests you, this boot looks great.

Pros

• Waterproof on the outside, breathable on the inside
• High, padded collar offers plenty of ankle support
• Anti-slip outsole
• An excellent looking boot
• Provides more freedom of movement than many rival boots

Cons

• Not as strong as many rival boots.

3. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe

Timberland’s Pit Boss steel-toed boot is an excellent example of how style can mesh nicely with function. These boots are extremely popular, primarily because of the comfort they provide, while still offering outstanding protection against the dangers of contracting work.

That protection comes in the form of a steel toe cap inside of a durable leather body that sits on top of a rubber outsole that is resistant to oil slippage and abrasion. It also offers protection from electrical hazards, making it an ideal boot for anyone working with electronics.

The boots incorporate a “suspension system” that reduces foot fatigue, as well as a beefy padded collar that is quite high, offering a good deal of ankle protection and support. There is a removable sock liner that is both breathable and suffused with anti-microbial properties. The toe box is roomy, making for a more comfortable fit; however, it should be noted the boot itself is a little on the narrow side—something to bear in mind if you are a bit wider of foot than average.

The boot is not waterproof, and it is recommended that you treat the boot with a water-resistant application before use, to preserve the quality of the leather as long as possible.

Pros

• Removable, breathable sock liner
• Comfort suspension system reduces foot fatigue
• Spacious toe box

Cons

• Boot runs a little narrow
• Not waterproof

4. Wolverine Men’s Hudson W02194 Work Boot

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Wolverine Men’s Hudson W02194 is the price. Compared to other boots in the same space, the Hudson is quite inexpensive. That shouldn’t be confused with “cheap”, however, as this boot is every bit as robust as you could hope for from a work boot.

The Hudson features a padded collar for ample ankle protection. The upper section of the boot is made from suede leather and can be ordered in a range of colours, though the natural tan brown has a certain charm to it. The insole is fully cushioned for maximum comfort, while the outsole is designed to work well on slippery surfaces.

The construction of the boot features water-resistant mesh and a breathable insole, which should keep your feet both dry and fresh in those damper conditions. It is rated for electrical hazards, so you don’t need to worry about that protective steel toe cap electrocuting you should an incident occur.

Appearance-wise, the Hudson mixes rugged suede leather with the black rubber of its sole and toe cover nicely, even mixing in hints of orange in the sole and laces.

Pros

• Waterproof and breathable
• Cushioned midsole for additional support
• Slip-resistant outsole
• Rated for protection against electrical hazards

Cons

• Rubberized toe area can wear out quickly

5. Thorogood Men’s GEN-FLEX 6-Inch Lace-Toe Composite Work Boot

One of the more distinctive-looking boots on this list, the Gen-Flex is a heavy-duty work boot with a lot of protection. They sport a rubber outsole that makes use of Gen Flex technology (hence the name of the boot), which is remarkably flexible for a work boot and provides excellent grip on most of the types of surface you are likely to encounter as a contractor. The sole is also slip and oil resistant.

The toe protection is made from composite materials and meets ATSM standards. It also features rubber side protection to increase the longevity of the boot, as this area commonly suffers from scratches and increased wear and tear. The boots are rated for electrical hazards, so they are great boots for electricians.

Inside the Gen Flex, you will find a mesh lining for increased ventilation, and compression-moulded midsoles for improved shock absorption. There is ample cushioning to keep your feet comfortable on those long jobs, while the composite shank offers enhanced arch support.

Unfortunately, these boots are not waterproof, so that will have to factor in if you tend to work in damp places, or outdoors.

Moving back to the outside, the Gen Flex is a canvas of stitch lines and embossed shapes, with black rubber and dark brown leather highlighting the tan of the upper. It can be a little… noisy, for some, but is undoubtedly a distinctive boot.

Pros

• Excellent grip and flexible outsole
• Shock-absorbing mid-sole technology
• Rubber side protection against excessive wear and tear

Cons

• Not waterproof

6. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Boot-M

The Pittsburgh work boot from KEEN is a solid entry in our list of best work boots for contractors, mostly due to its versatility. The tread of the boot is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, or other loose mediums. They are waterproof, so working outside is not a problem—unless you plan to wade into a lake, these boots should keep your feet nice and dry.

The steel toe protection is ASTM rated, and asymmetrical so as to offer more protection in the areas that tend to take most of the abuse during a hard day’s work. Layered construction means that you would have to wear through multiple layers before the Pittsburgh would be worn out around the toe.

The boot sports a breathable membrane to ensure that your feet remain fresh, even as moisture from outside is being kept at bay by the waterproof construction. The look of the boot is reminiscent of a CAT workboot, with tan leather, black rubber, and yellow highlights.

Pros

• Waterproof and breathable
• EVA footbed and midsole for additional support
• Rated for electrical hazard protection

Cons

• Can be a little toasty in warmer temperatures

7. Irish Setter Men’s Ely 83608 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot

The Irish Setter Men’s Ely boot is another example of flexibility while still providing adequate protection in the workplace. Made from a hundred percent leather, the Ely is a rugged boot with a lot going for it. The toe protection is ASTM rated, while the rubber outsole will keep you safe from electrical hazards. The collar is a little low compared to many of the boots on this list. And, while that means less protection for your ankle, it does provide you with increased freedom of movement over some of those other boots.

The outsole is slip-resistant, while the insole is designed to keep your feet comfortable. The dark leather exterior is quite stylish for a workboot, with plenty of adjustment available in the lacing. The boots are waterproof, so you should have no problem working outside in them.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Rated for electrical hazards
• Anti-slip outsole

Cons

• Less ankle support than rivals

8. WOLVERINE Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot

Made from thick, full-grain leather, the Wolverine Men’s Floorhand boot is a robust and durable option. You may have to persevere a bit longer when breaking them in, but you’ll be glad that you did. There is plenty of room inside, even in the toe box, so you don’t need to worry about the ATSM-rated steel toe caps encroaching on your space.

Underfoot you will find a cushioned footbed on top of a thick midsole. The boot is rated for electrical hazards and waterproof. They are not insulated, however, but the thick leather does an excellent job at keeping your feet warm. The outsole is well-suited to avoid slippage on water, oil, and loose mediums such as dirt and gravel.

The boot is bonded together using lightweight cement construction. The look of the boots is simple, perhaps understated, so you won’t need to worry about your feet drawing attention while you work.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Rated for electrical hazards
• Thick full-grain leather offers a good deal of protection

Cons

• Can take a longer than average time to break in
• Lacks insulation

The phrase “just standing around” is often associated with being lazy, but if you have ever had a job where you are on your feet all day, you’ll know how wrong that is. Even in an occupation where you are literally just standing—not moving around at all—such as on an assembly line, or on a workbench all day, the added stress on your muscles over seated jobs is significant.

Few areas of our body feel this kind of stress quite as acutely as our feet—your ankles and arches in particular. The entirety of your weight rests on those relatively small parts of your body, so it is critical that you look after them for your long term health. Particularly if you are likely to be in a standing job for the foreseeable future.

There are several things you can do to mitigate the stress on your feet, such as stretching and moving around whenever possible. But the most significant way to look after your feet is to ensure they are properly supported by adequate footwear. That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of our top eight best shoes for standing all day.

How to Choose the Best shoes for standing all day ?

Choosing the best shoes for standing all day is not as simple as you might think. Many people look for the best running shoes and call it a day. And, while there is certainly some crossover between the ideal footwear for running and the ideal shoes for standing, they are not necessarily interchangeable.

Running is a strenuous, dynamic activity that involves a lot of impact on your joints. Through a combination of cushioning and optimal shaping, running shoes work to minimise that impact to reduce the wear and tear to your body. Conversely, smart business shoes are built with a keen eye towards form over function. That is to say, they might look great, but they won’t necessarily be comfortable for long periods of standing.

You will need to consider the grip. Very few running shoes are meant for smooth surfaces, which just so happens to be the most common surface you will find yourself standing on. You also want to make sure your potential shoe has plenty of room, something that your average pointy-toed business shoe will probably lack.

Be sure to get a shoe with plenty of cushioning, but be aware that the shape of the outsole is essential. For long periods of standing, it should be broad and flat to help disperse the pressure of your weight evenly. Many running shoes are designed for a “rolling” motion as the foot lands, pivots, and takes off again. If your job involves a good deal of walking this could be a good thing, but if you are literally standing all day, the inversed arch of the sole could strain your feet.

So without further ado, here are the

Best Shoes for Standing all day For Men in 2020!

1. Saucony Triumph ISO 5 Men’s

One thing that helps in a shoe for standing on your feet all day, perhaps more than anything else, is cushioning. The Triumph ISO 5 has that in spades, with one of the thickest midsoles you’ll find in this class of trainer. Primarily designed for runners, this trainer is built to keep your feet comfortable even under high impact situations, so it can handle most standing jobs with ease.

It is quite a roomy shoe which will suit the wider footed workers among us—though it may feel a bit loose on those people with narrow feet. On the outside, you will find a synthetic rubber tread that can provide plenty of traction on most surfaces. The upper part of the shoe features plenty of breathable mesh, which should keep your feet fresh even on harder days.

There are a variety of colors available, including plain black, which should make it a viable option for most standing jobs with a dress code. These shoes are a little on the heavy side, but not so much so that it should cause problems for most people.

2. Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2 Chukka Boot

There is a particular type of footwear that usually springs to mind when you think of work shoes, and for many people, Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2 will fit that mental image. From the outside, the Bushacre 2 is a solid looking boot in supple leather on top of a rubber outsole. Despite its rugged appearance, it still manages to be stylish, and would easily double up as smart-casual wear.

The sole is made from a dense rubber that is durable yet flexible. You will still need to waterproof your Bushacre 2 boots if you are going to be splashing around in any puddles, but the soul shouldn’t give you any problems due to moisture.

The upper part of the boot is made from supple leather, while the lining is made from soft suede. They are not the most breathable of boots, so factor that in if your job involves a lot of walking around or hot weather. Size-wise, the boot falls into the narrow-to-medium part of the width

3. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 runnings shoes feature a rugged design that is intended to provide a great deal of support under some of the more extreme circumstances.

The Gel-Venture 6 is designed for rough terrain on trails and other outdoor pursuits, so it has more than enough comfort and protection for your average active job. Rearfoot GEL cushioning works to absorb the shock from your footfalls. At the same time, a removable sock liner allows you to use custom orthotics, making them even more personalized to your specific situation. And, as you’d expect from a shoe designed for trail-use, the Gel-Venture 6 has outstanding traction thanks to the high-abrasion rubber used in the outsole.

4. Under Armour Men’s Micro G Assert 7 Sneaker

Under Armour’s Micro G Assert 7 sneaker sports two attributes that should be considered essential for any piece of footwear that will be worn for long durations: lightweight and breathable.

With ample cushioning and generous amounts of mesh material used in the upper parts of the shoe, the Assert 7 won’t keep your feet dry in the rain, but they will keep them fresh and dry at work. Leather overlays and a durable outsole round out the features of a very capable work sneaker.

5. Sketchers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoes

There’s not much to say about this shoe that name doesn’t already tell you. Very much designed for the food industry, these shoes are slip-resistant, electrical hazard safe, and sport an easy slip on and off design.

They are water and stain-resistant, but still features a breathable mesh design that should keep your feet fresh on those long shifts. Underfoot you will find memory foam insoles for supreme comfort and a lightweight shock-absorbing midsole. These shoes are sided by elastic panels, making them a comfortable fit on most feet.

6. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe

Primarily designed for road running, Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 running shoes are a lightweight, highly supportive shoe that makes light work of high impact use.

Featuring an integrated system of shock absorbers, the Ghost 11 boasts supreme protection from footfall impact no matter how your foot lands. The upper part of the shoe is constructed from stretchy, engineered mesh that makes for a comfortable fit while maintaining breathability. There is additional support around the heel, making for a sturdy shoe despite its lightweight nature. If your job involves a lot of walking around, Ghost 11 is an excellent option.

Best Shoes for Standing all day For Wonmen in 2020!

1. Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 23 Waveknit Running Shoe

The Wave Rider 23 is a running shoe aimed at providing for road-use. It achieves this with a combination of midsole foams that keep your feet cushioned. The cushioning is on the firmer end of the spectrum, with a durable rubber outsole to ensure the excellent grip provided by the Waver Rider 23 is maintained for as long as possible.

Up top, there is an abundance of breathable mesh fabric to keep your feet cool and fresh. Of course, this means that the shoe is not waterproof, but you have to make trade-offs somewhere. There are several colors available, but it should be noted that the sides of the outsole are a little on the visible side, which may pose a problem for workplaces with strict dress codes.

A strong contender in our list of best shoes for standing all day, the Wave Rider 23 is definitely better suited to the more active standing jobs, though it will do the job just fine for more sedate jobs, as well.

2. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

As you’d expect from a shoe with “Cloudfoam” in the name, the Cloudfoam Pure is a very lightweight running shoe. The upper part of the shoe is breathable and available in a variety of patterns and colors. If you have a dress code at your place of work, you should be able to find a design here that will suit.

The sole gives a very spongy feel which leans towards comfort over performance, but as we are looking at these shoes as workwear, that’s not a problem.

3. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes

Breathability has featured heavily on this list. And, while the Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker shoe does offer a reasonable degree of breathability, the full-grain leather upper provides more protection than some of the lighter shoes we’ve mentioned.

These shoes feature BioMoGo foam in the midsole, adding additional comfort and support underfoot. Brooks Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) support system ensures that your arches are supported naturally. Moving down to the tread, the outer soles of the Addiction Walker are certified for slip-resistance—a particularly useful trait in any work shoe.

4. Clarks Women’s Everlay Romy Loafer

For more formal occupations, in particular where strict dress codes are employed, Clarks Women’s Everlay Romy Loafer is an excellent choice. The upper section is made from leather and sports a pleating and button combo for a sophisticated yet understated look.

The shoes are of slip-on design with an elasticated segment for some flexibility. The sole makes use of Clarks Cushion Soft™ padding for added comfort. The outsoles are made of rubber and provide excellent grip on most of the kinds of surfaces you’re likely to be wearing this kind of shoe on.

5. Sketchers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-Up Sneaker

Sketchers are known for their sneakers, and the D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-Up Sneaker has a traditional sneaker look and feel that is in keeping with that heritage.

The upper part of the sneaker is constructed from soft Trubuck leather with mesh fabric overlays, providing a nice blend of strength and support with lightweight, breathable materials. Being a laced sneaker, there is a lot of flexibility regarding foot size and shape. The insoles are made from cushioned memory foam, while the outsoles are flexible rubber with a high grip tread. The padded collar and tongue ensure that the whole shoe is as comfortable as possible.

6. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe

The 1080 V10 is a shoe with a lot of sole, pun intended. The chunky midsole creates a significant 30mm height above the floor at the heel. As you can probably imagine, this is a shoe designed for comfort. Many wearers report that the shoe actually feels more comfortable while walking around than it does when running, which is another point in its favour with regards to standing jobs.

The profile of the shoe reveals an aggressive “rocker” design, making it more suited to movement than stationary work. If your job involves walking around a lot, this would be a great shoe for you.

The design is very distinctive, with the midsole sporting a honeycomb-like design, and the upper part of the shoe is almost entirely meshed fabric. This shoe should keep you as fresh as it does comfortable. It also sports a relatively thick tongue, which helps the shoe achieve a snug, sock-like fit. The Fresh Foam 1080 V10 is available in a range of different designs.

If you are standing long hours on your feet while working, then getting a breathable pair of work boots is simply a must. As a fact, breathability is one of the most overlooked factors that can cause severe health issues if not taken into account.

Especially in the summertime, temperatures can get quite high and you should take measures to protect your feet from getting sweaty and achy, caused by lack of ventilation and fresh air.

Rigid, thick-soled work shoes do not bend enough and do not allow the foot to breathe. After spending all day in this kind of shoes or boots, your feet will be softened and sweat-soaked, making them even more susceptible to blisters. That is why even a well-tended pair of shoes can make blisters after a full day’s work. If you have ever experienced these painful blisters, you know how terrible it is to stand all day while being in pain.

Top 8 Best Breathable Work Boots For Sweaty Feet

That is why we have prepared you a list of top 8 summer work boots models that will give your feet breathability, comfort, and safety. We have done an thorough research that included going over on dozens of work boots, reading reviews on major sites, and talking to salepeople. Enjoy!

1. Timberland PRO Men’s Titan Waterproof 6 ”Alloy Safety Toe

Timberland has got us used to quality and comfort, so this is the case with the Men’s Titan model too. If you love 100 % leather and fitted boots as your support while working, this model will be perfect for you. Imported and made with a rubber sole, this pair will meet all your expectations during work. TITAN waterproof work boot is super dependable, practical, comfortable and ready to protect your feet during any moment in long days on the job.

Quality workmanship, soft feet cushion, versatile, their appearance will not change even after a long time of use. The inside of the boot is made of breathable material, and as the name implies, they are also waterproof. Considering that this is a mid type working boot, we would also justify its price, which might not be accessible to everyone.

Out of 872 ratings, these working boots got 4,2 stars out of 5, and that seems like a pretty good response regarding the price.

2. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6 “Steel Toe Work Boot

These upper working boots from KEEN Utility have unique and special designs. Very wide and spacious, it will give your feet plenty of space inside the boot itself, without having to worry about your feet sweating. They are slip-resistant and waterproof, Metatomical footbed design is engineered to provide arch and ankle support every time, while asymmetrical safety toe will give you a roomier toe box and more space for the foot.

KEEN has released very successful work shoe models on the market during its two decades of business, and what they are most proud of is KEEN Key Tech. This kind of tech contains KEEN patent toe protection in the sole of the boot that will safely wrap up and over your toes for full-time protection. This KEEN protection is, of course, a part of Utility Man’s Pittsburgh work boot.

Although they cost almost two hundred dollars on Amazon, if you are willing to give a little more money and invest once in your work footwear, they can be the right choice for you.

With 1 656 ratings and reviews on Amazon’s market, they got a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5, meaning that most users had a positive experience using them.

3. Wolverine Men’s Raider 6 ”Work Boot

Wolverine Men’s Raider boots are totally modern, attractive and even elegant, so if this is something you are looking for in addition to comfort and breathability, this is one of the best solutions. Made of premium leather and durable sole, we believe they will benefit you for many years as they give the impression of quality and powerful work shoes.

This is the model from the most famous and so far the best line of Wolverine boots, as they themselves say, this is the best of the best they have to offer. They are also very flexible, supported by Wolverine’s Contour Welt. One of the major assets that separate them from the crowd is moisture-managing mesh for the breathable experience. You can buy them on Amazon for a solid $ 153.

With modesty 71 reviews from Amazon, they got 4.3 stars out of total five. One of the reviews said they were of good quality but not very comfortable, keep that in mind if you want to buy them.

4. Under Armor Men’s Speed Freek Bozeman Hiking Boot

Under Armor, this time brings an extremely beautiful and youthful model of deep work boots with unusual and interesting designs. Of course, this is not the only thing these boots have to offer, they are waterproof and translucent made from synthetics and rubber sole. The sock liner of the boot also contains memory foam for added foot comfort. Besides, memory foam is known as a good sweat absorber.

Scent Control technology guarantees that your shoes will last longer and work better while keeping your feet undetected and dry. They are very light in weight, combined with molded EVA midsole that delivers soft cushioning and shock absorption to the sole. The price on Amazon ranges from $ 95 to $ 170, which means that the design you choose and the size of your feet will be crucial for the price if you buy them on this site.

Out of 164 ratings on Amazon, they got 4.3 stars out of 5, average on this list but if you are looking for a unique look, you must not miss these boots.

5. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot

Another KEEN model designed precisely for difficult and demanding jobs. Manufactures describe this light-duty work boot, designed with cutouts that ventilate the versatile. Dual-density midsole, water, oil, and slip-resistant. KEEN’s famous Toe Protector also appears in this model for added protection and stability at work and any type of pressure.

Built-in breathable mesh panels will keep your feet fresh and dry in this ankle-cut working boot with non-marking sole and removable footbed for more space if needed. The price on amazon ranges from $ 74 to $ 140, so they can be classified as middle-class work boots (depending on your shoe size).

Amazon shoppers may think differently than we do, so out of 726 ratings, these boots received 4.4 stars out of a total of 5.

6. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6 “Power Toe, Non-Safety Toe Work Boots

With a look more like shoes than work boots, Thorogood American Heritage boots may be a bad choice if your job is challenging and in difficult terrain and conditions. If this is not the case and your business does not require a strong shoe, then it will meet your expectations. One of the great benefits is that oil-tanned leather on these boots gives a lot of breathability to your feet.

They have a footbed that can be removed from the shoe, giving great comfort when standing longer. the sole is perhaps their weakest link because it looks like the sole of an ordinary walking shoe. Something that surprised us is the very high price of these shoes, which ranges from $ 204 to $ 225. We assume it is the look that will determine the price in this case.

The people at Amazon love them, but we are not sure how many of them use them to work in warmer and heavier conditions. Out of 2853 ratings, they got a rate of 4.5 stars out of 5, very impressive.

7. Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Toe Boot

Carhartt was well versed in the design of a serious work shoe for all conditions, so he made this model. Extremely strong and stable boots that will give you full work support, keep your feet dry but also comfortable. You can control the tightness of the boot, using dynamically made laces, A flexible rubber outsole will provide a confident grip and freedom of movement for ladder rungs.

The rubber sole absorbs every shock that could hurt your foot. In terms of breathability, this was taken care of by the Fast Dry mechanism, which easily absorbs sweat and removes the odor. The Amazon price for these boots ranges from $ 99 to $ 205 for new boots.

Amazon recommends these boots as highly rated and well-priced, out of 967 ratings, they received 4.3 stars out of 5, one solid average on this list.

8. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6 “Aluminum Toe Work Boot

With a lot of positive ratings, these are probably one of the most favorite work shoes. There are also those who would not recommend them, but it is up to you to decide. These boots are made of 100 % leather and are imported. They are specially intended for use in very warm conditions as they only melt at 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

They resist heat and the rubber sole gives you strong support and security. They contain a built-in safety toe and electrical hazard for a secondary source of protection at any moment. Padded collar and Removable PU footbed will not let you down as comfortable support along your entire leg and foot. On Amazon, they sell for $ 139 per pair.

A detailed buying guide for summer / breathable boots

Before you go shopping for work shoes, keep in mind that as much as you pay, the more you will get. Therefore, it is important that your choice is not about price, but about the quality of the boots you buy. However, you will spend most of the day in them and so you will need quality and durable support. Shoes made of breathable and natural materials should be selected. This reduces the humidity of the feet and the possibility of developing fungal diseases. These are some of the factors that you need to pay attention to when buying work boots.

Shoe size

It is recommended to choose work boots that are half the size of your shoes so that your foot has room to sweat and breathe throughout the day while wearing shoes. More comfortable working footwear is also important for cooler weather as it allows room for additional insulation. When buying work shoes, it is best to try shoes while wearing slimmer socks than the ones you use during work hours, to give you a sense of extra space.

Although footwear numbers are standardized, there are still differences in footwear sizes from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is recommended that when you try shoes, you should tighten and fasten the laces and walk around in your shoes as if you were wearing them in the workplace.

During the working day, the feet naturally become more ‘bloody’ and larger due to greater activity. That is why it can often be heard that the feet swell from standing or moving. And this factor should be taken into consideration for choosing the perfect size of the boot. Therefore, it is best to try shoes at the end of the working day when the feet are at the biggest because of the previous working pressure, ie. when they are physically in a condition that represents working conditions.

The ideal size of the shoe should allow you to put your index finger between the heel of the foot and the shoe when the foot is moved maximum forward, or between the upper part of the foot and the tongue of the shoe when the foot is moved in the shoe as far back as possible.

Boots should be waterproof

If your work involves a wet environment, water repellency is the next feature you should look for. The work shoe uppers are very often treated with different materials to increase the water repellency of the work shoe uppers. Water repellency does not imply water resistance. Specifically, the water repellency of a work shoe lasts depending on the capacity of the shoe upper to repel, receive and retain water.

To keep the water repellency the same in the next business day, it is very important to dry the shoe out of business hours and protect it with some of the footwear maintenance products. Only used and maintained water repellent footwear can keep your feet dry every day in contact with moisture.

If your work involves standing in water, and contacts with larger quantities of water in a liquid state, the only solution is 100% waterproof (waterproof) footwear.

The label for fully waterproof footwear is WR (Water resistant) and there are two ways that manufacturers achieve waterproof footwear: waterproof uppers and an internal waterproof (but vapor permeable lining) or fully waterproof uppers (most commonly made of PVC material). In addition to working boots marked WR, this category also includes PVC and rubber boots.

Breathability

The feet also need air while working. This is why the breathability of the material that the boots are made of is crucial. especially in warmer conditions, your feet heat up faster and create an environment for the reproduction of fungal diseases and other diseases that can harm your health.

The lighter the shoe, the foot will feel less pressure as they work. Yes, heavier shoes can, in most cases, give you a lot more protection, but that may not always be the case. It is important that your feet feel light and comfortable and that you do not add more weight to them than is necessary.

Here are some other key factors to consider when choosing a work shoe:

• ventilation – regardless of the breathability, the feet will still sweat and good ventilation will allow the shoe to dry quickly and not cause problems and odors
• arch support – holding your body and spine is extremely important while working because improper posture and body posture can cause long-term health problems. Therefore, it is necessary that your boots have good arch support
• safety toe – there may be some unexpected accidents during work that can cause damage to the toes and good safety toe protection is always needed
• comfort – The foot is the only part of the body that is always in contact with the floor when standing, sitting or lying down and the feet like a comfortable and soft surface, always choose shoes that are comfortable for you and in which can work for a long period of time

Conclusion

Comfortable, safety and breathable work boots and shoes are key to health, and safe work. It is always the best choice to invest as much as you can in quality protective footwear. There are often slight differences in price between quality footwear from a proven manufacturer specializing in the production of safety footwear and footwear of questionable quality.

Also, choosing between the design and functionality of protective footwear, functionality, and usage level is always more important. More comfortable shoes with better protection take precedence over prettier ones. Today, specialized footwear manufacturers are increasingly taking care of the design of footwear, so protective footwear is often both beautiful and functional.

Workin boots should be breathable, waterproof, with a lot of space and protection for the feet. Take your time while choosing the perfect ones because it will be worth it later on!