Today, we are going to be talking about shoe women should wear when going out to work aka the best women’s work boots. These are boots that manufacturers engineer to provide women with the protection and comfort they need to work.
Most of the boots you will see in this post are boots that have a safety toe, a slip-resistant sole, and a waterproof membrane. In other words, they are boots that will ensure your feet are happy and comfortable so that you can focus on your job and performance.
In many industrial and field workplaces, employers actually require employees to wear work boots that meet certain standards. Many of the work boots for women in the list below do meet industry standards for work boots.
Without any more delays, below are the good work boots for women.
The Best Work Boots for Women Reviews for 2023
1. Ariat Terrain Waterproof Hiking Boot – Women’s Leather Waterproof Outdoor Hiking Boots
Waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable, this boot from ARIAT is perfect for those seeking a great protective boot for outdoor non-office settings.
On Amazon, this boot is extremely highly rated. Its average rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars. This shows that the majority of people really love it. I believe that this boot is really popular because of three reasons.
First, it is popular because it is comfortable. What makes it comfortable is its special design. The design is meant for ensuring easy and comfortable long-distance hikes/treks.
Therefore, you will love wearing it all day at work because you will be comfortable all the time. You will especially love standing in this boot all day because it has shock-absorbing technology to make standing and walking easy for you.
Second, it is popular because it is waterproof. Because this boot is waterproof, it can keep your feet warm and dry even when you do some work in the rain. The fact that this boot is waterproof makes it perfect for plumbers.
Third, this boot is popular because it is very breathable. The fact that this boot is breathable will make your feet stay dry and comfortable throughout the day. No sweaty or stinky feet at the end of the day.
While this boot is quite popular and highly-rated, as a work boot it lacks a steel toe and, therefore, it cannot be used in certain worksites.
Pros
- This is one of the most comfortable women’s work boots
- It is a high-performance work boot
- It has a waterproof membrane
- It has a moisture-wicking inner lining
- It has a midsole that provides shock-absorption
- It stays comfortable all-day
- It is wear-resistant
Cons
- It does not have a reinforced or steel toe box
Despite lacking a reinforced toe box, this boot is perfect for women working in manufacturing, security, and other sectors of the economy.
2. Under Armour Women’s Micro G Limitless 2 Military and Tactical Boot
This is one of the most popular women’s tactical boots on Amazon! Its popularity is evident in the fact that it has a high number of reviews and that the majority of the reviews are positive.
What I like the most about this boot is the fact that it is quite comfortable. It has so many features that make it comfortable including a soft and flexible upper, a cushioning midsole, and a breathable leather and nylon material. It is also one of the few women’s work boots with arch support. It has a shank for arch and mid-foot support.
I also like the fact that this boot is easy to clean. Its toe is polishable and its design means it can be cleaned very quickly. This makes it perfect especially for those working for employers who insist work boots must always be clean in the morning.
One more thing I like about this Under Armour boot is the fact that it has a high-traction sole. I believe that work shoes should always have high-traction outsoles to ensure stability and safety when one is doing a blue-collar job.
The only thing I dislike about this boot is the fact that it is not steel-toed.
Pros
- This is one of the work boots for concrete floors
- It has the support and protection features
- It has a high grip sole
- It has water-resistant technology
- It is super light and comfortable
- It is not pricey
Cons
- It is not steel-toed
- It is an imported boot
Despite not being steel-toed, this boot is one of the best ones on the market. It is perfectly suitable for many work environments.
3. Bates Women’s Ultra-Lites 8 Inches Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot
Everybody knows Bates makes some of the best men’s work boots on the market! What most people do not know is that the company also makes brilliant women’s work boots and tactical boots. This particular boot from Bates is one of the greatest women’s leather work boots.
If you purchase this boot, one thing you can confidently expect when you wear it is comfort. This boot is lightweight, has a cushioned insert, a flexible upper, and a breathable lining. These things make it super comfy to wear.
You can also expect convenience from this boot. This is because while this boot is one of the best lace-up work boots womens, it also has a side zip. This makes it easy to wear and to remove.
You can also expect stability from this boot. This is because it has a special rubber outsole that is slip-resistant. The fact that this boot is slip-resistant means it is nearly impossible for you to slip or slide while wearing it.
The one thing you cannot expect from this boot is toe protection. This is because it has no steel toe box. However, because this boot is actually a tactical boot, this is kind of expected.
Pros
- This is one of the best women’s pull-on work boots
- It is made by an American manufacturer
- It is a very comfortable work boot
- It has a side zipper for quick on and off
- It is lightweight and waterproof
- It has great traction and lasts long
- It is slip-resistant
Cons
- It is not steel toe or composite toe
This is a one of a kind boot that is perfect for women who work in law enforcement, security, construction, farming, automotive, and landscaping spaces. However, you should be aware that it does not come with a steel toe so you should avoid wearing it to a worksite where steel toe boots are needed.
4. Muck Boots Chore Rubber Women’s Work Boot
With an excellent rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars, this work boot is one of the top-rated work boots for women on Amazon.
What stands out the most about this boot is the fact that it is very waterproof. This makes it perfect for farm work, construction work, and plumbing. It also makes it perfect for working during the rainy season.
What also stands out about this Muck Chore boot is the fact that it has a shock-absorbing sole. This makes it perfect for many hours of work because the shock-absorption prevents fatigue and ensures comfort.
The fact that this boot is breathable and insulated, makes it perfect for working in both warm and cold seasons. Because it means during the warm season, it will ensure your feet remain cool and comfortable, and during the cold seasons, it will ensure your feet stay warm and functional.
One more thing that I must mention about this boot is that it is one of the women’s work boots for wide feet. You will love how comfortable your feet will feel inside this boot even if they are big or wide.
One thing that is not remarkable about this Muck boot is that its sizing is a bit off according to some people who have purchased it.
Pros
- This is one of the women’s work boots for farming
- It is waterproof and very durable
- It perfect for working on muddy or snowy grounds
- It is breathable and comfortable
- It is built to last for long
- It has shock-absorption
- It is built specifically for women
Cons
- Its sizing is a bit off
While getting the best size for this boot is somewhat difficult, it is a boot that is built to provide you with comfort, protection, and support while working on the farm or at a construction site.
5. New Balance Women’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe
Seeking the very best women’s work boot with steel toe protection? Check out this perfect industrial boot from New Balance. Many people know New Balance makes great sneakers and sports shoes. However, many do not know that the company also makes great industrial work boots.
This work boot from them is one of the great industrial work boots they have on the market.
The boot might look like a normal sneaker but it comes with a steel toe for maximum toe protection. In other words, should a steel rod, a rock, a hammer, a pipe wrench, or a tire rim fall on them, your toes will not be crushed?
Like most sneakers, this shoe comes with a comfy insole. The insole makes it comfortable to wear throughout the day. You will not have sore feet at the end of your workday when you wear this work shoe.
What I really like about this sneaker is its outsole. The outsole features a slip-resistant design. The design provides stability for working safely on wet, tiled, or slippery floors. It also makes walking to work easier on rainy or snowy days.
According to those who have worn this shoe, it is one of the best for women because it stays comfortable throughout the workday.
This New Balance boot has one drawback – it does not offer great ankle protection.
Pros
- This is one of the best women’s construction work boots
- It has brilliant steel toe protection
- It has an EVA insert for comfort and support
- It has a slip-resistant outsole for stability
- It is a quality boot
- It remains comfortable throughout the workday
- It is great for standing
Cons
- It does not offer a lot of ankle protection
While this boot does not offer ankle protection, it offers toe protection which is more important. It is also comfortable, supportive, and stable. It is ideal for hard work. Women drivers, supervisors, plumbers, technicians, factory workers, and so on will love wearing it to work.
6. Dr. Martens, Women’s Arbor Steel Toe Light Industry Boots
If you want a work shoe that is comfortable, lightweight, durable, and protective, get this one. It is one of the most popular and highly rated women’s work boots on the market!
The best thing about this boot is the fact that it is super comfortable. It provides comfort in several ways. First, it has a memory foam footbed that cushions the underfoot. Second, it has a special outsole that facilitates airflow under it ensuring your feet remain cool and dry throughout the workday. Lastly, its sole absorbs shock and ensures no sore feet at the end of the day.
The second best thing about this boot is the fact that it is super protective. It provides both toe protection and electrical hazard protection. The toe protection is provided by a safety steel toe box, while the electrical hazard protection is provided by a special sole.
This boot is also known for being extremely durable. According to those who own it, it can last for many months or years depending on how well you take care of it.
What is not very great about this boot is the fact that its sizing is a bit off.
Pros
- This is one of the best cute steel toe boots for women
- It provides brilliant steel toe protection
- It is a comfortable work boot with a cushioned insole
- It is made tough for tough working conditions
- It is breathable and insulated
- It provides electrical hazard protection
- It has a unique outsole that provides max slip-resistance
Cons
- This boot runs a size bigger than the regular size
Because this boot does not have regular sizing, it is a bit difficult to find the perfect fit for yourself. However, by choosing a slightly smaller size than what you normally choose, you will end up with a work boot that you will love wearing.
7. Timberland PRO 6-inch Direct Attach Women’s, Wheat, Slip Resistant, Steel Toe, EH, Waterproof, Insulated Boot
In my opinion, this is the best work boot for women. I say this because it is waterproof, insulated, steel-toed, and supremely comfortable.
The boot features a wide design and steel to box to make it spacious and pain-free even for those with wide or sensitive feet. And as is the case with most Timberland boots, it features an arch-supporting midsole and a rigid but flexible outsole to ensure maximum stability and support.
What I love the most about this Timberland boot is the fact that it is very waterproof. This means water cannot get inside it. It keeps water out even when you step in it (e.g. in a puddle or heavy rain).
I also love the fact that this boot is insulated. This means it can keep your feet warm even on days that the temperatures get really cold.
The fact that this boot provides toe protection is an extra advantage for a boot that already provides supreme comfort, support, and protection from the cold.
The only thing I don’t love about this boot is the fact that it is quite pricey.
Pros
- This is one of the work boots for plantar fasciitis
- It is a high-quality work boot for women
- It is an extremely tough/ durable but flexible boot
- It is moisture-resistant for hot days
- It has anti-fatigue insoles
- It is insulated for cold weather
- It is oil and slip-resistant
- It provides steel toe protection
Cons
- It is imported
- It is somewhat pricey
While you will have to pay more for this boot than for most women’s work boots, it is totally worth the price. You will love how protective and comfy it is even during long workdays.
Types Of Women’s Work Boots Available To Choose
There are several types of women’s work boots. Below are the main ones that you should strongly consider.
Steel toe work boots
Steel toe work boots are boots that have a steel safety toe cap. The purpose of this toe cap is to provide you with toe protection. It is important to wear a steel-toe boot in a construction site or any work environment where the risk of an object falling and crushing your toes is high.
The construction industry is one of the largest employers in the United States. Many men and women work in the industry as engineers, construction workers, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, and many more.
All these different types of professionals are required to wear protective equipment when in construction worksites. And probably the most important equipment alongside is standard hard hat is a pair of steel toe work boots.
Most steel toe work boots available on the market are for men. However, several manufacturers also make high-quality steel toe work boots for women. Several examples of such boots are included in the list of best women’s work boots.
Steel toe sneakers
Steel toe sneakers are protective sneakers perfect for women working in various industries. They are generally smaller and more comfortable than steel toe work boots.
They are also more stylish than steel toe work boots. Manufacturers who make steel toe sneakers use research and technology to engineer great shoes that provide women with the support, stability, comfort, and protection they need to work in various work environments.
What I love about steel toe sneakers is that they are more breathable compared to steel toe work boots.
Farming work boots
These are work boots for women to do farming work. Most farming work boots for women look like rain boots. Most farming work boots are waterproof and breathable at the same time.
Insulated work boots
These are work boots engineered to provide maximum insulation and prevent cold feet.
Composite toe work boots
Women’s composite toe work boots are work boots that have a composite toe box instead of a steel toe box as is the case with steel toe work boots.
Why Do Women Need Women’s Work Boots?
In the last two or three decades, the world has come to accept that what a man can do, a woman can do better. Women now do many of the jobs that were previously only done by men.
These jobs include plumbing, electrical work, engineering, automotive repair, landscaping, and construction work. Many of these jobs require women to wear best work boots for women to protect their feet.
If women do not wear protective work boots, they could end up injuring their toes, heels, and ankles. So the number one reason why women need women’s work boots is to protect their feet.
Women also need women’s work boots for comfort, support, and stability. Women’s work boots and work sneakers are made in such a way to provide women with comfort, support, and stability even in challenging work environments.
Therefore, if women who want to perform or work hard, need to get themselves the right work boots to enable themselves to do so.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Women’s Work Boots
Men have many work boots to choose from. While women have fewer work boots to choose from compared to men, the number of work boots available for women is significant.
This makes it confusing for women trying to find the best women’s safety toe boots to decide which one is best for them.
I have tried to make it easier for women to find the best work boots by finding and reviewing the seven best women’s work boots for walking all day in this article.
If you cannot easily decide which one is the best boot among the ones I have reviewed, below are the two factors you should consider to choose the best boot for you.
Work environment
Your work environment is the most important factor that you should consider when choosing a work boot for women. This is because different work environments require different types of boots.
For example, a wet work environment will require you to wear a pair of waterproof work boots for women, while a cold work environment will require you to wear a pair of the best women’s work boots for winter.
When considering your work environment to decide which work boot is the best for you, you should look at the hazards, the injuries, and the rules at your workplace.
Hazards are things or risks that can cause an injury or accident. Some work environments are more hazardous than others and, therefore, require very protective boots.
For example, an electrical work environment requires a work boot that provides electrical hazard protection, while a construction work environment requires a pair of the best women’s steel toe work boots that provides good toe protection.
So make sure the boot you buy can protect you against the common hazards at your workplace.
With regard to injuries, some work injuries are more common in some workplaces than others. For example, those working in plumbing are more likely to slip and fall (because of wet floors) than those working in the field of landscaping.
If you work in a workplace where you can easily suffer a certain injury, you should make sure the boot you buy can protect you against the injury.
For example, if you work somewhere where you can slip and fall, you should wear a pair of the best non slip work boots for women.
About the rules, you should have in mind your employer’s rules when choosing a work boot. Some employers require you to wear work boots that meet certain standards.
So make sure the boot you choose meets the standards they are required to meet. For example, most construction employers require employees to choose ASTM F2413 requirements.
Boot construction
You should consider the construction of a boot in terms of comfort and durability before buying it. The work boot you choose should be very comfortable and very durable.
It should be comfortable because you will not perform at work if the boot you are wearing is not comfortable. It should be durable because if it is not, it is not going to serve you for a long time.
So before you buy a boot make sure it is one of the most comfortable steel toe boots for women and that it is also one of the most durable work boots on the market.
How To Tell The Difference Between Dress Boots And Work Boots For Women
Dress boots for women are stylish boots that women wear with dresses, skirts, trousers, or pants. Most of them offer very little protection. They simply just cover all sides of the feet and have a sole like all other shoes. In contrast, work boots are engineered to offer protection.
Most work boots have a steel toe cap to protect the toes from getting crushed. Dress boots typically do not have a steel toe cap. The steel toe cap put in work boots is usually designed for maximum protection. It is often subjected to safety tests before being approved as safe enough.
Most work boots also have an outer sole that is oil-resistant and slip-resistant. Work boots with slip-resistant or oil-resistant soles provide workers with stability and support to do hard work. They also reduce the likelihood of falling and injuring yourself.
One more thing about protection and work boots is that many work boots have electrical hazard protection. The purpose of this is to protect you from electrical shocks.
So the biggest difference between dress boots and work boots is that dress boots offer less protection compared to work boots.
FAQs
1. Where can I find a 5 and a half size work boots for women?
You can find many small-sized work boots on Amazon. You can find boots as small as size 3 on the Amazon website. Just search for women’s work boots and then look on the left side of the results page. You will see filters you can use to refine the results. Among them will be shoe size filters that you can use to find small and lightweight work boots for women.
Conclusion: What Is The Best Women’s Work Boot?
As it was evident in my list of the best women’s work boots, many lightweight, comfortable, protective, and durable work boots for women are available on Amazon.
By looking at the pros and cons of each boot and taking into account your work environment and the size of your feet, you can find a great pair of work boots.
In my opinion, the very best work boot for women is the Timberland PRO women’s work boot. It is such an amazing lightweight, protective, and comfortable boot. It is also insulated, which means it can work for you even if you are in a place that is cold or that gets very cold in winter.
James Drakon, founder and research specialist of Workbootsdirect.com, is a driven and ambitious thirty-year-old with an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. He is dedicated to providing the best possible selection of work boots for industries requiring specialized footwear solutions. With years of expertise in the field, he has been able to uncover the most innovative ways of researching, designing and creating high-quality, reliable safety boots. His passion and dedication have allowed him to become a leader in the work boot industry.