If you work in a hazardous environment, you’ll want to make sure your footwear has the right safety measures in place. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent options for men’s safety boots on the market.
The best safety boots for men are heavy duty but also comfortable enough to wear all day long. The best safety boots will feature a steel or safety toe as well as other essentials like a cushioned insole and added arch support.
Some of the most comfortable and rugged work boots for men are made by a relatively young company, Keen, based in Oregon. They make bags, shoes and clothing but their expertise lies in making durable, protective work boots that look good too.
They have an extensive range of styles so you can find the perfect fit, and their breathable designs are comfortable too. The polyurethane footbeds provide soft cushioning for grip and absorbency while the antimicrobial treatment keeps odor from building up in the boot.
Besides safety features, they often have a waterproof construction that keeps your feet dry from the elements. You can even buy a pair with electrical hazard protection, which is a must for anyone working in the electronics or telecommunications industry.
Another way to add extra comfort is to go for an air-infused midsole, as this tends to be less dense than more traditional workboots. It can be a bit of a trade-off, however, as it breaks down more quickly than traditional designs, so you may need to replace your work boots sooner than you might otherwise.
Timberland’s Pit Boss are a great example of an all-round work boot that offers a full slate of safety measures, including electrical hazard protection. They have an anti-slip sole, are oil and abrasion resistant and are certified for use in different environments.
You can also choose from a variety of colours and materials, so you’ll have no problem finding the right boots for your worksite. The oiled leather upper is also waterproof and provides a matte finish that helps to repel moisture.
Red Wing’s King Toe 3512 are another classic work boot that looks equally at home in a work setting as it does casually with jeans or cargo pants. They have a non-metallic safety toe and a CSA-approved design that makes them suitable for Canadian workers as well.
The design of these boots is simple and a lot more slimline than the standard version of this style, so they won’t scream industrial and will easily blend into your outfit. They’re available in black, brown and wheat.
They’re not quite as waterproof as other work boots but they still offer good protection for the job and can be treated with mink oil to increase their resistance to moisture in any way you see fit.
It’s a small detail but it does set Danner apart from other brands when it comes to safety. Unlike many other work boots, this one has an integrated Gore-Tex membrane that keeps water out. It also has a Gore-Tex lining to stop sweat from getting trapped inside the boot.