10 Best Work Boots for Shipyard Workers in 2023

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Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

The best work boots for shipyards will protect you from slipping and falling on hard floors and getting your toes crushed by heavy falling objects while keeping your feet comfortable and free of foot fatigue.

The problem is that they are challenging to find among the low-quality options on the market right now.

That’s why I made a list of then work boots that are perfect to wear at a shipyard, each reviewed with its pros and cons.

Let’s get right into it.


Best Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

By the way, if you’re a construction worker, we made an article that goes about the best work boots for construction workers.

But for now, let’s go with this list I especially made of the best work boots to wear at a shipyard:

  1. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  2. Carhartt 8″ Energy Waterproof CME8355 Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  3. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  4. Timberland PRO Boondock Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  5. KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Low Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  6. Reebok Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoes for Shipyard Workers
  7. Wolverine Overpass Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  8. Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  9. KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit XT Mid Work Boots for Shipyard Workers
  10. Timberland PRO Hyperion XL Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

1. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, abrasion, and oil resistant outsoles
  • Material: 100% top quality full grain leather

Thanks to their steel toe caps and slip-resistant outsoles, these Timberland Pro Pitboss steel toe work boots protect workers from all the risks of working at a shipyard.

The steel toe caps act as a rigid barrier that protects the toe from getting crushed, and the outsoles have deep lugs that tightly grip the floor to provide unparallel slip resistance.

Comfort-wise, the boots have cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles through their 24/7 Comfort Suspension Technology which maintains the feet well supported at all times.

And, even though the boots take about two weeks to break in, features such as their removable sock liners that wick moisture away, maintaining the feet fresh during hot and humid days compensate for this.

Pros

  • 100% top quality leather protects the feet and is very flexible
  • Slip, abrasion, and oil resistant outsoles provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces
  • PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology composed of cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles
  • Steel toe caps that provide maximum toe protection
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Removable sock liner maximizes breathability

Cons

  • They take about two weeks to break in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 24,229 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

2. Carhartt 8″ Energy Waterproof CME8355 Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Composite toe caps
  • Outsoles: Ground Force slip and chemical resistant outsoles
  • Material: Waterproof leather

Very few work boots like these Carhartt CME8355 boots have protective features to keep your feet safe from all the accidents that happen at a shipyard.

I mean, their “Ground Force” slip and chemical resistant outsoles provide excellent traction that keeps workers safe from slipping and falling on hard surfaces at the shipyard.

The composite safety toe caps provide total toe protection at the shipyard to prevent workers from dealing with nasty injuries by heavy falling objects.

Moreover, their waterproof leather uppers keep the feet dry when working in the rain, and they let the air flow freely through the boots to avoid sweat and blisters.

I must say they take a bit too much to break in, yet their Insite footbeds and EVA midsoles absorb shocks to keep the feet and knees well rested.

Pros

  • Ground Force slip and chemical resistant outsoles that help prevent slips and falls
  • Waterproof breathable membrane keeps the feet dry
  • Made of flexible and durable waterproof leather
  • Insite technology footbeds and EVA midsoles that fully support the feet
  • Composite toe caps that protect the toes from being crushed
  • Electrical hazard protection (up to 18,000 volts)

Cons

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,102 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

3. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: MAXWEAR 90 Slip resistant outsoles
  • Material: Rugged full grain leather

These Thorogood American Heritage boots are among the most protective and comfortable steel toe work boots currently being offered.

Their dual density cushioned footbeds, and shock absorbing midsoles provide the arch support and padding the feet need to avoid foot fatigue.

Moreover, their fiberglass shanks provide enhanced stability without adding weight to the boots, which is essential when dealing with 10 to 12 hours work shifts at the shipyard.

Regarding protection, they come with features such as:

  • Steel toe caps that protect the toes from being crushed
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • MAXWEAR 90 outsoles with deep lugs that deliver excellent slip resistance on slippery surfaces

And, to make these boots even cooler, they’re manufactured with the Goodyear Welt construction that is a seal of guarantee when it comes to safety footwear.

Pros

  • Manufactured in America
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Manufactured with rugged leather that protects the feet from the elements
  • Steel toe caps that prevent heavy objects from injuring the toes
  • Dual-density cushioned footbeds that prevent foot fatigue while maximizing comfort
  • MAXWEAR 90 Slip resistant outsoles grip the surface to prevent slips
  • Fiberglass shank that provides support and stability
  • Goodyear Welt construction improves durability

Cons

  • No cons over here

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 40 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

4. Timberland PRO Boondock Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and abrasion resistant TPU outsoles
  • Material: Ever-Guard waterproof leather

If you have comfort and protection as two of your top priorities for your work boots, you’re going to love these Timberland Boondock steel toe work boots.

For once, they come with steel toe caps to keep the toes safe and slip oil and abrasion-resistant TPU outsoles, which provide perfect traction on tricky surfaces you would frequently find at a shipyard.

Moreover, they come built with waterproof leather uppers that keep the feet totally dry when exposed to exterior liquids while working outdoors.

Regarding comfort, these steel toe work boots have anti fatigue footbeds which fully cushion the feet to avoid sore feet.

Pros

  • Steel toe caps and rubber toe protectors that maintain the toes safe from exterior threats
  • Anti fatigue footbeds that fully cushion the feet
  • Made of Ever-Guard leather that protects the feet from exterior threats
  • Slip, oil, and abrasion resistant TPU outsoles with deep lugs that provide enhanced traction
  • Made of waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry when working in the rain

Cons

  • They squeak a bit

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 3,748 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. KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Low Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip resistant outsoles
  • Material: 100% leather

Have you ever gotten your toes crushed at the shipyard?

No? Well, let me tell you: it sucks.

This is why you should get work boots such as these Keen Utility Atlanta work boots, as they come with excellent safety features such as:

  • Steel toe caps that avoid nasty toe injuries from taking place
  • Outsoles with deep lugs that deliver fantastic slip resistance on slippery surfaces

Even though they don’t have the most attractive design, they do have other features to compensate, such as mesh linings that maximize breathability to keep the feet dry and free of odors and cushioned footbeds that allow the feet muscles to rest.

Pros

  • Slip resistant outsoles provide excellent traction on a variety of surfaces
  • Cushioned footbeds
  • Dual density compression molded EVA midsole maintains the feet comfortable during the whole workday
  • Steel toe caps that keep the toes safe from being accidentally crushed by heavy loads at the shipyard
  • Torsional stability shanks provide stability
  • Mesh lining enhances airflow, fighting odors and keeping the feet dry

Cons

  • Not the most attractive design

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5,411 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

6. Reebok Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoes for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Alloy toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip resistant outsoles
  • Material: 100% Mesh

These Reebok Sublite athletic work shoes come with a combination of protective and comfort features that blow other competing work shoes out of the water.

I mean, their slip-resistant outsoles, for once, provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces, which is critical to avoid unwanted slips and falls on hard surfaces.

Moreover, their alloy toe caps keep the toes safe from getting squashed by heavy falling tools without adding much weight to the boots.

To keep the feet comfortable, the boots have the so-called MemoryTech footbeds and Sublite foam midsoles, which absorb the shocks generated by standing all day long on hard surfaces.

Pros

  • Slip resistant outsoles that help reduce the risk of slipping and falling
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • MemoryTech footbeds and Sublite foam midsole that make it easy to tackle long workdays on your feet
  • Mesh allows for the air to flow, keeping the feet dry
  • Lightweight low cut design
  • Alloy toe caps that guarantee workers that no heavy objects could injure their toes

Cons

  • Memory foam insert traps heat

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5,591 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

7. Wolverine Overpass Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Composite toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, abrasion, and chemical resistant outsoles
  • Material: Leather and textile

These Wolverine Overpass work boots are among my favorites for safety footwear to wear at a shipyard.

For once, they come with composite safety toe caps, which not only protect the toes but are also electrical hazard resistant, which is a crucial feature for some workers that work next to live wires.

To avoid nasty slips and falls on hard surfaces such as concrete, which can put you out of work for weeks, the boots have slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles with deep lugs that tightly grip the surface you walk on.

Although they have a weird design, they have Ortholite cushioned footbeds that guarantee constant comfort throughout the workday and shock-absorbing midsoles that achieve the same goal.

Pros

  • Composite safety toe that protects the toes from serious injuries
  • Ortholite cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles that support the feet
  • Slip, oil, abrasion, and chemical resistant outsoles that guarantee perfect traction
  • Made with top quality leather and textile that not only looks great but also protects the feet
  • Athletic Contour Welt construction is both flexible and very durable
  • Waterproof membrane maintains the feet dry

Cons

  • Not the most attractive design

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 7,743 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. Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and abrasion resistant outsoles
  • Material: Top quality full grain leather

Made with steel toe caps and abrasion, slip, and oil resistant outsoles, these Timberland Pro Endurance work boots keep the workers’ feet safe when working at a shipyard.

The safety toe caps are key in preventing your toes from getting squashed by heavy falling objects at the shipyard, while the outsoles keep you safe from slipping on slippery surfaces.

Moreover, these steel toe work boots are electrical hazard resistant, which is key to avoiding severe electrocution accidents.

When it comes to comfort, the boots have the famous “Anti-fatigue Technology” composed of cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles which are responsible for delivering solid arch support to the feet so they remain well rested and relaxed.

Pros

  • Steel toe caps that provide solid toe compression and impact resistance
  • Top quality leather that enhances durability and protects the feet from potential threats
  • Anti-Fatigue Technology composed of ergonomic footbeds that fully cushion the feet
  • Slip, oil, and abrasion resistant outsoles with deep lugs that help grip the surface tightly
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • Loud step noise

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 3,305 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

9. KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit XT Mid Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip and oil resistant nonmarking outsoles
  • Material: 100% leather

Even though they don’t have the best laces, these Keen Utility Detroit work boots are among the best work boots for shipyards you could possibly get your hands on.

Their steel toe caps guarantee shipyard workers won’t face nasty toe injuries by heavy falling tools or objects.

Moreover, their oil and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsoles are there to provide superior traction on all types of surfaces (i.e., icy pavement, slippery surfaces, etc.), which is key to avoiding unwanted slips and falls.

The boots have cushioned PU footbeds and EVA midsoles that provide excellent padding and shock absorption to easily tackle long work shifts standing or walking around at the shipyard to keep the feet free of pain.

And, even though they don’t have the best laces, they do come with a waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry and maximizes airflow to maintain the feet dry and free of any odors.

Pros

  • Oil and slip resistant nonmarking outsoles that keep workers safe from slips and falls on hard surfaces
  • Steel toe caps that provide an extra layer of protection in the toe box area
  • Dual-density compression EVA midsole 
  • Cushioned PU footbeds that reduce foot fatigue
  • Made of 100% leather
  • KEEN.DRY is a waterproof breathable membrane that keeps the feet dry and free of odors
  • KEEN.KEY-TECH FLEX is a full-length TPU interlocking torsional plate for underfoot support and stability
  • Cleansport NXT provides maintains the feet free of odors

Cons

  • Not the best laces

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 245 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. Timberland PRO Hyperion XL Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Features

  • Safety toe caps: Alloy toe caps
  • Outsoles: Vibram oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • Material: 100% waterproof full grain leather

These Hyperion XL work boots from Timberland come with attributes that make them one of the best pairs of safety footwear to wear at a shipyard.

Why?

Well, for once, their alloy toe caps provide a very lightweight yet solid protection to the toe box area, which is essential to avoid nasty toe injuries.

Moreover, to avoid nasty slips and falls on harsh surfaces, the boots have trusty Vibram oil and slip-resistant outsoles that offer excellent traction on slippery and uneven areas.

Your feet will also remain dry at all times, thanks to their 100% waterproof leather that keeps all liquids out.

Although they can run a bit narrow, their EVA midsoles and cushioned footbeds totally support the feet to avoid foot fatigue, which is a common issue among shipyard workers.

Pros

  • Alloy toe caps that help protect against toe injuries by heavy falling tools and objects at the shipyard
  • Vibram oil and slip resistant outsoles with aggressive tread patterns provide traction on wet and slippery surfaces
  • 100% waterproof leather
  • Lightweight EVA midsoles
  • Cement construction maximizes durability
  • Dynamic Anti-Fatigue technology composed of cushioned footbeds that reduce the stress placed on your feet
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • They run narrow

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,704 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


What Are The Best Work Boots for Shipyard Workers Overall?

Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

There are many hazards at the shipyard to be solved by your work boots, making it very difficult to find a pair worth the money.

Luckily, this Timberland PRO Pitboss steel toe work boot exists as it is, in my opinion, the best work boot for shipyard workers due to the following features:

  • Steel toe caps and slip, abrasion, and oil resistant outsoles that keep the feet and toes safe from serious toe injuries and falls
  • Cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles that fully support the feet to prevent foot fatigue
  • Made of top quality leather that looks great and enhances durability

Anyways, if you’d like to read the full review, you can do so by clicking the button down below.

Go to Review

What Are The Most Comfortable Work Boots for Shipyard Workers?

KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Low Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

I selected this Keen Utility Atlanta steel toe work boot as the most comfortable one to use at a shipyard due to the following features:

  • Dual density compression molded EVA midsoles that absorb shocks and keep the feet and knees well rested
  • Cushioned footbeds that fully support the base of the feet
  • Torsional stability shanks
  • Nylon mesh lining that maximizes airflow to keep the feet dry and fresh-smelling when exposed to hot and humid conditions

Go to Review


Table Comparison

ProductSafety toe capsOutsolesMaterials
1. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Steel toe capsSlip, abrasion, and oil resistant outsoles100% top quality leather
2. Carhartt 8″ Energy Waterproof CME8355 Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Composite toe capsGround Force slip and chemical resistant outsolesWaterproof leather
3. Thorogood American Heritage 6” Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Steel toe capsMAXWEAR 90 Slip resistant outsolesRugged leather
4. Timberland PRO Boondock Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Steel toe capsSlip, oil, and abrasion resistant TPU outsolesEver-Guard waterproof leather
5. KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Low Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Steel toe capsSlip resistant outsoles100% leather
6. Reebok Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoes for Shipyard Workers

Alloy toe capsSlip resistant outsoles100% Mesh
7. Wolverine Overpass Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Composite toe capsSlip, oil, abrasion, and chemical resistant outsolesLeather and textile
8. Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Steel toe capsSlip, oil, and abrasion resistant outsolesTop quality leather
9. KEEN Utility Men’s Detroit XT Mid Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Steel toe capsSlip and oil resistant nonmarking outsoles100% leather
10. Timberland PRO Hyperion XL Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Alloy toe capsVibram slip and oil resistant outsoles100% waterproof leather

Must Have Features of the Best Work Boots for Shipyard Workers

Here are all the features I believe to be essential in a work boot that will be used at a shipyard.

Safety Toe Caps

Most shipyard workers are exposed to severe injuries. One of such is getting their toes crushed by heavy tools or objects laying around at the shipyard.

In that regard, I believe the best work boots for shipyards must have safety toe caps as they are made of hard materials placed over the toe area, providing total protection.

That way, if you get work boots with safety toe caps, you’ll have the confidence that if something heavy falls in the toe box area of your work boots, your toes won’t get seriously injured.

Slip Resistant Outsoles

There are many dangers of working at a shipyard.

Shipyard workers, for example, are constantly walking on slippery or uneven surfaces where, if they slip and fall, they could get seriously injured as these surfaces are mostly made of hard concrete.

What’s the solution, then? Getting work boots with slip and oil-resistant outsoles.

These soles typically come with deep lugs that provide excellent traction on all those surfaces commonly found at a shipyard.

My favorite are the Vibram outsoles, but if you like another work boot with a reliable slip-resistant outsole, then you should be fine.

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

For anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet walking on hard surfaces, such as a shipyard worker does, comfortable work boots are essential.

And what better way to make a work boot comfortable than by ensuring it has cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles?

These features work together to absorb impacts and reduce the stress on the feet and knees when shipyard workers must tackle 10 to 12 hours working at the shipyard.

These ergonomic attributes can help prevent short-term consequences such as sore feet and bad knees and long-term ones such as plantar fasciitis.

Insulation

Most shipyard workers work outdoors, exposed to extreme winter temperatures and suffering from harsh cold.

The best way to reduce this suffering is by getting work boots with a solid level of insulation.

A reliable insulation material is key in keeping the feet warm and free of getting wet when exposed to exterior liquids.

There is a lot of controversy regarding the amount of insulation to choose from, but I believe that between 200 grams and 400 grams of insulation is the sweet spot.

Lastly, you must choose a reliable insulation material that is breathable. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with sweaty feet for the better part of your workday.

That’s why Thinsulate insulation is my favorite as, after years of experience, it has proved to me repeatedly that it is both breathable and worth the money.

Durable Materials & Construction Methods

What better way of making sure your hard-earned money is well spent on a pair of work boots than by getting one manufactured with reliable construction methods and top-quality materials?

None.

I mean, by making sure your work boots are made with attributes such as top quality leather and quality construction methods such as the Goodyear Welt construction, you’ll get the guarantee your work boots are going to last for years, even if you beat them day in and day out at the shipyard.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are several questions related to the best work boots for shipyard workers. Let’s try to answer most of them.

How to Maintain Work Boots for Shipyards?

Work boots are very expensive nowadays.

Knowing this, it’s imperative or most shipyard workers to follow a reliable cleaning and maintaining process that will maximize the lifespan of their work boots.

The thing is, it’s not very clear how you should maintain your leather work boots, right?

Well, for those with the same confusion, I made the following easy-to-follow guide to cleaning and maintaining leather safety work boots:

  • Clean and rinse your work boots with saddle soap
  • Dry the work boots with a towel
  • Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner and massage it to the leather
  • Let the conditioner work for about 15 minutes

What Safety Toe Caps The Best Work Boots for Shipyard Have?

Sadly, there are various choices of safety toe caps which can be confusing.

So, to make life a bit easier, I made the following guide:

  • Steel toe caps are by far the most popular and cheap choice. They provide a nice level of protection, yet they add a bit of weight to the work boots.
  • Alloy toe caps are much lighter than steel toe caps, yet they provide similar levels of protection. They are a bit more expensive though.
  • Composite toe caps are an alternative placed between the steel and alloy options. They are lighter than steel toe caps but not as light as alloy toe caps, and they provide a nice level of protection. Oh, and they don’t conduct electricity.
Author: Joe Strong

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