Best Slip-Resistant Work Boots For Men and Women in 2022
Last week, I received a phone call that my friend was severely injured and hospitalized. He slipped at work and hurt his back badly. He was wearing sneakers during the incident. All these would’ve been prevented if he wore slip-resistant boots.
Which propelled me to come up with this review article. What are the best slip-resistant work boots? I highly recommend going for the Wolverine Floorhand Steel Toe Work Boot. This is the best slip-resistant work boot. It’s the benchmark of all other non-slip boots.
Here is a list of the market’s top 5 best slip-resistant work boots. No more slips and trips in the workplace.
Quick Answer: Best Slip-Resistant Work Boots
Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Steel Toe Work Shoe- Best Overall
Women’s Model: Wolverine Women’s Floorhand Work Shoe
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Made of quality, full-grain leather | The shock absorption fade with intensive work |
| Spacious toe box | |
| Slip-resistant outsoles that offer excellent grip |
To be a wolverine means to be tough and aggressive! The Wolverine Floorhand Work Boot is popular for delivering high value and comfort. The 6-inch work boot is ready to deliver top-tier performance in any work environment.
Who Is It For?
The Wolverine Floorhand is the best overall slip-resistant work boot in my review. It is the benchmark of other boots. These are your go-to boots if you are looking for the best product. They are durable and tough and will have no problem with an intensive work environment.
Features and Specs
The boots are designed using full-grain leather. This helps make the boots tough and durable. Their sizing is accurate, and you don’t have to order large or short sizes.
As for comfort, the boot comes with a generous amount of comfort in the ankle area. The footbed is also cushioned and is accompanied by a thick midsole. The midsole isn’t made of superior PVA or EVA but rather rubber. However, it fairs relatively well.
The boots are waterproof and will keep your feet in the wettest condition. They are not insulated, but their leather is thick enough to maintain your feet warm during the cold.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are tough, so I was impressed at how quickly their break-in period is. Their insoles are comfortable, and they feature thick and durable laces. They are waterproof with durable slip-resistant outsoles. I also love their attractive suede model.
Shortcomings
The deal-breaker with these boots? You’ll notice the shock absorption fading after about five hours of walking and intensive work. But this is entirely dependent on the nature of your work. Other than that, nothing worth criticizing with the boots.
ORISATCO Steel Toe Boots-Lightest and Most Flexible
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Unisex | Not waterproof |
| Very lightweight and comfortable | Difficult for people with wide feet to wear and take them off |
| Lined with textile and fur to keep the feet fresh in both winter and summer | |
| Highly affordable |
The Orisatco Work Boots look great! I mean, seriously, these shoes are a true work of art. They are what I mean when I talk about fashion and style. Plus, they’re so lightweight, I call them the moon shoes.
Who Is It For?
Two workers will find these boots most beneficial: those tight on budget and not looking to spend so much on boots. And secondly, those looking for extra lightweight boots to move around effortlessly.
Did I also mention that the boots are unisex and suitable for both men and women?
Features and Specs
I love how wide the steel toe cap of these boots is to fit people with wide feet. They can withstand a force of up to 220J, meaning that your toes are safe from rolling or falling objects.
These boots are lined with both textiles and fur. Textile keeps your feet fresh and breathable in hot weather. The fur comes in handy during winter and keeps your feet warm.
The outsoles are built with soft polyvinyl chloride to make them slip-resistant and provide excellent traction. The midsole is puncture-proof, ensuring nothing penetrates into your feet.
Why Should You Buy It?
For starters, the price of the boots is a serious bargain! They are very comfortable, super lightweight, supportive, steel-toed, and feature soft soles. They will do an incredible job of protecting your feet.
Shortcomings
There are two fatal flaws with these boots. One, the boots aren’t waterproof. They don’t just let water in but also hold them. At times, I have to dry out the boots on a rack for over an hour. They aren’t the best option if you work in a wet environment.
Secondly, I normally loosen every lace crossing when putting the boots on. But this is on me. I have wide feet, and wearing and taking the boots off becomes hectic. I feel like I spend a lot of time on just…boots!
Skechers Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot – Best Toughest
Women’s Model:Skechers Workshire Peril Boot for Women
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Strong and flexible | Takes a long to break-in |
| Well-padded and cushioned interior | Uncomfortable when new |
| Very durable |
I once worked at a mechanic shop installing tires. So, I was on my knees most of the time, which meant putting so much wear and tear on my shoes. I wanted a boot that could take in the abuse. The Skechers Workshire Peril Work Boots fit the description perfectly.
Who Is It For?
These boots scoop my award for the toughest slip-resistant work boots. If you are a heavy-duty worker who wants a tough and high-quality work boot to take in all the beating, only a few pairs in the market can match the Skechers Workshire Peril Boots.
Features and Specs
There is not much to say about these boots other than they are made of 100% leather, oil, and slip-resistant rubber outsoles. Their heels measure approximately 1.5 inches and have a shaft measuring 5¼ inches from the arch.
The boots are durable and have a lifespan of more than one year. Although they are stiff at first, the boots become comfortable with time. But this is expected given the nature of their design. The sizing is okay, although I recommend going for half a size short.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are flexible, sturdy, and have a nice footbed. Though stiff at first, they become comfortable with time. Their quality and construction are good overall, and their pricing is fair. Their fit is great, and you don’t need insoles. To be fair, there is so little to complain about the boots.
Shortcomings
These are one hell of a stiff boot and will require time to break in. They are uncomfortable when new, and you’ll probably get blisters. So, I highly advise wearing them with socks or changing with different pairs until you get used to them.
Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot – Best Durable
Women’s Model:Carhartt Women’s Ruggedflex Work Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Very durable | Not fully waterproof, water-resistant |
| Easy to break-in | |
| Comfortable interior |
Carhartt is popular for making some of the most durable and toughest pairs of work boots. The brand has been in the industry for a long and knows a thing or two about designing footwear. Their Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot is one of their best creations.
Who Is It For?
These are one of the most durable work boots you’ll come across. My last pair lasted 3 years, and they were still going strong. There was a bit of tear but no sole splitting, no leaks. These are your go-to option if you want a durable, slip-resistant pair of work boots. Amazing!
Features and Specs
The uppers of these boots are made using genuine leather to enhance their durability and give them a stylish look. They feature EVA footbeds to cushion and absorb all shock and impact to the feet. Their Goodyear welt construction help to increase the lifespan of the boots.
Their composite toes make the boot lightweight and protect the feet from falling objects. Steel shanks in the soles enhance rigidity and provide arch support.
A unique feature would be the Storm Defender membrane which offers breathability and ensures that the boots are water-resistant.
Why Should You Buy It?
Aside from being extremely durable (courtesy of Goodyear welt construction), the interior of these boots is equally comfortable. They provide the feet with maximum protection and are easy to break in.
Shortcomings
Carhartt Ruggedflex Boots are not fully waterproof (as advertised) but rather water-resistant. A few users complained that the boots let in water, leaving their feet wet and sore. They will perform relatively well in mild snow, water and mud, but I wouldn’t recommend them for seriously wet conditions. This was a turn-off for me.
Steel Edge Work Boots-Most Affordable
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comfortable right out of the box | Small toe box |
| Excellent grip and traction | |
| Made using quality nubuck leather | |
| Easy to clean and maintain |
Coming from a reliable brand, the Steel Edge Work Boots are made for the hard worker but also look great on your day off. There’s so much with these boots.
Who Is It For?
These boots are designed for workers tight on a budget who still want some quality, premium work boots. The boots scoop my award for the most affordable slip-resistant work boots. They fall in the same price range as the Orisatco Work Boots.
Features and Specs
I love how comfortable these boots are right out of the box. They minimize damage to the joints and reduce foot fatigue. Their soles are padded to provide arch support and offer relief from plantar fasciitis.
Their traction is excellent on all surfaces, whether rough or slippery. The soles are puncture-resistant to protect you from getting pierced by sharp objects. This is in line with the OSHA requirements.
The upper of the boots is made of premium full-grain nubuck leather that is durable and easy to maintain. The boots are available in six colour options.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots look great; they are well constructed and comfortable. Their insoles are good, and the shoes break in fairly quickly. I love the suede colour of the boots and their thick and durable laces.
Shortcomings
These boots suffer the same problem as most steel-toe boots. Unlike composite toe boxes, steel toes are normally small and strain the feet. A few users complained of numbness barely a day after purchasing the boot. To avoid this, I recommend ordering a size larger than your feet.
How to Choose the Best Slip Resistant Work Boots
Oil and Slip Resistance
The most important feature of slip-resistant work boots is whether it’s both oil and slip-resistant. Two attributes determine this; the tread design and shape of the boot.
Tread designs come in different patterns. They come in triangular, square, or hexagonal shapes. The treads have adequate spacing in between them. Small spaces between treads could block liquids from channelling to the outer edges of the boots and result in hydroplaning and slipping.
The treads should also be thick and not too thin or wear out easily. This makes them durable and long-lasting.
Comfort
You’ll probably be wearing your work boots the entire day. Your slip-resistant work boots should have a comfortable and firm outsole. The soles should be able to support your weight when you walk and allow you to make steps comfortably. The insoles are made comfortable by shock-absorbing midsoles and comfortable footbeds.
Protection
Your work probably involves operating machinery and heavy lifting. It’s a requirement by the ASTM standards that every work boot has some sort of safety toe. These safety toes are found at the front end of the boots to protect the worker from falling or rolling heavy objects.
A good quality, non-slip, abrasion-resistant outsole is also important in offering protection. The outsoles are designed to prevent you from slipping and falling on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Durability
Durability is a top priority in all purchases. The higher the boot’s durability, the more value it provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rubber outsoles slip-resistant?
Yes, rubber outsoles are slip-resistant. Rubber is made of a soft, more resilient composition and provides excellent grip when confronted with oil, moisture and grip.
Is oil-resistant the same as slip-resistant?
Oil and slip-resistant are normally used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference between the two. An oil-resistant boot is made of an upper material that resists and repels oil and doesn’t allow it to slip through the surface. On the other hand, a slip-resistant boot has a rubber outsole with tread patterns that prevent you from tripping and falling.
The oil resistance feature covers the whole surface of the boot, while slip resistance focuses more on the outsoles. However, it’s great to purchase work boots that are both oil and slip-resistant.
How do I make my boots slip-resistant?
There are numerous hacks that you can use to make your boots slip-resistant. One, you can scuff the soles. Improve the grip of your boots by scraping their soles against abrasive surfaces such as gravel or rough concrete. You can spray your boots using traction sprays.
Other methods of improving the slip resistance of your boots include adding salt and rubber glue mixture to the soles, spraying the soles with hairspray and scoring the bottoms.
Conclusion
Unlike my friend, you can prevent slips and falls in the workplace by arming yourself with the best slip-resistant work boots. These boots will keep you on your feet and give you the confidence to work without worrying about slipping and falling.
Which is your favourite slip-resistant work boot?
