Buying work boots is not as easy as trying them on, seeing if it fits, and buying them if you like them. There are a lot of factors to consider when buying work boots. You have to know if a work boot is slip-resistant, durable, comfortable, and waterproof. So, what are the best waterproof work boots on the market?
We recommend Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter ST-83632 Work Boot for men and Cat Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof for women. Both of these are lace-up work boots and have safety toes that can protect your feet from falling objects in your workplace.
We compared over 20 waterproof work boots and have compiled 10 of the best waterproof work boots for men and women so you can have different options to choose from. Make sure to read our buying guide to find out which boots are ASTM-compliant and OSHA-approved. You don’t want to buy a work boot only to find out that it does not meet OSHA requirements!
Best Waterproof Boots For Men
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Editor’s Pick  |
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Runner-Up  |
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Timberland Men’s Boondock 6 Inch
Timberland is probably one of the most well-known brands out there. They have all kinds of boots for everyday use as well as work boots that are designed for workplace protection.
The first on our list is Timberland’s Men’s Boondocks 6-inch Composite Safety Toe Work Boot. These pair of boots are made of 100% leather with a rubber toe to protect your feet from abrasions.
Since this is a composite safety toe work boot, you don’t have to worry about setting off metal detectors if you have those in your workplace.
The shaft of the boot measures about 6.5″ from the arch and has a boot opening of 10.5″ around. These boots are good for people who don’t like wearing boots with a high shaft.
These pair of boots are anti-slip to prevent you from slipping on slippery surfaces. They are also waterproof as well as oil and abrasion resistant so you can wear these boots in wet conditions.
Aside from being waterproof, these work boots have anti-fatigue technology that is designed with shock-absorbing, geometrical technology for comfortable wear throughout the day.
Most user reviews say that this particular boot is very comfortable to wear outdoors even for up to 8+ hours. While these boots are comfortable to wear, users find that these are heavy work boots. But, in saying that, users say that they have no problem climbing ladders and working in rough terrains even if the boots are a little heavy.
If you are working on your feet all day, these boots are a great option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Waterproof membrane | Not insulated |
| Anti-fatigue technology | Heavy |
| Durable | May need to break the shoes in for a while |
Carhartt Men’s 11-Inch
Next up on our list is the Carhartt Men’s 11-inch Waterproof Safety Toe Wellington work boots.
These boots are made of 60% leather and 40% nylon with the heel measuring about 1.5″ and a boot opening of 11″ around. These boots are around calf high, so if you want a higher shaft, go for these boots.
Unlike the Timberland Boondocks, these boots are insulated so they can keep your feet warm, especially if you live in a cold environment. With a waterproof and breathable membrane, your feet can stay dry but still have good air circulation. These also have a steel safety toe that can protect your feet against impact and compression hazards.
This Carhartt work boot also has a heel guard that can provide ankle stability, side impact protection, and heel protection.
User reviews said that these boots have good quality and have great waterproofing that keeps their feet dry.
Being pull-on boots, you expect these to be easily worn and taken off, but some users have had difficulty in putting them on and taking them off. You have to try them on for yourself as some have said that they did not have difficulty wearing these boots.
| Pros | Cons |
| FastDry technology | Rigid at first |
| Insulated | Needs to be broken in for a while |
| Has a heel guard | Might be hard to wear and take off for some |
Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter ST-83632 Work Boot
Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter ST-83632 is made of 100% leather and has a rubber sole to prevent you from slipping. The shaft of the boot measures around 6.5″ from the arch so this is perfect for those who prefer ankle-high boots.
Irish Setter is a brand of Red Wing Shoes, which are known for using premium materials in their products.
Keeping the safety of their customers in mind, these work boots have a composite safety toe that can protect your feet from hazards in your workplace. If you work in a high-heat environment, these boots offer a Heat-Resistant Outsole (HRO) which makes them perform well on high-heat surfaces.
The UltraDry waterproof construction will keep your feet dry and comfortable for better performance in the workplace.
User reviews find that these boots are comfortable to wear and are very durable, which makes the boots worth their price. Users also said that the boots do not need a long break-in period as the boots are not stiff at all.
Despite being the most expensive boots on our list, we can safely say that these are one of the best waterproof work boots on the market.
| Pros | Cons |
| UltraDry construction | Expensive |
| Heat-resistant outsole | |
| Comfortable |
Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
The Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea work boots are another pull-on boots on our list.
These ankle-high boots are made of 100% leather lined with a waterproof membrane. The waterproof PRO construction keeps the full-grain leather waterproof and insulated so you can make sure that your feet can stay warm and dry, especially if you work in extreme weather.
These boots have a Duratread outsole which makes them oil and slip-resistant. Having a Duratread outsole also gives the rubber maximum wear resistance and gives the wearer comfort.
These boots are strong and sturdy with enough cushioning and metatarsal protection and are ideal for people who work in construction, warehouse, factory, or farm work.
These work boots also have a mesh lining so your feet can have breathing room for added airflow.
Users have said that these boots are very comfortable and durable for work boots. While some said that even if the size fits well, it can be uncomfortable at first because of the steel toe.
If you have wider feet, you might have trouble fitting these boots. Some users said that the boots are not wide enough for their feet even if they go up a size.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable | Might be a tight fit for people who have wide feet |
| Insulated | |
| Duratread outsole |
TideWe Rubber Work Boot for Men
Next up is the TideWe Rubber work boot.
This pull-on work boot has a steel toe which offers protection from falling or rolling objects. Being a steel toe can also protect your feet from compression hazards. Aside from being a steel toe, these boots have a steel shank that goes between the insole and outsole. This provides support and protection for your arches and feet.
These boots are made of 100% waterproof rubber and neoprene material so you can be sure that your feet will stay warm and dry in wet conditions.
The rubber soles on these boots have a deep tread which is perfect for any kind of terrain in your workplace. And, these will also prevent you from falling on slippery surfaces.
Even if you work in a warm environment, you can keep your feet cool as the boots have a breathable inner lining for better airflow.
User reviews said that these boots have great waterproofing. They keep water out even if you are splashing around. Some users also report that the boots can still feel very warm especially if it gets hot in the summer despite having a breathable liner. Some reviews also said that these boots have very thin soles so they did not last long when used in heavy workload environments.
These boots are also one of the cheaper ones on our list. So if you will only use boots for lighter workloads, you can get these boots. It also has a kick tab located at the heel of the boot for easy removal after a hard day of work.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheap | Low durability |
| Has a kick tab for easy removal | Has thin soles |
| Has a breathable liner |
WOLVERINE Men’s Floorhand 10″
Last on our list of best waterproof work boots for men are the Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 10-inch Waterproof Steel-Toe Wellington work boots.
This is another pull-on work boot that is made of 100% leather with the shaft of the boot measuring 10.75″ from the arch and a boot opening of 15″ around. These are also one of the cheaper work boots on our list for men.
These work boots can keep your feet comfortable and they can withstand the demands of your workplace. The steel toe can definitely protect your feet from falling objects and compression hazards.
The boots have a rubber lug outsole to keep you from slipping and the waterproof full-grain leather will keep your feet dry in rainy weather.
User reviews said that the boots are comfortable even when worn for 8+ hours for work. While some have said that the steel toe cap can freeze and condense which made their feet damp during winter when going from outdoors to indoors.
| Pros | Cons |
| Don’t need to break in for long periods | Leather might tear quickly with regular use |
| Comfortable | |
| Slip-resistant |
Best Waterproof Boots For Women
Not all work boots are unisex and not all work boots are just for men.
Women’s feet are generally more tapered and thinner than that of men’s. That’s why you need to find the right work boot for you.
Let’s look at our best waterproof work boots for women:
Dryshod Women’s Farm Work Boot
First up on our list of best waterproof work boots for women is the Dryshod Women’s Farm Work Boot.
These boots are made of rubber and neoprene with the shaft of the boot measuring approximately below the knee from the arch. These are pull-on boots so you can just slip these on and go about your work day.
These boots are 100% waterproof and with rubber soles, you won’t be falling on slipper surfaces as these are slip-resistant.
Unlike the rest of the work boots on our list, these boots do not have safety toe caps so you might not be able to wear them in workplaces that require protective footwear. But, these are great for farming and hiking.
Users have said that these boots feel sturdy and have decent arch support.
If you farm and garden a lot, you might want to check out these boots.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy | No safety toe cap |
| Decent arch support | |
| Great for farming and gardening |
Timberland PRO Women’s 6 Inch
If you are more on heavy-duty work, the Timberland PRO Women’s Attach 6 Inch Steel Safety Toe Insulated Waterproof Industrial Work Boot is for you.
These ankle-high lace-up boots are made of waterproof nubuck leather with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sole. You won’t be worrying about slipping as these boots have a MaxTRAX tread for slip-resistance.
If you are on your feet all day, this is a great option because of the comfort system that keeps your feet comfortable and reduce fatigue.
Users have said that these boots do not need any breaking in as they are very comfortable. But, others have said that the steel toe makes their feet feel cramped.
These boots would perform well if you work in heavy labor jobs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good for heavy duty work | Can easily be scuffed |
| Comfortable | Toes can feel cramped if you have wide feet |
| Slip-resistant |
Cat Footwear Women’s Mae Waterproof
For a more cheaper women’s lace up work boots, check out CAT’s Women’s Mae Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots.
These boots are made of 100% leather with the shaft of the boot measuring 4.75″ from the arch. These work boots also have quality full-grain leather that makes the boots waterproof, keeping your feet dry.
The rubber sole also performs well against oil and water with its T1260 rubber outsole. This makes the boots slip and abrasion resistant.
If you are on your feet all day, these boots offer extra shock absorption and has a molded polyurethane (PI)midsole for your comfort.
User reviews said that the boots are durable and comfortable even when they are mostly on their feet the whole day. But, users also said that the boots can be heavy if you are coming from lightweight work boots.
Some users also said that they bought extra cushion for the insole to make the boots even more comfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Slip and abrasion-resistant | Heavy boots |
| Full-grain leather | Might need cushion for the insole |
| Has shock absorption |
Cat Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof
Another one from the brand CAT is the CAT Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot.
If you prefer a higher boot shaft, this is a nice alternative from the CAT Women’s Mae work boots. The shaft of the boot measures higher that the Mae work boot with it being 8″ from the arch.
This work boot is made of premium nubuck leather and has breathable, nylon mesh linings for better air circulation. While the sealed liners make these work boots fully waterproof.
This boot is slip resistant and has an electrical hazard protection to protect you against open circuits up to 600 volts. This is good if you work in the electric power industry.
User reviews say that these boots are comfortable and you would hardly notice that there is a steel toe in the boot at all. Some users also say that these boots can also be worn for everyday use and not just in the workplace.
If you have wider feet, these may feel a little bit tight as some users said that it is already a snug fit for their narrow feet. Make sure to find the correct size for you so it can be a comfortable wear.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be worn for everyday, regular use | Might be too tight for those who have wide feet |
| Comfortable | Steel toe can be cold during winter |
| Has breathable nylon mesh lining |
Buying Guide
When buying the best waterproof work boots, you need to consider different factors so you can keep your feet comfortable, especially if you are on your feet all day.
There are several factors we will look at in order for you to choose the best waterproof work boots.
Solid Waterproofing
If you are looking for waterproof work boots, this is the number factor you should look for.
Be careful not to mistake waterproof boots for water resistant boots.
Waterproof boots are impermeable and do not allow water to pass through the boots. While water resistant boots can still resist fluids but not entirely. You would want waterproof boots especially if you work in wet conditions.
All of the boots on our list are waterproof boots.
Insulation
Insulated boots is another thing you might want to consider when buying work boots. You would want to keep your feet warm especially during the winter season.
Insulated boots have linings that can block the cold and protect your feet from getting frostbite. Most insulated boots are lined with 3M Thinsulate.
We have listed three insulated waterproof work boots on our list:
– Carhartt Men’s 11-Inch
– Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof
– Timberland PRO Women’s 6 Inch
Safety Toe Caps
Safety toe work boots are a standard in heavy work load workplaces.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to have their employees wear protective footwear for people working in the manual labor industry.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) also have standards when it comes to work boots. Work boots that are ASTM compliant will pass as protective footwear as per OSHA regulations.
Most work boots have the ASTM tag, which are OSHA approved, which means that you can use these work boots in places that require protective footwear.
These work boots are ASTM F2413-18 compliant:
– Timberland Men’s Boondock 6 Inch
– Carhartt Men’s 11-Inch
– Irish Setter Men’s ST-83632
– Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof
– Timberland PRO Women’s 6 Inch
– Cat Footwear Women’s Mae Waterproof
– Cat Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof
While the WOLVERINE Men’s Floorhand 10” is ASTM f2413-11 m I/75 c75 EH compliant and the TideWe Rubber Work Boot for Men with Steel Toe & Shank has the ASTM F2412 tag.
Make sure to check with your workplace what kind of boots they require before buying one. Or ask first if the work boots you are planning to buy meets their requirements.
Cushioned Footbeds and Shock Absorbing Midsoles
If you are working on your feet and walking on hard surfaces all day, you might want to invest in work boots that offer cushioned footbeds or shock absorption features.
These can help reduce fatigue and make your feet comfortable.
CAT Women’s Mae work boots and Timberland Men’s Boondocks are two of the work boots on our list that offer shock absorption.
Pull-on vs Lace-up Design
The design might not be on the top of your mind when choosing work boots. But, a pull-on or lace-up work boot can make the difference in your work performance.
Pull-on boots can be easy to put and take off. If you are in. arush, you can easily slip on a pair and go about your day. You can also just pull it out off of your feet after work.
On the other hand, lace-up boots can feel more secure since you can tighten the laces to be more snug. But, you also have to constantly check that your laces does not go untied in the middle of work. It can be very dangerous especially if you work with machines. If you go for lace-up work boots, make sure the laces are tight and secure before heading off to work.
We have both pull-on and lace-up boots on our list so you can have different options to choose from.
| Pull-on | Lace-up | |
| Men’s | – Carhartt Men’s 11-Inch – Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof – TideWe Rubber Work Boot for Men with Steel Toe & Shank – WOLVERINE Men’s Floorhand 10” | – Timberland Men’s Boondock 6 Inch – Irish Setter Men’s ST-83632 |
| Women’s | – Dryshod Women’s Farm Work Boot | – Timberland PRO Women’s 6 Inch – Cat Footwear Women’s Mae Waterproof – Cat Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof |
Slip-resistant
One of OSHA’s requirement for safety-toe footwear is having a non-skid soles. You should look for work boots that are slip-resistant, not only to comply with OSHA requirements, but to protect yourself from slippery surfaces.
All of our best waterproof work boots recommendation are slip-resistant.
Durability
You want your work boots to be durable and last for a long time.
Not only durable boots can last long but they can also save you money from buying a new pair each time your current work boots break. Find durable work boots that can withstand the demands of your work load and one that does not break easily.
Each boot is different and user reviews have different opinions about the durability of the boots on our list. But, keep in mind that with regular use, work boots will break, especially if you have a heavy work load and use it several hours a day.
Comfort
If you are on your feet all day, you might think of getting comfortable work boots.
Most work boots have anti-fatigue technology that makes them comfortable even when you are wearing them all day. Before buying, see if a work boot needs a longer break-in period.
Most work boots on our list are comfortable and does not need longer to break in. But that can also depend on your feet. Sometimes, stronger feet can break in hard shoes easily and make them less stiff in just a couple of days.
We recommend buying in-store so you can try on the shoes to see if it is comfortable on your feet, or if it feels too stiff. Stiff shoes need a longer break-in period for it to be more comfortable.
If you opt to buy online, check if the store has a return/exchange policy first before buying the work boot you want to buy.
Conclusion
We would recommend the Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter ST-83632 Work Boot for men and Cat Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof for women for their durability and comfort. Plus they’re ASTM-compliant, too!
Whether you like pull-on or lace-up waterproof work boots, we hope this article helps you decide on the best work boots for you. At the end of the day, you have to choose what’s best for you.
