The Best Waterproof Work Shoes For All Types of Jobs
Published March 18, 2021
Several jobs require a lot of dirty work outdoors. Most outdoor jobs can get exhausting and irritating, especially if the weather is too hot, too cold, or it gets rainy. There are many instances where even the rainy weather won’t stop employees from working outside. Regardless of where you work daily, you must dress appropriately. Outdoor jobs such as construction, gardening, farmer, and such calls for more comfortable and casual clothing, whereas an office job such as receptionist, accountant, or secretary will require a more formal look.Â
Choosing appropriate clothing for your job may sound simple, but it is not as easy as it seems. One of the most challenging outdoor jobs gets you all wet and muddy. These jobs would require quality boots to sustain your shoe’s cleanliness and prevent your socks from getting soggy because who likes wearing wet socks? Owning a pair of quality waterproof work shoes can help you be more comfortable in doing your job. It will also even help you do your work more efficiently.Â
Why Choose Waterproof Work Shoes
Working with wet feet does not only cause interference in your work but may also result in numerous health conditions. Having damp or soggy feet while working may cause dryness, irritation, bleeding, blisters, and such on the feet that can be difficult to cure. Having your feet soaked or wet for too long may also lead to a severe condition called ‘Trench Foot’, also known as the immersion foot syndrome. Trench foot is usually caused by feet that do not get dried off properly after being soaked with water. When the feet are wet and cold for a prolonged period, it loses circulation and nerve function. If left untreated, immersion foot syndromes often lead to amputation of the foot, numerous blisters, inability to walk, loss of tissue, and even ulcer. You can easily avoid having this condition with waterproof work shoes.
What to Look For in A Waterproof Work Shoe
Looking for a waterproof work shoe is not as simple as going to a store and choosing which shoe looks the best. You have to consider several factors when buying a good pair of work shoes because they will not just style your feet or match your outfit. Your waterproof work shoes will endure a lot of things that you have to face when working. The shiniest shoe may not be ideal for rainy weather as it stains easily, or the most durable ones may be too uncomfortable when worn too long. These shoes will probably be with you for the rest of your career life, so think of them as an investment rather than just a simple element of clothing. These are the things you need to think about when selecting the perfect waterproof work shoes for you:
1. Material
People use different materials to create waterproof shoes. Shoes can be made out of rubber, leather, plastic, carbon fiber, etc. All these materials can make shoes water-resistant. A good pair of waterproof work shoes should be able to refrain from slipping on wet ground while you’re wearing them. Some manufacturers include oil-resistant and acid-resistant materials in the soles of their work shoes to refrain from slipping on oils, chemical spills, and such. You should keep in mind how well the shoes grip onto the floor and how well they can prevent your feet from being punctured by pointy objects on the ground.Â
2. Convenience
While high-quality material shoes are effective in keeping feet dry, not all are made to be comfortable. Keep in mind that work shoes are an investment, meaning you will most probably be working in them for a long time. Consider how well the shoes feel on your feet before purchasing them. You might end up buying an expensive pair of work shoes with high quality in terms of material and water-resistance, but you cannot work well in them due to lack of comfort. Shoes that are too thick or too hard may cause blisters and pain. Consider also the shape of your feet. Some shoes are made for wider feet that are flatter at the bottom. Some are made for longer but slimmer feet that are arched underneath. Be careful in purchasing shoes that others have reviewed to be good because what works well for them might not work for you at all. A shoe’s insoles or the insides are the parts you have to examine as it is the part that houses your feet.
3. Water ResistanceÂ
Of course, when buying waterproof work shoes, you have to consider the water-resistance qualities it has. Some shoes can only keep your feet dry for a short amount of time, and some will keep them dry all day long. When picking which shoe is the best for you, always consider how well it prevents water from soaking your feet. Good waterproof shoes will keep your feet dry even when it is raining and you are stepping on a puddle after puddle.
4. Strength & Safety
Waterproof work shoes are usually made for outdoor jobs that require a lot of walking, exposure to dirt, rain, and more. It is understood that outdoor jobs can get intense sometimes. For work such as construction, you will need a strong pair of waterproof work shoes. Unlike office jobs, outdoor jobs are more likely to cause damage to your shoes as you will be walking around more. You must find a good pair of work shoes to keep up with your work environment and movements. Cheap shoes usually break easily, and broken shoes can be irritating to wear. Make sure that you choose a pair of work shoes that are strong and will endure things like rocks, dirt, pavement, etc. Not only will durable shoes help in the long run, but they will also save you a lot of money from buying new shoes or repairing broken ones.
Best Waterproof Work Shoes
1. KEEN Utility Men’s Braddock Low Soft Toe Work Shoe
The Keen Utility Men’s Braddock Low Soft Toe Work Shoe earns the first spot on our list for excellent quality. This shoe comes with one of the best water-resistance features as it can keep your feet dry all day. As the name implies, KEEN’s waterproof ‘soft toe’ work shoe offers high comfort levels as it protects the toes with a soft lining. The tip of the shoes is also made with a non-slip material that lessens the risks of falls. The KEEN soft toes work shoes are also made to prevent electrical shocks from electrocuted water. In terms of the build, the KEEN shoes are made in Portland with high-quality and carefully selected materials.
These shoes are built to have rubber outsoles and sealed seams that prevent water from seeping into the shoes. The insoles are made with soft cushioning to cradle the feet well and guarantees that your feet will not leave marks after extended use. The toe area is well-protected and has enough room for the feet to move freely but not too much that the shoe feels flimsy. The shoes are made with slip-resistant materials certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials testing guidelines. The laces are made to retain their place without having to do a double knot. The pros of the KEEN Braddock Work Shoes outweigh the cons, as the only downside to them is it may seem a little heavier than typical shoes.
2. Dunham Men’s Cloud Low Oxford
The next top choice for quality pair of work shoes is the Dunham Men’s Cloud Low Oxford. These shoes offer a variety of styles to choose from and provide comfort all day long. These shoes were made to suit your everyday lifestyle. Whether you’re working or traveling for personal purposes, the Cloud Low Oxford is perfect for any occasion. The shoes are made with high-quality leather that is water-resistant with synthetic soles. It includes textile linings that prevent water from seeping in. the insoles are padded with EVA or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate and a memory foam footbed.Â
In terms of comfort, the Cloud Low Oxford keeps your feet supported for a long time. These waterproof shoes are the right choice for people who work long hours on their feet. These are suitable for jobs that require a lot of work on wetlands, muddy areas, rocky roads, and the like. They are built to withstand any wet surface and rainy weather. The inside paddings are flatter but still provide adequate comfort for arched feet. The toe area provides enough room to move and wiggle your toes. The shoes are significantly lighter than the previous waterproof work shoe, which makes them easier to wear and work in. Dunham Men’s waterproof work shoes are made to endure long walks while still offering comfort. Its soles are made with slip-resistant material for extra safety features. The only con of these shoes is that they may be too narrow for people with bigger feet.
3. Salomon Men’s Evasion CS Waterproof Hiking Shoe
The Salomon Men’s Evasion CS Waterproof Hiking Shoes were invented in the French Alps in 1947. It was created to suit intense outdoor activities like hiking or backpacking as it offers waterproof capabilities. The shoes are light and steady enough to wear comfortably and have strong grip qualities for continuous walking/hiking. While they are made to sustain any type of outdoor activity, the Salomon Men’s Shoe was built to fit any activity regardless of where you are going. The footbeds are covered with Ortholite for dry and safe housing. The whole shoe is waterproof and can withstand mud and water splashes/spills. Rest assured that these shoes will protect your feet from any water or wet substances.
The Salomon Men’s shoe fits the feet well and lets it breathe as it has a fabric lining and heel foams. You may wear the shoes for over ten hours a day without having to worry about uneasiness and discomfort. The shoelaces are already tied, making them hassle-free, unlike other shoes that require effort. The Salomon Men’s shoes do not just offer water-resistance features. It also prevents debris from entering the shoes through the bridge that connects the tongue to the upper. The cons of the shoes are that it is bulkier on the heel area and can get hot during hot weather.
4. Skechers for Work Men’s Blais Steel-Toe Hiking Shoe
Skechers are well-known for their stylish and good quality shoes. Their Steel-Toes Hiking Shoes are perfect for highly physical activities. These shoes allow you to travel on feet on different grounds while providing safety and comfort. They are built just like hiking shoes but with the added feature of water resistance. It also serves to keep your feet dry even through the strongest of rains. The memory foam footbeds offer a cooling quality and are removable for better adjustment.Â
Despite being a steel-toed shoe, the Skechers for Work Men’s hiking shoes is lightweight, making them easy to wear. They have a large, well-cushioned housing for your toes with enough wiggle room, but not too large that they end up looking like clown shoes. In terms of their ability to repel water, the Skechers waterproof hiking shoes are perfect for keeping your feet dry from heavy rains, deep mud puddles, etc. The sole’s grip is strong enough to not slip on slick surfaces. The outsoles are made of quality material and have been proven safe by the ASTM F11677-2005 Mark II testing guidelines. The only disadvantage of these shoes is that the insoles have limited shock absorption.
5. Magnum Men’s Austin 3.0 Steel Toe Work Boot
One of the most stylish, durable work shoes is the Magnum Men’s Austin 3.0 Steel Toe Work Boot. These shoes are built for hiking and can withstand long hours of hiking and other physical activities. It is entirely waterproof and suits any type of job, indoor or outdoor. They are made of strong leather and thick soles that give all-day comfort to your feet. The Austin 3.0 lets your feet rest on a detachable EVA footbed that is shock-absorbing, allowing the feet to stay relaxed after a long time.Â
In addition, the Austin 3.0 has rust-proof eyelets on the shoelaces, which is perfect since it is built to face splashes of water and mud. The adjustable EVA footbed reduces impact from movements which can lessen the pain from working too long. The Austin 3.0 work shoes are also certified by the ASTM standards and will last a long time. The shoes offer slip-resistant soles for added safety features along with brake-like features on the heels. The downside to steel-toed shoes, though, is they are heavier than other shoes.
6. Rocky Men’s Alpha Force Oxford Work Boot
The Rocky Men’s Alpha Force Oxford Work Boots offer high-quality waterproof features. Rocky ensures that their shoes are reliable and can perform well during activities on any type of terrain. It is fully water-resistant with rubber soles and non-metallic stabilizers. The shoes’ footbeds offer all-around comfort through extra cushioning made of polyurethane material. The 1000-Denier nylon material makes the shoe lighter compared to typical waterproof work shoes. Although some materials are lightweight, the heels are significantly heavier due to the extra chunkiness for added comfort. These shoes can avoid making your feet sore even after prolonged use.Â
The Alpha Force is made to match different outfits better and is more pleasing to the eyes. They are made of full-grain, lightweight leather that repels water excellently. This feature keeps your feet dry even if it is soaked in water all day. The quality materials keep the shoes in good shape even after a year of daily use. Unfortunately, the ankle area of the boots is non-adjustable, making it loose for broader and larger feet.
7. KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool Soft Toe ESD Work Boot
The Atlanta soft-toe boots feature lightweight and low-profile qualities that allow your feet to remain fresh and cool. The laces are built to be tightened with a simple pull and for convenience. The static-dissipative material of the shoes keeps you safe from risky situations involving water and electricity. The Atlanta Cool comes in the colors brown or Forest Night and is assembled in the US. The materials used to create the shoes give them slip-resistant features that add to your safety. These shoes include a double-density compression cast EVA midsole that works well in supporting the soles of your feet. Regarding comfort, the Atlanta Cool ESD gives cushion to the balls of your feet and supports feet through its wide and arched structure. These shoes are not only great for rainy weather, but they work well during warm weather as well.
The nubuck leather material of the shoes’ upper allows it to block any water from seeping in. The interiors lined with hydrophobic mesh keep your feet dry and free from water damage. You may use the shoes for over 8 hours without having to worry about your feet getting sore. It is incredibly lightweight, which makes it suitable for work that requires physical movements. One bad quality of the Atlanta Cool boots, though, is that the heel area is not padded, making it possible for your heels to rub against the insoles.
8. Skechers’ for Work Men’s Burst Slip Resistant Waterproof Work Shoe
The Skechers’ Burst Slip-Resistant shoes work well in maintaining your feet’s freshness. These shoes include leather and textile upper that compliments your style while remaining entirely waterproof. It has skid-proof quality due to the rubber sole and offers a relaxed fit with its memory foam insoles. The outsole is lightweight, making it easy to wear. The shoes’ inner structure is sized just right to let your feet move around well without having the shoes slip off. The insoles are well-padded for better support and provide an arched structure to support your feet.
Conclusion
Buying work shoes is just like buying any other type of shoes. Given that not all people have the same build and the same foot size/shape, you have to consider several factors when purchasing a quality pair of waterproof work shoes. Treat your shoes the way you would treat an expensive, luxury bag. Shoes, especially work shoes, are an investment as they will be with you for a significant amount of time. They contribute to how well you do your job as comfort is everything for outdoor jobs. Make sure that you carefully assess the shoes before buying them to avoid wasting money and time. Not all shoes will work for you, and just because some works well for others does not mean it will be the same for you. Know your feet better before making large purchases to avoid regretting it later on.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn is an SEO Specialist and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her professional career as a writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.