10 Best Lightweight Work Boots in 2023

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Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Azad Asf

The best way to ensure you are comfortable during work is to get a pair of lightweight work boots that are comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

Sadly, the market is full of work boots that are either too bulky or heavy and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to spot comfortable and lightweight work boots.

That’s why I decided to test and review dozens of work boots to arrive at a comprehensive list of what I believe are the best lightweight work boots nowadays.

Let’s begin.


The Best Lightweight Work Boots

Here are all the work boots I believe to be the best lightweight work boots:

  1. Timberland PRO 40008 Mudsill Lightweight Work Boots
  2. Redback Lightweight Work Boots
  3. KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Lightweight Work Boots
  4. Timberland PRO Pitboss Lightweight Work Boots
  5. Irish Setter 83605 Lightweight Work Boots
  6. Wolverine W02421 Raider Lightweight Work Boots
  7. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6″ Lightweight Work Boots
  8. KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Height Lightweight Work Boots
  9. Thorogood American Heritage Lightweight Work Boots
  10. WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Lightweight Work Boots

1. Timberland PRO 40008 Mudsill Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Rugged leather
  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and heat resistant outsoles

These Timberland PRO 40008 Mudsill work boots are both very lightweight and protective, which are two attributes very difficult to find in other similarly priced work boots.

Their EVA midsoles, for once, offer impressive shock absorption to reduce the shocks that might hurt your feet or knees.

The boots come with mesh linings with antimicrobial properties that reduce build-up and maximize breathability.

Like most of the work boots made by Timberland, these ones have steel toe caps that keep toes safe from falling objects which is key to avoiding nasty injuries.

Last but not least, their slip, heat, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles give the necessary traction to walk on any surface without slipping or falling.

Pros

  • Manufactured with rugged leather
  • Steel toe caps and abrasion-resistant toe covers for maximum protection
  • Slip, oil, and heat resistant outsoles that securely grip the surface
  • EVA shock absorbing midsoles
  • Open-cell PU cushioned footbeds that support the feet
  • Mesh linings that keep the feet fresh thanks to improved breathability and antimicrobial treatment
  • Made with a durable and flexible Cement heel construction

Cons

  • They get kinda hot during summer

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 846 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.


2. Redback Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Full grain leather
  • Safety toe caps: None
  • Outsoles: Slip and abrasion-resistant outsoles

These Redback lightweight work boots come with features such as cushioned footbeds and Urethane Air cellular midsoles which reduce the shocks of walking all day on hard surfaces thanks to their excellent arch support and shock absorption.

They are manufactured using high-quality leather to prevent accelerated degradation without adding weight or bulk to the boots.

Moreover, their outsoles are made using a special and innovative process that applies high-pressure compression. In simple terms, the outsoles are slip, abrasion, and tear-resistant, which gives the user the confidence to walk on any surface without worrying.

Pros

  • Urethane Air cellular midsoles that provide superior shock absorption
  • Cushioned footbeds
  • Slip and abrasion resistant outsoles with multi-directional cleats to provide enhanced traction
  • Manufactured with top quality full grain leather

Cons

  • They run a bit small

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 60 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.


3. KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Water-resistant nubuck leather
  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant outsoles

Not only do these Keen Utility Atlanta work boots help you walk comfortably around your workplace thank to their dual-density EVA cushioned footbeds, but also they are key for avoiding sore feet and bad knees as they got EVA midsoles responsible for absorbing shocks.

These boots were manufactured using lightweight nubuck leather that protects the upper part of the foot, which is also water-resistant, which is a huge advantage for some workers that work outdoors.

Their steel toe caps help prevent any damage to the toe box area of the work boots, and their slip and oil resistant outsoles provide excellent grip on surfaces that are most of the time not in the best of conditions.

Lastly, they provide solid electrical hazard protection for those electricians or construction workers that work near live wires.

Pros

  • EVA midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption for walking on concrete and other hard surfaces
  • Dual-density EVA cushioned footbeds
  • Breathable mesh linings
  • Steel toe caps that maintain the toes safe from getting injured
  • Oil and slip-resistant outsoles to prevent slips and falls
  • Manufactured with water-resistant nubuck leather
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • The footbeds are a bit difficult to replace

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 496 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.


4. Timberland PRO Pitboss Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: 100% real leather
  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles

One of the main reasons why I chose these Timberland Pro Pitboss work boots to be in this list of the best lightweight work boots is that they come with slip-resistant rubber outsoles and steel toe caps that help keep the feet safe no matter what.

And they do this without being either bulky or heavy!

The boots were designed to minimize strain on the foot when walking or standing all day long. And they do this with features such as their midsoles that absorb shocks and return energy to the feet without stressing them.

Furthermore, their comfortable open-cell PU cushioned footbeds are lined with a mesh lining which allows sweat to wick away efficiently, thus avoiding odor buildup.

Finally, they are manufactured with the already-famous Goodyear Welt construction that is known around the industry for guaranteeing durability without making the work boots heavy.

Pros

  • Manufactured with 100% real leather
  • Steel toe caps that keep the toes safe
  • Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles
  • Open-cell PU footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles keep the feet well rested
  • Padded top collars for enhanced comfort
  • Made with the Goodyear Welt construction for extra durability

Cons

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 788 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.


5. Irish Setter 83605 Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Briar Turbo Vegas full grain leather
  • Safety toe caps: Aluminum toe caps
  • Outsoles: EVA traction Tred outsoles

These Irish Setter 83605 work boots are a wonder in that you’ll enjoy a lightweight and comfortable pair of work boots that will keep your feet safe at the same time.

How?

Well, thanks to features such as their aluminum toe caps that keep the toes protected from getting crushed with the added benefit of not making the boots heavy.

Their rubber-EVA Traction Tred slip-resistant outsoles offer better grip, which is a key feature for workers used to walking on uneven or slippery surfaces.

On top of that, the boots have EVA midsoles and cushioned footbeds which provide superior shock absorption and arch support to keep the feet and joints free of pain.

To top things off, the boots have padded collars which give extra comfort around the ankle, making the boots substantially more comfortable than the competition.

Pros

  • EVA traction Tred outsoles that offer perfect traction on slippery surfaces
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Lightweight Aluminum toe caps for excellent toe protection without the bulkiness
  • EVA midsoles and cushioned footbeds for extra comfort
  • Padded top collars
  • Manufactured with a flexible and reliable Briar Turbo Vegas full grain leather

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2413 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.


6. Wolverine W02421 Raider Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Full grain leather uppers
  • Safety toe caps: None
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant MultiShox rubber outsoles

If you’re trying to replace bulky and heavy work boots for a lightweight pair of reliable work boots, then these Wolverine Raiders are worth checking out.

For once, they come with full-cushion Wolverine Multishox insoles that provide comfort and arch support all-day long.

They also prove themselves ergonomic as they come with shock-absorbing PU midsoles that are a game changer for workers that spend the majority of their work days on their feet.

Regarding protection, the boots come with slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant Multishox outsoles that keep the grip firm to the ground eliminating all risks of falling and slipping.

Lastly, they’ve got composite safety toe caps that provide total toe protection without the bulk or weight that a steel toe cap might add.

Pros

  • Made with durable and lightweight full grain leather uppers
  • Breathable CK mesh lining for improved durability
  • Full-cushioned Wolverine Mutishox insoles
  • Lightweight PU shock absorbing midsoles
  • Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant MultiShox rubber outsoles with deep lugs
  • Composite safety toe caps

Cons

  • No cons to speak about

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 646 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.


7. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6″ Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: 100% waterproof nubuck leather
  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant outsoles

These Keen Utility Puttsbursh work boots maintain the feet protected and well supported without adding much bulk or weight to the feet.

With their cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles these boots can cushion and support your feet, even if you spend the better part of your workday walking on hard surfaces.

To keep the feet safe, these boots got steel toe caps, oil, and slip-resistant outsoles, preventing nasty toe and feet injuries.

Even though they don’t have the best laces, features such as their top quality and lightweight nubuck leather that is also waterproofed make up for it.

Pros

  • Manufactured with 100% real lightweight nubuck leather
  • Moisture wicking linings
  • Steel toe caps prevent the toes from getting crushed by heavy falling tools
  • Keen.Dry waterproofing membrane keeps the feet dry when exposed to rain and other liquids
  • Oil and slip-resistant outsoles
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • KEY-TECH full-length stability plate provides underfoot protection
  • Cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles that provide excellent arch support

Cons

  • Not the best laces

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 3,140 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.


8. KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Height Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Waterproof leather
  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant nonmarking rubber outsoles

Unlike other work boots, these Keen Utility Lansing boots come with impressive features that might make them one of the best lightweight work boots around.

For once, their 100% waterproof leather not only keeps the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids, but it does this without adding much weight to the boots.

Their steel toe caps are there to provide total toe protection so when accidents happen, your toes won’t get crushed.

When it comes to comfort, the boots have compression-molded EVA midsoles that absorb shocks and return energy to the feet to avoid short-term and long-term injuries (e.g. plantar fasciitis).

And, they’ve got full cushioned footbeds which keep the feet padded to avoid foot fatigue and other issues.

Pros

  • Manufactured with 100% waterproof leather
  • Steel toe caps
  • Mesh uppers for maximum breathability
  • Reflective webbing for additional safety
  • Oil and slip-resistant nonmarking rubber outsoles
  • Compression-molded EVA midsoles to keep the feet free of impacts
  • Full cushioned PU footbeds
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • The laces are not the best

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 3,589 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.


9. Thorogood American Heritage Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Waterproof leather
  • Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip-resistant outsoles

These American Heritage boots are another pair of great work boots offered by Thorogood perfect for those looking to avoid bulkiness and heaviness on their feet.

Thanks to features such as their Maxwear wedge slip-resistant outsoles these boots guarantee perfect traction on slippery surfaces.

Moreover, their steel toe caps keep the worker’s toes safe from getting squashed when heavy objects are dropped accidentally.

Their waterproof and breathable membranes maintain the feet dry and fresh as they keep water out and allow air to flow in.

And, although they are a bit too small, they’ve got cushioned footbeds that maintain the feet well supported and rested.

Pros

  • Made in America with 100% real leather
  • Maxwear wedge slip-resistant outsoles provide excellent protection on slippery surfaces
  • Waterproof and breathable membrane
  • Steel toe caps to provide maximum protection to the toe box are of the boots
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Removable Ultimate Shock Absorption footbeds that prevent sore feet

Cons

  • They are 1/2 size too small

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 822 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.


10. WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Lightweight Work Boots

Features

  • Material: 100% waterproof leather
  • Safety toe caps: Composite safety toe caps
  • Outsoles: Slip, oil, water, abrasion, and chemical-resistant outsoles

These Wolverine Overpass work boots have great attributes that seem to make them incredibly lightweight and safe at the same time.

For once, they’ve got a 100% waterproof leather that maintains the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids.

Their slip and oil-resistant outsoles, coupled with their lightweight composite toe caps, provide the perfect combination of safety features to allow workers to do their jobs without worries of getting injured.

Moreover, they are manufactured with the Athletic Contour Welt construction, ensuring durability while maintaining the boots’ flexibility.

Last but not least, the boots keep the feet well rested and free of any fatigue thanks to their cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles.

Pros

  • Manufactured with 100% waterproof leather and breathable textile
  • Athletic Contour Welt construction isn’t only durable but also flexible
  • Removable Ortholite cushioned footbeds
  • Slip, oil, water, abrasion, and chemical-resistant outsoles
  • Lightweight composite safety toe caps provide total toe protection

Cons

  • Not the most attractive

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 8,178 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.



Comparison Table

NombreMaterialSafety toe capsOutsole
1. Timberland PRO 40008 Mudsill Lightweight Work Boots

Rugged leatherSteel toe capsSlip, oil, and heat resistant outsoles
2. Redback Lightweight Work Boots

Full grain leatherNoneSlip and abrasion-resistant outsoles
3. KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool Lightweight Work Boots

Water-resistant nubuck leatherSteel toe capsOil and slip-resistant outsoles
4. Timberland PRO Pitboss Lightweight Work Boots

100% real leatherSteel toe capsAbrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles
5. Irish Setter 83605 Lightweight Work Boots

Briar Turbo Vegas full grain leatherAluminum toe capsEVA traction Tred outsoles
6. Wolverine W02421 Raider Lightweight Work Boots

Full grain leather uppersNoneSlip, oil, and abrasion-resistant MultiShox rubber outsoles
7. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6″ Lightweight Work Boots

100% waterproof nubuck leatherSteel toe capsOil and slip-resistant outsoles
8. KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Height Lightweight Work Boots

Waterproof leatherSteel toe capsOil and slip-resistant nonmarking rubber outsoles
9. Thorogood American Heritage Lightweight Work Boots

Waterproof leatherSteel toe capsSlip-resistant outsoles
10. WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass 6″ Lightweight Work Boots

100% waterproof leatherComposite safety toe capsSlip, oil, water, abrasion, and chemical-resistant outsoles

Must Have Features of The Best Lightweight Work Boots

Here are a few features I believe are essential in any work boots to be considered among the best lightweight work boots nowadays.

how to break in work boots

Lightweight Materials & Construction

Well, this is an easy one.

There will be no lightweight work boot that’s not manufactured with lightweight materials and construction methods.

I’d say looking for work boots made with thin yet durable full grain leather is key when it comes to the materials used, as it will make the boots rugged without adding bulk or weight.

And, when talking about construction methods, you’ve got plenty of reliable and lightweight options, such as:

Read More:

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

There’s nothing more painful than wearing uncomfortable work boots, especially when you spend 10 to 12 hours on your feet.

That’s why I recommend getting work boots with cushioned footbeds that will keep your feet well supported and relaxed, so you can avoid nasty foot pains and soreness.

Moreover, looking for a work boot with shock-absorbing midsoles is another great idea as it makes sure all the shocks coming from walking on hard surfaces are absorbed and not transferred to the feet or joints.

Safety Toe Caps

There are plenty of risks when working as a tradesman, one of those is getting your toes crushed by heavy objects that accidentally drop.

So, how can you prevent this?

Well, the most efficient way to prevent getting your toes crushed is getting work boots with safety toe caps as they will cover the toe box area of your work boots with a hard shell that will totally protect your toes.

What kind of safety toe caps should you choose? Well, you’ve got plenty of choices:

  • Composite toe caps: These are fairly lightweight and don’t conduct electricity, which is perfect if you work exposed to electrical currents
  • Aluminum toe caps: These are as safe as steel toe caps without weighing as much, yet they are a bit pricey and hard to find
  • Carbon toe caps: Similar to aluminum toe caps, yet more lightweight and expensive
  • Steel toe caps: By far the most popular choice, steel toe caps are the most protective yet, some, are fairly bulky and heavy

Slip Resistant Outsoles

If you’re the kind of worker that frequently walks on slippery and uneven surfaces where it’s very easy to slip and fall, then you most definitely need to get work boots with slip and oil resistant outsoles, preferably with deep lugs.

Why?

Well, these outsoles will tightly grip the surface you’re walking on, regardless if it’s slippery or uneven, providing perfect traction, which is essential to avoid unwanted injuries.

My favorite are Vibram outsoles, yet there are some well-respected brands that use other slip-resistant outsoles, which are fairly reliable too.

Waterproofing/Insulation (Optional)

Ever worked outdoors exposed to cold winter temperates or under the rain while not wearing the proper safety footwear?

It sucks, doesn’t it?

Well, to avoid that, you’ve got no other choice than to search for work boots made with waterproofing membranes and reliable insulation materials as they will keep your feet dry and warm.

But wait, don’t those features make work boots heavy and bulky?

They most definitely are! Yet there are some brands (e.g. Timberland, Wolverine, etc) that have developed amazing technologies (i.e. Thinsulate Insulation) that allowed them to add these features to their work boots without making them heavy or bulky.

Read More:


Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions that people ask us when it comes to finding the best lightweight work boots.

Let’s try to answer most of them.

Are lightweight work boots safe?

They can be. Let me explain:

When people hear “lightweight work boots” they believe these are safety boots that have been stripped of most of the features that make them safe (e.g. safety toe caps, slip-resistant outsoles, etc).

But, the truth is that there are some brands out there that have developed amazing technologies that allow them to offer work boots with excellent safety features without making them bulky or heavy.

Can lightweight work boots improve performance?

Yes they can!

When you wear lightweight work boots, you don’t have to worry about dragging bulky or heavy work boots around, which will end up hurting your feet and making you suffer extreme fatigue.

In fact, the best lightweight work boots should come with specific features that will absorb the shocks of walking on hard surfaces and cushion the base of your feet to prevent you dealing with sore feet and other issues.

What is the lightest safety toe cap?

Safety toe caps are key protective features of work boots as they ensure your toes won’t get crushed by heavy falling objects that always lay around the workplace unsafely.

In that context, I believe the lightest safety toe caps are those made of composite material as, when compared to steel toe caps, are substantially more lightweight and as protective.

Yet there are other alternatives that are even more lightweight, such as aluminum toe caps and carbon toe caps. Yet those are much less popular and more expensive.

Are composite toe work boots lighter than the rest?

The answer to this question depends on what safety toe cap you use to compare it to composite safety toe caps.

If you compare composite toe caps with steel toe caps, then yeah, composite safety toe caps are lighter than then.

But if you compare them with other choices such as carbon toe caps or aluminum toe caps, then no, composite safety toe caps aren’t lighter than these options.

Read More:

Author: Joe Strong

1 thought on “10 Best Lightweight Work Boots in 2023”

  1. You don’t put the weight of the boots, so all of this is irrelevant, didn’t read past the first couple boots bc if you don’t list the weight that means I have to check them individually to figure it making all of this article useless

    Reply

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