Do you have a job that requires the use of work boots? Most work boots are safe to work in but are rarely comfortable. Well, there is good news because you no longer have to trade foot safety at work for achy feet at home. That’s because today they make work shoes that are not only protective but are also comfortable safety shoes too. We are here to help you choose the absolute best and most convenient pair of safety work shoes that you can wear.
In this article, we will do several reviews of the best steel toe shoes that are out there in the work shoe marketplace. Our reviews will cover the best composite toe shoes also. We will even do a section in this article that will help you spot the key characteristics of safety shoes to focus on when shopping for a new pair. By the time you are done reading you will easily be able to choose a work safety shoe that will meet both your protection and comfort needs.
Most Comfortable Safety Shoes Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
SKECHERS MEN’S WORK RELAXED FIT COMP TOE |
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CATERPILLAR MEN’S ARGON COMP TOE LACE-UP |
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CATERPILLAR MEN’S STREAMLINE COMP TOE WORK SHOE |
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TIMBERLAND PRO ALLOY TOE INDUSTRIAL AND CONSTRUCTION SHOE |
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SKECHERS FOR WORK MEN’S SYNERGY EKRON ALLOY TOE WORK SHOE |
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KEEN UTILITY ATLANTA STEEL TOE WORK SHOE |
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TIMBERLAND PRO MUDSILL LOW STEEL-TOE LACE-UP |
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10 Most Comfortable Safety Shoes (Top List)
Here is what we feel are the best and most comfortable work safety shoes you can buy:
1- SKECHERS MEN’S WORK RELAXED FIT COMP TOE
Did you always wish you could wear sneakers to work because they are so comfortable and easy on your feet? Maybe the only reason you don’t wear sneakers to work is that they don’t meet your work shoe code. Well, now Skechers offers a sneaker that also meets many work shoe safety requirements.
These low top work shoes are comfortable and come in several different color combinations. Comfort features on them include their very lightweight, flexible design and their relaxed fit style. They even have a shock-absorbing insole.
The Skechers Men’s Grinnel work shoe is a safe work shoe also. That’s because this shoe has included safety features such as a built-in composite safety toe and their all-rubber high traction outsole grips well and helps prevent slipping accidents.
Pros:
- Leather and synthetic low top work shoe
- Lightweight and flexible
- Memory foam insole
- Composite safety toe
- Relaxed fit/Rounded toe
- High traction rubber sole
Cons:
- Not good for those that like sturdy heel support
- This work shoe is not waterproof
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2- CATERPILLAR MEN’S ARGON COMP TOE LACE-UP
Here is another great work shoe from Caterpillar’s excellent line of work footwear. These low top work shoes are not as good looking as some of the other sneaker type work shoes we have reviewed here but they are more functional work shoes so it’s worth the tradeoff.
This is a fairly lightweight and breathable work shoe from Caterpillar. They are very comfortable to thanks to such things as their flexible cement construction and removable EVA sock liner. Their dual-density footbed is also great at absorbing the shocks your feet take on any given workday.
These are very good safety shoes also. They will help protect you against electric shock hazards, slipping and heavy objects falling on top of your toes.
Pros:
- Leather and synthetic upper
- Flexible cement construction
- Dual density footbed
- Composite safety toe/Electric shock hazard resistance
- Removable EVA sock liner
- Ergonomic/Slip-resistant outsole
Cons:
- Run a little to the small side
- Not great for rough impact job sites
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3- CATERPILLAR MEN’S STREAMLINE COMP TOE WORK SHOE
You are probably starting to see a pattern now in the quality of Caterpillar work shoes as this is their 3rd model out of the 10 best safety work shoes we have reviewed here. The quality of Caterpillar’s work shoes really is that exceptional.
This is perhaps the most stylish work shoe that Caterpillar makes but it’s also a good safety shoe too. It has a slip-resistant outsole and a hardened composite safety toe. These will go a long way toward keeping your feet and body safe from accidents in the workplace.
These Caterpillar work shoes also feature a very nice lightweight design and a durable all synthetic upper. They have comfort-enhancing features too such as a dual-density EVA foam insole, foam collar, and a contoured footbed that mimics the natural shape of your feet too.
Pros:
- Durable synthetic upper low top work shoe
- ERGOlite lightweight design
- Dual-density EVA foam midsole
- Composite safety toe
- Streamlined athletic shoe look
- Anti-slip rubber outsole
Cons:
- Allow break-in time before wearing
- Not waterproof at all
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4- TIMBERLAND PRO ALLOY TOE INDUSTRIAL AND CONSTRUCTION SHOE
This is a stylish and functional low top work safety shoe from the reputable footwear manufacturer Timberland. It can handle even some of the rougher type work environments that you may find yourself in. It’s definitely an impressive work shoe.
It all starts with its durable rip-stop nylon upper that’s also nicely abrasion-resistant. There antimicrobial mesh lining helps keep your feet dry and odor-free all day long. Their dual-density polyurethane outsoles help provide you with excellent traction in the workplace too.
This is also a certified safety work shoe. Among its great safety features are it’s lightweight alloy toe and the fact that they have built-in electric hazard protection helps protect you too.
Pros:
- Durable rip-stop nylon upper
- ASTM certified safety shoe
- Antimicrobial mesh lining
- Lightweight alloy safety toe/Electrical hazard protection
- Heat and abrasion resistance
- Dual-density polyurethane outsoles
Cons:
- Short break-in period required
- Factory insoles could be improved
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5- SKECHERS FOR WORK MEN’S SYNERGY EKRON ALLOY TOE WORK SHOE
Here is another really impressive work shoe from Skechers that is both functional as a safety shoe and looks great. It’s a sporty work safety sneaker that offers not only foot protection in the workplace but looks great while doing it too.
These low top work shoes have what Skechers labels their comfortable Relaxed Fit® design. They also feature a shock-absorbing memory foam insole and a highly anti-slip tread design. Being lightweight and flexible adds to these work shoes’ comfort levels too.
They meet most work shoe safety requirements also. They feature a lightweight but strong aluminum alloy safety toe and are also considered to be electric shock resistant too.
Pros:
- Synthetic and Trubuck leather upper
- Memory foam insole
- Relaxed Fit® design
- Alloy safety toe/Electric hazard protection
- Lightweight and flexible
- Slip-resistant synthetic outsoles
Cons:
- The material does not breath well
- Not good for wet or muddy work conditions
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6- KEEN UTILITY ATLANTA STEEL TOE WORK SHOE
Here is a work safety shoe that can easily be considered to be a comfortable pair of sneakers. It’s lightweight, comfortably padded, and meets most safety shoe requirements for workers. It will protect your feet nicely while working and leave them feeling good after you get home too.
These nice work shoes have a hiking boot-inspired design and a very aggressive rubber tread too. They also feature a comfortable Metatomical footbed design and are built using material that resists building up odors.
Despite their lightweight construction, the Keen Men’s Atlanta Work Shoe is an approved safety shoe also. Their highlight safety feature is the asymmetrical steel toe that will give you some good protection against heavy falling objects.
Pros:
- Waterproof leather and mesh low top work shoe
- Aggressive tread rubber sole
- Hiking-inspired fit
- Metatomical footbed design
- Asymmetrical steel toes
- Odor-resistant lining
Cons:
- Awkward to drive-in
- Supplied laces could be better
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7- TIMBERLAND PRO MUDSILL LOW STEEL-TOE LACE-UP
Timberland is a shoe and boot company that is well-known for making excellent footwear. This nice pair of low-top work shoes are no exception. That’s a very comfortable and safe work shoe which is also easy on your feet even during long work shifts.
This safety shoe is loaded with nice features. For instance, the comfortable EVA midsoles and their cement construction which reduces break-in time are great additions. The shoe also has high traction, oil-resistant rubber sole and shock dissipating insole technology.
The Timberland Pro Men’s 40008 Mudsill work shoe also has many safety features built into it. Among these are their solid steel toe and electric shock protection.
Pros:
- All leather low top work shoe
- High traction rubber sole
- Shock dissipating technology
- Molded EVA midsole
- Steel toes/Shock protection
- Cement construction
Cons:
- Only water resistant
- Not a great cold-weather shoe
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8- SKECHERS FOR WORK MEN’S BLAIS STEEL-TOE SHOE
This is a company that is known for making very comfortable shoes for activewear. That may explain why these nice work shoes look more like a sneaker than a more traditional work shoe. They are so lightweight and flexible they can even be used for hiking.
These nice low top work shoes are made using durable leather and synthetic materials. This material along with the fact their seams are sealed makes these work shoes fully waterproof too. The EVA foam footbed helps to reduce foot shock and enhances these work shoes’ comfort as you wear them.
The lugged rubber sole design on them helps improve traction on most surfaces to help eliminates slipping and falling. Their built-in steel safety toes help protect your feet from heavy falling objects and they also feature tongue and heel loops to make them easier to pull on.
Pros:
- Durable leather and synthetic low top work shoe
- Waterproof/Sealed seams
- Tongue and heel pull-on loops
- Removable memory foam footbed
- Steel toe protection
- Lugged rubber outsole
Cons:
- Not shock resistant
- Lacing design does not keep them tight all day long
9- REEBOK WORK MEN’S SOYAY SKATE STYLE SAFETY SHOE
Many people do not realize that the popular athletic shoe company Reebok also makes a variety of other fine types of shoes too. This nice work shoe from them is very well-designed and comfortable to wear all day long.
Don’t be fooled by the good looks of this Reebok work shoe. They are still a highly rated safety shoe that meets strict ASTM standards. This Reebok work shoe has a sturdy steel toe built into them and has features that make them resistant to electrical shock hazards too.
These are also very comfortable work shoes. They have such comfort features as a cushioning EVA midsole and padded collar added to them. Adding to their comfort is the fact that they are also lightweight and flexible.
Pros:
- Stylish leather low top work shoe
- Lightweight and flexible
- Padded collar
- EVA cushioned midsole
- Embedded steel toe protection/Electric shock protection
- Skateboard tread design
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Flatter type outsole is not to everyone’s liking
10- CATERPILLAR MEN’S OVERSEE STEEL TOE OXFORD
Caterpillar makes an outstanding line of tough work attire and footwear. These comfortable and safe work shoes from them are part of that. They have several important safety features built into them and they are lightweight and comfortable too. They are stylish work shoes too as they look more like a dress shoe than work footwear.
These all-leather low top work shoes have many outstanding features. Among these are such nice additions as a removable sock liner and a slip-resistant rubber sole. The safety features on these work shoes include steel toe protection, stabilizing heel shanks, and electric shock prevention.
One of the nicest things about these Caterpillar work boots is that they are made using cement construction. That greatly reduces the time it takes to break them in and many times you can even wear them right out of the box.
Pros:
- All leather low top work shoe
- Cement construction
- Removable sock liner
- Sturdy steel shank/Steel Toe
- Electric shock protection
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
Cons:
- Closer to a dark brown than black
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
Essential Lightweight Work Safety Shoe Buying Guide
There are a few main ways in which safety shoes can protect you. Before we jump into that topic, however, let’s become familiar with the product itself.
- What are work safety shoes? What are the main features of work safety shoes?
Of course one of the main concerns you want to address with any work shoe is safety. Any work environment can be a dangerous place to be at times. Safety work shoes not only need to be comfortable and durable like regular work shoes, but they need to have built-in features that take foot protection to a higher level. They need to offer solid toe protection and help prevent other types of workplace injuries like slipping and falling too.
The more safety features any work shoe has the better. Here are some of the most important safety features that you can have on any shoe for work.
-Safety Toe
One of the biggest foot hazards in any workplace is heavy falling objects crushing an employee’s toes. That’s why wearing the most reliable steel toe work boots at work is so vital.
Toe protection comes in several different forms. There are steel toes, composite toes, alloy toes, and more. All of which will help save your toes from heavy falling objects if you have them in the work shoes you wear.
-Traction/Slip-resistance
One other big workplace hazard is slipping and falling. Many shoes that people wear to work just don’t work well when walking over slippery surfaces. That’s why it’s so important to find a work shoe with an outsole and tread design that grips well even in slightly slippery conditions.
If you work predominantly indoors you will want to have a flatter tread design that keeps a large percentage of your outsole on the floor at all times. Just the opposite is true if you work outdoors most of the time. You will want a more curving tread design that gives you better traction over uneven surfaces.
-Electric shock protection
In any type of workplace where you have the possibility of moisture coming into contact with electrical currents, you have a potential shocking hazard. This can even prove to be fatal if you are not properly protected. Safety work shoes that are designed to be shock-resistant will help eliminate this type of workplace hazard.
-Foot stabilizing features
Almost as important as traction on any work shoes that you buy is foot stabilization inside those work shoes. The more stable your foot is inside your work shoes the more your shoes mimic the movement of your feet. This helps to avoid such things as slipping incidents and foot muscle and tendon injuries.
- Material/Durability
You don’t want to wear flimsy shoes in the workplace. Oils and rough surfaces will disintegrate them in no time and you will be spending more money right away. That’s why you need work shoes that are made of durable materials such as leathers and high-quality synthetics. These will also offer your feet some protection against cuts and abrasions too.
- Comfort
You definitely want to put your focus on work shoe buying not only on safety but also on comfort. The following features greatly enhance the comfort of any work safety shoe that you buy.
-EVA or foam padded footbeds
-Flexibility
-Padded collars
-Breathable linings
-Short break-in time
-Lightweight work boots
The more of these comfort features your work shoes have, the longer you will be able to wear them without them hurting your feet. Spending a little extra to get top-notch orthopedic work boots just might be worth it – see our top reviews right now!
- Fit
Good fit goes hand in hand with foot comfort. A work safety shoe that fits good will not hurt your feet after wearing them for a long period of time. Good fitting work shoes also increase foot performance by moving with your feet as you walk or do any other foot movements.
- Sole/Heel Construction
Not only do you want to have soles on your work shoes that are durable and oil-resistant but you also want them and your heel shank to provide your feet with excellent support. The more your feet are stable in your works shoes, the more they help prevent things such as twisted ankles and slipping incidents in the workplace.
- Insulation
Very seldom do lightweight and comfortable low top work shoes ever have insulating linings in them. So if you have a job where you work outdoors in colder and wet conditions you may want to look for a safety work boot instead of a pair of safety shoes for work.
- Warranty
Some work safety shoes can be quite costly to buy. In fact, the top-rated boots on the market can be quite pricey and we’ve outlined only the products that give you the best value. The more you pay for a work safety shoe the more you want those shoes to be protected by a good warranty. A good warranty is one which covers your safety shoes from top to bottom and lasts a long period of time too.
Why You Should Wear Safety Shoes When Working?
It’s no secret that any work environment can become a dangerous place in a hurry. Not only do these places typically have a heavy object with a risk of falling in them but they also have other things such as dangerous equipment in them too. Although your safety shoes only cover a small amount of your body, the protection they offer goes well beyond that.
The importance of safety shoes is undisputed and this is why we will highlight some of the main benefits:
- Punctures – many workplace environments, especially those like construction sites, have sharp objects that can easily puncture regular shoes. Work safety shoes usually have reinforced soles on them that resist puncturing.
- Toe Protection – we have already discussed how toe protection is necessary if you work in an environment where the danger of heavy falling objects hitting your toes is likely.
- Electric Shock Prevention – very often in today’s modern workplaces you have the possibility of electric current coming into contact with water or other liquids. Some safety shoes have built-in technology that greatly minimizes the risk of getting an electrical shock.
- Cuts/Abrasions – most work shoes are not made out of normal cloth materials like other shoes. They usually feature tough leather or synthetic materials. These materials will help keep workplace objects from scraping you or cutting your feet.
- Burns and Chemical Spill Protection – In some workplace environments your feet may be at risk from super-heated metal fragments landing on them or from harsh chemicals getting on them. A good safety shoe affords some level of protection from these things.
So don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money on work shoes if the types of hazards mentioned above are prevalent in your workplace.
See, The Most Comfortable Metatarsal Boots
The Different Types of Safety Shoe Toe Protection
Here are the most common types of toe protection that are found on safety shoes and a little bit more about them:
- Steel Toes
These are the sturdiest of all work shoes with safety toes. They offer the best toe protection you can get in a workplace environment but they also add a slight amount of weight to any work shoe that has them.
- Alloy Toes
Allot (aluminum) shoe safety toes are lighter in strength and weight than steel toe safety shoes but they still offer very good toe protection from heavy falling objects.
- Composite Toes
These are the lightest of all the different types of work shoe safety toe protection. They are popular not only because of the fact they don’t add much weight to your work shoes but they also offer extremely good toe protection from heavy falling objects.
- Soft Toes
These are work shoes that offer very limited toe protection. The thickness of the material may help prevent toe cuts and abrasions but it offers no foot protection against heavy falling objects.
See; Best Slip-on Safety Shoes
The Most Comfortable Waitress and Waiter Shoes
Summing Up Our Thoughts on Safety Shoes for Work
There is no reason you can’t find a pair of shoes for work that offers you a lot of safety benefits. These shoes also need to be comfortable safety shoes too so they do hurt your feet during a long workday. Work shoes also need to be durable so they do not break down easily in a tough work environment.
All the models of the best steel toe shoes that we reviewed will give you the three major benefits that we mentioned above. Don’t settle for less when purchasing work shoes or you will be sadly disappointed when you wear them. Refer to our handy safety shoe buying guide when shopping for new work shoes too; that way you will find a pair of the best composite toe shoes that will keep your feet safe in your workplace and keep them comfortably happy too!