5 Best Lace Up Work Boots for A Snug and Secure Fit
As slip-on boots are taking the industry by storm, the good old lace-up boots still have a place in our hearts and feet. Nothing secures your feet firmly like a good lace-up. You can work confidently, knowing your shoes will not loosen up soon.
Quick Answer: Best Lace Up Work Boots
The best lace-up work boots are the Timberland Pro Men’s Pit Boss. These boots scream comfort and durability. Although not the best-looking pair, these boots will do the work effortlessly. They’ll ensure that your feet remain dry and comfortable all through.
But there are so many options to choose from. Save yourself the hassle and pick from my list of the 5 best lace-up work boots. Work has never been this safe!
Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss 6 Inch Steel Safety Toe Industrial Work Boot- Best Overall
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Super comfortable | A bit heavy |
| Fully waterproof | |
| Highly effective steel toe | |
| Slip and abrasion-resistant |
There’s more to what meets the eye with the Timberland Pro Men’s Pit Boss Work Boots. I loved these boots from the word go. They come in a very cool package and feel comfortable immediately when you wear them. Arguably not the best-looking pair, they still have a sense of fashion.
Who Is It For?
The Pit Boss easily scoops the award for the best steel toe work boots for mechanics. They have a steel toe cap to ensure maximum safety from falling objects when working. They are versatile and can be worn for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and fishing.
Features and Specs
The first thing to notice with these boots is the leather material used in their construction. It is treated using advanced procedures to ensure it is fully waterproof. The leather also offers electrical hazard protection and is abrasion-resistant.
The boots feature a 6-inch steel stank and a steel toe cap in line with the ASTM safety standards. The Pit Boss is not one of those boots with small toe caps that constantly squeeze your toes. Their toe box is very spacious, allowing you to stretch your toes easily.
Inside the boot is an oil and slip-resistant, light PU insole. It is in line with Timberland’s comfort system that offers foot arch support and cushions your feet to reduce fatigue. I also appreciated the inner mesh lining with an anti-microbial treatment to eliminate foul odor.
Why Should You Buy It?
As a mechanic, safety is your top priority in boots. The Pit Boss offers exactly that. They have a steel toe in place, are well cushioned, and are waterproofed to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Shortcomings
With all these great features comes a downside. These boots are a bit heavy, and you may start experiencing fatigue after long distances. They are also a bit uncomfortable when new. You should consider swapping them with other boots during this period.
NORTIV 8 Men’s Hiking Boots- Best Budget
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Very cheap | Features a rubber toe instead of a steel toe |
| Highly comfortable | |
| Lightweight and flexible |
Not every day you meet a pair of hiking boots worn to work. But the Nortiv 8 Men’s Hiking Boots are so tough they’ll comfortably fit in the workplace. Unfortunately, there’s nothing stylish with pair, and it’s all about the performance for me.
Who Is It For?
Men who love plain, simple, but highly effective boots will love the Nortiv 8 Men’s Hiking Boots. The boots are fairly priced and make an excellent choice for those tight on budget.
Features and Specs
There’s more to the simple appearance of these boots. 100% focus on the performance, none on the appearance. These boots come with a slick exterior. Their upper is a combo of mesh fabric and synthetic leather. These two materials combine for a rigid and equally flexible feeling.
Going to the soles and the 5mm lugs of these boots provide an impeccable grip on rough and uneven terrains. Tracks in between the treads help to improve traction. The boot features a rubber toe for protection. Though not the mighty steel toe, this one still performs well.
The interior is also impressive. Its insoles are made very comfortable and flexible to ensure minimum friction.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are cheap and offer excellent performance. What more would you want in a pair of boots? Why choose between functionality and affordability when you can have both?
Shortcomings
The rubber toe of this boot is decent, but it doesn’t match that of a steel toe. The manufacturers probably went for it since it is spacious and light, but safety should always be a top priority for a work environment. I was a bit disappointed that the footwear lacked a steel-toe cap.
EVER BOOTS” Tank” Men’s Construction Work Boots
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Highly affordable | Soles are of poor quality |
| Very comfortable | |
| Fully waterproof | |
| Easy to break-in |
The Ever Boots Tank Construction Work Boots boast incredible durability and comfort even in the harshest working conditions. They are designed tough to take on any challenge that comes along their way.
Who Is It For?
The Ever Boots Tank Work Boots are all-purpose construction boots. They are designed for intensive and extreme working conditions. Men on their feet for prolonged durations will find them most useful.
Features and Specs
These boots are stylish and come with lots of unique and exciting features. Their insole is made of soft leather that is easy to break in and keeps your feet comfortable. They feature a breathable mesh lining that not only wicks moisture away but also keeps your feet warm during the cold weather.
The boots have used Goodyear welt construction to enhance their durability and comfort. Their footbed absorbs all shocks and impacts experienced when walking. There is a steel shank at the bottom of the sole to reduce pressure and foot fatigue.
Why Should You Buy It?
Who said you couldn’t get an incredibly performing work boot at a cheap price? The Tank Work Boots discredits this notion. In their price range, these are arguably one of the best lace up work boots you can find. Plus, they look good.
Shortcomings
The soles of these boots are not of the highest quality; sad but true. The manufacturers made a rookie mistake here. Push them to the limit, and they’ll come off. Many users complained of the soles coming off barely 6 months after purchasing them.
Thorogood American Heritage Work Boots
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Excellent traction and grip | Short shaft |
| EH protection | |
| Very comfortable |
The pride of America; the Thorogood American Heritage Work Boots are everything you’d want in your work boots. They are tough, durable, and comfortable, and come with some of the best features and specifications.
Who Is It For?
These boots will best suit linemen and those working in the power and construction industry. But they are stylish also and can be worn on casual occasions.
Features and Specs
These boots have electrical hazard protection and can withstand a power of up to 18,000V. Their upper is made of full-grain leather for durability and maximum protection.
The boots are very comfortable; you can wear them for hours, walk long distances, climb poles and ladders, and still not feel a pinch of pain. This is mainly attributed to their shock-absorbing insole and cushioned footbed.
The boots have an 8-inch fiberglass shank to support the ankles. A steel toe cap is in place to protect your feet from falling objects and impacts. It can withstand weights of up to 75 pounds.
Finally, the boots are made using Goodyear welt construction and polyurethane outsoles.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots focus on three aspects, support, protection, and comfort, the three most important features for a line worker. The boots will boost your confidence, and you can work the entire day knowing that your feet are perfectly safe.
Shortcomings
I would deduct a point from this boot for their shaft. The shaft doesn’t run long and leaves the upper feet naked and unprotected.
Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Insulated 8″ Work Boot- Best insulated
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fairly priced | Inaccurate sizing |
| Lightweight | |
| Very durable |
Something for the snow and ice. The Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Insulated Boots are tough and stylish work boots. They are here to help you combat the cold and unforgiving weather of the winter period.
Who Is It For?
These boots are best for the cold and winter period. But not just that, the boots will also perform amazingly in rugged terrain. If you work in such an environment, this is your pick.
Features and Specs
As expected, these boots are highly insulated with integrated thermal foam to provide users with maximum warmth throughout.
The boots have a direct-attach permanent molding design; a waterproofing design that ensures no water penetrates inside and that your feet are dry all through. There is also a breathable mesh lining to wick away moisture and keep air flowing in the boot.
Removable footbeds in the boot cushion your feet and ensure you’re always comfortable. The upper is made using leather for waterproofing and durability purposes.
Why Should You Buy It?
The Wolverine Men’s Waterproof Insulated Boots come with a myriad of features. They are a premium pair designed to ensure that your feet are protected at all costs while at the same time remaining comfortable.
Even with all these, the boots are still fairly priced and won’t disappoint your pocket.
Shortcomings
Like many boots, the sizing of these ones is slightly inaccurate. They run a bit too large. When ordering, it will be wise to order a size smaller.
How to Choose the Best Lace Up Work Boots
Weight
More work and materials are used to design lace-up boots, which normally add to their weight. Their size also plays a part in this, as some measure up to 8 inches. Manufacturers try to combat this by trying their best to keep the weight of the boots as low as possible.
Some brands opt for EVA midsoles in their boots that are lightweight and foam-like instead of leather and rubber midsoles. Other brands prefer composite outsoles that are equally protective but way lighter.
Most lace-up work boots have uppers made of textile and leather to reduce weight. All these features are implemented to minimize weight as much as possible. In return, you can walk long distances without feeling fatigued.
Heels
The heels of most lace-up work boots are normally raised at around 1 to 1.5 inches. Raised heels come in handy mostly on rugged and uneven terrain. Their deep lug patterns help to provide grip on uneven terrain, while the raised heels add to slip protection.
Raised heels help provide stability to workers who climb ladders and poles. They help maximize the grip. Their downside is that they are not comfortable, which could lead to discomfort.
If your work is more indoor and doesn’t entail climbing ladders much, flat heels (wedge soles) will work for you. These help to distribute stress equally across the foot and reduce the discomfort experienced in raised heels.
Construction Material
Different materials are used to construct different lace-up work boots. Some boots are made using nylon mesh, while others are full-grain leather. Each material comes with its advantages and differences.
The full-grain leather, for example, is tough in nature and provides excellent protection. But it is also heavy. Nylon mesh is breathable, very lightweight, and popular for its impeccable waterproofing capabilities.
Safety Toes
Safety toes are important to look out for in any work boot. They protect your feet from falling objects and impacts. Three names pop up when talking about safety toes; steel, aluminum, and composite.
Steel toes are the most popular and highly preferred type of safety toe thanks to their high level of protection and durability. Aluminum toes are slightly heavier than steel toes and can conduct a different degree of temperature.
Composite toes are made using carbon fiber, plastic, and Kevlar. Although they are not great temperature conductors, they are durable and offer great resistance.
Conclusion
There you have it! A total breakdown of the market’s best lace-up work boots. My list contains boots of different types, from line work to the construction industry and winter boots. There is something for everyone.
Which pair are you purchasing? Two are better than one!
