Best Work Boots
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Durability
Firstly, durability is paramount. These boots should be built to withstand the harshest of environments, enduring heavy impacts, and resisting wear and tear over prolonged use. High-quality materials such as full-grain leather and reinforced stitching contribute significantly to a boot’s longevity.
Additionally, features such as water-resistant coatings, rugged outsoles for superior traction, and cushioned insoles for added comfort also play a crucial role in enhancing the durability and overall performance of the boots.
Proper care and maintenance, including regular cleaning and conditioning, can further extend their lifespan, making them a reliable choice for any demanding situation.
Table of Contents
Safety features
Safety features are equally important. Steel toe caps can protect against falling objects and compression injuries, ensuring that your feet remain unscathed even in hazardous environments.
Slip-resistant soles help prevent accidents on slippery surfaces, whether it’s a wet floor in a factory, a greasy kitchen, or a muddy construction site. This feature is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding potentially serious falls.
Some boots also include puncture-resistant midsoles to guard against sharp objects on the ground, such as nails or shards of glass, providing an additional layer of protection. Moreover, these safety boots often come with added ankle support and cushioning, enhancing comfort for long hours of wear and reducing fatigue.
Material
When it comes to identifying the best materials for work boots, leather stands out as a top choice. Known for its durability and natural water-resistance, leather provides excellent protection against environmental factors and occupational hazards.
It moulds to the wearer’s foot over time, offering unique comfort and fit. However, for certain professions, synthetic materials like nylon mesh are preferred for their lightness and breathability. Additionally, rubber is often used in the sole for its slip-resistant properties.
The ultimate choice of material depends on one’s specific working conditions and personal comfort preferences.
Style
In terms of style, steel toe cap boots are a popular choice for added safety. Some brands offer these designs with waterproof features as well, making them suitable for wet conditions. For those seeking a lighter option, composite toe caps provide similar protection without the extra weight.
Furthermore, there are specialised work boots designed to fit into specific industries such as construction, firefighting, and food service. These may include features such as chemical-resistant soles or extra insulation for cold environments.
Comfort
While protection is an important factor when choosing work boots, it should not come at the expense of comfort. The right pair should provide ample arch support and cushioning to reduce fatigue throughout the day.
Padded insoles and breathable material can help to promote improved airflow and keep the wearer’s feet dry. Additionally, it is beneficial to look for a boot with an adjustable ankle fit system, allowing for a customisable fit based on individual needs.
Wearing Boots All Day
Wearing work boots all day requires a balance between protection, comfort, and durability. It’s crucial to ensure that the boots fit correctly, as ill-fitting footwear can lead to discomfort and foot problems over time. A good pair of work boots should accommodate the natural movement of your feet during the day, considering factors like swelling and sock thickness.
Breaking in a new pair gradually will help mould the boot to your foot shape, enhancing comfort. Moreover, insoles can be a valuable addition, offering extra cushioning and support. Rotating between two pairs of boots can also extend their lifespan and allow each pair to dry out completely between uses, promoting better foot health. In the end, the best work boots are those that make the demands of a long working day manageable, and keep one’s feet safe, comfortable, and healthy.
European Standard EN 20347: 2004 for Occupational Footwear
The European standard EN 20347: 2004 sets stringent requirements for occupational footwear to ensure the safety, health, and comfort of workers in various industries. This standard applies to footwear that doesn’t have protective toecaps but offers other essential features to meet workplace safety needs.
According to EN 20347, occupational footwear must pass tests for slip resistance, which is critical for reducing accidents in slippery environments. Additionally, the standard dictates that footwear should have adequate energy absorption in the heel region to minimize impact on the feet during prolonged periods of standing or walking.
The materials used in the construction should be breathable, durable, and resistant to water and oil penetration, enhancing user comfort and longevity of use.
Compliance with EN 20347 ensures that the footwear meets a high level of quality, providing necessary protection and support to those wearing them throughout their workday.
The Reviews
Skechers Men’s Wascana Benen
With a design that combines the best elements of walking boots with those of protective tactical wear, these boots are tough, yet comfortable, and are thus well suited for a variety of jobs. Skechers are not a brand normally associated with workwear, however these boots combine comfort and functionality in a way that generally works well.
Skechers Wascana Benen boots are both water and slip resistant, with a durable outer layer of hard, yet supple leather, tough mesh fabric, and thick rubber soles. The inner parts of the boots contain Skechers’ trademark memory foam insoles, which is always welcome, as they give feet a comfortable ‘cushioning’ sensation when worn.
The boots conform to ISO 20347:2012 safety standards, meaning that they are protective enough to be worn in tougher occupational environments. It is worth noting, however, that this standard has since been withdrawn and replaced by newer, more exacting standards.
The wascana Benen boots have a decent width, meaning that they are a good choice for those with wider feet. They look smart and will work with almost any uniform. The interior cushioning combines with the boots’ lightness and wider design to create a very comfortable fit. They also offer a good standard of support for the soles and ankles, a useful trait for security boots, as operatives are frequently required to spend long periods of time on their feet.
Indeed, several online reviews of these boots were left by security operatives, who were generally pleased with their performance.
The non-slip soles also work very well in wet or icy conditions.
On the negative side, our biggest issue with these boots occurs due to the protective coating applied to the outer soles. This coating peels away very easily, revealing a scruffy grey beneath it. This is unfortunate, as the boots are otherwise quite good. This flaw hampers their long-term usage and limits their usable lifespan significantly – a fact that makes them harder to recommend for the demanding field of security work.
Sadly, the soles are also not as durable as they could be and are prone to wearing away after prolonged usage. The boots are also not very well ventilated, which can make feet become hot and sweaty in warmer weather.
The lace clasps (like the soles and coating) can also fall off if the laces are pulled too tight.
Overall, this is a comfortable work boot that can provide a good short-term option for any security operative. Over the long term, however, the shortcomings of these boots really start to show. A protective outer coating peels away, clasps can fall off, and soles wear down easily.
In the winter months, these boots can keep feet warm and relatively dry, and the non-slip soles will serve the wearer well. In the summer, however, feet will become hot and sweaty.
As a result, we can only recommend Skechers Wascara Benen boots as a short-term option for a busy security operative. They get the comfort and wearability right, but the durability and protective elements are somewhat lacking.
HAIX Black Eagle 20
These tactical boots are smart, tough, and very comfortable. 3 layers of GORE-TEX laminate protect the wearer from most excesses of weather, while the soles are supportive, protective, and feature a very good grip. The boots are also a very nice shape, with a heel that allows for lots of cushioning and easy foot insertion.
Outer layers of the boots consist of leather and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), which are both waterproof and hydrophobic. This waterproofing is accomplished without loss of breathability via the inclusion of a network of small ‘AIRFLOW’ channels running through the boot itself.
HAIX Black Eagle boots are also very difficult to mark or scuff, a feature that is a plus when it comes to security work, as most operative’s boots will begin to show signs of wear and tear after a while and thus won’t look as smart as they ought to. These boots, by virtue of being just that little bit tougher, should stay smarter for longer.
The boots also make use of HAIX’s patented climate system (including the ability to reflect sunlight away from them), as well as a ‘Micro-Dry’ lining at the top of the boot that helps to prevent water ingress.
The inner portions of the boot are very comfortable and boast both anti-bacterial and anti-moisture elements.
The boots meet the EN ISO 20347:2012 safety standards, although this standard was withdrawn in 2021 in favour of stricter standards.
The soles are made of thick, durable rubber that should last for a relatively long time. They also grip very well, preventing slippage on slick surfaces such as those covered by ice, snow, grease, or spilled oil. The boots are also designed to be good for traversing uneven surfaces such as rubble, stones, and even some sharp objects like needles or knives, making them ideal for wear on building sites and factory floors, among other rugged environments.
Thanks to several innovative design elements, the boots are highly supportive, and can aid and support feet and ankles in multiple positions, making sprains and twists less likely. They have even been designed with a ‘spring-back’ material in the front of the boot that enables a more efficient use of the body’s energy.
The boots can even be soaked in water and remain completely dry.
These boots are lightweight and feel almost as comfortable as a pair of sports shoes or trainers. They are also very quiet, which is useful for those operatives who engage in perimeter sweeps and regular patrols.
On the downside, the leather coating is slightly too thin. If tied too tightly, the laces (which could themselves be of higher quality) can cut into the leather, negating some of the weatherproofing effects. Additionally, a lack of cushioning can cause laces to cut into the feet at varying points.
Although well ventilated, these boots are not very warm. Cold winds can be especially noticeable. In addition, the snug nature of the boots can cause feet to sweat more than usual in warmer weather.
In conclusion, this is a very good pair of boots, even though the outer casing is a touch too thin. The weatherproofing and waterproofing are exemplary, and the boots are lightweight, comfortable, and relatively durable. All told, these boots are an excellent choice for a modern security operative.
Magnum Panther Lite 8.0
A basic, ‘no frills’ design allows these boots to be worn as part of almost any uniform requirement, while an array of other excellent features allow them to stand above many of the other choices available to security professionals.
Not every pair of work or tactical boots is suitable for a shift on the doors, or a night of patrols. These boots, however, combine comfort, protection, and functionality to great effect.
Lightweight, yet sturdy, with non-slip soles that can retain their grip on surfaces from icy to slick with oil or grease, Magnum Panther Lite boots also feature a shock-absorbing foam EVA insole (including a specially designed midsole) that make walking, running, and standing a lot easier on the feet. These boots can be comfortably worn over long periods, which makes them ideal for security operatives.
The outer layers of the boots are made from tough, durable leather. This is weather-resistant, though not overly waterproof. Lightweight mesh panelling helps to keep the boots well ventilated, keeping feet cool while at the same time cutting down weight.
Spill and oil resistant, with a fast-wicking lining for effective moisture management, Magnum Panther Lite boots are well-suited for use in a variety of activities and occupations and are designed to be rugged and tough enough to last for quite a long time.
Elsewhere, a convenient side-zip allows the boots to be put on and removed quickly and easily – always a welcome feature. The padded collar at the top of the boots adds both comfort and support, while a slightly wider fit than the manufacturer’s other boots ensures extra comfort and wearability for those with wider feet.
That said, the boots will feel quite tight until properly worn in. While this is true for most footwear, it is especially true in this case.
All told, Magnum Panther Lite boots are an excellent choice for most UK-based security operatives. They are well-designed and easily as comfortable as any pair of trainers, as well as being lightweight, durable, and well-ventilated. Moreover, they can be comfortably worn over long periods while still protecting the feet from external harm and excessive hot, cold, or wet weather. Brilliant.
5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 Shield
More of a tactical boot than the others on this list, the Men’s ATAC 2.0 Shield boots are designed to protect the wearer’s feet from just about any harm that could reasonably befall them.
CARBON-TAC toe protection joins a puncture-resistant board to protect the feet from heavy objects (or attacks) from above, as well as penetration from sharp objects or uneven ground below. The boots will also resist electrical shocks. There is even a protective membrane that protects against bloodborne pathogens. It seems that the manufacturers, in this instance, really did think of everything.
The boots have achieved a CSA Z195-09 rating for protection against cuts, abrasions, and electrical discharge.
Elsewhere, full-length dual durometer Ortholite (a special type of open-cell foam commonly used for insoles) footbeds provide comfort and support and will keep feet supported over long periods spent walking, running, or standing guard.
These boots also boast the addition of an ‘Achilles’ heel flex zone’, which provides extra ankle support, while also offering the wearer increased flexibility and a broader range of motion.
On the downside, not quite as much attention has been placed upon comfort as protection, meaning that, while not uncomfortable, these boots are not the most comfortable pair we’ve reviewed. The angle of the boots, for example, is slightly more extreme than that of most other tactical boots, which may cause discomfort for some wearers. Some customers have also complained that the insoles used in earlier models were easier to wear.
As a pair of tactical/protective boots, these are excellent, easily among the best we’ve seen. However, as footwear to be worn over long periods, these boots are not the best choice for a security operative. They could cause discomfort in ways that other boots we’ve seen are unlikely to. They could be more water resistant as well, so there’s some room for improvement here.
Under Armour Men’s Valsetz
This is a pair of boots that are as functional as they are smart. For those who don’t wish to buy leather boots, these boots offer a nice alternative, as they are made entirely from synthetic materials.
The outer layers are fashioned from a mixture of synthetic leather and other textiles. This material is lightweight, breathes well and is tough enough to withstand a lot of punishment.
The other protective elements are first rate as well. Welded forefoot overlays and moulded TPU toe caps protect the front parts of the feet. The rubber soles, though they could be better, are thick enough to offer protection against most uneven or dangerous surfaces.
Although designed as hiking boots, Under Armour boots like these are worn by a diverse range of people, including many first responders and security personnel. The manufacturers understand that comfort is key, as these professionals are often on their feet for long periods at a time and must be ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice (or less). On the inside, then, these boots feel more like running shoes, despite all the protective measures on the outside.
Although the soles could be thicker and more protective, the treads of these boots promote an active footstep, which encourages the wearer to -literally and figuratively – stay on their toes. This makes the boots excellent for jobs, like security, that often require a fleet-footed response to volatile situations before they can escalate.
The soles also offer good traction on slick surfaces, such as those covered by grease, oil, ice, water, or other substances.
As with others we’ve seen, these boots have side zips, an always-welcome feature that makes the boots easy to take off or put on at the end or beginning of a long day. It also makes them easier to remove on breaks (if the wearer is so inclined).
Perhaps less welcome is the relative weakness of the soles, which are less protective than many other boots we could name. The boots are also prone to splitting under repeated stress (particularly at the front of the foot), lacking the suppleness and natural elasticity of leather. Additionally, some Amazon customers have complained that the lacing doesn’t distribute the tightness evenly between the foot and the ankle.
Minor misgivings aside, this is a very good pair of boots for a security operative. They are protective, effective, and, above all, very comfortable. However, the soles aren’t as thick as they could be, the standard of water protection could be better, and a broader range of protective measures could have been implemented at the design stage.
Furthermore, they will not last for as long as some other boots, as they can show egregious signs of wear (such as splitting) following repeated use. Nevertheless, as a decent ‘all round’ option that combines functionality with comfort, these boots are still a good fit.
Conclusion: Which Boots are Best?
Today’s selection of products has yielded some excellent boots, all of which could be recommended for UK-based security workers. The Skechers Wascana Benen boots are a good pair, but only over the short term, as wear and tear take a heavy toll on them.
The HAIX Black Eagle boots are excellent, but suffer from a thin outer layer, and won’t keep feet warm in cold weather. The 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 boots are the most protective on this list (even offering protection against disease and electrical shock), but this added protection comes at the expense of some comfort. The Under Armour Valsetz, for their part, are very comfortable, but are lacking slightly in the areas of protection and longevity.
The best all-rounders, then, are the Magnum Panther Lite 8.0 boots. These boots are lightweight and well ventilated, but also comfortable and highly protective. They can be comfortably worn for long periods of time (such as a shift on the doors, a nightly patrol, or a walk around a city center), and should keep feet comfortable, safe, dry, and cool, no matter what. That’s why they are our choice to take the ‘Number One’ slot this time around.