Is there a single big guy out there who hasn’t had trouble finding clothes that fit? If you happen to be one of them, I’d like to know your secret. Jokes aside, it’s so hard to find work boots that fit (and are comfortable and durable)! So I set out to find the top work boots available in the market, made especially for big feet.
I found out there are many good options out there, so many in fact that it can get overwhelming at times.
Worry not. I’ve done the work for you. In this article, you’ll discover all you need to know about the best work boots one can find for big guys. I’ve described the pros and cons of each so that you can find the pair for yourself. The boots listed below may vary in features or material, but one thing is for sure: they’ll serve you well and long.
Table of Contents
1. EVER BOOTS “Tank” Men’s Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Work Boots
The “Tank” Men’s Soft Toe pair (model number: EB611TAN) is one of the best work boots for big guys. It comes with a lot of fine features like anti-fatigue and anti-slip.
One aspect that every user is pleasantly surprised to find out is how comfortable it is. This is because the manufacturer has used 100% leather and a rubber sole.
The boots have soft toes, and the leather’s soft nature means there’s no pain involved even when the boots are brand new.
There are also other nifty features. Like speed hooks that make it easy to pull the boots on and off. Or steel shanks that make climbing ladders as painless as it gets.
On top of that, the boots are oil resistant. So you can tell they took great care to make these boots equipped for heavy-duty work.
Pros:
- Full-grain leather
- Great fit
- Durable and comfortable
- Easy wear features
- No need to break in
- Good for construction sites
Cons:
- The insoles may wear out quickly
- Ankle support may not be enough for heavy work
2. Under Armour Men’s Valsetz RTS 1.5 with Zipper Military And Tactical
Under Armour has done a fantastic job of making the Valsetz RTS boots (model number: 3021036) not just incredibly durable but also surprisingly lightweight. They have achieved this by using synthetic leather and a rubber sole.
It comes with a medial side zip that helps pull the boots on and off in seconds. There’s also ample ankle support for your feet, a feature sometimes overlooked by other brands.
Under Amour developed their ClutchFit system to provide excellent support and fit for your feet. They’re also anti-abrasion, so no funny business of slipping and sliding.
To top it off, it has thermoplastic toe caps and mid-foot support, making it ideal for heavy work.
If you’re a big guy working in a harsh environment, I’m sure you’re no stranger to all sorts of neck and back pain, and blisters. With these boots, at least your feet are safe from those troubles now!
Pros:
- Lightweight synthetic leather
- Ultra-light micro midsole
- TPU toe caps
- Anti-abrasion feature
- ClutchFit ankle support
Cons:
- Color may fade away in a few months of regular usage
3. Irish Setter Men’s 6″ 83605 Work Boot
This is an A-grade pair of work boots from Irish Setter (model number 83605-M) that has a few special features built in. I mean, how many boots can you name that come with electric hazard safety features!?
Apart from being made out of 100% leather, the boots’ rubber soles are equipped with EVA traction tread material to resist slipping.
It’s always nice to find out that your boots are easy to wash, and this is the case with these work boots. With this in mind, they made the outer lining from non-woven nylon. How thoughtful!
It would’ve been even more complete if they added protection features like toe caps in the structure, but you can tell that with these boots, their focus was your absolute comfort.
It’s a dream to put this pair on in the morning, and you know what sets it apart? They look incredible whether you are at the office or a construction site.
Pros:
- 100% leather
- Heat-resistant outsole
- Meets electric hazard safety standard ASTM F2413-11
- Non-woven nylon lining
- EVA traction tread
Cons:
- No toe support
4. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Timberland is always a solid choice for boots that are durable as well as versatile.
But with these particular boots (product number: B012135214), they’ve outdone themselves. It’s an excellent choice for a big guy, especially if you need both quality protection and comfort.
Seriously though, the comfort of these things is brilliant. Instead of the usual stiff midsole, it comes with a dual-density EVA footbed. Absolutely no compromises were made there.
It’s crazy that the boots are also waterproof on top of being full-grain leather and rubber-soled. Moreover, the laces are rustproof. So any (mis)adventure you might have with water won’t get on your nerves.
So the next time you’re thinking of stomping your way through a water-clogged area at a construction site, no worries! These boots have got you covered.
Pros:
- Full-grain leather
- Waterproof
- Secured hooks
- Removable footbed
- Padded collar for comfort
Cons:
- No internal shank
5. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
The Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift (model number: P89586) is one of those boots where this cliché is appropriate: built like a tank! I’m sure you’ll agree once I go through some of the features.
First, these boots come with quality steel shank and steel toes. The shank provides support and protection. So the boots can take your weight without putting undue stress on your feet. The steel toes will prevent injury from accidents.
So no pain or blisters!
Caterpillar has also ensured that the boots meet electric hazard safety standards. In fact it can protect you against open circuits up to 14,000 volts! Now that is a feature you won’t find in most products, let alone your boots.
The steel shank and steel toes provide stability, support, and protection at the same time. This item is truly a big man’s work boots: tough, durable, and no-nonsense.
Pros:
- Oil-resistant outsole
- Great traction
- Steel shank and toe
- Synthetic sole
- Padded ankles
- Electric hazard safety standard ASTM F2413-18 1/75EH
Cons:
- Color may fade with heavy use
6. Skechers Men’s Blaine Orsen Ankle Boot
Unlike the others on this list, the Skechers Men’s Blaine Orsen boots (item number: 62929) is one of the more casual work boots. Don’t get me wrong. It’s still as durable as they get.
It’s made of leather and a soft rubber sole that gives excellent grip for everyday use. If you’re a motorcyclist, you’re in luck! You will love the confidence these boots provide you due to the perfect grip and traction.
Somehow, the boots also manage to look extremely handsome while being comfortable and durable. The contrast stitching deserves mention because of how elegant it looks. The smooth layers of leather will catch the eye of men, women, and children alike.
Blaine Orsen used elastic goring to make the boots as comfortable as possible. So the fit is flexible, and the feel supreme.
Pros:
- True size with elastic fit
- Ankle support
- Soft rubber sole
- Excellent traction
- Easy slip-on
Cons:
- Not for heavy-duty work
7. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boot
Alright, our detour with pretty boots is over. Let’s dive right back into big, brawny boots.
The Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostics (model number: 89940) is definitely a classic. Rarely can you find all these fantastic features in one package.
The boots are exceptionally durable, that goes without saying. What sets it apart is the cold-weather protection it provides, with 200g thermal insulation. You’ll have no trouble lugging around in the snow in a pair of these boots. Your feet will thank you for this pair.
The waterproof leather is seam-sealed for maximum protection. The lining is a nylon mesh that has offered comfort in each step. Protective steel toes save you from nasty accidents. What’s not to like?
The outsoles are non-abrasive because of an SRX technology. As is standard in most Caterpillar boots, you don’t have to worry if the boots meet electric hazard safety standards or not. They do.
Pros:
- Waterproof leather
- Thermal insulation
- SRX technology for anti-abrasion
- Slip-resistant
- Comfortable steel toes
- Removable insoles
Cons:
- Extreme conditions may result in water leakage
8. Dr. Martens, Men’s Icon 2295 Steel Toe Heavy Industry Boots
The Dr. Martens Men’s Icon boots (2295W1661) are true to their given name. They are excellent for heavy industrial work, and will protect you from all sorts of unfavorable conditions. Oil spillage, water, electrical hazards, you name it!
The manufacturer made the interesting choice of using both fabric and synthetic leather in its construction. But don’t let this fool you. This is a tough pair of work boots. You’ll have no trouble using this for construction work.
There is ample protection for your ankles and toes. In fact, the ankles have padded support, too. So it’s sturdy and comfortable in equal parts.
Another excellent feature is the EVA foot bed. This material has wonderful cushioning properties, and it also helps keep your feet warm.
Also, the air-cushioned is resistant to petrol, alkali, fat, and oil. Incredible features to have in your heavy-duty work boots, am I right?
Pros:
- Resistant to multiple conditions
- PVC sole
- Water-resistant
- EVA foot bed
- Air-cushioned sole
Cons:
- Air-cushion may not be efficient in the long run
9. Danner Men’s Bull Run 6″ Work Boot
Oh, boy! The Danner Men’s boots (item: Bull Run 6″ Brown Cristy 1-M) is packed to the brim with features. It feels like they put every good thing into these boots, and then decided to add some more. ASTM F2892-11 EH
The 100% leather used throughout the boots is premium and need no further superlatives. But it’s the innovative Wedge sole that caught my eye. The sole has incredible traction and is resistant to oil and slip.
On top of that, the sole also happens to be non-marking. That’s a common and annoying side effect of rubber-soled boots that they’ve cleverly improved upon here.
You can easily tell the care they took to make each pair of these boots. The handcrafted stitching gives it a rugged look. But no, it’s not just for the looks! The stitch is strong and provides stability.
Electrical hazard protection is standard as well. This is a pair of well-built boots.
Pros:
- Full-grain leather
- Electrical hazard safety (ASTM F2892-11 EH)
- Steel shank
- Wedge sole
- Handcrafted stitching
Cons:
- No steel toe protection
10. Wolverine Men’s W04821 Buccaneer Work Boot
Wolverine Men’s (model number: W04821) is a pair of work boots that ticks all the right boxes. The boots are built from waterproof leather and a rubber sole that provides incredible comfort for your feet.
The boots have removable footbeds, which is always nice. So, you can change them in an instant. But what I love about the Wolverine boots is their thick padding that provides comfort and protection to your feet, particularly around the ankles.
Because of a feature known as Contour Welt, the Wolverine boots hug the contours of your feet in a way that feels tailored to your specifications.
The soles are also built to weather all extreme conditions, and it’ll protect you against oil, heat, chemical, slipping and abrasion. You simply can’t take a wrong step with these boots.
Pros:
- Protection from oil, heat, water and chemicals
- Slip-resistant
- Waterproof
- Thick cushioning
- Extremely flexible
Cons:
- Cushion becomes thinner with regular usage
How to Choose the Best Work Boots
You must’ve already gotten a good idea of the qualities of the ideal pair of work boots from the reviews. So I’ll only point you in the right direction in the following section.
Keep in mind these basic points, and you’re good to go!
Comfort
Let’s face it, being a big guy, finding comfort in any old work boots is almost impossible. Average boots end up causing blisters and pain that can ruin an otherwise perfect day.
So always make comfort a must-have feature in your go-to work boots. Look for thick padding and cushioning that fits well.
Safety
Safety is vital, right? But to what extent, only you can decide.
Look for features like heat, oil, chemical, abrasion, and slip-resistance. If you work in areas with lots of open wiring, don’t forget to check if the boots have electrical hazard protection.
The same goes for steel shanks and toes. They are there to protect you from accidents. So choose wisely. Some boots have thermal insulation, too. That’s a feature I wouldn’t skimp on if I had to work through winters in the North!
Durability
Do yourself a massive favor and avoid buying cheap boots. Otherwise, be prepared to make constant trips to the store for new pairs.
Yeah, it’s also true that some expensive boots are not worth your money. So, research the products and read people’s reviews before making the splurge.
Our buying guide should set you up on the right path. So, go out there and treat yourself to the work boots that your feet deserve!