In this guide, you will discover the best ASTM-approved work boots for men.
- Most Comfortable: Wolverine Legend Durashocks Carbonmax
- Arch Support: Timberland Pro Pit Boss Steel Toe
- Tactical & Combat: Timberland Pro Valor Duty
- Premium Boots: Irish Setter 83604
- Logger Boot: Carolina Elm Waterproof
- Rigger Boots: Dr Martins Work 2295 Rigger
- Chelsea Boots: Dr Martens Fellside
- Ankle Boots: Keen Utility Flint Low
- Under $100: Caterpiller Threshold Steel Toe
- Budget Tactical: Magnum Response III Side-Zip
Use the links above to jump ahead and learn more about the boots that interest you the most.
Quick Buyer’s Guide
In a hurry and just want the best work boots that suit your needs? Use the quick buy guide below to head straight to the retailers. Alternatively, scroll down to read about each pair.
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Overview
We’re generally very fond of Wolverine and their work shoes are impressive to say the least. They’re particularly comfortable and offer all the key features you’d want from work boots.
Key Features
Comfort is ensured thank to H-Plate suspension that returns energy as well as shock-absorbing compression sidewalls. Furthermore, they’re waterproof full-grain leather and feature a nanotechnology CarbonMax safety toe for a lighter and more ergonomic fit.
Best Colors
We really love the two-tone brown boots but they’re also available in a darker brown as well as tactical matte black.
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- Type: Versatile Work Boots
- ASTM: F2412-11 F2413-11 F2892-11
- Pricing: $100 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Timberland are renowned for providing solid footwear for work. The Pit Boss is no exception as well as being a stylish Nubuck leather 6″ boot.
Key Features
As well as meeting the ASTM standards mentioned above, there’s a very comfortable open-cell polyurethane footbed with antimicrobial treatment. Thanks to their Pro 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology, you can expect all-day comfort thanks to a nylon shock diffusion plate and a Goodyear welt.
Best Colors
Whilst we’re fond of the tan Nubuck leather, you can also opt for either the black or brown options instead. Each are very stylish with that iconic Timberland appeal.
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Overview
The most exceptional tactical boots that we’ve encountered, Timberland have surpassed themselves. Made with premium materials, expect the most protective and stylish high-quality boots.
Key Features
With the hazards faced by the military and emergency services, expect these boots to meet the majority of ASTM standards. Furthermore, these boots feature waterproof full-grain leather and ballistic nylon uppers, which are pathogen resistant. Meanwhile a composite safety toe provides protection whilst the moulded EVA midsole offers lightweight cushioned comfort.
Best Colors
Being tactical boots, it’s no surprise that these boots are only available in black. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll need them in another colour!
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Overview
A utility brand owned by Red Wing, Irish Setter features some stunning and practical boots. We love the worn saddle full-grain leather and were impressed by the lightweight aluminium toe cap too.
Key Features
Besides adhering to the ASTM standards above, you can expect a steel shank for increased support as well as the aforementioned aluminium toe cap. Furthermore, a PU footbed offers all-day cushioned comfort. Similarly, there’s a Irish Setter’s unique ENDURANCE Arrowhead outsole for added traction.
Best Colors
Although only available in a deep Oxblood brown, we’re still in love with the worn saddle style that it creates. Even if there we other options, we’d doubt that we’d prefer them over this.
- Type: Logger Work Boots
- ASTM: I/75 C75 EH
- Pricing: $160 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
If you work in the lumber trade, you’ll need boots that can handle nature’s obstacles but can provide the necessary protection the hazards ahead of you. We were unfamiliar with Carolina until we came across the Elm boots. They’re fantastic and very stylish as well as comfortable.
Key Features
With compression and impact ASTM standards, these are ideal for outdoor use. The steel toe is an added bonus as well as a triple-rib steel shank. The boots are also waterproof with a SCUBALINER system yet breathes thanks to Taibrelle lining.
Best Colors
Only available in Carolina’s so-called “Crazy Horse” leather, we love the style and colour. With a vintage effect, they’ll age well against the elements and look great even after years of punishment.
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Overview
Dr Martens have a well-established reputation for making work boots that are so stylish that they’re deeply ingrained into our popular culture. Today they’ve expanded into more specialised working shoes as well as their iconic ranges. Rigger boots were first used on oil rigs in the UK’s North Sea. They’re also fantastic safety boots for working on sites.
Key Features
As well as meeting all the necessary ASTM standards, these boots are like durable heavy-duty Wellingtons. Convenient to just pull on, they’re water-resistant, and non-slip as they were designed for oil rigs. Furthermore, the air-cushioned outsole and Smarmask insole ensure premium comfort.
Best Colors
Dr Martens realise that their shoes are fashion icons as well as utility boots. Therefore, several options are available, which all feature Dr Marten’s famous yellow stitching and soles. You can opt for either black, dark brown or even a weathered-looking vintage tan.
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- Type: Chelsea Work Boots
- ASTM: F2413-11 M I/75 C75 EH SD
- Pricing: $140 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
Whether you’re working in a factory, workshop or even on a site, you might want the convenience of smaller, slip-on boots. As stylish as Dr Marten’s regular line-up, these working Chelsea boots offer robust and heavy-duty performance.
Key Features
Featuring all the best ASTM standards as well as static dissipation, you can also enjoy the Softwear memory foam footbed for a truly comfortable fit. The welt construction is heat sealed like all Dr Martens boots and the soles offer slip-resistance with a Grip-Trax lug.
Best Colors
Available in either black or brown, we love these Chelsea boots from Dr Martens. They look just as good as their regular Chelseas yet offer superior protection for heavy-duty work.