Will you be working in the great outdoors? If trail work is a part of your profession, you need to select your work boots carefully.
Professions that involve trail work, ecology, or even conservation mean lots of trekking in the elements and lots of uneven terrains. Appropriate work boots will be an essential part of your work gear and your safety.
Trail work usually means that you will be working in a remote location that requires considerable physical exertion.
As a trail worker, you are exposed to hazards that can lead to life-altering injuries or even fatalities. It is a serious profession that requires only the best work gear available.
You may work for a National Park Service or a Forest Service and as such, you’ll be carrying heavy tools and equipment, perhaps at elevation. So, you need some serious protective work boots to get the job accomplished.
Which Is the Best Boot for Trail Work?
We asked the pros to weigh in on which boots they preferred, and which boots they trusted in varying environmental conditions.
The boots that got the highest votes are the Keen Targhee 2 Waterproof Men’s Mid-Height Hiking Boots. These boots repeatedly were cited for their torsion stability shank that is external (ESS) to give ankle support and aid in maintaining balance.
Another very popular boot for trail work is the Asolo GV Men’s 520 TPS Boot. What makes this particular pair of boots so appreciated is their multi-season characteristics.
| Product | Uppers | Outsole | Waterproof | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keen Targhee 2 Waterproof Men’s Mid-Height Hiking Boots | 100% Nubuck Leather | All-terrain Rubber sole | Yes | External support shank, Reinforced rubber toe protection |
| Irish Setter Waterproof Ravine Men’s Hiking Boot | suede leather and abrasion-resistant nylon | Rubber sole with lug pattern | Yes | BOA Fit System |
| Thorogood Crosstrex Insulated Men’s 8-inch Boots | Leather and mesh | 360 crosstex outsole | Yes | 1000 3M Thinsulate insulation, PU footbed |
| Asolo GV Men’s 520 TPS Boot | One-piece full-grain leather | Vibram soles with self-cleaning lugs | Water resistance, Gore-tex lining | Rubber toe cap, Shock absorption |
| Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Men’s Mid-Hiking Boot | 100% full-grain leather | Rubber with multidirectional lugs | Yes | Seam-sealed boot construction, rust-proof lacing hardware, EVA midsole e footbed |
Our Favorite Best Boots for Trail Work
Best Overall Boots for Trail Work
1. Keen Targhee 2 Waterproof Men’s Mid-Height Hiking Boots
- WATERPROOF
- KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in all environments; Non-marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace when walking indoors
- The Torsion stability External Support Shank (ESS) and mid-cut height adds ankle support and balance on uneven surfaces
- Low-profile upper for comfort and secure fit with padded tongue and col
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are used to feeling your feet squeezed by new boots, Keen offers an alternative. These boots are a fraction wider making them incredibly comfortable without your feet sliding around inside of the boot.
For trail workers, these boots offer some great protection from rocks and vegetation thanks to rubber-reinforced toe protection.
They feature a breathable waterproof membrane that will keep feet dry so that vapor and perspiration escape, but water does not enter.
The boots are treated with a PFC -free repellent. Soles are all-terrain rubber but non-marking so you can wear them indoors.
They feature a torsion stability shank that is external (ESS) to give ankle support and aid in maintaining balance. The tongue and collar are padded and a metatomical footbed design guarantees comfort.
Pros
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- 100% Nubuck leather
- All-terrain rubber sole
- Waterproof
- External support shank
- Reinforced rubber toe protection
- Affordable
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Cons
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- Quality control issues
- Toe protection is not a steel toe
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Best Waterproof Boots for Trail Work
2. Irish Setter Waterproof Ravine Men’s Hiking Boot
- Suede Leather and Abrasive Resistant Nylon
- Rubber outsole with Lug patt
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Boot uppers are a combination of synthetic abrasive-resistant nylon and suede leather. Featuring a lug pattern, the outsole is made of rubber.
Moisture-wicking and durable, they are designed for comfort and these boots succeed whether other models fall short.
These Irish Setter Boots also feature the BOA fit system, so with a gentle lift of the adjustable dial, the strong laces are released even in cold and wet environments.
This system works to improve circulation in the feet through the elimination of pressure points for all-day comfort.
Pros
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- BOA Fit system
- Uppers in abrasion-resistant nylon with suede leather
- Rubber sole with lug pattern
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
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Cons
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- Not true-to-size
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Best Boots for Trail Work for Comfort and Durability
3. Thorogood Crosstrex Insulated Men’s 8-inch Boots
- Removable Single-density Polyurethane Footbed
- Insulation: 1000g 3M Thinsulate
- Composite shank
- Crosstrex 360 outsole
- Cement construct
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Thorogood has created these boots to unite athletic shoe comfort with work boot grip. Made for bad weather, tough jobs or uneven challenging terrain, these boots from Thorogood are lightweight and waterproof for any environment.
They come with a single-density PU footbed that is removable. 1000 grams of 3M Thinsulate keep feet warm in any weather. A composite shank offers protection and stability. The Crosstrex 360 outsole is attached with cement construction.
Pros
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- 1000 gr. 3M Thinsulate insulation
- Waterproof
- PU footbed
- Composite
- Cement costruzione
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Cons
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- Sizing runs small
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Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Best Multi-season Boot for Trail Work
4. Asolo GV Men’s 520 TPS Boot
- Full grain leather upper
- Gore-Tex liningVibram outsole
- Vibram outs
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
While not produced specifically for snow, this boot proves to be great in all seasons The upper is a single piece of full-grain leather that offers water resistance, and a good dose of durability.
This particular boot features a Gore-tex lining and a Vibram sole. The leather uppers have a comfortable but tough design and furnish excellent waterproofing together with great traction.
Lacing up is easy, and offers a more customized fit, while the Lite 2 footbed features an anatomic design for continuous comfort.
A dual-density polyurethane midsole provides ample cushioning. The TPS outsole provides three shock absorbers that are incorporated for high-impact movement.
Pros
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- Gore-tex lining
- Vibram sole with self-cleaning lugs
- One-piece water-resistant full-grain leather uppers
- Rubber toe cap
- Triple Power structure sole for shock absorption
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Cons
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- Expensive
- Quality control issues
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Best Budget Boot for Trail Work
5. Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Men’s Mid-Hiking Boot
- Full-grain waterproof leather uppers, seam-sealed waterproof construction, and rustproof speed lace hardware with hooks at top for secure lacing.
- LOOK NO FURTHER for trail-ready performance and sty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are on a limited budget but want a sturdy boot, this White Ledge boot produced by industry leader Timberland may be a good solution.
Produced in 100% full-grain leather, these boots are waterproofed and feature a rubber sole with multidirectional lugs. Boot construction is seam-sealed so water cannot enter.
Lacing hardware is rustproof, so if you are constantly in the elements, you don’t need to worry, because your lacing will be secure. The tongue is fully gusseted for ease in wearing and both the midsole and footbed are EVA.
Pros
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- True-to-size
- 100% full-grain leather
- Flexible
- Waterproof
- No breaking in needed
- Rubber sole with multidirectional lugs
- Budget-friendly
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Cons
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- Quality control issues
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What to Look for When Looking for Boots for Trail Work?
The top two considerations you need to focus on to narrow down your choices are your working environment and your physical requirements.
1. The Environment
What conditions will you be working in? What kind of terrain will you encounter? Do you need lots of grip with a heavy tread? What is the climate like? Will you require warmth, waterproofing, and perhaps safety toe protection, or all of the above?
It’s crucial for you to know ahead of time the climate and the terrain that you will encounter most often to select the best pair of boots for your work activities.
2. Personal Preferences
If you are going to be on your feet a good part of the day, consider your comfort. Do you have wide feet, high arches, or narrow feet, or are you in need of extra ankle support?
By reflecting on your physical needs in a boot and your taste preferences, you can quickly narrow your field of choices down so that your selection involves less time.
The marketplace offers tons of good boots, but many perform better for certain types of feet, and some are designed for specific professional needs and to navigate special surfaces or environments.
Keep in mind these quality issues when searching for your boots.
What Other Features Does a Boot for Trail Work Need?
With so many boots available to choose from, finding the best ones for trail work can be daunting, to say the least. Think about the following factors when pondering your selection.
1.) What Materials Are Used in Boot Construction?
Leather uppers on boots offer lots of advantages. They are resistant, age well when maintained, offer breathability, and will eventually adhere to the form of your feet.
But when it comes to working outdoors in all sorts of weather and terrains, think about if the proper footgear for your needs might be manufactured in a waterproof textile, rubber, neoprene, PVC, or some combination thereof.
2.) How Comfortable Is Comfortable?
Comfort is fundamental for any footgear especially if you are working long hours on your feet. Some boots may offer comfort linings and contoured footbeds, antifatigue designs, or come with increased arch support.
Many boots feature removable insoles that can be replaced or removed and cleaned. Insoles made out of memory foam, padding, gel, or EVA will absorb shock impact and support your feet during walking.
Other boot models will prioritize air ventilation even if they are waterproof. You don’t want tired feet, sore feet, or sweaty feet when you have a job to do.
3.) Look for Durability, Your Boots Need to Survive Trail Work Challenges
Durability depends primarily on the quality of the materials used and the construction method used in producing the boot. Quality materials ensure protection and comfort when put together well.
Cement, stitching, and welt construction methods are employed most often when attaching soles to uppers. Welt and Welt Storm construction methods offer great reliability and soles are generally replaceable when these methods are used.
This means you won’t have to buy a new pair of boots every time a sole is consumed.
Manufacturers may also reinforce boot points that are more exposed to stress to increase boot lifespan.
4.) Safety Guards, Grip, Tread, and Slip Resistance
You may want boots that come equipped with metatarsal guards and steel toes depending on the terrain. Puncture-resistant plates inserted in boot soles can protect your feet from metal, rocky terrain, or very sharp objects in the event you step on them.
Lugged outsoles for great traction are also something that you may want to look for. Risks of slipping or falling are a constant on a trail.
Inclement weather can quickly turn surfaces slippery, and outsoles that offer resistance to slippage become crucial when navigating unhospitable terrain.
5.) High Shaft or Tall Uppers
Do you prefer a boot that only reaches your calf or a knee-high boot?
The boot shaft generally will cover your ankles, but higher uppers will cover the leg as well offering lots of protection.
Will you be doing trail work where there is brush or bushes? Do you require protection from scratches and cuts depending on the kind of trail and its location?
6.) Waterproofing
If you work around water, mud, or muck, waterproofing is a must. Keeping feet dry will aid in preventing chafing, blisters, infections, and all the incredible discomfort that accompanies these conditions. A cold climate may determine that waterproofing and insulation are essential.
Insulated linings for colder climates or a mesh lining for hotter climates will improve air ventilation and keep feet cool. Some linings and footbeds feature antimicrobial treatments to prevent fungus infections and odors.
7.) It’s All About the Feet
What may seem like a quick and easy choice really isn’t if you want to protect your overall health and productivity on the job. When working on a trial, the protection of your feet with a proper boot should be a priority.
Conclusion
Any of these boots are convincing options for professionals involved in trail work, and the manufacturers are reliable industry names.
Each of these manufacturers also offers other designs that may be more in line with individual needs, so it’s worth your time to consider them when looking for the best boots for trail work.
