10 Best Ankle Support Work Boots in 2023

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Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

Are you looking for work boots with good ankle support? We’ve got you covered with the top ten ankle support work boots available right now.

Of course, you can purchase any work boot that is falsely advertised as comfortable and protective. However, today, most safety footwear alternatives are very hard on the ankles, bulky, and not durable.

Fortunately, we offer a fantastic selection of work boots with excellent ankle support, so keep on reading!


The Best Ankle Support Work Boots

Working on your feet all day puts a lot of strain on your feet, ankles, and knees.

The best ankle support work boots must be highly comfortable, allowing your ankles and other joints to rest and heal while avoiding severe and painful consequences (i.e., ankle pain or bad knees).

Without further ado, here are our picks for the best work boots with ankle support.

  1. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Ankle Support Work Boots
  2. Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Ankle Support Work Boots
  3. WOLVERINE Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Ankle Support Work Boots
  4. Ariat Terrain Waterproof Ankle Support Work Boots
  5. KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Work Boots with Ankle Support
  6. Carhartt CMF6366 Composite Toe Work Boots with Ankle Support
  7. KEEN Utility Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Ankle Support Work Boots
  8. Carhartt Traditional Welt Ankle Support Work Boots
  9. Irish Setter Wingshooter Steel Toe 8″ Work Boots
  10. Georgia Oiler-M Work Boots with Ankle Support

1. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Ankle Support Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: Removable dual-density “Ultra Shock Absorption” footbeds with “Poron 4000” cushioning
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Safety steel toe caps

Work boot makers typically focus their efforts on producing low-quality safety footwear that looks nice but isn’t as ergonomic as it should be.

Fortunately, these Thorogood American Heritage work boots have dual-density footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning and shock absorbing midsoles. Both of these technologies work together to provide maximum ankle support while keeping the foot comfortable.

In terms of protection, the boots include:

  • Steel toe caps
  • Nonmarking outsoles with oil and slide resistance
  • Rugged leather that both looks and feels great

Last but not least, they have the so-called Goodyear Storm Welt construction, which is known worldwide for its increased durability and sturdiness.

Pros

  • Safety steel toe caps that provide maximum toe protection
  • Made in America, which is a guarantee of durability
  • Nonmarking, oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • Dual-density removable “Ultra Shock Absorption” footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning
  • Cotton drill vamp lining responsible for wicking moisture away and keeping the feet fresh
  • Top quality lether
  • Goodyear Storm Welt construction that maximizes durability

Cons

  • They run narrow

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,492 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2. Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Ankle Support Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: Ortholite footbeds
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Steel toe caps

These beautiful Danner Bull Run moc toe work boots not only look great but also have the comfort features that workers need to avoid long-term injuries.

To accomplish this, they Ortholite footbeds, which give the needed cushioning to keep the feet comfortable at all times.

Their stitch-down construction prolongs the boots’ life and gives a sturdy foundation for the ankles to relax and avoid painful ankle discomfort at the end of the day, which is a feature I love.

In terms of protection, the boots include steel toe caps to avoid catastrophic toe injuries and Danner wedge outsoles that are oil and slip-resistant.

Pros

  • Safety steel toe caps that maintain the toe safe from getting crushed
  • Oil and slip resistant Danner wedge outsoles
  • Electric hazard protection
  • Full grain leather
  • Stitchdown construction which is both durable and rugged
  • Ortholite footbeds

Cons

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 463 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

3. WOLVERINE Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Ankle Support Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing PU midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Composite safety toe caps

These Wolverine Overpass work boots are one of the most comfortable work boots I’ve ever worn, thanks to their Ortholite footbeds and PU midsoles.

Thanks to these attributes, the boots can cushion the feet no matter what terrain one walks on, allowing the ankles to recover without being overloaded.

They include linings that efficiently wick moisture away from the feet, keeping them dry when working outside in hot and humid conditions.

The boots offer the following protective features:

  • Composite safety toe caps
  • Waterproof leather that is in charge of keeping the feet dry at all times
  • Outsoles made of dual compound rubber and PU that offer excellent grip on all slippery surfaces

Pros

  • Ortholite footbeds with superior cushioning
  • PU midsoles with excellent shock absorbing features
  • Moisture wicking mesh lining
  • Composite safety toe caps that don’t conduct electricity
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Waterproof leather maintains the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids (i.e. rain)
  • Dual compound rubber and PU slip resistant outsoles

Cons

  • They might be a bit boxy for some tradesmen

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5,834 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4. Ariat Terrain Waterproof Ankle Support Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds
  • Midsoles: Lightweight EVA midsoles
  • Safety Toes: None

These fan-favorite Ariat work boots come with impressive ergonomic features, such as their lightweight EVA midsoles that deliver shock absorption and ankle support when it’s most needed.

Moreover, they come with linings that maximize airflow to keep the feet dry and cool during heavy summer days.

When it comes to protective features, these 100% leather boots come with Duratread slip-resistant rubber outsoles. These soles are vital in allowing the worker to walk on any surface without worrying about slipping and getting injured.

Lastly, the boots are manufactured with the so-called Waterproof PRO technology, perfect for keeping all liquids out of the boots while avoiding wet feet.

Pros

  • 100% full grain leather that adds impressive robustness
  • Duratread slip resistant rubber outsoles
  • Waterproof PRO technology that keeps water out of the boots and maintains the feet dry
  • Lightweight EVA midsoles for excellent shock absorption
  • Moisture wicking linings

Cons

  • They might take a couple of weeks to break in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,230 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.7 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5. KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Work Boots with Ankle Support

Features

  • Footbeds: EVA cushioned footbeds with metatomical design
  • Midsoles: PU shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Steel toe caps

These Keen Utility Pittsburgh work boots are one of the most comfortable safety boots I’ve ever worn.

They have great ergonomic attributes, such as EVA cushioned footbeds with metatomical designs and “key-tech” full-length interlocking torsion plates that provide exceptional ankle support and stability.

Furthermore, they feature PU midsoles that cushion the shocks caused when walking on hard and rocky terrains.

In terms of protection, these boots don’t fall short as they include oil and slip-resistant outsoles that provide workers the confidence they need to walk on slippery surfaces.

Last but not least, the boots incorporate steel toe caps, which are a standard feature among safety footwear because they offer better toe protection, preventing unpleasant toe injuries.

Pros

  • Eva cushioned footbeds with metatomical design
  • PU midsoles with impressive shock absorbing qualities
  • Keen “key-tech” full-length interlocking torsion plate for maximum stability and ankle support
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • Steel toe caps that prevent serious injuries from happening

Cons

  • Can take a while to break in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,395 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

6. Carhartt CMF6366 Composite Toe Work Boots with Ankle Support

Features

  • Footbeds: Dual-density footbed with OrthoLite top layer to reduce foot fatigue
  • Midsoles: EVA midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Composite safety toe caps

These Carhartt CFM6366 work boots, made of robust full-grain leather, are a fantastic option for workers searching for ankle support since they have:

  • Ortholite dual density footbeds cushion the feet with each step for optimum comfort.
  • EVA shock absorbing midsoles

When it comes to safety aspects, these work boots outperform the competition thanks to their composite safety toe caps and slip-resistant rubber outsoles. Both characteristics work together to boost the worker’s confidence by ensuring that no major injuries occur.

Last but not least, the boots feature rubber toe and heel bumpers, which offer an extra layer of safety that most workers don’t believe they need but will find helpful at some point.

Pros

  • Dual density footbeds with Ortholite top layer that reduces foot fatigue
  • Eva shock absorbing midsoles
  • Composite safety toe caps provide excellent impact resistance in the toe box area
  • Rubber toe and heel bumpers for additional protection
  • Slip resistant rubber outsoles with abrasion resistance
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Full grain leather uppers that look awesome and are very durable

Cons

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,959 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

7. KEEN Utility Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Ankle Support Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: Dual-density EVA footbeds
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Steel toe caps

These Keen utility Milwaukee work boots combine the safety and comfort elements we all seek in our work boots.

To accomplish this, they are manufactured with full-grain leather that is both abrasion resistant and fully waterproof.

As a result, workers no longer have to be concerned about getting their feet wet or being burned by chemicals while performing their duties.

Their steel toe caps and oil-resistant outsoles protect workers from injuries caused by slipping on wet surfaces or being crushed by heavy machinery, two widespread workplace hazards.

Lastly, the boots’ dual-density EVA footbeds provide excellent comfort, allowing the user’s feet to relax and their ankles to be supported entirely at the same time.

Pros

  • Abrasion resistant leather with waterproof membrane
  • Electrical hazard resistance
  • Steel toe caps
  • Slip and oil resistant outsoles
  • Breathable moisture wicking lining
  • Dual density EVA footbeds that fully cushion the feet

Cons

  • Lace hooks can be tricky

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,561 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

8. Carhartt Traditional Welt Ankle Support Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: PU insoles
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Steel toe caps

These Carhart Traditional Welt work boots from Carhartt are built to last and provide excellent ankle support for the worker who demands it.

To avoid foot pains from arising, their insoles totally cushion the base of the feet, which is essential for them to rest and recuperate.

The “Fast-dry” inner linings help keep feet dry even in humid and hot conditions by wicking moisture away. This keeps the feet from sweating while maintaining them cool.

In terms of safety, workers are picky about the work boots they put on.

To meet their expectations, the boots include slip-resistant rubber outsoles that provide excellent grip on slippery terrains, a characteristic that is critical in preventing catastrophic accidents.

As a final precaution, they’ve added steel toe caps to ensure that the workers’ toes are protected at all times.

Pros

  • PU insoles that fully cushion
  • “FastDry” lining that wicks moisture away and keeps the feet dry
  • Slip resistant rubber outsoles that keep workers safe from slipping and getting seriously injured
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Steel toe caps

Cons

  • The breaking in process might be a bit harsh for about two weeks

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,128 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

9. Irish Setter Wingshooter Steel Toe 8″ Work Boots

Features

  • Footbeds: PU removable ergonomic footbeds
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Non-Metallic safety toes

Irish setter work boots have been causing a stir in the work boot market for several years because of the excellent safety footwear choices they provide at reasonable prices.

And these Irish setter Wingshooter steel toe work boots are no exception, as they have features like:

  • Non-metallic safety toe caps in charge of keeping workers’ toes safe from being crushed by heavy falling tools
  • Slip resistant EVA traction tread outsoles that allow workers to walk securely on slippery surfaces
  • The leather not only looks nice but it’s also waterproofed so workers can wear the boots when working outside in the rain without having to worry about their feet getting wet

These 8-inch boots are equipped with PU removable footbeds that cushion the feet, so workers may walk on rocky or rough areas without feeling uncomfortable.

The boots are constructed using the Goodyear Welt construction, which is recognized for making workers happy worldwide by extending the boots’ lifespan.

Pros

  • In order to prevent both crushing and electrocution of the toes, nonmetallic safety toes are included in these boots
  • Waterproof full grain leather keeps feet dry when exposed to liquids.E
  • EVA traction tred outsoles made of rubber are both slip-resistant and extremely flexible.
  • PU removable ergonomic footbeds that fully cushion the feet
  • Manufactured with the reliable Goodyear Welt construction method that guarantees long term durability

Cons

  • Manufactured overseas

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,160 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

10. Georgia Oiler-M Work Boots with Ankle Support

Features

  • Footbeds: Removable EVA footbeds
  • Midsoles: Shock absorbing midsoles
  • Safety Toes: Steel toe caps

With these Georgia Oiler-M work boots, we dive into the territory of both protective and comfortable work boots with exceptional ankle support.

Their removable EVA footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles help workers stay comfortable when standing for 10 to 12 hours on rough surfaces by providing excellent ankle support, which is a prevalent scenario for me at least.

In terms of safety, they have steel toe caps that give workers great confidence since they know their toes won’t be crushed by heavy machinery that may fall unexpectedly.

They are also electrical hazard resistant, which is ideal for individuals who work near live wires. I mean, nobody wants to get electrocuted at the worksites, right?

Moreover, the worker’s feet won’t get soaked if they wear these Georgia Oiler-M boots in the rain because they’re fully waterproof.

Last but not least, they have rubber outsoles that are resistant to oils and give excellent grip on slippery terrain, which is always a nice feature to have in safety work boots.

Pros

  • Leather that is 100 percent full grain which looks great and is quite durable.
  • Safety toe caps made of steel that work as a rigid barrier to prevent the toes from being smashed
  • Solid slip resistance is provided by their slip resistant rubber outsoles, which help to avoid terrible injuries
  • When in touch with liquids from outside, the waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry
  • The Goodyear Welt construction ensures the boots will last as long as possible, regardless of the level of wear
  • Electrical hazard prevention
  • Removable footbeds made of EVA foam for further cushioning and ankle support

Cons

  • They run a bit narrow

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 235 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com


What Are The Best Ankle Support Work Boots Overall?

KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Work Boots with Ankle Support

I believe these Keen Utility Pittsburgh work boots are the best work boots with ankle support due to their remarkable features, such as:

  • Comfortable, metatomically-designed footbeds made of eva foam that cushion the feet for optimum comfort
  • PU midsoles that absorb a lot of shocks when walking on hard and rocky surfaces
  • Torsion plates with a “key-tech” design for optimum stability and ankle support
  • Safety steel toe caps that offer a nice level of protection

If you’d like to read the full review I’ve written, you can do so by clicking the button down below.

Review

What Are The Most Comfortable Ankle Support Work Boots?

Georgia Oiler-M Work Boots with Ankle Support

These Georgia oiler work boots are, in my opinion, among the most comfortable work boots with ankle support available thanks to their many impressive features, such as:

  • EVA foam footbeds that are detachable and flexible provide additional cushioning and support for the ankles
  • Full-grain leather that looks fantastic and lasts for a long time
  • Steel toe caps that protect the toes from being smashed
  • Slip-resistant rubber outsoles provide excellent traction, reducing the risk of serious injury

You can use the button down below to read the rest of my thoughts on these work boots.

Review

What Are The Best Ankle Support Work Boots for Women?

Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot

These Timberland women’s White Ledge mid-ankle work boots are unique in that they’re an undeniable marriage between comfortable and protective features.

To demonstrate this, I’d like to discuss their rubber outsoles, which offer excellent grip on slippery and uneven terrains. This is critical to preventing slips and falls in the workplace.

Additionally, the seam-sealed waterproof design of these full-grain leather work boots ensures that workers won’t have to worry about getting their feet wet when working in rainy conditions.

Moreover, the fast lace hardware makes tying these excellent women’s safety work boots a breeze.

They feature dual-density EVA midsoles that offer excellent shock absorption. This allows the female worker to work confidently knowing that they will dodge terrible foot pains at the end of the workday, even if they spend most of the day on their feet on hard surfaces.

Finally, these ankle support work boots have EVA footbeds and cushioned top collars, making them a pleasure to wear.

Check price at Amazon.com


Quick Comparison Table

NameFootbedsMidsolesSafety Toes
1. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Ankle Support Work Boots

Removable dual-density “Ultra Shock Absorption” footbeds with “Poron 4000” cushioningShock absorbing midsolesSafety steel toe caps
2. Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Ankle Support Work Boots
Ortholite footbedsShock absorbing midsoles
Steel toe caps
3. WOLVERINE Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Ankle Support Work Boots
Cushioned footbedsShock absorbing PU midsolesComposite safety toe caps
4. Ariat Terrain Waterproof Ankle Support Work Boots
Cushioned footbedsLightweight EVA midsolesNone
5. KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Work Boots with Ankle Support
EVA cushioned footbeds with metatomical designPU shock absorbing midsolesSteel toe caps
6. Carhartt CMF6366 Composite Toe Work Boots with Ankle Support
Dual-density footbed with OrthoLite top layer to reduce foot fatigueEVA midsolesComposite safety toe caps
7. KEEN Utility Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Ankle Support Work Boots
Dual-density EVA footbedsShock absorbing midsolesSteel toe caps
8. Carhartt Traditional Welt Ankle Support Work Boots
PU insolesShock absorbing midsolesSteel toe caps
9. Irish Setter Wingshooter Steel Toe 8″ Work Boots
PU removable ergonomic footbeds
Shock absorbing midsolesNon-metallic safety toes
10. Georgia Oiler-M Work Boots with Ankle Support
Removable EVA footbedsShock absorbing midsolesSteel toe caps

Must-Have Features of The Best Ankle Support Work Boots

To avoid regretting buying your next pair of ankle support work boots, there are some features to check for.

Here’s my best go at listing most of these features, so you don’t have to find them by yourself.

Cushioned Footbeds

It’s important to remember that not all ankle support work boots are made equal. 

Having said that, I think that getting work boots with cushioned insoles is critical.

Why?

These types of footbeds will provide your feet the extra rest they need to prevent foot pains from coming up at the end of your work shift (or even during it).

So, I’d say you’d be better off investing in work boots with cushioned footbeds if you want to stay away from unbearable foot pain.

Shock Absorbing Midsoles

The best ankle support work boots are those that feature proper comfort components, such as shock-absorbing midsoles, to help prevent foot pains and other issues.

These midsoles keep workers’ feet comfortable when walking over rugged and rough terrains, almost everywhere at most construction sites.

Thanks to these midsoles, the workers’ feet are spared from shocks that’d severe strain on their bones, muscles, and joints, resulting in excruciating pain.

So, taking a bit of time to make sure your next pair of work boots have these kinds of midsoles might be an excellent idea for your health and productivity.

Safety Toe Caps

Your chosen work boots shouldn’t be only made to support your ankles, but they should also protect your toes from getting crushed.

At the very least, that’s what I was taught over the years.

So, if you operate near heavy equipment that may collapse at any moment and crush your toes, I strongly suggest safety toe caps for your work boots.

There’re different materials are used to make safety toe caps.

  • You’ve got the well-known steel toe caps, which are very protective but also a bit bulky and heavy
  • You may also choose non-metallic composite safety toe caps (which are ideal for workers who operate in close proximity to live wires)
  • Aluminum toe caps are lighter and just as protective as steel toe caps, although they’re a little more expensive

In my opinion, I believe it doesn’t matter whatever safety toe cap you select, as long as you have them as part of your boots.

Slip Resistant Outsoles

You should search for work boots with sleep-resistant outsoles if you’re the kind of worker who wants both ankle support and protection in their work boots.

These kinds of outsoles will give you the confidence to operate on slippery surfaces, which can be found in almost every workplace in the world.

Thanks to them, you’ll work knowing you won’t slip and fall on hard concrete whenever you have to walk on a slippery surface.

Waterproofing & Insulation

Some workers would benefit greatly from having good waterproofing and insulation in their work boots.

As a result, if you frequently work outside in rainycold, or wet conditions, I’d recommend investing in work boots with solid waterproofing and insulation features.

These attributes are critical for keeping your feet dry and warm when working in harsh conditions, making a worker’s life very difficult if not handled properly.

Quality Construction Methods & Materials

It would help if you had work boots with ankle support. We already established that.

That said, many workers would greatly benefit from having work boots made using robust construction methods and trustworthy materials.

I mean, who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of work boots that won’t last?

That being said, my recommendation is to spend as many hours or days as necessary looking for work boots made of durable materials that can withstand heavy use.

This will be essential to ensure that your investment isn’t gone after only a couple of months.


Frequently Asked Questions

Regardless of your work experience, it’s still very possible that you have unanswered questions about the best work boots with ankle support.

Here, I’ll try to address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these types of work boots. I hope it helps you.

Do I Need Ankle Support Work Boots?

All laborers and tradespeople have one thing in common: they spend 10 to 12 hours a day walking or standing on hard surfaces.

So much stress is placed on their ankles, knees, and feet as a result of this that they end up suffering from severe injuries and excruciating foot pain in the long run.

This is why I believe the answer to this question is a resounding YES

To avoid ankle soreness and other severe problems (such as plantar fasciitis), you must wear work boots with ankle support. Failing to do so may lead to surgeries and different unpleasant outcomes in the long run.

Can I Use Ankle Support Work Boots at a Construction Site?

You can, without a doubt.

In fact, ankle support work boots have nothing special.

The single characteristic that sets these work boots apart is that they include fiberglass shanks, cushioned footbeds, and shock-absorbing midsoles.

So, the answer is yes. You can wear them at a construction site. In fact, it’s more than recommended to do it.

How Do I Maintain Ankle Support Work Boots?

You can easily maintain work boots with excellent ankle support.

To ensure that your work boots are correctly taken care of, follow these simple steps:

  • Use a brush to remove the dust from your work boots
  • Use saddle soap and water to clean your work boots
  • Afterwards, apply a little coating of leather conditioner and allow it to work for approximately 20 minutes
  • Remove excess leather conditioner with a clean cloth
  • Buff the work boots with a brush
  • Done!

An excellent resource for those who learn best visually is this video, which walks you through the process step-by-step:

Author: Joe Strong

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