5 Best Boots for Railroad Workers | 2023 Guide

Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Joe Strong

There are many issues that a railroad worker has to deal with at his job. When picking the best boots for railroad workers, one has to consider all the issues.

Being in contact with heavy machinery, having to work being exposed to the constant risk of electrocution, being on their feet for more than 8 hours at a time, kneeling, etc…

All these problems generate many pains for these workers, and the right pair of work boots could be a problem solver for many of them. That’s why I made this article with a list of the best boots for railroad workers.

List of The Best Boots for Railroad Workers

I tested and reviewed many work boots and then selected the best performance for the specific needs of railroad workers. These are the final 5:

1. Thorogood Gen-Flex2 Series Railroad Boots
2. Timberland Pro Hyperion Waterproof Xl St Railroad Work Boots
3. Keen Utility Pittsburgh Steel Toe Railroad Work Boots
4. Timberland Pro Boondock Waterproof Railroad Work Boot
5. Wolverine Raider Steel-Toe Railroad Work Boots

1) Thorogood Gen-Flex2 Series Railroad Boots

Protection

In terms of protection, these Thorogood work boots came with composite safety toes that guaranteed me that no heavy objects would crush my toes in case they fell.

I mean, I always appreciated the peace of mind these kinds of protective attributes give a fellow railroad worker, which is why I would recommend these Thorogood boots.

Comfort

Have you ever had to stand on your feet or knees for 8 to 10 hours shifts without breaks? Yes? Well, you and many other railroad workers have the same issues and if you don’t want to have excruciating pain on your feet then you better get a good quality pair of work boots with great footbeds.

Luckily, these Thorogood boots came with single-density polyurethane footbeds that cushioned my feet in every step I took which kept me away from those hassles.

Also, the boots came with EVA cushion Flex insoles that supported my feet and multiplied the comfort effects when in combination with the footbeds I already talked to you about.

Durability

Having boots with great quality leather is essential to any railroad worker as it is a guarantee of durability. In that context, these Thorogood work boots came with a full-grain leather which at first sight lets you know that the boots are going to last for years, to say the least.

But, work boots are nothing if they are not manufactured following reliable methods that guarantee the boots’ materials are gonna hold together against the tough use that a railroad worker puts the boots under. The good news is that these Thorogood work boots came manufactured following the Goodyears welt construction process which is globally known for adding years of durability and endurance to boots.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 890 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2) Timberland Pro Hyperion Waterproof Xl St Railroad Work Boots

Protection

Railroad workers are often exposed to the elements, so, getting waterproof work boots is always a recommendation that I give. This is why I recommend these Timberland work boots as they have waterproof leather uppers that always come in handy when I have to work being exposed to water and other liquids.

If there’s anything that I also appreciate about these Timberland PRO Hyperion boots is that they came with safety toe caps that offered me great protection as I knew my toes would not get crushed by any falling objects.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, these Timberland boots came with Vibram soles that cushioned my feet in every step providing me with long-lasting comfort.

They also came with a combination of EVA midsoles and Dual-density footbeds which supported my feet even when I had to stand on my feet for long shifts (sometimes 8 to 10 hours straight).

Finally, the boots came with quick lacing hardware which was also nice as it made the use of the boots much more “efficient” to put it into words.

Durability

As I really like to avoid wasting money, I put my effort into selecting durable boots which are why I liked these Timberland work boots given that they were manufactured following a Cement Construction method that is globally known for adding years of durability to work boots.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 606 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

3) Keen Utility Pittsburgh Steel Toe Railroad Work Boots

Protection

We railroad workers are often exposed to big risks such as getting our toes crushed by heavy objects that might fall anytime.

In that context, these Keen Utility Pittsburg work boots came with Aluminum safety toes that surpassed respectable standards which gave me the confidence I would never suffer a similar injury!

Moreover, the boots came with EVA traction tred outsoles that not only were shock absorbing but also provided great traction on any surfaces I would test them on!

Comfort

If there’s something I’m used to hearing around at the worksite is the pain that comes from standing for 8 or 10 hours straight without any breaks.

This is why I look for work boots similar to these Keen Utility boots which come with valuable comfort attributes such as their removable PU footbeds and EVA midsoles that not only were shock absorbing but supported my feet, knees, and joints through these tough work shifts…

Also, they came with padded collars for extra comfort when you’re putting them on and taking them off so the feet don’t get hurt!

Durability

Nobody wants to waste money right? Well, if you don’t then these Keen Utility Pittsburgh work boots are for you as they came manufactured with the so-called “Goodyear Welt” construction method that gave me the guarantee the boots’ materials would hold together no matter what!

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1171 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.2 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4) Timberland Pro Boondock Waterproof Railroad Work Boot

Protection

In terms of protection, these work boots came with premium waterproof leather that kept my feet dry whenever I had to work in contact with water.

Moreover, the boots came with composite non-metallic safety toes that protected my feet from getting crushed by any falling objects.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, these work boots came with dual density PU and TPU outsoles that not only gave me a good level of traction but also cushioned my feet whenever I had to walk on an uneven surface that would otherwise put pressure on my feet.

Durability

Now, getting into the durability side of these boots, I can tell you that these boots came manufactured following a combination of the Goodyear Welt and Cement Heel construction methods which are known to improve the reliability of the boots.

Moreover, the boots came with a rubber toe protection that added abrasion resistance to the boots making them perfect for the risks railroad workers are used to put their boots under.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 537 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5) Wolverine Raider Steel-Toe Railroad Work Boots

Protection

Have you ever got injured at work? Well, if you did (like me) you’re going to love the protective features these Wolverine Raider have…

For instance, they came with safety steel toes that kept my feet safe from getting crushed by heavy falling objects which gave me the confidence to work without any worries!

Moreover, they came with slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles which gave me traction on those surfaces where I would usually fall.

Comfort

There’s no better feeling than having really comfortable work boots, right? I mean, trust me, when you get a comfortable pair of boots your whole day changes, you feel more refreshed and energetic.

That’s why I loved these Wolverine raider work boots as they came with cushioned Wolverine Multishox insoles and PU midsoles that not only were shock absorbing but also supported my feet in every step so I could work with the joy of feeling my feet very comfy!

Durability

Being a railroad worker is tough enough for you to have to deal with the frustration that comes with getting expensive boots that won’t last more than six months.

The good news is that these Wolverine work boots came with full-grain leather that was durable but also utilized to manufacture these boots following the Athletic Contour Welt construction method which is known for adding years of durability to work boots.

Thus, I instantly knew that my money was well spent on these boots when I took notice of these awesome features.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 414 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

My Verdict: The Best Boots For Railroad Workers

Timberland Pro Boondock Waterproof Railroad Work Boot

Would you like to know why I think these Timberland PRO Boondock Waterproof Railroad Work Boots are the best? Then check out the review by clicking the button down below.

Review

Quick Comparison Table

Must-Have Features Of The Best Boots For Railroad Workers

Protective Features

Puncture Resistant Midsoles

If there’s a risk that a railroad worker is used to deal with is dangerous pointy objects lying around ready to puncture their feet.

This is why I always look for work boots made with puncture-resistant midsoles so if there’s any rusty nail going around I make sure it will not hurt me.

Safety Toes

Being a railroad worker asks you to walk around heavy machinery and tools that could at any moment fall and hurt your toes which is why I always get work boots with safety toes.

A pair of steel or composite toe work boots will give you the confidence to walk around the tracks without worries of getting your toes crushed!

Slip Resistant Outsoles

Railroad workers have to walk on uneven, sketchy, and slippery surfaces most of the day. That’s why I always consider getting work boots with the best slip-resistant outsoles possible, so I know I’ll never have to suffer any injuries!

Osha Requirements

In OHS Act is there to protect workers that have hazardous occupations, such as Railroad workers.

In this act, a group of certain features is required to be present in the work boots these workers use; puncture-resistant soles, electrical hazard structure, safety toes, etc…

To feel protected when working, I always try to find work boots that have the attributes the OHS act requires.

Defined Heel

Given that most railroad workers have to work among heavy machinery, pointy objects, and uneven surfaces, having defined heels that are not only comfortable but also that elevate the worker’s feet a bit more than normal is a great idea to secure safety and comfort.

Ergonomic Features

Shock Absorbing Midsoles

Would you like to feel as if you were walking on clouds instead of on the uneven, rough surfaces that railroad workers are used to walking on?

Then getting work boots with shock-absorbing midsoles and footbeds is the best choice!

Good Fit & Short Break In Time

There is nothing more frustrating and uncomfortable than working feeling how the materials on your boots go against your feet, right?

Well, that’s why I always look for boots with a short break-in time and a good fit, so I have the guarantee that I’ll feel comfortable no matter what!

Durability Features

Quality Materials

The frustration of wasting your money on a pair of work boots is unbearable, that’s why I always look for work boots with quality materials as they give me the guarantee that my footwear is gonna last a long time.

Good Construction Methods

Getting a pair of work boots manufactured following really good construction methods such as the Goodyear Welt construction method is a great idea as this will give you the guarantee the boots will not fall apart after just a couple of months of heavy use!

How Did I Test The Boots

For those people that are curious about how I test my work boots, this is the process I follow…

Protection Test

In terms of protection, I make sure to walk on uneven surfaces, which are really common where I work, to test the outsoles and I also let heavy objects fall in the toe area to test the safety toes.

Comfort Test

As comfort is essential for railroad workers I make sure to test how the supportive and ergonomic attributes do after walking or standing for long hours.

If after this stress-test, my feet feel comfortable and I suffer no pain, then I deem those work boots as “comfortable”

Durability Test

In terms of durability tests, there is no other option than just use a specific pair of work boots for months continually exposing it to the elements and heavy use.

If the work boots stay in a “like-new” condition, then I select them to be on my list of the best boots for railroad workers.

Why Is It Important To Get The Right Boots For Railroad Workers?

They Protect Your Feet From Heavy Objects

Railroad workers are in constant contact with heavy machinery, vehicles, tracks, heavy tools, etc.

In other words, they are in constant contact with objects that could crush their feet, thus, getting work boots with protective features might be essential to safeguarding their feet

Prevent Electrocution

Given that railroad workers have to work in the tracks and in contact with other electrical stuff, there’s a huge risk for them in getting electrocuted.

Therefore, if you get work boots with the proper electrocution resistance, then you’ll be safe from these nerve-wracking injuries!

Weather Conditions

Railroad workers work all they long in the outdoors, some times they even work 12 hours straight like I do sometimes.

So, getting a good pair of work boots for railroad workers might be best to protect your feet from cold, rain, snow, and many other elements that the only thing they are good at is at bringing discomfort and pain!

Because You’ll Have To Work On Your Feet For Long Hours

I had to work so many times for 12 hours straight standing on my feet near the rails… and if I learned something is this: a pair of work boots with the right comfortable features can make or break your day.

So, if you have the time, just check the reviews and the features I recommend, they were specially selected to deal with the pains of a railroad worker.