The 6 Best Rain Boots of 2025 | Tested & Rated - Outdoor Gear Lab

Our Picks of Men's Rain Boots

Best Overall Men's Rain Boot

Bogs Workman

Flood Height: 14.75" | Weight per Pair: 5.11 lbs

Of all the boots tested, the Bogs Workman boots are nearly perfect, as shown by our metrics (they ranked near the top tier for comfort, traction, and warmth). We appreciate all the little details wrapped up in this pair: the heel collars, the modular insoles, and the handy heel studs that let us kick them off after a long day. “They have heavy-duty lugs and a supportive insole. I found them comfortable enough to wear even for long periods,” our lead tester remarked. While the first model we tested (over a year ago) had some waterproofing issues, this latest version appears to have resolved those issues.

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The Workman boots have a unique collar that wraps around the Achilles tendon for secure heel-lock support, which we loved—but it might feel uncomfortable to some. Also, these boots retain heat. “Sometimes my feet felt overly warm in temperatures above 50°F,” our tester said. If you want a boot that is not as warm and has a higher flood height for better weather protection, check out the Baffin Enduro. All in all, the Workman would be it if we could only have one pair of rain boots. We also like The Original Muck Boot Company Wetland, which scored higher for weather protection, although we found them less comfortable.

Read more: Bogs Workman review

Best Bang for Your Buck

Baffin Enduro

Flood Height: 16.25" | Weight per Pair: 5.49 lbs

Close your eyes and imagine yourself wearing a rain boot. You're probably picturing something similar to the Baffin Enduro. With a height of 16.25 inches, the Enduro's rubber shaft and solidly lugged outsole will keep you warm and dry in even the wettest and worst conditions. Because of their large circumference, you can easily slip into and out of these boots, and their price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable.

The Enduro is uninsulated, so you'll want to wear thick socks in cold weather. We don't love the included insoles, so if you're wearing these often, we recommend finding a more structured insole. “Once I mastered my sock and insole game, I could happily spend entire days wearing these boots,” our tester stated. “They even kept me comfortable throughout a 14-hour workday.” We recommend this boot if you want the best price and don't need the most deluxe insulated option. If you want an affordable insulated boot, look at the Kamik Icebreaker.

Read more: Baffin Enduro review

Best for the Worst Weather

The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport

Flood Height: 17.6" | Weight per Pair: 5.74 lbs

The The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport takes inclement weather seriously. They are a workhorse of a boot, neoprene-wrapped and warm enough for extreme conditions, and they had some of the best traction of any boot we've tested. The boots' high shaft and tighter calf make us feel confident when sloshing through cold water; nothing is getting in these babies!

We love the Arctic Sport boots, but they're quite uncomfortable when strolling around town on a warmer Fall day. “In temps above 40°F, I started to sweat in these,” our lead tester said. While the tighter shaft keeps the warm air in, you'll have to reach down to put them on and take them off. Most people do not need boots as burly as these, and we would not recommend them to everyone. However, this boot is a top dog if you spend lots of time in truly harsh conditions (heavy rain, driving snow, and freezing temperatures). For a more comfortable boot that's easy to pull on and off, look at the Bogs Classic Ultra High.

Read more: The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport review

Most Stylish

Blundstone Thermal Chelsea

Flood Height: 6.7" | Weight per Pair: 2.93 lbs

If you want your rain boots to do double duty — to keep your feet dry in the wet and look good — the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea is a great choice. Its cozy sheep's wool insoles and Thinsulate lining will keep your feet warm despite chilly weather, and they perfectly balance between workboot (with their heavy-duty outsole and seam-sealed leather) and stylish boot (with their premium hand-crafted leather.) “I own a standard pair of Blundstone boots, and these feel almost exactly the same — the insulation doesn't change the fit at all,” noted our lead tester.

The only drawback to these boots is that they're not as tall as some of the other options in our test. If you need a boot with a shaft higher than 10 inches, this boot will not cut it. Otherwise, if you're looking for a stylish boot with few drawbacks, the Blundstone Thermal is the way to go. If you're looking for a casual, around-town boot but can't quite swing the price of the Blundstone, you might like the Kamik Lars Lo.

Read more: Blundstone Thermal Chelsea review

Best Deck Boot

Huk Rogue Wave

Flood Height: 6.5" | Weight per Pair: 3 lbs

While they are not the best-known deck boots, our testers found that the Huk Rogue Wave boots outperformed some of the most popular deck boots, especially in their comfort tests. The Huk boots were reliably comfortable for hours of heavy use, with their cushioned and supportive midsole, and featured a better tread pattern for multi-surface traction.

Like all the low boots we tested, we found these boots somewhat fiddly to get on, and the outsole tends to hold onto dirt and small rocks that are hard to clean out. These are not a go-to pick for severe weather but are perfect for lighter rain, runs to the mailbox in a rainstorm, and less intense conditions. “The Huk boots were a top choice when I headed out to do chores or run errands around town,” our tester said. Another deck boot option we like is the XTRATUF 6" Ankle Deck Boot or the Bogs Kicker Chelsea Neo. If you're looking for a rain boot with a little more kick, you might check out the Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport.

Read more: Huk Rogue Wave Review

Best Crossover Rain Boot

LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate

Flood Height: 8" | Weight per Pair: 3.91 lbs

LL Bean boots have been around for over 100 years (since ), and generations of Northeasterners have grown up wearing them, as they're warm, protective, and durable. The company has made hundreds of variations of the original model, and we chose to put the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate boots to the test and were impressed with both how stylish and capable they are. As a result, these are a great crossover shoe, as they're a perfect blend between the stylish lower boots and the more rugged work boots. They are warm and comfortable, and most importantly for a rain boot, they keep water out.

Our biggest qualm with these boots is that we wish they had a slightly more incised outsole — the cable pattern does a decent job, but isn't as grippy as some of the more serious workboots. Also worth noting, the insole of these boots is not the most impressive or comfortable. However, if you need a boot that looks and performs great, we highly recommend this one from LL Bean. If you need something with more grip, you may like the Bogs Workman.

Read more: LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate review

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How We Tested

Every time we update this review, we start with market research: hours of reading, assessing the competition, and surveying all the new boots released each season. Once we've identified the most promising new models, we buy them at full price and thrash them. We practice the vaunted scientific method and create hypotheses for each boot before we test them. With our hypotheses in mind, we test the boots over several months. At this point, many years in, we've spent over 800 hours testing, wearing, and measuring various rain boots. Some tests, such as warmth, are best assessed in our high-tech lab, where we submerge the boots in a bathtub filled with ice cubes and monitor their internal temperature with bare feet. Other tests, such as comfort, are assessed by wearing the boots in various conditions over long days. We do our best to slog around in every weather we can find in the Washington Cascades and Western Montana Rockies (which means we get a lot of rain and damp cold). At the end of our test period, we take our findings for each boot and write them up to share what we've found.

Our comprehensive tests are divided into five rating metrics:

• Weather Protection (25% of overall score weighting)

• Comfort (25% weighting)

• Traction (20% weighting)

• Warmth (15% weighting)

• Wearability (15% weighting)

For more on our test process, see our complete How We Test article.

Why Trust GearLab

Our main rain boot tester is Richard Forbes. Richard spends his time adventuring across the great Pacific North-wet and the cold northern Rockies, both ideal for his rain-boot-oriented lifestyle. Every day is a new opportunity to get outdoors, and he often finds himself wearing rain boots in ridiculous testing situations (from “approach rain boots” to “rock climbing rain boots” to "whitewater rain boots"). He has not yet tried climbing harder than 5.7 in a pair of rain boots. Still, while guiding a few summers ago, he saw a tween exhaustedly slogging toward Camp Muir in a pair of Bogs at 9,500 feet on the side of Mount Rainier, and he was both inspired and worried (for the tween, the boots were doing well).

Richard has worked as an environmental journalist, farmer, ecological researcher, collaborative facilitator, “footwear retail specialist,” conservationist, outdoor guide, and storyteller worldwide and reluctantly admits he might be a gearhead, which means he sometimes spends around the same time researching what gear to buy as he does actually using it. He's embarrassed by this, but at least he doesn't keep what he finds to himself: how to choose your next rain boots.

Analysis and Test Results

Soggy feet are almost guaranteed to ruin your day. Throughout our tests, we consider each boot's weather protection, all-day comfort, grip, traction on wet ground, warmth, and overall wearability, writing detailed notes along the way. For every performance metric, we rank each boot from 1 to 10 (with one being the worst). Then, we weight each score to show the value of each category — for example, most folks believe that weather protection matters more than warmth, so we give weather protection a heavier weighting. Let's be clear; we're not trying to give absolute ratings because we haven't personally worn all boot models. Instead, each value is relative to every other boot in the review.

What's the Best Value?

While we don't incorporate pricing into our scoring system (as prices constantly change), we know cost is important. However, we'll always describe the general price range of each boot and write about whether we think each one is worth its price. After an absurd number of hours in rain boots, we are certain: more expensive rain boots almost always look and feel better while lasting longer. In other words, you generally get what you pay for. But this goes both ways — if you don't wear rain boots often or don't spend much time in nasty weather, you may not need the priciest option.

Do you need to pay more for the ultra-protective Muck Arctic Sport, or do you want a boot that bucks the trend and works perfectly despite its lower price, like the Baffin Enduro? If we're talking straight dollars vs. performance, the Enduro (uninsulated), the Kamik Icebreaker, and the insulated Kamik Forester are the best value boots in the test.

Weather Protection

Rain boots must be waterproof and waterproof; otherwise, what's the point? Waterproofing can get surprisingly complicated if you get into it (dive in for a few hours by researching hydrostatic head testing), but we define waterproof practically. Something is “waterproof” if we can stand in water up to the top of the shaft for 10 minutes and not get wet feet. We've tested these boots' weather protection by wading in the chilly Clark Fork River of Western Montana, the Puget Sound on a windy 25°F day, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River on a month-long river trip, the Yakima and Snoqualmie Rivers as they flow out of the snowy Cascades, and in the Atlantic Ocean on the Maine Coast. When boots leaked (as a few did), we had a bad time, so we were always thankful for the boots that worked.

We put each boot into all manner of waterways, from creeks and ponds to the ocean, literally all over the United States (at this point, we've tested in every region of the Lower 48, as rain boots come on every single trip we go on). Our final test is a standardized ten-minute wade. Almost all the tested boots are waterproof except the Bogs Sauvie model. For all waterproof boots, we assign scores as a function of boot flood height, measured as the lowest point at which water can enter. Any boot that isn't waterproof gets docked severely.

With their impressive 18-inch high shaft, the Muck Boot Wetland boots eke out the win in the weather protection category, their height preventing accidental splashes and easily protecting your feet from rain, deep water, and dumping snow.

We tried fly-fishing in the high-shafted Baffin Enduro boots and only got water in them when we chased some trout into a deep pool. The Arctic Sport are the second-highest boots (just under half an inch shorter than the Wetland) and are significantly warmer than all other boots in the test, with their microfleece lining.

Our tested boots feature a variety of shaft heights. Pick your boots based on your intended use — the different boot heights will lend themselves to different uses. This list is in order of height:

Calf-height Boots (16" or higher)

• Muck Boot Wetland

• Muck Boot Arctic Sport

• Hunter Original

• Baffin Enduro

Mid-calf Boots (approximately 12" to 16" tall)

• XTRATUF Legacy 15"

• Bogs Workman

• Kamik Icebreaker

• Kamik Forester

• Bogs Ultra Classic High

• Bogs Bozeman Tall

Crossover Height

• LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate

Low Boots (lower than 7")

• Blundstone Thermal Chelsea

• Bogs Kicker Chelsea Neo

• Huk Rogue Wave

• Kamik Lars Lo

• XTRATUF 6" Ankle Deck Boot

• Sperry Cold Bay Chukka

• Bogs Sauvie

A caveat about the low boots: they're practical as long as you won't get into deep water, as some are only waterproof to a few inches. But low boots like the XTRATUF Deck Boots or the Huk Rogue Wave come into their own if you'll be using them on strolls through town when there's soggy (but not inclement) weather. Low boots obviously won't keep you as dry as taller boots, but they're generally more comfortable in more casual use cases.

Comfort

Our testers are lucky enough not to have any major foot problems, but like most people, they sometimes get sore feet. Our comfort tests are designed to replicate long days on your feet, so we wear each boot for hours on concrete and other hard surfaces. Ultimately, our tests let us know which boots to buy when you know you'll be wearing them for long days (the Bogs Workman and Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, among others) and which boots you won't want to wear for more than an hour (sorry, Hunter Original Tall).

For some reason, people tend to ignore foot pain and assume that it's somehow inevitable. Let's be clear: foot pain can be solved. It can be complicated, but it's worth taking the time. If you suffer from foot pain, take this category seriously. Rain boots (and shoes in general) aren't supposed to hurt you, and some of the models we tested are truly comfortable to wear. Consider getting a pair of supplemental insoles, and if you've got a lot of trouble with your feet, try to see a doctor or physical therapist; both will help dramatically. Take it from us: happy feet will improve your life.

A boot's material plays a big role in overall comfort. Leather boots generally feel more comfortable because leather breathes better, tends to weigh less, and breaks in, molding to your feet. Leather's drawback is that it's less durable than a thick rubber boot. And while you might think all “rubber boots” are equal, we've found a fair amount of variation after wearing so many different boots. We don't have degrees in rubber chemistry (though if we'd spent the last eight years better, we probably could have gotten at least one Ph.D.), but here's what we know. Boots made with foamed neoprene uppers (Bogs Classic Ultra High and Bogs Sauvie, among others) stretch and bend perfectly when walking on rough surfaces.

In contrast, boots with fully rubber uppers tend to buckle against the ankle when on the same terrain. And while we don't know all the scientific terms to describe the different types of rubber, we know that there's a difference in ankle comfort between stiffer rubber boots (like the Baffin Enduro which bends in and pushes at the front of our ankles) and higher quality rubber-like the more flexible XTRATUF Legacy 15" material, which flexes smoothly across our feet. But the thicker your socks, the less you'll notice these issues. Finally, the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate boots blend the flexibility and comfort of leather (on the top) and the waterproof durability of rubber (on the bottom), which worked impressively well.

To test for comfort, we spent 20+ hours in every boot, prioritizing long stints (over 5 hours) and time on harder surfaces to ensure the test was as difficult on our feet as possible. Insole construction is an important variable, as there's a lot of variation in insole sturdiness and thickness. Some boots have thick, cushioned insoles like the Bogs Classic Ultra High and the Bogs Sauvie. One pair of boots, the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, went even further and added sheepskin to the top of their insoles, which makes them positively plush.

We're disappointed by other boots' flimsy offerings (come on, Hunter Original boots!), which means they don't fare well in the comfort ratings. The Kamik Forester and Icebreaker are odd, featuring bulky removable liners without insoles (and can't fit aftermarket insoles). They're very nice and warm, but don't have much support underfoot.

Our testers have high arches and generally wear Superfeet Green insoles for general use (these were our favorites from our best insole review). Once we'd finished testing the standard insoles, we'd often put Superfeet in our favorite pairs, making the boots more comfortable. Depending on your arches (and how exhausted your legs feel after a whole day on your feet), consider talking to a doctor or footwear specialist about whether you'd benefit from a pair of supplemental insoles. They make a big difference for us.

For testing, we also wear rain boots during our general day-to-day lives. They come along as we go to grad school, work, grocery shopping, and voyaging into the mountains every few days. The Bogs Workman and Blundstone Thermal Chelsea lead the pack in comfort thanks to their snug fit around the ankles, which minimizes the sloppy fit we find in some other boots. Other particularly comfortable boots include the Bogs Classic Ultra and the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate.

Stiff-shafted rubber boots can be uncomfortable, and it helps to wear thick socks. Otherwise, they can cut into your shins as they buckle when you bend your ankles, like the Enduro, Hunter Original Tall, and the XTRATUF Legacy Series 15".

Weight also plays a big role in comfort. Have you heard the idea (popular among ultralight backpackers) that a pound on your feet equals six pounds on your back? Lighter boots (especially the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea and XTRATUF 6" Ankle Deck Boot) are more comfortable for long days but generally less protective, leading to an obvious trade-off. Ensure you're doing the calculations — do you need the extra protection? You'll feel a lot less tired with a lighter option.

Some boots are also mysteriously heavy — why does the uninsulated Baffin Enduro weigh more than the burly and heavily insulated 17.6 inch Arctic Sport? And even more mysteriously — how did Bogs make the Workman 15% lighter than the Bogs Ultra Classic while adding more insulation and a burlier outsole? We know they credit their “seamless” technology, but we suspect some magic may be involved.

Let's also be clear that comfort and warmth can be overlapping and competing variables. Depending on the weather, you may need extra insulation to be comfortable, but remember: in warm weather, too much insulation makes things sweaty. And while we'll cover this more in later sections, you can always change the insulation by changing up your socks (up to a point). However, we want to keep each metric as separate as possible, so we'll discuss how insulation affects general comfort in the warmth section below.

Traction

We generally don't wear rain boots when there's nice weather. Rain boots are for nasty conditions when comfy sneakers aren't enough. And when it's nasty, it's generally slippery, so the best boots need to keep you up and on your feet, not slipping around and making a scene. Some boots feature deep-cut lugs that grab muck and snow easily, like the Bogs Workman, while others have less textured outsoles better suited for flat pavement and casual use like the XTRATUF 6" Ankle or the Bogs Kicker Chelsea Neo boots.

We test our boots in various unstable conditions: soaking grass, mossy wood, sucking mud, slippery asphalt, rocky riverbeds, (shallow) lake beds, and on ice and snow. The Arctic Sport is a clear leader with its mega-studded sole, allowing us to feel secure no matter the surface. The Baffin Enduro and Bogs Workman also perform impressively well in this category, thanks to their heavily lugged outsoles.

Casual boots are easy to recognize — they have shallow (or no) lugs on the outsoles and less flexible rubber. As a result, casual boots do noticeably worse during traction tests. While wearing less grippy boots, it was harder to stay upright on ice, snow, and mud. In particular, our wet grass hill-running test lets us separate the slippery wheat from the grippy chaff. The low-scoring XTRATUF Ankle boots and Hunter Original boots made us look like beginner skiers (as we skidded awkwardly down hills), while grippier boots made us feel like we were wearing crampons.

Warmth

We love to get into the literature thanks to our scientific background, so we spent a few riveting hours reading scholarly articles about warmth and workboots. Who knew — there's a devoted segment of the scientific community committed to learning about feet and ergonomics (which studies people's efficiency while working). According to this literature, feet get colder than other body parts for three reasons:

1) The feet feature lots of surface area without having much mass
2) Feet are extremities, which means they get less priority than your core and your brain

3) The feet contain no big muscles to produce heat during exercise, just lots of fiddly tendons and ligaments

Maybe it's just us, but we love learning about how the human body responds to cold stress.

Too long; didn't read: Your body doesn't care about your extremities as much as your internal organs, so your feet will get cold if it's cold outside. We realize this isn't news, but getting the scientific take is nice.

As a result, insulated boots make a big difference, especially during active work, when your body heat (thanks to your mitochondrial inefficiency) gets caught and contained by the boot. We looked at another study that measured foot temperatures during cold exposure which stated that, according to Sweden's version of OSHA, cold conditions make work significantly harder, and that over 70% of cold injuries are caused to the hands and feet. In plain English, many people get cold feet when they're out in the cold, which is unpleasant. We realize the references might be excessive, but the point of all these citations is to prove that you need to take your foot warmth seriously.

To bring it back to practicalities: where will you wear these boots? How cold does it get there? Make your purchase primarily with that assessment (and boot height) in mind. We've lived nationwide and needed to prioritize different types of boots in each place.

• Coastal Maine = cold and pretty wet

• Suburban Pennsylvania = not that cold, pretty wet

• Southern Appalachia = not that cold, pretty wet

• High-mountain Colorado = extremely cold but not that wet

• Western Montana = extremely cold and pretty wet

• Western Washington State = not that cold, extremely wet

• Southern Arizona = you probably don't need rain boots, but don't let us stop you.

Once you've thought about your intended climate and your intended use cases, keep reading.

The warmest boot isn't always the best, as rain boots are generally bad at releasing heat since rubber does not breathe well, which is partly why it's so protective. If you want to wear the ever-toasty Arctic Sport at 60°F fall sports games, prepare for sweaty feet. However, if you wear those same boots in foot-deep snow at 15°F, you'll stay comfortable thanks to these boots' almost knee-high microfleece-lined neoprene.

If you know you'll never see snow or cold temps in your boots, go with an uninsulated model like the Baffin Enduro or the XTRATUF Legacy 15" — your feet will thank you when you're doing chores on warm and wet fall days. If you want the best of both worlds, go with the Bogs Bozeman Tall, Bogs Workman boots, or the Wetland boots, all of which are warm enough for snow use but also tolerable (though not wonderful) in warmer temps.

Boot material makes a big impact on warmth/breathability. Rubber boots don't breathe very well. While leather tends to be more breathable, both leather boots currently in our test have additional insulation (the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea and the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate). As a result, neither is ideal above 50°F.

To compare boot insulation, we did warmth tests in an ice bath with 20 pounds of ice and a half-pound of salt to lower the freezing point of the water. We wore each pair without socks (to keep things standardized and properly uncomfortable), then submerged each pair of boots as deeply as we could without water getting in (slightly less deep than the measured shaft height). We kept track of the time from initial immersion until “the cold set in” — a temperature that we tried to standardize, which meant that our bones started feeling sad. We warmed up our feet in between tests with jumping jacks. We set a cut-off time at 20 minutes so we wouldn't have to sit with our feet in an ice bath for too long (though only one boot has ever made it to 20 min — the Arctic Sport). This test was about as hard on the boots (and our feet) as it could have been — we were sitting still, so our feet cooled down quickly in the less insulated boots. We prioritized the ice-water test in the scoring, but we also tested boots in real-world situations — in the rain, snow, ice, sleet, graupel, and every other type of cold precipitation. Ultimately, we considered each boot's ability to keep us warm during these practical tests when determining overall scores.

The boots with the lowest scores did not keep our feet warm at all and almost instantly cooled our feet to discomfort. Those models were the Hunter Original Tall and XTRATUF Legacy 15" boots, both of which feature thin rubber and no insulation. Their low scores in this category are not disqualifying, though — poor insulation makes them strong candidates for use in reliably warm and wet weather. On the other side of the spectrum, the Arctic Sport is the reigning champion and lasted 20 minutes in the ice test. The Bogs Workman came in second and kept our feet warm enough until 18 minutes into the ice bath. The Kamik Forester was another standout for warmth.

Boots closer to the middle of the range are the generalists — generally comfortable in various ambient temperatures but not great at extremes. Remember, our ice-water test is designed to be easily standardizable and hard on the boots, but it's unrealistic. We hope you never have to wear your boots without socks (it's uncomfortable), and socks dramatically affect a boot's insulation. If the boots you want didn't do well in our warmth test, you can always put on a thicker sock (as long as you sized the boot appropriately).

Wearability

For our latest round of testing, we pivoted this section, which used to be “Style”. But obviously style is subjective, so we decided to go with “Wearability”. Basically, Wearability accounts for all the small things that make us like a boot or not. This includes style, ease of use, small features we love, and whether we can kick them on and off easily.

For style, most boots go the practical route (most blatantly, the rubbery and pebble-patterned Baffin Enduro boots, which pair easily with our oil-stained Carhartt overalls). Some boots, especially the low leather options like the classy Blundstone Thermal Chelsea pair easily with most clothes and are much more reasonable when the weather's not too bad, and you're just wearing them out and about. The LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate boot is an impressive blend of workboot and style icon, while other boots, like the Hunter Original Tall, seem to be designed only as fashion statements.

For ease of use, we're thinking about how much fiddling the boots make us do. The XTRATUF 15" boots are difficult to get on due to their flexible rubber and relatively narrow collar width, while our favorite Bogs Workman boots are simple - just step into them and walk out the door. And while laces, like on the Sperry Cold Bay Chukka, can make sure a boot feels snug, they also catch debris, which dings their wearability score a bit.

For more EVA boots with collarinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

We're also thinking about the little things - does the Baffin Enduro have a nice heel stud to help us kick it off? Yes. Do the Xtratuf Ankle boots and the Huk Rogue Wave outsoles catch and carry around pebbles and dirt, making a mess? Also yes.

Sizing + Fit

We are footwear nerds. We take sizing and fitting shoes extremely seriously, and we spend many hours choosing our shoes based on fit, from backpacking boots, climbing shoes, ski boots, trail running shoes, to approach shoes, and even casual shoes like flip flops. But the truth is that you probably don't need a super technical fit from your rain boots, so save your fit obsessing for the technical gear.

But if you're a tricky case, or if you just like talking and thinking about boot fitting, let's talk through some terms we've learned in our years of research:

• Foot Size: This is the length of your foot, measured from the back of your heel to the end of your longest toe (which is not always your big toe, depending on your foot shape). There are a variety of sizing standards, but most people in the US default to their “Brannock Size.” These measurements have annoyingly nothing to do with inches or even centimeters, though other countries (like Japan) have more sensible metrics.

• Foot Width: This is the width of your forefoot, measured across your foot, beginning at the inside of your first metatarsal head (the bump on the inside of your forefoot). Brannock sizing describes widths with letters (Super-narrow AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C, etc., to extremely wide EEEE). D width is generally considered the standard width for men, and E or EE means wide. We recognize that this also makes very little sense, but just go with it.

• Foot Volume: How much foot material do you have? This is determined by your bone structure and the height of your foot — do you have a high-volume foot or a low-volume foot? This is more of an informal spectrum — footwear shops don't have a way to easily measure this, but it's a good variable to keep in mind. If you often get heel blisters (like our testers do), chances are you have low-volume feet. And if you often have trouble fitting into shoes, you probably have wider, higher-volume feet.

• Arch: We don't want to get annoyingly complicated, but you actually have three arches (medial, lateral, and transverse). However, when people talk about arches, they're generally talking about their medial arch. You can have “higher” or “lower” arches, but this doesn't matter too much when it comes to your rain boots, and we don't want to get too far into this. If you experience significant arch pain or struggle with plantar fasciitis, please go see a doctor, research foot strengthening exercises, and/or think about supplemental insoles (with the help of a footwear expert).

In general, don't wear shoes (or rain boots) that match your measured “foot size.” Your feet change size as you stand on them, and you also want extra room for thicker socks. So try to go up a half-size (or if there aren't half-sizes, go up a full-size — bigger shoes are better). And shoe sizes are complicated, so don't expect them to be consistent from brand to brand (or even model to model).

Our reviewers get US size 13s for every model except the Baffin Enduro (which our research suggested runs larger than average, and we've been happy with a size 12). All our boots fit pretty well. To be clear about what we're working with, our head tester has almost exactly US size 12 feet (though one is slightly longer than the other) and has a standard D width. These measurements are from a Brannock device, which can be found in most any American footwear store. We generally wear 13s to ensure a healthy amount of toe space while keeping enough room for thick socks or added insoles (socks and additional insoles generally add warmth and comfort).

If your feet are on the narrower side, take a look at the Bogs Sauvie or the XTRATUF Legacy 15" (which feel just a bit narrower than standard). And if your feet are truly wide (EE or wider), the Bogs Workman features modular insoles that let you make the boots wider if needed!

Conclusion

If you spend a lot of time in wet and chilly weather, you owe it to yourself to get some rain boots. And if you haven't tried a pair on since the miserable days of clunky childhood galoshes, we promise that things have really turned around. There are some great boots out there; give one of these a try. And, if you need a great pair of shoes geared towards water sports, we've tested water shoes for men, too.

Like any tool, there’s a right boot for the job. While most of us will sacrifice comfort for safety and function, bulky and stiff work boots can lead to chronic pain. Overall, the best work boots should balance the competing priorities of comfort and utility.

Even if you’re careful, heavy materials can unexpectedly fall and crush a foot. When that happens, the only thing between you and workers’ comp is a work boot. Finding the proper footwear is a step toward a long and healthy career, so we took dozens of boots to work to find the best ones.

To help you find the best work boot for your needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide, a price & value section, and a comparison chart. To better evaluate each boot’s utility, we rated each on a “utility scale,” measuring its casual wearability against its utility. So, from weekend chore masters to heavy-duty diesel drivers, here are the best work boots of .

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on October 28, , to add BRUNT Workwear 6-Inch Sullivan Comp Toe and Wolverine’s Durashocks SR Icon work.

The Best Work Boots of

Best Work Boots Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Work Boots

Our Expert Testers

Constance Mahoney grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana. She is no stranger to long days on her feet in all weather conditions. She understands the importance of having the right boot for the job and thinks work boots are just as important as the tools she works with. Quality matters.

Constance’s husband, Taylor, has been working in the trades since , and is on-site 5 days a week putting the gear he’s wearing to the real test. He is also a licensed chiropractor trained in biomechanics, gait, and orthotics, giving him a unique perspective on how work boots should support, fit, and flex.

Nick LeFort started his career as a teen selling work boots for one of the largest workwear retailers in New England. He eventually ended up working in multiple environments that required work boots to keep him safe and comfortable during long days on his feet. In fact, he’s been known to wear work boots out on the trail when he’s hiking.

In the last decade, LeFort has owned three pairs of Timberland PRO Boondock 6-inch Comp Toe. As both an engineer and someone working down on the assembly floor, he lauds them for their comfort and, as he will tell you, being able to kick things around when your hands are full.

Our Testing Process

Work boots make up almost one-third of all the footwear sold in North America. With that kind of statistic comes a wide variety all with different heights, different features, and different forms of protection for your feet in the workplace. 

Here at GearJunkie, we don’t shy away from manual work. Most of us either work blue-collar jobs, have worked blue-collar jobs, or punish ourselves with laborious tasks during our free time. Our crew is used to being on their feet for hours in all different weather and working conditions. In any case, safety, stability, and comfort are all a priority when work boots are a necessity.

Hiking in Work Boots: Some of the boots in our selection are versatile enough to hike in, and some of us do. However, if you’re looking to get into the woods after you’ve clocked out, check out any of our other guides for further inspiration, like our list of the best hiking boots, best hiking shoes, and best hunting boots.

Boots that aren’t made to certain standards or are ill-fitting can be more than uncomfortable — they can be dangerous. That is why it is so important for us to list all of the safety ratings for the boots in this guide.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Work Boots

Soles

Of course, a work boot should protect your feet, but the unsung task of the work boot is to enable you to work hour after hour, day after day.

If the boot isn’t working, your legs, hips, back, and neck will compensate and eventually take the brunt (and do so with less grace). Above all else, a work boot’s task is to address stress at the ground level. A comfortable boot is arguably a safer boot. You’ll be more sure-footed and focused on the task at hand in a comfortable boot.

The outsole is where the rubber meets the road. Riding over the cushiony midsole and in direct contact with the ground, the outsole is about grip and protection.

Many boots use special formulas of urethane compounds that strike a balance of flexibility, durability, and increased traction on slick surfaces. If you work in shops where oils occasionally spill on the floor, look for shoes that specifically indicate oil and slip resistance. The best of the best are certified to meet SRC slip-resistance standards.

For standing all day on concrete, we prefer the simple wedge-shaped sole. Unlike a heeled boot, the sole has full contact with the ground. This helps absorb the shock with every step and disperses forces equally across the sole. A full-contact outsole also adds a little extra traction and, hence, is often a preferred sole for those working on slick surfaces.

When you think of the wedge sole, you immediately think of the classic moc-toe boot. We listed Thorogood’s American Heritage 6-inch moc toe MAXwear Wedge as our preferred soft-toe boot. But if your shoes are resoleable, a wedge sole can be added to any work boot regardless of the toe type.

If you’re standing all day on cement, like working the floor at Costco, a wedge-shaped sole should be on your list. Or, if your work brings you outside, look for a hiker-like tread that provides more traction in dirt and mud.

Sitting opposite the wedge sole is the heeled boot. The raised cowboy-style heel shifts your center of gravity slightly forward. These boots can be extremely durable and stable. But that gap between the heel and under the ball of the foot doesn’t give the foot full contact with the ground.

Because of this, they can feel a little squirrelly on slick ground. But they seat well with climbing spurs and have added ankle stability while climbing. Hence, you’ll often find taller heels on logger-style boots.

Soles can be cemented or welted to the boot. Cemented boots are lighter, more flexible, and arguably more comfortable out of the box. But once the sole wears out, shoes with cemented outsoles are irreparable.

A Goodyear welt can be resoled several times, increasing the life of your purchase. The outsole welt is sewn to the bottom of the shoe, enabling boots to be sewn and re-sewn multiple times. The shoe won’t be as comfortable underfoot as a boot cemented to an EVA midsole, but the durability and support are reasonable trade-offs. Over time, slipping into a Goodyear-welted boot will feel wonderfully comfortable.

Need more support? Consider an aftermarket insole. Available in a variety of thicknesses and cushion levels, Superfeet orthotics add a touch of personalized support to your boot. We particularly recommend an aftermarket insole for boots that lack a midsole.

Weatherproof

Dry feet are warm feet. If you’re working in truly wet conditions — like pulling crab pots off the Aleutian Islands — look for 100% waterproof boots. If it’s both wet and cold, upgrade to a thicker neoprene shell like Muck Boot’s fleece-lined Arctic Pro. It’s both 100% waterproof and rated down to -60 degrees F.

Other boots, like the BOGS Bedrock, use waterproof leather. In addition to waterproof leather, Timberland’s Boondocks and Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots add a waterproof-breathable membrane to keep moisture out. These membranes allow boots to be both waterproof and breathable.

Insulation

Cold-weather boots include a thermal footbed and insulation in the shaft. The insulation is listed in the fabric’s weight per yard in grams. The higher the gram count, the warmer the boot is.

For cold job sites, we recommend boots with no less than 200 grams of insulation in the liner (with 400 grams the preferred winter standard). Muck Boot’s Arctic Pro has a fat neoprene outer lined with fleece.

If winter work boots have a safety toe, look for boots with insulation around the cap (or composite cap). This reduces the conductive effects of heat transfer from the toes to the safety toe.

High-vis accents are also great, especially if your work starts and ends in the dark or if you’re working roadside.

Toe Protection

When he was younger, our lead tester’s dad worked on a farm that still plowed the fields with steel-wheeled tractors. Long story short, he now has nine toes. The importance of protective boots can’t be overlooked.

“Safety boots” are boots that have a protective cap that covers the phalanges (your actual toes). The cap resists compression, puncture, and impact forces.

Steel toe versus safety toe: What’s the difference? All steel-toe boots are considered safety-toe boots. Safety-toe boots are available in composites, alloys, Kevlar, and hard plastics. Steel is more durable and is considered the gold standard on many job sites. But they can conduct cold, heat, and electricity. Our top pick for a steel-toe boot is the Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot. The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot is a great budget-friendly option.

Composites still meet the compression and impact safety standards, but they may only be able to sustain one of these impacts. On the flip side, composite-toe boots are lighter and won’t conduct currents. If you need toe protection on cold-weather job sites or work with high-voltage equipment, consider buying a non-metallic safety toe boot like the Perkins boot. Or if you are looking for an office boot with a composite toe, check out Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea.

Nineteen of the foot’s 26 bones sit under the tongue and vamp of a shoe. The five bones that connect the toes to the ankle and form the arch of the foot are your metatarsals. Some boots like the Danner Steel Yard come with an additional protective “met-guard” that lies over the laces, protecting the metatarsals.

ASTM Safety Standards

Protection is what elevates a boot from a supportive hiker to an industry heavy-hitter. Standards provide confidence in the boot’s ability to perform under specific stressors.

If you poke around work boots enough, you’ll likely come across safety ratings set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These are international standards that identify the minimal requirements for protective footwear on the job site. They rate everything from viral penetration to puncture resistance to compression ratings.

ASTM-F standards rate boots specifically for compression, impact, metatarsal, conductive properties, electrical hazards, static dissipation, and puncture. Here are some typical ASTM abbreviations:

• I for Impact
• C for Compression
• Mt for Metatarsal
• Cd for Conductive
• EH for Electrical Hazard
• SD for Static Dissipating
• PR for Puncture Resistant
• CS Chain Saw cut resistance
• DI for Dielectric insulation — insulation from circuits or conductors

Each is followed by a number. To find how your prospective boot rates, the ASTM standards are outlined in four lines:

• Line 1: Compliance and year
• Line 2: Gender/impact/compression/metatarsal resistance
• Line 3-4: Specific hazards the boot protects against

So if we interpret the Timberland Boondock, we get the following:

• ASTM F-11: Complies with the performance requirement of F, issued in
• M/I/75C/75: A men’s boot that complies with the impact and compression requirements of a 50-pound weight dropped from 18 inches, delivering 75 foot-pounds of force on the toe, and can endure 2,500 pounds of rolling force over the toe
• EH: Outsole is made from non-conductive materials that are shock-resistant

Buying Your Work Boots

Which boot is best for you? If you’re puttering around the house on weekends, choose a comfortable boot with appropriate protection for your daily tasks.

Unless you’re Clark Griswold, you probably don’t need a heavy-duty, steel-toe boot to hang Christmas lights. You’d be better served with a comfortable, supportive boot with traction like the Danner Vicious. If you want something more stylish that pairs well with suites and shop work, look at the American-made Red Wing’s Iron Ranger. However, if you’re splitting wood or mowing the lawn, it’s not a bad idea to consider a safety toe for protection.

Many jobs will explicitly share which footwear meets required ASTM standards before you can step foot on the site. Neglecting to follow them can incur large fines from OSHA. Getting injured while deciding not to wear protective boots on the job can affect your workmen’s comp and insurance. If you’re unsure, ask your boss what standards your boots need to comply with.

You can buy any of these boots online. And some manufacturers, like White’s, will only build a boot off of your mailed measurements. But for most boots, it’s best to try them on at a local shop. A boot’s last can be different than your street shoe. A shop can measure your feet and ensure you’re stepping into a proper-fitting boot.

Try boots on at the end of the day, preferably after work. Your feet swell over a day’s work, and trying on shoes after your shift will provide a better gauge of a proper fit.

When you try on ski boots, you bring ski socks. The same goes for work boots. Bring a pair of socks you intend to wear with the boots. Better yet, buy yourself a new pair of socks; they wear out quicker than you think. Plus, nobody wants to try on shoes with socks pulled from the shop’s community bin.

Take care of your boots. Invest in a good horsehair brush to regularly dust off dirt and grime. Clean your boots with warm water. Leather is like your skin and needs moisturizing. Condition your leather boots after every wash.

Your boots are tools, so periodically check them for wear and tear. Treat the safety toe like a helmet. If a composite toe has taken a hit, it’s probably best to retire the boots. If the boot has a Goodyear welt, uneven wear on the sole’s heel, or any splitting from the boot, it’s a good indication it’s time to resole.

Hiking in Work Boots

Some of the boots in our selection are versatile enough to hike in, and some of us do. However, if you’re looking to get into the woods after you’ve clocked out, check out any of our other guides for further inspiration, like our list of the best hiking boots, best hiking shoes, and best hunting boots.

Price & Value

Work boots are your first line of defense in a work setting – whether it’s in a factory, on the job site, or in your backyard. They face the most abuse from the environment they are being used in as well as weather conditions in general. For these reasons, you want to make sure you invest in the right boot for you that will stand the test of time.

Budget

There’s always a negative connotation surrounding budget work boots. The fact of the matter is that there are quality work boots in the budget category, but they may not meet all of the standards that you need for your job. However, if you’re looking for a good boot for the backyard or workshop, you can save yourself some money.

At $115, the Caterpillar Second Shift work boots are a great steel-toe boot for the price. They’re made from full-grain leather, feature an EH-rated steel toe, and have the added benefit of a resistant outsole. For those of you who don’t need a steel toe and are looking to save a few bucks, the Second Shift is also available in a soft-toe model. 

Mid-tier

When considering a mid-tier level work boot, plan on paying between $150-200. These are boots that are generally made from longer-lasting materials and typically meet all of the required ASTM standards a work boot needs to be used in a hard-working environment.

On this list, our top pick, the Timberland PRO Boondock 6-inch Comp Toe ($200), would be categorized as “mid-tier”. Contributor Nick LeFort swears by these boots and has gotten upwards of two years of hard use out of a pair. This level of comfort, quality, and reliability has made him buy two more pairs over the years.

Premium

In the world of work boots, premium boots meet or exceed everything that you would expect from a mid-tier boot but may have certain features that elevate their price and categorization. One example would be the Thorogood American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe. These boots are American-made, which impacts their cost. Another example of a premium work boot would be one designed for harsh environments. The Muck Arctic Pro Steel Toe Boot was designed to keep you comfortable, dry, warm, and supported for hours. At $230, this boot is actually a bargain, considering what it has to offer.

Are you interested in learning more about white rubber boots? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions