Summer may be playtime for some of us, but others are clocking in for work outdoors in the heat and humidity. For those of us checking outdoor summer projects off our list, landscaping on summer break, or professionals that require a supportive work boot that won’t swamp your feet in the heat, we created our list of the best men’s summer work boots.
When working in hot weather, a comfortable and breathable boot takes away a ton of discomfort. Summer work boots are usually constructed from lightweight and breathable materials to provide a cooling effect. Before you buy a work boot, though, you want to ensure it is comfortable and suitable for your specific needs. Do you need a steel toe? Waterproofing? How tall do your boots need to be? Do you need shock absorption? These are all great questions to ask before purchasing a new pair of boots.
We took the work out of reviewing hundreds of different boots, so you can spend more time outside and less time combing the internet. Here is our list of the 12 best men’s summer work boots.
The Best Men’s Summer Work Boots For Hot Weather
Timberland Pro Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot
Timberland is well-known for its high-quality satisfaction. Since 1999, the Timberland Pro series has provided the needed support for workers who sweat for a living. Their footwear is built to withstand the rigors of the worksite as dependable and comfortable footwear.
The Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot from Timberland Pro is by all accounts amazing. The interior is well-padded to provide much-needed comfort, while the exterior can withstand a variety of extreme work environments. The boot is designed for longevity with quality in mind. Built with a steel toe, this boot protects you from possible foot injuries. It features waterproof leather and a breathable mesh on the upper construction for cooling air. It also has a breathable and moisture-wicking lining with microbial treatment for odor control. Finally, these work boots sport supportive and flexible midsoles and outsoles; its sturdy construction and nylon shank provide the structural support you need to stay ready on your feet.
Timberland Pro Men’s Pitboss 6-Inch Steel-Toe Boot
The Timberland Pro Men’s Pitboss 6-Inch Steel-Toe boot is a reflection of the quality and customer satisfaction Timberland has been known to provide over the last 30 years. Its sturdy construction and top-notch materials make this boot hard to beat in the heavy-duty boot world.
This boot features a cambrelle fabric lining treated with antimicrobial properties for odor control after those long days. It also has Goodyear welt construction for stability. The Pitboss is highly comfortable with its open-cell polyurethane footbed, midsole, and padded collar. The slip-, oil-, and abrasion-resistance of the outsole make it suitable for any job site. Lastly, its steel toe construction adds a welcome layer of protection. This is a great choice for your hard work this summer.
For those of you with wider feet, we have prepared our selection of the top work boot for wide feet. Check them out.
Bates Men’s USMC DuraShocks Hot Weather Military and Tactical Boot
Bates was established in 1885 and has proved itself worthy ever since. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and consistent improvement in footwear technology has earned them an unbeatable reputation. Bates’ footwear caters to those in the postal, police, military, and other uniformed services, and they specialize in men’s and women’s designs.
The Bates Men’s DuraShocks are designed to provide comfort and support throughout the day. The shaft top is designed with durable leather and nylon — both stain-, oil-, and abrasion-resistant materials. These boots also feature a rubber sole that is both comfortable and protective. Other highly-recommended features are a breathable lining and shock-absorbing comfort technology. No matter what situation these boots go through, they don’t give in.
For more great models, read our guide to the best zipper work boots and pick your favorite.
Chippewa Arador Bay Apache Men’s 9-Inch Waterproof Steel-Toe Super Logger Boot
Chippewa’s high-quality boots have been hitting the dirt, rock, and mud since 1901. This durable boot was made with a Vibram sole and a Recon insole for comfort and support. It has a great lace-up shaft, non-tarnish eyelets, and speed-lace hardware at the top. The waterproof steel-toe and leather belt speak of its protection capabilities and durability. The boot also features the ruby Dri-Lex 2000 lining to sustain breathability. A simple, sturdy, and high-quality pair of these boots will set you up for success at any worksite this summer.
Our guide to the best-rated pull-on work boots features more comfortable and durable models like this. Don’t forget to check them out.
Keen Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot
Keen is a well-known name in hiking and backpacking worlds and has recently made their mark in the work boot realm. Although founded as late as 2005, they are a reputable company for high-quality footwear with steel toes, slip-resistant soles, waterproof leathers, and reflective piping. Their work, backpacking, and hiking boots and shoes are proven durable, comfortable, and protective.
The Keen Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot features oil- and slip-resistant rubber soles that are firm and provide excellent grip. This work boot is lightweight and features a compression-molded EVA midsole with extra cushioning and comfort. The padded tongue and collar of these boots ensure that they do not wear thin from day-to-day activities. Take them out into the field or into the warehouse with confidence that they’ll last through years of wear and tear.
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6-Inch Moc Toe Summer Work Boot
Thorogood, established in 1917, is known for its quality and comfortable occupational footwear. The Thorogood American Heritage Summer Work Boot is made with lightweight materials and oil-tanned leather upper shafts. It features a removable shock-absorption footbed on top of a Poron comfort cushion insole, a durable rubber midsole, and cotton drill vamp lining. Its fiberglass shank provides additional stability and protection, while the Maxwear slip-resistant outsole guarantees a firm grip and steady support. It is built with the Goodyear welt construction method, so quality is ensured. All in all, this boot is a great choice for durability, comfort, and protection on those hot working days.
You may also be interested in some of these durable American-made work boots from our list. Don’t miss them.
Red Wing Men’s Heritage Moc Hot Weather and Summer Work Boots
The Red Wing Shoe Company has satisfied customers with carefully crafted, “truly good shoes.” Their reputation for durable products has endeared them to customers worldwide.
The Red Wing Heritage Hot Weather Work Boot is made with high-quality leather materials that guarantee durability and comfort. It features full-grain waterproof leather for its upper part and is formed with the Goodyear welt construction method for reassurance. The leather footbeds add additional comfort for those long days on your feet. These boots also come equipped with a rubber outsole for firm grip and support, so if you work with oils or other slippery materials, this boot has you covered. A smooth leather-lining technology helps prevent sweaty, stinky feet. This boot is durable enough to withstand any work environment. There is also a leather footbed that improves comfortability.
If you also like spending hot summer days on the trails, be sure to invest in some of the top hiking boots and shoes for hot weather.
Belleville Men’s Hot Weather Safety Toe Work/Duty Boots
The Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company was founded in 1904 by five Belleville businessmen. They started with 50 employees and made 50 to 75 pairs of shoes a day. Although none of them was experienced in shoemaking, they learned and improved until a wide range of customers were enraptured with their high-quality products.
The Belleville Hot Weather Safety boot is constructed from full-grain cowhide leather and nylon fabric uppers for longevity. It features a soft removable insole for comfort and has a cushioned midsole plus a 100% Rubber Vibram Sierra outsole for firm support. These boots sport an 8-inch shaft for added protection when working with heavy loads and objects. With this boot, you are sure to enjoy the ventilation your feet need while you work.
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Ariat Men’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot for Hot Weather
Over the years, Ariat has established a name for itself in the world of equestrian sports and other global events. Now the company has jumped the fence into the world of work boots, and we’re glad they did.
This boot was created with a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry at their sweatiest. It was made with a breathable mesh tongue for proper ventilation, and it has a slip-resistant rubber outsole for support. It also features a gel-cushioned footbed for support and stability. It is made with a waterproof, oiled full-grain leather lining upper. This waterproof hiking boot is a perfect package of style, comfort, and durability.
5.11 Tactical Taclite 6-Inch Boot
5.11 Tactical started as an outdoor clothing line that now produces boots, clothing, gloves, holsters, EDC knives, slings, and packs, all for the combat-ready and survivalist crowd.
The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 6-Inch Boot is made from pure oil-resistant leather for durability. It also has a moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, OrthoLite sock liner. Integrated side vents cater to hot weather, and it’s designed with a zonal lacing system for a custom fit. The synthetic sole gives you a firm grip in an oily or slippery work environment, and the lacing system ensures that your boots stay securely on your feet. This boot is comfortable and capable in any situation.
Carhartt Men’s CMX4023 4-inch Lightweight Casual Wedge
Carhartt is a family-owned apparel company founded in 1889. In line with the company motto, “Honest value for an honest dollar,” Carhatt boots are known for being durable, snag-proof, and wind-resistant. These boots are durable, comfortable, and stylish to boot.
Made from durable leather, the Carhartt Men’s Lightweight work boot is the investment. The leather is oil-tanned for waterproofness and quality. It’s also built with a rubber outsole and a CMEVA (Compression Molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) midsole for comfort and protection. It is cement constructed and features a Fast Dry® technology lining to wick away sweat. This boot works perfectly in a casual work environment and looks stylish enough to wear out after work.
Irish Setter Men’s 6-Inch Aluminum Toe Work Boot
Irish Setter is a sister company of the reputable Red Wing Shoe Company. They are have been known for producing durable work boots since 1950. The company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, and the brand name was inspired by the distinctive red russet leather of the shoes, the color of an Irish Setter hunting dog. This company has been loyal to hunters, outdoors people, and hard workers for generations.
These boots are capable of protecting you from all sorts of electrical hazards, and the outsoles are heat-resistant up to 475 degrees. Its lightweight and removable PU footbed provide easy comfort and satisfaction. They also feature a traditional lace-up system with metal eyelets. The grip is guaranteed-strong with its white rubber-EVA traction tread outsole. These boots meet the safety standards for workplace hazards, so no matter the type of job you do, this boot will protect your feet and keep them cool all at the same time.
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