The 10 Best Steel Toe Boots For Men
Editor's Notes
April 27, 2020:
During this round of updates, following the Timberland Pro Titan, Stanley Dredge and Caterpillar Second Shift all needing to be removed due to availability issues, we added the Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP – a nice-looking basic pair with a 5-1/2-inch shaft, the Caterpillar Threshold Industrial – which sports a waterproof membrane and a 600-volt rating, and the Timberland Pro 53530 – an eight-inch pair suited to heavy-duty applications that features a hinged metatarsal guard flap.
A few things to think about for this category:
Waterproofing: If your line of work takes you outdoors, there’s a good chance your boots will come up against unwanted water from time to time. While high-cut models with water-resistant leather – like the Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength – and mid-cut models with waterproof membranes – like the Caterpillar Threshold Industrial – can do quite a bit to help keep your feet dry, it should be noted that none of the models ranked here make an excellent choice for wet work – like wading through ditches. If you consider waterproofness to be a prime requisite for your boots, you might be interested in our list of waterproof work boots for men.
Ankle Support: Wellington models like the Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength and cowboy-style boots like the Ariat Sierra may feature a higher cut than many alternatives, but most people working in construction industry will agree: if you want a reliable boot that offers good ankle support, you want something that laces up. Some prefer a lower cut – like that of the Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP or Caterpillar Threshold Industrial – because they’re easier to move around in, but if you spend a lot of time on your feet, doing a lot of heavy lifting, then nothing beats a high-cut, lace-up boot like the Timberland Pro 53530 and Thorogood American Heritage. Also, many workplace-safety programs will dictate a minimum shaft height for boots on site. So, make sure that your prospective boots are up to snuff before you order them.
Additional Protection: A steel toe is a great place to start, when it comes to keeping your feet safe, but many models go well beyond that to make sure you’re properly protected. The Timberland Pro 53530 feature a hinged metatarsal guard to protect the top of your foot, and the Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP and Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength offer protection against electrical shocks. The Caterpillar Threshold Industrial have a nylon shank that stands a good chance of saving you if you ever step on a nail, and also makes standing on ladders much more comfortable.