No matter whether you need the best waterproof work boots for daily use or just from time to time, you need to find them. Comfortable clothes mean a lot, especially while you’re working. You will hardly achieve great results standing in wet boots or catching a cold. Slippery, uncomfortable boots which you can’t move anywhere since they are stuck in the mud is the worst-case scenario. Apart from that, don’t forget that special work boots were made to protect your feet from potential danger. Based on the type of work you perform you can choose your ideal outfit. I’m here to provide you with the most obvious choices.
While my personal top pick for waterproof work shoes is Wolverine’s composite-toe boots, my list contains only reliable boots. I decided to write this article with recommendations after I realized how many people don’t have any idea about specific work outfits that ease your life and improve the working process. You can concentrate your attention on your projects instead of feeling wet feet and cold. Working boots differ from ordinary daily items of the high level of comfort and protection. If you have to stay the whole day or night in such boots, they are better to be comfortable.
Top-7 Best Waterproof Work Boots
Contents
There are numerous options on the market. Not all of them are equally good or even match their prices. This is why I have gathered here my favorite models. I’ve personally checked them and I hope you’ll find them useful too.
- Wolverine Overpass – Top Pick Mens Waterproof Work Boots
- Everboots Ultra Dry – Runner-Up Waterproof Boots for Work
- Bates DuraShock – Comfortable Waterproof Boots Premium Pick
- Timberland PRO - All Weather Work Boots with Safety Toe
- Free Soldier - Tactical Waterproof Working Boots
- Nortiv 8 – Compact Water Resistant Work Shoes
- Keen Louisville – Reliable Waterproof Steel Toe Boots
1. Wolverine Overpass – Top Pick Mens Waterproof Work Boots
The model protects your feet from cold and moisture. It is made of high-quality materials, including waterproof leather and comfortable textile. I prefer the Wolverine brand over many others for its incredible combination of reliability and style. Through all these 135 years of existence, they haven’t lost their sense of style. Apart from that, they are an American company that perfectly knows the needs of their customers.
Features:
- Material – Leather and textile;
- Sole – high-quality rubber;
- Flexible, waterproof, comfortable to wear.
This model was created with the use of specific smart technology called Contour Welt which provides extra flexibility and comfort to your feet. Apart from that, there is a shock absorption and lug outsole die to the extra class rubber. The shaft is close to 5 inches from the arch.
These boots are not totally lightweight, but quite flexible, waterproof, and warm. Unlike many similar models they do not contain steel, and this is why they are lighter.
I have been wearing these boots for 5 years and they still keep their shape. They can be perfect for spring, summer, and autumn, depending on the region you live in. As for the waterproof protection, I have checked it numerous times, having to work in several inches of water for an hour or so. My feet were dry. The price is fair. These boots are quite affordable.
- Waterproof;
- Affordable price;
- Stylish;
- Comfortable;
- Flexible.
- Not warm enough for severe winters.
2. Everboots Ultra Dry – Runner-Up Waterproof Boots for Work
Everboots are incredibly light, even though they look massive. They are comfortable working in the woods, during the season of rains, in the mud. They don’t have textile parts and are made of leather and rubber. As for the developers, they are not as famous or “ancient” as many other brands on the list. They were founded in 2015 in California. The company specializes in work boots that can survive extreme weather. Apart from that, they offer 3 months of guarantee. If something goes wrong with your boots, the company either provides new ones or returns your money. I have not used this service, since I believe these boots can’t be killed at all.
Features:
- Material – Leather 100%;
- Sole – rubber;
- Waterproof, not slippery, shock-absorbent.
As for me, these boots are a great option mostly because they are not slippery. The rubber sole adds extra stability to the movements. I even tried them on ice several times. Inside the boot, there is a steel shank to spread the pressure equally around the boot. So, it is easier for me to climb numerous ladders without hurting my toes. Meanwhile, they are surprisingly lightweight for such construction. If you want to make them even lighter you can remove the insole. The price is affordable!
- Extra stability;
- Equally spread pressure;
- High quality material;
- Affordable price;
- Guarantee.
- The brand is not as popular as other companies on the list.
3. Bates DuraShock – Comfortable Waterproof Boots Premium Pick
This model is stylish, simple, and protects your feet from the water. It is made of leather and nylon with shock-absorbing technology inside. Bates is a reliable brand that has been existing since 1885. The company united its powers with Wolverine, and now works in Michigan, creating footwear for the US and around the world.
Features:
- Materials – nylon and leather;
- Sole – rubber;
- Waterproof, breathable, and lightweight.
I like its design since I believe that black leather boots are always stylish and do not require much care, to be honest. Moreover, there is a zipper on the boot to take it off easily. The outsole is slip-resistant. You can remove the inlay if you don’t like the cushioned style. While it looks like your feet will not be able to breathe there, it’s not true at all. On the contrary, you will appreciate the GORE-TEX lining technology inside, so your feet will not get sweaty. Outside, they will be protected from moisture as well. These boots are not expensive, and they will definitely last at least for two seasons of spring and autumn. I have not tried them in winter, but I believe you may feel cold in them in some climatic zones. The sole could be slightly thicker for the winter season. You will not be frozen for several hours but still could feel the cold.
- Simple to clean;
- Made of waterproof leather and nylon;
- Extra cushion for comfort;
- Extra stability;
- Popular brand.
- Does not protect from winter colds.
4. Timberland PRO – All Weather Work Boots with Safety Toe
Timberland boots are quite popular around the country. A few years back they were the main choice of every fashion-monger. This is not exactly the type of boots we are talking about here. Apart from trendy items, Timberland creates reliable work boots you can use for many years. This model is impossible to kill. Just look at the well-protected toe. Timberland Company is an American-based outdoors wear manufacturer. The company was founded in 1952. It is well known for its boots around the world.
Features:
- Materials – leather;
- Sole – synthetic, rubber;
- Resistant to the water, non-slippery, comfortable design, toe protection.
While I described numerous boots before, this is the first time I recommend the boots for the winter season, as well as for spring and late autumn. There are so many layers of materials in a sole, you will not feel cold or water at all. These boots are made from 100 percent high-quality leather which according to developers can easily handle water, long days of standing on feet, cold temperatures, and even electrical hazards. I am not sure about it, since I’ve never checked it, but I hope they really can. The sole is anti-slippery. If it is important to you, inside the boot developers use the anti-fatigue technology and antimicrobial odor protection.
- Waterproof leather;
- Effective against cold;
- Comfortable;
- Protection against odor;
- Highly durable.
- Slightly more expensive than similar models on the market.
5. Free Soldier – Tactical Waterproof Working Boots
These boots are universal. They can be used for hiking, work, or even combat. The toe cap inside is strengthened. The boot has protection for the heel and support for the ankle. Free Soldier is an American-based company that has been creating comfortable boots for different adventures since 2008. While I have never tried them for hunting or fighting, I tested these boots in my work. Although I expected I’d feel the hardened toe, the boots turned out to be comfortable inside. Yet, I know for sure that the toe is strengthened since I once kicked the ice with it.
Features:
- Material – lycra;
- Sole – rubber;
- Lightweight, waterproof, strengthened toe and heel.
They are waterproof, made from a specific type of lycra that is both light and almost indestructible. It keeps the feet dry inside, don’t worry, no bad odor. The tongue covers the leg tightly as well, protecting it from the outside damage. Since the boots are made of lycra and light rubber they weigh only 2.3 lb, which is incredibly lightweight, compared to other work boots. You can wear them for work and camping. They are hard to kill.
Although I have not stood in these boots in water, developers claim that the model can easily handle even a few hours standing inside the water. Yet, I don’t recommend using them as rain boots. There are three different colors you can choose, including black, brown, and tan.
- Lightweight;
- Durable;
- Strengthened toe and heel;
- Breathable;
- Stylish design.
- Does not contain natural materials like leather.
6. Nortiv 8 – Compact Water Resistant Work Shoes
This model looks so tiny, that you will wonder whether it can hold an active working day outdoors. While the boots look stylish and small, they are made for work, hiking, and mountaineering. You can easily wear them in the city as well. Nortiv 8 is an American-based developer of hiking shoes and work boots. The company is young and creative. According to their own statement, they decided to make their own boots after they did not find anything they wanted on the market.
Features:
- Materials – leather;
- Sole – rubber;
- Beautiful design, water-resistant, breathable material, and high level of comfort.
The shoe is made of 100 % hardened leather and rubber on the sole. Inside you will find removable cushioned-like insoles. These boots are lightweight and non-slippery. You can wear them during the day without feeling tired, mainly because of the perfectly designed shape. Besides, the leather contains breathable membranes that protect your feet from getting wet and smelly. According to the developers, you can stand in the water for up to 4 hours without getting wet. I also recommend you check out different colors in the palette. You can choose brown and litchi, just brown, black and litchi, or totally black boots.
- Durable leather;
- Outstanding design;
- Breathable material;
- Can stand for up to 4 hours in the water;
- Great for different activities.
- The brand is not well-known and young.
7. Keen Louisville – Reliable Waterproof Steel Toe Boots
These boots have steel toes for foot protection. They are hard to destroy. The leather is of high quality and can protect you from the rain. Keen is a famous shoe-making company based in Oregon. While it was founded only in 2003 the company quickly became on-demand around the US and Canada. Some models are available around the world. While normally the company provides boots for different types of activity, this model is made for construction workers, manufacturers, drivers, and similar professions. It is resistant to heat and water. The 90-degree heel helps to feel comfortable even in case you have to stand for many hours.
Features:
- Material – leather;
- Sole – rubber;
- Waterproof, breathable, simple to wear, hardened steel toe.
These boots look like they lock your feet forever and you will not be able to get them off. However, they are comfortable to wear and breathable due to the membrane leather which does not let your feet get sweaty. The waterproof material has been tested by my friend who likes to go fishing in these boots. I believe he’s been using these boots for both fishing and daily life activities for many years. They still look like they have just been bought. Apart from that, I have lifted them up and they seem weightless. There are up to 2.2 pounds, no more.
- Breathable;
- Comfortable inside;
- Hardened steel toe;
- Trustable American-based company;
- Affordable price.
- Not suitable for winter activities.
Buyer’s Guide and FAQ
I hope my detailed review will help you find good waterproof work boots for daily use. If you require more information, read this guide and find out what you should pay attention to while looking for work boots.
How to choose waterproof work boots?
There is no universal rule that helps you to choose the boots you need. Some of us may be looking for one feature, others for a different one. It depends on your expectations and requirements at your work. Yet, there are some basic demands you have to take into consideration.
Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Work Boots
Pay attention to the details. There are two types of boots, some of them waterproof and others water-resistant. It may look like potato-potato, but in reality, there are two different types. Waterproof models keep the water out, without letting it reach your feet. Whereas water-resistant boots can’t deal with a big stream or hold the water for too long like Wellington boots. While both types will keep your feet dry for some time, you have to make sure that you choose the boots that suit your work.
Degree of Water-Resistance
Pay attention to the degree of water resistance on your boots. Usually, developers share this information with customers. They experiment with the water level and how long boots can stand under the water. Check out whether your boots can be covered by water completely with no drastic consequences or just up to the toes. Compare it with your daily work requirements. I would recommend you buy specific rubber boots if you need to stay in the water for a long time during the day.
Breathability
Your boots have to breathe or else you will always feel wet and will have stinky feet. After some time you can catch a cold because your boots are not breathable. I gathered here only the breathable boots I trust will protect your feet from getting wet. If you are not sure whether the boots are breathable, check for the breathable membranes in the description.
Comfort
The best waterproof work boots must not only be resistant to the water, but they must also be comfortable so you can work for hours. These boots must be dry and warm enough inside, but not too warm. The heel must not be too high to flat. I have tried to collect the most comfortable and waterproof boots here. They were all designed to help their users to stand for as long as required.
Durability
Your lightweight waterproof work boots have to be durable in the first place. They must be made of high-quality material. I recommend you look for 100 percent leather or lycra that are breathable and light. Find out in the description the fact that they’re water-resistant. If the developer states it, that means that they believe that the boots they’ve created will serve you for a long time. Check out for users’ reviews as well.
Protection level
Think about the work you have to do. Does it require hardened toes or heels? If so, you can buy steel-hardened boots. Do you need to stand in the moisture? Pick the model with the waterproof cover, in this case. Your daily activities will help you to find the right boots for you.
FAQ
Here is the list of the most popular questions I have found online. Check them out and maybe you will find the answers you were looking for as well. If you have more to add, you can do it in the comments below.
Are waterproof work boots worth it?
Yes, waterproof boots are great for work, no matter what you do. They can also be taken into different types of outdoor adventures. Apart from that, such boots are highly durable and can serve you for years, if you know how to maintain them.
How long do waterproof boots last?
As I have told you above, they can last for years. I still use all the boots I have recommended on the list. I bought more different models just because I like to change the style from time to time.
Are safety boots steel-capped?
No, not all of them. Some have steel for foot protection and others have different materials that harden the toe. You can find extra rubber or plastic inside.
Perfect Boots for You
Here are the reviews I’ve made on the most popular and trustable work boots I have ever seen. I hope the article is helpful for you. You can choose one or several boots based on your personal preferences. Think about your daily activities, read my guide and you will find a perfect match. If you have more to add, you can do it in the comments below. Which features are the essential ones for your work? Do you have to stand in the water for hours?
