The Best Boots for Outdoor Work

Academy Sports + Outdoors

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Buying Guide

WriterAcademy Staff

5 min read

The Best Boots for Outdoor Work

The right jobs call for the right footwear, and the right footwear is easy to find if you know what to look for. That’s why Academy Sports + Outdoors is your top destination for high-quality footwear for your outdoor jobs. We believe selecting the best work boots for you and your industry should be easy. So, we’re taking the guesswork out of work boot shopping and sharing with you our Top 5 picks for the best work boots
for your industry.

Construction

When it is time to set up the scaffolds, get in the trenches and operate some heavy machinery, you need to optimize your safety on the construction site. Therefore, the best work boots for construction workers are designed to deliver softness by way of cushioning, maximum durability for lasting wear, and reliable toe protection that meets your site’s safety standardsand requirements.

Wolverine Men's Iron Ridge II EH Steel Toe Wellington Work Boots
- With more than 40 5-star customer reviews this is a budget-friendly option and one of our highest rated boots
- Durable leather uppers can tackle a variety of tasks on the job site
- Toe boxes with generous room and steel-toe protection offer the strength, comfort, and safety you need
Caterpillar Men’s Drawbar ST Work Boots
- Great lightweight option that provides steel-toe protection for safety you can rely on
- Mesh linings promote breathability to keep your feet cool as the workday heats up
- EVA foam footbeds bring comfort with their addition of plush cushioning
CAT Men’s Threshold EH Steel Toe Lace Up Work Boots
- All the protection of a work boot that fits and feels like an athletic shoe
- The best work boot choice for electricians thanks to its electrical hazard rating
- Strobel construction allows for additional strength and flexibility
Wolverine Men’s Legend EH Composite Toe Lace Up Work Boots
- The Cadillac of work boots, this work boot comes with the best of the best amenities to deliver one of the most comfortable work boots on the market.
- DURASHOCKS® comfort technology and CarbonMax™ nanotechnology safety toes deliver dependable support and protection
- Feel safe when wearing work boots that include a waterproof design and electrical hazard protection
Timberland Men’s PRO Helix HD 6” EH Composite Toe Lace Up Work Boots
- Another fan favorite with an excess of 60 5-star reviews on Academy.com
- Versatility: Composite toes and rubber toe caps take durability and protection to the next level and keep you comfortable in any climate
- Waterproof design with slip-resistant outsoles to have your back in slick situations

Farm + Ranch

Out on the ranch, you wear more than one hat, so you need a boot that performs like more than one shoe! Boots that can go sunup to sundown, inside the stalls to outside on the pasture and everywhere in between. Work boots for farmers and ranchers must be equipped with versatility, durability, support, and even a flash of style.

Justin Men’s Stampede EH Steel Toe Wellington Work Boots
- Treat your feet to an affordable fan favorite, from a trusted boot brand with more than 90 5-star reviews
- Complement your need for all-around work versatility in a durable, rugged package
- Steel toes, slip-resistance and electrical hazard protection provide the protection you need as you move through your various tasks and challenges
Ariat Men’s Sierra EH Steel Toe Western Wellington Work Boots
- A great combination of rugged protection, classic Western style, and top-of-the-line comfort
- Gel-cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing heel stabilizers keep you comfortable and supported
- Moisture-wicking technology with odor control helps you stay fresh and cool throughout a long, hot workday
Wolverine Men’s Rancher Wellington Waterproof Work Boots
- Readily delivers a traditional Western style that looks great on and off the job site
- Waterproof design with slip- and oil-resistant outsoles to help ensure sure footing just about anywhere
- Soft toes keep this work boot lightweight, comfortable and ideal for less hazardous assignments
Ariat Men’s WorkHog EH Steel Toe Wellington Work Boots
- One of our highest-rated boots available with more than 150 5-star reviews on Academy.com
- An absolute workhorse that boasts extreme durability while delivering optimal comfort
- These work boots work hard, with features such as slip, abrasion, and oil resistant Duratread™ outsoles, ATS® Max™ shock absorption technology, the U-Turn Entry System™ and more
Brazos Men’s Amarillo 2.0 Western Wellington Work Boots
- Academy-exclusive, budget-friendly option that starts at an opening level price point
- Gorgeous Western styling, soft toes and triple-layer insoles supply a soft, classically stylish look and relaxed feel
- Moisture-wicking interiors and antimicrobial finishes offer a cool, dry, and fresh feeling all day long

Oil + Gas

It can get slick, slippery, messy, and mucky when working in the oil and gas fields. You need a work boot that can put in the hours and stand up to mess and grime, while also keeping you sure and steady on your feet.

Ariat Men’s WorkHog XT Dare Work Boots
- This work boot has everything you would need at the oil patch, with features that promote lightweight comfort and provide dependable protection
- Composite safety toes, electrical hazard protection, and slip-resistant soles keep you confident in even the harshest environments
- Lightweight leather uppers and shock-absorbing cushioning offer comfort and support to reduce foot fatigue from the rigors of the job
Justin Men’s Stampede Rush EH Steel Toe Wellington Work Boots
- All the style of our best-selling Justin Stampede with added protection necessary for hard-working oil and gas professionals
- Square steel toes with extra toe room drum up much-needed protection and are complemented with Ortholite insoles to round out the fit with a plush feel
- Waterproof finishes, slip-resistance, and electrical hazard-rated protection allow for confident footwork in unsure settings
Wolverine Men’s Overman EH Composite Toe Wellington Work Boots
- An Academy-exclusive that features abrasion-resistant heels and toe foxings to make this one of the toughest-looking and most durable boots we offer
- ContourWelt® rubber lug outsoles to deliver reliable traction in just about any environment, while the CarbonMax composite safety toes do not conduct electricity and resist extreme cold and heat for safety
- Removable Multishox footbeds provide cushioned comfort and mesh linings offer cooling moisture management to keep you a step ahead of the workday
Wolverine Men’s Crawford EH Steel Toe Wellington Work Boots
- With 60 5-star reviews, this boot is a customer favorite with a loyal fan base that come back to the pipeline for more
- Waterproof properties, slip-resistance and an electrical hazard rated construction provide thorough protection
- Integrated protective toe caps and full-grain leather uppers make this a super durable and comfortable selection
Wolverine Men’s Rival Swamp Monster EH Steel Toe Wellington Work Boots
- As the name suggests, these boots are monsters with built-in protection and durability ready to take on the worst environments
- Waterproof full-grain leather uppers, flexible TPU shell lowers and moisture-managing mesh and waterproof membrane linings team up to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable
- Rubber lug outsoles grip and prevent slip in even the most slick and slippery environments

Soft Toe Work Boots for Landscapers and DIYers

Landscapers and DIYers own the job of unlocking the beauty outdoors. These projects often mean long days on your feet, working through uncertain weather conditions, and remaining light and quick on your feet. Look for soft toe work bootswith unrivaled durability, cushioning, arch support, and weather protection.

Brazos Men’s Wellington Work Boots
- An Academy-exclusive, all-around performance work boot with comfortable slip-on designs, a wedge construction and over 80 5-star reviews
- Durable cowhide uppers and PVC Goodyear welting take the strength of these boots to the next level
- Fantastic opening-level price point under $60, but with durability and flexibility for a value that is worth much more
Wolverine Men’s Floorhand EH Lace Up Work Boots
- With slip resistance and electrical hazard-rated protection, these boots are a real asset when tackling those more hazardous jobs around your home
- Waterproof leather uppers and moisture-wicking mesh linings ensure your feet stay dry
- Removable full-cushioned footbeds and nylon shanks draw an unmatched line of comfort with every stride
CAT Men’s Wheelbase Work Boots
- These work boots ready to work whenever you are, with features such as a convenient slip-on design, a lightweight fit and a 6-inch boot height
- Abrasion-, oil- and slip-resistant T1260 outsoles grant the benefits of durability, safety, and comfort
- Electrical hazard rated construction and breathable mesh linings complement your performance like fresh mulch in a newly planted flower bed
Ariat Men’s Treadfast Work Boots
- Rugged yet lightweight and boasting tons of Ariat technology, these work boots are a great value for the price
- Duratread™ outsoles ensure oil and slip resistance for sure footing
- Ariat’s 4LR™ technology provides the comfort and support needed for long hours on your feet
Wolverine Men’s Duraspring Shift Plus Mid Soft Toe Work Boots
- One of the most comfortable work boots we offer, regarded by our customers to feel as if one is walking on clouds
- Sleek, professional appearance accompanies their tough and durable construction, while slip-resistance and electrical hazard rated protection elevate their functionality
- Waterproof leather uppers swaddle your feet in dry, reliable material, while Duraspring technology absorbs shock and returns energy with every step you take

Academy Sports + Outdoors removes the guesswork out of shopping for a pair of work boots for your industry. Although we offer a wide assortment of styles of work shoes and boots for various industries, this list should start your buying experience off on the right foot!

To find these work boots and shoes for your industry and all your other footwear needs, shop Academy online and in-store.