Do you have a job where your feet constantly get wet? Maybe you are around wet concrete or mud all day at times? Whatever the case, if your job has the potential to get your feet wet and cold, you need some good protection. There really is nothing worse than going through a workday with annoying and uncomfortable cold and wet feet. The best waterproof work boots can definitely keep your feet drier and warmer even on the wettest of workdays.
In this article, we will talk all about the top waterproof work boots you can buy and also the best-insulated work boots for winter. We will do this through a series of informative reviews and there will also be a guide to help you when shopping for waterproof or insulated boots. When you are done reading you will know exactly how to find a pair of work boots that will keep your feet warm and dry all day.
Best Waterproof Work Boots Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot |
| View On Amazon | |
EVER BOOTS Ultra-Dry Leather Waterproof Work Boots |
| View On Amazon | |
Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Insulated Work Boot |
| View On Amazon | |
SOREL Men’s Conquest Boot |
| View On Amazon | |
Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Work Boot |
| View On Amazon | |
Carhartt Men’s Rugged Waterproof Work Boot |
| View On Amazon | |
Chippewa Men’s Waterproof Insulated Work Boot |
| View On Amazon |
Top 10 Best Waterproof Work Boots
Here is what we feel are some of the most exceptional quality waterproof work boots you will find in the footwear marketplace:
1- Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot
Timberland has long been a leading name among work boot manufacturers and great waterproof work boots like these are the reason why. They are not only waterproof but are extremely comfortable and stylish too.
Features such as the padded collar and the fully gusseted tongue on these 5” tall work boots are some of the reasons why they are so convenient. They also feature a comfort-enhancing and removable dual-thickness EVA footbed. Each boot’s light 1.2-pound weight is easy on your feet even for all-day use.
The Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot also has a very stylish oiled leather look. Their high traction rubber sole improves footing on all different types of terrain and surfaces.
Pros:
- Padded collar 5” high work boot
- Stylish oiled leather finish
- High traction rubber sole
- Removable/Comfortable dual-thickness EVA footbed
- Fully gusseted tongue
- Each boot weighs 1.2 lbs.
Cons:
- Not insulated for extreme cold use
- Need to be periodically treated to stay waterproof
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2- EVER BOOTS Ultra-Dry Leather Waterproof Work Boots
There is a reason why Ever Boots calls these tough work boots ‘ultra-dry’. That’s because if you treat them periodically you will never have to worry about water seeping through them and getting your feet wet.
What makes them keep your feet dry? These boots from Ever Boots not only have waterproof leather construction but they also back that up with an interior waterproof membrane too. Even the stitching on these boots is made so it’s waterproof.
The nice features don’t stop there either on these good looking 6” high work boots. The flexible rubber sole provides good traction and all-day comfort. These work boots are also suited for cold weather use thanks to the provided insulated lining. They are one tough boot that can handle even the most rugged work tasks too.
Pros:
- Padded collar 6” high work boot
- Waterproof leather/Waterproof membrane
- Full traction/Flexible rubber sole
- Perfect for heavy-duty work use
- An insulated lining for cold weather warmth
- These boots weigh 1.5 lbs. each
Cons:
- Not a great hiking boot
- Leather treatment is needed occasionally to help them stay waterproof
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3- Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
If you like a little higher work boot for support and protection then you will really like these 8” high work boots from Wolverine. They are a reputable manufacturer that’s known for making boots that are built tough and will last you a long time.
These boots feature a durable leather construction that looks great too. They are great for all-day to use to thanks to such comfort features as their removable cushioned insole and thermal foam insulated footbed.
These boots are not only insulated but they are fully waterproof too and that includes their tough Anti-slip water-sealed outsole. Their 1.7-pound weight per boot is not unreasonable for a boot that will help keep your feet warm and dry in the colder months.
Pros:
- Anti-slip water-sealed sole
- 8” high all-leather waterproof work boot
- Removable cushioned insole
- Thermal foam insulation
- Breathable mesh lining
- These boots weigh 1.7 lbs. each
Cons:
- Lighter color will stain if not periodically treated
- No steel toe protection
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4- SOREL Men’s Conquest Boot
Do you do a lot of outside work in in the winter? Then these Sorel waterproof boots may just be the perfect solution to help keep your feet warm and dry while working outside during the colder months of the year.
Thanks to their 400 grams of Thinsulate™ insulation these boots are said to be able to keep your feet warm even in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They are a comfortable work boot to thanks to such things as their fully cushioned EVA footbed.
The SOREL Men’s Conquest Boot offers you good traction while wearing them too. That’s because they have a nicely designed rubber outsole with an aggressive lug pattern. One other nice feature on these great cold-weather work boots is their Achilles adjustment strap that offers extra support.
Pros:
- Aggressive and anti-slip outsole
- 8” high leather/synthetic combo waterproof work boot
- Achilles adjustment strap
- 400 grams of Thinsulate™ insulation (-40 degree Fahrenheit rated)
- EVA comfort footbed
- Each boot weighs 2.1 lbs.
Cons:
- Run a ½ size small it seems
- No grab loop to help you pull them on
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5- Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Work Boot
Here is another solidly built pair of work boots from the reputable Wolverine boot manufacturing company. They only take a short time to break-in and they are made to stand up to even the most demanding work environments.
The great features on these 6” high full-grain leather work boot’s starts with their waterproof construction and moisture-wicking mesh inner liner. For added comfort, they also feature a padded ankle collar and a nicely cushioned flex-foam footbed.
They are durable but not overly heavy at approximately 1.7 pounds each. The Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Work Shoe even has high traction, anti-slip rubber outsole to help prevent slips and falls in the workplace.
Pros:
- 6” high full-grain waterproof leather work boot
- High traction rubber sole
- Comfort enhancing cushioned footbed
- Moisture-wicking mesh liner
- Padded collar
- These boots weigh 1.7 lbs. each
Cons:
- No toe protection
- Best when worn with thicker socks
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6- Carhartt Men’s Rugged Waterproof Work Boot
There are few companies that know work clothes and work footwear better than Carhartt and these boots from them prove that. They are not only ruggedly built but they are comfortable and have a little bit of style to them also.
This 6” high black oil-tanned leather work boot has such impressive features as an anti-slip rubber sole and a 100% waterproof membrane too. Those are things that will help keep you dry in the harshest wet environments and also help keep you from slipping on those same wet surfaces too.
Adding to these boots comfort is such features as their 5-layer Ortholite insoles. They nicely cushion your foot with each step you take. They also have a lightweight composite toe for those jobs where heavy falling objects are an ever-present possibility.
Pros:
- 6” high black oil-tanned leather work boot
- Anti-slip rubber sole
- 100% Waterproof membrane
- 5-layer Ortholite insoles
- Composite safety toe
- These boots weigh 1.4 lbs. each
Cons:
- A little warm for hot-weather use
- Need a short break-in period
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7- Chippewa Men’s Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
If you like a little higher and more supportive waterproof work boot you will be very interested to take a closer look at this pair from Chippewa. They are an 8” high boot that not only will help keep your feet dry and comfortable when working in wet conditions but they are a very safe work boot too.
These boots feature Chippewa’s proprietary Chip-A-Tex waterproofing to help keep moisture away from your feet as you are working. Other foot comfort features built into them include their Ruby Dri-Lex 2000 stay-dry lining and their very good 400 gram Thinsulate insulation.
As far as safety goes there is much more to these Chippewa boots than just their tough cut-resistant leather construction. They also are rated for electrical hazard protection and offer a slip-resistant Vibram rubber sole for traction.
Pros:
- 8” high tough Goodyear leather work boot
- Proprietary Chip-A-Tex waterproofing
- Ruby Dri-Lex 2000 lining/400 gram Thinsulate insulation
- Anti-tarnish boot hardware
- Electric hazard resistant
- These boots weigh 1.9 lbs. each
Cons:
- A little warm for hot-weather use
- No steel toe protection
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8- KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee Wide Work Boot
Do you want a stylish and waterproof boot that can handle some tough work? Then these boots from Keen will nicely do the trick. They are solidly built and they will keep your feet dry all day long even in very wet conditions.
These are a completely waterproof full-grain leather 6” high work boot. They even feature a moisture-wicking waterproof membrane. What Keen calls their ‘metatomical footbed design’ will help your feet stay nice and comfortable even during the longest working days.
These stylish boots also feature nice steel toe protection and the toe is covered in an abrasion-resistant rubber-type material too. They are a fairly lightweight 1.2 lbs. each and their high traction rubber sole will help prevent slips on all different types of surfaces.
Pros:
- Waterproof full-grain leather 6” high work boot
- Good looking work boot w/steel toe
- High traction rubber sole
- Breathable waterproof membrane
- Metatomical footbed design
- Each boot weighs just 1.2 lbs. each
Cons:
- Not a great hot weather boot
- Leather treatment is needed occasionally to help them stay waterproof
9- Skechers Work Men’s Radford Boot
Skechers is a company that is known for making very comfortable shoes and boots. These heavy-duty work boots are no exception and they even add waterproofing into the mix. You won’t be disappointed purchasing them if you are looking for a great waterproof boot for use at work.
These boots are not only waterproof but they are an excellent cold-weather boot too. This is due to the nice 400g Thinsulate liner that helps them keep your feet warm in temperatures up to -40 degrees.
The Skechers Work Men’s Radford Boot is stylish looking and durable thanks to its leather upper and synthetic bottom. There are also many comfort features built into these boots such as padded collars, memory foam insoles, and gusseted tongues.
Pros:
- Leather upper/Synthetic bottom
- Stylish 6 ½” high work boot
- Memory foam removable insole
- 400g Thinsulate™ liner (good to -40 degrees)
- Padded collar and gusseted tongue for extra comfort
- Fairly light at 1.1 lbs. each
Cons:
- A little stiff for some in the ankles
- May be too warm for summer work
10- Timberland PRO Waterproof Insulated Boot
Here is the another Timberland boot on our top review list of the best work boots. This model boot from them is made for working some very tough jobs that require such safety features as steel toes. It’s a very rugged work boot that is still comfortable enough to wear all day.
This boot has such nice features as 400g insulation and a comfortable foam footbed. The 6” high leather upper is fully waterproof and even the seams on this boot are stitched in a way that water will not leak through them.
These boots really have a great outsole on them too. It’s a thick sole that won’t mark up your floors or get broken down easily by oils or other fluids. The sole does a great job of preventing slips on all types of surfaces too.
Pros:
- Oil-resistant, non-marking rubber/synthetic outsole
- 6” high waterproof leather upper work boot
- Open-cell foam footbed for comfort
- 400g insulation
- Waterproof seams
- Each boot is 1.4 lbs.
Cons:
- Slightly to the bulky side
- Need to be broken in a little before extended wear
Waterproof Work Boot Buying Guide
Here are some of the most important characteristics to look for in any pair of waterproof or insulated winter boots you are thinking about buying:
- Waterproofing
Of course, we know you are looking for waterproof boots but be aware there are different kinds of waterproofing built into workbooks. Some will use natural water-repelling materials like leather that you also need to treat with oils or creams once in a while to help them stay waterproof. Others have actual waterproof membranes built into them which stop water from penetrating into the work boot.
- Insulation
There are many different forms of boot insulation too. Thick outer materials can provide warming insulation and so can things like foam insoles too. The very best forms of foot-warming insulation are thin and lightweight man-made synthetics such as Thinsulate™.
- Upper Construction
The upper on any work boot you are thinking about buying has to be more than just waterproof too. You want it to be made from a tough material like leather or advanced lightweight synthetics that are abrasion-resistant and hard to puncture easily too.
- Sole/Heel Construction
You don’t want cheap outsoles on any waterproof and insulated work boot you buy. You want a sole that will grip well and give you good traction on all different types of surfaces. That sole also must be oil and chemical resistant so it does not break down easily in the workplace.
Steel shanks and other heel support are great in any work boot model you are thinking about buying too. They give that little extra support and protection that your foot sometimes needs in the heel area when working.
- Comfort Features
Chances are you have an 8-hour shift or longer when working. That means your waterproof work boots have to be comfortable to wear for that same amount of time too. These are some boot comfort features that will make your new boots a pleasure to wear the whole workday long.
-Gusseted tongue
Just about every work boot you will see in the footwear marketplace has laces. When these are tightened on some pairs of work boots it creates an uncomfortable spot when wearing them. That’s why a nice padded and gusseted tongue is a great comfort feature to have on any pair of work boots that you buy.
-Padded collar
Once your work boots are tied they will fit snugly around your ankles and your lower leg area. Sometimes they fit too snuggly and you can feel them rub or pinch your lower leg and ankle area when you do such things as bending. Having a little padding around the top collar of any boot you buy tends to take away this uncomfortable rubbing and pinching feeling as you move.
-Memory foam insole
This is one of the best possible comfort features you can have in any waterproof and insulated work boot. That’s because memory foam not only cushions your feet as you move about but it shapes itself in the exact pattern of your feet. It’s almost like having a custom pair of shoes. You should make sure you know all about the top insoles for boots by taking a glimpse at our article. Such insoles a big bonus if you buy a pair of waterproof work boots that have it.
-Flexible outsole
What is one of the features that make sneakers so comfortable to wear? It’s how flexible the rubber soles on them are because they bend to conform with your feet as you move around. Well now work boots are starting to come with flexible soles too which will have a similar effect as they do on sneakers when wearing them. They also don’t weigh that much and the proof that there is a huge variety of boots out there is our main article about them.
- Safety features
Safety in the workplace can never be stressed enough and your work boots should be a part of that. Explore your options when it comes to comfortable safety shoes for work and sees our top reviews.
-Electric Surge Protection
Chances are if you are looking for waterproof boots you work around wet conditions a lot. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. That means whenever you work in standing water and things such as electric lines or extension cords are near there is an inherent shock danger. Work boots with built-in electric surge protection minimize this type of danger.
-Toe protection
Toe protection on work boots usually comes in one of three different forms. Those include steel toes, alloy metal toes, and composite toes. All three will give your toes a fairly good chance of escaping serious injury if something should fall on them. Steel toes are the strongest of the three but they will also make your work boots heavier than the other two types of safety toes will.
-Anti-slip outsoles
You also want to be able to walk on slippery surfaces without any issues, right? Well, then opt for boots that have anti-slip outsoles. They are not magic – it is pretty clear what makes a shoe slip-resistant and that typically is the material and the design.
- Warranty
Chances are the more sophisticated the work boots are that you are looking to buy the more expensive they are too. Although some of the waterproof boots on our top-review are real bargains there are some very expensive waterproof work boots in the footwear marketplace. So when you are shelling good money out for a pair of work boots you want a decent warranty on those boots too.
A good warranty on waterproof work boots is one that covers every component on them from the sole to the collar. It will also be one that covers those waterproof boots for a long period of time. So know what type of warranty you are getting on a waterproof winter work boot before you buy it.
Best Waterproof and Water-Resistant Socks
Are you one of those people that absolutely cannot stand working even for a few minutes in boots with wet feet? Then why not double down on your foot wetness protection with a great pair of water-resistant or waterproof socks. They will give you the extra confidence you need that your feet will stay dry all day even under the wettest conditions. There’s very little doubt that waterproof socks are ideal for the outdoors and the workplace.
These are the waterproof and water-resistant socks that we think will work the best for you in tandem with a top-quality waterproof boot:
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Carhartt Men’s Comfort Stretch Steel Toe Socks |
| View On Amazon | |
Carhartt Men’s Extremes Cold Weather Boot Socks |
| View On Amazon | |
Weatherproof Premium Men’s Wool Blend Crew Socks |
| View On Amazon | |
DexShell Hytherm Pro Waterproof Socks |
| View On Amazon | |
Flambeau Men’s Heated Socks Kit |
| View On Amazon |
1- Carhartt Men’s Comfort Stretch Steel Toe Socks
The name here is a little misleading because these great work socks from Carhartt do not have any steel toes embedded in them. What that really means is they will make wearing your steel toe waterproof work boots more comfortable.
They are made of a mixture of Arctic wool and synthetics that will nicely add to the warmth of your feet when wearing insulated and waterproof boots. These warm and durable socks are reinforced on the toe and heel area and they stretch just right to stay in place also. They even include rapid drying characteristics to help your feet stay dry no matter what type of wet conditions you are working in.
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2- Carhartt Men’s Extremes Cold Weather Boot Socks
Do you work outside in some extraordinarily cold temperatures in the winter? Then these socks will nicely compliment your insulated and waterproof work boots by helping keep your feet even warmer as you work.
These 70% Acrylic socks will add warmth to anybody’s feet that have them on. They also feature ankle vents that reduce weight and help keep your feet dry and they are also reinforced in the sole area for comfort and durability. These Carhartt socks even have built-in odor eliminating materials and they even have moisture-wicking properties to help keep your feet extra dry when wearing them.
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3- Weatherproof Premium Men’s Wool Blend Crew Socks
Here is a nice 4-pack of some of the warmest and most comfortable socks you will ever wear. Weatherproof has been making great socks for work like these for years. They even have 3% rubber content in them to help repel water and add extra warmth while wearing them.
What else is there to like about these socks? These wool-blend socks are not only warm but they are also comfortable. They are fully cushioned in the footbed and have a reinforced and padded toe. These Weatherproof brand socks also have dry wicking capabilities to help keep your feet moisture-free even on hot days.
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4- DexShell Hytherm Pro Waterproof Socks
You won’t find any better socks than these when they are working in tandem with a good waterproof boot. That’s because any moisture that does get through a boot will then be repelled away from your foot by these mid-calf athletic socks. They keep water from getting to your feet because they are lightly lined with a gentle Porelle membrane that forms its own water barrier.
Other nice features on these socks include their non-irritating seamless construction and their well-padded footbed. The large percentage of Merino wool they are made also helps make them a very warm work boot sock too.
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5- Flambeau Men’s Heated Socks Kit
There is only one sure way to guarantee that your feet will stay warm in your work boots. That is to wear actual heated socks inside them. These innovative wool, polyester, and cotton blend socks actually have a small heater built right into them
Each sock is actually powered by a specially made, lightweight 3.7V lithium-ion battery. They supply plenty of light power to the small carbon fiber heating elements that are woven into these socks so they heat up to keep your feet warm. The small lithium-ion batteries are even rechargeable too. The charger and dual mini-USB cord are included right in the package.
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Waterproof and Water-Resistant Sock FAQ’s
Question: Are the batteries in heated socks irritating when you are wearing them?
Answer: Those of us here who have worn them don’t think so. That’s because the batteries are miniature in size and placed in specially padded pockets in an area above the ankle where you don’t feel them.
Question: I see most waterproof socks have a wool blend of some sort. Is wool naturally waterproof or water-resistant?
Answer: The answer here is no. although wool does a great job keeping your feet warm it alone does not repel water. That’s why you always see wool waterproof socks have other synthetics woven in them that do make them water-resistant or they are lined with thin waterproof membranes.
Some Final Thoughts on Insulated & Waterproof Work Boots
Without a doubt keeping your feet warm and dry at work in the coldest months of the year should be a priority. There truly are few things in life that are more miserable than cold and wet feet. Finding the right pair of waterproof and insulated work boots for winter will keep this from happening for sure.
The information you gained in this article really should help you find the perfect pair of warm waterproof boots for work. Any pair of the best waterproof work boots that we reviewed in this article will certainly make an excellent waterproof work boot purchase. If none of those are what you are looking for, then refer to the waterproof boot buying guide here. Either way, you should end up with a nice pair of waterproof and insulated boots that will keep your feet warm and dry all day while you work.