You may be wondering why you would want “athletic” safety boots. Well, not every profession or job necessitates a full traditional work boot, but still requires safety features to protect your feet.
So, we researched and tested to find you a selection of the best athletic work boots for on-the-job comfortable protection.
Our team tested a good number of athletic work boots at construction sites, in industrial environments, and even down on the farm.
In the end, our top choice for the best athletic work boot is the Keen Utility Atlanta Safety Boot for its exceptional combination of comfortable footbeds, water-resistant Nubuck leather and mesh uppers, slip-resistant outsoles, hydrophobic mesh lining, and a steel safety toe cap.
Another athletic work boot that we gave consistently high votes to is the Carhartt Oxford Hiker Safety Boot for its superb comfort. Let’s examine how we selected our list of best athletic safety boots.
| Athletic Boot | Uppers | Soles | Safety | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keen Utility Atlanta | Leather and mesh | Rubber | Steel toe | Yes |
| Carhartt Oxford CMO3251 | Textile and synthetic | Rubber | Steel toe | Water-resistant |
| Timberland PRO Sport Powertrain | Nylon | Polyurethane | Alloy toe | No |
| Skechers Cankton 77055 Athletic | Suede and Mesh | Synthetic | Steel toe | No |
Top Athletic Safety Shoes Reviews
Best Overall Athletic Safety Boots
1.) Keen Utility Atlanta Athletic Safety Boot with Steel Toe
- Torsional Stability Shank
- Dual density compression molded Eva midsole
- Left and Right asymmetrical steel toes
- Reflective webbing for additional safety
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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.
The Keen Utility Flint athletic safety boots feature EVA footbeds that are dual-density meaning that they will cushion your feet with every step you take.
Safety features include heavy-duty steel protective toe caps, so you have no worry of your toes being crushed by heavy tools, falling objects, or even debris.
Sturdy rubber soles provide superb traction on all kinds of slippery surfaces as these outsoles are oil-resistant, and slippage-resistant meaning both in the workplace or out on the trail, you will be protected from falls. Reflective webbing also contributes to increased visibility for safety.
Another factor that helped us select these Keen Utility boots as our overall choice is that they are produced with nubuck leather that is water-resistant so your feet will remain dry if you find yourself on wet surfaces.
All things considered, we found the comfortable footbeds, water-resistant Nubuck leather uppers, slip-resistant outsoles, hydrophobic mesh lining, and a steel safety toe cap to be a winning combination for superb overall protection and comfort for athletic professionals in the workplace and outside.
Pros
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- Steel protective safety toe caps
- Sturdy rubber outsoles that are oil-resistant and slippage-resistant
- Metatomical cushioned EVA footbeds
- Nubuck and mesh water-resistant boot uppers
- Hydrophobic mesh lining
- Reflective webbing
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Cons
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- Can loosen during wear
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Best Comfort Athletic Safety Boots
2.) Carhartt Oxford CMO3251 Hiker Steel Toe Safety Boot
- ADVANCED FOOTBED
- FASTDRY TECHNOLOGY
- ELECTRICAL PROTECTION
- CHEMICAL AND ABRASION RESISTANT
- QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST
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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.
This is an impressive safety boot. Superior comfort characterizes this boot thanks to a footbed that is double foamed and EVA midsoles that are compression injected molded for outstanding cushioning and foot support. Foot pain or serious foot conditions should not be a problem with this pair of boots.
Carhartt integrates a “FastDry” technology in this boot to keep feet dry and also cool when working in hot climates or environments. This technology wicks moisture away for the well-being of your feet.
Protective features, include electrical hazard protection of up to 18,000 volts if you happen to be an electrician or work around electricity.
Steel toe caps guarantee that toes are protected from heavy falling debris, or tools should these fall in the direction of your feet. Rubber outsoles boast resistance to oil, chemicals, and heat. They are also abrasion and slip-resistant providing fantastic traction regardless of the surface.
Pros
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- Footbeds are double foamed
- EVA midsoles offer great shock absorption
- Moisture-wicking
- EH rated
- Resistant to chemicals, oil, and heat
- Abrasion and slippage resistant
- Steel toe caps
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Cons
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- Sizing runs narrow
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Best Sport Athletic Safety Boots
3.) Timberland PRO Sport Powertrain Safety Athletic Boot
- KEEP IT COMFORTABLE
- SAFETY AND COMFORT
- A SOURCE OF PRIDE
- QUALITY WORKWEAR
- LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE
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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.
Timberland is a top manufacturer of footwear, especially safety footwear. These Timberland Powertrain boots are no exception when considering the well-being of your feet.
They come with alloy safety toes for impact injury protection and the alloy safety toe, lighter than steel toe caps, contributes to Timberland’s goal of lightweight protective footwear.
Dual-density PU outsoles provide superb traction when walking on slippery surfaces or uneven terrain. Cement construction guarantees durability and flexibility while on the go.
Premium quality ripstop boot uppers in nylon resist tears, pulls, and scratches. Lightweight mesh linings wick away moisture and prevent odors. Finally, this is an attractively designed athletic sport shoe that protects.
Pros
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- Stylish design
- Alloy safety toes
- Cement construction
- Premium quality nylon boot uppers
- PU outsoles are dual density
- Mesh moisture-wicking lining
- Anti-fatigue
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Cons
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- Durability/Quality control concerns
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Best Ergonomic Athletic Safety Boots
4.) Skechers Cankton 77055 Athletic Steel Toe Work Shoe
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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.
These Skechers 77055 athletic safety work boots feature great ergonomic features. This is important regardless of which activity you are involved in, on-the-job or on-the-trail.
Memory foam footbeds offer impressive cushioning for your feet that prevent foot pain for physically active people in constant motion.
Additionally, shock-absorbing midsoles complete Skechers’ intent in eliminating foot pain while on the move. They offer protection from fatigue caused by standing on hard surfaces for extended periods or from navigating uneven terrain in the great outdoors.
Safety features include sturdy steel safety toes to keep feet safe toe crushing impact injuries, and slip-resistant outsoles feature a thick lug design that can dig deep into just about any surface for exceptional traction.
Breathable mesh panels are integrated with attractive sued leather into the upper boot design to improve breathability, and thus comfort.
Pros
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- Steel protective safety toe caps
- EH protection
- Relaxed fit
- Sturdy outsoles feature lug design for excellent traction
- Memory Foam cushioned footbeds
- Midsoles are shock absorbing
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Cons
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- Durability concerns
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What Exactly Is an Athletic Safety Boot?
Athletic safety boots or protective footwear are designed just like other types of work boots, but the design includes an important characteristic: activity. Protective safety athletic boots aren’t limited to use in the workplace alone.
Consider if you like to hike mountainous terrain or in locations where uneven ground and natural pathways are common, or perhaps working on a farm, athletic work boots can ensure the protection of your feet.
This type of boot is designed and manufactured with athletic performance as part of the formula. So, if you are working in an environment that requires you to wear safety footwear, but not necessarily a traditional full work boot, this type of footwear is less bulky, lighter in weight, and offers increased agility.
Will an Athletic Safety Work Boot Prevent Injury?
Unfortunately, no protective safety footwear will render you immune to foot injuries. Just placing your foot incorrectly on an uneven work surface can have you spraining your ankle because it rolls out on you.
Nonetheless, safety footwear will increase the odds of you having a mishap on the job and injuring yourself.
All safety work boots are produced to provide your entire foot with protection, unlike a regular pair of everyday shoes. Athletic safety work boots offer a great combination of flexibility, style, comfort, and above all, safety.
What Are the Benefits of Selecting an Athletic Safety Boot?
First off, athletic safety boots are designed with very active people in mind, so comfort, flexibility, and agility in movement are key considerations in the manufacturing of these boots, meaning moving, running, and even jumping are factored into their production.
Outsole treads are fashioned with uneven terrain and surfaces in mind. An added factor is style. You’ll find an extensive choice of styles and colors available for your choosing.
Athletic Safety Boots in a Hazardous Workplace
Protective footwear is a requirement in any type of construction, industrial, agricultural, or tradesmen workplace. If you plan on selecting an athletic safety boot, check to see that these boots comply with your employer’s rules or with standard safety operating procedures.
Make sure the athletic safety footwear you choose meets all the criteria for your particular profession. Any athletic footwear that does not meet standard safety requirements does not qualify as safety footwear and should not be worn in any environment requiring safety gear.
Things to Consider for an Athletic Safety Boot
When purchasing a pair of athletic safety boots, consider these factors when selecting.
1.) Boot Construction
The method of construction used influences quality as well as durability. Three construction methods are commonly applied when attaching the boot upper to the outsole:
Cement Simple and inexpensive, this method glues boot uppers to boot outsoles using industrial adhesive glue. Durability will depend a lot on the speed of glue deterioration.
Goodyear Welt Known as the “durability” method, this is a water-resistant process. It employs the use of leather, plastic, or rubber, to connect the uppers with the outsoles.
It will translate into a more expensive price tag, however, boots produced with this method are easily repaired and permit outsole replacement.
Molded Injection is employed for the joining of the boot parts. Stitching and adhesives are not used. This binding is water-resistant but cannot be repaired.
Comfort is an absolute priority when selecting footwear. Discomfort during any workday will be a distraction and potentially painful. Chafing and blisters can ruin your day, and risk infection. Your comfort begins by buying the right size, so try the footwear on before buying.
2.) Cushioned Insoles.
The insole or footbed is the part of the footwear where your foot lays. The insole runs the length of the foot from toes to the heel. This component supports your foot.
Various types of cushioning like gel inserts or foam footbeds are included to improve overall comfort. Antimicrobial treatments and moisture-wicking liners can improve comfort.
3.) EH Protection
Electrical dissipation is found in two types:
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- non-conductive
- static dissipating
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Work boots that are non-conductive will feature an EH rating and come with insulated soles. Work boots that dissipate static permit electrical current flow.
If you work near combustible gases or liquid, any static electricity charges will pass through the boot directly into the ground to prevent sparks from static buildup from creating fires or explosions.
4.) Insulation
You may need it, but you may not. Insulation becomes important in extreme weather conditions.
5.) Midsoles and Shanks
This is the boot component that sits between the footbed and the boot’s outsole. This component may specifically be designed for shock absorption during movement.
The shank is a protective plate positioned in between outsole and midsole. Available in many materials such as steel, Kevlar, nylon, fiberglass, or plastic, it has an important role in the work boot’s stability. Puncture-resistant plates are also available for increased protection.
6.) Outsoles
The outsole directly touches the ground. Durability is a key consideration because you don’t want the sole separating from the rest of the boot.
Anti-slip traction and stability are also important aspects to take into consideration. Lugged treads can improve traction during movement. Outsoles are often made from rubber, but polyurethane or synthetic outsoles are equally common. (19 Different Types of Soles for Boots)
7.) Safety Toe protection
The safety toe cap is a type of box positioned inside the boot for protecting toes from being crushed by falling debris, machinery, or heavy tools in the workplace.
Usually manufactured in steel there are now many safety toe caps in fiberglass, composites, aluminum, carbon fibers, and even plastics.
Aluminum and composite safety toe caps are lighter than steel thus they don’t add to the boot’s overall weight. Composite toe caps also are not electrical conductors for those in need of EH protection.
8.) Waterproofing
If you will be using your athletic safety boots outside, near streams, for hiking, or near water in general, waterproofing becomes paramount to protecting your feet and keeping them dry.
Wet feet and socks can cause blistering, chafing, itchiness, and discomfort. Water can speed up the deterioration of the materials used in the boots themselves, shortening the boot life.
9.) Weight
The boot weight can influence how comfortable your boot is especially in an athletic safety boot. Athletic boots are intended for people who move a great deal or are on their feet most of the day. Heavy boots can add to discomfort and foot fatigue.
The Bottom Line
For athletic or active workers that strive for agility, comfort, and protection, these best athletic safety boots will serve you well in the workplace or on the trail. All of these boots merit consideration.
We hope our article will start you off on your search for the perfect athletic safety boot for your needs. Thank you for reading.
