No guarantees until a Covid-19 vaccine/cure, but come this spring the world is planning/praying to be back at work in (much) greater force. Demand for work footwear is forecasted to be up significantly. In many instances, people working on the front lines never stopped—the occupational category has been one of the few categories that has performed through the pandemic—and inventories are low. It’s time to stock up.
What’s more, brands haven’t quit on introducing breakthrough technologies that address the durability, comfort and safety needs of workers spanning hospitals to warehouses to construction sites. Versatility in terms of end-use and style continues to be the calling card. These boots and shoes help get the job done—safely. The fact that they look good off the clock is a well-earned bonus.
Keen
Vista Energy Low
In a word: Sporty.
The goods: Built for indoor manufacturing environments, the lightweight work sneaker features a compression-resisting Keen.ReGen midsole that returns 50 percent more energy than standard EVA; non-marring, two-layer mesh upper provides increased breathability; Keen.KonnectFit heel capture system lock heel in place for stability; asymmetrical carbon fiber toe 15 percent lighter than steel; and oil- and slip-resistant outsole.
SRP: $120
Danner
Bull Run
In a word: Classic.
The goods: Built in the USA, the utilitarian work boot features full-grain oiled leather upper that’s strong and soft; oil-, slip- and non-marking Wedge outsole; electrical hazard-resistant; steel shank, re-engineered footbed that flows with the anatomy of the foot and room for a soft and sturdy OrthoLite footbed; recraftable.
SRP: $170
Twisted X
MXCC004
In a word: Hybrid.
The Goods: The men’s 4-inch work boot comes in durable, full-grain oiled leather upper and features patented CellStretch comfort technology combined with compression-molded EVA midsole and a nylon/glass fiber shank, ensuring every step is stable and comfortable. A lightweight composite safety toe meets/exceeds ASTM standard and an enhanced rubber outsole provides additional slip resistance in water and oil.
SRP: $159.95
Wolverine
Rev
In a word: Versatile.
The Goods: The hybrid hiker features removable DuraShocks cushioning footbed to combat fatigue and discomfort; an UltraSpring midsole that provides a lightweight, energized ride; and a stretchy breathable mesh upper for comfort with a reinforced TPU cage for added durability. The carbonMAX safety toe and slip-resistant rubber lug outsole meets ASTM safety needs without the added weight of steel.
SRP: $165
Aetrex
Bondi
In a word: Light.
The goods: Made from UltraSKY injected EVA (so light the clog floats), features include built-in arch support to stabilize and align the foot; a memory foam footbed for cushioning and shock absorption; metatarsal support to reduce ball-of-foot discomfort; and water-friendly
construction.
SRP: $59.95
Blundstone
990
In a word: Dependable.
The goods: Water-resistant leather upper, TPU bump cap and a Comfort Arch footbed for all-day cushioning and support. Broad fitting 200 Joule impact-resistant steel toe cap (the safest material available, providing the highest levels of resistance against rolling side compression and cuts). Electrical hazard resistant and slip- and heat-resistant outsole up to at least 572°F.
SRP: 209.95
Rockport
Prime Time Casuals Work
In a word: Smooth.
The goods: Full-grain leather slip-on features padded tongue and collar, moisture-wicking mesh lining for breathability, removable EVA and Memory Foam footbed with truTECH heel design for lightweight shock absorption, and rubber outsole.
SRP: $133
Easy Works
Letsee
In a word: Sassy.
The goods: Mary-Jane with a hook-and-loop strap features a slip-resistant, non-marking, impact-absorbing, anti-microbial, ultra-light and flexible sole. Generous toe box is enhanced with the exclusive Easy Motion Pro Comfort footbed. Available in sizes 5-12 and widths medium, wide and extra-wide.
SRP: $49.95
Reebok
Flexagon
In a word: Fast.
The goods: The work jogger is led by an Origami-inspired EVA Foam Flexagon midsole with MemoryTech footbed for super-soft cushioning; breathable nylon/mesh upper; slip-resistant flex groove rubber outsole; ASTM standard lightweight XTR composite toe.
SRP: $121
Chooka
Classic Ankle
In a word: Dry.
The goods: Waterproof rain boot is made of Ultra HC rubber for flex and durability and features 5 mm removable memory foam insole and traction outsole. Open stock availability.
SRP: $80
Dansko
LT Pro
In a word: Sensible.
The goods: Led by an APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health, the lightweight clog features a cushioned footbed, a patent-pending compression-molded EVA outsole and leather socklinings. The upper is a stain-resistant and wipe-clean leather. Available in a range of exclusive novelty prints.
SRP: $140
Western Chief
Woodway Expedition
In a word: Textbook.
The goods: Water-resistant leather work boot features a PU memory foam footbed, Goodyear welted construction, durable pull tabs and rugged rubber outsole. Open stock availability.
SRP: $80
Spring Step
Power-Blades
In a word: Sharp.
The goods: Athleisure leather slip-on with embroidered tattoo-inspired knives deign on the vamp features side elastics for easy-on/off; a triple density, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, removable textile insole; padded heel collar and flexible forefoot; and PU/TPR skid- and oil-resistant outsole.
SRP: $99.99
Skechers Work
Malad Comp Toe
In a word: Muscle.
The Goods: The jogger features a lightweight ASTM standard composite toe; electrical hazard safe design; durable synthetic/mesh upper with front and side cooling panels; Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole; and a flexible, high-traction rubber outsole.
SRP: $90
Hytest
FootRests 2.0
In a word: Bold.
The goods: The waterproof hiker features an abrasion-resistant TecTuff upper; a caged lacing system; lightweight Xergy anti-fatigue midsole; and FootHolds oil- and slip-resistant outsole. The new CoreTemp lining absorbs heat to create a cooling effect and releases stored heat to warm for all-day temperature control and comfort.
SRP: $185
Florsheim
Adventure Series
In a word: Subtle.
The goods: A crossover design suitable for the office, warehouse and job site, this knit upper sneaker offers flexibility and breathability, cushioned Comfortech footbed with high rebound foam for long-term wear, slip-resistant rubber wedge outsole and ASTM standard steel toe.
SRP: $136
