9 Fun and Functional Work Boots for the DIY Gal

 

DIY Guys here. We realize that not every do-it-yourselfer is a dude. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best work boots aimed at women. Why are work boots important enough to warrant a list of the best? Well, more than just protecting your manicure, a good pair of boots will keep your feet safe from workplace hazards like falling shelves, rusted nails, and slippery floors. You’ve got enough on your plate without also having to worry about an avoidable injury.

We sorted through dozens of brands and styles, scoured the net for reviews from real women, and consulted the ladies in our lives to bring you the top work boots for women. We looked at fit, quality, comfort, and safety features including sole construction and adherence to common workplace standards. We think these boots are the best of the best, the cream of the leather-bound crop if you will.

Without further ado, here are the 9 best damn women’s boots on the market today:

 

1. Timberland PRO Women’s Titan Waterproof Boot (Price: $104.14 to 273.67)

10/10 Damns Given

Do you like dependability? We thought you might. Timberland has made the Pro Titan women’s work boot dependable for women who work as hard as you do. Slip-resistant and waterproof, this full-grain leather boot is still somehow lightweight and surprisingly stylish. Featuring a steel toe, electrical hazard protection, and an adaptive comfort foot bed, the Titan is the boot to beat all boots and even comes with a 30-day comfort guarantee.

We love it for its functionality and TheHiFashionSite.com features the Titan because of this boot’s extra cushioning. Making the top of our list wasn’t a fluke. The Titan has been proudly listed in MyWorkWear.org, AboutBoot.com, ComfortingFootwear.com, and ShoesCast.com. Each of these reviews cite comfort and durability.

Bottom Line: Women’s feet are different than men’s. It’s biology. And since it’s cheaper to buy boots made for women than invest in radical surgery just to fit into a men’s boot, we’d say give these a go instead. You – and your feet – will thank us later.

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2. KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot (Price: $150)

10/10 Damns Given

The KEEN Women’s Detroit work boot is both breathable and waterproof and works well in indoor and outdoor environments. Its asymmetrical toe design enhances comfort and protection. The Detroit features a specially designed internal arch support mechanism and is resistant to slips on oil and wet surfaces. KEEN Detroit boots are built of top-quality leather and can stand up to everyday wear and tear. They are cleanable using a leather cleaning product found at any shoe retailer.

The Women’s Detroit steel toe work boots by KEEN are the perfect size and fit for a woman’s foot, measuring 5.25” from the arch, according to TheHiFashionSite.com. MyWorkWear.org reports the Detroit line stands up well and provides great traction even in heavy rain. ShoesCast.com and WorkBootsReview.com also rated the Detroit among the best of the best.

Bottom Line: The Detroit and Timberland’s Pro Titan were almost tied for the number one spot, with the Titan only edging out the Detroit by a slight margin. Given the choice between the two, you can’t go wrong with either. They are comparable in both features and price so choose whichever boot’s style you like the best.

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3. Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot (Price: $59.09)

9/10 Damns Given

There is nothing sketchy about Skechers brand work boots and the Workshire-Peril is the least sketchy of them all. With a 5” shaft, these ankle-height leather work boots are both stylish and protective. Designed for a woman’s narrow foot, the Workshire-Peril features a shock-absorbing midsole and a gel-infused insole. If we could get our big ol’ feet in them, we’d probably rock these boots ourselves. Rubber traction and reinforced seams makes this boot a top choice among women workers on a budget.

While these boots are functional in rough situations, ComfortingFootwear.com called them out for their stylish stitching and embossed Skechers logo (because, everyone needs to know you didn’t buy off-brand work boots). TheHiFashionSite.com claims these work boots fare well outdoors and WorkBootsReview.com just likes that they grip the floor, which is kind of important when you work in a factory or lab.

Bottom Line: Just buy the damn boots. Really. For this price, you can’t go wrong.

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4. Caterpillar Women’s Carlie Steel Toe Boots (Price: $82.65 – $125.95)

8/10 Damns Given

Caterpillar work boots are as tough as the eponymous machinery the brand represents. With a rubber sole and steel toe, the Carlie will protect your dainty digits from everything the worksite can throw at you and then some. Perfect for factory work, the Carlie by Caterpillar features heavy-duty D-ring lacing hardware and double stitching for maximum durability. Protects against 600 volts in dry conditions and keeps your feet from getting soggy when your workplace is damp and dusty. For you self-conscious ladies out there, the Carlie also boasts Caterpillar’s OrthoLite odor-blocking cushion system.

AboutBoot.com loves the stylish chocolate color and contrasting trim; ShoesCast.com was impressed by the Carlie’s orthotic support and overall comfort. When you want exceptional safety, WorkBootsReview.com claims the Carlie provides just that.

Bottom Line: If you’d rather not catch a whiff of your long work day when you take off your boots, then the Carlie is your best bet. They’re fairy affordable and come with some great features that justify the slightly higher cost than others on the list.

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5. Timberland Women’s 6″ Premium Boots (Price: $145.55)

7/10 Damns Given

Fashion meets functionality in Timberland’s 6” premium boots. Available in nearly a dozen color-coordinating hues, these synthetic sole, full-leather boots can easily go from assembly-line to trailhead and everywhere in between. Rustproof eyelets and superior clean-ability make these premium boots by Timberland a no-brainer for women who want to look good no matter where their feet may take them.

TheHiFashionSite.com calls these ankle-length work boots uber feminine while WorkBootCritic.com points out that Timberland’s women’s boots are every bit as rugged as their men’s line. ShoesCast.com loves the boots but says they might not be the best pick when you need a steel toe for safety reasons.

Bottom Line: The lack of a steel toe scoots these boots down a few notches but the wide array of color choices makes them ideal when you have a uniform to match. They come complete with all the reliability you’ve come to expect from Timberland – that’s why we give a damn about these women’s work boots. 

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6. Keen Utility Women’s Flint Low Work Boots (Price: $98.93)

6/10 Damns Given

At first glance, these work shoes by KEEN look like plain old sneakers. But, thankfully for your feet, they are anything but. With a removable and anatomically-correct EVA footbed and torsion stability shank for mid-foot/arch support, these work shoes are comfortable and will keep you on your toes sunup to sundown. Available in sizes five through 11, these steel-toe work shoes meet ASTM F2412 – 11 standards. The non-marking rubber outsole is slip resistant and the interior is made of a moisture-wicking fabric that will keep your feet high and dry.

AboutBoot.com notes that the shoes offer the protection of a work boots but were designed specifically for comfort. ShoesCast.com cites fit and durability above style, the latter of which the Flint has in droves.

Bottom Line: You don’t like boring work boots, okay. You can still protect your feet without sacrificing your sense of style. At about $100, the KEEN aren’t cheap but their price is more than justified when you consider that KEEN uses only top-quality leather and non-slip materials. 

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7. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Work Boot (Price: $73.95)

5/10 Damns Given

Yeah, we know, these workbooks were built for men. But that does not mean that women can’t wear them, too. Caterpillar Second Shift steel-toe work boots are built for one thing and one thing only: hard work. Its classic style is steeped in comfort and durability. When you think of everything a workbook needs, the Caterpillar Second Shift ticks off each box. Steel toe – check. Breathable – check. Supportive steel shank – check.

When you want a waterproof boot, WorkBootCritic.com says these are the best. MorningChores.com notes they even expel sweat, keeping your feet dry from the inside out.

Bottom Line: It’s okay to wear men’s boots, no matter what your style-loving sisters say.

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8. Caterpillar Women’s Echo WP Steel Toe Work Boot (Price: $150.00)

5/10 Damns Given

We’re not saying that women can’t work without boots but when you have options like the Echo, why would you want to? This boot wears like a fashion piece and is available in colors that would look at home on date night. But a fashion piece it’s not. The Caterpillar Echo was built to withstand tough jobs and doesn’t buckle under pressure, kind of like you. Its foam foot bed makes it comfortable while ERGO Technology gives it flexibility while remaining durable.

If chaotic work conditions are your thing, ComfortingFootwear.com claims these boots are the right choice for you. TheHiFashionSite.com rated the Echo highly for leather construction and waterproof design.

Bottom Line: For $150, you’re getting two boots in one: a work boot and a weekend boot that you can both stand in all day and hit the trail without worrying about slipping on wet or oily surfaces. These are the least traditional-looking work boots on the list and were made for a woman’s narrow foot.

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9. Wolverine Women’s Harrison Safety Boot (Price: $101.97)

5/10 Damns Given

This basic work boot has everything you need for protection but lacks in the style department. However, if your goals include not wearing down by lunch and keeping your feet from being crushed, then here ya go. Less expensive than most quality work boots, the Harrison is an unquestionable value. It’s got a removable polyurethane footbed and mesh lining, meets safety standards (when optional steel toe is chosen), and, perhaps most importantly, is lightweight.

Work in an industrial environment? MorningChores.com claims these are the boot for you and even says they conform to the shape of your foot. That’s kind of important if you want to not hurt at the end of the day. ShoesCast.com says they may be a bit masculine, but really, who the hell cares as long as they fit and perform like a boot should?

Bottom Line: At $100, these boots are perfect for working in a warehouse, factory, or stock room. They aren’t pretty but they don’t have to be. Wolverine’s reputation for safety-based boots makes these a good fit for any foot.

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