The Best Work Boots for Every Type of Job

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.

Technically a hunting boot, the Irish Setter Elk Hunter Boot works even in a zombie apocalypse — just ask Joel from The Last of Us. These are his on-screen boots of choice, even though a costumer picked them out.

But they made the right choice. These are tall and comfortable, durable and 100 percent waterproof. Plus, they have a memory foam footbed and a scent-blocking membrane.

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.

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 top pick.

Keen's San Jose Boots are the same height as Timberland's classic wheat work boot, but they are way lighter. Keen opted for aluminum instead of steel, creating tough toes that weigh 35 percent less. But less weight doesn't mean these are any less protective: They come with Keen's KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, are both safe from Electrical Hazard (EH) and Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) and feature a siped outsole that drains faster, giving you better control on wet surfaces.

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.