Safety should be your number one concern when working outdoors or in construction. The quality of the toe of the boot will ensure that you not only resist any possible abrasions, but you are also capable of not getting hurt when accidents do occur.
We have decided to take a look at the most comfortable steel toe shoes of 2018 and find out exactly what makes these boots so unique. We have also looked at many of the key features that can be found in these shoes and this buyer’s guide should ensure that you are capable of getting the best shoes, as well as the best possible value for your money.
These shoes are not only comfortable, but they are designed with you the consumer in mind. This means that the boots we have chosen or our list will keep your feet protected without forcing you to break the bank.
That said, here are the top 7 steel toe shoes for work that you could find on the market in 2018:
|
Preview |
Product |
Toe |
Lightweight |
EH Rated |
Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe SD+ Industrial and Construction Shoe |
Alloy |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
 |
KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoe |
Steel |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
 |
Timberland PRO Men’s 53534 Titan Safety-Toe Slip-On |
Alloy |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
 |
Skechers for Work 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe Lace Boot |
Steel |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
 |
KEEN Utility Men’s Braddock Low Steel Toe Work Shoe |
Steel |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
 |
Caterpillar Men’s Conclude Steel Toe Work Shoe |
Steel |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
 |
New Balance Men’s MID627 Steel-Toe Work Shoe |
Steel |
Yes |
No |
No |
Most Comfortable Steel Toe Shoes For Men 2018
Before we simply dive into the key features of each shoe, you should know which ones we have chosen. If you are still not ready to decide, you could simply refer to the buyer’s guide to ensure that you are armed with the right knowledge when it comes to making your purchase. Here is our selection for the top 7 most comfortable steel toe work shoes of 2018:
#1 Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sports Alloy Toe SD+ Industrial & Construction Shoe
PROS
CONS
The Timberland PRO men’s Powertrain Sports Alloy Toe SD construction shoe features a lightweight and sporty design. This design will ensure that you have decent comfort and protection. The shoe has been constructed from synthetic and textile fabrics. This ensures that you could have maximum flexibility, while still enjoying some decent durability.
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The synthetic sole might not be as good as a rubber sole, but it still offers some decent stability and traction. The shoe is slip resistant, but not designed to reduce the amount of fatigue that can be put on the joints.
The alloy toe is a little lighter than the normal steel found in many of these shoes. This will reduce weight and also combat fatigue. Ripstop nylon has been used for the upper and this makes it less possible for you to suffer any possible abrasions.
The shoe features an extremely unique and fashionable style, which should be perfect for casual wear As well as your working clothes. To combat the synthetic sole, anti-fatigue technology has been included and this will allow you to work and stay on your feet for long periods.
These shoes are also quite affordable and with such a low price tag, you might even consider buying another pair for switching between them. We would definitely recommend these shoes for construction work, but the low-cut does not really protect the upper part of your leg, which might be some reason for concern.
#2 KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoe
PROS
CONS
- Lacks durability in the laces
KEEN is one of the top brands that many people gravitate towards in the US and the Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool ASD Steel-Toe work shoe is certainly a testament to their quality.
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The boot also features a low-cut design and it has been constructed from leather and mesh. The leather will ensure that you have that added durability, while the mesh provides you with some decent ventilation and flexibility.
The boot features a durable rubber sole with large lugs and this will certainly ensure that you have maximum traction on every surface. During tests, the boots were capable of resisting water and oil spills without letting the individual fall.
On the inside of the boot, you will have a moldable EVA foam midsole and this has been designed to ensure that your feet stay comfortable. The inner sole will mold to the exact shape of your feet and maintain this shape for as long as you wear it.
The boot features asymmetrical steel toes in each of the boots, which will definitely give you that much-needed comfort and protection, without causing any possible abrasions. The only downside to this boot will be the elastic laces and they do need some work or they will wear.
In terms of pricing, these boots are actually quite affordable and they will be perfect for the average individual. The stylish design is great and we would definitely recommend these boots to anyone working in a factory or construction area.
#3 Timberland PRO Men’s 53534 Titan Safety-Toe Slip-On
PROS
CONS
- Quite expensive for limited protection
Slip on shoes might not be for everyone, but repeatedly the laces turn out to be the weak part of the shoe. The Timberland PRO Men’s 53534 TITAN Safety–Toe Slip on shoe features a unique design that has been specifically designed to make your life easier when putting them on and taking them off.
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The shoe is designed from leather and this should be perfect in terms of durability. The rubber sole features decent-sized lugs that should keep you from slipping on any bad spills and stains, while the alloy toe is lightweight and sure to keep your feet protected and free of possible abrasions.
The powerlift comfort system that has been included is ideal for reducing some fatigue when you find yourself on your feet for the entire day. This suspension system is not only known for absorbing shock, but it also offers some great support to the feet.
The price on these shoes is a little expensive. When compared to other steel toe boots, you might think that it is extremely cheap, but since you will have a low-curt design, with no protection for your upper leg, you might have some troubles when working in the bushes. We would highly recommend these shoes for construction and factory work.
#4 Skechers for Work 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe Lace Boot
PROS
CONS
- The boot does lack some durability
The Skechers for Work 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe lace boot is also low cut like most of the other boots on this list, but we really love the outdoor-style design as well as the athletic edge that it has been given.
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The shoe is made from suede and mesh, which ensures that it is extremely lightweight. The boot will also offer you some great ventilation, but it might lack in terms of durability and wear and tear. The relaxed fit design will give you decent flexibility and this means that your feet will never be constructed.
The sole is made from synthetic materials and this means that it might not be as superior as a rubber sole will be. The lugs are medium-sized and should ensure that you never slip when walking on virtually any surface.
The inner sole should be the icing on the cake. This boot features a memory foam inner sole and this should be great for molding to the shape of your feet. The memory foam will also retain its shape and you will not have to worry much about a break in period.
The shoe might have an athletic design, but it is designed for some serious work. The steel toe will ensure you have no abrasions and keep your feet protected. Skechers is generally a cheaper brand and this shoe certainly has an affordable price. We would certainly recommend it for those individuals who need to stay on their feet for prolonged periods.
#5 KEEN Utility Men’s Braddock Low Steel Toe Work Shoe
PROS
CONS
- Quite expensive
Next, we have another well-designed shoe from KEEN’s Utility series. The Men’s Braddock Low Steel Toe Work Shoe is designed to be one of the best steel toe shoes that you could wear in your construction line of work.
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The boot has been constructed in the US, which lends some added reliability and the materials that were used are a combination of leather and textile. The leather should ensure that you have maximum durability, while the textile is a little more flexible and will reduce any possible abrasions that you might have.
A TPU shank has been included in the midfoot area and will help to reduce some of the strain put on your feet. The metatomical dual-density EVA footbed is one of the most comfortable available on the market today and it can also be removed. This means that you can easily wash it and keep it clean.
The hydrophobic comfort technology will make the shoe waterproof and the larger rubber outer lugs will ensure that you have maximum traction when walking through water and oil spills. We also love the PU midsole that should easily mold to the shape of your feet and ensure that you have all the comfort in the world when on your feet all day long.
The shoe is quite expensive, but with all of these features, you will certainly get the best that money could possibly buy. We would certainly recommend this shoe to anyone in the line of construction, but if you need to deal with watery puddles, this will also be your go-to shoe.
#6 Caterpillar Men’s Conclude Steel Toe Work Shoe
PROS
CONS
- Not good for oily stains
- Quite heavy
The Caterpillar Men’s Conclude Steel Toe Work Shoe Is a perfect example of the shoe that you should wear when going to work in the factory. The shoe features a stylish and modern leather design and this lends to the overall durability.
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The shoe not only includes a decent EVA foam footbed for added comfort, but the addition of a sock liner will ensure that you have some comfort to go along with it. This sock liner will keep your feet dry and wick away moisture as well as reducing the possibilities of abrasions ever setting in.
The slip-on design makes putting them on and taking them off much easier and the leather has also been treated to ensure that it is water resistant. This means that the shoe should be the perfect shoe for you to use on your outdoor working jobs. The outer sole is slip resistant to water stains, but due to the small size of the lugs, it does not bode well for oily messes.
The shoe is also really affordable and should be ideal for anyone working in the factory. We would highly recommend the shoe for the value it provides and the stylish design. The shoe is quite heavy and this might be another concern, but the addition of a steel toe is always great for ensuring that your feet are protected.
#7 New Balance Men’s MID627 Steel-Toe Work Shoe
PROS
CONS
- Quite a narrow fit
When you think of New Balance, you might think of running and athletics, but the Men’s MID627 Steel-Toe Work Shoe is designed with these same basic concepts of comfort, it only includes a steel toe to make it safe for the average worker.
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The shoe is designed primarily from synthetic materials and this does make it a little more flexible and lighter than most leather designs. The rubber outer sole features large lugs and this has been tested to be slip resistant on water and oil spills.
We also love the ABZORB technology that has been incorporated for the cushioning and this will reduce the amount o strain that you generally put on the foot bed. The inner sole is also fully moldable to the shape of your feet, which means it should also be ideal for those suffering from pronation and supination of the feet.
We do rate these shoes high, even though New Balance is quite new to the world of construction shoes. The shoes are also really affordable and you will have three different color combinations that you could choose from. These shoes are definitely recommended for the construction worker who finds themselves on their feet all day.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Steel Toe Shoes
Now you should have a better idea of which work shoes/boots are the best that you can choose from to complement our list, we have also included the main features that you need to look out for in these boots. Our experts also used this buyer’s guide to ensure that they choose the perfect shoes that should be ideal and comfortable for your feet, without forcing you to break the bank. Here are the most important features you need to look out for:
Mid Foot Support
Having some sort of shank that offers you support is definitely something that you need to consider in these shoes. Since they all feature a low-cut design, this means that you will not have the luxury of the longer boots that could offer you some extra support. A steel shank is generally the strongest and most durable, but you could also consider using a normal TPU shank to keep you supported.
Inner Sole
The inner sole is certainly one of the most important parts of any shoe and you will need a sole that is perfect for your feet and walking habits. The PU and memory foam cushioning are generally the best and you will not need to worry as much about break in periods. EVA foam is a little thicker and should be much better suited for those suffering from pronation and supination.
Durability
Shoe must be durable if you are using it outside and in construction fields. The type of material that is used for the main construction will generally be the durability of the shoe and you should definitely try to look for leather or synthetic. Other textiles might be lightweight and flexible, but they will lack the durability that you need for long-term use.
Outer Sole
The outer sole should generally be slip resistant and you will need to ensure that you have decent sized lugs that will not only resist water spills but oil as well. We do not necessarily recommend synthetic soles and we believe that having a quality rubber sole will ensure that you are always protected from slips.
Ventilation
The ventilation will vary from person to person. If you are working in colder climates, you might not need this and would prefer something that keeps you warm, but since you will be on your feet all day and move a lot, having decent ventilation can definitely make a huge difference. You should also look for a balance, as there is no use in sacrificing the insulation. Having small mesh vents could certainly make a huge difference.
Slip-On or Laces
This might not be a feature, but it will definitely be something that you need to consider. The slip on design is hassle free and much easier to put on and take off, while the laces can be extremely beneficial in terms of providing you with the ideal fit and the ability to adjust the fit to your liking. We would not recommend one or the other and the choice would certainly come down to your personal preferences.
Suspension or Cushioning
Most of the shoes on our list have some sort of suspension or cushioning system. This means that the shoes are capable of absorbing some of the strain that you put them through. When combining this with a decent shank, you will find that the shoe is capable of reducing fatigue and ensuring that you are more comfortable when on your feet the entire day. This feature should be looked at carefully.
These seven features are highly rated and we used them as the criterion for our judgment of the shoes. We have not included the steel toe as they all have them, but you could consider reducing some weight and going from a durable steel toe to the alloy toe. We have also found that the alloy toe is a little better when it comes to protection and since it weighs less, you will have reduced weight. It is also worth mentioning that the alloy toe is a little more expensive.
Our Verdict
Choosing the best one out of all of these quality shoes is no easy task and we had to think really carefully about which one will be the best. The KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool ESD Steel-Toe Work Shoe is certainly the one with the most features that will keep everyone happy. The shoe matches all of the criteria in our buyer’s guide and even though it might be expensive, you will certainly get your money’s worth.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and we do hope that you have found the ideal shoe for your needs. We would like you to drop a comment in the comment section below and let us know if we might have missed any of your favorite most comfortable steel toe shoes.