The 10 Best Steel Toe Boots For Men
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in July of 2018. If you work on a farm, in a factory, or on construction sites, there are a lot of times when your feet could be in danger. That's where a quality pair of steel toe boots will come in handy. We've rounded up a list of some of the best men's options out there, including pairs featuring protective shanks, metatarsal guards, waterproof membranes and even protection from electrical hazards. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Timberland Pro 53530
2. Caterpillar Threshold Industrial
3. Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength
Editor's Notes
April 27, 2020:
During this round of updates, following the Timberland Pro Titan, Stanley Dredge and Caterpillar Second Shift all needing to be removed due to availability issues, we added the Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP – a nice-looking basic pair with a 5-1/2-inch shaft, the Caterpillar Threshold Industrial – which sports a waterproof membrane and a 600-volt rating, and the Timberland Pro 53530 – an eight-inch pair suited to heavy-duty applications that features a hinged metatarsal guard flap.
A few things to think about for this category:
Waterproofing: If your line of work takes you outdoors, there’s a good chance your boots will come up against unwanted water from time to time. While high-cut models with water-resistant leather – like the Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength – and mid-cut models with waterproof membranes – like the Caterpillar Threshold Industrial – can do quite a bit to help keep your feet dry, it should be noted that none of the models ranked here make an excellent choice for wet work – like wading through ditches. If you consider waterproofness to be a prime requisite for your boots, you might be interested in our list of waterproof work boots for men.
Ankle Support: Wellington models like the Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength and cowboy-style boots like the Ariat Sierra may feature a higher cut than many alternatives, but most people working in construction industry will agree: if you want a reliable boot that offers good ankle support, you want something that laces up. Some prefer a lower cut – like that of the Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP or Caterpillar Threshold Industrial – because they’re easier to move around in, but if you spend a lot of time on your feet, doing a lot of heavy lifting, then nothing beats a high-cut, lace-up boot like the Timberland Pro 53530 and Thorogood American Heritage. Also, many workplace-safety programs will dictate a minimum shaft height for boots on site. So, make sure that your prospective boots are up to snuff before you order them.
Additional Protection: A steel toe is a great place to start, when it comes to keeping your feet safe, but many models go well beyond that to make sure you’re properly protected. The Timberland Pro 53530 feature a hinged metatarsal guard to protect the top of your foot, and the Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP and Dr. Marten's Industrial Strength offer protection against electrical shocks. The Caterpillar Threshold Industrial have a nylon shank that stands a good chance of saving you if you ever step on a nail, and also makes standing on ladders much more comfortable.
4. Rocky Mobilite
5. Carhartt Safety-Toe NWP
6. Wolverine Raider
7. Ariat Sierra
8. Thorogood American Heritage
9. Keen Utility Pittsburgh
10. Condor Idaho
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.