7 Best Boots for Railroad Workers

Working on the railroad is a tough job. You’re constantly on your feet, walking and standing for long hours. And at times, you’re working in difficult and dangerous conditions. That’s why it’s vital for a railroad worker to have a good pair of boots that will protect your feet and keep you comfortable all day long.

With numerous types of boots, it can be tough to decide which boots are the best for railroad workers. Here are the top 7 best boots for railroads to save you the hassle. 

Quick Answer: Best Boots for Railroad Workers

The best railroad boots are the Timberland Pro Boondock Industrial Work Boot. These boots are tough, durable, and designed to withstand the test time. They are ready for any challenge coming along their way. But other products are giving them a run for their money. Read on!

Timberland PRO Boondock Industrial Boot (Best Overall)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Premium waterproof leather uppers	Some users complain of the boot falling apart after a few months of use
Composite safety toe for added safety
PowerFit comfort system
Available in both men’s and women’s sizes

If you’re looking for the best overall boot for railroad work, the Timberland PRO Boondock is our top pick. A first look at this boot might make you think it’s more of a hiking boot than a work boot, but don’t let the rugged design fool you – the Boondock is built for the workplace. This boot has everything you need for a day on the tracks, including a waterproof and slip-resistant leather upper, a composite safety toe, and an EH-rated outsole. 

The Boondock has a 6-inch shaft and a lace-up closure, which provides a secure fit. The boot also has a padded collar and tongue for added comfort and an EVA midsole for cushioning. The outsole is slip-resistant and made from Timberland’s proprietary rubber compound, which is designed to provide traction on wet and dry surfaces. The composite toes meet the ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 standards, and the boot is also EH-rated.

The Boondock also features Timberland’s patented PowerFit comfort system, which includes contoured lacing at the ankle and a flexible forefoot. This system provides a comfortable, secure fit that will keep your feet stable on the tracks.

A few users complained of these Timberland boots falling apart after just a few months of use, but most users were happy with the durability and comfort of the Boondock. Overall, this is an excellent boot for railroad workers who need a boot that will keep them safe and comfortable all day long. It is available in men’s and women’s sizes and in wide widths. It comes in two colors: black and brown.

Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Tactical Boot (Runner-Up)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Tough, durable construction	May rip easily in tough conditions
Features slip-resistant rubber sole	Laces may snap easily
Has a steel toe that meets ASTM safety standards
Breathable mesh lining
Lace-up closure and side zipper for a secure fit

Reebok has a long tradition of making tough, rugged boots that can stand up to almost any job or activity. The Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Steel Toe Boots are no different. These rugged, durable boots are designed to provide railroad workers with the comfort and support they need to get the job done right.

The Reebok Work Duty is designed as a tactical boot, so it has all of the features that you would expect from a boot of this type. It is made with a leather and nylon upper that is tough and durable. The boot also has a slip-resistant rubber outsole that is designed to provide traction on slippery surfaces.

It features both a side zipper and a lace-up closure for a secure fit, and the padded collar and tongue provide comfort and support. The boot also has steel toes that meet ASTM safety standards. Its interior is made comfortable thanks to the breathable, moisture-wicking lining.

Be on the lookout for this boot’s soft leather material. The boot will easily rip off when subjected to intense conditions. Also, the laces are not of the best quality and easily snap. You can consider replacing them with your own.

Even with these few shortcomings, the Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Tactical Boot is still a good boot for railroad workers. It is tough, durable, and has the features needed to get the job done right.

The Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Tactical Boot is available in black, khaki brown, or tan and comes in sizes 3 – 15.

Carhartt Men’s Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot (Best Slip-resistant)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
ASTM-rated for safety	Stitching is not the best
Features a compost toe and slip-resistant outsole	May be difficult to break-in
Waterproof and breathable membrane
Cushioned insole
Made in wide widths

Carhartt’s mission has always been to provide the best possible work clothing and boots for railroad workers. Its composite toe boot is one of the most slip-resistant boots on the market, thanks to its unique outsole design.

If you work on a railroad, you know that safety is of the utmost importance. You need a boot that will protect you from slips and falls, and that is precisely what the Carhartt Men’s Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot does. This boot has a slip-resistant outsole and a composite toe that is ASTM-rated for safety.

This boot has a shaft that measures approximately eight inches from the arch, a composite toe that is ASTM-rated for safety, and a slip-resistant outsole. It also has a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long.

For comfort, these waterproof boots have cushioned insoles and stabilizing steel shanks. The outsole is made of rubber, which is both slip-resistant and durable. Additionally, the boot is made wide to accommodate people with larger feet. It is also insulated to keep your feet warm in cold weather.

The stitching of these boots is not the best. There have been reports of the stitching coming undone, so be careful when you first get them. Overall, however, they are an excellent boot for railroad workers. They are available in sizes 8 – 15, in medium and wide widths. They come in brown and black colors.

Wolverine Men’s Cabor Waterproof 6-Inch Work Boot (Best Toughest)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Completely waterproof	Heel counter could be better
Tough premium leather upper	Laces are not very durable
Padded collar and tongue
Vibram outsole
EH-rated for added safety

Show me a Wolverine boot, and I’ll show you a boot that’s meant for work. The Wolverine Men’s Cabor Work Boot is no different. This is a tough, waterproof work boot that will protect your feet from the elements and keep you comfortable all day long. There is a reason why it scoops our award for the toughest railroad work boot. It is designed to take on any challenge it comes across.

The Cabor boot is made with a full-grain waterproof leather upper and a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. It has a padded collar and tongue for added comfort and a six-inch boot shaft for maximum protection. The boot also features a Vibram outsole that is slip-resistant and provides excellent traction on all surfaces.

The Cabor is EH-rated and meets ASTM F2413-11 standards for safety. Its shaft measures six inches from the arch and weighs approximately three pounds. It is available in men’s sizes 7-14.

A shortcoming of this boot is its protective heel counter. It is not as reinforced as some of the other boots on this list and could use more support. Additionally, the boot’s laces are not as durable as we would like and have been known to break easily.

Overall, the Wolverine Men’s Cabor Work Boot is a tough, rugged boot that protects your feet from the elements and keeps you comfortable all day long. It is EH-rated and meets ASTM safety standards.

Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Work Boot

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What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Slip and oil resistant	Narrow fit
Has a contoured footbed	Laces are not very durable
Antimicrobial mesh lining

Here is another product from Timberland designed for railroad workers; the Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Work Boot. This boot has many features that make it a top choice for anyone working on the railroad. The best and most important one being its slip resistance.

The soles of these boots have been designed to offer maximum slip resistance, and they have a unique tread pattern that helps to grip the rails. They also have an oil-resistant outsole that helps to protect against spills and splashes.

The uppers of these boots are made from waterproof full-grain leather, perfect for working in wet conditions. They also have a padded collar and tongue that help to keep your feet comfortable all day long.

The interior of these boots is lined with an antimicrobial mesh that helps to keep your feet feeling fresh. They also have a contoured footbed that provides support to the feet. But a unique feature of these boots is the Timberland PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension system. This system helps to reduce foot fatigue by providing support and cushioning.

A few users complained of these boots being narrow. They may, therefore, not be your best option if you have wide feet. Additionally, the laces on these boots are not as durable as we would like and have been known to break easily.

Georgia Boot Men’s 6” Wedge Work Boots

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Completely waterproof and EH-rated	Tight in the calf area
Meets ASTM safety standards	Slightly expensive
Duratread outsole

If you are looking for a good, all-around work boot, then the Georgia Boot Men’s Work Boots may be the perfect option for you. This is a tough, durable boot that will protect your feet from the elements and keep you comfortable all day long.

The uppers of this boot are made from full-grain waterproof leather, and it has a Georgia Waterproof System that helps to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. It also has a padded collar and tongue for added comfort. The boot is also EH-rated and meets ASTM safety standards.

A unique feature of this boot is its Duratread outsole. This rubber outsole is highly durable and resistant to oils, acids, and slips. It also has a good tread pattern that provides traction on all surfaces.

The G6152 boot is available in men’s sizes 7-13, widths D-EE. It weighs approximately 2 pounds 13 ounces and has a six-inch shaft. Some users have complained that this boot is too tight in the calf area. Additionally, they come at an expensive price tag.

Thorogood GEN-Flex2 Composite Safety Toe Work Boots

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Waterproof	The insoles may come off after a while
Slip-resistant
Features electrical hazard protection

Closing my list is Thorogood Gen-Flex2 Safety Shoes. Talk of a versatile and comfortable work boot, and this is it. This is one of the best.

This boot features an EVA insole for shock absorption, cushioning, and added comfort.  It also has a contoured footbed that supports and helps reduce foot fatigue through its anti-fatigue technology. The boot’s shaft is six inches from the arch and weighs approximately three pounds.

The uppers of these Thorogood boots are made from full-grain leather that is durable and comfortable. They also have a padded collar and tongue for added comfort. The boot’s interior is lined with a breathable mesh that helps keep your feet cool and dry.

The boots are EH-rated and meet ASTM F2892-11 standards for electric hazard protection. They also have a slip-resistant outsole that provides excellent traction on all surfaces. The boots are available in men’s sizes 7-14.

The insoles of these boots may come off after a few months of use, but luckily, they are replaceable. Overall, these boots are an excellent choice for a versatile and comfortable work boot.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Boots for Railroad Workers

How do you know if a boot is right for you? It’s not easy. With all the different brands, styles, and materials on the market today, it can be tough to make the right choice.  This buyer’s guide looks at everything you need to know about choosing the best boots for railroad workers.

Safety

Safety is the most crucial factor when choosing railroad work boots. You are working in a hazardous environment, and it’s only fair that you’re well-protected from potential injuries. The boots you choose should be made from tough, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the job.

The best material for railroad work boots is leather. Leather is tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s also comfortable and breathable, which is essential when you’re working in hot, sweaty conditions.

The soles of your boots are also substantial. They should be made from a slip-resistant material that provides good traction. This will help you stay safe on slippery tracks. Rubber is the best material for railroad work boot soles. Also, look for boots with deep treads and lugged soles.

Comfort

If you’re not comfortable in your boots, you will not be able to do your job properly. Comfort is a key factor to look for when choosing boots for railroad workers. A few factors ensure the comfort of your work boots.

One is the insole. A good insole will support your foot and relieve pressure points. It will also wick away sweat and keep your feet dry. The second factor is the outsole. A suitable outsole will provide traction and cushioning. It should also be slip-resistant and durable.

Look for boots made from breathable materials with plenty of padding. They should also be easy to break in, so you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable rubbing or chafing. And if you are working in a cold environment, insulation is a must.

Fit

Finding the right fit for your feet is an integral part of finding comfortable boots that you can wear all day without complaining. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to boots that fit:

1. Leather stretches as it is broken in. However, that area will never stretch if your boots have safety toe caps. As a result, while soft-toe boots may be sized down slightly, safety-toe footwear must be snug from the beginning.
2. Purchase your railroad work boots in the late afternoon or evening, as your feet tend to expand throughout the day.

When trying on your boots, wear socks— the socks you’ll wear to work. If you have specialized insoles, insert them as well.

Price

Of course, you also need to consider your budget when choosing work boots. There is a wide range of prices, so find something that’s within your price range. However, don’t sacrifice safety for price. It’s better to spend a little bit more and get a boot that will keep you safe than to save a few dollars and end up with a boot that doesn’t offer enough protection.

There are many great boots on the market, so take your time and find the perfect pair. Also, remember that you can often find discounts or coupons online.

Conclusion

There you have it; our top 7 picks for the best boots for railroad workers. We hope you found this article helpful and that you were able to find a pair of boots that fit your needs. Remember, when choosing a pair of boots, it’s important to consider the type of work you’ll be doing, the climate you’ll be working in, and your personal preferences. 

Which are your favorite railroad boots? Make your purchase today!