10 Best Lightweight Women’s Work Boots in 2023

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

Many female workers have come to terms with having limited options regarding their work boots, most of them being bulky, heavy, and very uncomfortable.

Well, things don’t have to be that way. We’ve already written an article about the men’s best lightweight work boots. So now it’s the turn of the ladies!

Even though the options are pretty limited, a few brands still make some great lightweight women’s work boots. You just have to look for them.

And that’s precisely what I did in this article, where I’ll show you the best lightweight safety footwear options for female workers.

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10 Best Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

As we mentioned, it’s pretty hard to find lightweight work boots for women, but it’s not impossible!

Feel free to check out this list and pick the one you like the most to read the full review:

1. Skechers Workshire Peril Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
2. Justin Katerina Waterproof Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
3. Timberland PRO Direct Attach 6 Inch Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
4. Carhartt Rugged Flex 6 Inch CWF5355 Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
5. Cat Footwear Mae Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
6. WOLVERINE Floorhand 6″ Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
7. Cat Footwear Echo Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
8. Timberland PRO Titan 6 Inch Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
9. KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Height Lightweight Women’s Work Boots
10. Carhartt Wedge Sole Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

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1. Skechers Workshire Peril Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

These Sketches Yorkshire Peril boots are a lightweight and comfy pair of work boots that will not kill your feet after hours of wearing them.

How?

Well, for once, they come manufactured with flexible leather that is 100% real, meaning it will last longer and won’t take three or four weeks to break in.

Also, I loved how their gel-infused footbeds cushioned my feet, allowing me to avoid severe foot soreness and fatigue.

Regarding protection, their steel toe caps kept my toes safe from getting crushed by heavy falling tools, which is a frequent threat at most construction sites.

And, even though I don’t love their tongue as it’s a bit loose, I do like their oil and slip-resistant outsoles, which provide traction to confidently walk on slippery surfaces without fear of slipping and falling.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5,055 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

2. Justin Katerina Waterproof Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

If you’re looking for the perfect lightweight work boot for female workers that will keep your feet well cushioned without added weight, then you might be looking at one of your best alternatives.

These Justing Katerina work boots come with the so-called J-flex insoles that allowed me to walk comfortably for hours as they cushioned and supported my feet, which is a crucial attribute to avoiding foot fatigue.

To keep the toes safe from getting crushed, the boots have steel toe caps that provide that “extra” layer of safety we all need when working with heavy objects.

Moreover, they’ve got slip-resistant outsoles that provide solid traction to walk on slippery surfaces without slipping and falling.

Last but not least, they’ve got a waterproof membrane that kept my feet dry even when I would accidentally drop liquids into the boots (for testing purposes).

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 26 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

3. Timberland PRO Direct Attach 6 Inch Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

These Timberland Direct Attach work boots are the classic pair of protective work boots for women that keep their feet safe without being bulky or heavy.

They come with padded footbeds and midsoles that work together to provide superior cushioning and shock absorption so the feet can rest comfortably inside the boots.

Protection-wise, these boots are on a whole other level.

They’ve got steel toe caps that protect the toes from getting squashed and heat, oil and slip resistant outsoles that deliver a reliable grip on all surfaces to avoid dangerous slips and falls.

Additionally, they come manufactured with a seam-sealed waterproof membrane that kept my feet dry, even when working in the rain.

Oh! They’ve got 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation too, which is vital if you’re looking for a work boot that will keep your feet toasty warm when exposed to cold winter temperatures.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,621 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. Carhartt Rugged Flex 6 Inch CWF5355 Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

With superior protective features, these Carhartt Rugged Flex women’s work boots are perfect for construction sites, warehouses, and many other worksites.

They were designed with PU footbeds that provide excellent arch support thanks to their exceptional cushioning and ergonomic design.

Moreover, they’ve got EVA midsoles with PU strobe pads which are key to providing shock absorption, so your feet are sheltered from the shocks generated by standing or walking all day long.

They come with composite safety toe caps to keep the toes safe without adding weight to the boots.

And their slip-resistant outsoles proved to be essential to me as they gave me that solid traction we all look for when walking on slippery surfaces.

Lastly, they are manufactured with the Cement heel construction that not only adds years of durability but also allows room for flexibility in the boots’ structure, which is a feature I really appreciate knowing how stiff other work boots are.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 761 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

5. Cat Footwear Mae Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

These Mae work boots from Cat are made with 100% flexible leather, which protects my feet from exterior threats without sacrificing comfort.

They come with nylon mesh footbeds that provide both excellent arch support and breathability thanks to their comfy cushioning.

This, coupled with the PU midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption, makes these Cat Mae work boots one of the most comfortable work boots for women in this article.

When it comes to protection, they have steel toe caps that shield the toes, preventing them from getting squashed by heavy falling tools.

Last but not least, I must mention that I love their 100% real leather, which not only enhances the appearance of the boots but also elevates their quality without adding extra weight.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,382 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

6. WOLVERINE Floorhand 6″ Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

Wolverine work boots are known for their quality and protection, and these Floorhand women’s work boots are no exception, as they come with excellent features, such as their steel toe caps that keep the toes safe at all times.

Moreover, they come with slip-resistant outsoles, which is a perfect feature for me as I’m constantly walking on slippery surfaces at my work site.

Also, they are manufactured with a waterproof full grain leather that feels really nice to the touch and has the added advantage of keeping my feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids.

Regarding comfort, the boots have cushioned footbeds which provide that extra layer of padding we all need for our feet after standing for more than 10 hours on hard concrete.

Last but not least, they are manufactured with a lightweight cement construction that guarantees flexibility and that the boots won’t fall apart after only a few months of heavy use.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 244 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

7. Cat Footwear Echo Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

These Cat Echo work boots for female workers use the perfect combination of features to keep the feet well rested and protected without adding extra bulk or weight.

The 100% waterproof nubuck leather keeps the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids, which is a significant advantage for female workers who frequently work outdoors.

Moreover, they’ve got slip-resistant rubber outsoles and steel toe caps, giving me the extra feeling of safety we all want when working surrounded by heavy tools and slippery surfaces.

Comfort-wise, these Cat boots have cushioned PU footbeds that provide enough arch support through their very comfortable padding to avoid foot soreness and fatigue.

And, even though they are a bit complex to maintain, they’ve got other features to compensate, such as their nylon mesh that kept my feet dry and cool even when wearing the boots in hot and humid conditions.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,765 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

8. Timberland PRO Titan 6 Inch Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

One brand that we all love (and use) is Timberland. Their work boots are reliable, comfortable, and fairly lightweight. One perfect example of this are their Titan work boots for women.

Made with alloy toe caps, the boots provide excellent toe protection without adding a lot of weight to them, keeping them reasonably lightweight.

Moreover, they’ve got dual density outsoles which surprised me as to how much traction and cushioning they provide when walking on slippery surfaces.

Also, they are made with 100% leather, which guarantees durability when it comes to safety work boots.

The boots’ PowerFit comfort system is what surpassed my expectation, though.

Their high rebound footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles keep the feet well cushioned and supported, which allows female workers to tackle long workdays without issues.

Last but not least, they are manufactured with mesh linings that allow the air to flow freely through the boots to keep the feet dry and free of odors.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,311 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

9. KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Height Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

For years, my favorite work boots were made by Keen Utility as they manufacture excellent lightweight work boots that don’t disregard protection nor durability.

These Landing work boots, for once, have steel toe caps that are key to keeping the toe box area of the boots totally protected and preventing serious injuries from taking place.

A feature that kept me from slipping and falling when walking on slippery surfaces was the slip resistant outsoles made with deep lugs that dug deep into the ground to provide superior traction.

Also, they come with excellent ergonomic features, such as their metatomical footbeds that cushion the feet saving you from dealing with foot soreness and fatigue.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 81 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

10. Carhartt Wedge Sole Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

Another great option of lightweight safety footwear for women are these Carhartt wedge work boots.

Made with footbeds with the so-called Insite technology, these work boots gave me the padding and cushioning needed to keep my feet well rested, even after tackling 10 hours work-shifts standing on my feet.

Moreover, they come with dual-density rubber outsoles that provide excellent traction and are fairly ergonomic and comfortable to walk on.

Even though they run a bit big, these American-made work boots have other features to put this small detail aside.

For once, they are fully waterproof, which is critical for female workers that are frequently exposed to exterior liquids.

And, finally, they’ve got an extra layer of protection thanks to their electrical hazard resistance, a feature that proves to be life-saving for female workers that frequently work surrounded by live wires.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 326 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

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What Are The Best Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Overall?

Skechers Workshire Peril Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

Skechers has been making a lot of noise in the safety footwear industry as they’re manufacturing lightweight and comfortable work boots for women that keep their feet protected for a very affordable price.

Well, these Skechers Workshire are no exception. In fact, I believe they are the best ones you could get.

Why?

Well, hear me out; they’ve got:

• Slip-resistant outsoles to provide traction on slippery surfaces and avoid nasty injuries
• Steel toe caps to maintain the toes safe from getting crushed
• Flexible leather structure
• Gel-infused footbeds that fully cushion the feet
• Shock absorbing midsoles

I mean, what else can you ask?

If you want to read the full review, you can click the button below.

Review

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Table Comparison

Product	Outsoles	Safety toe caps	Footbeds
1. Skechers Workshire Peril Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Oil-resistant outsoles with deep lugs	Steel toe caps	Removable gel-infused footbeds
2. Justin Katerina Waterproof Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Slip-resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	J-flex cushioned insoles
3. Timberland PRO Direct Attach 6 Inch Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Heat, oil and slip resistant rubber outsoles	Steel toe caps	Cushioned footbeds
4. Carhartt Rugged Flex 6 Inch CWF5355 Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Slip-resistant outsoles	Composite safety toe caps	Fully cushioned PU footbeds
5. Cat Footwear Mae Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Slip-resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Cushioned nylon mesh footbeds
6. WOLVERINE Floorhand 6″ Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Slip-resistant rubber lug outsoles	Steel toe caps	Cushioned footbeds
7. Cat Footwear Echo Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Slip-resistant rubber outsoles	Steel toe caps	Cushioned PU footbeds
8. Timberland PRO Titan 6 Inch Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Rubber dual-density slip resistant outsoles	Alloy toe caps	High rebound footbeds
9. KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Height Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Slip-resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Metatomical cushioned footbeds
10. Carhartt Wedge Sole Lightweight Women’s Work Boots Review	Dual density rubber slip-resistant outsoles	Soft toe	Cushioned footbed made with Insite technology

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Must Have Features of the Best Lightweight Women’s Work Boots

The best lightweight work boots we’ve chosen have most of the features we’ll discuss next.

So, if you’re going to go out there and test a lot of work boots on your own, I believe you should look for the majority of the following features!

Lightweight Materials

If you pay even the slightest attention to a pair of lightweight work boots, you’ll quickly notice that they’re made of, well, lightweight materials (duh!).

So, if you want to ensure that your next pair of work boots is not bulky or heavy, make sure it is made of a rugged yet lightweight leather.

Or, even better, that it is composed of a mix of leather and fabric, allowing the boots to be lighter without sacrificing protection or durability.

Read More:

• How Much Do Work Boots Weigh?

Shock Absorbing Midsoles

Personally, I don’t like too many comfort features in a pair of work boots because I believe brands nowadays are full of BS. However, I look for shock-absorbing midsoles.

Why?

Shock-absorbing midsoles are in charge of absorbing the shocks caused by walking on hard surfaces and preventing them from being transferred to your feet and joints.

This is critical to avoiding sore feet, bad knees, and even back pain! 

Cushioned Footbeds

Comfort is essential for relieving the mental stress of pain and preventing both short-term (foot soreness and fatigue) and long-term (e.g., plantar fasciitis) conditions.

That’s why I always recommend coworkers to buy work boots with padded footbeds so they can benefit from the cushioning and arch support they provide while avoiding nasty pains and other similar issues.

Safety Toe Caps

It is not enough to have a “lightweight” work boot; it must also be protective.

Otherwise, how do you intend to avoid serious injuries?

Safety toe caps are essential for this purpose because they are essentially hard shields placed in the toe box area of the boots, providing a solid level of compression and impact protection.

So, to avoid seriously injuring your toes and being rushed to the hospital in excruciating pain, skip the soft-toed work boots and opt for a pair with safety toe caps.

There are numerous safety toe caps, including steel, composite, and alloy toe caps.

In my opinion, you should go with alloy or composite toe caps because they are lighter, but there are many steel toe work boots that are pretty lightweight, so it’s up to you.

Slip Resistant Outsoles

I believe slip-resistant outsoles must be part of a pair of women’s work boots to provide “the basics” of protection.

These outsoles will have deep lugs and materials engineered to dig deep into the surface being walked on, which is critical to avoid nasty injuries when walking on slippery or uneven terrains.

Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with slips and falls on hard surfaces, which can seriously injure you and keep you out of work for weeks.

Waterproofing & Insulation (Optional)

Are you frequently exposed to cold where you work at? Do you work outdoors?

Well, if that’s the case, then you should look for work boots with some kind of insulation.

If you don’t do this, you run the risk of facing feeling your feet freezing when exposed to harsh winter weather conditions, which totally sucks and can make your life miserable.

And, if you work exposed to exterior liquids, I’d suggest getting work boots with waterproofing membranes as they will keep all liquids out to avoid wetting your feet, which is another massive headache.

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Frequently Asked Questions

During the time I wrote this article, there were a few questions that came up time and time again.

This is my attempt at answering most of them.

Are women’s lightweight work boots considered safe?

Yes, women’s lightweight work boots are safe, at least the ones I reviewed!

Why?

Well, if you pick a lightweight pair of work boots for women, it should come with protective features that will keep you and your feet protected, such as:

• Safety toe caps which will shield the toes, saving them from getting crushed
• Slip-resistant outsoles that provide an excellent level of traction so you can walk on slippery surfaces without slipping and falling

What is the lightest safety toe cap?

Safety toe caps are essential to keep your toes from getting crushed by heavy tools that might fall in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But, there is no reason to deny that some of them add a bit of weight and bulkiness to work boots.

So, what is the lightest safety toe cap? and what about the heaviest?

Well, let me make a few commentaries about the current opportunities you’ve got regarding safety toe caps:

• Steel toe caps: The heaviest and biggest of all safety toe caps, yet the most protective too. Some brands have made huge improvements that allowed them to offer very lightweight women’s work boots, though (e.g., Timberland, Wolverine, etc.)
• Composite toe caps: Lighter than steel toe caps, yet not as protective. They don’t conduct electricity and are preferred by workers looking for solid toe protection without the bulk that comes with steel toe caps
• Alloy toe caps: A very lightweight and protective option, but seriously hard to find in most work boots as they aren’t as popular as the previous two options
• Aluminum toe caps: They are the lightest of them all but also the most expensive and hard to find too. They provide similar protection to steel toe caps