The Best Zipper Work Boots [Updated Guide + 5 Reviews]

Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Joe Strong

Nowadays, those people that are looking for the best zipper work boots face a lot of issues, such as:

• Most work boots with laces are really inconvenient to put on and take off which becomes really inconvenient for workers of some industries (i.e. law enforcement)
• Most zipper work boots don’t hold the proper fit over time which makes the boots feel loose and uncomfortable
• Most workers nowadays have to stand on their feet for long hours without pauses which puts tremendous stress in their joints and, sadly, the majority of zipper boots do not have the required comfort features to deal with this issue
• It is very difficult to find zipper boots with enough traction to let workers walk on difficult surfaces without the fear of slipping, falling and injuring themselves
• Workers usually have to deal with the fear that heavy objects that are lying around their worksite all the time might fall and crush their toes
• Working while exposed to the elements (i.e. hot, cold, rain, etc) is another big issue and most zipper boots don’t have the attributes necessary to maintain your feet warm, fresh and dry under these conditions

These issues require zipper work boots to bring together specific attributes that are difficult to find in one pair, as most often they are dispersed through many pairs of zipper boots.

Well, the good news is that this article is my attempt to give you a swift and valuable list of zipper boots that solve all these issues perfectly.

List Of The Best Zipper Work Boots

As explained, only a few pairs of zipper work boots have the necessary features to solve the problems discussed earlier.

The following zipper work boots gather all the required attributes to work out those issues and were personally selected and tested by me.

1. Bates Men’s Gx-8 8″ Ultra-Lites Gtx Zipper Work Boots
2. Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites 8″ Tactical Sport Zipper Work Boots
3. Thorogood Men’s 8” Side-Zip Jump Boot Gen-Flex Zipper Work Boots
4. Ariat Men’s Overdrive Xtr 8″ Steel Toe Zipper Work Boots
5. Maelstrom Men’s Tactical Force Military Zipper Work Boots

1) Bates Men’s Gx-8 8″ Ultra-Lites Gtx Zipper Work Boots

Comfort

When getting the best zipper work boots you must have the guarantee that the boots will perform great in terms of the cushioning and support they provide.

In that sense, these Bater GX-8 Ultra-Lite GTX work boots performed almost perfectly as they came with removable inserts that, thanks to their superior cushioning, gave me the added comfort I needed to turn a “functional” work boot, such is the case with the zipper boots, to a really comfortable boot.

Convenience is essential. Especially when getting your next pair of zipper work boots.

This is why I loved these boots’ nylon side zippers that were not only great for making my life easier when putting on and taking off the boots but also were durable enough to save me some future headaches as these zippers would never fail.

To top things off, these Bates work boots came with other great and innovative features such as their moisture-wicking GORE-TEX linings that were breathable, thus, maintaining my feet dry and smelling fresh even on hot and humid days where I had to be all day outside.

Protection

I usually use my zipper work boots to walk on some really sketchy surfaces, which is why I always look for some attributes that will give me the best traction possible.

And let me tell you, these Bate zipper work boots really convinced me, as they came with some surprising features, such as their slip-resistant rubber outsoles that gave me almost perfect traction on any slippery surface I had to walk on while testing these boots.

I’m used to using my zipper work boots on under the rain which is a hassle because my feet are always getting wet.

This is why I really appreciated the fact that the guys at Bates added features such as a waterproof leather which was successful in keeping my feet completely dry when working under the rain or when stepping into water (when is annoyingly frequent where I live).

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 909 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.2 out of 5 ratings on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2) Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites 8″ Tactical Sport Zipper Work Boots

Comfort

Footbeds are a key feature for zipper work boots.

This is why I give a lot of value to the fact that these Bater Ultra Lites work boots came with EVA footbeds that gave me the cushioning necessary to walk on uneven without suffering any type of pain.

Well, if you’re going to get the best zipper work boots you may as well get boots with great zippers, huh?

In that sense, these Bater work boots came with side zippers with velcro closures at the top of the collars which were not only highly durable but also really convenient for easily securing the boots.

To make things even more comfortable and convenient, these work boots came with fiberglass shanks that gave me great arch support and the stability necessary to let me walk on any place without problems.

Protection

Walking on slippery surfaces is something that 100% of the people looking for the best zipper work boots do.

This is why I made sure to list work boots with features such as the oil and slip-resistant outsoles these Bates zipper boots had as they gave me the traction required to walk on slippery surfaces without the fear of slipping and getting injured.

Durability

I hate getting zipper work boots that only last me a few months. It’s the worst feeling possible.

This is why I loved the fact that these Bater zipper work boots came manufactured with quality leather and a cement construction that is globally known for being both lightweight and really durable.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1337 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.4 out of 5 ratings on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

3) Thorogood Men’s 8” Side-Zip Jump Boot Gen-Flex Zipper Work Boots

Comfort

It’s not all about convenience with zipper work boots. In fact, I would tell you that, in my case, comfort is more important.

In that sense, these Thorogood Side Zip Jump Zipper work boots surpassed my expectations as they came with features such as Impact 300 gel heel inserts and single-density PU footbeds which provided me a lot of shock absorption and cushioning for those specific parts of my feet that receive all the pressure when walking on hard or uneven surfaces.

I know I will hate myself if I don’t have the assurance that the quality of the zippers I get is not THE BEST POSSIBLE.

And, in the case of these Thorogood zipper work boots, this is exactly what happened as they came with YKK zippers with hook and look closure which made my life much easier as these weren’t only heavy-duty, but also extremely convenient for securing the boots.

Finally, my stability was much improved with these Thorogood side zip work boots as they came with composite shanks.

Protection

When reviewing zipper work boots I always want to be sure that the boots I’m reviewing have the best traction possible to walk on bumpy and slippery surfaces without issues.

In that sense, these Thorogood work boots did a great job as they came with the so-called Genflex2 dual-density multi-directional outsoles which gave me almost perfect traction thanks to their awesome lug pattern.

Durability

Finally, having the peace of mind of knowing that your next pair of zipper work boots will actually last you for years, (instead of months), even if you beat them up constantly, is something that we all want to enjoy.

In that sense, I think I have good news for you as these Thorogood zipper work boots came with a full-grain leather used in a Goodyear Storm welt construction method which is a manufacturing procedure globally-known for adding years of durability to any pair of boots.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 647 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.4 out of 5 ratings on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4) Ariat Men’s Overdrive Xtr 8″ Steel Toe Zipper Work Boots

Comfort

Besides the convenience that comes with zipper work boots, I also focus on getting footwear with other really important comfort features.

On that account, these Ariat Overdrive zipper work boots did a really good job as they came with EVA midsoles that gave me the comfort necessary to walk comfortably on uneven or hard surfaces thanks to their shock-absorbing features.

Additionally, I really liked the enhanced stability I enjoyed when using these work boots, as they came with ATS (Advanced torque stability) with composite forked shanks that were essential for substantially improving my stability when walking on uneven surfaces.

Protection

I am that type of guy that always wants to feel safe and secure. And, in terms of getting a new pair of zipper work boots, there is no better way of doing than by getting footwear with proper safety toes.

The good news is that these Ariat zipper work boots did a really good job as they came with steel safety toes and protective ex guards on toes, heels, and side.

This combination of features gave me the feeling that no matter what could fall into my toe area or what object I could bump into, my toes and feet would remain intact.

Have you ever walked on a slippery surface with a lousy pair of zipper work boots? Well, I did, and let me tell you: it’s the worst!

Luckily for me, I didn’t have to deal with this type of anxiety when reviewing these zipper work boots as they came with oil and slip-resistant Duratread outsoles that provided me perfect traction when walking on those slippery or uneven surfaces we are all afraid to walk on.

Finally, the boots were successful in making me feel even more protected as they came with 8-inch shafts that successfully protected my feet and ankles.

Durability

Good materials and quality construction methods, as explained in this article, are parts that make or break the toughness of a pair of zipper work boots.

And let me tell you, these Ariat Overdrive zipper work boots performed really well in that department as they came with premium full-grain leather and were manufactured following the Goodyear Welt construction method which is famous for making boots last a lot under heavy use.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 75 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 3.8 out of 5 ratings on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5) Maelstrom Men’s Tactical Force Military Zipper Work Boots

Comfort

What if I told you I found THE BEST mixture of comfort and convenience features for a pair of zipper work boots? Would be nice, right?

Well, to be honest, I think that’s exactly what I did with these Maelstrom tactical force zipper work boots as they came with a combination of YKK zippers with closures and cushioned inserts.

This mixture of features provided me the convenience and shock absorption I always look for in any pair of zipper work boots.

Additionally, the boots came with moisture-wicking linings, that kept my feet dry and smelling fresh, and padded collars which gave me an extra layer of comfort and protection.

Protection

I hate walking on slippery or uneven surfaces without enjoying the best traction possible.

This is why I really appreciated the fact that these work boots came with rubber outsoles that were specifically engineered to provide me the maximum grip possible when walking on slippery or bumpy terrains.

I despise feeling my feet wet after accidentally walking on a wet surface or whatever, this is why I appreciate features such as the iH2O-Tex waterproof membrane these Maelstrom zipper work boots came with as they protected my feet maintaining them dry when in contact with water or other liquids.

Durability

The feeling of knowing that you spent your money well is awesome. This is why I made a strong effort to find durable zipper work boots. And, to be honest, I think I did.

In fact, I think this Maelstrom zipper work boots are a great example of the results of those efforts as they came with semi-rigid heel and toe reinforcements and a full-grain leather that kept the shape and looks of the boots in an “as-new” condition even after having been beating them up consistently for months without rests.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2391 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.0 out of 5 ratings on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

My Verdict: The Best Zipper Work Boots

Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites 8″ Tactical Sport Zipper Work Boots

I chose these Bates Ultra-Lites as the best zipper work boots for many reasons. If you wanna know why, then clicking the button down below might be your best as it will link you to the in-depth review I made about these great zipper work boots.

Review

Quick Comparison

How Did I Test The Best Zipper Work Boots

A lot of people get intrigued by our testing process and how we select the recommended boots. So, for those that are curious, these are the tests I did to select the best zipper work boots:

Convenience & Comfort Test

First, I made sure to test how quickly the boots were to put on and take off which is a great way to see if the zipper work boots being tested were convenient or not.

Second, I made sure to check (after a few months of use) whether the boots maintained the perfect fit they once provided right after being bought when they were still in an “as-new” condition.

Third, I made sure to see how good my feet felt at the end of the day after working all day long on my feet without rests (which is what I usually do at my job, sadly). I did this to see the support and ergonomic traits the boots offered.

Protection Test

In terms of protection, I made sure to test the boots by walking on slippery surfaces to see if the boots had the proper traction features to let me walk without worries during the workday.

Moreover, if the boots being reviewed had safety toes, I tested the by letting heavy objects fall from safe heights to analyze if the boots had good quality safety toes or not (I know it seems a bit crazy, but that is exactly what I did).

Finally, when working outdoors (which is what I do most of the time), I made sure to check if the boots maintained my feet dry, fresh and warm, especially when being in contact with water or when exposed to cold weathers.

Durability Test

Given that most zipper work boots are made following lousy manufacturing methods, I made sure to check if the boots’ materials started to get apart after only a few months of use (which is what happened to me with many other zipper work boots, unfortunately).

Must-Have Features For The Best Zipper Work Boots

There are specific features that the best zipper work boots must have in order to solve all the issues discussed at the beginning of this article.

The following ones are the most important in my opinion:

Convenience & Comfort Features

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

In order to get a pair of work boots that will let you avoid the pain related with being all day on your feet, you will have to get zipper work boots with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles.

This will be the best way to give your feet and joints the rest they need to avoid over-loading and prevent any sorts of pains from happening.

Protective Features

Safety Toes

Most workers are used to dealing with the mental burden of working with all sorts of heavy objects lying around unsafely as they could, at any time, fall and crush their feet.

This is why I recommend getting work boots with safety toes as this is the best method to keep your toes protected by a hard barrier that will maintain your toes intact in case any of those heavy objects were to fall into your toe area.

Waterproofing & Insulation

Getting zipper work boots with the proper waterproofing and insulation features is a great idea as it will preserve your feet dry, warm and smelling fresh even if you had to work in rainy, humid, or snowy weathers.

Slip & Oil Resistant Outsoles

Finally, any zipper work boots worth its salt should come with slip and oil resistant outsoles to give you the proper traction to walk on slippery surfaces without the fear of slipping and getting injured.

Durability Features

Good Quality Materials & Construction Methods

In order to avoid the frustration that comes with watching your zipper work boots get destroyed after a few months of use, you should look for zipper work boots with quality materials such as YKK zippers as they have a good reputation for being durable and providing always snug and comfortable fit.

Benefits Of The Best Zipper Work Boots

The following are some of the most important benefits related to getting any of the best zipper work boots reviewed in this article:

Achieve Maximum Convenience And Comfort

Most zipper work boots, even though they are designed to do exactly the opposite, end up being an inconvenience as they are pretty difficult to put on and take off, given that there is always an issue with their zippers.

Luckily, with any of the boots reviewed in this article, you will get zipper boots with good quality zippers that do their job efficiently providing an easy and efficient way to put on and take off the boots.

Avoid Feet Pain

Another really important advantage of getting the zipper work boots is avoiding unbearable feet pain as the work boots come with great comfort features that provide the shock absorption and cushion necessary to give your joints the rest they need to recover.

Stay Away From Slips And Other Hard Injuries

Working without the mental pressure of fearing slipping and getting injured is a huge advantage which is what any of the zipper work boots reviewed in this article give you as they provide the best traction possible to walk on any of those surfaces without fear.

Doing your job in places where heavy tools lay around unsafely is pretty nerve-wracking. Luckily, the best zipper work boots have enough protective features to maintain your toes intact if any of these tools were to wall into your toes.

Maintain Your Feet Dry And Fresh

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than working without the proper work boots when outdoors, especially if you’re exposed to the elements.

The good news is that the best zipper work boots come with great protective features that will be able to efficiently adapt to these weathers, thus, keeping your toes warm, dry and smelling fresh (even in humid weathers!).

Get Maximum Durability

Have you ever purposely burned one or two hundred dollars? No? Well, that’s what you’ll feel if you ever got a pair of lousy zipper work boots.

That is why I made sure to recommend work boots with proper durability features as these will give you the guarantee that your money was well spent on a pair of zipper work boots that will actually last for a lot of years.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is always a couple of questions that get repeated when discussing the best of zipper work boots.

This is why I decided to answer all of them in the same place.

What Are YKK Zippers?

YKK zippers were created by Japanese businessman Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha and are a global standard for zippers as they provide durability and a perfect fit for many years with surprising consistency.

Given their astonishing quality, these are widely regarded as the best zippers for work boots around the world, which is why you saw that most of the boots reviewed in this article had those zippers.

Can I Use Zipper Work Boots To Ride Motorcycles?

Yes. Zipper work boots are perfect for riding motorcycles as, even though they are a bit bulky, they have the perfect design to fit the use of a motorcycle.

In fact, you’ll see many police officers that ride on motorcycles which use zipper work boots.

How To Wear Zipper Work Boots?

It will depend highly on the type of work boots you are wearing.

If you go with zipper work boots with laces, you will need to first use the latter to secure the boots. Then, after a few weeks, when the boots are shaped to the contour of your feet, you can disregard the laces and start using the zipper to secure the boots.

However, if you have zipper work boots without laces, then your best bet might be to just push through the initial discomfort you get with breaking in a new pair of zipper work boots. It will only take a few weeks for the zipper work boots to contour to the shape of your feet. After that, securing the boots with the zippers will be a breeze.

What Are The Recommended Heights For The Best Zipper Work Boots?

Well, there are various shafts for zipper work boots. In fact, you will find 6, 8, 10 and 12-inch shaft zipper work boots in the market.

Of course, the bigger the shaft, the better the protection. However, as the shaft gets bigger, the boot gets bulkier and it is not as comfortable.

So, if your job is risky, and you think that you need a bit of an “above average protection” then going with the 10 or 12-inch shaft might a great idea.

For the rest of us that have a regular job and want to achieve the best combination between comfortable and protective features, going with a 6 or an 8-inch zipper work boots is the best idea.

What Types Of Safety Toes Should I Use For The Best Zipper Work Boots?

Well, there’s a wide set of options in terms of safety toes for zipper work boots.

If you need maximum protection, going for steel or alloy safety toes might be the best idea as these are made of tough metals that will successfully isolate your toes from any harm.

However, if you need protection without the risk of getting electrocuted when exposed to electrical stuff (such as live wires) then going for zipper work boots with composite safety toes might be the best path to take as they do not conduct electricity.

Finally, if you don’t think you need protection for your toes and you prioritize comfort, going for soft toe zipper work boots might be good for you as you’ll have the guarantee that your work boots will be lightweight and comfortable.

How Do I Take Care Of Zipper Work Boots?

There are two spectrums when taking care of a pair of zipper work boots. First, there is the maintenance of the zipper itself, and then, the caring of the boots.

In terms of the zipper, there are a few key tips that I always recommend to follow:

• Helping the zip to close with your fingers will prevent it from breaking if it gets stuck at some point
• Avoid pulling with full force as there is a huge chance the zipper will give out and break
• Make sure to take off your boots with the zipper being completely down so you don’t put unnecessary strain on it
• Maintain the zipper as clean as possible to prevent it from getting stuck

Now, as to the boots themselves, there is a couple of steps you could follow that will give you the peace of mind you’re doing everything possible to maintain them in the best shape possible:

• Clean them with a humid wipe cloth as many times as you deem correct. Make sure all the dust and dirt is removed from the boots
• Apply a leather conditioner generously
• Lightly remove excess conditioner with a clean cloth and let the boots dry in a warm and dry environment
• When a couple of hours pass, give the boots a quick buff with a soft cloth. Done, the boots will look as-new again!

Make sure to repeat this process every few months or when you see the zipper work boots are losing their “essence”.