Most Comfortable Safety Boots & Shoes
, by Ed Stone, 6 min reading time
At Boot World, we know there's one thing that is certain. No one should ever feel unsafe at work. Although, if you operate in a hazardous environment daily, it takes the proper training and protective equipment to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you work in construction or operate heavy machinery, one of the most critical warehouse safety tips is to wear protective footwear.
By equipping yourself with the safest work boots or shoes, you won't have to worry about a foot injury putting you out of work, not to mention the medical expenses and pain you would have to endure because of it. But, footwear shouldn't just be protective. It should be comfortable as well. Read on for the most comfortable safety boots and shoes-you may never want to take them off!
Most Comfortable Safety Shoes
Before we dive into the most comfortable safety shoes, let's discuss the key features you should look for in work shoes that are both comfortable and adhere to the guidelines of your workplace environment:
- Durability
- A supportive inner sole
- Mobility
- Soles with slip resistance
- Insulation (as needed)
- Safety toes such as an alloy toe, composite toe, or steel toe shoe
- Puncture protection
- Waterproof or water-resistant material
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- Special needs of EH or ESD
- Puncture resistance
- Temperature issues
For Men
Keen Sparta Safety Toe
Best For: These light-duty indoor shoes work great on smooth surfaces such as warehouses, distribution centers, or for those standing on hard surfaces over long periods of time. It also performs well as a men’s restaurant shoe especially for crew members working behind the restaurant kitchen. Super lightweight with lots of cushion and plenty of style.
Safety Features:- Electrical Hazard Rated
- Left and Right Asymmetrical Steel Safety Toes for a Roomier Toe Box and Maximum Comfort
Timberland Pro Disruptor Chukka Safety Toe
Best For: A versatile alloy safety toe work boot. The Disruptor offers increased ankle support and protection with great comfort thanks to a padded collar, tongue, and an anti-fatigue underfoot cushioning insole. It's also built with cement construction for flexibility and has a short break-in time. Plus, the polyurethane inner sole offers unmatched slip resistance on wet surfaces. These shoes are one of our top picks for men looking for a slip-resistant and comfortable work boot.
Safety Features:- Electrical Hazard Rated
- Alloy Safety Toe
- Meets and/or Exceeds Impact and Compression and EH Rated Safety Standards
Wolverine I-90 DuraShock Composite Toe Work Boot
Best For: Light to medium-duty work. This 6” comfortable boot is flexible, great with shock absorption, waterproof, and features Wolverine’s legendary comfort and lightweight maximum toe protection.
This composite toe boot features Wolverine's latest Carbon safety toe technology called CARBONMAX and is known as one of the best Wolverine boots.
Safety Features:- Waterproof Membrane
- Oil & Slip-Resistant TPU outsole for long wear and extreme flexibility
- Composite Safety Toes
- Electrical Hazard Rated
Wolverine 6” Moc Toe Wedge
Best For: This steel toe boot works great for construction, indoor or outdoor use, and landscaping work. They are made of genuine, ultra-soft leather and are unlined and cushioned for exceptional comfort.
Safety Features:- Steel Safety Toe
- Oil and slip-resistant, highly cushioned polyurethane soles
- Composite shank
- Electrical Hazard Rated
Timberland Pro Boondock
Best For: Highly-protective medium to heavy-duty work requirements. With an oil-resistant rubber outsole, this safety boot is extremely durable and remarkably comfortable considering its brawny appearance and heavy-duty construction.
Safety Features:- Composite shank for arch support, structural support, and stability
- Deep cleated long-wearing rubber outsoles are heat, oil, and slip-resistant for grip and traction on loose surfaces
- Composite safety toes
- Electrical Hazard Rated
For Women
KEEN Utility Sparta Aluminum Toe ESD Work Shoe
Best For: This shoe is a great athletic option for women working in manufacturing settings. As a safety shoe, it is both comfortable and safe, thanks to a lightweight and breathable fabrication.
Safety Features:- Electro Static Dissipating Technology Absorbs and Neutralizes Static Buildup
- Aluminum Safety Toes
- Meets and/or Exceeds Impact and Compression and ESD Rated Standards
- Meets and/or Exceeds Non-Slip Testing Standards
Timberland Pro Titan Alloy Toe Work Boots
Best For: This lightweight, comfortable boot is great for both indoor and outdoor work. This Timberland pro work boot is made with a powerful comfort system that uses ergonomically designed elements to supply movement and provide critical support and long-lasting comfort.
Safety Features:- A nylon diffusion shank fights fatigue and provides torsional rigidity and lateral support
- Polyurethane cushioned midsoles provide shock absorption capabilities and energy return
- TITAN® Last Asymmetrical Alloy Safety Toes
Dr. Martens Maple 7 Eye Side Zip Safety Boot
Best For: Long days spent on your feet. This comfortable safety shoe is nice and lightweight, thanks to Dr. Marten's classic construction and polyurethane insole. Safety Features:- Slip, oil, petrol, alkali, and fat resistant high traction classic Dr. Marten’s AirWair™ outsoles for traction and cushioning on all surfaces
- Electrical Hazard Rating
- Steel Toe Work Shoe
- Side Zipper for easy and quick on and off
Wolverine I-90 EPX CARBON MAX
Best For: This lightweight slip-on work boot delivers style, slip on and off ease, great comfort, and high-quality construction for long days to make them feel as short as possible. Safety Features:- Composite safety toe boot
- Injected TPU outsole for extreme flexibility and high abrasion resistance for long wear
- Waterproof
- Electrical Hazard Rated
Women’s KEEN Utility Detroit XT Steel Toe Waterproof Mid Boot
Best For: Warm weather and wet working conditions. These boots feature dual-density cushioning and a waterproof, breathable membrane and a comfortable fit all day long. Safety Features:- Reflective webbing for increased visible safety
- KEEN Protect toe protection for increased durability
- Contoured heel lock adds stability by keeping heels locked in place
- Left and right asymmetrical safety toes
In an effort to maintain workplace health and safety, keep your feet secure from the impact of weighty objects, extreme temperatures, slippery surfaces, and more with these forms of protective footwear. If your company is part of the Boot World Corporate Footwear Program, these comfortable safety shoes can be yours at a discounted rate as part of the Employee Benefit Service. Find comfortable safety shoes from several brands, like wolverine boots, Timberland PRO boots, and KEEN utility boots all at Boot World.
Plus, Boot World can bring the Boot World Mobile Footwear Store on-site to your business to fit you and your colleagues with the right safety footwear. If your company isn't a part of the program, encourage them to join today so you can be properly outfitted at work. We'll help you select the best work boot or shoe that meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards and has the ideal steel toe cap/toe box, insole, outsole, as well as other safety footwear features to keep you protected on the job site.
Reviewed By:
Ed Stone brings over 45 years of footwear knowledge and passion to his role as President of Boot World, a family-owned company and an industry leader in safety and occupational footwear. A second generation "shoe dog” Ed's footwear knowledge is unparalleled, serving as an informal advisor for some of the worlds largest footwear brands including Wolverine, Timberland PRO, and Reebok Works.
A lifelong Southern California resident, and ardent conservationist, Ed enjoys hiking and open water swimming.