The Best Work Boots You Can Buy

If you just want to know which work boots to get, the Red Wing Iron Ranger is it. The brand's reputation is built on its Goodyear-welted boots and its Iron Ranger is among its most iconic. It features a protective cap toe, cork misdole that adapts to the wearer's unique foot shape, speed hooks and resolable Goodyear-welt construction. The pull-up leather (tanned by Red Wing) is beautiful from the start, even more with time. You'll need to step into them knowing about the tough break-in period, but fans will tell you it's totally worth it.

I wouldn't go sloshing around a wet worksite in these, but jobs done in a studio or small- to mid-sized factory? For sure. These are Viberg's most iconic style, with a history stretching as far back as 1931. They're cut from hard-wearing Chromoexcel leather, feature a Dainite sole and brass hardware.

When Timberland introduced its now-iconic work boots in 1973, it was a revolution. The cement construction made it among the first boots to be truly waterproof and the design has remained much the same since. The nubuck uppers are constructed with quadruple needle stitching and outfitted with PrimaLoft insulation padded ankle collars and tough rubber lug soles.

This is Wolverine's 1000 Mile Boot. It's named after the number of miles you can put on a pair, but you can probably add even more. This one is modeled after the original’s pattern, which was first produced in 1914, and made in Big Rapids, Michigan. Unlined, the boot’s upper is made from premium Horween leather and there’s a leather outsole with a Vibram heel, too.

When Red Wing introduced the Moc Toe, it was designed for outdoorsmen — people trekking through mud and over rough terrain, who needed to strike a balance between comfort and courage. This version of the venerable boot is made with a Gore-Tex membrane, making it entirely waterproof. You won't sully your feet should someone splash or a puddle surprise you. Plus, they're plenty comfortable still.

This Ariat boot is one of the brand's more affordable options, but that doesn't mean it can't do the job — whatever it may be. It's a six-inch, lace-up boot with a rubber Ariat sole and a heel tab for easy removal. You won't find a steel toe here, but you can add one for ~$50 dollars. Some customers have cited a discrepancy between this version and pricier Ariat boots, but you get what you pay for — and that's plenty still.

These work boots were born from a collaboration between White's and Filson, two well-known Washington-based outfitters. They look a bit like Timbs, but they're totally an upgrade. (Sorry, Timberland.) Made in the US, the co-branded Shop Boots come with a steel shank, a Vibram outsole, and full-grain roughout leather uppers.

Whatever the job requires, Wesco’s Jobmaster gets it done with full-grain leather uppers and a hunky Vibram lug sole which boost it to 10 inches tall. With effectively indestructible build quality, full-leather insoles and midsoles, and brass eyelets that get better with age, it's worth considering the price jump from our Just Get This pick.

Incredibly durable, Unmarked's Archie-01 boots were designed as an homage to Mexican worker boots, which were made from heavy cowhide leather with calf leather liners and a cork-filled footbed and midsole. There's also a ripple soled version for those seeking something... edgier.

The 350 Cutter was originally designed by then White's owner Otto White, who famously took a chainsaw to a taller boot to make something loggers could wear on off days. The upper's waterproof and there's a mini Vibram outsole, plus each pair is both resoleable and rebuildable.