Pompe piscine : comparatif – meilleur guide – top 5 – Best Work Boots 2020 | Steel Toe Work Boots

Finding the perfect work boots wasn’t always a challenge. The Romans had two choices of sandals: with or without hobnails for traction. Around the year 1800, workers got the choice between laces and buckles. A little later, anatomical left and right boots debuted. Then, rubber soles were popularized with the introduction of the Goodyear Welt, and late in WWII, steel-toe protection was developed. The features and choices have snowballed since then. Today, there are boots designed for every job. They come in numerous widths, heights, colors, materials, types of toe protection, and resistance to water, oil, or chemicals.

Here, check out quick info on the top performers from our test, then read on for deeper reviews, as well as to see what you need to know before buying.

Basic Types of Work Boots

Key Features

Toe Protection
The steel toe cap (safety toe) has largely been the standard in toe protection since it was developed in the 1940s. More recently, composite toe caps—made of Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass—have gained popularity. They both have their advantages. Steel is better at protection from puncture and cutting, although it conducts cold well, which isn’t great in the winter. Composite is lighter and won’t conduct electricity, but it’s often more expensive. Some jobs require workers to wear boots with toe protection that meets specific standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Water Resistance
Traditionally, boot leather was treated with oil or wax for waterproofing, but this required reapplication to maintain and didn’t always fully keep water out. Leather is still treated this way today, but truly waterproof boots are made with modern, synthetic membranes like Gore-Tex. Don’t confuse water-resistant with waterproof boots—the former won’t keep your feet dry if you’re standing in water for any length of time.

Insulation
Insulated boots typically have a layer of polyester or other polymers between the liner and leather for heat retention. The amount of insulation is usually listed by weight, in grams. (This isn’t the total weight of the insulation in one boot, rather the weight of how much a square meter of the insulation weighs.) The higher the number, usually the thicker and warmer the insulation.

Electrical Safety
Some work boots provide protection from electrocution by preventing electrical current from completing a circuit to ground. Boots with this feature have been tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Slip Resistance
Boots that boast slip-resistance have outsoles made of soft materials that can maintain grip on wet or oily surfaces, as well as tread patterns with siping designed to draw fluids away from under the shoe.

Oil Resistance
This feature has to do with the construction of the boot’s upper. Leather is oil-resistant, but typical synthetic threads or materials used in constructing the upper may break down in the presence of petroleum-based liquids like oil, diesel fuel, and kerosene. Oil-resistant boots use synthetics unaffected by petroleum products.

What is ASTM?

ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, sets standard specifications for a vast number of products. As it relates to work boots, ASTM F2413 sets performance criteria for footwear designed to protect wearers from a variety of hazards. There are nine specific categories of hazards, represented by a one- or two-letter abbreviation:

• C: Compression, or crushing forces in the toe area, with four classes: class 75 (2,500 pounds) for men and women, and class 50 (1,000 pounds) for men and women.
• I: Impact to the toe area (class 50 or 75, as described above).
• CD: Conductive, or static electrical discharge hazards, to prevent ignition of volatile materials.
• EH: Electrical shock, resistance to protect heels and toes from connecting to ground.
• SD: Static dissipative properties, to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity.
• PR: Puncture resistance, to protect soles from puncture.
• Mt: Metatarsal impact, to protect the top of foot from impact.
• CS: Chain saw, to provide cut resistance.
• DI: Dielectric insulation, to provide insulation in the event of accidental contact with circuits or conductors.

Footwear that meets ASTM F2413 uses a specific four-line format to identify the type of hazards it protects against:

• Line 1 identifies the specification: ASTM F2413
• Line 2 identifies user gender (M/F), and classification (50, 75) for I, C, and Mt.
• Lines 3 and 4 identify the specific hazards the footwear protects against.

How We Tested These Boots

Every boot on this list has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and designers, and use our own experience with these brands and styles to determine the best options. We called in a range of boots and distributed them to our test editors, who used them in typical “work boot” situations, including: lawn mowing, raking leaves, loading/unloading trucks, snow blowing, construction projects, cleaning gutters, landscaping, cutting firewood, and working while standing on a concrete floor. Our team evaluated the boots on performance, value, comfort, durability, and aesthetics. We compiled the feedback and here are the results: 10 awesome boots to protect your feet on the job and look great once the work is done.

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—EDITORS’ CHOICE—

CAT Footwear Excavator Superlite



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CAT Footwear Excavator Superlite

CAT Footwear
catfootwear.com

$145.00

• Very comfortable
• No break-in period

• Exposed yellow liner soils easily

While there are a number of features to praise, comfort is at the top of the list for CAT Footwear’s Excavator Superlite. They felt light and comfortable right from the start, according to our tester, who ended up running a half mile in them to get out of a downpour on the first day wearing them. A composite safety toe, nonmetallic construction—there is no steel shank in the outsole—a cushioned insole, and a contoured footbed with rebound foam help give the Excavator Superlite its springy, athletic-shoe feel. The outsole is made from a rubber material that resists slipping in both wet and oily conditions, confirmed by our tester in both the workshop, and hiking a long, wet, rocky trail that followed and traversed a creek. That first experience in the rain, and the hike, also brought our attention to the fact that these boots are waterproof. The rubber toe cap and abrasion-resistant heel cup are effective at protecting areas that can typically scuff and wear, shortening the life of a work boot. The Excavator Superlite runs true to size and meets ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75, EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

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—EDITORS’ CHOICE—

Thorogood American Heritage 8-Inch Tobacco Plain-Toe


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Thorogood

American Heritage 8-Inch Tobacco Plain-Toe Boot
amazon.com
• Comfortable, with minimal break-in required
• Covered by Thorogood’s refurbishment program

The Tobacco Plain Toe has a classic work boot profile, just with the unexpected comfort of running shoes, no break-in period required. The tobacco oil-tanned, full-grain leather is soft and pliable right out of the box—we liked it so much we were reluctant to put the boot on and scuff it all up. We did, however, and found it runs true to size, fitting well with mid-weight to heavier socks. It’s a tall boot, so we appreciated the speed hooks, which allow for quick lace-ups. The soft, nonslip MAXWear wedge outsole was comfortable when we were standing on hard floors or surfaces. While the boot we tested is plain toe, a steel toe option is available, should you need that level of protection. One of our favorite aspects of Thorogood boots is that they’re fully serviceable—once you’ve put many miles and years on them, you can take advantage of the refurbishment program the brand offers to give them new life.

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—BEST HIKER-STYLE—

Keen Pittsburgh


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Keen

Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot
$185.00
$154.22
(17% off)
amazon.com
• Run true to size
• Classy looks
• Not the best for heavy construction jobs

According to Keen, the Pittsburgh—with its waterproof upper and anatomically shaped, asymmetrical steel toe inserts—is a medium-duty boot. So it’s probably not the best option for heavy construction, or similarly extreme conditions, on a daily basis. The comfort and middle-of-the-pack weight make it a good candidate for landscape maintenance, surveying, and other work that keeps you moving and on your feet. Sizing was spot on for our staff, and according to one tester who typically complains about boots being awkward or clunky, “These conformed to my feet right away, and they’ve only gotten more comfortable as I’ve continued to wear them.” With the trend in work boots toward more fashionable styles, our tester stressed that they really like the way this Keen looks, and has added the pair to the rotation in their daily wardrobe. Despite the classy appearance, the Pittsburghs meet ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH footwear safety standards.

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—BEST WATERPROOF—

Ariat WorkHog XT Wellington



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WorkHog XT Wellington Carbon Toe

• Tall shaft keeps debris out
• Good waterproofing

• Top of shaft can chaffe without tall socks

Designed for the harsh environment of oil and gas exploration, Ariat’s WorkHog XT has robust features beneficial in just about any trade. Our test editor found these to run just a little small, opting to go up one half size to ease entry/exit on these pull-on boots. With loops on both sides of the boot to assist pulling them on, entry is snug through the ankle of the boot, but once on they’re quite comfortable. One thing to note about pull-on boots is that without laces it’s often difficult to avoid heel lift or slip. Our tester noted that the snug fit on the WorkHog XT helps keep the heel in place and supported. In the field, we found them comfortable to wear all day, without any break-in period, although after a few days the fit did relax a bit. We tested the waterproofing by walking in a stream periodically, keeping the leather wet over the course of a day, and our feet remained dry. Additionally, these boots have a carbon safety toe, which helps keep weight down. Although at 10 inches tall with an all-leather upper and shaft, they’re on the heavier end of the boots with carbon/composite toes that we’ve tested. The WorkHog XT Wellington meets ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

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—BEST LOGGER—

Irish Setter Mesabi


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Irish Setter

Mesabi Work Boot
$111.52
amazon.com
• Fits comfortably with light, medium, and heavy socks
• Waterproof and burly
• Driving with it can be uncomfortable

Praised by our tester for its comfort, the eight-inch Irish Setter Mesabi can handle anything from yard work to felling trees. It did take a couple of days until it wore creases in all the right places, but the break-in process was without significant discomfort. Arch support felt substantial, and the boot runs true to size, fitting comfortably with light, medium, and heavy socks. Our tester was aware of the Mesabi’s weight, given its steel toe, but didn’t have issue with it, even running weekend errands in their pair. One thing to note: Operating the gas pedal in some cars was a little uncomfortable, due in part to the height of the boot collar. The Irish Setter Mesabi is waterproof, the outsole resists oil and heat up to 475°F, and it meets ASTM F2413-11, M/I/75/C/75, EH standards.

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—BEST MILITARY-STYLE—

Danner Acadia


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Danner

Acadia 8 Work Boot
$337.50
amazon.com
• Outsole provided exceptional traction
• Deceptively flexible and comfortable

A favorite among public safety and emergency services personnel, the eight-inch Acadia has a military look with the rugged features to back it up. A fiberglass shank and 8mm Vibram sole make a stable platform with enough flex to be comfortable while still resistant to torsion. The lugged outsole maintains traction on dirt inclines, wet rocks, and oil-slicked asphalt. In several inches of water, our tester’s feet remained dry, while the boot still felt breathable when wet. It’s clear why soldiers and police started wearing textile-plus-leather styles like this—they feel more ergonomic and cooler than all-leather options. You can even run in them, though lighter boots do exist. As advertised, the Acadia runs narrow and long—unless you have narrow feet, consider an EE width and buying down at least a half size. Break-in was less severe for us than what other owners say they’ve experienced. There was one complaint, though: The collar can create hot spots where it overlaps the tongue. The Acadia comes with a composite safety toe.

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—BEST TRADITIONAL STYLE—

Carhartt 6″ Moc-Toe



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Carhartt 6-Inch Work Boot

Cathartt
carhartt.com

$149.99

• Traditional styling
• Waterproof

• Moc-toe stitching can eventually leak

Carhartt’s six inch Moc-Toe work boots are ideal for those who prefer the traditional work boot aesthetics—the type you’d find on typical residential building sites. Our test editor liked the fit and feel of the supple oil-tanned leather and lightly padded liner, saying they were up to the task of a day’s work, right out of the box. After two days, creases had formed in all the right spots, and it was easy to forget about the new boots on your feet. The liner incorporates a waterproof membrane that kept our feet dry during rain, and when stepping in standing water during testing. However, our experience with moc-toe boots and stitching around the toes has been that, eventually, water will get in. So, we probably wouldn’t recommend these for landscapers who may be frequently walking through wet grass. That said, they’ll perform as expected on a construction site for carpenters, electricians, or plumbers, working in and out of the rain or stepping in the occasional job-site puddle. The Carhartt 6” work boot meets ASTM F2892-18 EH for electrical hazard protection.

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—FASTEST TO LACE UP—

Timberland Pro Boondock


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Timberland Pro

Boondock Work Boot
$179.95
amazon.com
• Feels lighter than standard steel-toed boots
• Low-profile
• Runs big
• Low top can let in water

The Timberland Pro Boondock is a lightweight, heavy-duty work boot that’s tough enough to keep your feet safe and comfortable all day. The composite safety toe was a revelation for our tester, who happily remarked, “It’s lighter than a standard steel toe yet still strong enough to drop large rocks on your feet and kick logs with impunity.” The break-in period was negligible, and the boot felt good right from the start, with the exception of one spot above the ankle that took a day to wear in. While it’s comfortable, it does run big. With his normal size, our editor ended up layering two pairs of socks to fill them out—he suggests sizing down a full size for summer use, or half a size for colder weather with heavier socks. We liked the low profile, with two speed hooks that made getting in and lacing up quick and easy. An aggressive tread amply grips a bunch of surfaces, including concrete, mossy rocks, and muddy trails. The Pro Boondock is waterproof enough to keep your feet dry when working in wet and muddy conditions, but because it’s low, watch out for water or mud coming in over the top.

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—BEST SUPPORT—

Wolverine Hellcat Ultraspring



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Hellcat UltraSpring

wolverine
wolverine.com

• Excellent support
• Easy to lace-up

• Tongue webbing needs to break-in

Wolverine’s Hellcat Ultraspring, with a smooth, seamless toe, and thick chunky outsole, sort of resembles a traditional hiking boot. In fact, our tester decided to do some hiking to gauge the Hellcat’s comfort, and reported that the boots were supportive on uneven, rocky surfaces. We found them to be true to size and comfortable in all-day, outdoor use during the humid heat of an eastern PA summer—although it did take a couple days for the webbing on the tongue to settle into place. While we wouldn’t say the Hellcat is lightweight, it is reasonably light, with the carbon safety toe and nylon shank keeping it from feeling heavy. The breathable, waterproof lining performed well during a day’s worth of landscape maintenance on several acres of wet grass after a rain, keeping our tester’s feet dry and comfortable. In these same conditions, the lugged outsole provided adequate traction without fear of slipping on side slopes. The Hellcat Ultraspring meets ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH for impact resistance, compression, and electrical hazard protection.

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—MOST BREATHABLE—

Merrell Work Moab 2


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Merrell Work

Moab 2 Work Boot
amazon.com
• Good balance of breathability and waterproofing
• A little wide at the midfoot

Based on our testing, Merrell’s Moab 2 holds its own as a serious work boot. Based on the brand’s popular hiking boot (also called the Moab), it has a similar textile and leather upper, featuring a waterproof membrane and a breathable mesh liner. This construction was comfortable from day one, requiring no apparent break-in period. The Moab 2 is true to size, although our tester felt it was a little wide in the mid-foot area. While the boot does have a composite safety toe, the hiking shoe appearance belies how heavy it felt. Under a constant stream of water, it did leak a little around the edge of the footbed. Our feet stayed dry, though, under normal rain and in wet grass. The Moab 2 meets ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 standards.