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12 Best Pull On Work Boots: These Boots Are Made for Working

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Written by Stephanie S.

Keep aches and pains at bay with top-rated pull-on work boots

You spend a lot of time on your feet at work. They support you (literally) and keep you functioning throughout the day. The right pair of boots (like the aptly-named Ariat Workhog) is vital to your comfort. But, with so many boots out there, of every style and purpose, making a smart purchase can feel overwhelming.

Pull-on boots are convenient, comfortable, and flexible when it comes to workand play, for that matter. Your feet will be thanking you after your first day of work in these great pull-on work boots.

Summary: Top 12 Pull-On Work Boots

Best Pull On Work Boots Distinction Key Features
Ariat Workhog RT Waterproof Composite Toe Boot (Amazon) Best Overall Pull-On Work Boot
  • Waterproof boot
  • Duratread outer sole
  • Composite toe
Redback Men’s Safety Bobcat Steel Toe Leather Work Boot (Amazon) Best Boot Without Laces
  • Anatomic Sole
  • Thick Leather
  • Versatile
Irish Setter Men’s Wellington Work Boot (Amazon) Best Breathable Pull-On Work Boots
  • Breathability at a great price
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Waterproof
Durango Men’s Patriotic Flag Boot (State Line Tack) Best Western Pull-On Work Boots
  • Durango Suspension System
  • Cushioned step
  • Double-stitching
KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Slip-On Boot (Amazon) Best Lightweight Pull-On Work Boots
  • Secure fit
  • Steel Toe boot
  • Traction
Ariat Mens Heritage Roughstock Boot (State Line Tack) Best Boots for Roughnecking
  • Square toe
  • ATS insole
  • Attractive boot
Timberland Men’s Linden Chelsea Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe (Amazon) Best Pull-On Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
  • Breathability
  • Anti-fatigue footbed
  • Competitive price
Caterpillar Men’s Timber Steel Toe Work Boot (Amazon) Best Pull-On Work Boots for Concrete
  • Ergonomic design
  • Rubber sole
  • Mesh lining
Justin Men’s Double Comfort Pull-On Work Boot (State Line Tack) Best Pull-On Work Boots for Flat Feet
  • Double insoles
  • Work roper heel
  • Stylish for any occasion
Ariat Ladies Terrain Pull-On H2O Boot (State Line Tack) Best Pull-On Work Boots for Women
  • ATS technology equals comfort and support
  • Waterproof work boot
  • Classic style and fit
DEWALT Flex Albany 6″ Men’s Leather Chelsea Work Boots (Amazon) Best Non-Slip Pull-On Work Boots
  • Classic style 
  • Rubber sole provides superior grip 
  • Easy to pull on and take off
Thorogood American Heritage 11” Steel Toe Wellington Boots for Men (Amazon) Best Waterproof Pull-On Work Boots
  • Waterproof 
  • Steel toecaps provide extra protection
  • Moisture-wicking lining 

Ready to pull on your perfect boot? Read on!

Pros and Cons of Pull-On Boots

Extreme weather conditions and rugged job sites require workwear as hardy as your job description. From construction sites to farms and ranches, the boots you wear impact the quality of your work and the amount of energy you have left at the end of the day.

After all, who can stay focused on the job with aching feet? And who really wants to go out for a night on the town when your feet and legs are throbbing at the end of the day?

We evaluated the top 10 pull-on work boots with the following characteristics in mind:

  • Long-term durability (e.g. construction, waterproof, steel toe)
  • All-day comfort (e.g. cushion, flexibility)
  • Proper fit

Though pull-on work boots are popular for many reasons, we’d be remiss not to mention one detractor. Without laces, you cannot increase or decrease the support your feet and ankles receive. That is why we included fit as one of our three primary evaluation metrics—it’s extra important for pull-on styles.

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Best Overall Pull-On Work Boot

Ariat Workhog RT Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot

This boot was made for tough environments and will have your feet feeling cushioned the minute you slip them on. The boot easily met our durability, comfort, and fit goals.

Best Overall Pull On Work Boot

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Waterproof and tested in rain, puddles, and snow.
  • The safety toe provides protection from equipment, animals, or anything else you might come across–or that might come across your toes!
  • The Duratread outsole provides extra traction.

CONS:

  • They’re full-grain leather, so maintaining the waterproof feature will require the re-application of a waterproofing product.
  • To meet the fit requirement, these boots are snug. For some people, that snugness is uncomfortable.
  • Ariat sizing is different than conventional sizing. Use their size chart.

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Love the classic Western cowboy boot look? Check out our 16 best cowboy boots.

Comfortable Cowboy Boots

Best Boots Without Laces

Redback Men’s Safety Bobcat Elastic Sided Steel Toe Leather Work Boot

They know a thing or two about work boots in the Australian Outback. We love these Redback work boots and the fit they provide. They feel like wearing a boot with laces without the extra time to lace up or the aggravation of a snapped lace.

Best Boots Without Laces

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Anatomic cushioned insole reduces foot fatigue and achy legs.
  • Thick leather is stronger than most other boots.
  • Perfect for the work site, or a trip to town.

CONS:

  • Australian sizing can be challenging.
  • Not a waterproof boot.
  • Wider than standard work boots. 

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Best Breathable Pull-On Work Boots

Irish Setter Men’s Wellington Work Boot

It is hard to find work boots that are truly breathable, but these fit the bill. The UltraDry component in these boots offers moisture management and waterproof construction.

Best Breathable Pull On Work Boots

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Competitively priced for a quality boot.
  • Sole and heel construction protects against electrical hazards.
  • Waterproof work boot, yet great looking.

CONS:

  • Tough to fit to high-arch feet.
  • Snugger fit.
  • Lots of stitching could compromise long-term durability.

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Best Western Pull-On Work Boots

Durango Mens Rebel Sq Patriotic Flag Boots

Show your American pride with these boots! The sole also displays its patriotism, giving you some extra individuality that’s sure to get attention.

Best Western Pull On Work Boots

See this boot on State Line Tack

PROS:

  • The Durango suspension system provides all-day comfort.
  • Cushioning in the sole lightens your steps and is removable.
  • Double stitching increases durability.

CONS:

  • Soft toe – no safety toe protection.
  • Sizes run small.
  • The flag on the shaft of the boot is hidden under your pant leg.

See Customer Reviews on State Line Tack

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Best Lightweight Pull-On Work Boots

KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit Slip-On Work Boot

These boots are a great hybrid, easily transitioning from the job site to errands, or hiking a trail. They offer comfort and security without the bulk of a traditional work boot.

Best Lightweight Pull On Work Boots

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Wide toe and narrow ankle provide a secure fit.
  • Steel toe offers protection.
  • The sole provides good traction in any situation.

CONS:

  • They are not the most attractive boot.
  • Water resistant, but definitely not waterproof.
  • Need to be broken in a bit more than other designs.

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Best Boots for Roughnecking

Ariat Mens Heritage Roughstock Boots

There is a reason this boot is a classic favorite. It’s built for the range and is widely used among working cowboys. Give them a try, and you’ll love them too.

Best Boots for Roughnecking

Click to see this boot on State Line Tack

PROS:

  • Square toe for a comfortable fit.
  • ATS insole offers support and comfort.
  • Beautiful stitching makes an attractive boot.

CONS:

  • No toe protection.
  • They’re Ariats, use the provided size chart.
  • Leather requires maintenance and care.

See Customer Reviews on State Line Tack

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Love the classic western look? Check out our 16 best cowboy boots.

Best Pull-On Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

Timberland PRO Men’s Linden Chelsea Alloy Toe Construction Shoe

It is hard to find boots that are breathable, but these are made of Raptek Microfiber and have a mesh lining.

timberland boot

Click to see it at Timberland.com

PROS:

  • Competitively priced for a quality boot.
  • The mesh lining allows the boots to breathe and helps control odor.
  • The footbed has built-in anti-fatigue features that will offer relief.

CONS:

  • Sizes run small.
  • Not waterproof.
  • Need to be broken in for an ideal fit. 

See Customer Reviews

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Best Pull-On Work Boots for Concrete

Caterpillar Men’s Timber Steel Toe Work Boot

Sometimes, you can’t beat the original! Caterpillar knows how to build boots for working on concrete, and this pair does not disappoint.

Best Pull On Work Boots for Concrete

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Ergonomic design and rubber sole are ideal for long days on concrete surfaces.
  • Steel toe and other safety features.
  • Nylon mesh lining for breathability.

CONS:

  • The light-colored sole shows dirt quickly.
  • Need bootcut pants to fit over the shaft.
  • Not waterproof or water resistant.

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Best Pull-On Work Boots for Flat Feet

Justin Men’s Double Comfort Pull-On Work Boots

Flat feet? No problem. In a pair of Justin Men’s Double Comfort Pull-On Work Boots, you will forget your flat feet as you experience comfort all day in your work environment.

Best Pull On Work Boots for Flat Feet

Click to see this boot on State Line Tack

PROS:

  • Work roper heel aids in comfort.
  • Cushioned insole assists flat feet to avoid fatigue.
  • A stylish leather boot that looks great at work or on a night out.

CONS:

  • Doesn’t have a steel toe.
  • Although resistant to moisture they’re not waterproof.
  • Round toe can squish toes when compared to a square toe option.

See Customer Reviews on State Line Tack

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Best Pull-On Work Boots for Women

Ariat Ladies Terrain Pull-On H2O Brown Boots

Do not settle for a men’s boot. Women’s feet are built differently, and comfort and fit depend on a design that was made for women. Ariat offers a timeless boot that fits your foot while protecting it on a long day at work.

Best Pull On Work Boots for Women

Click to see this boot on State Line Tack

PROS:

  • Western and work boot styles combine for a classic style and fit.
  • ATS sole provides comfort and support.

CONS:

  • Pants are supposed to be tucked into the boot.
  • Calf is too wide for some women.
  • Sizes run small.

See Customer Reviews on State Line Tack

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Best Non-Slip Pull-On Work Boots

DEWALT Flex Albany 6″ Men’s Leather Chelsea Work Boots

 

Step into these comfortable work boots and rest assured that oil spills and slippery surfaces pose no danger as long as you’re wearing them. 

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Classic Chelsea boot never goes out of fashion.
  • The rubber outsole improves traction and grip and ensures resistance against oil and slip hazards.
  • The elastic panels and pull loop make these boots easy to pull on and take off.

CONS:

  • Too short to provide proper ankle support.
  • Take a while to break in.
  • The narrow fit may be uncomfortable for those with wider feet. 

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Best Waterproof Pull-On Work Boots

Thorogood American Heritage 11” Steel Toe Wellington Boots for Men

These pull-on work boots are designed to cope with the toughest, and wettest conditions. They’ll keep your feet dry and safe whether you’re working on a ranch, a construction site, or in a factory.

Click to see this boot on Amazon

PROS:

  • Waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry and protects them from hazardous liquids
  • Moisture-wicking lining pulls the sweat away, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. 
  • Steel toecaps protect your feet, but are flexible enough to allow freedom of movement

CONS:

  • Sizes run small, so you may need to go up a size.
  • Stitching may compromise long-term durability.
  • Light-colored sole shows the dirt easily.

See Customer Reviews on Amazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best work boot insole?

Soles have different designs to help prevent problems and reduce discomfort. Someone with flat arches will need a different sole than someone with heel pain.

Comfort insoles aid issues like fatigue, blisters, or bunions. Support insoles work best for arch support, back pain, or plantar fasciitis.

Here are a few good choices.

Q: Should you put insoles in work boots?

Yes! Most work boots come with removable insoles, which means you can swap them out for an insole that better suits the needs of your feet. Getting the right insole can mean saying goodbye to sore backs and aching feet.

Always make sure to remove the existing insole before putting in the new one.

As insoles get worn down, you can replace them to help extend the life of your work boots. Choose the insole that will best support your feet. Someone with plantar fasciitis will need a different insole than someone with flat feet.

If the Boot Fits

There are a few popular brands of pull-on boots that are conspicuously absent from our list. Why?

They failed the comfort and durability standards for our recommendations. Some boots consistently cause back and leg pain when worn all day. Maybe not for you, and if not, that’s great. 

That said, we’re excited about the options on this list. With 12 pairs of quality pull-on work boots to choose from, you’ll never have aches and pains at the end of the workday again. Pull on your favorite pair, and get back to work!

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About the author

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Stephanie S.

When I'm not writing how-to guides for equestrians or researching new blog topics, I'm working my day job at a university or riding my Morgan Horse Remi. My work has also been featured in Equus, Holistic Horse, Equine Journal, and Equitrekking.