A tough job requires shoes as tough as you. Here, you will learn how to choose the best waterproof shoes for work that are supportive, protective, and comfortable without breaking the bank!
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If your job involves getting your feet soaked and drenched or if you are constantly stepping on debris, mud, sludge, snow, or wet gravel, you’ll need shoes that are waterproof and long-lasting.
Scroll down to learn more about my top favorite waterproof work shoes and what to look for to find the perfect pair that will suit your needs!
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Top Waterproof Shoes & Boots for Work Reviews You Need to Read
Below are 10 of the best waterproof shoes for work that you should know about:
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
First, on our list, the Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots are not just for work but also offers outstanding support and protection for hiking and other adventures.
The uppers are constructed from full-grain waterproof leather for durability. The seams are also sealed to keep water off your feet. This model also features a removable, perforated dual-density EVA footbed for comfort, improved airflow, and moisture-wicking to keep your feet cool and dry all day.
The padded tongue and collar also add comfort by providing cushioning, protection, and support to the ankles. The tongue is also gusseted to relieve the foot of pressure from the laces.
The outsole features the company’s B.S.F.P.™ (Brake, Support, Flex, and Propel) motion efficiency system of multidirectional rubber lugs that provide traction for climbing and working on wet and slippery surfaces. The strategically placed lugs also follow the foot’s curve and pressure path for longer wearing performance.
Carhartt Men’s 11″ Wellington Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
Featuring the LiteFire Insulation and Storm Defender technologies, the Carhartt Men’s Wellington Safety Toe Work Boots offer breathable and waterproof protection for all kinds of work environment.
The Carstrong® durable reinforced fabric prevents wear while the tearStorm Defender® waterproof breathable membrane keeps moisture away without sacrificing air circulation to keep your feet cool and dry. Simply slip on these 11-inch boots for all-weather safety and protection in the farm or ranch.
The upper is made with harness brown oil-tanned leather that makes it waterproof and abrasion-resistant, which helps keep your feet protected even during the harshest weather and also offers durability. The steel toes shield the toes from injury due to compression and impact from falling debris and hard surfaces.
To give you stability and comfort so you can entirely focus on your work, the boots have an OrthoLite® insole with a TPU heel counter. The polyurethane rubber outsole that is chemical, oil, and slip-resistant also provide enhanced traction to make your every step firm, secure, and safe.
The cushioned polyurethane insole absorbs shock from each stride so you can work painlessly longer. The Wellington Steel Toe Work Boots also meet the ASTM 2413-17 electrical hazard standards which means it can protect from incidental contact with electrical circuits of up to 18,000 volts.
Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Work Boot
The Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Work Boots are the work shoes that are as hardworking as you. Get the job done fast and in style with this pair! Work efficiently with cool, dry, and comfortable feet with the water-sealed sole and breathable sweat-wicking mesh linings.
The upper is made with Waterproof Wolverine® performance pigskin leather to provide both style and protective function.
A thermal foam also provides insulation to keep your feet warm during colder days. The full-cushion footbed, midsole, and a supportive, lightweight, and durable Nylon shank support the feet to fight fatigue.
The Wolverine outsole is constructed to be directly attached to seal water out and for durability while the removable insole can be replaced with your custom orthotics or insole of choice for utmost comfort.
The rubber lug outsole is not only thick to protect your feet on all kinds of terrain but also offers traction for a confident, stable footing on the job.
Chippewa Men’s 29416 8″ Waterproof Work Boot
The Chippewa Men’s 29416 Waterproof Insulated 8” Work Boots offer all the necessary features you need. Right out of the box, these boots are ready to accompany you to a challenging day at work.
The upper is made with Bay Apache waterproof leather, and the inside is insulated to provide cushioning and comfort while also protecting your feet from the elements.
Quality, heavy-duty waxed sta-tied laces and antique, non-tarnishable brass hardware and eyelets offer durability and strength along with the added stylish flair.
You can rest assured that these boots are going to last long thanks to the Goodyear leather storm Welt construction in which the tough uppers are directly attached to the soles with stitches rather than just being glued on.
Goodyear welt shoes can be repaired and used for years of top performance and reliable wear.
The Vibram cascade yellow plug outsoles offer traction and a sure footing to boost your confidence with your every step. They are also slip- and oil-resistant to keep you steady and safe from injuries even when you are working on different difficult surfaces or terrains.
The interior of these boots is lined with the Ruby Dri-Lex 2000 also known as the “sweat control fiber” that wicks perspiration and moisture from the feet while also improving breathability for dry, cool, and comfortable feet all day.
With the combined effect of the 400-gram Thinsulate insulation system and Chip-A-Tex waterproof booties, your feet are also protected from wet and cold elements without any added bulk or weight.
Be pain-free and comfortable throughout your shift with the waterproof Texon 460 orthotic insoles and tri-ribbed steel shanks that provide arch support, control, and stability for your gait.
These shoes are also electrical hazard rated and are handcrafted in the USA.
Keen Utility – Men’s Braddock Low (Soft Toe) Work Boot
If you are looking for work shoes that are functional and comfortable, look no further! The Keen Utility Men’s Braddock Soft Toe Work Boots offer both of these along with other useful features.
Avoid slips and falls even in wet conditions with the non-slip synthetic rubber outsole. The slip-resistant and oil-resistant outsole also offer impressive grip. They also feature the KEEN patented Toe protection design wherein the outsoles extend to wrap around and over the toes for added protection.
These outsoles even exceed the ASTM F2913 SATRA and ASTM F1677-96 MARK II non-slip testing standards so you can rest assured that this pair will not let you down.
A soft inner lining also adds comfort by cushioning the foot. Speaking of comfort, the soft toe, the direct-attach polyurethane (PU) midsole, the metatomical dual-density EVA footbed and the integrated heel cushion all keep the feet happy, protected, and comfy even in the toughest of work conditions.
The KEEN metatomical footbed design is an integrated support mechanism engineered based on the foot’s anatomical features to be able to follow and support the natural contours of the foot as well as provide the right amount of arch support on all the right places.
These work boots are also specially designed to protect you from electrical shocks. The Braddock Low Work Boots are made with the finest materials from around the globe and with minimal waste.
Dunham Men’s Cloud Low Oxford
Next, we have the Dunham Men’s Cloud Low Oxford that combines a relaxed, casual design with outstanding performance and durability. You can use these all-purpose shoes for everyday activities, outdoor adventures, and at work!
The full grain leather upper is tough and sturdy. It also features a waterproof seam-sealed upper construction for keeping your feet comfortable and dry. The nylon shank also adds ankle support.
Slip-resistant outsoles offer solid footing, control, and traction that you need to be able to work efficiently and quickly regardless of the surface conditions. They have a slip resistance rating of ASTM F1677 Mark II in both wet and dry conditions.
Dunham®’s stability R-BAR™ built within the lightweight EVA midsole provide not only comfort but also delivers efficient rear foot support and fit. The molded EVA and memory foam footbed can be removed for cleaning or replacement with orthotics.
These shoes are available in extended widths and sizes and can be adjusted to get a custom fit for a variety of foot shapes.
Skechers for Work Men’s Blais Steel-Toe Hiking Shoe
The Skechers for Work Men’s Blais Steel-toe shoes feature a stylish, rugged design and offers the same traction, support, and comfort you would expect from hiking shoes.
The tough, smooth action leather upper with synthetic overlays and steel toes kept your feet safe and protected all day. The shoes also have a sporty lace-up vamp, tongue, and heel pull tabs, and a Relaxed Fit design to ensure a secure yet comfortable fit. The lacing system also makes it easy to remove and take off.
Memory Foam cushioning and a soft fabric lining elevates comfort and provides arch support. The shoes also feature a padded tongue and collar and protective synthetic heel and toe bumpers.
The removable Memory Foam footbed offers exceptional shock absorption and support to prevent pain even after a whole day of being on your feet.
The shoes are seam-sealed for waterproofing but are still breathable thanks to the mesh fabric inserts.
The rubber outsole features wraparound sidewall traction lugs for an excellent grip on any surface or terrain. The steel toe is ASTM F2412-2011 I/75 C/75 and Electric hazard rated.
Skechers for Work Men’s Burst Waterproof Work Shoe
The Skechers for Work Men’s Burst waterproof work shoes offers instant comfort, relaxed fit, protection, and control to keep up with your hard work. It has a waterproof mesh fabric upper.
Memory foam midsoles keep your feet protected against shock and fatigue so that you can stay comfortable throughout the day. The slip-resistant outsoles meet the ASTM F11677-2005 Mark II testing standards with a rating of 0.40 under wet or oily conditions.
The steel safety toes do not only provide extra room but also adds a layer of protection. This feature has also been independently tested and certified to have met or exceeded the ASTM F2413-2011. I/75 C/75 standards for compression and impact.
These shoes come from the non-metallic composite safety toe series that offer innovative, durable, and ultra-lightweight comfort and protection.
Skechers for Work Men’s Burst Waterproof Work shoes are also insulated against electrically energized objects and can resist disruptive discharge to ground under the potential of 18 kV 60Jz AC for one minute with no current flow more than one milliampere under dry conditions. They are tested to meet ASTM F2413-2011 Electric Hazard requirements.
CONDOR Arizona Men’s 8″ Steel Toe Work Boot
Condor Arizona Men’s Steel Toe Work boots are made with a 100% genuine leather upper to give you that smoothness, premium feel, and durability only real leather can provide.
Made using AM-TECH® Direct Soling Technology, a proprietary sole construction technology, the outsole is bound and direct injected to the upper to create a stronger bond.
The flexible and ultra-cushioning polyurethane midsole and insole provide comfort and all-day support while the single-density thermoplastic polyurethane outsole is tested for flex, oil, abrasion, and slip resistance.
The steel toes are ASTM F 2413-11 certified to protect you from a wide range of hazards in the workplace. This means it can also protect your feet from compressive loads of up to 2500 pounds and an impact of up to 75 foot-pounds.
This model comes in three great classic colors: wheat, brown, and black.
Timberland PRO 26078 Men’s Titan 6″ Waterproof Alloy Toe Boot
The Timberland Pro 26078 Men’s TiTAN® waterproof work boots might be your next protective, comfortable, and dependable partner on the job. They feature TiTAN® alloy safety toes for a roomy fit and lightweight protection and the Timberland PRO® low profile heat-, oil-, slip-, and abrasion-resistant durable rubber outsoles for superior traction on most surfaces.
The supple premium waterproof leather upper sealed with a special tanning treatment and infused with a waterproof membrane keep your feet dry and shorten the needed break-in period. The molded polyurethane midsole also offers durable and lightweight cushioning for your comfort.
For added comfort, there is a moisture-channeling spacer mesh comfort lining that also has an antimicrobial treatment to control odor. The nylon diffusion shank adds torsional rigidity and structural support without limiting your feet’s range of motion.
A Powerfit™ Comfort System offers critical support and movement for long-lasting comfort through the use of ergonomically designed elements. These shoes also meet ASTM F2412-11, ASTM F2413-11 and ASTM F2892-11 standards in Canada and the US.
What to look for in the Best Waterproof Shoes for Work
When choosing the best waterproof shoes for work, it’s not just about keeping the water out. You also have to consider several other important features to make sure you are investing in something that will last and be a good value for your hard-earned money.
Here are some of the features you should look for in a pair of quality waterproof work shoes:
Materials and Construction
Waterproof safety shoes can be made using different waterproof materials including leather, plastic, suede, rubber, steel, suede, and carbon fiber. These protect your feet from rain, mud, and other things that can make your feet uncomfortable at work.
The leather is a common choice of material because of its durability and pleasing aesthetic reminiscent of classic shoe designs.
Other than the upper, look for the quality outsole, insole, and midsole materials. Rubber outsoles provide protection and traction. Some soles are also oil-, acid-, and grease-resistant. Cushioning is excellent for midsoles and insoles for keeping your feet supported and comfortable.
Aside from the materials used, pay attention to the construction of the shoes to ensure durability. Make sure the stitching is thorough and strong. An outsole that is directly attached instead of glued on helps prevent the rubber from sliding or breaking off, allowing you to enjoy your shoes’ performance longer. Soft inner seams and linings also make the shoes more comfortable.
Protection
Being waterproof is just one of the protective features a pair of work shoes must have. It protects your feet from getting soaked, prevents unwanted smells, and prolongs the service of your shoes.
Look for properly insulated, breathable, steel safety toe, puncture-resistant, slip-resistant and durable shoes that meet ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) standards required in your job.
Comfort
I don’t know about you, but my priorities when choosing any footwear is the comfort factor. Therefore, I recommend you do the same for your waterproof shoes for work. More often than not, you could be standing on your feet or walking throughout the ten or more hours per shift, multiple days a week, all year long.
Do your feet, toes, and muscles a favor by choosing comfortable shoes that will distribute weight properly to prevent fatigue and pain. Look for memory foam or EVA footbeds for soft support.
Make sure you also get the fit and size right so your feet won’t rub with the sides or get too cramped. Look for insoles that follow your natural foot shape and provide your needed arch support. See to it that there is enough space to reduce the strain on your feet during the break-in period.
Waterproof Capacity
Of course, waterproof work shoes should keep your feet dry and fresh to ward off odor and keep you comfortable. Look for waterproof shoes that seal water out but allow air to circulate so your feet won’t be sweaty at the end of a workday.
Insulation is also great for when you are working in rainy, damp, or snowy environments. Other features that avert leaks or water dripping through the top of the shoes are great as well.
Durability & Safety
Just like when buying any other product, you want your shoes to last for years. So, look for ones that are constructed with high-quality materials. Usually, cheaper materials are less durable. Therefore, don’t be afraid to splurge a little on your work shoes. Believe me; your feet will thank you later.
High-quality leather, rubber soles, and fabric offer the highest durability among waterproof shoe materials.
Slip Resistance
When you are working on a constantly changing work environment, your shoes have to be slip resistant. This prevents slips, falls, and other work-related accidents that could arise from working on wet surfaces. Even if you are insured, nobody wants to suffer from an injury.
Look for premium traction soles that are durable, sturdy, and thick.
Conclusion:
There you have it! I hope you can use the considerations listed here to choose the best waterproof shoes for work that will suit your personal style, needs, and preferences. No matter which one you choose among these, I am sure you won’t be disappointed!