If your profession requires you to wear work boots and you happen to have narrow feet, not just any pair of work boots will meet your needs.
Narrow feet are slimmer, and so with standard-sized work boots, there is often a gap between feet and the sides of the boots. It can be even larger around the ankles and the instep.
To provide adequate support to feet and ankles, boots for narrow feet should feature padded interiors, a slender toe to heel design, and preferably be lace-up.
If you have narrow feet, you most likely know well the difficulty in finding good footgear, so we’ve decided to help. We searched and tested work boots designed for narrow feet.
Our top pick is Cat Men’s Footwear Diagnostic Work Boot with Steel Toe. We liked these work boots for their safety features, waterproofing, and insulation.
Another lightweight work boot specifically made for narrow feet is the Wolverine SR Men’s Dura Shock 6-inch Safety Work Boot and we liked it because of all the included features such as steel toes, antimicrobial treatment, moisture-wicking linings, and non-slip outsoles.
| Work Boots | Upper | Outsole | Safety | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Men’s Footwear Diagnostic | 100% Leather | Rubber | EH, Slip-resistant outsoles, Steel toes | 200g Thinsulate insulation, Eva insole is removable, Waterproof leather |
| Danner Arcadia Men’s 8-inch | Leather and cordura | Vibram | – | Waterproof, Breathable, Gore-Tex lining, Fiberglass shank |
| Wolverine SR Men’s Dura Shock 6-inch | 100% Leather | Rubber | Anti-slip, EH, Steel toes | Water-resistant, Full cushion insole, Moisture-wicking lining, Antimicrobial treatment |
| Georgia Boot Athens Men’s Waterproof | Leather and suede | Rubber | ASTM EH F2892 | Waterproof, TPU shank, Memory foam insole |
Best Narrow Width Work Boots
Best Overall Work Boots for Narrow Width Feet
1.) Cat Men’s Footwear Diagnostic Work Boot with Steel Toe
- Insulated work boot in waterproof leather featuring antiqued lacing hardware and contrast tone at toe and collar
- 200g Thinsulate insulation
- Steel toe
- Removable EVA foam insert with gel technology
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 is an all-around impressive work boot for pros with narrow-width feet. Produced in 100% leather, boot uppers are durable, yet attractive enough for after-work appointments.
Steel safety toes protect feet from impact and compression injuries, and 200g of Thinsulate insulation makes sure your feet are warm when working outside or in colder environments.
A nylon mesh lining works to keep feet dry and comfortable while an EVA perforated insole and gel technology work to cushion impact stress.
Pros
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- Waterproof
- Outsoles are slip-resistant
- Shock absorbing capabilities
- Thinsulate
- EH rated
- Steel toes
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Cons
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- A bit heavy
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Best 8-Inch Work Boots for Narrow Width Feet
2.) Danner Arcadia Men’s 8-inch Work Boots
- Tactical boot in full-grain leather and 1000 Denier nylon with waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining and supportive fiberglass shank
- Stitchdown construction makes the boot recraftable in Danners Portland factory
- Shank is made of Fiberglass and Non-Insulated
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.
These 8-inch work boots manufactured by Danner offer impressive support for those that prefer a higher shaft. The style is understated, and attractive thanks to a full-grain leather upper boot combined with 1000 denier nylon that is scuff, tear, and abrasion-resistant.
Breathability is ensured thanks to the integrated textile and this boot will dry rapidly if it gets wet. The lace-to-toe style gives a custom fit while the liner in Gore-Tex makes this boot totally waterproof.
Boot construction is stitched, and the wider outsole platform improves stability. These boots also boast fiberglass shanks for added support.
Outsoles are Vibram Kletterlift affording comfort and durability. These boots also feature good shock absorption.
Pros
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- Nice secure fit
- Waterproof
- Great traction
- Breathable
- Understated style
- Lightweight
- Easy maintenance
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Cons
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- Are a bit stiff when new
- Pricey
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Best Steel Toe Work Boots for Narrow Width Feet
3.) Wolverine SR Men’s Dura Shock 6-inch Safety Work Boot
- Tumbled full-grain leather upper
- Removable full-cushion dual-density foot bed
- Removable full-cushion dual-density foot bed
- Wolverine Dura shocks SR designed for slippery work environments
- Moisture-managing mesh lining wicks away moisture and keeps feet dry and cool for all day comfort
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.
Michigan-based manufacturer Wolverine offers this outstanding work boot with lots of protective features. Slip-resistant outsoles with a full-grain leather water-resistant upper boot in an attractive lace-up style immediately grab your attention.
While the uppers are water-resistant, a mesh lining is moisture-wicking to keep your feet dry and odor-free also thanks to antimicrobial treatment.
Safety features likewise impress with steel safety toe caps and EH protection. A dual-density insole cushions feet for extra comfort and is both removable and washable.
Pros
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- Attractive style
- Water-resistant
- Steel safety toes
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Mesh moisture-wicking lining
- Lightweight
- Outsole is non-slip
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Cons
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- Not completely waterproof
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Best Waterproof Work Boots for Narrow Width Feet
4.) Georgia Boot Athens Men’s Waterproof Work Boot
- Full Grain and Split Suede Leather
- Georgia Waterproof
- TPU Shank
- Amp Memory Foam Footbed
- Cement and Stitch Out Construction
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.
Even though lace-up boots offer a more customized fit, some of you may prefer a pull-on boot even with slender, narrow feet. Well, if you also want a waterproof work boot, this Georgia Boot work boot is worth consideration.
These work boots are completely waterproof, and they are a ten-inch tall boot for great mid-calf protection and boast a 15-inch calf circumference opening. Construction is a combination of cement and out stitching.
Durable and comfortable, the Athens Work boot features an EVA midsole with an “advanced memory polyurethane” insole for lots of arch support.
A thermal polyurethane shank adds support and a Georgia “anchor disk” is included for the heel. Rubber outsoles are slip-resistant.
Pros
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- Waterproof
- Durable
- Slip-resistant outsoles
- EH compliant
- Lots of support
- Memory foam insole
- Comfortable
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Cons
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- Without a safety toe
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What We Looked for When Choosing Our Best Narrow Width Work Boots
Clearly, work boots specifically manufactured for narrow feet should feature certain characteristics. These are the features we looked for.
1.) Footbeds with Cushioning
For a narrow foot, the amount of cushioning in the insole can be very important both for ensuring comfort and absorbing shock as you walk and move. They also will contribute to the foot support.
Narrow feet, with overall low volume, are at risk for impact stress during walking. Increased cushioning can help contrast impact during movement and the stress that follows.
Look for work boots with generous cushioning. Another option is removable insoles that can be replaced with custom orthotics.
2.) Interior Padding
Because narrow feet are slender with low volume, it is wise to look for work boots that feature interior padding in areas like the boot tongue and collar.
Interior padding will aid in filling any excess space and gaps inside the boot and will cushion feet completely to increase comfort and combat impact stress.
3.) Lace-Up Style
If you have narrow feet, a lace-up system for closing your footwear is ideal. Laces afford the closest option to a custom-made work boot made specifically for your feet.
Laces allow you to pull the boot sides of the boot uppers as close and tight as you wish. A Lace-up design gives you a bit of custom fit.
Look for work boots that have a generously sized lace-up system. Choose lace-up systems with a greater number of eyelets for a better fit. Don’t settle for 3 or 4 pairs of eyelets. 8 to 10 eyelet airs will give superior support and fit.
And don’t forget the shoelaces! Since you need laces to maintain that comfortable snug fit while working, sturdy, durable shoelaces are a must.
If you find a pair that meets all of your work boot needs and that also offers a lace-to-toe design, go for it. These work boots will permit you to lace from the edge of the toe box right up to the top of the boot shaft.
It offers the most extensive customized fit and support for feet, contributing to stability during movement.
4.) Slender Toe-to-Heel Design
When selecting work boots for narrow feet, the boot should propose a design that is specifically designed for this foot shape.
If you are buying work boots with safety toes, it will not be sufficient to choose a boot that only has a narrow toe box. You need a boot design that answers the needs of your entire foot.
One method for evaluating if a work boot features a narrow design is to view them from the heels forward. If you cannot see the toe box or can see it just barely, the design is aimed at naturally slender feet.
5.) Outsoles with Greater Width
A work boot designed for narrow feet ideally will feature outsoles that are wider in width. This will increase stability for professionals with narrow feet by offering a wider base during movement or when standing. Wider bases aid the dispersing of body weight more evenly.
Features to Consider for any Work Boot
1.) Boot material
Boot uppers generally are produced in leather to increase breathability and durability. You can look for moisture-wicking linings to keep feet dry and antimicrobial treatments to fight bacteria and unpleasant odors.
2.) Boot construction: welting, stitched, or cement attachment
Cement construction signifies that the boot uppers are cemented to the boots’ outsoles thanks to an industrial-grade cement adhesive.
Welting construction offers more durability and will be priced higher. Goodyear welting has double stitching for outsole attachment.
Work boots with welted construction allow for outsoles to be replaced avoiding the necessity for a new pair of boots. Work boots with cement attachment cannot be re-soled.
3.) Outsole material: Rubber or synthetic. Tread and With or Without Lugs?
Slip-resistant soles are a great safety feature. Rubber lugs on outsoles help when working on uneven terrain or when exceptional traction is required.
TPU outsoles made from thermoplastic polyurethane offer more elasticity as well as chemical resistance. They can offer increased protection from damage due to oil.
4.) Safety: EH protection, puncture-resistant soles, safety toe caps, and much more.
Necessary safety features will be determined by your profession. Steel, alloy, or composite toe safety caps will protect your feet from impact injury as will metatarsal guards.
Electric Hazard protection is for those pros that work with or around electricity, while puncture-resistant outsoles protect those working on rough terrain or that walk on surfaces with metal or glass shards.
Your work boot characteristics should meet any required safety standards and all workplace hazards for your profession.
5.) Insulation
Insulation is necessary if you work in extreme weather or a cold climate outdoors. There are different kinds of insulation available as well as weight and thickness to meet individual climate needs.
6.) Waterproofing
Most leather work boot uppers are water-resistant to some extent, but this does not mean that they are waterproof.
Some manufacturers treat boots to provide a certain amount of waterproofing. Still, others will have waterproof membranes to keep feet completely dry in wet working conditions.
Do Your Feet Qualify as Narrow?
To determine if you have narrow feet, you will need to measure the length and the width of your feet. The combination of these two measurements determines if your feet are considered narrow.
Here is how to measure your feet:
1.) Place 2 sheets of paper parallel on the pavement and tape them firmly to the ground.
2.) Stand on the sheets of paper and outline your feet or ask someone else to aid you in outlining.
3.) Using a ruler, measure the width and the length of the outlines.
4.) Check out the measurement chart. Larger measurements for corresponding shoe sizes will be standard or wide boot sizes.
| Narrow Width | Size |
| 3 and 5/16” | 6, 6.5 |
| 3 and 3/8” | 7, 7.5 |
| 3 ½ “ | 8 |
| 3 and 5/8” | 8.5, 9 |
| 3 and 11/16” | 9.5 |
| 3 ¾ “ | 10, 10.5 |
| 3 and 15/16” | 11, 11.5 |
| 4” | 12 |
| 4 and 1/8” | 12.5, 13 |
| 4 and 3/16” | 13.5 |
Conclusion
While searching for a comfortable and protective pair of work boots if you have narrow feet may appear to be challenging, you can take heart because the marketplace offers a lot of fine quality boots that are great options even for the slenderest feet.
Make sure to measure both the width and length of your feet to ensure what type of boot width you should be looking for.
Armed with the correct narrow sizing, begin looking for boots that are comfortable, protective, lightweight, and that have any specific features you may require for your profession.
When selecting work boots, try boot options on in the afternoon when feet will be the most swollen to effectively evaluate the fit, and look for the pair that you feel you will be able to wear comfortably for extended periods.
