Best Shoes & Best Insoles
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots [BEST Work Boots]
Do you want the best men’s work boots? We show the BEST Podiatrist recommended men’s work boots: Cowboy boots, Leather Boots & Steel Boots!
Look!
- The BEST work boots need to protect and be comfortable.
- We review work boots recommended by podiatrists.
- We then show the best work boot orthotics to use with your boot.
So Let’s GO!
Table of Contents
What Makes a Good Work Boot:
Protection is priority #1 but comfort is #1B
We go over our favorite work boots for foot pain!
Podiatrist Recommended Criteria:
- Durable outsole to have great grip and provide the best traction.
- Slip resistance for wet conditions.
- Seam sealed waterproof construction.
- Padded tongue and collars.
- Room for a removable pre-made or EVA orthotic.
- Firm shank embedded in the midsole with possible rocker bottom for walking.
Podiatrist Recommended Criteria:
Comfortable Boots:
With a strong outsole it will take more pressure off of your foot.
It must have room for a strong insole within the shoe to take pressure off of the foot.
Protection:
- Any podiatrist recommended boot must need a great sense of protection to your toes and ankles.
- We look at taller boots that protect your ankle from rolling or spraining.
- We also look at protection on your toes to prevent them from being crushed.
Durability:
- We want to focus on picking a shoe that will last.
- All of the shoes that we reviewed last for a reasonable period of time, especially relative to the cost.
How to Choose a Work Boot by Foot Type:
The APMA gives a criteria for choosing a work boot based on foot type:
High Arch Foot Type:
With a high arch foot type (Supinated Foot), a shoe that is more focused on flexibility and cushion can be best.
This is because a high arched or supinated foot cannot compensate for impact as well.
A Flat Foot Type:
A flat foot type (Over Pronation Foot) is almost too good at flattening out. This means the arch and the inside of the ankle are stretched and overworked.
This type of foot would benefit most from support and correction.
A taller boot with a stronger insole and shoe would work best in this case.
A Neutral Foot Type:
This type of foot would benefit most from both support and cushion.
Luckily most new good shoe types can allow for this!
The Best Work Boots Recommended By Podiatrists:
Below we go over the best work boots recommended by podiatrists.Â
Let us know if you have any other recommendations.
Best Work Boots:
- These are our favorite podiatrist recommended work boots!
- We always recommend routinely treating these with oil so that they are more water resistant, last longer and stay higher quality longer!
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots
Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Wolverine Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Work Boot
ARIAT mens Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot
Our Favorite Work Boot Oil!
Thumbnail:
Price:
Price not available
$57.00
$295.00
$149.95
$17.99
Title:
Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5
Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6″ Waterproof Boot, Dark Brown, 9 M US
Thorogood 1957 Series 8” Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots for Men – Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Heel Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Crazy Horse – 9.5 2E
ARIAT BMVY9 Mens Groundbreaker Work Boot Brown 10.5 Wide
Huberd’s Shoe Grease (7.5oz) – Leather conditioner and waterproofer since 1921. Waterproofs, softens and conditions boots, shoes, bags, belts, jackets, car seats, gloves, furniture, saddles and tack.
Overview:
These are excellent overall steel toe work boots. The secret is to combine these with a good supportive orthotic such as the ones found below.
These are a very reasonably priced high quality work boot. We find that the real key is having an orthotic with some cushion that can be swapped out after 3-6 months at a time.
Great boot, made in the USA. Even though waterproof it can help to oil the outside to make them more durable.
Great Cowboy Style Workboot. The oil can help add durability. Because there are no laces, make sure it is not too tight to add a replaceable orthotic.
It can help waterproof your boots, as well as restore the leather making it softer and crack less. This can help revitalize and make your boots last longer!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Shoe Stores (Affiliate Link):
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots
Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Thumbnail:
Price:
Price not available
Title:
Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5
Overview:
These are excellent overall steel toe work boots. The secret is to combine these with a good supportive orthotic such as the ones found below.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Shoe Stores (Affiliate Link):
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots
Wolverine Men’s Soft Toe Work Boots
Thumbnail:
Price:
$57.00
Title:
Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6″ Waterproof Boot, Dark Brown, 9 M US
Overview:
These are a very reasonably priced high quality work boot. We find that the real key is having an orthotic with some cushion that can be swapped out after 3-6 months at a time.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Shoe Stores (Affiliate Link):
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Work Boot
Thumbnail:
Price:
$295.00
Title:
Thorogood 1957 Series 8” Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots for Men – Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Heel Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Crazy Horse – 9.5 2E
Overview:
Great boot, made in the USA. Even though waterproof it can help to oil the outside to make them more durable.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Shoe Stores (Affiliate Link):
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots
ARIAT mens Ariat Groundbreaker Round Toe Work Boot
Thumbnail:
Price:
$149.95
Title:
ARIAT BMVY9 Mens Groundbreaker Work Boot Brown 10.5 Wide
Overview:
Great Cowboy Style Workboot. The oil can help add durability. Because there are no laces, make sure it is not too tight to add a replaceable orthotic.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Shoe Stores (Affiliate Link):
Podiatrist Recommended Work Boots
Our Favorite Work Boot Oil!
Thumbnail:
Price:
$17.99
Title:
Huberd’s Shoe Grease (7.5oz) – Leather conditioner and waterproofer since 1921. Waterproofs, softens and conditions boots, shoes, bags, belts, jackets, car seats, gloves, furniture, saddles and tack.
Overview:
It can help waterproof your boots, as well as restore the leather making it softer and crack less. This can help revitalize and make your boots last longer!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Shoe Stores (Affiliate Link):
Do you need an expensive work boot?
- In our opinion the more expensive boots can be really good, but if you don’t have the budget start with an over the counter orthotic and a lower cost boot first.
- Prioritize getting used to an orthotic in a boot rather than just getting an expensive boot without an orthotic.
Work Boot Oil:
- WATERPROOFS: Protects your leather from water damage and keeps your feet dry.
- SOFTENS: Restores old leather to a soft, supple condition and keeps it pliable.
- CONDITIONS: Revitalizes and replenishes essential oils to help prevent drying.
Podiatrist Recommended Orthotic Insoles for Work Boots:
- The outside of a work boot has to be tough. This means that the boot can be rigid.
- One easy way to get more life out of your work boots is to get a removable pre-made orthotic insole.
- We go over our favorite podiatrist recommended orthotic insoles for work boots.
- Sometimes this can make a huge difference for a boot that is just not providing the comfort that you are looking for.
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$40.46
Price not available
Price not available
$59.00
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
$40.46
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$59.00
Overview:
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Work Boot Anti-Sweat Socks:
If you have a work boot, consider getting the best work boot socks.
We go over some of our favorite anti-sweat socks.
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Shoes & Best Insoles