Working in a hazardous situation doesn’t have to be uncomfortable with unbreathable heavy work boots on! It can be just as comfortable as wearing a pair of slip-on if you get the best breathable work boots.
Breathable boots don’t just take in air and keep your feet cozy, but also help you break in and move easily. You can rely on their toughness for keeping you safe from falling materials while wearing them on for long hours.
But, are you struggling to find the right pair of breathable work boots? We know, there are too many technical aspects to consider. But that shouldn’t worry you as our expert team has done the research and listed the best breathable work boots for you.
Let’s help you get a pair of shoes that have both breathable designs, and a high level of safety measurements.
Are Work Boots Breathable?
Not all work boots are breathable, nor every boot will keep you equally comfortable for hours. A boot’s breathability depends on the materials and the stitching. And not every product you see on the web comes with the same features. But why do you even need these kind of footwear in the first place?
Breathable work boots are usually the best options for those who wear their boots for extra long hours. They’re also an ideal way out for those who have sweating issues and need an effective solution for smelling bad.
Do You Need Breathable Work Boots?
If you’re a miner, a construction site worker, constructor, or plumber, chances are, you need a pair of breathable boots. Breathable boots keep your feet comfortable for long hours in work with airflow inside. However, if you’re an electrician, you also have to have an EH rating in your shoes as well.
Are Breathable Work Boots the Right Choice for You?
1,284 occupational accidents happened in transport, storage, manufacturing sectors, says the occupational accident statistics. By that state alone, it’s clearly understandable the need of work boots in hazardous occupations.
However, if you have sweaty feet or work in summer, it’s almost impossible to wear such heavy-duty enclosed shoes. A pair of breathable work boots are the best, and probably the only choice to keep your feet comfortable.
Apart from keeping your feet comfortable, here are some other benefits of getting breathable work boots:
- Breathable work boots keep your feet dry from sweating inside or when sweat crawls into your boots.
- They’re the best solution for smelly feet, especially if you cannot put on boots for long hours because of the smell.
- Letting the humidity from your shoes out and keeping your feet from injuries becomes easier with a pair of breathable work boots.
- Maintaining foot hygiene and keeping your feet cool during the work time is possible with breathable work boots.
- Other regular jobs that require work boots, like EH-rated ones, are also available in the breathable.
How Do I Keep My Feet Cool in Work Boots?
Keeping your feet cool inside work boots, especially while wearing them for long hours, is more important than you may think. If you don’t want to get uncomfortable or develop a mortifying and irritant smell, follow these methods to stay cool:
Wear Breathable Work Boots:
The best thing you can do to keep your feet cool in working boots is wearing breathable boots in prior. You’ll have airflow into the boot and release the moisture out using these shoes as they’re built that way.
Wear Absorbent Inserts & Socks:
Wearing moisture absorbent socks and shoe inserts also can help you keep your feet dry inside working boots. These socks and inserts suck the moisture as you sweat and sometimes even dry the feet on the go.
Antiperspirant or Foot Powder:
You can also use Antiperspirant or cooling foot powder if your sweat level is somewhat moderate. Apply some on the skin and into the socks and the boot before wearing the socks. It absorbs moistture and sweat and keeps your feet cool.
Clean and Change Your Socks Regularly:
If you have sweating feet and use absorbent socks, don’t use them for too long and change frequently. After using a pair of socks all day, clean them properly and use another pair the next day. And replace them once in a few weeks or a month.
Wash Your Feet & Use Essential Oils:
Only washing your socks won’t push the problem away, treating your feet well is important, too. Take a bowl of lukewarm water and mix some Epsom salt in it; baking soda, or vinegar is fine also. Keep your feet in the mixture for 20-30 minutes and apply essential oil once dried.
Comparison Chart:
| Best Breathable Work Boots | It’s Best for | Material | Shaft size | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Wing Heritage Vibram Boot | Best overall | 100% leather | 6 inches | 14.25 x 9.25 x 4.75 inches | 1.38 Pounds |
| Wolverine Industrial & Construction Boots | Best Budget Pick | 100% leather | 6 inches | 14.9 x 12.3 x 5.1 inches | 1.9 Pounds |
| Thorogood MAXwear Wedge Boot | Best for Electricians | 100% leather | 6 inches | 13 x 12 x 6 inches | 1.9 Pounds |
| Caterpillar Diagnostic Work Boot | Best for Construction Sites | 100% leather | 6 inches | 14.15 x 10.75 x 5 inches | 2.19 Pounds |
| KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Work Boot | Best for Concrete Floors | Full-grain Nubuck leather | 6 inches | 12 x 4 x 8 inches | 4 Pounds |
| Timberland PRO Work Boot | Best for Smelly Feet | Full-grain 100% leather | 6 inches | 1.5 Pounds | All sizes with a 1.25″ Heel |
| Timberland Direct Attach Soft Toe Shoe | Best for Wearing All Day | Full-grain leather and Textile | 7 inches | 12 x 9 x 6 inches | 1.81 Pounds |
1. Best Overall: Red Wing Heritage Vibram Boot
Red Wing Heritage Vibram Boots come with an extremely rugged construction with 100% leather material in it. For the sole, Red wing used rubber for the most comfortable and versatile usage in any condition.
Whether you’re going on a hunt, doing construction jobs, or even pulling iron from mines, this thing withstands everything. The construction itself offers a good breathable design with no metal toes, avoiding excessive heat buildup inside.
Furthermore, the 6″ lug boot offers an extended enclosure beyond your ankles right beneath your calves. Its lace-up closure is easy to wear and has speed hooks to secure the boots comfortably. You can lace up quickly and tighten the boots without getting uncomfortable in them.
The full-grain leather is classy on the upper side while being soft and comfortable from the inside. Besides, the heavy-duty rugged toe box will keep your feet secure and free to move inside. For the bottom and outsole, you’ll have a durable grip with its Nitrile cork construction work.
Not to mention, the rest of the boot with triple stitched design will make sure the boots last long. Really long! If you want to get a pair of breathable working boots that are more than worth their price, get these shoes.
Key Details:
- Dimension: 14.25 x 9.25 x 4.75 inches
- Weight: 1.38 Pounds
- Material: 100% leather
- Shaft size: 6 inches
- Toe box: Extremely rugged leather enclosure
Summary
If you’re a construction worker, a contractor, work in a mine, or do any hazardous jobs, you need these shoes. They have the most rugged upper sole with a very comfortable inner finish. You’ll also get extremely rugged toe boxes for extra security.
2. Best Budget Pick: Wolverine men’s Industrial & Construction Boots
If you need a pair of comfortable, durable, and breathable boots and want that on a tight budget, here’s your go. The Wolverine Work Boot does a pretty great job at keeping your feet comfortable while providing extremely durable support.
It has a 100% leather construction for the upper lining alongside a rubber outsole for maximum support at work. You’ll get multiple layers of leather linings that make this boot a piece of durable footwear for any hazardous profession.
The shaft of these boots measure about 5.5 inches from the arch with a 1.25″ heel and 0.75″ platform. Furthermore, the removable anti-fatigue footbed of this boot is fully cushioned to give you an excellent traction while keeping the boots breathable.
For extra breathability, Wolverine also included a CK mesh lining into the entire structure for better flow. Not only that, the comfortable collar on these boots will give you extra comfort in movement as well as keeping the airflow right.
They also provide a thick cushioning around the ankles, and the extra long gusset spices up. You’ll get laces covering the gusset’s last line while helping you wear the boots comfortably, and quickly. With its extra thick and robust toe box design, working in a harsh area won’t be an issue.
Key Details
- Package Dimensions: 14.9 x 12.3 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 1.9 Pounds
- Material: 100% leather
- Shaft size: 6 inches
- Toe box: Extremely rugged toe enclosure
Summary
Simply put, if you need rugged working boots that don’t cost you extremely insane, this is your way to go. These boots fit into almost any tough job well and have a highly comfortable and breathable CK lining mesh design. With a hard non-metal toe cap, your feet will always stay cool.
3. Best for Electricians: Thorogood MAXwear Wedge Boot
The MAXwear Wedge boots from Thorogood are made in the US and considered as one of the best work boots for electricians. The boots come with a dedicated electric shock sole that keeps you safe from electric hazards.
It’ll keep you safe from electric shocks at up to 18000 volts of current at 60 Hz (RMS). As for the uppers construction, this boot comes with a full-grain 100% leather build for long lifespan and water resistance. Plus, it has an extended shaft, providing both support and natural foot positioning.
You can wear it anywhere unless you have to work in heavy lifting because it doesn’t offer a sturdy toe box. However, don’t underestimate its high capacity of drop and compression resistance of over 2500 pounds!
If you have to walk a lot and have to keep your shoes on for hours, go for these shoes. They have a soft inner sole design to keep your feet comfortable alongside a strong grip with the slip-resistant outsole. All the good reasons for an electric worksite.
The boots also offer secure triple-stitching lining and sturdy laces up to your ankles line with the hook eyelets. Not to overlook, the extended gusset that keeps the upper foot secure and improves the overall sturdiness of the boots.
Key Details
- Product Dimensions : 13 x 12 x 6 inches
- Weight: 1.9 Pounds
- Material: 100% leather
- Shaft size: 6 inches
- Toe box: Regular toe enclosure, true fit
Summary
If you want to wear boots all day long, work with electric equipment, and still stay fresh, get these boots. The soft inner sole on these boots will keep you comfortable for long hours with a breathable design. Plus, with triple stitching on a 100% leather build, it provides good support for electricians.
4. Best for Construction Sites: Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Work Boot
The Caterpillar work boot comes with some cutting-edge features that make a boot the best of its kind. It offers the most rugged construction for those who work under pressure, and have possible hazardous incidents in the workplace.
You’re getting a steel toe boots enclosure to stay out of any falling hazards. Plus, it gives the boot an extended service life, as it should. With an 100% leather construction and heavy duty T901 outsole build, it’s the best choice for construction site workers.
Despite its heavy-duty build, the boot won’t make you uncomfortable while wearing it. It has 200-gram insulation of Thinsulate thermal tech that keeps your feet comfortable. You can stay out of extreme cold with it while having complete waterproofing from the boot.
Apart from the waterproof membrane lining, it also offers protection from sharp objects as well as electric shock up to 600 Volts. Besides, the overall build gives you an abrasion resistant, long-lasting service life. Above specs, this boot offers the most comfortable all-day wearing facility with its breathable design.
Your feet will have adequate airflow inside because of its nylon mesh lining alongside Gel technology inside the sole. The Gel tech is inside the removable EVA insole that gives you better comfort as well as more shock absorption.
Key Details
- Product Dimensions : 14.15 x 10.75 x 5 inches
- Weight: 2.19 Pounds
- Material: 100% leather
- Shaft size: 6 inches
- Toe box: safety steel toes enclosure
Summary
If you want the best output from the price these shoes come with, getting them would be the best option. It’ll make the best fit for construction sites where you need steel toe protection, shock-proof design along with electrical hazard protection. Plus, its breathable mesh lining and Gel insole keeps your feet comfortable all day.
5. Best for Concrete Floors: KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Work Boot
The Keen utility Pittsburgh work boot is also another impressive boot that offers booth waterproofing and esthetic design. You can use it in any damp place, which is especially useful for plumbers, floor technicians, walking on ice, and others.
Although it has a sealed design, it still is highly comfortable in terms of flow and breathability. You’ll get enough airflow to wear all day without getting uncomfortable inside these pair of boots. Hence, wearing this boot will give you all-day comfort while keeping it comfortable with moisture-wicking lining.
With a 6-inches shaft, the boot will provide much comfort to your whole feet up to the ankles. The full-grain 100% Nubuck leather construction with double stitch lining and heavy-duty enclosure made the boot dependable.
Besides, the Keen signature outer sole will give you the maximum grip to work more efficiently. For the maximum comfort and ease of use, the lacing design of this boot has extended eyelets up to the collar.
The collar, on the other hand, has a mesh lining which provides utmost comfort that matches the midsole. When it comes to inner soles, you’ll have a PU midsole with molded dual stack compression EVA sole.
Key Details
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 4 x 8 inches
- Weight: 4 Pounds
- Material: Full-grain Nubuck leather
- Shaft size: 6 inches
- Toe box: Steel toe enclosure
Summary
If you work on basements or plumbing a lot and need a durable outer sole to protect your feet, get this boot. It comes with a removable dual density EVA insole along with waterproof boots design and durable leather construction. You can easily wear them all day as it offers a breathable mesh lining and shock absorption to reduce foot fatigue.
6. Best for Smelly Feet: Timberland PRO Industrial Work Boot
Are you an avid worker who needs to wear boots all day but has smelly feet? No worries, the Timberland PRO boots will give you relief from that issue with its Antimicrobial treatment to save your feet from odor.
It will keep all the bad odor away from your feet with proper airflow inside and by killing the odor germs. The structure of this boot has breathable lining along the triple stitching. However, that doesn’t mean you’re not protected from damps!
This boot offers waterproofing to make it suitable for damp places with longer lifespan. Timberland has included some of the most important technologies in this boot to ensure both security and comfort.
For example, with an alloy steel toe heavy construction, this boot is an ideal option for any heavy-duty work. It will keep your feet safe from falling hazards if you work on work sites with such hazards. Apart from the breathable PU footbed, the shank and rubber outsole alongside midsole cushioning make it super comfortable.
With its heavy duty metal lace eyelets and hooks up to the collar, you can tie them fast and easily. Full grain leather for the upper lining, rubber sole, and comfortable inner construction make it a go-to option for heavy workers.
Key Details
- Product Dimensions: All sizes with a 1.25″ Heel
- Weight: 1.5 Pounds
- Material: Full-grain 100% leather
- Shaft size: 6 inches
- Toe box: Steel toe enclosure
Summary
This boot is for you if you’ve been looking for the best breathable waterproof work boots for smelly feet. It has a unique Antimicrobial odor treatment into the construction to keep the germs out and keep the boot clean. The breathable and ergonomic design with a comfortable cushioned midsole and EVA will keep you fresh all day.
7. Best for Wearing All Day: Timberland Direct Attach Soft Toe Shoe
The Timberland direct attach work boots are the most elegant boot option for those who hunt and walk a lot. It comes with a rubber outsole that has abrasion, oil, and slip resistance alongside the strongest grip.
Besides, the Textile and 100% leather construction combination make it one of the most comfortable boots in the list. Hence, if you walk or climb a lot at work, go for it with a large shank, full of grips. That makes it one of the best breathable waterproof safety boots.
It offers a 7″ shaft from the arch with extra long collar for extra support on the run. If you live in a cold temperatures, the Thermolite insulation in comfortable boot will keep your feet warm. Not just that, the sealed waterproof work boot construction will keep water out in wet conditions to keep your feet dry.
While keeping your feet dry, it also is breathable for extra comfort. The toe in this high quality boot, on the other hand, has no metal enclosure to provide maximum comfort. Therefore, if you need solid support on work with no fall hazard in the way, these shoes are your way-in.
Putting them on is super easy with the metal lace hooks that go up to the collar. Besides, the quadruple stitching makes the boots stand out alongside improving the strength. Furthermore, the inner Anti-fungal technology will keep your feet free from Dermatitis issues and bad smell.
Key Details
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 inches
- Weight: 1.81 Pounds
- Material: Full-grain leather and Textile
- Shaft size: 7 inches
- Toe box: Soft toe enclosure
Summary
These hiking boots are for the heavy workers that don’t lift heavy objects. Its soft toe construction with heavy-duty outsole grip made it perfect for hikers and workers who climb steep work sites. With a breathable design and soft midsole with durable EPA, it’ll be easy to wear all day.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Breathable Work Boots
When it comes to getting your first leather work boot that are highly comfortable with breathable construction, it may get overwhelming. There are many technical specifications and properties you have to take into consideration. The most common and important ones are the following:
Ventilation:
As you’re buying breathable working boots, it’s obvious that you will need proper flow into the boot. Since all weather work boots usually have rugged construction, you have to consider only the ones that are rated for breathability. The boots mentioned above have breathable designs to keep your feet fresh and alive from all-day working.
Toe Cap Material:
Heavy toe cap material is a given standard when you’re looking for a work boot that meets safety measures. Most work boots come with steel, alloy, or composite safety toes enclosures whereas some may don’t have these. Breathable work boots also may have not metal, but metal-like rugged toe caps to keep it cool inside.
Removable Insoles:
The insole is a part of any boot that tends to be wearing out at the fastest pace. Therefore, if you don’t have removable insoles, the boot may become worthless after a few months of use. With removable insole, you can replace the worn insole in no time and keep on using the boots. Plus, be sure to have them soft to wear.
Outsoles Design:
Since you need the boots for working, the outsole will play a major role, giving you a firm grip. The outsole of the boot should be made of high-quality rubber and EVA alongside an excellent inner construction. With a good grip underneath, you can stay firm on your place while working and climb with confidence wherever necessary.
Comfort and Fittings:
For a comfortable fitting, see if the boot comes with lacing hooks and eyelets. If you live in a cold area, have proper insulation, waterproofing, and EH rating if you’re an electrician. Some even have dual-stack outsoles with Gel insoles and other impressive techs inside. Don’t forget to consider the boot size and leather-weather relation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Having questions about breathable work boots is a common thing, and you can ask yours in the comments. However, here are some frequent ones that almost anybody might have interest in:
What Safety Toes Should I Pick for the Best Work Boots for Hot Weathers?
A safety toe box saves your feet from compression and impact, but metal toe boxes get hotter fast as well. For hot weather, the best option is to go with not steel, but a rugged genuine leather toe box. Red Wing has one.
Why do my feet sweat in work boots?
It’s pretty normal for sweaty feet in work boots if you work in warm temperatures and do a physically demanding task. And you know when you work under hot weather your body starts sweating. However, if you choose the appropriate working boots, they will help prevent your feet from perspiring. We recommend you get a pair of shoes with breathable mesh lining. It promotes airflow to let your feet breathe. You can also use shoe inserts to absorb the moisture to keep your feet dry.
What is a breathable boot?
Breathable boots are specially designed to promote airflow through the boots to let your feet breathe and ensure ultimate comfort even in hot weather. These boots use special fabrics that allow air to flow through and permit water vapor to escape without sacrificing waterproofness and protectiveness.
Do waterproof boots make feet sweat?
Generally, waterproof boots with breathable upper and sole will let sweat escape. So, your feet won’t sweat a lot if you wear these types of waterproof boots. However, if you work in extremely hot conditions, you can’t avoid your feet from sweating.
How do you know if shoes are breathable?
You can easily detect whether a pair of shoes are breathable or not by observing its membrane construction. Breathable shoes contain waterproof porous membrane on the upper sole. As the upper sole is made of waterproof & breathable PTFE material, air can easily flow through the sole. The PTFE material has millions of pores per square centimeter. Because of this, water can’t penetrate but sweat can easily escape the membrane. As a result, your feet will remain dry and cool. Indeed, check out the upper sole construction material which will let you know whether the shoe is breathable or not.
Are waterproof boots breathable?
Most waterproof boots incorporate Gore-Tex membrane. And we know this construction material has millions of pores per centimeter. They let the water vapor to travel through every layer but stop the water from penetrating. It means waterproof boots that use Gore-Tex technology promote enough airflow to keep the feet dry & cool while preventing water from entering. Indeed, waterproof boots are breathable.
Final Verdict
Work boots are necessary if you work in hazardous environments, hunt, or just want to feel more confident. While it’s hard to find the best breathable work boots because of too many options, we did the hard work for you. We hope that the above came to work to find your next work shoes that won’t suffocate your feet. However, if you want our editorial panel to decide the overall best choice, we suggest the Red Wing Heritage Boot.
This boot is highly durable with not metal, but a rugged leather toe box and a breathable mesh panels construction. It offers day-long comfort with a lightweight, yet sturdy build with 100% full-grain leather and rubber outsole. For the insole, it has a soft, removable, and breathable inner sole to ensure maximum comfort. In terms of outlook, the minimal design will surely stand out from others in your premises.
