Perhaps you need a good pair of comfortable work boots for your profession, but you are not exposed to any risk of falling debris, heavy tools, or machinery, and therefore are not in need of steel toe or composite toe protection.
Or maybe the conditions in your workplace have significantly reduced the risk of serious accidents involving feet.
But you still want those work boots. And you can find them because so many footwear manufacturers produce their best-selling steel toe work boots in a soft toe version, or they specifically design soft toe work boots.
Soft toe work boots tend to weigh less, offer more flexibility, and are softer overall adding up to more comfort while on the job.
We asked a team of professionals including architects, engineers, and managers, to give us a heads up on what they look for in a soft toe work boot, and then we asked them to wear several to work for a month. The results are in our Best Soft Toe Work Boot list.
Our top 6-inch pick was the Timberland PRO Pit Boss Soft Toe 6-inch work boot. We liked the combination of rugged Nubuck and rubber used in the construction together with an anti-foot fatigue design.
For those who love pull-on boots, we recommend the Ariat Rambler Western Cowboy work boot or Caterpillar’s Revolver Pull-on Boots. Both are great soft toe pull-on alternatives.
Comparison of Top Soft Toe Boots
| Soft Toe Boot | Uppers | Outsole | Waterproof | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberland PRO Pit Boss Soft Toe 6-inch | 100% leather | Rubber | No | Meet ANSI standards for outsoles |
| Thorogood American Heritage MAXwear 8-inch Soft Toe | Full-grain leather | Maxwear wedge sole | No | EH rated |
| Ariat Rambler Wide Square Western Cowboy Boot | 100 % leather | Duratread rubber compounds | Water-resistant | ASTM rated |
| Wolverine Waterproof Soft Toe Floorhand | 100% leather | Rubber | Yes | Slip-resistant |
| Caterpillar Revolver Pull-On Men’s | 100 % leather | Rubber | No | Oil, slip-resistant, EH rated |
| Rockrooster Underwood Soft Toe Construction Boots | Nubuck leather | Rubber | Water-resistant | EH rated |
Detailed Reviews of Soft Toe Boots
1. Best Soft Toe 6-inch Work Boot
Timberland PRO Pit Boss 6-inch Work Boot with soft toe
- Safe, tough & comfortable. These leather work boots meet ANSI safety standards & feature slip-, oil- & abrasion resistant outsoles for increased traction.
- PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology. It helps reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and cushion every step.
- Rugged Nubuck Leather upper, built with Goodyear Welt Construction for a durable mechanical bond, and Nylon Shock-Diffusion Plate for stability.
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 in a steel toe version with construction workers in mind, these protective soft toe work boots are a credible choice for any professional looking for comfort and durability.
They are manufactured with an open-cell polyurethane footbed insole that features antimicrobial treatment for a combo of odor control and great cushioning. This footbed works to prevent foot fatigue while you are on the job.
A heavy-duty outsole made of rubber provides great resistance to slipping, oily surfaces, and abrasion. The uppers are produced in rugged Nubuck leather. A shock diffusion plate in nylon is included for stability and the construction is Goodyear Welt.
Pros
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- Leather uppers in Nubuck
- Goodyear welt construction
- Rubber outsoles
- ANSI safety standards met
- Shock diffusion plate in nylon
- Slippage, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsole
- Mid-price range
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Cons
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- May require a period of breaking in
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2. Best Soft Toe 8-inch Work Boot
Thorogood American Heritage MAXwear 8-inch Soft Toe Work Boot
- Removable Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed on Poron comfort cushion insole
- Fiberglass shank
- MAXWear Wedge slip resistant outsole
- Goodyear storm welt construction
- TOE PROTECTION: Non-Safety Toe
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.
Well-known manufacturer Thorogood produces these aesthetically appealing moc toe work boots featuring a wedge sole. The boot uppers are made with genuine leather that is oil-tanned and they are available in a few different colors.
The innovative feature here is the MAXWear outsole that resists slipping in the form of a polyurethane wedge. Thorogood employs Goodyear storm welt construction for increased durability.
Fiberglass shanks are included in the design to protect and support. Shock-absorbing removable footbeds complete the package.
Pros
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- Boot Uppers in full-grain leather
- Poron comfort insole is removable
- Shank in fiberglass
- Slippage-resistant outsole
- Goodyear Storm Welt construction method
- Made in USA
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Cons
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- No waterproofing
- May require breaking in
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3. Best Soft Toe Western Style Work Boot
Ariat Rambler Wide Square Western Cowboy Boot
- ALL-WEATHER BOOTS
- ATS TECHNOLOGY: Advanced Torque Stability (ATS) Technology is a helpful combination of a moisture wicking, gel-cushioned foot bed with a heel stabilizer for support and stability; It is lightweight and ergonomic and provides all-day comfort
- DURATREAD OUTSOLE: Extremely flexible for ultimate performance and wear resistance, making it an excellent choice for slippery surfaces
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 slip-on work boot offers an attractive cowboy style for lovers of western-style boots. It is a popular model made with 100% leather and a heavy-duty Duratread rubber compound outsole.
This western-style cowboy boot is designed as an all-weather boot to keep you comfortable wherever you go. An attractive boot for on-the-job, it can also be worn elsewhere.
Insoles can be removed and the footbed incorporates a moisture-wicking footbed to prevent perspiration buildup.
Produced using Ariat’s patented “Torque Stability” technology, it boasts increased stability and comfort during the workday. This is an excellent top-quality boot for both functionality and comfort.
Pros
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- Functional
- Durable
- 100% leather
- Comfortable
- Great Western style
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Cons
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- Sizing may not be true to size
- Toe space reported as a bit narrow
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4. Best Soft Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Wolverine Waterproof Soft Toe Floorhand Work Boot
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper to keep your feet dry in wet conditions
- Slip resistant rubber lug outsole to safely keep your footing in slippery conditions
- Lightweight cement construction
- Durable nylon shank gives extra strength
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.
An attractive waterproof boot that is conceived by Wolverine to weather numerous work environmental situations while keeping feet dry and comfortable.
This manufacturer invests quite a bit in research and has patented a number of innovative technologies for the construction of their footwear.
Boot uppers are made in 100% full-grain waterproof leather while the outsole is synthetic with rubber lugs for resistance to slippage while you are out and about.
Boot construction employs a lightweight cement method. The boot also comes with a nylon shank for exceptional strength and durability.
Pros
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- Waterproof leather boot uppers
- Synthetic anti-slip outsole
- Nice appearance
- Budget-friendly
- Pliable and comfortable
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Cons
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- Breathability could be improved in hot weather
- Quality control regarding durability
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5. Best Soft Toe Pull-on Work Boot
Caterpillar Revolver Pull-On Men’s Work Boot
- Soft-toe work boot in rugged full-grain leather featuring dual pull-on loops with logo tag
- Oil-/slip-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.
If you like the ease of a pull-on boot rather than a lace-up, the Caterpillar Men’s Revolver should catch your attention. They are exceptionally comfortable.
This is a long boot for those preferring a higher type of footwear. You can save some time if you need to change footwear while on the job because these boots are super easy to pull on and off thanks to dual loops.
It boasts 100% leather uppers with a rubber outsole that is slip-resistant and oil-resistant offering good traction and grip regardless of the work surface.
EH protection and a midsole in PVC for shock absorbance. A nylon mesh lining increases breathability and a polyurethane sock liner adds cushioning. This is a comfortable boot to wear for long workdays that is aesthetically pleasing.
Pros
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- True to size fit
- Very Comfortable
- Rugged and Durable
- Waterproof
- Mid-range price
- Goodyear Welt
- PVC midsole to absorb shock
- EH protection
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Cons
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- May need breaking in
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6. Best Budget-friendly Soft Toe Work Boots
Rockrooster Underwood Soft Toe Construction Boots
- Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM F2892-18 EH standards.
- Steel shank alleviates pressure when climbing downstairs or ladders。
- PU Insole provides maximum comfort to your feet and long stand hours.
- Wide profile shape to suit your foot, and there won’t occur the kind of fore foot pain.
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 your budget is limited, these Rockrooster boots merit consideration. Priced lower than the other boots on our list, they nonetheless offer some great features.
They are manufactured with Nubuck leather with a rubber outsole. These work boots offer great EH protection meeting ASTM safety standards F2892-18.
A steel shank provides arch stability for less foot fatigue. An insole in polyurethane gives great cushioning and comfort. Break-in should be minimal by design.
Rockrooster also guarantees a 30-day money-back clause. If a defect occurs during the first 180days of wear, the boots will be replaced.
Pros
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- EH protection
- Nubuck leather uppers
- Rubber sole
- 30-day money-back guarantee
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Cons
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- Sizing considerations
- Cushioning could be better
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What We Looked for and Evaluated When Selecting
With so many offerings on the marketplace, it was incredibly challenging to whittle down our number of choices. We looked for comfort, design, sizing, weight, durability, and safety along with a few other characteristics and features. Here’s what we specifically considered when compiling or list.
1. Comfort
Comfort is decidedly among the most important factors to consider when considering a soft toe work boot. In any case, it’s one of the top features to look for. Discomfort during a long workday will most likely translate into pain by day’s end.
Regardless of your specific profession, you do not want to be uncomfortable or distracted while working. When search for quality and safety, comfort is important to both.
2. Construction/Durability
The construction method used in producing the boot will influence both the overall quality and the durability of the boot in consideration. As a result, the weight of the boot, its flexibility, and its overall performance in the work environment will also be influenced by this.
There are generally three construction methods used for attaching outsoles to boot uppers:
Cement. This is a popular, often used method due to its simplicity and contained cost for production. The boot uppers are joined to the outsoles using industrial glue. While this is a less expensive method, durability can reduced over time.
Goodyear Welt. This construction method is practically synonymous with durability. Many boots that use this technique will also be water-resistant.
Using plastic, leather, or rubber, a connection will be created between the boot upper and the sole. This method increases the overall price of the boot but boots using this method are easier to repair and to re-sole.
Molded. This construction method utilizes injection to join the upper and sole. It requires no stitching or adhesives yet provides a great binding that is water-resistant. On the downside, they cannot be repaired.
See also: Steel Toe Vs Soft Toe Boots
3. Foot Support
Soft toe work boots will come with shafts in varying heights. If your profession requires ankle flexibility, this should be taken into consideration when choosing.
For heavy lifting, you may want a metatarsal guard. Other professions may require increased calf and ankle support, so this should play into your choice and the height of the boot shaft.
4. Soles and Heels
Do you need to climb, perhaps on ladders or scaffolding? Then you need a boot sole and heel that will grip the ladder with a heel height that sits at approximately 0.75 inches with a slope of 45°.
Outsoles should also be slippage-resistant and oil-resistant, so you don’t risk a fall and serious injury. In an industrial environment, even if you select a soft toe work boot, you may want a puncture-resistant sole to avoid nails and sharp metal shards from puncturing not only your boot but your foot as well.
Should you work in an environment that uses chemicals, chemical or acid-resistant soles may be in order.
5. Boot Weight
This probably is one of the most ignored factors when it comes to choosing work boots, however, boot weight will influence how comfortable your boot is when worn.
If you move a great deal during your workday or are on your feet most of the day, a heavy boot can cause discomfort and foot fatigue.
If you are not required to have a heavier weight boot for safety purposes, avoid them as you may end up carrying unnecessary weight.
See also: Best Lightweight Work Boots
6. Weatherproofing
Do you work near water, puddles, mud, snow, or even wet gravel? Even if you select soft toe boots, they may need to be waterproof to protect your feet from water or dampness, keeping them dry all day.
Wet feet can contribute to chafing, blistering, itchiness, and other uncomfortable side effects for your feet. Water can also negatively affect the boots themselves, causing deterioration and a short life.
7. Safety
Even if you do not specifically need a steel or composite toe cap, you may however need for example electrical hazard protection or puncture-resistant outsoles.
Whatever, your specific safety requirements, make sure the boots you choose meet any safety requirements for your particular profession and work environment.
If you do not risk crushed toes or impact injuries to your feet, a soft toe work boot can be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Although soft toe work boots are not the best choice for hazardous professions, soft toe boots do offer good protection.
Wherever you work, comfort needs to be a priority as it will influence your productivity on the job. Not all soft toe work boots offer the same quality, but those reviewed in this article offer reliability from reputable brands.
