What Work Boots Are Made In Canada? (11 Popular Brands)

When you were kids, did any of you wish you could be a Canadian Mountie? Or was it just me? I think the 90s series Due South had something to do with it.

Okay, well if not, I bet you wish you had some Mountie boots. Go on, admit it.

No? Alright, how about just some Canadian work boots? Yeah, that’ll do it.

You’re in the right place because we’re now going to show you some Canadian-made boots.

You could be Canadian and love Canadian-made boots, or love supporting local businesses and your economy. You could be from anywhere else in the world and like the Canadian style.

We’ll show you some boots, tell you a little about them, and a smidgen about each brand.

Some of the brands mentioned below are making boots for harsh work environments while others make boots for less hazardous workplaces. Pick yours!

Who’s working on this page

Jimmy Webb
Author & Researcher

Victor Adrian
Researcher & Editor

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Here’s a list of Canadian work boot brands we’ll cover

1. Kamik
2. Anfibio
3. Saute-Mouton
4. Martino
5. Dayton
6. Royer
7. Alberta Boot Company
8. Canada West Boots
9. Manitobah Mukluks
10. Pajar
11. Boulet Inc

Below I’ll share with you some of the most popular boots from each one of these Canadian work boots brands.

1. Kamik

Kamik was set up by the Cook family in 1898. With now over 400 employees, they’re a major player in the boot industry.

After expansion over the years, they manufacture in both Canada and the USA.

Sustainability is Kamic’s primary focus. Some of the procedures to reduce the carbon footprint are: making vegan friendly boots, recycling 90% of cooling water used in their Canadian factory, and using 100% recyclable materials in the rain boots.

Kamik Workday 3BX Winter Boot

Check out the latest price on these Kamik work boots

Store	Price
Amazon	See In-Store
Kamik’s Official Store	See In-Store

A lot of work boot companies claim to be 100% waterproof but not all are. However, it is a claim that rubber boots can be sure of. Unless the rubber somehow gets pierced.

This boot has lots of other features that make it good for those demanding jobs. Construction workers, concrete gangs, farm workers would all have sufficient protection.

The problem with rubber boots is that they can sometimes make your feet sweat, especially in warm weather and with physical exertion.

But this boot provides moisture wicking, which helps to regulate that sweat.

The removable liner is also quite handy because you can take it out to wash, which helps with hygiene, and prevents smelly boots.

Not only that, but in this boot, you should be able to withstand the cold Canadian climate.

Key features:

• Vegan friendly
• Waterproof
• Safety toe and plate
• Electrical hazard resistant
• Oil and acid resistant
• Removable liner
• Adjustable collar
• 13.9” height
• Comfortable down to -40°F
• Slip-resistant
• Moisture wicking lining

2. Anfibio

Since their 1968 beginnings, Anfibio have created an international legacy.

Their outdoor category started in the 80s. A time when the brand started to make footwear in non-standardized sizes and widths to cater to all people.

They lay claim to be the only quality heritage company to provide boots up to size 19.

Anfibio Lukas 3

Check out the latest price on these Anfibio work boots

Store	Price
Anfibio’s Official Store	See In-Store

These boots are made for walking. Sorry, a touch of Dolly Parton came over me then.

But it’s true. Due to the lightness and amount of wool insulation along the footbed and lining, these work boots are designed for extreme comfort in cold and wet conditions.

The interior side zip helps for ease of putting the boots on, especially with numb hands in cold conditions. Thick wool lining can sometimes make putting boots on quite difficult at the best of times.

Also, to keep the feet extra dry, the tongue is designed to not allow water into the boot. Very useful for when you’re out in the rain or snow.

The boot comes in a choice of two colors. Rock or Black. Personally, I’d be rocking the black.

Key features:

• Handcrafted in Canada
• Waterproof full grain leather and suede detailing
• Sealed stitches and seams
• Wool-lined footbed
• Natural wool lining (650g/m²)
• Side zip work boots
• True bellow tongue
• Padded suede collar
• Lightweight

3. Saute-Mouton

Saute-Mouton started out as a company that made winter boots for kids, with their first logo as a small sheep on a quilted background.

With the adult market ever increasing, they eventually stopped their kids focus and changed the logo to represent the change in brand.

However, their original brand has stayed important to them, so they’ve kept the name, which is French for a popular children’s game, ‘Leapfrog’.

Yoko Olive – 2975 – Grip

Check out the latest price on these Saute-Mouton work boots

Store	Price
Saute Mouton’s Official Store	See In-Store
Globe Trotters	See In-Store
La Tulippe	See In-store

This boot is 100% handcrafted in Quebec. It has a combination of style, ruggedness, and versatility. Not only do you get the choice of using laces, there’s the extra option of a side zip for ease and convenience.

There’s lots of wool inside this boot, from the lining to the insoles, making this boot extremely warm and comfortable.

To also help with the heat, there’s a compressed foam and metalized membrane, which reflects the foot’s heat back into the foot. Clever stuff.

Key features:

• Thermoplastic rubber outsoles for winter
• Glued seams
• Waterproof leather and suede
• Woven wool lining
• 100% woven wool insoles
• Heat reflecting technology
• YKK side zipper
• Rustproof eyelets

4. Martino

A mixture of tradition and evolution. Martino’s roots were in slippers and moccasins from 1956, when it was called Auclair et Martineau.

Over the years, other people collaborated and took over the brand, eventually shifting focus to catering for the harsh Quebec climate.

Martino have remained well known for their moccasins, but they now have a wide variety of boots that cater for leisure, dress, and the workplace.

Tommy Winter Boot

Check out the latest price on these Martino work boots

Store	Price
Martino’s Official Store	See In-Store
Bottes et Baskets	See In-Store

This boot is made for snow and ice. Being tested at really cold temperatures, and with the natural wool lining, your feet are sure to stay cozy.

It also hosts a patented sole that has pivoting cleats that help to stop you slipping and sliding.

Key features:

• Natural wool lining (650g/m²)
• Pivoting studded sole (Patented)
• Comfortable down to -30°C/-22°F
• YYK laces and side zipper
• Ankle cuff
• Lightweight & flexible
• Full-grain Grizzly leather
• Water-resistant tongue

5. Dayton

Dayton uses the same methods in handcrafting their boots that they used when they started in 1946. A laborious process of over 230 steps, rarely used in today’s era.

They have so much faith in their boots, that they supply them with a lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects.

CSA OHM Line Boot

Check out the latest price on these Dayton work boots

Store	Price
Dayton’s Official Store	See In-Store

This is modeled on Dayton’s original 64 logger boot. It’s full of safety features that make it a great heavy-duty boot, ideal for jobs that could cause damage to your feet.

The nailed heel is perfect for easy resoling. And it’ll help with grip on climbing ladders and rough terrain.

This is also aided by a steel shank that’ll offer extra support. Because of these features, these work boots are a good choice for linemen and loggers as well.

There’s no wool lining like others we’ve featured, so you might need to bear that in mind if working in extremely cold climates. But a breathable leather lining should help to avoid sweaty feet in warm weather.

Key features:

• Grade 1 steel toe cap and composite plate
• Steel shank
• Leather lining
• Oil and acid resistant
• Goodyear welted construction work boots
• Easy resoling
• Cork fill
• Partial bellows tongue

6. Royer

Royer is another brand that was started in Quebec. They now also have factories in Sherbrooke and Lac-Drolet.

With the irony of toughness, George St. Pierre, the famous mixed martial arts world champion, chooses to promote them, by being an amazing advocate for the brand that mirrors his strength and resilience.

Agility Arctic Grip 5707AG

Check out the latest price on these Royer work boots

Store	Price
Royer’s Official Store	See In-Store
Mr. Safety Shoes	See In-Store
Work Authority	See In-Store

This boot is the real deal. Built for the cold, the wet, and for heavy-duty work.

A TPU (Thermo-polyurethane) PARESHOK cover protects the leather that covers the composite that protects the toes. A wonderful combination.

Ice is no match either, because of the Vibram Arctic Grip rubber outsole to stop you from ice skating.

The Airflow membrane helps to keep your feet dry and free from sweat or any other moisture.

This boot comes in Black and Brown.

Key features:

• Metal free
• Waterproof
• 400g Thinsulate insulation
• Composite toe protection
• Puncture-resistant insole
• Electrical hazard protection
• Anti- scuff cap

7. Alberta Boot Company

Handcrafting premium boots has been on Alberta Boots’ agenda since being founded in Calgary in 1978.

Their boots are inspired by their Canadian prairie boots, but have evolved to suit modern times.

Nanton

Check out the latest price on these Nanton work boots

Store	Price
Alberta Boot’s Official Store	See In-Store

Ranches need ranch workers. Ranch workers need cowboy boots. That’s a given, right?

Well, here you have a high-quality cowboy boot to either go about your work or wear them for everyday use. They’re even smart enough to go out in your bests.

Toughness and comfort comes with an all leather outer, lining and insole to mold to your foot.

Key features:

• Square toe
• Goodyear welt construction
• Side piping
• Cork footbed
• Rubber heel cap
• Double pull-tab

8. Canada West Boots

Established in 1978, Canada West Boots are still trading the old-fashioned way. They only sell their boots to the public at their Winnipeg outlet store where they make them.

At least there you get to feel, smell, and walk around in the boots before buying them. There’s a lot to be said about that.

But don’t fret. Other retailers stock their boots, so you’ll still find them online if you don’t fancy smelling that leather close-up.

Crazy Horse: Style #5291

Check out the latest price on these Canada West work boots

Store	Price
Canada West Boots’ Official Store	See In-Store
More work boots models from this brand	See In Store
Stampede	See In-Store
Leather King	See In-Store

A Western with a bit more kick than the last boot shown. This one offers more protection from the steel toe cap and oil-and-chemical resistance.

These features makes them a great steel-toe cowboy work boot for those of you that need a safety toe boot.

Also, the round toe offers more ease getting in the stirrups when riding.

Key features:

• Steel toe and puncture resistant
• Oil and chemical resistant
• 12” height
• Double pull loops
• Round toe

9. Manitobah Mukluks

The history of the Manitobah Mukulus brand lies deep in the connection with Indigenous communities.

Sean McCormick, a young entrepreneur started the journey with the vision of benefiting his own community.

Then as the company grew to a global brand, that vision continued to create positivity towards Indigenous communities right the way across North America.

Waterproof Tamarack

Check out the latest price on these Manitobah Mukluks work boots

Store	Price
Manitobah Mukluks’ Official Store	See In-Store
Amazon	See In Store
Zappos (different model)	See In-Store

This boot is crafted with three layers of waterproof sealant, as well as thick sheepskin shearling, to keep you warm and dry in that deep snow. It’s waterproof up to 4” from the top of the boot.

And it’s light enough to put some miles in without too much fatigue. Aaannd, because of the grip on the soles, those miles would probably be done without slipping and sliding.

Looking through the reviews, I’ve found that people find the boot extremely comfortable and warm. Some people advise ordering half a size up.

This boot comes in Cocoa, Tobacco, and Black

Key features:

• Waterproof
• Sheepskin footbed and lining
• 13.5”
• Comfortable to -32°C/-25.6°F
• 3 colors

10. Pajar

In 1963 Paul Golbert founded this now five-generation brand using the first letters of his family’s first names.

Over the years, Pajar has combined innovative technology and the latest high-end design to accomplish creating premium winter boots.

Heritage Boot With Ice Grippers

Check out the latest price on these Pajar work boots

Store	Price
Pajar’s Official Store	See In-Store
Amazon (different model)	See In Store
Zappos (different model)	See In-Store

No work in alpine territory is complete without ice grippers. This boot won’t let you down with its foldable cleats for peace of mind on the ice. It’s also 100% waterproof.

A feature you’ll definitely need in deep snow. And when it’s rated at -40°C you’d be hard pushed to not consider it.

You also have the option to take out the signature Pajar removable shearling insole to clean or let it and the boot breath.

Key features:

• YKK Side zipper and lace up
• Comfortable at -40°C/-40°F
• Foldable-cleat ice-grippers
• Removable shearling insole
• Handcrafted
• 100% waterproof

11. Boulet Inc

Originally called The St-Tite Shoe Co Ltd after its first factory opened in 1933, Boulet has now lived through four generations.

They were the leading provider for the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II, supplying them with 75% of their 200-300 produced boots.

The sons of the owner, GA Boulet, then created the western boot line, making them the first Canadian company to specialize in making western style boots. They then created a famous western festival.

Boulet is still headquartered at their original factory and now makes up to 200,000 pairs a year.

6311 Grizly Mountain

Check out the latest price on these Boulet work boots

Store	Price
Boulet Inc’s Official Store	See In-Store

Here is an everyday cowboy boot with added ruggedness and safety features.

A large round toe gives lots of space inside the steel toe cap. And the tough outsole should offer adequate protection on rough terrain during demanding jobs, whilst also lasting without too much wear and tear.

One cool feature is the Kevlar flame retardant thread. This is usually a must on wildland firefighting boots and firefighting boots in general.

Although this isn’t an official firefighting boot, it’s a handy thing to have if working around heat and fire. Great work boot for welding for example.

You might cut a lot of metal, creating sparks that could be damaging to the boot.

Being someone who once burnt a hole in my shin through jeans by cutting steel with a grinder, I can attest that this is definitely a thing.

A useful aspect of pull on work boots is their height. It helps with protection, warmth, and dryness of the leg, but it also helps prevent dirt and splashes from getting over the top and inside the boot. This model offers a 13” height.

Key features:

• Steel toe-protection
• 13” height
• Flame retardant thread
• Boulet Be Tough Sole

The final word

Apologies if we haven’t appeased your Canadian Mountie fantasies. At least we’ve outlined the Canadian work boot heritage by giving you eleven boots that are made in Canada.

It can be very confusing knowing what boots are made in your home country, or even a country that you know specializes in a certain style.

One thing Canadian brands specialize in is boots for the winter. They cater for rain, ice, and deep snow.

At the end of the day, Canada doesn’t stop when it snows. The show must go on. Not like where I’m from in England, where the infrastructure seems to shut down with a single flake.

We hope you’ve found this information useful, and that you like the look of the boots shown.

It’ll be extremely satisfying for us to know that you’ve purchased off the back of our content. By the way, we’re not sponsored by, or earn commission from any of the brands in this article.

Please contact us if you have any questions, or would like to share your own wisdom or experiences.

For now, take care of yourselves. And keep warm.

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jimmy Webb – Writer And Researcher

Hey, Jimmy here. I’m one of the researchers and writers here at BestForMyFeet.com.  I’ve been wearing work boots all my life working as a forklift driver, landscaper, groundworker, and now as a tower crane operator so I know a few things about footwear and footcare in general. I’m also working on my first novel. So writing IS my passion. When I’m not writing I love to spend time with my wife, two children, and furball.

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/what-work-boots-are-made-in-canada/

Are Barefoot/Minimalist Safety Boots Worth Having? (All you need to know)

A wonderful thing about footwear is that we live in an age where there are work boots that cater to everybody. Work boots are often perceived to be rugged, heavy-duty boots for Mr or Mrs builder.

But since boots were first invented way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, people of all kinds have used them for either doing bits around the home, for pleasure, or to earn money, food, or anything else they could trade with.

Fortunately for some, quite a niche product is recently on the market. Barefoot boots, minimalist boots, zero drop boots. Whatever you want to call them, they’re all much of a muchness.

This article is going to tell you all you really need to know about barefoot work boots.

We’ll discuss their good and bad points and what kinds of jobs they’re useful for. If you’re lucky, we might even show you some places to get them.

Hopefully, after checking out all the information, you can decide if barefoot work boots are worth having, in general, and particularly for the jobs that you do.

Who’s working on this page

Jimmy Webb
Author & Researcher

Victor Adrian
Researcher & Editor

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What is a barefoot/minimalist work boot in the first place?

Before we get too deep in information, let’s clarify what barefoot boots are.

These are boots that are part of what has become somewhat of a movement.

They are boots that keep your heels and balls of the feet at an equal distance to the ground, just like when you’re walking barefoot, except with boot soles in between.

Wedge or heel-soled boots are different because they make the heels higher than the toes and balls of the feet.

Benefits of barefoot boots

This section should give you an idea of what barefoot boots are useful for.

Then you can judge for yourselves whether they are worth having in general, but more importantly, whether they would suit the jobs that you do as individuals.

• Wide toe Earthing
• Minimal material
• Lightweight
• Grounding/Earthing
• Reflexology/Acupressure aspect
• Health
• Can increase natural foot strength
• Natural movement
• Vegan friendly/Environmentally friendly
• Keep your feet cool

1. Wide toe area

Minimalist footwear generally has a wide fit at the toes.

This gives lots of freedom of movement, rather than having the toes cramped together, as is the case with many boots these days.

The ability to spread the toes helps with balance and grip.

2. Minimal material

This could be either good or bad depending on what job you do. These boots are best suited to jobs that don’t give them brutal use.

Because there aren’t a lot of materials in the boots, there isn’t as much stiffness as most. This flexibility is useful for jobs that require you to be in awkward positions.

Roofing is a prime example. Especially working on pitched roofs.

Roof workers need work boots that allows them to feel what’s underneath their feet so that they don’t tread on loose or broken tiles, or actually break tiles with their weight.

Along with the slip resistance that these boots offer, this ability to feel what’s under their feet helps with grip.

Roof workers also squat or walk at awkward angles, because of the gradients of the pitched roofs.

3. Lightweight

Following on from the amount of material in boots, work boots are usually heavier than other footwear.

After a long day of wearing them, the weight of them can often make us tired and weary.

I’ve often felt this myself. Lightweight footwear can make a world of difference.

4. Grounding/Earthing

There are said to be many health benefits to walking around barefoot. This boot emulates that sensation.

Scientific research has shown that the ground has a magnetic field and electrons, and that barefoot walking is beneficial for receiving those signals from the ground.

In fact, I practise Tai Chi and Qi Gong. These are arts that collect and move around energy from both the atmosphere and the human body.

My teacher always trains in special shoes that conduct electrolytes and energy from the ground. Baffling stuff really.

Society is mostly provided with synthetic, non-conductive outsole materials.

5. Reflexology/Acupressure aspect

These are two different things, but are similar in relation to barefoot boot benefits.

As long as you’re not walking on brutal surfaces while wearing these boots, you’ll receive a free foot massage.

Feet are a gateway to a lot of our organs and health issues. They’re full of pressure points, of which are used by specialists to treat ailments.

6. Health

Speaking of pressure points and massaging of the feet, here’s a non-exclusive list of health benefits from how minimalist boots emulate walking barefoot:

• Improves sleep
• Reduces swelling
• Helps with Restless Leg Syndrome
• Eases menopause symptoms
• Helps to lower blood pressure
• Improves blood circulation
• Reduces effects of depression and anxiety
• Accelerates healing time
• Accelerates recovery from intense physical activity
• Eases headaches and migraines

7. Can increase natural foot strength

The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 articulations (each with 6° freedom of motion), over 20 muscles (10 of those in the arch, in 4 layers). The natural way of using all of these mechanisms gifted by our ancestors is barefoot.

Although beneficial in so many ways, the support from footwear can have a way of weakening the muscles. Barefoot walking can strengthen the muscles used in the arch.

Think of neck braces and arm slings. If we wear them all the time when not injured, the muscles around those areas weaken and become reliant on them.

8. Natural movement

Our bodies are designed to move in a certain way. All the previously mentioned mechanisms in our feet serve a purpose.

Sometimes, footwear can restrict those purposes, which then hinders the natural movement of the foot. Not in all cases. But very restricting shoes can eventually cause damage.

There are cases in history where footwear in certain cultures deformed feet. Chinese shoes centuries ago, for example.

9. Vegan friendly and environmentally friendly

Barefoot boots have a large market for people who are environmentally friendly, because a lot of the brands use only recycled materials.

This is also a plus for people who don’t use animal products such as leather.

10. Keep your feet cool

Because there isn’t a great deal of materials and insulation in these boots, they should help to keep your feet cool in hot weather.

Some of the work boots are waterproof or water resistant. This can sometimes make feet sweat but most of these boots have moisture wicking or breathable membranes to reduce the sweating.

Downsides of barefoot/minimal work boots

Whilst most things have benefits, there are also downsides. Here, we list some of the negative points of wearing minimalist boots.

• Little protection
• Calluses
• Can increase the risk of injuries
• Might not have enough arch support
• Limited availability

1. Little protection

The lack of padding around the upper and under the feet means that the feet aren’t fully protected against objects penetrating the boot.

This is especially notable in the sole, where the full weight of the body treads on objects. It can be hurtful and harmful if treading on things like jagged rocks or sharp items such as glass or nails.

Also, there isn’t much in the way of safety features. Some boots offer toe protection and slip resistance, but other features like oil and acid resistance, heat resistance, shanks, etc, are nowhere near as available as standard work boots.

2. Calluses (Hard skin)

Calluses develop on skin after friction or pressure. Barefoot boots can create more rubbing against the skin than traditional boots. Therefore, they can create more calluses.

This might not be a problem, unless the friction creates blisters.

But, if you do get calluses, you might need to maintain the hard skin by either rubbing it off regularly or getting the occasional pedicure. By the way, if you want to learn how to avoid blisters in work boots check out this page.

3. Increase the risk of injuries

Barefoot boots aren’t best suited for everyone. Depending on your physical make-up, you might need the support of traditional boots.

Evolution has made us more dependent on things like sole-cushioning, ankle support, arch support, and such like.

Because of this, wearing barefoot boots gives a greater risk of hurting our Achilles tendons and calf muscles.

4. Lack of arch support (for those in need)

People tend to think that all boots need to offer high arch support, but it isn’t the case.

However, people who have high arches do need it to give them sufficient support, and prevent flat feet and supination.

Also, people who suffer from overpronation (the foot rolling inwards when you walk) might need arch support to help stop the foot from rolling.

One has to ask if arch support is completely necessary for everyone.

A recent meta-analysis of 150 studies showed that arch support in footwear is not likely to be needed unless recommended by a podiatrist for specific foot-related problems or injuries.

5. Limited availability

Although barefoot boots have been on the market since the early 2000s, they are still a niche product, which means not that many manufacturers make them compared to standard boots.

The choices are even more limited when it comes to minimalist safety boots. And as stated previously, the safety boots only really concentrate on toe protection.

This probably isn’t too much of a problem, because the boots aren’t designed for heavy-duty or dangerous work, so people doing light duties won’t have a great need for optimum safety features.

Are there any barefoot boots for winter?

You’d think that because barefoot boots are very thin and lightweight, that they wouldn’t keep your feet warm or dry in winter.

But research has shown that there are lots of these boots that provide enough warmth and waterproofing to get you through the winter months. I’ve checked lots of customer reviews that attest to this.

A lot of these boots are used by runners and hikers. These people go out in all weathers.

Hikers in particular tread through streams, snow, and cold altitudes, so they need the boots to protect their feet in these conditions.

Although thin, the boots can have waterproof membranes, and moisture wicking to allow breathability.

Where to buy barefoot work boots

If you do think barefoot work boots are worth having, here is a list of some places you can find them.

• Amazon
• Vivobarefoot
• Freet Barefoot
• Xero Shoes
• Lems Shoes
• Softstar
• Be Lanka
• Birkenstock
• Gaucho Ninja
• Cat Footwear
• Fugu Sa-Me
• Samurai Market
• Dewalt

Conclusion and last thoughts

As stated in the intro, whether barefoot work boots are worth having or not is completely up to the individual.

It depends on the job you do, your health/posture needs, your ethical beliefs, and whatever other reason you can think of.

But, it’s safe to say these boots are not best suited for your oil-rig workers, firefighters, groundworkers, or anyone else who needs a high level of protection from things like sharp objects, extreme heat or cold, oils and acids, electrical hazards, etc.

They’re more suited for people like climbers, roof workers, security guards, office workers, factory workers. The list can go on.

Saying all this, while writing this article, I purchased a pair of Waterproof Lems Boulder Boots to walk to and from the train station when commuting to work.

I did this because I’ve suffered for a long time with back problems.

After having loads of treatments and assessments over the years by osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and orthopaedic specialists, I’ve come to the conclusion that I must be habitually doing something that is affecting my posture and back strength.

This footwear is part of my process of elimination.

I’ll let you know how I get on with these boots. Although they can be worn in some workplaces, they can’t be worn in mine.

So if they’re any good, I’ll probably get some barefoot safety boots with steel-toe protection to wear at work as well.

My issue is the cost. Even though they’re not anywhere near as expensive as some of the premium work boots, they can still be up to a couple of hundred dollars.

With the tread and upper material so thin, I wonder if they would last a year without having to fork out another couple of hundred.

Some feedback from yourselves on this subject would be really interesting and useful. So, as always, if you would like to share your experiences, please do.

For now, I’m not gonna bother with boots. I’m off to walk barefoot on some glass and hot coal. Wish me luck.

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jimmy Webb – Writer And Researcher

Hey, Jimmy here. I’m one of the researchers and writers here at BestForMyFeet.com.  I’ve been wearing work boots all my life working as a forklift driver, landscaper, groundworker, and now as a tower crane operator so I know a few things about footwear and footcare in general. I’m also working on my first novel. So writing IS my passion. When I’m not writing I love to spend time with my wife, two children, and furball.

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/are-barefoot-minimalist-safety-boots-worth-it/

Irish Setter Ashby Work Boots Review (Tested On Smooth Concrete Floors)

Wedge Sole VS Heel Sole Work Boots (All You Need To Know)

If you are new to the world of work boots, you might have heard people recommending wedge-sole work boots or heeled work boots and thought to yourself, “I know what a heel sole is but what the heck is a wedge sole?”

The goal of this article is to provide you with the answer to that question but we will also talk about the differences between wedged soles versus heeled soles work boots, comfort, durability, and more…

So, let’s get into it!

Who’s working on this page

Jeff Harmon
Author & Researcher

Victor Adrian
Researcher & Editor

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What is a Wedge Sole, Anyway?

A wedge sole could accurately and simply be described as a sole shaped like a wedge. They have a gradual rise from front to back, which forms the wedge shape.

Boot in the picture: Field and Forest work boots review

The design of this type of sole also creates one single area of contact between the sole and the floor or ground the wearer is standing on.

Due to their popularity and following, pretty much every major boot brand you can think of makes a wedge-soled boot.

Examples of some companies that manufacture boots with a wedge sole would most notably be:

• Thorogood (I will be talking about these below)
• Red Wing Shoes, and Irish Setter
• Danner
• Wolverine
• Carolina

A couple of brands I had not ever heard of until just recently, Nick’s Handmade Boots and White’s Boots, also make wedge-sole boots.

These work boots brands are lesser known to some of us due to their price point being outside of the budget of an average blue-collar worker like myself.

What is a Heel Sole?

A heel sole can simply be described as a sole with a design having the heel with a defined separation from the front portion of the sole.

Boot in the picture: Thorogood Crazy Horse 804-4375 review

This design creates two points of contact between the sole of the boot and the ground or floor the wearer of the boot is standing on. 

If you were to look at a room full of people wearing boots, you’d most likely notice heel soles are much more common than wedge soles. You’ll discover reasons for this as you read on further.

Pros and Cons of wedge soles

As with anything else, wedge soles have both pros and cons. Pros of wedge soles include their increased flexibility and a shallow tread.

This translates into tracking in less dirt or snow inside.

Another pro of a wedge sole is added stability for the wearer of the boot. This is because the design more evenly distributes pressure throughout the foot.

Wedge soles also tend to provide the wearer with less impact on their knees and legs from shock of each step on the ground.

In addition to the pros mentioned, wedge sole boots can be stylish enough to wear outside of work, as well.

A selling point for many wedge sole boots on the market is their ability to be resolved.

However, the ability to do this depends on the method used to manufacture the boots the wedged soles are attached to.

Some of the cons of wedge-style soles are they may tend to wear out more quickly due to material used to make them, and they have less traction on uneven surfaces when compared to a heeled sole.

This lack of traction is due to their smaller tread depth. Certain jobs don’t allow wedge soled boots to be worn due to safety concerns involved with the job.

In particular, climbing ladders is better performed with the use of a heel sole.

Pros and Cons of Heel soles

Just like the wedge sole, heel soles have positive and negative attributes.

One of the pros of a heel sole is better traction provided by deeper lugs in their tread and the defined drop from the heel.

Heels also provide a backstop for the wearer of the boot while performing certain actions, like climbing the rungs of a ladder.

This makes a heeled boot much better suited for use in certain lines of work.

The lugs and heel allow for better traction on terrain with angled features, such as a hill.

A boot with this type of sole is more versatile than the wedge because it can be worn for any type of work.

The type of materials used to make this style of sole are typically more durable than that of the wedge sole.

Some of the cons of heel boots would include less stability on flat ground.

This would be more likely to be an issue in boots with a taller heel kinda like the ones we see in logger work boots or linemen work boots.

Also, one may experience more shock to the legs and knees from having a less protected step.

The deep lugs in some heeled boots provide a space for dirt or snow to get stuck in and extra care is needed to not carry snow or dirt inside.

Heeled boots in general tend to be heavier than a wedge sole, and this may cause leg fatigue.

Who should buy Wedge sole vs Heel sole boots?

If you happen to have flat feet, wedge-sole boots could be a good fit for you. Here

This is because wedge soles have a slow, gradual change in height from front to back. I happen to fall into this category of people.

Wedge-soled boots are also great for many professions, most of which involve standing on concrete and other flat surfaces for extended periods of time.

Some examples of jobs fitting this criteria would include:

• factory workers
• carpenters
• plumbers
• electricians
• iron-workers
• farmers
• heavy equipment operators
• brick layers
• light duty construction workers

They can also be very stylish, so even office professionals can wear these for work, as well.

Heel sole boots are great for many professions as well, some of which do not permit a wedge sole to be used.

These lines of work include:

• tower workers
• firemen
• linemen
• loggers
• landscapers
• foresters
• and some construction workers

I say some construction workers because the nature of the work being done would determine whether a wedge or a heeled sole would be better in that particular situation.

Wedge vs heel sole in work boots: Which one is more comfortable?

This question could be a tough one to answer. The comfort of a boot could be considered very subjective based upon the user of the boot.

I would say one could compare this to something like taste in music. Everyone has different tastes in things, and boots are no different.

One person might believe their wedge sole boots are the most comfortable work boots ever.

The same could be said for a different user of a pair of boots with a heel sole. Boots are not a one size fits all type of situation.

This could be a case of a bad experience with a boot that has a certain type of sole not feeling as comfortable as the user thinks it should be.

This experience could stick with a user of a boot and sway their opinion one way or the other with regards to which type of soled boot is better.

I am personally going through this experience at the moment. I’ve been wearing some Thorogood 1957 series boots (804-3600) which feature a wedge sole for over a month now.

The last time I had worn a wedge sole boot previous to this was over a decade now, at minimum. I decided to give these boots a chance based on the love for the wedge by several coworkers.

They swear by their wedge boots and I was up for trying something different than I am accustomed to.

I have to say, I am finding myself feeling like I am being converted over to “team wedge”, if you will.

These boots are very comfortable for me and my current work situation, which involves a lot of time walking on and standing on concrete and other hard surfaces.

I will even go so far as to steal a term coined by my fellow boot nerd Adam in his Irish Setter Ashby review and refer to my Thorogoods as my “work slippers” because they are incredibly comfortable to wear.

Wedge or heel sole: Which one is more durable?

The heel sole usually comes out on top when it comes to the subject of durability of soles. I say this based on personal experience in the matter.

Heel soles can be made from a variety of materials. In general, it can be said the materials tend to last much longer than those used in the production of wedge soles.

I know this both from what I’ve read, viewed, and my personal experience. Based on my past use of heel boots, in particular the Red Wing 2409 and 2438, I can tell you the soles are very durable, and lasted several years.

The downside to these specific models of boots I have mentioned is they have a glued sole, meaning once they’re done, they go in the trash instead of getting a new life with a resole.

The last pair of wedge soled boots I’d worn previous to my current Thorogood boots was a pair of Red Wings.

I don’t know the particular model because it’s been so long, but I do remember the soles wore out extremely quickly. I had bare spots in my tread within six months of wearing them.

This was unacceptable to me, especially in a pair of boots I’d paid over two hundred fifty dollars for, and this was over a decade ago.

I was especially frustrated because the work that I was doing while wearing the boots was not particularly rough.

Also, one contributing factor to my reaction to the longevity of the life of the sole was that my clothing allowance for work at that point was something like three hundred fifty dollars.

I’m no math wiz, but it doesn’t take much to realize that if a boot costs two hundred fifty dollars and had a resole done for around one hundred dollars, my entire clothing budget for the year would be blown.

I’ve also read many reviews and watched lots of videos of boot wearers complaining of their wedge soles wearing out too quickly.

This would be due to wedge soles being made of different materials than those found in heel sole boots.

The material found in wedge soles is polyurethane, or something similar, which is soft and will wear more quickly than materials found in boots with a separated heel.

Are wedge sole work boots better for your feet?

Wedge soles are better for your feet. This is not just my opinion, it is physics!

This is because the wedge sole more evenly distributes the pressure from your body to the ground or floor you are standing on while wearing them.

In the wedge, there is only one surface in contact with the ground/floor you are standing on.

This is more pleasant for your feet when compared to the design of a separated heel sole.

Not only are wedge sole work boots better for your feet, they are also better for your legs and knees.

The nature of the motion of a step while wearing a wedge sole is a much more fluid motion, providing less shock to the knees when compared to that of a boot with a separate heel.

I had found this when comparing wearing my previous work boots with my new Thorogood work boots.

This boot allows me to step with a nice fluid movement of one step with one movement from heel to toe.

When you look at the heel sole, you will notice there are two contact points between your feet and the ground. These two areas of contact are the heel and the ball of the foot.

My old Red Wings with a separate heel have a noticeable clunky feel in comparison. A step with these boots is a two-part motion.

There is contact first on the heel, followed by a second contact on the ball of the foot.

After wearing a wedge, I have a feeling it would be hard for me to go back to heeled boots.

Heeled vs wedged sole boots: Which one should I choose?

Boot in the picture: Brunt Marin Toe work boots review

In conclusion, the sole of a boot a person chooses to wear ultimately comes down to several factors.

When I am buying a boot, I consider cost, comfort, style, and overall function for which the boot I am purchasing will be used for.

For my particular job, a boot with a wedge is perfect about 95 percent of the time.

If I will be working on something that requires a boot with a heel, I have some in my locker and I can pull out a pair to use for that specific task.

A boot can fall under the category of a “major purchase” for some, so you’ll want to make sure you put some thought into your choice of which style to buy.

You will want to do your research before you decide what to buy. When possible, go to a brick-and-mortar store to physically check out some boots you’re interested in.

This will help you determine whether you even like the feel of a wedge boot, or prefer a heeled boot. This is one of the best ways to see which one is right for you.

Whether it is a wedge sole or a heel sole, happy hunting for the right one for you!

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Team Members Working On This Page

Jeff Harmon – Boots Tester & Reviewer

Hello, I’m Jeff. I’m a Level III water plant operator in Ohio. I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years now, and the jobs I’ve had all required boots. I’d previously viewed them as something that didn’t matter just so long as my feet were covered. Lately, I’ve come to appreciate the features and craftsmanship that go into quality footwear. When I’m not at work, I’m at home spending time with my wife and 2 kids. My current obsession other than boots is hot sauce. I absolutely love it!

Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster

Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!

source https://bestformyfeet.com/wedge-sole-vs-heel-sole-work-boots/