Top 15 Best Shoes for Warehouse Work in 2020 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Warehouse work is one of the labor-intensive and hazardous jobs out there! This type of work involves a lot of walking, standing, lifting heavy objects, and walking on hard concrete floors. Did you know that in the last year there were around 5.5 workplace injuries recorded for every 100 full-time workers! That’s a huge number compared to any industry you cam imagine!

We need to do every possible measure to keep warehouse workers safe and healthy and one of the most important things is – believe it or not – is choosing the right shoes! Not only the right pair of shoes can protect your feet from serious injuries, but also protect you in the long term from developing lower back pain and avoid serious health problems such as Peripheral neuropathy.

Never underestimate the importance of choosing the right shoes. It can literally be a lifesaver!

It is better to a few dollars and buys a pair of high-quality shoes than buy a cheap one, and suffer from long-term effects on your health.

So basically what are we looking for?

Basically, We want to combine safety and comfort. We need comfort for obvious reasons because warehouse workers stand on their feet for long hours, and uncomfortable shoes are very hard to work with. In this context, from my experience – never compromise on choosing the right size, even if it means returning the shoe to the store a few times.

Safety-wise – we need a Steel or Composite Toe that can provide us protection, as well as high quality and stiff anti-static and anti-slip sole. The shoes should be a breathable material and have moisture control. You can read our full buying guide later on.

so without further ado, here are…

— 15 Top Best Shoes for Warehouse Work updated December 2020 —

Now that you know what to look for in a warehouse work shoe, it’s time to start shopping around for options. Here is a detailed guide to the best options in the market to help you choose the right one.

1. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot

The Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot is one of the top-rated pairs in the market for those looking for high-quality warehouse shoes. With a starting price of $72 and going up to $115 in price, this shoe offers a great value for its price. Made with 100% leather and a T3 rubber outsole for added traction and grip that protects you from accidental slips or falls at the worksite, regardless if you are walking on surfaces with low traction.

The Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot is designed for durability, comfort, and protection so you can be at ease when using it at the warehouse. It is designed to sustain a hard day’s work so you know that it will support your feet. The rugged styling is something worth noting because the shoe is made with premium quality leather; however, impeccable styling is something that is known to the Caterpillar brand. At the same time, the rugged style makes it a suitable choice on or off the job site.

The full-grain nubuck leather ensures that the shoe can last for many years of use, even with the wear and tear at work. It is also certified ASTM F2413-18 1/75EH so it will protect you from electrical hazards. Meanwhile, the steel toe design is rated ASTM F2413-18 1/75 C/75 so you can ensure your feet (and toes) are protected. You can also expect unmatched comfort with this shoe, thanks to its climasphere breathable insole and removable PU footbed.

2. Skechers for Work Men’s Synergy Ekron Alloy Toe Work Shoe

 

The Skechers for Work Men’s Synergy Ekron Alloy Toe Work Shoe is another highly recommended model for those looking for a suitable warehouse work shoe. First off, this pair is available in five different color combinations so you can choose a style that suits you. It is made with trubuck leather and some synthetic materials that make it comfortable enough to wear even all day long.

One of the most unique features of the Synergy Ekron Alloy Toe Work Shoe is the memory foam insole. This provides a comfortable bed of cushion for your feet, making it comfortable even when you spend hours wearing it. The use of memory foam can alleviate any stress on the heel and arch of your foot. Meanwhile, the overall fit of the shoe makes it easy to move your feet as the material can stretch with ease.

The shoe is made with alloy toes (unlike steel used on most work shoes) and this is a design by choice. It helps to maintain the lightweight quality of the shoe so it won’t weigh you down as you walk in them throughout the day. Aside from the alloy toes, this shoe is also electrical hazard- and slip-resistant. You won’t have to worry about working on electrical materials and trudging on low-traction surfaces.

3. Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Industrial & Construction Shoe

If you are looking for a warehouse work shoe with a casual and modern look, then go for Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sports Alloy Toe. It is made with mesh lining that offers flexibility of movement and breathable comfort. The upper material is constructed with ripstop nylon for more comfort.

One of the most interesting features of this shoe is the anti-fatigue technology; if you work on a warehouse with hard concrete floors, then you would appreciate it. The safety toe is made with alloy materials instead of the standard steel toe. This was an intentional choice to maintain the lightweight construction of the shoe. And yet, you can still expect superb protection from heavy objects that could fall on your feet or toes. Other notable features of this shoe include a fiberglass shank and midsole support.

And speaking of protection, the Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe shoe also provides protection against electrical shock. You can have peace of mind when wearing this shoe as you work with electrical materials.

4. KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe

The KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe is highly recommended for warehouse use because it is 100% waterproof. It is also made with quality yet comfortable materials such as mesh and leather. It combines the best of both worlds in terms of quality and performance because you can expect quality that lasts while also keeping your feet comfortable while wearing the shoe. Since the mesh is available in multiple layers, it remains breathable while offering waterproof capabilities.

Another important feature of this industrial shoe that makes it suitable for warehouse use is the rubber sole. This kind of sole ensures that your shoe will remain slip-resistant even when you are walking through low traction surfaces. In addition, it is designed with reflective webbing that provides additional safety features on the shoe. With a contoured heel lock, you can ensure that the shoe will stay locked and won’t accidentally slip off your foot.

The Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe is also made with a dense EVA footbed. This material provides extra comfort and support to your feet even when you are working and wearing it all day. The lining of the shoe contains a hydrophobic mesh so it can resist odor. If you don’t like footwear that smells with continued use, this is definitely something that you have to consider. Finally, it is also slip-resistant. This is an important feature because working on various surfaces can put you at risk at work.

5. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Non-Safety Toe Work Boots

If you are looking for a good warehouse shoe that can be used off the job site, you should check out Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6” Moc Toe. It has a few of the features that you need for a good and reliable working shoe in the warehouse. For instance, it comes with a removable insole that can provide additional comfort and act as a shock absorber. If you spend most of your days standing or walking on hard concrete floors, then you will definitely appreciate this particular feature. It cushions the blow of every step so your feet will remain comfortable for hours.

At the same time, it is made with an outsole that has a slip-resistant quality. This is an important safety feature to ensure that you won’t accidentally slip off any surface. The fiberglass shank on this shoe is another feature that delivers added comfort. It also guarantees that your toes will have enough wiggle room inside.

The oil tanned tobacco leather material used on this work shoe helps to keep your feet dry. It is reinforced with steel so you can prevent stubbing your toes or suffer any injury when heavy objects drop to the floor in your workplace.

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

Another entry from Timberland on this list of best shoes for warehouse work is the PRO Men’s Titan Waterproof 6” Alloy Safety Toe. The upper material of this shoe is made with a double sole of leather while the under material is made with welted rubber. The choice of material is intentional in order to give adequate support to your feet, as well as improved traction (even when dealing with low traction surfaces).

The midsole material is polyurethane pad to give a comfortable cushion for your foot. The nylon shank, on the other hand, ensures that the shoes remain stiff and that it won’t be deformed even when you are using it for many years. The good thing is that this pair of shoes is very lightweight. Thus, this is another factor that makes it a great warehouse work shoe since it won’t weigh your feet down.

7. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe

KEEN has another entry on this list of the best shoes for warehouse work in 2020. It’s the Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Work Shoe, which is made with 100% nubuck leather. The brand has always been known for being innovative but they also did not compromise when it comes to integrating functional features on the design of this shoe.

One of the most innovative features of this shoe is that the left and right shoes are not in perfect symmetry. This was an intentional approach to the design after the shoe manufacturer realized that there are variations to each foot. In doing so, they have produced irregular and asymmetrical steel toes to ensure that these variations are accounted for.

At the same time, they reinforced the toe box of this shoe to give you peace of mind when working at the warehouse. You can guarantee that your toes are protected from any heavy objects that could fall on your feet, as well as avoid any related injuries. The inside of the shoe has enough space so your toes can move around and stay comfortable.

8. Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot

While this particular shoe was specifically designed for hiking, this can also work well as a warehouse work shoe. The Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot comes with many notable features that will come in handy at the workplace. In particular, it is made with a rubber outsole that gives you extra protection from accidental slips on wet or slippery surfaces. It also features a snug lacing design that ensures the shoe won’t accidentally slip off your feet. This snug lacing mechanism also guarantees that it feels light on your feet and you won’t have to worry about it as it goes with every step naturally.

The upper material is made with leather that comes with a waterproof design. You won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet when you work with wet surfaces or you accidentally spill any liquid onto your feet or shoe. Within the shoe, it contains cell foam that is responsible for the even distribution of pressure throughout your feet. This process ensures that your feet won’t feel sore at the end of each working day because there is less pressure applied to it.

9. Irish Setter Men’s 6″ 83605 Work Boot

The Irish Setter Men’s 6” Work Boot is another highly recommended pair for anyone in search of the best shoes for warehouse work. This work shoe is manufactured using Trout Brook Leather and is handcrafted using the highest shoe manufacturing standards. The leather is crafted specifically for the Irish Setter brand so you won’t find it elsewhere in the market.

One of the primary reasons why this work boot is ideal for warehouse use is that it is equipped with electrical hazards protection. This is made possible by the protective sole and heel construction that can protect your feet in the event the shoe comes into contact with electrical parts or any other hazardous materials. Aside from being protected from electrical hazards, this shoe is also heat-resistant. The outsoles were designed specifically to sustain even high heat surfaces. It has a resistant capability of up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, this shoe is manufactured by a brand that has a reputation for delivering premium boots into the market. In fact, this is the brand of choice for hunters and workers.

10. Reebok Work Men’s Rb4040 Industrial & Construction Shoe

Rounding up this list of recommended shoes for warehouse work is the Reebok Work Men’s Industrial & Construction Shoe. One of the things that stand out instantly about this shoe is that it comes in a variety of options that are suited for your unique needs and preferences. With so many options, you are sure to find one that meets your unique needs.

This shoe is made of 100% mesh so you can expect it to be breathable, even when you work in hot environments. It is also made with a synthetic sole that has an anti-wear technology. This is how you can expect the sole to maintain its good traction capabilities even when you have to wear this shoe every day to work. Even when you use it on hard concrete floors (which is the standard with most warehouses), you can ensure that it will hold up longer.

This pair from Reebok is equipped with full-foot flex grooves that enable maximum mobility with use. Hence, it does not constrict your performance at work – in fact, it improves efficiency and productivity because the shoe adapts to your movement and not the other way around. It is also made with alloy toes that protects your feet from electrical hazards or heavy objects that could fall on your toes.

Overall, this shoe is comfortable and lightweight. You can expect comfort and ease while wearing it, regardless of the working conditions.

11. KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit XT Low Steel Toe

What amazing shoes for warehouse worker which offers maximum safety and protection!

The Keen Utility Men’s Detroit steel toe shoes are 100% textile and synthetic that makes them one of the most high-quality shoes in the market. More than that, the bottom sole is made up of sturdy rubber material that gives the maximum traction. No matter whether it is an even surface or a rough patch, these shoes are amazingly comfortable for your feet to keep you going throughout your day.

They also avoid leaving footprints on the floor and thus aid in keeping your warehouse or workplace free of messy footprints. Not only this, but they are also highly resistant to all types of oils as well as water and moisture. In this way, they allow you to carry on performing your high-intensity warehouse tasks without any fear or restrictions.

In addition to these incredible features, these Keen utility men shoes also contain a wider sized right and left asymmetrical steel toe. This steel toe offers maximum protection as well as safety to your body and feet. Moreover, the addition of electrostatic dissipative footwear technology makes them resistant to electrical currents and charges.

Thus, they ensure that your feet and body stay safe from any electrical jerks and hazards of any type. Another impressive thing about these shoes is that they contain reflective webbing for the heels and eyelets that enhance the visibility in low light areas.

For stability and flexibility, there is an underfoot support technology embedded in these shoes that makes them highly reliable for long-hour wearing. However, these shoes are expensive, limited in colors, and not resistant to water and moisture. Moreover, they also lack ankle protection that is sometimes very important for those who work in warehouses or industrial areas.

12. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Slip Resistant 806

The new balance Men’s Fresh Foam slip-resistant shoes are 100% synthetic and highly durable for warehouse work. They contain a very sleek looking interactive rubber role that protects you from accidental slips and falls. Along with being slip-resistant, they also ensure a higher level of traction on all-terrain surfaces which makes them highly reliable for any type of industrial or warehouse work. Moreover, the fresh foam midsole cushioning at the inner side of the shoes provides an enhanced level of comfort with a soft feel to the feet. This helps in keeping the feet stress-free and relaxed with no fatigue or tiredness. To add more comfort to your experience, these shoes are designed in a very lightweight manner to keep your feet burden-free.

The most distinctive feature of these shoes is the no-sew overlays but a plain and uniform outsole with no stitching threads. Due to this, these shoes go into the long run because they don’t tear out from the sews or stitching threaded boundaries. In addition to all these, they also contain the breathable mesh upper that is important to keep the shoes dry from the inside while assuring maximum air ventilation through them. The synthetic outsole of these shoes is very easy to clean and takes only a few seconds to get a clean and tidy look. However, the negative side of these shoes is that their footbed is non-removable and the heel length is too low. Additionally, they are not fully resistant to moisture and oils that impact their worth and usefulness.

13. New Balance Composite Toe 589

The New Balance Composite Toe 586 shoes are made up of 50% full-grain leather and 50% synthetic which enhance their quality and value as the warehouse work shoes. The shaft of these shoes is measured approximately low top from the arch of the shoes. Just like the other warehouse work shoes, these shoes also contain the safety toe for electrical hazards or for all danger zones. In this way, they play a great role in protecting the lives of the workers who have to spend hours in the high danger of electrical hazardous areas. The outsole of these shoes is completely slip-resistant and enables you to freely take each and every step without being worried about slips and injuries.

It also helps you in maintaining your balance while walking or working in multi-surface areas. While performing the high intensity or heavy-duty tasks, the lace-up closing vamp in these shoes further aids in maintaining the balance and grip over all types of surfaces.
Furthermore, the presence of the EVA midsole in these shoes also supports the comfort level as well as softness for the feet.

In this way, they make your feet feel light and full of energy while carrying out your everyday routine tasks. Another impressive thing about these shoes is that they come in a great variety of sizes. No matter what your shoe size is, you will find several options in your shoe size. For example, you can choose either regular fitting or the wide toe size in each number to add more comfort to your everyday footwear experience. Moreover, a variety of colors is also available in these shoes so that you can shoes the one that you like the most. The bad side of these shoes is that they don’t contain the easy pull-on/off back loop while the heel is also higher than the normal comfortable size.

14. Rockport Men’s Chranson Walking Shoe

The Rockport Men’s Chranson Walking Shoe is made up of full premium quality leather that is imported and durable. Along with this high-quality leather outsole, the rubber sole is also quality-oriented and slip-resistant for greater hold and grip on the ground. Not only this, but these shoes also ensure higher energy returns from the ground to the feet and a higher level of traction on all surfaces. These shoes also contain the mesh lining and a comfortable textile footbed cover that maintains the upgraded comfort level, softness, and also an enriches level of coolness for your everyday aesthetics.
Moreover, these shoes also contain the lace-up closing at the upper mesh tongue that assures maximum support and balance of the feet. Upon tying the laces, your feet would get fix inside the shoes and maintain their balance and hold on to the ground. In addition to all these, the Tru Tech feature of these shoes offers extra lightweight protection, additional comfort, and long-lasting cushioning. Another good thing about these shoes is that they are available in all sizes for all age groups. Furthermore, the price of these shoes is not very high but affordable for everyone. Due to being light of budget, you can easily buy these incredible shoes for yourself or for your loved ones who work in the industrial areas. The main disadvantage of these shoes is the lack of ankle support and the absence of a back loop that aids in an easy pull-on or off. Moreover, only the black and the dark brown color is available in these shoes with no other color choices.

15. Reebok Work Men’s Sublite RB4016 Work Shoe

The Reebok Work Men’s Shoes are manufactured by using premium quality leather and high-quality mesh fabric. At the bottom side, the sole is made up of rubber that offers slip-free steps during work at even or odd locations. The rubber sole causes resistance with the floor to give you sturdiness, stability, and balance for each step you take.  Along with it, the design of these shoes is highly sophisticated, interactive, and trendy that distinguishes them from the other warehouse work boots. They add a touch of glamour and style to your everyday appearance and boost your confidence level at work. Moreover, the steel toe of these Rebook Men’s shoes is designed according to the safety and protection standards for the industrial areas to keep you safe and secure.

In addition to these features, these shoes also include the foot-fuel midsole EVA cushioning that offers outstanding support and comfort to the underfoot and toes. The addition of the nylon mesh in the outsole makes these shoes highly breathable but at the same time, it strictly repels any moisture from coming inside of these shoes. In this way, it assures that the insole remains completely dry by restricting water or moisture to come inside while allowing air to pass through the mesh and keep the insole dry and odor-free. Furthermore, these shoes are also very lighter in weight and high in durability that makes them go in the long run. However, there are only limited sizes available in these shoes and the greater sizes are more expensive.

— How to Choose the Best Shoes for Warehouse Work? —

Before you get to know more about the top 10 best shoes for warehouse work, it is important to know what qualities to look for. By knowing what qualities to look for in a shoe, you will have a better understanding of what kind of support it can give you when wearing them.

Here are the different factors and qualities you need to look for in a warehouse work shoe.

Spill Protection

Warehouse work involves the handling of various substances (mostly liquids) such as chemicals. Since people who work in warehouses thrive in a fast-paced environment, it is not uncommon for accidental spills or falls to happen. When there are slippery surfaces, this can be a health hazard for the workers.

Choose a warehouse work shoe that has intense grip-ability that will provide protection against slippery surfaces. With adequate spill protection elements, you can get good traction on your shoe and support to keep you safe from injuries. If possible, look for a water-resistant pair, too.

Safety Toe

Speaking of accidental falls, a safety toe is another important factor to look for when buying warehouse work shoes. Aside from handling liquids, you will also be working with heavy objects and materials. You can protect your toes from damage by wearing shoes with a safety toe feature. This will give you added peace of mind in the event that hard objects will fall on your feet and toes.

Tapered Outsole

Another common danger of working in a warehouse is the possibility of tripping over. You will be working with high shelves, concrete floors, and other heavy objects. You can minimize the risk of tripping when you wear a pair with tapered outsoles. It is also recommended that you choose a pair that is clog-resistant.

Comfort

Since you will be spending most hours of your day standing, it is important that you choose a warehouse work shoe that is comfortable. To ensure comfort, look at the materials used on the shoe. The right materials can provide adequate support while also making it light enough. The right materials and a comfortable design could save you from blisters and sore feet.

 Shock Absorbent

Since most warehouses have concrete floors, it is important to choose a pair of shoes with shock absorbent qualities. This will ensure that the shoe will help to alleviate the impact of the hard surface on your feet, especially when you are standing or walking all day.

Durability

A good pair of warehouse shoes is also designed for longevity and performance. As mentioned above, warehouses typically have hard concrete floors and slippery surfaces. Choose a pair that is made of superior quality materials and construction. This will ensure that the materials can withstand harsh working conditions and surfaces. It should be able to endure the wear and tear of this type of work environment.

Correct Sizing

Getting the right fit is very important when buying shoes – but it is even more important in functional warehouse work shoes. No matter how good the sole and traction are, your feet will still hurt if you do not get the right fit. Make sure you choose a shoe manufacturer that can design shoes that are true to size. This will ensure that you can get the right fit on your pair even if you order them online.

— Best Shoes For Warehouse Work – FAQ —

1) Do I really need safety shoes – is it really important?

Yes! If you are not getting safety shoes  – you are literally risking your health – both for the short and long-term damage.
As we mentioned before, in a recent survey it turned out that 5.5 injuries recorded for 100 workers!
Safety shoes with toe caps protect you from falling objects that can harm your feet. Nonslip can prevent you from falling on smooth surfaces.

Never, Never compromise on your safety!

2) What shoes should I avoid at all costs if I’m a warehouse worker?

Yes, there are shoes that you should avoid. If you are a woman – avoid high heel shoes at all costs. Although trendy and fashionable, High heel shoes are less stable than work shoes, and it can cause you to slip and get injured.

If you’re a man, avoid Flats with a thin sole and no support. You need to protect yourself, and these types of shoes offer no protection at all.