For professionals that need to wear work boots on the job, especially those involved in heavy physical labor, boot breathability is a quality that cannot be underestimated or ignored.
Why look specifically for breathability, when you want work boots to protect from injury, water, and often the cold?
Because work boots that don’t breathe can experience accelerated deterioration of boot materials as well as contribute to unhealthy and uncomfortable conditions for your feet.
Breathability implies that there is sufficient air circulation within the boot during wear to prevent various forms of discomfort and consequences to both feet and boot construction.
We asked a group of professionals involved in heavy-duty physical labor at construction sites, on farms, and in industrial settings to test work boots that claim breathability as a selling attribute.
At the end of our research and trials, the Timberland PRO Pit Boss Men’s Six-inch Work Boots with Steel Safety Toe were overwhelmingly voted the best overall breathable work boots available on the market.
| Work Boots | Uppers | Outsoles | Safety | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberland PRO Pit Boss | 100% Nubuck leather | Rubber | Steel toe | Goodyear Welt construction, Polyurethane cushioned footbeds, Polyurethane shock-absorbing midsoles, Shock diffusion plates |
| Chippewa Waterproof 73101 Logger | 100% leather | Rubber | Steel toe | Waterproof, Bootie design keeps feet dry, Insulated, Cushioned, Shock absorption, Steel shank |
| Wolverine Raider 6-inch | 100% Leather | Rubber | Steel toe | Mesh moisture wicking lining |
| Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger | Full-grain leather | Rubber Vibram 430 | Leather insoles, Steel shanks, Goodyear welt construction, Steel shanks | |
| Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe | 100% oil-tanned full-grain leather | MAXIWEAR edge sole | ASTM F3445-21, ASTM 2413-18, ASTM F2892, EH | Poron comfort insole, Fiberglass Shank, Slip-resistant wedge outsole, Goodyear Storm Welt construction |
| Caterpillar Second Shift | 100% leather | Synthetic outsole | Steel toe, ASTM rated, EH | Contoured footbed, Moisture-wicking lining |
Regardless of the brand or manufacturer, breathable work boots are available in a myriad of designs and constructions as well as sizes. Most workers will not want to spend a lot of time sifting through hundreds of various work boots to find the best pair.
However, breathability can make a real difference in how you weather your workday especially if you work in a warmer climate.
So, what type of material should breathable boots be made from, what features should they have, and how much should they cost?
Breathability Characteristics in Work Boots
What makes a work boot more or less breathable?
Materials
Usually, leather is used in work boot construction and breathable boots are no exception. It can be combined with synthetics that are lightweight for increased breathability.
Built-in breathable work boot technology is the key! A pair of breathable work boots are constructed with certain features such as:
1.) Air channels
A great breathability characteristic, footwear designed with air channels is built for air circulation, meaning that feet will stay cool and more comfortable throughout the work shift.
2.) Mesh panels
This type of panel inserted in footwear allows for increased airflow. This increases air circulation so that cooler air can enter, and hotter air is pushed out.
This contributes to keeping feet cooler on the job. Mesh liners help moisture escape.
3.) Vents
Venting is often integrated into the design of the top part of workplace footwear. Vents have two great capabilities.
They allow air into the boot to circulate, but at the same time will not allow water in should the weather turn bad.
Perspiration Control
A breathable work boot not only guarantees air ventilation and protection from injury but will contrast perspiration and odors. You don’t want sweaty feet all day and the bad smells that accompany excessive perspiration.
Breathability will increase the circulation of air which in turn will help with moisture wicking to keep feet dry and avoid the formation of blisters, chafing, and fungus.
Durability
Breathable work boots wear just like any other footwear used daily. Look for quality components and good solid boot construction.
The Reviews
Best Overall Breathable Work Boots
1.) Timberland PRO Pit Boss Men’s Six-inch Work Boots with Steel Safety Toe
- STAY ON YOUR FEET: Our Pit Boss is everything a steel toe boot should be: Safe, tough & comfortable. These leather work boots meet ANSI safety standards and feature slip-, oil- and abrasion resistant outsoles for traction & padded top collars for comfort.
- SAFETY AND COMFORT: PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology is a unique comfort system that meets the most rigorous work site demands -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It helps reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and cushion every step.
- A SOURCE OF PRIDE: We know you take pride in your work, so our soft-toed shoes and boots and steel-toe boots and shoes are designed to provide you with enhanced job performance day in and day out.
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 looking for excellent impact injury protection, you may want a work boot with a steel toe. These work boots from the Timberland PRO series feature steel safety toe caps for impact protection.
Outsoles are produced in rubber and resist abrasion, slippage, and even oily surfaces to provide you with good traction and grip. Midsoles in polyurethane are well-cushioned for superb shock absorption.
If you work long shifts, these boots offer comfort during long work shifts. They also are made with shock-diffusion plates for shock management during heavy-duty physical labor.
Pros
-
-
- Nubuck leather uppers offer flexibility
- Easy to clean
- Steel-toe safety caps
- Outsoles resist slippage
- Goodyear Welt
- PU cushioned footbeds
- Polyurethane shock-absorbing midsoles
- Shock diffusion plates
-
Cons
-
-
- Sizing is narrow
-
Best Waterproof Breathable Work Boots
2.) Chippewa Waterproof 73101 Logger Work Boot
- Medium arch
- Removable orthotics
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.
Designed as footwear for the logging industry, the Chippewa Work Boot features waterproofed leather uppers with resistant Vibram rubber outsoles.
A safety steel toe protects feet from falling materials, debris, or tools at your work site. The oiled leather uppers will resist abrasion.
This work boot has a “Chip-a-Tex” bootie to keep your feet dry. 400 grams of Chippewa’s ”Thinsulate” insulation guarantee warmth for working in cooler climates outdoors.
The midsole is made from rubber for shock absorption and features supportive cushioning. Stability plays a crucial role in Chippewa’s design with a triple ribbed steel shank.
A removable generously cushioned footbed joins a heel counter in thermoplastic for your wearing comfort. Heavy-duty boot laces have been waxed for waterproofing and enhanced durability.
Pros
-
-
- Steel Safety Toe
- Waterproof leather boot uppers
- Bootie design keeps feet dry
- Insulated for warmth
- Cushioned
- Shock absorption
- Steel shank
-
Cons
-
-
- Durability
-
Best Steel Toe Breathable Work Boots
3.) Wolverine Raider 6-inch Work Boots with Steel Toe
- Multishock shock absorbing compression pads molded in the outsole. Lightweight PU midsole
- Moisture managing mesh linings
- Wolverine multishox contour welt construction
- Removable full cushion footbed
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.
This Wolverine Raider six-inch steel toe Work Boot makes our list due to boot uppers in 100% full-grain leather together with a hardy lugged rubber outsole for superb traction. They keep you warm and dry and prevent liquids from entering.
Comfort is equally important for manufacturer Wolverine. As you put your feet into the boots, you immediately enjoy a well-cushioned footbed.
The polyurethane sole is quite lightweight, and this work boot offers good solid shock absorption while working.
Pros
-
-
- Breathable mesh lining
- Boot uppers made of full-grain leather
- Contour Welt construction
- Flexible
- Multishox footbed is removable
- Lightweight polyurethane midsole
- Resistant to slippage
- Rubber lugged outsole
- Abrasion-resistant
-
Cons
-
-
- Sizing may vary
- Quality control considerations
-
Best Soft Toe Breathable Work Boots
4.) Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger Leather Work Boots
- Triple stitched quality. 48 inch black or brown taslan lace
- Features a bump toe for more room up-front
- Vibram 430 Mini-lug outsole
- Fit Tip-1/2 size smaller than their normal size. Hardware- Nickel Eyelets and Hooks. Outsole-Nitrile Cork.Steel shank
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.
We find the Iron Ranger work boot at the top of Red Wing’s Heritage Work Boot line. This iconic Red Wing boot is named for the Iron Range mountains in Minnesota because they are famous for the iron mining industry there.
These boots are made with triple-stitched, full-grain leather, 2mm thick. Toes are covered with extra leather. The boot is a six-inch boot with nickel eyes and hooks.
The Vibram430 mini-lug design outsole and cork midsole are joined with boot uppers with Goodyear Welt construction.
They may need some breaking in, when they take the form of your feet, they are exceptionally comfortable. Double layer heel and toe counters add to durability.
Pros
-
-
- Outsoles are Rubber Vibram 430
- Boot uppers are full-grain leather
- Leather insoles
- Shanks in steel
- Goodyear welt
-
Cons
-
-
- Sizing runs large
- Tread is shallow
- Without safety toe
- Requires breaking in
-
Best Slip Resistant Breathable Work Boots
5.) Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe Men’s Work Boot Featuring a Wedge Sole
- REMOVABLE ULTIMATE SHOCK ABSORPTION FOOTBED uses dual-density polyurethane concentrated under heel and ball strike zones to absorb impacts and wick away moisture for the most comfortable out-of-the-box work boot out there.
- GOODYEAR STORM WELT CONSTRUCTION provides superior wear resistance and moisture seal between upper and midsole making these extremely dependable and long-lasting mens work boots.
- FIBERGLASS SHANK CONSTRUCTION gives these mens work boots the flex and strength needed to maintain their shape under heavy duress, and 6-inch flexible ankle support keeps you secure up top.
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.
Esteemed American manufacturer Thorogood produces these handsome moc toe men’s work boots complete with wedge outsoles.
Boot uppers are produced in genuine oil-tanned leather are available in several color choices. The innovative MAXWear outsole is resistant to slippage and made as a polyurethane wedge.
Thorogood employs Goodyear storm welt construction for noteworthy durability. Boots have fiberglass shanks for protection and support while footbeds are removable and shock-absorbing.
Pros
-
-
- Goodyear Storm Welt
- Leather Work Boot Uppers
- Shank in fiberglass
- Poron comfort insole is removable
- wedge Slip-resistant outsole
-
Cons
-
-
- Not waterproofed
- Squeaking reported
- Require some breaking in
-
Best Moisture Wicking Breathable Work Boots
6.) Caterpillar Second Shift with steel safety toe Work Boot
- Ankle-cut work boot with steel toe with padded ankle and oil-resistant outsole
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.
Caterpillar created these work boots for those professionals that work a second shift, making comfort and breathability a priority. The price tag shows them to be affordable and budget-friendly at half the cost of some premium work boots.
Removable Footbeds allow you to substitute them if you want or need a custom-made insole. Boot uppers are made in full-grain water-resistant leather. Steel shanks integrated into the boot support arches. This boot is also lightweight.
These boots bring lots of flexibility but still support your feet. The padded boot collar on the ankle adds to the comfort and offers a bit of ankle support.
Caterpillar has integrated a “Climasphere” sock liner for wicking away excess moisture from perspiring feet. Chafing and blistering are prevented as well as the risk of infection.
This work boot can be acquired with steel toes or without in a soft toe version, although we liked the steel toe boot that is ASTM F2413-05 M I/75 C/75- certified.
Both outsoles and the toe zones offer electrical hazard protection. Rubber soles are slip and oil-resistant are connected to boot uppers using Goodyear welt construction methodology.
Pros:
-
-
- The contoured footbed is removable
- Budget-friendly
- Steel Shank gives good arch support
- EH and ASTM safety rated
- Goodyear welt construction used
- Steel safety toes or soft toes options are available
- Breathable moisture-wicking inner lining
-
Cons:
-
-
- water-resistant boot uppers are not waterproofed
-
Work Boots made with Safety in Mind
The foremost safety feature used in work boots is the safety toe. Often referred to as a toe box or toe cap, this safety feature provides a protective layer covering your toes.
This means that if tools, materials, or debris fall, onto your feet, they are protected from impact injury. Safety toe protection is produced in a variety of materials:
1.) Steel toe. Considered the gold standard in toe protection, the steel toe cap is heavier, and can be more uncomfortable but does protect thoroughly.
2.) Composite toe. these toe boxes are non-metallic. If you work with or around electricity, machinery, or live wires, the composite safety toe is an efficacious choice.
3.) Aluminum toe. An aluminum toe cap protects just like a steel toe cap, but, it is lightweight. A bit more expensive than the traditional steel toes, aluminum, they protect all the same. Budget permitting, these lightweight alternatives merit consideration.
Regardless of which toe box, you select, they give added protection. Check to see if your company has safety toe requirements in place.
Electrical Hazard Protection
An EH rating means that work boots have an “electrical hazard designation”. The ASTM-American Society of Testing and Materials will have verified boots for protection from electrocution and electric shock up to a maximum of 1800 volts a minute in dry conditions.
EH certified work boots prevent transference of electrical current to workers, thus saving lives. These certified boots permit you to move away from electrical current.
Thick soles and heels will insulate from electrical shock and are non-conductive of electrical current. Efficacious insulators include rubber, carbon fiber, polyurethane, and plastic.
If feet encounter live wires, a good work boot will block the current at the point of contact, dissipating it and directing it into the ground, so when working around combustible gases and liquid, static buildup doesn’t start fires.
Conclusion
While safety must be your priority during work, breathability and comfort are no less important. All of the work boots on our list offer exceptional breathability to keep feet comfortable for any professional in any climate.
