So your safety shoes are on their last legs and you are about to hit the online shelves for new options. We bet you are out for a pair that offers the best level of safety and comfort.
There’s just one problem; everyone wants to make a sale and no one cares to inform you of what the most comfortable safety shoes look like and how to go about picking the right choice.
Quick fact; only the top brands can perfectly merge safety and comfort without compromising on anything.
Before we roll any further, what exactly defines the comfiest safety shoe? A comfortable safety boot consists of soft leather or fabrics, thick padding on the tongue and collar, midsole cushioning, generous breathability, a flexible outsole, and most certainly, the addition of removable insoles.
s for safety, you need to pay attention to things like HV insulation, composite or steel toe, foot stabilizing steel shanks, and much more. There are very few brands that can deliver that exceptional level of sophistication-Reebok, New Balance, Keen, Skechers, and Timberland. Stick around to see some of the joyous options we have listed.
In case you are out of time, check out our top recommendation; Reebok Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe. This is comfortable, lightweight, and has steel toe protection. Believe it when we say not many shoes can merge all those features without compromising on something else.
Word of advice, sometimes it takes trial and error to find a well-cushioned shoe that suits your needs. Otherwise, let’s check out some worthy options.
Most Comfortable Safety Shoes of 2021 Reviewed
| Name | Made of | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Reebok Work Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe | 100% Mesh, Synthetic Sole | See On Amazon |
| Timberland PRO Men's Powertrain Sport Alloy-Toe EH Industrial & Construction Shoe | 100% Rip Stop Nylon, Synthetic Sole | See On Amazon |
| KEEN Utility Men's Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe | Leather and mesh, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| Skechers for Work 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe work sneaker | Suede/Mesh, Synthetic Sole | See On Amazon |
| Skechers for Work Men's Hartan Steel Toe Slip-On Shoe | Leather, Rubber Sole | See On Amazon |
| New Balance Men's 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe | Textile, Synthetic Sole | See On Amazon |
| Timberland PRO Men's Powertrain Sport Mid Alloy Toe EH Industrial & Construction Shoe | 100% Nylon, Synthetic Sole | See On Amazon |
Whether you stand or sit all day or deal with stressful industrial and other outdoor jobs, there’s going to be something for you. Here’s a showdown of the most comfortable safety shoes we are thrilled to recommend:
1. Reebok Work Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe
Meet Reebok Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe; the one sneaker designed for a hard-working individual but with the comfort of an athlete. So as you can guess, this kick has the best casual looks for work and play.
The core material is mesh fabrics with supportive pads that, together with the lacing, help you to achieve the best fit. Courtesy of the vast meshed fabric, this sneaker delivers optimum circulation for those who suffer from extreme sweating.
Here is the interesting part (and the reason this shoe score’s tons of good reviews); Reebok Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe sports a lot of premium tech. You get foot-flex grooves for proper mobility. This works hand in hand with the contoured design for proper gait and support.
To cater for comfort, there is a Memory Tech Massage and a Sublite foam to soothe your feet even when things get harder at work. For improved workplace safety, this low-cut sneaker adds in a lightweight alloy safety toe for impact protection.
Dominant features
- 100% mesh
- Foot-flex grooves
- Low-cut design
- Memory Tech massage foot-bed
- Sublite foam midsole
- Alloy safety toe
- Electrical hazard protection
PROS:
- Immersive comfort
- Favorable pricing
- Supremely breathable
- A fashionable low-cut design
- Sufficient toe protection
- Adds spring to your steps
- Fits as expected
- Super lightweight
CONS:
- Not waterproof
- The insoles breakdown fast
Reebok Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe fully caters to comfort, safety, and gait stability. All this happens in a lightweight breathable environment. It should be obvious that this shoe aims at bringing some peace of mind even when work gets hard. It pops in a wide price range so you can spend comfortably.
2. Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Industrial & Construction Shoe
Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain is an all-round low profile shoe made for home, gym, work, and any other outdoor event. It boasts of a work-ready nylon topping with breathable sections that allow airflow. Thanks to the nylon uppers, you get a bit of protection in the rain.
Since the shoe’s main objective is to offer safety in a comfortable package, it bears an alloy toe component. This is definitely not the best-in-class like steel but it is better than composite types. On top of that, it meets ASTM F2892-11 and ASTM F2412-11 electrical hazards standards.
The shoe does pack an impressive outsole with built-in anti-fatigue technology and a super-grippy bottom. So yes, you get both great traction and energy return. This also means you might not need insoles unless you have a unique arch type.
Dominant features
- Material: 100% ripstop nylon
- Synthetic outsole
- Alloy toe
- Low-profile design
- Anti-fatigue technology
PROS:
- The athletic styling gives it a modern appeal
- Breathable mesh linings for sufficient air circulation
- Comfortable and durable
- Quite a lightweight package
- Reliable traction
CONS:
- There are no serious issues worth reporting
Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain packs some seriously solid technology from anti-fatigue technology, alloy toe protection to work-ready nylon uppers. Most reviewers felt its quality does match other respectable candidates like Maelstrom, Wolverine, Red Wing…you know the drill. The boot has a really wide price range which makes it possible to afford the quality you want.
3. KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe
KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe is another hybrid work shoe that deserves an up top. So good –looking and versatile is this low-cut boot that it can get you to your job and later on to a date or a drink with the boys.
This super-hero boot bears a classic leather top with meshed fabrics for ventilation. You have a quick lacing that lets you get the shoe ready for the trails in a blink. There are two pull tabs to help you get in without destroying the nice structure of the boot. The upper is both water and stain-resistant.
The safety features of KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe comes from the extremely knobby outsole, steel toe, and the tough leather upper. The outsole is also oil and slip-resistant.
We noticed that many people spend many days in this shoe and are using it for casual walks despite having a steel toe. You must be wondering; doesn’t it hurt? Well, unlike conventional boots, Keen Utility has a unique anatomically designed steel toe that leaves plenty of room for toe movement and comfort.
The footbed is also anatomically engineered to provide the right arch support by following your feet’s contours. Comfort-wise, this shoe is thickly padded, has an EVA molded midsole and a removable dual-density EVA footbed. These features improve comfort so that the only time you pay attention to your feet is to adore the shoes-not because of pain.
Dominant features
- Nubuck leather upper
- Dual pull tabs
- Speed lacing
- Trendy, low-cut design
- Rubber outsole
- EVA midsole and footbed
PROS:
- Enhanced breathability
- Quick-lacing that allows easy on and off
- Lightweight and durable
- Offers protection against electrical hazards
- Affordable pricing
CONS:
- The original insole gets compressed a little faster
- Some reviewers said they could not get the lace to be tight enough
On all the websites we visited while doing research, we noted that KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe has over 90% approval rating. People love this shoe because the styling is downright amazing and so is its quality. Even better, the pricing is favorable so you don’t have to spend more than is necessary.
4. Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe work sneaker
Like Red Wing, Keen, CAT, and other reputable brands out there, Skechers to don’t disappoint. In fact, many people looking for the most comfortable steel toe shoes look to them. One of their recent offers is Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe work Sneaker.
This pair is made for safety purposes but in a lightweight design. This allows you to do more with it than you would with an ordinary work boot. Its rock-hard performance comes from the suede top and the rubber outsole. The stitching holding them together is impeccable.
The shoe is so visually pleasing you will not believe it has a steel toe. To give your feet a happy time, the interior is roomier enough. On top of that, it is generously padded, and lined with a memory foam footbed for a plush feel.
Those with crooked feet or weird arch should not worry as the contoured design takes the shape of your feet.
Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe work sneaker has been tested and certified to be effective in protecting one against impact and compression. Furthermore, it also meets the set standards for protection against electrical hazards. If you want to read more Skechers shoes, check out the Skechers walking shoes here.
Dominant features
- A mix of suede and mesh
- Synthetic sole
- Memory foam
- Steel toe
- Relaxed Fit design
- Fabric lining
- Memory foam insole
PROS:
- Fits as expected
- Extremely durable yet comfy
- Protects against many incidences from electrical to impact
- Visually pleasing
- Can be purchased in affordable packages
CONS:
- The quality of the removable insole is wanting
If you really crave comfort, have Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe work Sneaker at the top of your list. Coming from a company that has met the demands of athletes worldwide, this work sneaker is the real deal. This explains why it’s got a glamorous rating on Amazon and other online marketplaces.
5. Skechers for Work Men’s Hartan Steel Toe Slip-On Shoe
Skechers for Work Men’s Hartan is one hell of a slip-on made of leather upper and stretchable gore panels for easy on and off. A soft textile lining is added for breathability in hot surroundings.
Most importantly, this safety shoe comes with Skechers’ proprietary Relaxed Fit technology. The tech provides a very comfortable feet-even for those with unique arch types. For an even more soothing experience, it features a cushioned insole, roomier toe end, and a shock-absorbing midsole. So far, most reviewers admit that it met their comfort needs.
Despite the stylish looks, this is a steel toe rated shoe that offers reliable protection. On top of that, you are assured of electrical hazard protection. For those who work on slippery floors, you’ve got no reason to worry. The outsole is super grippy and flexible so you can move around easily and with confidence.
Dominant features
- Leather-made
- Relaxed Fit design
- Lugged rubber outsole
- Steel toe shoe
- Memory foam
- Gore details
PROS:
- Rock-solid safety against impact and electrical hazard
- Impeccable seamless stitching
- Roomier toe end
- Designed to follow your feet shape for a gentle fit
- Favorable pricing
- Reliable traction
CONS:
- A fairly longer break-in period
- They are a little tighter for those with wider feet
If you fancy a slip-on safety shoe, Skechers for Work Men’s Hartan might please. This is a fully protective shoe that boasts of better comfort, water resistance, and a handsome design. Above all, you get to decide how much you want to spend thanks to a wider price range.
6. New Balance Men’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe
You probably did not know that New Balance makes steel toe shoes. Guess what, they do. And one of those offers is New Balance Men’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe. Not exactly a steel toe but alloy toe is also an ideal option for a lightweight feel.
This shoe’s core purpose is to offer protection in a stylish package. Therefore, you don’t need to spend more on another pair of shoes or carry an extra pair for when you are done with work. Take advantage of the EVA insole and the thick padding to enjoy comfort like no other. This is a shoe that can be worn for an entire day with zero issues.
In order to navigate all kinds of terrain, New Balance Men’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe comes with a slip-resistant outsole. This gives you the confidence to walk on any surface without worrying about slips or falls.
Overall, the quality of this work sneaker is indestructible within the first year of use. With some care, you can get a lot more from it. It is true to size which means no money and time-consuming returns. Black and Grey are the common options available.
Dominant features
- Alloy toe
- Combines textile and synthetic
- Rubber sole
- EVA insert
- Low-top sneaker
- Lace closure
PROS:
- True to size
- Breathable mesh to allow for air circulation
- Tractioned outsole
- Thickly padded for comfort
- A wide price range to meet the needs of all buyers
- Stylish work shoe with alloy toe protection
CONS:
- Quality can vary a bit from one product to another. However, over 85% of customers found them reliable
So many people trust New Balance and if you are one of them, a worthy pair to consider for work is New Balance Men’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe. The design is smashing and already so many previous reviewers have nothing but praises for it. So yeah, it’s totally worth a shot.
Also read: Top mail carriers shoes here.
7. Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe Industrial & Construction Shoe
Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain is made for those who want a fully protective shoe that comes in a sporty silhouette. Yes, Timberland hit that favorite spot for you. Even better, this beast boasts of a durable, water-resistant ripstop nylon upper. A few sections have a lining mesh so it doesn’t feel like you are wearing heat preserving equipment.
Nylon can become so hot for those with already sweaty feet. This shoe takes care of that through an additional layer of antimicrobial protection for odor control. Comfort is key and this shoe gives it to you unmetered thanks to the single-density midsole, anti-fatigue technology and the dual-density PU outsoles. In fact, you get a 30-days comfort guarantee to try the shoe out.
Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain sports a really amazing support and safety system. There is a fiberglass shank to the bottom for flexibility and structural support. On top of that, you get alloy toe protection for your tender feet.
To the bottom of the shoes lies a dual-density outsole with superb traction and energy return reflexes. This means any energy you spend is given right back to your foot so you can walk as many miles as possible.
Dominant features
- 100% nylon
- Mid-cut design
- Lace closure
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Non-metallic shank
- Alloy toe protection
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Heel pull tab
PROS:
- Comes with odor control technology
- Lined with antimicrobial treatment to avert the growth of bacteria
- Fits as expected
- Lightweight performance
- Non-slip outsole
CONS:
- Tailored only for those with normal arch type
For a work shoe, Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain does feel stiff. On top of that, it gives you protection, safety, comfort, and stylish looks without being heavy like other work boots. With proper care, this can last very long. It has thousands of positive reviews on many platforms-Amazon included.
Yippee, the review section is done. You don’t want to miss the next part because it actually guides you on how to make the right choices.
Things To Consider While Looking for The Most Comfortable Safety Shoes
Let’s get something straight; without paying attention to what you are buying or making some efforts to do some research, you’ll be flushing money down the drain. Not every shoe that purports to provide safety and comfort eventually do. Some are cheap knockoffs and others are…well, neither comfortable nor safe.
Here are a few things you need to pay attention to while looking for comfortable, yet protective work shoes:
Level of safety
The level of safety and comfort varies from one pair of shoes to another. This is hugely determined by brand and price. That is why we highly encourage you to be open to the idea of spending just a tiny bit more.
Depending on your workplace, you can choose boots rated as anti-slip, anti-static, waterproof, fire-retardant, etc. the next thing you want to look into in regard to safety is the height. High-rise offers ankle protection while low-cut designs don’t.
Toe safety
There are usually three types of toe protection- steel toe, alloy toe, and composite toe. Toe safety is accorded a lot of weight because it provides superior protection. Unfortunately, it makes shoes heavy. Alloy toe seems to be the perfect solution when you want something that offers lightweight comfort and protection.
Composite toe consists of soft materials like carbon, fiberglass, Kevlar, or plastic. They meet the expected safety standards but cannot be rated to the same level as steel and alloy. Basically, if your work doesn’t involve falling objects or huge machines, then the most comfortable composite toe shoes will surface.
Otherwise, try to pay attention to your workplace conditions before you proceed to the checkout page.
Feedback
When you feel confused about making a shoe choice, the best place to get started is the feedback section. Customer reviews offer great insight into the quality of a shoe. You will basically learn its pros and cons even before you ever use it.
Here is a little eye-opener; Do not pay attention to the five-stars too much. Sometimes brands buy reviews that fool others into thinking a certain shoe is outstanding when it clearly isn’t. Take a look at 4 and 3-stars-that’s where true information lies.
Price
The most comfortable steel toe shoes, particularly the high rise ones cost a lot. Upwards of $150. This is because high-end shoes use the best material that ensures comfort, safety, and even stunning aesthetics. Such shoes will usually sport several safety certifications from impact to electrical hazards.
Cheap shoes, on the other hand, will bear a material that flattens out real quick. On top of that, they might not meet the minimum safety standards required. So when a chance presents itself, try to spend a bit more for quality rather than penny-pinching.
Comfort
Contrary to what people might think, it’s actually easier to tell if a work shoe is comfortable or not without having to wear it. Look for things like a cushioned or memory foam insole, contoured design, relaxed fit technology, EVA details, and breathable fabrics. The quality of the material should be considered too (with an open mind to trade off durability for comfort).
Size
This is another section with contradicting ideals. Some people advise against going for extra-large sizes because such shoes can nasty issues like sprains and fractures. Others advise going half to a whole size up to create more room for toe movement.
So what exactly is the way forward? Well, let the shoe decide. If it is true to size, then it is okay to order in your correct sizing or go at most a half-size up. If that’s not the case and the kick is not true to size, it would be wise to find out from reviews how they went about sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s go through a few FAQs about the most comfortable safety shoes to learn a thing or two.
a) What are the most comfortable safety shoes?
When you are looking for the comfiest safety shoes, stick with the brands that cater mostly to athletes. You’ll thank us later. Offerings from the likes of New Balance, Skechers, Timberland, Keen, and Reebok will do the magic just as long as they feature all the safety requirements.
b) What is the lightest safety shoe?
Getting the lightest yet safest shoe has become a priority for many people. Some of the options that come in truly low weight include Reebok Work Men’s Athletic Oxford Industrial & Construction Shoe, New Balance Men’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe, and KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe.
c) What are the most comfortable steel toe shoes?
There is a long line of comfortable shoes with a steel toe. However, those that stand at the top include Skechers for Work Men’s Hartan, Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe work sneaker, and KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M. These choices are as good as work boots but without the bulky signature.
d) How can I make my steel toe shoe more comfortable?
The first step to ensuring your steel toe shoe remains comfortable is by ordering the right size. Taking some time to break it in can do the magic as well. In case this bridge is already crossed, you can invest in memory foam insoles, use a bandage, or wear thicker socks.
It’s also advised that you stick to a regular maintenance schedule to ensure the steel toe doesn’t become a problem along the way.
Wrap Up
Let’s get some things straight. You know the conditions of your workplace and you definitely have an idea of what shoe you need. Going for the lightweight comfy sneaker guarantees better comfort and breathability. There’s a catch; you don’t get the same level of protection offered by the best steel toe shoes (albeit being heavy).
If you are looking for the most comfortable safety shoes with insane protection, then boots are the way to go-talk of Red Wing, Timberland, Wolverine, etc. Such kicks can be used in concrete, mud, oil spills, and chemical floors without getting compromised.
What we are trying to say here is this; you probably need two types of shoes; those for field days and those for less-dangerous work zones. Pay attention to every bit of info that we have discussed in things to consider so you don’t throw your bucks down the drain on a bad shoe.