TL;DR: The gist of this guide is that Skechers Men’s Verdicts are the best waterproof work boots on the market. Not just water, they are slip-resistant on snow and oil as well.
If you often find your feet sink in the water at the workplace, consider owning a pair of waterproof work boots. It will keep any liquid from penetrating the pair and reaching your feet, thus, keeping them warm and dry.
Even if you don’t work in wet conditions but do some activities such as gardening etc., waterproof work boots are for you.
Or, how about the weather or upcoming season in your area? Frequent rain, sleet, snow, and all sort of nature’s wonders may demand waterproof work boots.
Here are 5 Best Waterproof Work Boots in 2024
| 1 | Skechers Men’s Verdict Waterproof Work Boots | Best Overall |
| 2 | Wolverine Floorhand 6" Steel-Toe Waterproof Work Boots | Runner Up |
| 3 | ARIAT Workhog RT Pull-On Waterproof Work Boots | Also Good |
| 4 | Timberland PRO 6" Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots | Best High Shaft |
| 5 | KEEN Utility Men’s Braddock Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots | Best Nubuck |
In This Article You'll Know
5 Best Waterproof Work Boots in 2024 With Reviews
1. Skechers Men’s Verdict Waterproof Work Boots
Skechers presents one of the most badass waterproof work boots for men. The pair is remarkably waterproof up until the brim.
With a 5 inch high shaft, these Skechers boots are a great cross between the ankle height and the calf height options. The shaft is high enough to keep the water and snow out of the boots.
The pair is designed for a very rough and tough use that even hikers would love to wear. Despite the ruggedness, the padded insoles and collars ensure the comfort is not compromised.
It’s both rugged and comfortable but for an 8 hours standard shift and not for 12 hours long shift. If you walk or stand on concrete floors for most of your day, without many breaks, this pair is probably not for you. (Related: Best Work Boots for Concrete).
Pros
- Comfort and warmth packed together
- Ultra-light work boots (weighs only 2 pounds).
- Five color options
Cons
- Breathability not at par.
- You may have to order half a size up.
2. Wolverine Floorhand 6″ Steel-Toe Waterproof Work Boots
This Wolverine waterproof work boots are similar to the Timberland model mentioned above but with some distinct qualities. I added this product to the list as an alternative if you are not a fan of Tim’s boots.
This Wolverine work boots come with all the standard features that I look for in waterproof work boots such as full-grain leather, long shaft, rubber outsole, and a lace-up vamp.
The inner lining is made of moisture wicking fabric that keeps your feet warm & dry.
As far as comfort is concerned, its cushioned footbed relieves pressure from your feet. The synthetic midsole disperses the body weight evenly and the rubber outsole ensures traction on both water and oil surfaces.
In general, Wolverine boots are made to provide stability even in the toughest of work environments. You can’t go wrong with Wolverine.
Pros
- Very comfortable even if your work involves a lot of walking
- People with wide feet would love them
- ASTM standards
- Three color options
Cons
- May appear stiff during the first few days.
- The breathability of the pair is not at par.
3. ARIAT Workhog RT Pull-On Waterproof Work Boots
This Ariat waterproof work boots will give you complete freedom to work under any watery conditions. If you are not afraid of going against the norms, let these cowboy boots adore your feet.
The upper is made of full-grain leather that is fully waterproof, the seams are sealed really well, and the shaft is 10” long that leaves no chance for the water to get into the boots. Thus, fully waterproof work boots right out of the box.
The Duratread outsole of the boots serves the needs of both horsemen and heavy duty blue collar workers. It is slip resistant on both oil and water.
I’m impressed by the fact that the boots use EVA midsoles. Such midsoles are used in athletic shoes to make them comfortable. Thus, these waterproof work boots offer an ultimate comfort.
If you wear pull on boots, go for this option. If you don’t but want to try one, let this be your first pull on pair. You will love them.
Pros
- Great fit and comfort
- No break-in period.
- Five color options
Cons
- Might be a little too warm for the hot weather.
- The 8 pound weight may feel heavy to some people.
4. Timberland PRO 6″ Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots
Timberland is my go to brand when I want a pair that is studded with both ruggedness and comfort. With this steel toe waterproof work boots, the brand has served its fans again.
The direct-attach method used for the construction of the boots make them remarkably stable and durable. The stability of the boots increases your performance at work and the durability increases the lifespan of the pair.
The upper is made of full-grain waterproof leather and the inner lining is made of insulated fabrics. This means protection from water from the outside and warmth & comfort from the inside.
One common problem with waterproof work boots is that the water and snow can enter the boots from the top through the shaft opening. Thankfully, that’s not the case with this Timberland boots. The 1.75 inch heel and 6 inch shaft prevent even deep water and snow from entering the boots.
The midsole is made of synthetic material and the outsole is made of rubber. That makes it non-conductor to electricity and slip resistant on both water and oil surfaces. I observed that the outsole holds up well on acidic surfaces too.
The padded foam at the collar and cushioned footbeds make it ultra comfortable to wear. It allows you to work long shifts (upto 12 hours) without feeling the strain.
Finally, the lace up vamp gives a dashing look to the pair and a firm grip to your feet. Even if you tie the laces tightly, the padded tongue ensures your metatarsal doesn’t feel the pinch.
Pros
- You can wear them year around
- Aesthetically pleasing
- ANSI standards
- Five color options
Cons
- The sizing may be an issue with people who have wide feet.
- The steel-toe cap may set off metal detectors.
5. KEEN Utility Men’s Braddock Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots
I generally suggest waterproof work boots that have a high shaft but that’s not the case with these Keen Utility boots. The quality and features of these boots really impressed me. So, I added them to the list.
The boots have all the ingredients of the best waterproof work boots. The highlights include nubuck leather upper, a breathable membrane, and a slip-resistant outsole.
Besides the standard features, the pair is studded with a remarkable comfort and fit. The shape of the left and right boots is asymmetrical. That means the boots wrap around your feet like a second skin, giving you ultimate fit and comfort.
To maximize safety, the outsole extends and wraps up over the steel toe cap offering an extra layer of protection. This unique design also increases the lifespan of the pair.
The work boots are made in the USA. No material is imported from China or so and no work of craftsmanship is outsourced overseas. The boots are made of the finest material by the finest craftsmen in the America. A truly indigenous product.
Pros
- The comfort it provides is ultimate.
- All purpose boots that you can wear to work and to go out.
Cons
- Low shaft makes the boots not so suitable for deep waters.
- Take time to break in.
- Available in single color only.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Work Boots in 2024
1. Waterproof But Breathable Upper
Always choose waterproof work boots made of 100% genuine full grain leather.
The leather upper of the waterproof work boots is covered with compounds. This makes it hard for the water to penetrate through it but so for the air as well. It compromises the breathability of the pair and causes sweaty feet.
But that’s not the case with waterproof work boots made of full-grain leather.
Full grain leather doesn’t lose its breathability when waterproofed. It is capable of repelling the water while allowing the air to circulate through it at the same time.
2. Slip-Resistant Outsole
Wet work environments are full of slippery surfaces. So, the outsole must be made of rubber that has an aggressive tread pattern on it. Such outsoles are slip resistant on both water and oil surfaces. Moreover, such outsoles are non-conductor to electricity as well.
3. High Shaft
No matter how waterproof your work boots are but if the shaft of the boots is not high enough, the water and snow may enter in your pair from the above through shaft opening. 5-6 inch high shaft is enough to do the trick.
4. Insulation
Preventing your feet from water is one thing and keeping them warm is another thing.
Waterproofing depends on the quality of the leather. Whereas, insulation depends on the quality of the inner fabric.
The insulation capacity of a pair is measured in grams. The range varies from 200 gram to 1200 gram.
I recommend a maximum of 400 grams of insulation for an all season pair. Higher to this will often leave your feet damp with sweat, even in cold weathers.
5. Durability
Although work boots are made for heavy duty use but you need extra durability with waterproof work boots.
Constant exposure to water takes an extra toll on your pair. So, it must be extra-tough to withstand the abuse. It all comes down to the quality of the material used by the manufacturer.
As a good rule of thumb, buy a product by a trusted and established brand only.
Benefits of Waterproof Work Boots
- Dry Feet: The biggest of all benefits is that waterproof work boots keep your feet warm and dry. It saves you from the discomfort of working in drenched socks. Moreover, wet feet may lead to issues like cold, flu and fever.
- Dry Boots: It’s a hassle and time taking process to dry wet work boots. With waterproof work boots, you don’t have to wake up knowing that they are not dry yet and not ready to wear for the work.
- Long Lifespan: Water may cause normal boots to crack, shrink, stretch, or even develop some holes into them. Over time, they may become a breeding ground for molds and bacteria. That’s not the case with waterproof work boots.
- Hazard Proof: At workplaces, wet work boots could attract some serious hazards. The scariest of all is an electrocution. Whereas, waterproof work boots are electric hazard proof.
Should You Waterproof Your Work Boots or Buy A Ready One
It’s quite possible to waterproof your work boots at home but I recommend against doing so.
It may save you some money on the pair but you will have to buy some waterproofing compounds. That will eat up the saved amount.
The DIY method also means repeating the process often. Generally, it’s once every couple of months or when the water stops beading on the surface.
On top of that, if you screwed it up, you might ruin a new pair of splendid work boots.
Even if you do a great job at making the surface of your work boots waterproof, sealing the seams is still a challenge. You will have to buy separate seam sealers that will add to the cost.
A better option would be taking the pair to a cobbler- someone who knows what the heck is he doing. It also comes with an added cost.
I don’t mean to scare you but if you are going to end up paying the same amount either way, why not buy waterproof work boots.
IMO, it’s far better to buy a pair that’s waterproof right out of the box than DIY waterproofing. Keep the DIY method for older boots only and here’s a good resource to learn just that.
Understand The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Work Boots
Please don’t fall for the shady advertising. Leather is not a water repellent material. It is made so with some special treatments.
- To make leather water-resistant, a special coating is applied onto it. No special treatment is given to the leather itself.
- To make leather waterproof, a special compound is baked into the leather itself during the manufacturing process.
You can wear a pair of water-resistant work boots out in light rain, light snow, and shallow water. It will repel the occasional splashes of water coming its way but it can’t withstand submerging it into the water.
On the other hand, waterproof work boots are completely capable of preventing the water from penetrating through it, even when dipped into the water.
In short, for general use or for most jobs, a pair of water-resistant work boots will do the trick. But, if you have to deal with heavy water and snow, go for waterproof work boots only.
Before You Go
By now, you may either be leaning towards one or two options in this guide or you are still unsure what waterproof work boots would be the best for your needs.
Based on my research, I’d say Skechers Men’s Verdicts are the clear winner among others. They will protect you from both water and snow, are slip & shock resistant, and can be worn in all seasons.
No matter what option you go with, all the waterproof work boots in this article will withstand the test of time. You can choose any of them based on your individual needs.
