Finding the right shoes is, more often than not, a fairly difficult task. Especially when it comes to work shoes. And looking for the best work boots for women is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Those that focus on style and comfort, tend to disregard safety standards and the other way around.
One of the most common problems with work boots is that they’re too heavy and clunky. They tend to be stiff and uncomfortable and make it impossible for you to be on your feet all day. It takes forever for them to break in and sometimes they don’t at all.
If they’re a snug fit that’s easy and comfortable to wear, it’s safe to say that the protection is questionable. Work boots should be able to meet at least basic safety standards, regardless of gender. So, let’s take a look at some of the best work boots for women.
Best work boots for women
Despite the fact that it’s hard to find the perfect work shoes, we’ve managed to make a list. These work boots have a relatively good mix of comfort and safety. So, if you choose to get any of these shoes, you’ll be able to work comfortably without worrying about potential dangers.
1. Caterpillar Women’s Echo Steel Toe Work Boot
Thankfully, these are steel-toed boots, so safety won’t be a concern if you get them. Steel toe gives you protection against compression, impact damage, and in some cases, electrical hazards. The rubber outsole is slip resistant and it also shields you from sharp objects puncturing you.
Thanks to their design and long shaft, they snugly fit your feet and provide comfort. The shaft also helps keep your ankle in place and gives extra stability without limiting mobility. They’re very comfortable and flexible, so you can be on your feet all day. Plus, they’re waterproof.
2. John Deere Women’s Jd3612 Steel Toe boot 6”
These boots also have a steel toe, so you’ll be protected from falling objects. And these aren’t only the best work boots for women during work hours, but they’re great for hiking, too. They’re comfortable enough for long walks and standing around all day.
Their shaft is just long enough to cover your ankles and provide you with some additional stability. They’re a snug fit and very light, so you won’t need to drag them along like other work shoes. They also provide protection against electrical hazards.
3. Safety Girl Steel Toe Work Boots
These beautiful boots are made with top-quality, waterproof leather. You’re also unlikely to slip when wearing these shoes. They have a steel toe, so you’ll be safe at work and protected from heavy things falling on your feet.
They’re highly durable as long as you keep them out of extreme temperatures. Thanks to cushioning, they’re also very comfortable and are unlikely to cause any soreness. So, they’re great for long working hours. They also have chemical-resistant properties.
4. Skechers for Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot
Skechers might be the number one brand when it comes to the best work boots for women. They pride themselves on the comfort of their shoes and these are no exception. The memory foam inside prevents any stress from reaching your joints when you walk.
They’re ideal for long work hours and walking around. They also come with a steel toe, so dangers at work will be much less of a problem. They’ll keep you safe from impact damage and compression. Plus, with their oil-resistant outsoles, you’re much less likely to slip.
5. Thorogood Women’s 6” Work Boot
The important thing to mention right off the bat is that these boots do not have a steel toe. So, if you work in a hazardous environment, we don’t recommend getting these shoes. But if you have a safe job, then these have a lot of pros worth considering.
Thanks to their lack of steel toes, they’re very light and easy to walk and move around in. They also have an excellent shock absorption footbed, so you won’t have to worry about straining your joints. And the shaft only adds to that stability and comfort.
6. Avenger Women’s A7675 Construction Work Boots
Avenger makes some of the most comfortable shoes and some of the best work boots for women. These boots have added cushioning, so they’re good to go during long work hours. They look like regular winter boots, so you can wear them just about anywhere.
As long as they’re dry, they’re also capable of protecting you from electrical hazards. The boots are made out of premium leather, so they’re very durable. They’ve been tested and they can endure a lot of pressure and heavy impact. They are also waterproof and water-resistant.
7. Caterpillar Women’s Dryverse
These shoes have a steel toe, so they’ll keep you safe from impact damage, compression, and electrical hazards. They’re made out of good quality leather which makes them durable and sturdy. Plus, they’re waterproof and slip-resistant.
They’re very comfortable and breathable, so you’ll be able to work long hours. Some have complained about the shaft being too stiff and sometimes uncomfortable. So, it might take some time to break them in. Overall, they have good quality and they’re a good investment.
8. Caterpillar Women’s Kenzie Steel Toe Work Boot
These are definitely one of the best work boots for women that you can find. And they’re also among our personal favorites. They’re the complete package, providing you with safety and security, as well as looking stylish. At first glance, no one would be able to tell that they’re work boots.
They abide by all the standards, and they can protect you from compression, impact damage, and electrical hazards. They’re resistant to oil, water, and abrasion, so you’re very unlikely to slip. Plus, they’re waterproof and comfortable enough for colder weather.
9. Ad Tec 6in Steel Toe
These shoes are designed using advanced technology that makes them slip-resistant. They’re made out of 100 percent leather, so they’re high quality and sturdy. The outsole is oil and acid-resistant and the boots also protect you from electrical hazards.
Aside from keeping you safe on the job, they’ll also keep you comfortable. They have a padded footbed and they aren’t heavy like most other work shoes. Also, thanks to waterproof and high-quality leather, they’re very durable and should last you a long time.
10. Timberland Women’s 6” Premium Waterproof Boots
These don’t have steel toes, but the brand’s quality earns them a spot among the best work boots for women. Timberland is known for making high-quality, reliable work shoes. So, it’s no surprise one of their models found its way onto our list.
They’re well insulated and comfortable with waterproof leather that will keep your feet dry and warm. These shoes are slip-resistant and have excellent traction. They’re resilient, sturdy, and very durable. But if you’re looking for something to protect your toes from impact, these aren’t the ideal boots.
11. Dr. Martens, Ironbridge Steel Toe Heavy Industry Boots
If safety is your top priority, then these are the ideal work shoes for you. They’re made out of top-quality leather that’s waterproof and durable. They have a PVC sole that’s resistant to oil, chemicals, and petrol. Plus, they shield you from electrical hazards like open circuits.
They’re very well insulated, so you won’t have to worry about the steel toe freezing your foot during winter. You’ll be protected from impact damage and compression. Although they’re on the heavier side, they’re pretty comfortable once you break them in.
12. Timberland PRO Titan 6” Women’s 72399 Boot
For those who want a Timberland shoe with a steel toe, these are the perfect boots. Thanks to the steel toe, they provide protection from compression and heavy objects. With a thick platform, sharp objects are very unlikely to manage to puncture your feet.
They have great traction and are slip-resistant which adds another layer to your safety. Plus, they shield you from electrical hazards. The leather makes them durable, so they should last a very long time. They also have a high shock absorption capacity which makes them great for your joints.
13. KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot
These are one of the best work boots for women if you’re standing around or walking a lot. They were designed with the idea that you might be on your feet every day for 8 or more hours in mind. Their design is ergonomic, so your joints and bones will feel at ease.
They also added a steel toe, so you’ll be safe in case of any workplace accidents. They have a mid-cut height, so they might not be the best if you want more ankle protection. The boots are also waterproof, and they perform well in all weather conditions.
14. Under Armour Women’s Valsetz
These are great work boots for women who are looking for something light. They’re ideal for someone who has to move a lot, for example, military women. They’re very comfortable with a shaft that gives additional stability to the ankle without limiting mobility.
These boots can shield your feet from high temperatures, burns, and impact damage. They’re water-resistant, and you’re very unlikely to slip while wearing them. Though they’re not made out of leather, they’re still decently durable and that’s constantly improving.
15. KEEN Utility Canby 6” Alloy Toe Work Boot
An alloy toe is sometimes used instead of a steel toe. Some employers might not approve of it or allow it. But, it can be just as sturdy as steel. It’s also much lighter; so, if you want to be safe without dragging along heavy boots, the alloy’s the answer.
They’re lightweight and spacious, perfect for long hours. Despite having some synthetic materials, they’re still very durable and comfortable. They’re also waterproof and can last for a long time. The shaft is wider than usual, so it might not provide extra stability, but it does allow more movement.
16. Bates Women’s Ultra-Lites Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot
These are tactical boots that are great for outdoor sports and activities, as well as the workplace. They’re very lightweight and allow free motion. They’re ideal for people who work long hours and are always on their feet.
Due to the lack of a steel toe, however, they’re not the best work boots for women in hazardous environments. They’re waterproof, but that’s about as much protection as you’ll get from these boots. Definitely a great option, just not for riskier jobs.
17. Sperry Women’s Saltwater Rain Boot
If you work near a body of water, these are the ideal shoes for you! They’re made out of leather, rubber, and fleece. Thanks to them being waterproof, you’ll have no worries about your feet getting wet and cold during your job.
They also have a very cool design that’s hard to resist! They’re warm and cozy on the inside and perfectly comfortable for a long and busy day. However, since they have no protection against impact damage, they’re not the best shoes for hazardous environments.
18. Geddard Waterproof Ankle Boots
One of the best work boots for women who are running around all day. They’re waterproof and sturdy, and their good quality makes them last a very long time. They have excellent traction, so you can’t expect any slipping or falling while wearing these.
They’re also very comfortable, but not the best for more dangerous jobs. These boots are ideal for those who are always on their feet, but away from heavy objects or electricity. So, if you work in a potentially risky environment, you might want to consider other shoes.
19. Timberland PRO Women’s Hightower 6 Inch Soft Toe Waterproof Work Boot
These boots are made out of full-grain leather and are fully waterproof. The footbed is made using anti-fatigue technology, so they’re very comfortable, too. You’ll be able to spend a good portion of your day up on your feet. You’ll be dry, warm, and well-protected.
They might not be able to shield you from heavy things, but they’re still high-quality work shoes. They are heat, oil, and abrasion resistant, so if your work environment isn’t overly risky, they’re perfect. However, if you do have a slightly more dangerous job, you should consider shoes with a steel toe.
20. Casey 6” Composite Toe Work Boot
They may not have a steel toe, but they do have a composite toe. It ensures all the same safety measures as steel but is usually lighter which makes moving easier. You’ll be protected from impact damage and compression.
They also have excellent shock absorption and a cushioned footbed. Therefore, your joints will be safe, and you’ll be very comfortable. These shoes have great traction as well, so you’re not very likely to slip and fall. They’re one of the best work shoes for women who want both safety and comfort.
What to look for in the best work boots for women?
Which type of work boots you choose depends on a lot of factors. Typically, the two most important things to keep in mind are: Can they keep you safe, and are they comfortable? Safety should always come first. Especially if you work in a hazardous environment.
Once you’ve made sure that your boots can keep you well-protected, search for comfort. What’s the point of perfect shoes if you can’t even wear them for the entirety of your shift? You’ll need something sturdy, durable, and warm. So, let’s take a look at what to search for.
1. The toes
This goes for all ladies who have a bit more dangerous job, but it’s a definite plus to have either way. And that’s a steel toe. This part of the boot provides you with protection from compression and impact damage. It does have some downsides, though.
For example, a lot of people have complained about it being too heavy. This can affect the comfort of your boots greatly and make them difficult to wear for longer periods of time. Another con is the fact that steel conducts heat.
This means that in colder conditions, the steel could very well freeze your toes off. A way to combat this is to find steel-toed boots that have insulation. Good insulation lessens the effect of the steel toe and keeps your feet warm.
If you’re still worried about the boots not being warm enough, there’s an easy fix. That is composite and alloy toes. These types of toes provide you with all the same security and safety as a steel toe, but they’re lighter. However, some employers might not allow them if they insist on steel.
2. Resistance
Source: Shutterstock
Another important factor to consider when choosing the best work boots for women is resistance. A good quality work shoe should be resistant to water at the very least. But ideally, they should also be oil, acid, and abrasion resistant.
The sole should also be thick and strong enough not to allow any sharp objects to puncture through. And it should be rough enough to prevent any possible slipping and sliding. If you want proper work boots that are fit for all the unpredictable workplace conditions, they should meet these standards.
3. Comfort and durability
Materials play a big role in how comfortable and durable a shoe is. However, sometimes, those two do not go hand in hand. For example, leather is a top-quality material that’s very durable and sturdy. With the right care, it also lasts for a very long time.
But it’s not the most comfortable material. It takes a long time to break in, especially if the leather is thicker. This can make it uncomfortable to wear the shoes all day and it also limits mobility. That’s why you should always search for thinner, but high-quality leather.
Whichever material you choose, you should make sure that it’s breathable. If you plan on working in those shoes, you need them to be breathable to keep your feet free from sweat. You could also search for boots with a higher shaft. This gives you more stability and support for your ankle.
4. Design
The design of our work boots might not seem so important. But, it does play a role in how well we do our jobs. If we look good, we feel good! And if we feel good, we’re more productive and efficient, So, if you manage to find boots that meet all the previously mentioned requirements, why not look at style, too?!
Some brands don’t try too hard to make their designs look appealing, but some do put in the effort. At the very least, you can choose if you want shoes that lace up or shoes with a zipper. A zipper might be quicker, but laces always add a nice decorative touch.
Conclusion
Source: Shutterstock
Before buying a pair of work boots, you need to know just what attributes to look for. The best work boots for women need to meet all the safety standards and be durable and comfortable. They should have a steel toe (or alloy or composite), be water, oil, and acid resistant as well as have good traction.
Once you’re sure they can keep you safe, you should also check the comfort and design. The best work shoes are lightweight, have a high or medium shaft, and maybe a cushioned footbed. If they feel comfortable, you can also look for a stylish design, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
