If you work for a construction company or any other industry that deals with heavy equipment, lethal fluids, or harsh conditions, you need safety gear. When you talk about safety gadgets, people start to think about helmets, reflector clothes, and aprons. What about shoes, huh?
Every industry has specific breathable footwear. Those in white-collar jobs need formal shoes that match well with formal attire. Sneakers are for those sportsmen and sports ladies. Work boots, on the other hand, are for those who work in harsh conditions.
The best hot weather work boots provide maximum protection, comfort, and support. Unlike regular shoes, work boots offer things like toe protection, super thick upper, and maximum stability. Most of them can prevent water seepage as well.
There is a shitstorm of work boots out there; some are genuine, and others are downright crappy. There are also plenty of imitations. The worst thing about these is that they look so good yet they are far from the real deal. This explains why you need to keen while shopping for works boots.
In this review, you will find a list of the work boots money can buy and the best way to go about the shopping process. Out of all the boots, the one that stands out the most is KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot.
Best Hot Weather Work Boots
Here is the quick list of best hot weather work boots you might want to check out:
| Name | Made of | Price |
|---|---|---|
| KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot | Leather, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Wolverine Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot | Leather and Textile, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot | Leather, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker Steel-Toe Work Boot | Leather and Fabric, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ MAXwear Wedge Moc Toe Boot | Leather, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot | Leather, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot | Leather, Synthetic Sole | See On Amazon |
Want to know more? Keep scrolling for detailed reviews
1. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot
Do you want to live a fulfilling life? KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot could help you on that journey. This boot makes you invincible to both known and unknown workplaces and outdoor terrors that can cripple your feet.
So much has gone into making KEEN Utility Work Boot a top choice for those scouting for hot weather boots. The top sports a sturdy leather intertwined with small, meshed fabrics for adequate ventilation. The laces are widely spaced to contribute to breathability.
Now let’s talk about safety and protection. This shoe toe box is spacious, so your feet get to flex a little after a tough time. The toe end is reinforced to minimize the impact in case something falls on your feet. The heel is also designed in such a way that it hugs you properly.
Regarding comfort, this shoe’s padded tongue and collar, metatomical footbed and the dual-density midsole promote a soothing feeling.
Top Features:
The overarching features of this shoe include:
- Full blast leather
- Ankle-cut design
- Breathable mesh panels
- Padded tongue and collar
- Non-marking rubber sole
- Dual-density midsole
PROS:
- Adequately comfortable
- A top-quality outsole that guarantees maximum stability
- A classic design that is worth showing off
- Roomier toe box for toe movement
- Premium quality insoles
CONS:
- Limited color choices
- Could be a little costly for some people
Sometimes work boots can look weird simply because they are utility gear. But if you want something that offers comfort and protection without sacrificing good looks, go for KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot.
2. Wolverine Men’s Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Wolverine Overpass 6″ Composite exudes so much charm. For young people or those who are still young at heart, this shoe can give you that pleasurable feeling you get while drinking your favorite coffee. The orange streaks popping up all over are a joy to look at.
Stylish design and good looks aside; this shoe was built with an industrial worker in mind. You will love the comfort delivered by the thick and plush collar and tongue.
That luxurious feeling is taken a notch higher by the thick midsole and contour technologies that make the shoe conform to your leg as you walk.
Overpass 6″ Composite is entirely waterproof and bears a rugged outsole with heavy treads for better traction. With replaceable ortholites, you can plug in advanced custom varieties that suit your needs.
Top Features:
Here are the top specifications for this boot:
- Spaced out laces
- Rubber sole
- Contour Welt construction
- Waterproof leather
- Removable ortholite footbed
PROS:
- Extremely flexible
- Premium waterproof leather
- A top-quality outsole that makes the shoe slip, water, abrasion, oil, and chemical resistant
- Ample comfort for all-day wearing
- Superior craftsmanship
CONS:
- Very few color options available
- Lack of a steel toe end
If you crave for a work boot with superior craftsmanship, try Overpass 6″ Composite. While it lacks a steel toe end, it’s comfortable and resistant to some of the common workplace problems like chemical spills, wet floors, and abrasions.
3. Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
If you love elegant designs and radiant colors, Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 may sit a little lower on your list. However, if you are after something rugged, durable and tremendously versatile, this kick is going to top your list of the best boots for hot weather.
First, let’s deconstruct its structure, so you know what it’s made up of. The top features full-grain leather with waterproof ability. Given leather can impair air ventilation, the laces are a bit far from each other and come with eyelets to promote air circulation.
The collar, tongue, and interior of the shoes are generously padded to offer some peace of mind during long working hours. It further includes EVA midsoles and ortholite footbed to serve the same purpose-taking comfort to high levels.
The most outstanding feature of this shoe is the Carhartt Rugged Flex technology. This tech makes the shoe conform to your leg as you work, squat or do whatever it is you do at work. This is a nice feature as it prevents the shoe from holding you back.
Top Features:
- Leather overlays
- Unique rugged flex from Carhartt
- Rubber outsole
- EVA midsole and ortholite footbed
- Lace-up design
PROS:
- Comes with top-level flexibility that allows it to conform to your feet as you walk
- Durable and versatile and thus suitable for any industry or outdoor activity
- Generously padded for extreme comfort
- Full-grain leather makes it impervious to water and chemical spills
- Lightweight design
CONS:
- Very few color options available
- No steel toe
You may have seen Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 on many people’s feet, and it’s for a reason. This is durable, lightweight minimalist and versatile. You can leave the company doors and head out into the streets for a stroll, and no one will tell you are wearing a work boot.
If you work at the correctional department, you can check this review.
4. Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker Steel-Toe Work Boot
Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker is a perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts and those that work in the construction and manufacturing industries — having a steel toe to the front guarantees maximum protection.
Many people dislike boots made from pure leather or fabric because they tend to sacrifice either quality or breathability. However, boots that happen to combine both leather and fabric are a gem. Why? Because they do not sacrifice a lot of durability and breathability.
Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker is one such shoe that features both of the said materials. This shoe can sustain extreme temperatures up to 346 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the comfort-enhancing factors include a roomier toe region, excellent padding and ortholite footbed.
The presence of anti-microbial lining can keep odor and micro-organism at bay thus helping those with sweaty feet worry less about dealing with fungal feet.
Top Features:
- A mixture of leather and fabric
- Steel toe
- Waterproof and heat resistant
- Lace-up design
- Rubber outsole
PROS:
- Roomier toe box
- Waterproof but still breathable
- Sufficiently comfortable
- Heat and abrasion-resistant to a greater extent
- Flexible
- Fairly cheap
CONS:
- Flimsy quality lace straps
- Could use more color options
Out of many stylish boots, very few can be as cheap as Timberland PRO Men’s. So basically this boot is what you would go for when you want things like comfort and safety. However, a large number of user reviews lament about its weak quality lace straps.
5. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ MAXwear Wedge Moc Toe Boot
Are you a man of taste? If you are, then you probably know about moccasins. These are the most elegant breed of shoes whose history goes way back to the 17th century. Their craftsmanship is nothing to be compared with modern designs.
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc bears the softest leather you can ever imagine. Every part from the outsole, footbed to the toe box feature a supreme technology.
For instance, the polyurethane Maxwear Wedge outsole is flexible and absorbs shock in a way that rubber soles can only dream about.
The collar and the tongue may not be as flashy as those you’ve seen in other pairs but are super soft. Thanks to Poron cushion insole, you can keep your feet in this boot for many hours without feeling uncomfortable.
Top Features:
- 100% genuine leather
- Maxwear Wedge sole
- Goodyear welt construction
- Removable footbed
- Fiberglass shank
- Rubber midsole
- Metatarsal guards
PROS:
- Incomparable comfort levels
- Superb shock absorption
- Resistant to electric shock
- several options to choose from
- totally flexible
CONS:
- The only issue with this shoe is that it costs quite a lot. But good things come at a price, don’t you agree?
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Mocs aren’t cheap but undoubtedly worth every penny spent. They are sturdy and versatile to take you to work and all other outdoor functions. Linemen, manufacturers, carpenters, construction workers, assemblers and many other factory workers will find these shoes to be of so much value.
6. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot
Mocs are so expensive, and it might be understood if you can’t afford one. However, that does not mean all is lost. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ slightly resembles a moc and is reasonably priced. The top overlay is made from deerskin and thus soft.
Linesmen or those who work in places where power cable runs all over the ground can benefit from its electrical hazard protective outsole. The sole can also withstand high temperatures of up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
That not all; Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ sports is an aluminum metal at the toe region that keeps your toes safe from heavy falling objects. The tiny pull tab at the heel may look pointless, but it can help you put on the boot without too much hassle.
Top Features:
- rubber outsole
- 100% leather
- Lace-up design
- The wider aluminum toe box
- Molded heel counter
- Heat-resistant outsole
- Pull tab
PROS:
- Durably built
- Protects against heat and electrical hazards
- Flexible outsole
- Good traction on concrete floors
- Lightweight and comfortable
CONS:
- Comes in a few colors
- Not a classic design
Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ is a favorably rated boot on Amazon and other shoes platforms. It stands as a reliable choice for construction and manufacturing workers who need protection against electrical hazards and heat.
7. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot
Hello Moc lovers. Here is another offering that you may be interested in. It is made up of genuine leather that is water, stain and perspiration proof. The insole too is made from leather and therefore can stay long without losing its sponginess.
Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc pops around with a rubber sole that happens to include a few synthetic elements thus giving the maximum wearer flexibility. And thanks to the Goodyear welt construction, this boot exudes strength and durability that most boots in this review lack.
This handsome boot has a lovely design that also happens to promote air circulation and it goods under hot temperatures. This makes it one of the best summer work boots worth checking out. There are multiple color options to choose from by the way.
Top Features:
- 100% leather
- Rubber sole
- Triple stitching
- Goodyear welt construction
- Leather insole
- Several color options
PROS:
- Resistant to stain and perspiration
- Top-level craftsmanship
- Partially waterproof
- A smashing design worth showing off
- fairly comfortable
CONS:
- It does cost a lot
- It doesn’t fit as expected. You may want to order a half size smaller than your usual size
Red Wing Heritage Men’s is an old school shoe that is handmade through top craftsmanship.
They are not supremely comfortable but do hold themselves well in hot and severe conditions. You can boost comfort by replacing the leather insoles and wearing socks.
Factors to Consider While Buying Hot Weather Work Boots for Summer
You don’t go picking the first pair of shoes that you see on the shelves (both offline and online). You have to check some things out first. For instance, is the shoe genuine? Is it reasonably priced? Can stand the test of time?
If you are about to shop summer boots for the first time, here is a comprehensive list of all the things you need to consider:
Material
Boots are usually made from leather, PVC, nylon, and a few other fabrics. Some do combine several of the mentioned materials. Unless you are super green about boots, we both know leather is fairly breathable than PVC and nylon. It’s also far more durable than the rest.
However, sturdy leather can be a pain in the ass (pardon the French) especially for those with delicate feet or foot conditions. So what’s the way out? You need to look for the middle ground, i.e. those boots that sport a combination of leather and fabric.
Sole Quality
When dealing with work boots, you cannot afford to ignore the sole type. The sole provides underfoot protection and proper traction. So if you work in a construction company or one that deals with slippery fluids, you need to double-check the sole quality.
Rubber is usually ideal in many scenarios as it offers easy to bounce back and better traction. Since the sole height is subjective, go with what works for you.
Comfort
Yes, discomfort is real. A significant number of people have bought shoes only to realize they lack the essential element-comfort. Here is the thing; no matter how expensive a shoe is, it would not be valuable if it doesn’t offer supreme comfort.
Okay, it’s not like we expect work boots for summer to offer a massaging level of comfort like sneakers, but it should be something peaceful. Besides the inclusion of plush material, a comfortable shoe needs to include adequate air pockets that let in air to prevent heat accumulation.
Other things that improve comfort in a work boot include flexible soles, waterproof ability, good quality insoles, and spacious interior.
Support and Protection
The most important type of support we can expect in a shoe is the arch. If you overpronate or underpronate, you might want to check for a boot that serves that unique condition. If you face the arch problem, you can try with arch support boots.
As for protection, you need to look for a shoe that can withstand chemical spills and bears a sole that can bar penetration of nails, glasses and other sharp items. For construction workers, a steel toe shoe is just a must-have.
Fit
There are several ways things can go if you buy a shoe that doesn’t fit properly. If a shoe is too big, it could fall off right in the middle of industrial operation and leave you vulnerable.
Now, if you go for a smaller pain, you will sustain feet injuries and other conditions such as painful ingrown nails, progressive bunions, corns, and calluses.
So when you buy work boots for hot weather, try to be exact with your measurements. Here is a little advice for those who count on a shoe to break in the material matters.
Soft, supple leather has a short break-in period. Full blast leather, on the other hand, is stubborn and might not expand to create extra space. If you find yourself unable to tell if a shoe has a problem fitting well, read customer reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best way to learn about anything whether it’s an electronic or a shoe is via FAQs. There are questions posed by previous users in a pickle and therefore could come in handy for you. Here are a few frequently asked questions about hot weather work boots and their answers:
Q: What factors determine comfort in work boots?
A: If you have feet condition and therefore particular about comfort, look for things like padded tongue and collar, flexible soles, technologically enhanced insoles (mostly EVA), and lighter fabrics/leather.
Q: How do I know if a boot suits my occupation?
A: Well, any superbly made boot can handle a streak of workplace challenges. However, you could narrow down your options by going for the ones with unique features that address various issues.
For instance, if you are a welder or work next to hot/burning substances, look for a shoe with metatarsal guards. Firefighters boots come with fireproof Kevlar material white construction boots sport a steel toe end. You can also check out the top ruck marching boots.
Q: What’s the ideal break-in period for work boots?
A: Work boots take approximate 3 to 5 weeks to expand and conform to your feet’s shape. However, those with tough leather might take forever to break in. Some of the tactics you can use to accelerate this process include the stick treatment, hot water treatment, cold water treatment, and the oily treatment.
Conclusion
It’s time to face the truth in the damn eyes-you can’t make it at work without having the best hot weather work boots. There are dangers all over from heavy equipment falling on your toes to chemical spills on some floors. Check out chemical-resistant boots.
If you can afford to invest a few bucks in work boots, make sure to pay attention to things like the type of lacing, soles, safety, and comfort-enhancing features. Also, before clicking the “add to cart” button, make sure the boot you are about to select is ideal for the kind of job you do.
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Additional Resource:
How to Find a Pair of Work Boots, WikiHow