Our 10 Top Picks of the Best Work Boots for Women – 2020 Reviews
Many articles with work footwear recommendations are often focused on men's shoes. So, how about going through the best work boots for women now?
There are plenty of different models and it can get quite confusing if you start browsing without even knowing what exactly you need. In this article, we are going to go through the features that you must pay attention to before making a purchase. We will also talk about the differences between men's and women's work boots, useful tips & our top 10 picks we would recommend to any woman. Are you ready to start?
Types of Work Boots
Before you start looking for an adequate pair of work boots, you must fully understand what exactly you need them for. There are plenty of work boot models. There are different types of footwear, make sure to properly check which model will best suit your needs.
Let's go through some of the most important features you must understand before your purchase.
Steel-toe Boots are durable footwear that needs to meet safety criteria to prove they will truly protect your foot from compressions as well as some heavy falling objects. This type of boot often comes with a midsole plate whose role is to protect your feet from potential punctures from below.
Puncture-plated Outsole is another feature you need to pay attention to before your purchase. It's there to prevent your feet from getting injured by some sharp objects from below.
The Weather-proof and the waterproof feature is mainly the same thing. You need to choose footwear that is going to be adequate even when it comes to snow, rain, and other wet weather conditions. Since you are probably going to spend many hours wearing your boots, it's a must for your feet to stay dry, safe, and comfortable.
Electric Hazard means your shoes have been tested by ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) to prove they are adequate when it comes to electrocution. In other words, shoes must stop the electricity flow through the shoe and, of course, into the ground.
High-grip Outsoles are also an important feature you must pay attention to. Because of them, walking on harsh, oily or slippery surfaces is going to be much easier and safer – they will prevent or at least reduce trips, slips, and falls.
Our 10 Top Picks of Work Boots for Women
Skechers – Steel Toe
Skechers is a globally popular award-winning brand with an offer available in more than 170 countries. Although most people relate it to the athletic shoes, they bring a surprisingly wide palette of different footwear adjusted to various conditions. Amongst those, we found a top-quality solution when it comes to female working boots. So, let's present our first choice then!
These boots are ASTM approved as well as shock-resistant. Steel-toe shoes that meet safety criteria are always a bit more heavy, so keep that in mind during your purchase. The rubber sole is adapted to walking on all kinds of oily or slippery terrains.
In addition to that, you don't have to worry when it comes to comfort since their inner part is made of a soft cushioned fabric. Moreover, they contain the memory foam insoles as well as leather stress sewing on the upper layer. They also provide your feet with enough room so they will be comfortable even after a long day of wearing them.
This good-quality model is highly stylish and it doesn't look rugged at all. It comes in black, wheat, and dark brown colors. To be precise, the first comes with a corrugated genuine leather, while wheat and dark brown boots are made of high-quality sanded nubuck leather. High-quality materials these Skechers are made to guarantee you with a longlasting and durable solution for your working conditions.
So, which of these three Skechers models do you like best?
PROS
CONS
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Comfortable
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Slip Resistant
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Roomy
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Stylish
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Durable
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Heavy
Muck Boots – Rubber Sole
Muck is another successful company well-known for providing people from all over the world with some high-quality working boots for both men and women.
Because of their rubber sole, they are suitable for walking on slippery surfaces. There's a 5 mm neoprene layer that gives you both comfort and flexibility. Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that contains trapped bubbles of nitrogen. It makes your footwear waterproof and suitable for a wider temperature range. To be precise, these boots can be worn from subfreezing temperatures to 65 °F/18 °C.
Generally speaking, neoprene is a material that's been used for wetsuits and top-quality boots that need to keep your feet dry and warm. This model also contains a breathable Airmesh lining that allows air to go through the boot while at the same time keeping the water out.
These highly durable Muck boots are adjusted to female foot and they will provide you with great support and comfort.
PROS
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Durable
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Waterproof
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Weather Resistant
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Slip Resistant
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Comfortable
CONS
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Big Sizing
Uttse - Waterproof
Uttse is a great brand when you want to choose both top-notch and quite stylish women's work boots. This ankle-boot model is made of new environmental synthetic leather on the upper part, while the padded insole contains a cushioned footbed as well as synthetic non-skid sole.
They are not steel-toe which makes them great and quite a comfortable solution for hiking and similar activities. Also, keep in mind these are not 100% waterproof boots which is why you should consider using an impregnation spray. Simply spray your new shoes all over the surface and leave them to dry out for half an hour. That way you will make a protective layer that's going to stop water from coming into your boots and ruining the surface.
Simply spray your new shoes all over the surface and leave them to dry out for half an hour. That way you will make a protective layer that's going to stop water from coming into your boots and ruining the surface.
Although this model is really stylish, it's hard to keep light-colored pair clean since we can't avoid all slushes, dirt, and mugs. Impregnation spray is going to be quite helpful when it comes to that part, but, unfortunately, you can't entirely avoid dirt to be seen on the lighter-colored materials.
PROS
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Slip Resistant
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Comfortable
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Stylish
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Waterproof
CONS
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Sizing Issues
Timberland – Mid-ankle
These boots are an adequate option for women who like outdoor activities such as hiking on walking in nature. The upper part is made of 100% full-grain leather, and after you break them in, they will be comfortable to wear during long hours of any activity.
This boot is excellent for foot support since it has horizontal grooves on the outsole of your shoe - that part allows your foot to move flexibly.
For example, steel-toe shoes are not flexible at all because they are mostly made for flat surfaces; their main role is to protect your feet from heavy falling objects. On the other hand, hiking shoes need to be flexible so you can avoid injuries while walking, climbing, and stepping on uneven terrains.
Also, outsoles are made of rubber which means you will be safe on both harsh or slippery surfaces.
PROS
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Comfortable
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Great Support
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Flexible
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Slip Resistant
CONS
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Small Sizing
Ariat – Round Toe
Made of 100% thick leather, these fashionable boots are a great choice when you want good quality and durable solution for your work. There's also a dura tread heel which, together with Ariat exclusive Pro Crepe Light outsole, makes the walking on wet surfaces much safer and easier.
Still, their outsoles are not entirely high-grip, which is why they might not be as good as some other footwear models from our list when it comes to slippery terrains.
You will find these light ladies’ work boots quite comfortable because of their 4LR four-layer footbed. Because of their design, your foot will have enough room as well as a chance to flex.
Round toe profile and mesh lining give these boots an elegant look. So, what's your opinion of these cute women's work boots?
PROS
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Stylish
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Durable
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Slip Resistant
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Comfortable
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Roomy
CONS
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Big Sizing
Carhartt – Composite Toe
Carharrt Footwear is a well-known company whose premium footwear has been on the market since 1889. They have a wide offer of various boots for both men and women – and this model is simply another high-quality example from their store.
Made of top-quality leather, these women’s work boots come as a quite handy solution when it comes to demanding outdoor conditions.
Their rubber soles are going to help you while walking on any kind of harsh or oily surfaces, while the fact they have passed ASTM F2413-11 standard test means your toes will be more than safe while wearing them.
What does that exactly mean? American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has set the minimum standards as well as testing procedures that will show if the particular model is safe footwear, adjusted to the harsh conditions people face on job that demands difficult physical activities.
These boots have passed the test for conductivity resistance, electrical hazard resistance, compression safety-toe resistance, as well as puncture resistance. Besides the safety features, they are going to keep your feet comfortable, stable, warm and dry.
PROS
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Slip Resistant
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Comfortable
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Stable
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Warm
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Safe
CONS
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Steel Toe May Dig In
Safety Girl – Leather
This model is designed with Goodyear Welt construction. Let's explain what that exactly means. So, do you remember when we mentioned types of construction and how they impact the quality of certain footwear?
Goodyear construction is simply one of the oldest and most durable methods of them all. Firstly, they create a perpendicular rib across the insole after which comes a 3D model where they stretch the outsole over as well as attach the insole. In the end, they sew a strong thread that goes through the welt, uppers, and rib of the boot's insole.
These women’s fashion work boots contain steel toe, which means your toes are going to be protected from heavy rolling or falling objects or work equipment. To be precise, these boots can withstand around 2500 pounds of pressure.
The upper has been made of nubuck leather. It's a velvet-like material made by sanding and buffing the leather, and it comes as a great option when you need high-quality waterproof footwear that's adequate for snow, rain or some other wet conditions.
Rubber outsoles are going to protect you while walking on both slippery or oily terrains.
Above safety and comfort features, they are also quite stylish as well as durable.
PROS
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Stylish
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Durable
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Safe
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Slip Resistant
CONS
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Foot Pain Issues
Caterpillar – Imported
These top-notch Caterpillar women's work boots are a quite exceptional choice when it comes to both safety features and appealing design.
The upper part is made, as a previous model from our list, of waterproof nubuck leather. This type of material is resistant to oil and chemicals, which is why your boots are not going to be easily ruined while being exposed to unwanted substances. You don't have to worry when it comes to keeping your toes safe, because they contain both steel toe cap and electric hazard features.
Outsoles are rubber with lug design which means you will be quite satisfied and safe while wearing these boots on slippery surfaces in wet conditions.
Besides safety features, you'll be glad to know these are also extremely comfortable. They contain padded tongues and collars as well as PU footbeds that will provide comfort for your tired feet after long working hours. You can also see there are soft nylon mesh lining as well as removable sock liners – and, above all, they are constructed in a way that allows your feet to have enough space and flex freely.
Caterpillar offers you this stylish and beautiful model in two colors: frost grey, and marlin.
PROS
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Safe
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Stylish
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Oil Resistant
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Electrical Hazard Resistant
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Comfortable
CONS
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Break-in Period
DADAWEN – Lace-up
Dadawen ladies’ work boots are made of synthetic leather which is a great choice if you need high-quality footwear suitable for rain or some other wet weather conditions. Their flexible rubber outsoles are constructed in a way to maintain a grip on slippery or uneven surfaces.
The soft fabric lining makes these boots extremely comfortable, together with a cushioned footbed with a padded insole.
These fashion women's work boots can easily fit in all kinds of daily outfits, which is why you can wear them with casual jeans, shorts, coats, and many other combinations. What's best is that you can find them in many interesting and appealing colors. Which one of those would you choose for some everyday outfit?
PROS
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Slip Resistant
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Comfortable
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Flexible
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Stylish
CONS
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Sole May Come Off
Cestfini – Stylish
These lightweight waterproof woman's boots are perfect for hiking and other similar outdoor activities. Models like this are constructed in a way to keep your ankle safe while walking on uneven terrains – that part comes as a feature you must strongly pay attention to, especially if you are choosing the footwear for things like hiking.
Their outsoles are perfectly adjusted to both oily or slippery surfaces, which will prevent falling down. They are quite comfortable and will keep your feet dry and safe.
They come in two main colors: black and light brown. Their stylish design makes them easy to combine with any winter or fall outfit.
PROS
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Lightweight
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Stylish
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Slip Resistant
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Comfortable
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Moisture Wicking
CONS
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Zipper May Be Uncomfortable
Features to Consider in Looking for the Best Safety Work Boot
So, after going through some main types of work boots let's dig through some extra features you need to pay attention to before making a purchase.
Toe Protection
Safety always comes first, don't you agree? In that case, the first thing you need to do is to check if your workplace demands wearing shoes with composite or a steel toe. Do you know the difference?
Steel-toe footwear is more suitable when it comes to dealing with extreme temperatures (both low or high). This type of shoe is not made for long walks or similar activities since they are pretty heavy.
On the other hand, composite toe ones are lighter, thinner, and more bulbous which makes them a great solution in transportation jobs or ones that require walking.
Comfort
Still, if you don't feel comfortable during work activities, does it even matter if your boots are safe or not? It's essential to choose the right pair to avoid irritations, fatigue or any other discomfort. You are going to use these boots for a longer time as well as spend many hours wearing them, which is why it's essential to choose those that have padded footbed as well as cushioned insoles.
Breathability
Outdoor work conditions are not always easy or pleasant which is why you don't want to feel any discomfort in your boots – including sweaty or wet feet. You need to choose breathable footwear. That means you will get one made of materials that allow water vapor to vanish; at the same time, these fabrics will prevent soaking any liquids from the outside so your feet will remain dry.
Durability
As we have already mentioned, work boots are not that type of footwear you will buy every two months – that's why it's really important to choose a good pair that will last a bit longer.
How long they are going to last depends on many elements, including your everyday work conditions and the way you take care of your boots. Still, no matter what, try to invest a little bit more to choose a durable, high-quality and comfortable pair that will serve you well for a longer time.
Material
Durability also depends on the material your boots are made of. For example, if you know you'll spend most of your time in rainy or some other wet weather conditions, try to choose a material that's 100% waterproof. That way your feet will stay dry and your boots will generally last longer.
Construction
Construction is often the key element that makes the difference between shoes that cost 60$ and ones that cost 200$. This feature refers to the procedures of attaching the shoe upper to the sole.
Although there are a few basic construction methods, there is none that's ultimately the best. Simply go through the offer and choose work boots with features that suit the best working conditions you will be using them for.
Style
Of course, it's essential to buy high-quality and safe footwear, but don't forget you also want to feel good while wearing. Take your time and don't choose the first pair that contains features from our list below.
Being a worker doesn't imply that you need to wear those boring cliche work boots. There are plenty of different models where you can appealing one you'll enjoy wearing.
Fitting
Women's feet are anatomically different, naturally more narrow, and more fragile than men's feet. That's something you need to pay attention to avoid purchasing smaller sizes of a particular model that's adjusted to men. Also, consider wider feet or any other specific conditions that are essential when it comes to choosing footwear that suits you the best.
Women's vs. Men's Work Boots
So, what are the general differences between women's and men's work boots? First of all, we must say that many features are similar, especially when it comes to comfort, durability, and safety. On the other hand, and as we have already mentioned in our previous fragment - female work boots are a little bit different because of anatomy characteristics. They are more narrow and smaller, which means models have to be lighter.
Also, since the increased number of ladies in the workforce is relatively new, there are still fewer work boot models made for women specifically. That same reason also means female work boots can be a bit more expensive than ones intended for men.
However, there are still top-quality solutions you can adjust to your needs as well as find some fashionable pair with an interesting color you will find appealing. Shall we move to our top 10 of ladies work boots then? Don't forget to let us know which model you like the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lightweight brand?
Up there on our list, we offered a few lightweight models that are an excellent choice when it comes to hiking or simply spending long hours wearing your work boots. Although many high-quality models meet your criteria when it comes to the lighter weight, we must admit the Ariat round toe model comes as our favorite choice.
Are pull-on work boots better for women?
Pull-on boots make it a lot easier for you to put them on your feet, but are they truly better? It simply depends on what you need them for. Pay attention if the conditions you need boots for are good to wear pull-on footwear.
For example, they are a great choice when it comes to walking on even surfaces, but if you are looking for a pair you could use for hiking, it’s better to choose a lace model.
Where can I buy orthopedic work boots for women?
Our list provides you with the top 10 models that are highly safe for your feet as well as comfortable and well constructed to keep up with the anatomy of the female feet.
Still, we realize there are different feet conditions as well as those which require orthopedic shoes. Feel free to ask about that part - better shoe stores have educated sellers that will help you with needed information.
On the other hand, there is also an opportunity to purchase orthopedic inserts suitable for your feet in specialized stores, shoe stores, and drug stores.
Conclusion
Most ladies enjoy both browsing and buying fashionable footwear they can fit into their everyday life. Still, taking adequate care of your feet simply requires to delve a little bit deeper and check all those features related to safety and comfort as well.
Luckily, the boot models we got on our top 10 list are definitely going to provide you with all that. To be precise, we know none of these boots are perfect, but we truly believe you will be able to find ones that will best suit your needs as well as perfectly fit in your everyday outfit.
So, have you tried any of these models or have particular experiences with some of these brands? Any work boot pair you would like to add on the top 10 list?