Americans have been doing hard labor for centuries. When working in hazardous environments one of the major considerations is your footwear. A pair of indestructible American made boots can be the difference between a great story at the bar after work and a stint in the hospital. Our Best American Made Work Boots guide features the top US made work boots we could find.
Related: Warm and Safe: 7 Best Extreme Cold Weather Boots for Men
Before you head out and buy a pair of work boots you have to understand your workplace requirements. Various work boot features make them more appropriate for certain types of work. Before buying a pair, it’s advisable to understand these differences. Are you working in a high moisture environment? Then you’ll probably want to look for boots with water-proof and water-resistant uppers. Are you working in environments with heaving materials? Then you’ll want to look at American made safety toe boots with steel toes that provide compression and crush protection. Do you work in an environment with electrical hazards? Then you’ll want a composite toe and outsoles that meet ATSM electrical hazard standards.
Steel and Composite toed boots are very durable and designed with internal toe reinforcements. Composite toe boots meet the same functions as steel toe work boots; however, they can also be non-magnetic and non-metallic. These boots are much lighter and can retain heat effectively. Many people say they’re more comfortable to wear.
No matter your environment or which boots you choose, know your workplace safety requirements. And then make sure your boots meet standards and requirements for safety. These are set out by ANSI ( American National Standards Institute) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). They require men’s safety toe work boots to provide protection against shock, punctures, impacts, cuts, and compression.
1. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Vibram Boot
Red Wing is one of the most iconic American boot companies on the planet. I own a couple of pairs of Red Wings myself. If you want work boots made in America this is a great place to start. One of my favorites is the Red Wing Heritage Men’s 6″ Iron Rangers ($294). If you’re not looking for a steel toe boot these would make a great option.
The Iron Rangers features a Vibram 430 mini-lug outsole. This sole provides all the traction you need on your work site. Over time the full grain leather upper and the cork midsole mold to your feet. As a result, you get a perfect fit specific to your foot and your stride. And if you’re going to put the boot through its paces you’ll appreciate the Goodyear welt constructions. As a result, you can have the soles replaced without having to buy a new pair of work boots. Subsequently, making it one of the best American worker boots on the list.
2. Wolverine Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot
The Wolverine Men’s Overpass Work Boot ($145) is a perfect fit for those working on a hazardous site. The Overpass features a composite to that meets ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards. The outsole is slip, water, abrasion, and chemical-resistant. The upper is made from 100% leather with textile accents. The upper also has a waterproof yet breathable membrane to ensure your feet stay dry throughout the day.
3. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Caterpillar is a well-known name in construction equipment. Who better to create a great US work boot. If you’re on a budget the Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Work Boot ($83) is your best bet. The boot features a 100% leather upper with a nylon mesh lining. The lining provides added breathability and comfort. A steel shank is included for added support and stability. While the steel toe gives you the protection you’d expect from a work boot. The steel toe meets ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75, EH standards. Additional features include a slip-resistant rubber outsole. A Goodyear welt construction, for flexibility and durability. And Climasphere insoles which keep your feet dry, and odor-free.
4. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot
Irish Setter gets its name from the distinctive Red Russet leather it uses in its boots. The brand is one of the premier boot manufacturers for both hunters and workers alike. Therefore, if you’re working in environments with electrical, heat, or crush hazards this is a great boot to consider. The 83606 meets ASTM safety standards for electrical hazards. And has a heat-resistant outsole that can resist melting at a minimum of 475 degrees Fahrenheit. The moc-toe upper is made from 100% waterproof leather. It houses an aluminum-toe providing light-weight protection. Additional features include a removable polyurethane footbed for easy customization. And antique brass eyelet that won’t corrode.
5. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot
Keen is usually known for their waterproof sandals. But they also make a great steel toe work boot that puts comfort at the forefront. The Keen Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot ($173) will keep your feet nice and comfortable through a full shift. The uppers are made from 100% Nubuck leather and left and right asymmetrical steel toes for protection. The footbed features dual density compression molded EVA and a PU midsole for a top in class comfort. This boots also includes locking metal lace Hooks for a solid fit every time.
6. Justin Original Work Boots Men’s Worker II Waterproof Work Boot
If you’re looking for the best western style work boots on our list, this offering from Justin Original might fit the bill. The Justin Original Worker Work Boot ($197) features a waterproof 100% leather upper to keep your feet nice and dry. A polyurethane outsole and a removable insole. If you’re looking for or require a ton of safety features I would look elsewhere.
7. Danner Men’s Vicious 4.5 Inch Non-Metallic Toe Work Boot
The Danner Men’s Vicious Work Boot ($180) pretty much comes with everything you need for protection and comfort. It’s a hiking-inspired work boot with a 4.5″ 100% leather upper. The upper has a GORE-TEX lining that’s waterproof yet breathable. The safety toe gives you the best of both worlds. It provides crush protections as well as conduction safety standards. The non-metallic safety toe meets or exceeds ASTM standard F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH. And if you’re on your feet all day Danner has you covered. The cushioned PU insole combined with the dual-density EVA midsole provides underfoot support, comfort, and shock absorption.
8. Chippewa Men’s 6″ Steel Toe EH 20066 Lace-Up Boot
The Chippewa EH 20066 are the work boots with the American flag on laces. The Chippewa Men’s 6″ Steel Toe Boot ($190) are classicly styled boots. It has all the features you need in a now frills rugged boot. The Chippewa Boot Company has been making outdoor lifestyle footwear since 1901. Over one hundred years. The brand’s boots withstand the most demanding conditions. The upper contains 100% Apache leather for durability. The Drill vamp lining removes moisture. And the steel toe caps meets or exceeds ASTM standards for protection and electrical hazards. These are one of the best work boots made in the USA.
9. Carolina CA3538 Insulated Circuit Hi Composite Toe Men’s 8″ Waterproof Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot
When you first look at the Carolina CA3538 Composite Toe Work Boot ($133) the first thing you think is that this boot is all business. And you wouldn’t be wrong. It has everything you need for protection in hazardous environments. These American made insulated boots have uppers made from Band Nutcase leather with a waterproof liner. The waterproof Scubaliner is Carolina’s exclusive Waterproof Lining System. As a result, keeping your feet nice and dry no matter the conditions. But that’s not all for the upper. It also has 800 grams of Thinsulate insulation to provide added warmth even in damp conditions. The non-metallic composite safety toe meets ASTM Standards for compression and impact testing rating of I-75/C-75. It can also withstand whopping 18,000 volts at 60hz for one minute without leakage. If you work in truly hazardous conditions this is definitely a workboot worthy of consideration.
10. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Safety Toe Boot
Yeah, I know the hipsters are wearing Thorogood boots nowadays. But the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Moc Safety Toe Boots ($210) can also handle a serious days work. These iconic boots are made in the USA by union workers who know what workers are looking for in a boot. The upper feature 100% full-grain leather. The footbed has a removable shock absorption footbed sitting on a Poron comfort insole. The whole kit sits on a MAXWear Wedge slip-resistant outsole with Goodyear storm welt construction. This means you can wear these bad boys until the sole wears out and easily replace them without having to buy another pair of boots. These boots have been tested to handle 18,000 volts for a minute with no leakage. As well as compression tests with weights up to 2500 lbs.
11. Hathorn Mens Explorer Steel Toe Work Boot
Are you looking for some high top work boots made in the USA? Then you need to read this Hathorn boots review. The Hathorn Mens Explorer Steel Toe Work Boot ($251) is a solid well-made boot. The boots feature a 100% leather upper with a 10-inch height. And the internal steel toe meets ASTM F2412-11 standards. The whole kit sits on a Vibram sole that has a machine leather welt construction. As a result, this allows for easy replacement of a worn outsole. However, before the Vibram soles need to be replaced you. But, I have one suggestion. If you’re in an extremely wet environment I would review other boots on the list.
