Are your feet a little tired after working a long day? Most people don’t realize it but often times this is the result of wearing work boots that are too heavy. Many workers like the protection that those heavy work boots provide and see it as an acceptable trade-off. The thing is, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of lightweight work boots to choose from that still offer good foot protection.
So how do you find good work boots that are lightweight in nature? You read our guide, that’s how. We will do some helpful reviews of the best lightweight work boots available. Some of these are even lightweight waterproof work boots. We will also add a handy buying guide here. That way you will have all the information you need to find the perfect lightweight work boots to wear while at your job.
Best Lightweight Work Boots Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
GOLDEN FOX MEN’S PREMIUM LEATHER LIGHT WEIGHT WORK BOOTS |
| View On Amazon | |
MAGNUM MEN’S PRECISION ULTRA LITE BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
EVER BOOTS LEATHER WORK BOOTS |
| View On Amazon | |
CARHARTT MEN’S 6” BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
EVER BOOTS WORK BOOTS |
| View On Amazon | |
TIMBERLAND WHITE LEDGE MEN’S BOOT |
| View On Amazon |
10 Best Lightweight Work Boots (Top List)
Here is what we feel are the absolute best buys for lightweight work boots in the footwear marketplace:
1- TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S WORK BOOT
When it comes to quality work boots you don’t get much bigger names in footwear than Timberland. Quality lightweight work boots like this pair are the reason why. They are built using tough, waterproof leather yet their other features help keep these boots’ weight down. Your feet will feel good after wearing them even on the longest workdays.
These soft-leather, stylish 6-inch work boots are kept lightweight by such features as their lightweight polyurethane midsole. Other comfort characteristics include their high traction rubber outsole and moisture-channeling mesh lining. These waterproof boots only weigh 1.7 pounds each.
How confident is Timberland that you will like these lightweight work boots after wearing? So confident that they will give you your money back if you are not satisfied with then in the first 30 days of use.
Pros:
- Stylish leather 6” high work boot
- 30-day comfort guarantee
- High traction rubber outsole
- Moisture-channeling mesh lining
- Lightweight polyurethane midsole
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.7 lbs.
Cons:
- Factory laces are poor quality
- Leather needs to be periodically treated with mink oil
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2- GOLDEN FOX MEN’S PREMIUM LEATHER LIGHT WEIGHT WORK BOOTS
If you are looking for a work boot that has a lightweight and minimalist design you just may have found them. This nicely moccasin styled work boot from Golden Fox is durable and comfortable too and they are a very good buy for the reasonable price you will pay for them.
Each of these dynamic work boots only weighs a nice 1.3 pounds. That will help eliminate foot fatigue along with other features such as their comfortable mesh lining and oil-resistant/lightweight rubber outsole. They are made durable by the fact they are put together using famous Goodyear Welt construction methods.
These boots have been worn by generations of farmers, construction workers, and other laborers who are continuous repeat buyers of them.
Pros:
- Oil-finished leather 5” high work boot
- Mesh lining/Pig Skin Collar
- Oil Resistant Lightweight rubber outsole
- Moccasin Styling
- Popular Goodyear Welt Construction
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.3 lbs.
Cons:
- No safety toe protection
- Leather needs to be periodically treated
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3- MAGNUM MEN’S PRECISION ULTRA LITE BOOT
After taking a closer look at these work boots we really feel that Magnum has got it right with this boot design. They are an extremely comfortable and nicely lightweight work boot. They should really help your feet feel better and more rested even after the most intense workdays.
These stylish 6.5” work boots have a lot going for them. Your feet won’t get wet under normal conditions while wearing them thanks to their waterproof breathable membrane. Features like their memory foam insole also help make them a comfortable work boot to wear all day long.
You will get some good traction with these in the workplace too. Because they have a slip-resistant rubber outsole that helps grip well on all different types of work surfaces. These boots also have a composite safety toe that meets all ASTM safety standards.
Pros:
- Dark leather 6.5” high work boot
- Waterproof breathable membrane
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Composite safety toe
- Memory foam midsole
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.4 lbs.
Cons:
- Not a breathable work boot
- Leather is stiff until broken in
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4- EVER BOOTS LEATHER WORK BOOTS
Here is a nice 6 ½” high lightweight work boot design from the popular boot manufacturer Ever Boots. They thought about everything when coming up with how they wanted to put these work boots together. They are comfortable, waterproof and will even help keep your feet warm on those colder work days.
These boots are suitable for all-day use thanks to such features as their shock-absorbing polyurethane insoles and their flexible rubber sole that makes them feel more like a hiking boot than a stiffer work shoe. Their insulated liner helps add warmth to your feet and their waterproof membrane/waterproof leather combination helps your feet stay dry while wearing them too.
The 30-day waterproof guarantee that comes with them is a nice bonus from the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Leather 6.5” high work boot
- The insulated lining for warmth
- Flexible rubber outsole
- Shock-absorbing polyurethane midsol
- These boots weigh approximately 1.5 lbs. each
Cons:
- Maybe too hot for some to wear on warmer days
- Tend to run a ½ size big
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5- CARHARTT MEN’S 6” BOOT
There are few companies that know how to make work clothing and footwear as well as Carhartt. These nice lightweight work boots from them are an example of that. They are not only light in weight but they are stylish, comfortable and a safe work boot too.
These work boots are loaded with outstanding features. This includes their genuine leather construction which nicely flexes for better foot movement. They also have a shock-absorbing rubber outsole and a very lightweight EVA comfort midsole too.
One of the nicer features on these work boots id their composite safety toe. You get the benefits of workplace toe protection combined with the lighter weight composite materials afford you.
Pros:
- 100% genuine leather 6” high work boot
- Added leather ‘flex’ technology
- Shock-absorbing rubber outsole
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Composite safety toe
- These boots weigh approximately 1.4 lbs. each
Cons:
- No insulation for extreme cold weather protection
- Steel safety toe may affect sizing
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6- EVER BOOTS WORK BOOTS
Anytime a boot manufacturer puts two models of lightweight work boots in a countdown of the best ones you know they are a trusted work boot manufacturer. Ever Boots falls into that category with their second pair of lightweight work boots in our reviews of the top lightweight work boots.
There is just much to like about these lightweight work boots. They use top of the line Goodyear Welt technology to fasten the leather sections together and also feature a nice comfort cushion insole. Their anti-slip/oil-resistant outsoles are also made to resist punctures on even the toughest construction sites.
These work boots from Ever Boots are also a very affordable buy when compared to other more expensive work boots with almost identical features.
Pros:
- Padded collar leather 7” high work boot
- Put together using Goodyear Welt technology
- Tough construction grade Rubber Sole
- Comfort cushion insole
- Supportive steel shank
- These boots weigh approximately 1.7 lbs. each
Cons:
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
- No safety toe feature
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7- TIMBERLAND WHITE LEDGE MEN’S BOOT
Here is a well-designed work boot from Timberland that is not only light in weight but is waterproof too. In addition to that it has all of the quality features built into it that people have come to expect from this reputable work boot manufacturer.
What makes these lightweight work boots so nice to own? It has a lot to do with features such as their nearly seamless waterproof construction and slip-resistant durable rubber sole. Things such as their padded collar removable dual-density EVA footbed make them a very comfortable lightweight work boot too.
These boots are also very good looking thanks to their nice dark oiled leather. One other thing that will surprise you about these boots is their very affordable price. They have many features that work boots several times their cost have.
Pros:
- 5” high genuine oiled leather work boot
- Nearly seamless waterproof construction
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Removable dual-density EVA footbed
- Nicely padded collar
- Each boot weighs approximately 1.7 lbs.
Cons:
- No built-in safety toe
- There is no insulation for extreme cold weather use
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8- RAX MEN’S WILD WOLF LIGHTWEIGHT WORK BOOTS
Do you have a job that makes a lot of demands on your feet as far as movement goes? Then you will want to take a closer look at these work boots from Rax. They offer you the best of both world’s since they are comfortable like a sneaker yet durable like a work boot.
These are stylish work boots that help keep your feet dry and comfortable too. This is due to such features as their suede leather upper, comfort-enhancing foam insole, and their added Lycra material for increased breathability.
The Rax Men’s Wild Wolf Work Boots weighs an amazingly light 1.1 pounds. Their anti-skip rubber outsole also helps cut down on slipping as you move about at work.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight 6” high work boot
- Suede leather upper
- Anti-skid rubber outsole
- Cushioning EVA midsole
- Added lycra material for increased breathability
- These boots weigh approximately 1.1 lbs. each
Cons:
- They offer no cold weather protection
- No steal toe safety feature
9- GOLDEN FOX LIGHTWEIGHT WORK BOOTS
This is a slightly more heavy-duty version of the Golden Fox Men’s Premium Leather Light Weight Work Boots that we took a look at earlier in this review. They have the same great premium leather construction and moccasin styling except with added steel toe protection and extra insulation.
You need durability in a work boot and the Goodyear Welt/Double stitching construction used in making these work boots gives that to you. Their oil-resistant soles won’t break down easy and they double as a highly rated safety shoe also.
These are a very good looking work boot too as they will not look out of place even when worn with a casual non-work outfit. There is nothing that says your work boots can’t help your feet feel good and look stylish at the same time.
Pros:
- 100% genuine leather 6” high work boot
- Goodyear Welt/Double stitch construction
- Oil Resistant wedge outsole
- Comfortable foam insole
- Sturdy steel safety toe
- These boots weigh approximately 1.7 lbs. each
Cons:
- No insulation for extreme cold weather protection
- Steel safety toe may affect the sizing
10- CARHARTT WORK BOOT
This is another very well put together with lightweight work boot from Carhartt. It has a nice construction combination of durable brown oil-tanned leather and other breathable lightweight materials. It’s definitely a lightweight 6” high work boot that will make it much easier on your feet and legs as you go throughout your busy workday.
These work boots are loaded with impressive features. These include such things as their comfortable CMEVA midsoles and Storm defender® waterproof/breathable membranes. Adding to these boots durability is the fact they are put together using all cement construction.
These boots also do a great job of minimizing slipping in the workplace. That’s because they have a sure grip all rubber sole.
Pros:
- Combination leather and textile 6” high work boot
- Assembled using cement construction
- Hi traction rubber sole
- CMEVA midsole
- Storm defender® waterproof/breathable membrane
- These boots weigh approximately 1.4 lbs. each
Cons:
- Run to the large side
- No safety toe feature
Buying Guide – Lightweight Work Boots
Here are some of the characteristics that you should focus on when trying to find a great pair of lightweight work boots that fit your job needs:
- Lightweight – Why does it matter?
Have you ever held your arm straight out in front of you for more than a few seconds? After a few minutes, you will notice your arm starts to feel heavier. That’s because your muscles are working hard to keep your arm out in front of you. Now imagine how much faster your arm will get tired if you are holding 2-3 pounds of weight in your hand.
That extra weight will make your arms get tired even faster. This is exactly what happens when you are wearing heavier work boots. Even a little bit of extra weight will tire your leg muscles out much faster as you go through your workday. That’s why the lighter the work boots the better.
VITALLY IMPORTANT FEATURES TO CONSIDER IN LIGHTWEIGHT WORK BOOTS
- Durability
Most of the time when you are talking about boots for work you are talking about those boots being subjected to some harsher conditions than just normal wear and tear. That means you want to make sure you match the durability of your work boots to the job you are doing when you are wearing them.
So look for traits that make work boots more durable. These include such things as puncture-resistant soles, advanced Goodyear Welt construction, oil-resistant materials, and more. A pair of good quality boots you will ever see on our website will most definitely have such features.
- Comfort
Not only do you want your work boots to be lightweight and durable but you want them to be comfortable too. After all, chances are your workday will be eight hours or more. That would certainly be an undesirable situation if your feet did not feel good in your work boots as you are doing your job.
There are some boot qualities to look for that definitely enhance the comfort of any work boot that you wear. These include such things as foam padded insoles, flexible outsoles, padded collars, and stabilizing heel cups. This is a broad topic and luckily, we have talked all about the good quality insoles for work boots.
- Accident/Injury Protection
Work boots often times have safety features built into them. These are very beneficial if you work a job where the floors are sometimes slippery, there is a risk of heavy objects falling on your feet or even if you are constantly walking on uneven ground. Safety features such as toe protection, anti-slip outsoles, electric shock resistance, and foot stabilizing support can all benefit you in potentially hazardous work environments. Safety shoes can indeed protect you in many ways – you simply need to know them.
OTHER LIGHTWEIGHT BOOT PURCHASING FACTORS
- Height
Most of the time height is not a huge consideration when it comes to lightweight work boots. That is unless you are working around standing water or in environments where mud, snow or other moisture conditions can build up to a point where they may go over the top of your boot.
Boot height may also be a consideration for those who need more support in the ankle area.
- Style
There really is nothing that says you can’t have good looking lightweight work boots too. A little style never hurt anyone. So as long as any lightweight work boots you buy, meet your safety, comfort, and durability needs; it’s ok if these same work boots look good on you too.
- Waterproofing
Many jobs that require the use of lightweight work boots also may have you working around mud, snow, rain, or other sources of moisture. If that’s the case with you then you will want your lightweight work boots to be waterproof too. At the very least they should be water-resistant.
- Ease of Care
Some lightweight work boots require virtually no care at all while others have to be treated quite often. Work boot cleaning and care are essential – there’s no way around it. Leather boot material is a good example of this because it needs to be treated with protective chemicals and oils to keep it from drying out and cracking. If that’s more work than you want to do, then you should strongly consider buying a work boot with fabrics that do not need any extra care.
- Warranty
Of course, a warranty won’t cover such things as damage caused by your work environment but they will cover such things as material defects, stitching’s that come apart, poor workmanship, and more. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a good warranty with any pair of lightweight work boots you buy.
Look for a warranty that covers your work boots for the longest possible time and covers everything on those work boots too. The more expensive your new lightweight work boots are the more important a good warranty becomes.
See; Best Lineman Climbing Boots Reviews
Summing Up Our Thoughts About Lightweight Work Boots
How important is it to have lightweight work boots if you are on your feet all day long at work? Let’s put it this way; the best lightweight work boots will feel like you send your feet on vacation every day. Imagine being able to work longer without your feet aching as much too after a long workday. If you finish concrete, do the landscaping or other jobs where you work around water; you should know there are high quality lightweight waterproof work boots too.
If you like what you read about any of the lightweight work boots we reviewed here then you can never go wrong purchasing them. You can also refer to the handy lightweight work boot buying guide we added here for help. Match your lightweight work boot needs up with the information in this article and you should be able to find the perfect pair of lightweight work boots.