10 Top Rated Cheap Work Boots – 2020 Reviews & Ratings
We love buying high-quality products but let's not hide the fact that every one of us wants to save money too. If you are planning to buy a work boot without breaking the bank, then you came to the right place. We have written a guide for you to know the best cheap work boots that are worth every penny.
Indeed, some cheap work boots won’t last long due to their low-quality materials. This is the reason why people usually think that expensive boots are better than cheap ones. However, in reality, expensive boots are not always good and cheap ones are not always bad. Whether you believe it or not, some cheap work boots last longer than pricier ones. Surprisingly, some affordable work boots even perform better than luxury brands.
With this article, we will let you know some buying tips and introduce you to some of the affordable work boot brands that will perform well and last long. If you want to make the right choice, read on.
Top 10 Cheap Work Boots Review
Timberland - Waterproof
The first boot that we are going to review is from a popular brand. Timberland has been known for producing high-quality footwear for years. They are popular for making men's, women's, and kids' boots.
This boot was specifically made for hiking but also performs great as a work boot. It is made of pure full-grain leather that measures approximately 4.75inches from the arch. The uppers are seam-sealed making it waterproof and ideal for wet working environments.
It also has rustproof speed-lace hardware with hooks making its lacing system more secure. If you work in slippery workplaces, this boot is also reliable because its rubber sole makes it slip-resistant.
Moreover, you can also use this boot with your casual wear because of its stylish design. What makes this boot even more amazing is that it can keep your feet dry all day. It is also comfortable to wear because it has a removable dual-density EVA footbed.
PROS
CONS
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Slip-resistant
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Waterproof
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Speed-lacing
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Comfortable
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Durability
Honeywell - Comfortable
The next boot that we are going to review is a PVC Soft Toe type from Honeywell. What makes this boot stand out is its comfort technology. We all know that workers need a comfortable boot. An uncomfortable boot may cause foot pain that can add up to the burden of working all day.
Moreover, this boot is flexible because it is made of rubber PVC injection-molded construction. It is ideal for farmers because it is degradation-resistant from chemicals, agricultural fertilizers, and animal wastes.
It is also reinforced at critical points making it comfortable for all-day wearing. Its lightweight, heel support and contour cushion insoles add to its comfortability.
It is also ideal for slippery workplaces because it has a contoured heel cup making it slip-resistant. It is also electrical hazard resistant making it ideal for workers who deal with electricity.
This brand is recommended for food processing, custodial, farm, general-purpose jobs.
PROS
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Comfortable
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Chemical-resistant
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Lightweight
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Great Support
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Comfortable
CONS
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Break-in
Skechers - Steel Toe
This brand is best for workers who work in a hazardous workplace because it has steel toes. Steel toes can protect your feet from dangerous and heavy objects. Moreover, it has a leather shaft measuring approximately 5.5inches from the arch.
It also has a roomy toe room and a gel-infused memory foam insole makes it comfortable for all-day wearing. Besides, it has a padded collar and tongue for added comfort.
It is durable, shock-absorbing, and supportive making it ideal for workers who use their feet all day. It has great traction for workers who work in wet and slippery grounds. It also meets electrical and impact hazard safety standards. What adds to this product’s amazing features is that it is puncture, oil, and slip-resistant.
Buyers loved this product saying that it is comfortable, stylish, and has a nice fitting.
PROS
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Protective
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Comfortable
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Roomy
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Shock-absorbing
CONS
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Durability
Caterpillar - Leather
Caterpillar is a popular brand that is known for making durable footwear. Like the previous product on our list, it also features a steel toe for safety protection. It is made of pure oiled full-grain or nubuck leather measuring approximately 6 inches from the arch. It has a heel measuring approximately 1.25 inches and a platform measuring approximately 0.75 inches.
This boot is ideal for workers because it has all the features that a worker needs to survive a tiring day like protection, comfort, electrical hazard-resistance, and durability. It has a rugged style making it versatile for work and everyday use.
Moreover, its outsole is made of T3 rubber which delivers great traction and slip-resistance. It also has a climasphere breathable insole and an engineered nylon mesh lining for breathability.
PROS
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Electrical Hazard Resistant
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Comfortable
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Protective
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Durable
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Breathable
CONS
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Heavy
Wolverine - Soft Toe
Wolverine is a top American brand that is known for producing boots from high-quality materials. This product features a soft toe wedge work boot that is lightweight and can keep your feet comfortable and stress-free.
It also has a Goodyear welt construction that makes it mold to your feet for a perfect fit. It is made of a genuine full-grain leather upper that measures approximately 6 inches from the arch. The outsole has a PU wedge for added comfort which can also and shed away dirt and other debris.
This brand is ideal during hot working days because it is unlined with padded collars so your feet stay cool and dry. It is perfect for workers who have the toughest jobs and the harshest working conditions because it has steel shanks that protect the feet.
A buyer said that this boot performed better than expensive brands. They said that it is durable and takes less time to break in.
PROS
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Comfortable
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Cool
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High-quality
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Nice FIt
CONS
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Sizing
Ariat - Square Toe
For workers with wide feet, this roomy boot is the best choice for you. It is a best-seller boot that features a wide square toe. It has a leather foot with a variety of upper options with a two-row stitch or four-row stitch pattern. It also has a comfortable insole and a mesh lining for added breathability. The four-layer footbed cushioning also adds to its comfortability.
This boot is suitable for workers who work in wet and slippery grounds because its Duratread outsole makes it slip and oil-resistant. The Ariat company has been known for producing comfortable and durable work boots that can perform well for outdoor work. If you want a work boot with the taste of an equestrian style, buy Ariat.
Buyers were impressed with the durability of these boots. They said that it survived the wear and tear for years of use. Others were also impressed by how these boots made their feet feel comfortable.
PROS
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Roomy
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Comfortable
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Breathable
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Slip-resistant
CONS
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Sole Issues
Muck Boot - Hi-cut
If your work requires you to wear a 100% waterproof work boot, then the Muck boot is the best choice for you. It is a hi-cut boot with a shaft measuring approximately 15 inches from the arch and a 2-inch heel.
The features that you will love about this boot are comfort and flexibility, shock-absorption, and heat retention. The neoprene of this boot contours to your foot shape to prevent blisters and chafing. It also has a stretch-fit comfort topline that fits your calf sealing your feet from cold conditions.
Moreover, its breathable air mesh lining prevents humidity build-up and sweating allowing air to travel throughout the boot. It also has EVA contoured molded midsole for support and a rugged molded rubber outsole for strong traction.
This boot is best for workers who work in cold environments. It is also ideal for winter because of its 2 mm thermal foam under the footbed that keeps your feet warm and comfortable.
PROS
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Waterproof
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Flexible
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Breathable
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Shock-absorbing
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Great Traction
CONS
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Durability
ROCKROOSTER - Slip-on
This boot is best for loggers, farmers, miners, and other workers who need foot protection. The Rockrooster boot has a lot of features to boast about. Let's start with its steel toe cap which can protect your foot from possible injuries and hazards that you can encounter at work.
It is made of a fabric with COOLMAX technology that makes it moisture-wicking and keeps the worker cool and dry on summer days. It is also suitable for cold days because it has fiber structures to provide insulation. Its outsole is static dissipative, water-resistant, oil-resistant, and slip-resistant.
Moreover, it keeps your feet comfortable because of its anti-fatigue memory foam insoles that can support your feet even after a day of tiring work. It has anatomically contoured footbed that can cradle your feet and prevent foot pain.
It is ideal for mechanics, welders, construction, heavy industry, manufacturing, and transportation field workers.
PROS
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Cool
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Protective
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Slip-resistant
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Water-resistant
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Comfortable
CONS
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Lacks Breathability
Carhartt - Rubber Sole
Every top boot list on our site contains this brand due to its great technology and affordable price. This boot features an oil-tanned pure leather upper and a rubber sole.
It is suitable for all-day wearing due to its 6-Inch Work-Flex making it supportive, comfortable, and flexible. It has a traditional lacing system for an adjustable fit and a padded collar and tongue for added comfort.
Moreover, its ortholite insoles and EVA midsole with PU Strobel pad make it more ideal for long-wearing. Also, if you are working on slippery grounds, this boot can protect you from falling because of its oil, chemical, and slip-resistant outsoles. It has a flexible toe allowing you to accomplish your work faster and more comfortably.
Buyers are satisfied with how this boot performs despite its low price. They are satisfied with how it easily breaks-in and fits their feet comfortably.
PROS
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Supportive
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Comfortable
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Flexible
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Slip-resistant
CONS
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Sole Issues
Irish Setter - Removable Footbed
The Irish Setter Men's Ely 83607 work boot is a lace-up boot made of pure grain crazy horse leather and a synthetic sole. It measures 6 inches from the arch.
It is great for workers who deal with electrical hazards because it passed the ASTM F2892-11 electrical hazard standards. The sole and heel construction of this boot is designed to protect your feet from electrical hazards.
Moreover, it features a comfortable polyurethane footbed and a non-marking polyurethane V-Grip outsole to prevent you from slipping on wet grounds. The Irish setter has a 60-year legacy that assures you that your money won’t put to waste with this purchase.
Buyers loved this boot saying that it is ideal for everyday use. Some also said that this is ideal for workers with wide feet.
PROS
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Electrical Hazard-resistant
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Slip-resistant
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Roomy
CONS
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Tight Fit
What to Look For in Buying An Affordable Work Boot
Protection
Workers can experience hazards and dangers anytime in their job sites which is why choosing a protective boot is essential for every worker. This is a feature that you must look for when purchasing a boot especially when you have a dangerous job. Workers may not be aware that a boot can save their foot from injuries or even amputations.
If you want a protective boot, look for features like steel or other safety-composite covers, electrical hazard resistance, and non-slip outsoles. Also, look for a puncture-resistant outsole to protect your feet from sharp objects.
A protective boot can be a lifesaver!
Durability
Some think that cheap boots are not durable. However, there are a lot of cheap brands in the market that can survive longer than expensive brands. You just have to look for high-quality materials and strong construction.
A boot that lacks durability means a waste of money and every buyer will surely regret purchasing a boot that will come off after a few wears. Every worker needs a durable boot especially those who have a job that requires them to use their feet all day.
In shopping for a durable work boot, always check the fabric, the lacing systems, and the outsoles as these can make or break a boot’s durability.
Comfort
Working is tiring and wearing an uncomfortable boot can increase your exhaustion. An uncomfortable boot can cause foot pain that can hinder you from doing your work smoothly. Wearing a comfortable boot allows you to accomplish your tasks effectively and efficiently. The comfort feature of a boot can also prevent your feet from sprains and injuries.
When you want a comfortable work boot, choose a brand with cushioned insoles, mesh linings, and ergonomic design. Selecting the correct boot size can also affect its comfortability. Can you imagine wearing a tight boot for the whole day? It can be torture!
Design
Every boot is designed uniquely according to your style and preference. There are a lot of stylish boot brands in the market and this feature will be up to you because we all have our different fashion preferences. You can choose your preferred color or design according to your taste. Some of the boots that we have reviewed on our list are stylish and fashionable.
Whatever style you choose, we recommend you to choose a brand with an ergonomic design as this can add to a boot’s comfortability.
Performance
Buying a boot that can perform well is important especially for workers whose job requires them to work in harsh conditions. You can say that a work boot performs well when it is capable of protecting your feet and allows you to accomplish your tasks efficiently.
A good-performing boot has features like comfort, great traction, and protection. So, when you plan to make your work boot purchase, remember to look for these features.
Material
The material of a boot affects its durability, comfort, and protective features so it is important to check it before making a purchase. There are a lot of affordable boot brands in the market that are made with high-quality materials. The material of a boot can also affect its breathability and waterproofing so make sure to choose the right material that can match the nature of your job.
As for us, we recommend work boots that are made of leather because this lasts longer. We also prefer outsoles with rubber material because it has a strong grip and traction.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is also an essential feature to look for in a work boot. Working with wet feet can cause discomfort and odor. It can also attract fungi and bacteria that can lead to foot problems. If your boot is waterproof, you can work in wet grounds and still keep your feet dry.
A boot’s waterproof ability will be determined by the type of fabric used and the technique used to seal the seams. Usually, a rubber boot performs the best when it comes to waterproofing so choose this type when you work in wet settings. This type also has great slip-resistance that can protect you from slipping on wet grounds.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for producing great work boots. If you don’t want your money to be wasted, buy a boot with a good brand reputation because it surely won’t disappoint. Also, read the customer reviews before buying to see if it is a good choice.
Slip Resistance
If you work in job sites with wet and slippery grounds, this feature is a must-have when you buy a work boot. Accidents can happen anytime and fall on slippery grounds is one of the most common accidents that can happen at work.
If you have a slip-resistant work boot, you can prevent these accidents from happening. Remember that slipping can also lead to death so you must choose a boot with a rubber outsole as this has great traction.
Common Misconceptions About Buying Budget-friendly Boots
Inexpensive Means Low Quality
A lot of people think that a cheap work boot is made of cheap and low-quality materials. But, that is not always the case. As you have seen on our list, there are a lot of affordable boot brands that can perform well in protecting your feet and make you perform your job comfortably.
Pricey Boots are Better
People also think that expensive boots are always better because they are also made of expensive materials. Let us tell you this. Some companies put a huge price tag to lure buyers to think that their brand is a high-end product well in fact, some are just made of cheap materials. So, you must be vigilant when making a purchase.
How to Maintain Your Cheap Work Boot
Any boot can last longer if you know how to maintain it. There are proper ways on how to care for your boots and we will discuss each one of them.
Clean it Regularly
It is important to clean your shoes at least once a week. Leaving mud and dirt residues for a long time can further damage the uppers of your boot. To do this, you can use a rag and rub it with a high-quality shoe cleaner.
Avoid Keeping It in Dark Areas
Dark areas can be an attractive site for fungal growth and this doesn’t exempt your shoes if you leave it in the dark. This can also cause boot odor. If this happens, expose your shoes under the sun or use anti-odor sprays.
Secure Your Laces
When your boot lacks secure lacing, you boot may incur damage after prolonged use because it lacks tension. Lack of tension may cause your boot to lose its original shape.
Don’t Use Them Outside Work
Some work boots can also be used for casual wear but it is a good idea to solely use your work boot at work. Using them for other activities can make them wear-off faster so you must change them and wear your sneakers instead.
Safety Terms To Consider When Buying an Inexpensive Work Boot
Alloy Toe
Alloy toes are as durable as steel toes. Some workers prefer this type because it offers the same protection and it is lighter. It can effectively protect your feet from falling objects. Also, most brands have reinforced soles making it protective from sharp objects and punctures.
Steel Toe
We all know that steel toe is the first option when you need a boot that has great protection. This type is ideal for carpenters and workers who work in construction sites as they are more prone to hazards. Steel toes also come with reinforced soles for added protection.
Soft Toe
If you have a work that is not too prone to hazards like falling objects and heavy equipment, then a soft toe boot can be suitable for you. This type is more lightweight and breathable.
Composite Toe
Composite toe is the best option for people who don't want to be fatigued in wearing extra-heavy boots. This type has a small amount of steel making it lighter as compared to other safety toe types. These are popular for its ease of use.
Puncture Proof
This safety feature is very important. Stepping on a sharp object may not only cause excruciating pain but also lead to more serious problems. Choosing a puncture-proof work boot can save your foot!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to break-in cheap boots?
The break-in period of a boot depends on the brand and the materials used to construct it. Some cheap boots are easy to break-in. Most brands usually take up to a week before breaking in. Remember, steel toes are harder to break-in than soft toes because of their sturdy construction.
Are cheap boots great for sore feet sufferers?
As we have said, a lot of cheap boots offer the same comfort as expensive ones. You just have to check its features before making a purchase. We suggest workers with sore feet problems to find a boot with great support.
Are slip-on boots cheap?
There are a lot of slip-on boot brands that are affordable in the market. Slip-on types are also recommended for workers because it is easy to wear.
So, there you have it! We hope this guide will let you buy a work boot without breaking the bank. There are a lot of cheap work boots in the market that can offer great comfort, durability, and protection. You just have to look for the important features that we have discussed on our guide. Every worker deserves a great work boot and you can have it with just a few bucks!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! We hope this guide will let you buy a work boot without breaking the bank. There are a lot of cheap work boots in the market that can offer great comfort, durability, and protection. You just have to look for the important features that we have discussed on our guide. Every worker deserves a great work boot and you can have it with just a few bucks!