6 Best Waterproof Work Boots for Men in 2024

After researching 13 plus top pairs of waterproof work boots, I have selected WOLVERINE Overpass 6″ Composite Safety Toe as the best waterproof work boots for men. The leather of these waterproof Wolverine boots is also treated to repel water so that they remain fully dry. Furthermore, they have excellent durability and plenty of cushioning/padding in the heel collar to provide ankle support.

When it comes to finding the best waterproof work boots for men you have plenty of choices yet narrowing it down to just a couple can be a bit tricky. So, we’ve done the tough work and researched the best waterproof work boots based on our research and the opinions of others.

Wrong boots can lead to the dreaded wet feet and wet socks – and that’s no fun! Not to mention it puts your feet at risk for blisters and infections. Waterproof boots are particularly helpful in environments with excessive moisture, such as construction sites, farms, and oil refineries. The best waterproof work boots for men are those that offer protection against water, oil, and chemicals.

Workers have to stand for 12+ hours on their feet on hard surfaces. If your feet are uncomfortable or physically painful, it will affect your productivity at work and at home. In this guide, I have cherry-picked the best work boots that are waterproof and are comfortable enough so that they offer sufficient cushioning underneath your feet for long hours standing at the workplace.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started with the most comfortable waterproof work boots.

Bonus Read: Type of footwear for foot protection

Which Waterproof Work Boots Are Best?

Here are the best waterproof work boots for men.

1. Best Slip-on: Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square Toe Waterproof
2. Best Style: Thorogood 1957 Series 8” Steel Toe Waterproof
3. Best Overall: WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boot
4. Best for all-day walking: Danner Men’s Quarry USA 8-Inch BR AT Work Boot
5. Best Value: Timberland PRO Men’s Titan 6in Alloy Toe Waterproof Boot

Reviews of the Best Waterproof Work Boots for Men

Here is the list and reviews of the different styles of the best work boots with waterproof feature. These comfortable waterproof work boots have a strong toe so that your feet remain protected in the hazardous work environment.

Despite the steel toe, the waterproof work boots reviewed below have padding in the toe box so that the steel won’t cramp your toes.

1. Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square Toe Waterproof Steel Toe – Best Slip-On Work Boots That Are Waterproof

After a lot of research, I found that ARIAT Groundbreakers are the best waterproof work boots for men due to their very comfortable steel safety toe. Ariat Groundbreakers are the most comfortable steel-toe work boots having a waterproof feature. I have had a great experience with these Ariat waterproof boots due to their flexibility and support needed in the construction work.

From preparing your yard or working in a manufacturing environment to walking errands around town or a day at the office, these incredible boots are exactly what you need to feel comfortable and be safe. The weight of the Ariat Groundbreaker boot is around 1.5pounds.

Here’s what another real user says about the comfort of these steel-toe Ariat boots:

These work boots are one of the most comfortable pair of boots I’ve ever owned. Good fit through and you don’t feel your toes hitting the steel toe box.

Made of full-grain leather, they can stand up to tough jobs in construction or other heavy industries but are equally as appropriate for any occasion. To test the waterproof feature, I stood ankle-deep in flowing water, and my feet stayed dry. Although they are waterproof, to care for leather, you should regularly apply mink oil to keep them in good condition.

Ariat boots have wide square toes, which gives you plenty of widths to stand on while you work. Moreover, the wide-width option will allow your wide feet to comfortably fit in the square toe without being squished.

Coming to the comfort, Ariat boots fit comfortably right out of the box. The footbed has four cushioning layers that provide optimal shock absorption, stability, and comfort while you’re on the job. Also, the shaft of Ariat Groundbreaker boots is pretty soft to avoid chafing on your legs and heel.

As far as sizing of these Ariat Groundbreaker Boots is concerned, I would suggest going for a half size down.

The downside of these Ariat waterproof boots is that the stitching work on the boundary of the sole is intended as a “show-off”. The sole of these Ariat waterproof work boots is glued to the upper instead of stitching. Due to this reason, I didn’t like the build quality of Ariat waterproof boots. Once the sole starts separating from the upper, the Ariat boots are not water-tight, and you get some seepage when you step into the puddle. However, you can shoe goo to fix this issue.

Moreover, if you try to work on your knees, the toe of the boot would scuff on the floor and would wear the leather quickly. If this happens, you would lose the waterproof feature of these Ariat boots.

Another downside wearers face with Ariat Groundbreakers is that the insole comes loose and makes it difficult to take off the boots without ripping the entire insole out.

2. Thorogood 1957 Series 8” Steel Safety Toe Waterproof – Best Lightweight Work Boot

Thorogood brand makes one of the best work boots with a waterproof feature and a versatile design you can wear at the workplace as well as on the streets. Unlike other ugly-looking waterproof work boots, the sleek-look and moc-toe design of Thorogood waterproof work boots without a wedge sole make them suitable for everyday wear.

The heeled sole offers more traction and grip compared to the wedge sole. So, it’s a win-win situation to get these boots. The weight of a Thorogood waterproof boot is around 2pounds.

To make them waterproof, Thorogood work boots have a waterproof membrane on the inside, which is supposed to work wonders to keep your feet dry in any weather. Whether it’s rain or shine, our Waterproof Leather boots will keep your feet covered and comfortable while you work. In this way, this Thorogood moc toe boot can be the most comfortable boot for you.

The leather of Thorogood 195 waterproof work boots is of good quality, but it is rather tough and can take up to 2 weeks to fully break-in. To break them easily without realizing the stiffness of the leather, you can also treat these Thorogood boots with leather conditioner. Moreover, the tight feel of leather makes these boots also suitable to work on the ladder. Just make sure to not lace them up super tight.

Here’s what a customer says about the waterproof feature of Thorogood work boots:

Holding up well in Chemical refinery. Most of my boots leak even with bear grease and waterproofing since I work around a lot of steam and hot water. So far these have not leaked on me and it’s been about 5 months wearing them every day for 13-14 hours.

Moreover, the tongue of boots is fully gusseted up to the second last lacing eyelet so that water does not seep into the shoes.

Coming to the cushioning, the removable cushioned footbed is great for providing shock absorption in the heel and ball of the foot region. However, some users complain that the size of the footbed is small in wide-fit boots that can mess with your feet. So, I would recommend you fit Dr Scholl’s gel inserts in them to get a better feel of the cushioning and make them comfortable waterproof boots.

The downside of Thorogood boots is that the stitching, which fixes the sole with the upper, starts coming undone, due to which the sole starts ripping off of the boots. However, due to Goodyear welt Construction, you’re at advantage to resole Thorogood boots.

Another downside is that the grip of these Thorogood boots is not enough to walk on the snow. Moreover, the sole of Thorogood work boots is noisy on hardwood surfaces.

3. WOLVERINE Overpass 6″ Composite Safety Toe – Most Durable Waterproof Work Boots

The WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot is a great option for those looking for a dependable pair of boots that will last.

Wolverine work boots are highly durable as they are made with a full-grain leather construction. This means that they will not wear down easily. Instead, they will remain in top condition for years to come.

These composite safety-toe boots meet ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH standards for maximum protection. Moreover, since composite toe doesn’t conduct electricity, you can wear these boots where there are electric hazards. In addition, since composite material is lighter than steel, these Wolverine boots weigh around 1.5pounds. Their nonmetallic construction also offers you safety in the event of an electrical shock.

The leather of Wolverine boots is also treated to repel water so that it remains fully dry. The tongue is also fully gusseted up to the top of the Wolverine boot. So, you can stand in 5 inches water puddle for around 1.5hours.

Apart from that, I really liked the contour welt construction feature of these Wolverine Boots. The contoured design of stitching on the boundary of the sole of these boots simply adds a little bit of flexibility to your boot, especially if you work maybe as an electrician, mechanic, or whatever a job that involves a lot of crawling and bending.

Also, there is plenty of cushioning/padding in the heel collar of Wolverine boots to provide ankle support and stability.

Regarding the fitting, the toe box of Wolverine Overpass boots is more on a spacious side. It does not provide tight-fitting like Thorogood boots. If you have swollen feet or have bunions on your feet, these Wolverine waterproof work boots are great for you.

Coming to the comfort and support, Wolverine boots have removable ortholite footbed with a deep heel cup and pronounced arch that would assist in long hours of standing during masonry work. Despite the support, the footbed of Wolverine boots is not so much cushioned. I would suggest you add a nice gel insole for enhanced cushioning.

Lastly, the outsole of these Wolverine boots is made of a combination of rubber and PU material. PU material is flexible and adds cushioning to the boots, while the rubber adds durability to the sole. The orange color is rubber, and the black color is PU material. Wolverine boots provide sufficient grip on slick and oily surfaces. You won’t find any issue with them. Wolverine boots also offer great traction in snow and mud.

4. Danner Men’s Quarry USA 8-Inch BR AT Work Boot

Danner Quarry are also one of the stylish work boots you can wear at work or on daily walks. Danner Quarry boos are available with or without composite toe. You may contact the seller before buying the pair.

Although these Danner Quarry boots are pretty expensive as they are made in the USA; the build quality, design versatility, and strong leather will enable them to last for more than 2 years.

After two years of regular wearing, tears may start appearing on the sides of the leather upper of Danner Quarry boots. So, you must condition them with mink paste to take care of the leather.

Here’s what a user says about Danner Quarry Boots:

I love mine. 4 years of daily very hard wear. The sole is starting to peel and has no tread left. Also, the inside heel blew out leaving hard plastic exposed. The fact they have gone this long with zero maintenance is a testament to the product.

Furthermore, you can easily resole by sending them to Danner as there is a lot of structure that goes into the construction of Quarry.

The leather of Danner Quarry boots is quite soft. So, they will break in easily. Users report that Quarrys can break in within a week.  I would also advise you to slather them with mink oil paste before wearing them so that leather remains intact. Also, Danner Quarry boots are Gore-tex lined to ensure a waterproof feature.

Also, there is an inch and a half padding on the collar of Quarries to support ankles and offer a glove-like fit.

As far as arch support is concerned, if your job involves 8 hours plus standing, I advise you to replace the removable footbed with an orthotic insole to get better instep support. I like Timberland Pro insoles. You can place them in these Danner Quarry boots.

Another reason for such a high price of Danner Quarry boots is the Vibram sole. Vibram is a highly wear-resistant material and gives great traction in all weather conditions; this includes ice, mud, snow, or even if it’s raining heavily.

Here’s what a user says about the durability of Danner Quarry boots in a subreddit.

I have worn my Quarrys 10-12+ hours a day, 5-6 days per week for the last 3 years, and have just now purchased a new pair. I am a mechanic, and regrettably, haven’t taken very good care of them. With that being said, it’s amazing they lasted this long constantly being soaked with gasoline/oil/coolant/harsh cleaners. The soles are still in good shape, except for the inner big toe area, and the outer heel.

As far as sizing is concerned, Danner Quarry Boots run true to size. You should buy a size which you wear in other boots. However, few users have reported that Danner Quarry boots run large. So, you can consider buying a half-size smaller to get a snug fit. It entirely depends on what kind of fit you like. Either get a true size or go for a half size down in Danner Quarry boots.

Here’s what a customer says about Quarrys:

Fits as expected i.e. it is comfortable, and rugged. I am Equipment operator/laborer, would recommend

5. Timberland PRO Men’s Titan 6in Alloy Toe Waterproof Boot

The one thing that I like about these work boots from Timberland PRO is the fact that they are very comfortable work boots to prevent foot fatigue, and are breathable enough to prevent your feet from being stinky. No matter how long your feet will be wearing these shoes, you will not feel any pain or discomfort on your feet.

Compared to other waterproof work boots I reviewed above; Timberland PROs are known to be more breathable. Being waterproof boots, they are still hot. But comparatively, you’ll feel that your feet won’t become too much hot as they would be in other waterproof boots.

The model of Timberland PRO, I reviewed, features alloy safety toe. An alloy toe is around 30 percent lighter than a steel toe, but the strength of an alloy toe is also lesser. So, you should first check the safety precautions of your workplace and find whether alloy toe waterproof work boots are allowed or not.

Coming to the upper, Timberland Titan boots are made of full-grain leather which is easier to break in and makes Timberland Titan the comfortable work boot from the first day when you step into it. Also, the 6-inch shaft of Timberland boots with comfortable padding will also offer a perfect blend of ankle support and flexibility so that they can bend easily.

Coming to the comfort, Timberland PROs are unmatchable as far as the feet comfort is concerned. These Timberland Pro Titan boots are available in wide and extra-wide widths, due to which you won’t have any problem in finding the comfy fit.

Moreover, Timberland PROs have a nicely cushioned footbed that provides an added shock absorption, while the nylon shank in the midsole offers lightweight support. So, if you are on your feet all day and the cushiony insole help tremendously with both foot pain and ankle pain.

This is what a user says about the comfort of Timberland Pros:

I work a 12-hour shift and by the end of my day, my feet feel less tired than other shoes that I have. I alternate them with other shoes on my days that I have to work and can tell the difference.

If you’re a heavy person, you may have to replace the insole after every 6 months.

Lastly, the grip of the dual-density sole of Timberland boots is great on slick and wet surfaces. Moreover, the dual-density sole of Timberland boots is lighter than the rubber sole. However, avoid these boots to walk in the snow as it would harden the sole which would result in cracking.

There are the following downsides of Timberland PRO Tian Boots:

• Leather on the toe box of Timberland PROs is weaker and thinner, due to which it gets scuffed easily. Seeing this, I think Timberland has sacrificed leather toughness to make their boots light in weight. I would recommend this KG’s Boot Guard to apply on the toe box of Timberland boots to prevent them from scuffing and wearing faster.
• The second downside of these Timberland boots is that their waterproof feature is not reliable compared to their competitor i.e., Wolverine waterproof boots. Timberland Pro boots can maintain their waterproof feature as long as the water puddle depth is not more than 3 inches. To maintain the water-resistant feature of Timberland boots and prevent their material from losing its strength, you should apply this Sno-seal on them so that they can withstand water for a longer time.
• The third downside of Timberland Pro boots sole will hardly last for less than a year if you wear them daily at work. The upper holds up well, but the sole of Timberland Pro boots starts cracking after few months, due to which water starts seeping into the boots.
• The fourth flaw in Timberland Pro boots is that the laces are too thin and short to tie up all the way. The tied laces could easily work their way up beyond the top of the tongue.

In short, comfort-wise, these Timberland Pro boots have no match as they are extremely lightweight (Timberland PRO Titan Boots weigh only 1.6lb), break-in right out of the box, and comfortable enough for 12 plus hours of standing. Their Powerfit comfort system is ergonomically designed to allow for all ranges of movement, provides critical support, and gives long-lasting comfort. Moreover, these Timberland boots are also stylish for everyday wear.

I have suggested two methods to make Timberlands more reliable, and you will be fine after that. But don’t expect them to last for more than a year. The maximum age of these Timberland Pro Titan Boots could be up to 3 years.

6. Skechers Men’s Sergeants-Verdict Waterproof – Best Budget Waterproof Work Boot

Skechers has always been my favorite brand when it comes to buying affordable sneakers, walking shoes, fashion sneakers, or even work boots. Among waterproof work boots, these Skechers Sargeants are my choice because of their versatility. Due to their stylish chukka boots-like design, you can wear them anywhere.

The leather of these Skechers boots looks a bit different compared to the full-grain leather of other waterproof work boots discussed above. It’s more like suede and conditioned. So, I would say these Skechers boots are water-resistant instead of waterproof. Moreover, the upper of Skechers work boots is stiffer and can take some time to break in.

The collar of these Skechers work boots has leather padding to offer nice ankle support if you wear the right size. The Skechers work boots are not lightweight and the heel collar is not so ergonomic as other work boots discussed above. So, there are chances that the heel collar of these Skechers work boots may cause blisters on your heel and Achilles tendons.

The downside of these Skechers work boots is that the tongue is not connected to the sides, due to which water can easily enter into the boot. The tongue is sewn only up to the first two eyelets.

Another downside of Skechers work boots is poor build quality. The sole is glued to the upper that results in separating of sole from the upper quite easily. You can use Shoe Goo to fix the sole to the upper of Skechers work boots.

Regarding comfort, Skechers work boots have a memory foam insole that readily conforms to the feet as you put a step on them. However, with time, memory foam starts losing its cushioning and support. You can’t even remove the insole in these work boots to place your favorite orthotic inserts.

My final verdict for these Skechers work boots is that if you want a really good boot for a really conservative price, I don’t think you can go wrong with these Verdict boots unless you have some unique feature to your feet that requires something with a little different construction.

Lastly, the Skechers work boots aren’t flexible. Although the insole has cushioning, the stiffness of the sole won’t allow you to do the jobs that involve bending over knees as it would result in cracking of sole in the ball of foot region.

Must Read: Shoes for factory work

Quick Summary of the Best Waterproof Work Boots for Men

Things to Consider Before Buying Waterproof Work Boots

Waterproof work boots are a necessity for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially if you work in construction. Finding the right pair can be a challenge, however, since there are so many different models and brands to choose from.

Your search will be easier if you take some time to think about your needs and preferences. Here’s what I kept in mind when researching the most comfortable and best waterproof work boots:

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

You stand in work boots most hours of your day. You need something that is comfortable and won’t chafe or rub no matter the weather conditions where you are, whether it’s raining or not.

Waterproof work boots include those that have a membrane system, which helps keep feet dry after long hours in water puddles, but they may not be ideal if you work in extreme temperatures because they might keep feet too warm.

Water-resistant work boots will stop water from getting through temporarily. If you were to step into water or be working in the rain, you would be protected and able to continue going about your job, however, if you were to subject yourself to long-term exposure to water then it’s highly unlikely that your boots would protect you for any period of time.

Durability

You will need a boot that is durable and can last for years to come if you plan to be working in stressful environments. Durable waterproof work boots have a welt construction with quality stitching so that the sole remains fixed with the upper and the water cannot seep into the boots.

Furthermore, the sole material of waterproof work boots should be high quality. With price, the material quality factor is also affected. So, in cheaper waterproof work boots like Timberlands, the sole may start cracking after a few months.

Sole Design

Work boots with wedge sole design are preferred as they offer better grip over wet surfaces.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor in waterproof work boots. The waterproof feature makes the boots non-breathable. So, you would want a waterproof boot that should be most comfortable i.e., the toe box should be spacious, the upper should be soft, and there is sufficient cushioning in the sole to avoid chafing on the feet.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you have found this guide to be helpful. We know a lot of workers who take the time to search for something like the boots mentioned above, but they can often find it difficult to sift through all of the not-so-helpful information online.

Whether you are looking at the best waterproof boots for men in general or other types of comfortable and durable work boots, they are not only necessary for comfort but also for safety when you’re exposed to wet, muddy, or snowy conditions at work.

FAQs About Waterproof Work Boots