What Work Shoes Have Vibram Soles?

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Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

If you’re looking for a pair of work shoes with Vibram soles, you’ve come to the correct place as I’ll go over the best alternatives on the market right now.

Vibram soles have grown in popularity over the last decade because they give the ideal balance of protection and flexibility. They provide excellent traction and are resistant to oil, slips, and abrasions, making them a perfect pick for workers searching for safety footwear.

This article will show you my research findings of the best work shoes with Vibram outsoles.

Let’s get right into it.


What Work Shoes Have Vibram Soles?

During my research, I was able to test dozens of work boots with Vibram soles; however, this is my pick for the best of them in terms of comfort, protection, and durability.:

  1. Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  2. Irish Setter 83907 Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  3. Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  4. Ariat Linesman Ridge 10″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  5. Timberland PRO Helix 6″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  6. Rocky Ranger Insulated GORE-TEX Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  7. Danner Logger 8″ Brown Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  8. Rockrooster “Roberta” Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  9. Thorogood Oil Rigger 8″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles
  10. Rocky Legacy 32 Waterproof Hiking Boot

1. Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: Full-grain leather with 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant Vibram rubber outsoles
  • Footbeds: TDC (Technology Driven Comfort) polyurethane insoles

I have firsthand experience with accidents after slipping when walking on slippery surfaces without slip-resistant work boots, and it sucks.

This is why I advocate getting work boots like these Georgia Lace-to-toe work shoes, which have remarkable safety features like:

  • Vibram outsoles that are oil and slip-resistant, preventing workers from slipping on slippery terrains
  • To deal with cold climates, the full-grain leather is fully waterproofed and features 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation
  • In terms of comfort, they include TDC PU insoles that cushion the feet and keep them well-rested to reduce foot fatigue

Finally, they are made with a GORE-TEX construction that maximizes breathability to keep the feet dry in hot and humid weather.

Pros

  • Removable brush guard kiltie
  • Full-grain leather with 200 grams of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation
  • Steel shanks for improved stability
  • Solid stud hooks & eyelets set on steel washers for secure fit
  • Fully waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX construction that keeps feet fresh and dry at all times
  • Oil and slip-resistant Vibram rubber outsole for maximum traction
  • TDC (Technology Driven Comfort) polyurethane insole provides excellent
  • Reliable Goodyear welt construction

Cons

  • Boots are kinda stiff for the first few days (as expected)

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 382 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

2. Irish Setter 83907 Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: Waterproof leather
  • Outsoles: Vibram XClaim TC-4 plus rubber outsoles
  • Footbeds: Removable PU footbeds

Vibram outsoles have a long history in the realm of work boots. And they’re popular because of the high level of traction they provide on slippery surfaces, as well as their flexibility.

This is how work boots like these Irish Setter 83907 work boots, which are ideal for workers searching for maximum safety, are made.

They have safety steel toe caps that give superior impact and compression resistance in the toe box area, which is ideal for avoiding painful toe injuries.

They also feature Vibram XClaim TC-4 rubber outsoles with slip-resistant features to ensure optimal traction on slippery surfaces.

They also have the “UltraDry” waterproofing material, which keeps the feet dry at all times while exposed to wet and rainy conditions.

Pros

  • Removable PU footbeds with comfortable cushioning
  • “UltraDry” Waterproofing membrane that maintains the feet dry when exposed to water
  • Safety steel toe caps
  • Vibram XClaim TC-4 plus rubber outsoles offer maximum traction on slippery surfaces
  • Cement Welt construction

Cons

  • They run a bit small

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 530 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. Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: 100% waterproof leather
  • Outsoles: Vibram Tacoma Logger outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

Chippewa is regarded as one of the greatest logger work boot brands. And these Chippewa 9-inch work boots are no exception.

I mean, these fully waterproof and insulated work boots have incredibly protective features like their Vibram Tacoma Logger outsoles with deep lugs that are oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant, which is ideal for workers who must walk all day on uneven and rocky terrains.

They also feature steel toe caps and electrical hazard protection, making them even safer for workers working in high-risk circumstances.

They are a little pricey, but they are worth it because they are made using the Goodyear Welt construction, which is renowned as one of the most resistant and lasting constructions for safety footwear.

Pros

  • Made in America with 100% leather
  • Goodyear leather welt construction for maximum durability
  • Chip- A- Tex waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry
  • Ruby Dri Lex 2000 lining that maximizes breathability
  • Electrical hazard resistance
  • Vibram Tacoma Logger outsoles that are slip, oil and abrasion resistant with superior traction thanks to their
  • 3M Thinsulate insulation for low temperatures
  • Steel toe caps that provide solid toe impact and compression resistance

Cons

  • They are a bit pricey for my budget (worth it though)

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 666 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

4. Ariat Linesman Ridge 10″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: Waterproof full grain leather
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip resistant Vibram outsoles
  • Footbeds: Rebound foam insoles

There are obvious advantages to purchasing a pair of these Ariat Linesman Ridge work boots.

For once, they come with their famous oil and slip-resistant Vibram outsoles, which provide excellent traction on slippery areas to prevent nasty falls.

Furthermore, they include 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a Gore-tex fully waterproof fabric, ensuring that workers do not have wet or cold feet even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Their composite safety toe caps add an extra layer of protection due to their impact and compression resistance in the toe box area, which proves to be crucial in the construction sector year after year.

Finally, they feature Rebound foam insoles, which fully cushion the feet and provide the necessary support and shock absorption at all times.

Pros

  • Reinforced steel shank for maximum stability
  • Rebound foam insoles that are highly comfortable
  • Composite safety toe caps
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Gore-tex waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry when exposed to water
  • 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation that keep the feet warm when it’s cold outside
  • Breathable mesh lining that wicks moisture away
  • Made with full grain leather
  • Oil and slip resistant Vibram outsoles for maximum wear resistance

Cons

  • Eyelets are a bit tricky

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 31 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing, and they have given them a 3.9 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5. Timberland PRO Helix 6″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: High-quality waterproof leather
  • Outsoles: Vibram outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

If you’re looking for a good pair of work shoes with Vibram soles, these Timberland PRO Helix work boots are by far one of the best options.

For once, they come with slip- and oil-resistant Vibram outsoles, which have proven to be among the best outsoles available for safety footwear.

Furthermore, they include alloy safety toe caps that guarantee optimal toe protection, which is critical for workers who spend all day surrounded by heavy tools and parts.

Their dynamic anti-fatigue technology is responsible for giving the feet the necessary support and shock absorption to allow workers to walk on hard surfaces all day without suffering from aching feet at the end of their workdays.

Pros

  • Made from high-quality waterproof leather
  • Dual-purpose cast metal top hardware for perfect fit
  • Ever-guard leather backstay
  • Dynamic anti-fatigue technology provides long-lasting comfort and shock absorption
  • Breathable sports lining wicks moisture away
  • Vibram outsoles that provide perfect traction
  • Xl alloy safety toe for total toe safety
  • Active heel-lock technology that secures heels for a specific fit

Cons

  • A bit on the heavy side

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 4,330 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. Rocky Ranger Insulated GORE-TEX Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: Waterproof leather
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip resistant Vibram outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

If you plan on walking on slippery or rocky surfaces, I recommend getting a pair of work boots with Vibram soles, such as these Rocky Ranger work boots have.

They are by far one of the most protective work shoes I’ve tested for this article, as they have:

  • 100% full grain leather, waterproofed and insulated with up to 600 grams of Thinsulate insulation  
  • Vibram oil, and slip-resistant outsoles
  • Steel toe caps

Even though they’re a little bulky, they’re pretty useful since they have the so-called Gore-tex lining, which allows air to breathe through the boots, keeping your feet dry and cool.

Pros

  • 100% leather with waterproof membrane
  • Gore tex fabric maximizes breathability
  • 600 grams of Thinsulate insulation keeps feet dry and warm when exposed to cold temperatures
  • Goodyear welt construction
  • Oil and slip resistant Vibram outsoles
  • Steel toe caps prevent workers from dealing with serious toe injuries

Cons

  • A bit bulky for my linking

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 145 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

7. Danner Logger 8″ Brown Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: Waterproof nubuck leather
  • Outsoles: Vibram 360-degree Logger outsoles
  • Footbeds: Ortholite footbeds

Speaking of work boots that prove to be both comfortable and very protective, let me present you these Danner Logger 8 inch work boots.

These work shoes are made of 100% waterproof nubuck leather, which not only looks great but also keeps your feet dry and fresh when exposed to liquids.

Furthermore, they feature Vibram 360-degree logger outsoles that are oil and slip-resistant, ensuring that workers do not trip and fall when walking on slippery terrains. They are also resistant to electrical hazards, which is a huge plus for some workers.

In terms of comfort, the boots contain Ortholite footbeds that cushion the feet and lessen the likelihood of foot fatigue.

Pros

  • Made with nubuck leather that has been completely oiled and is waterproof
  • Electrical hazard resistant
  • The lightweight Bi-Fit integrated shank technology increases heel rigidity while allowing for forefoot flexibility.
  • The Vibram 360-degree Logger outsole provides excellent traction on tricky surfaces
  • Ortholite footbeds that are fully padded and very comfortable
  • Long-lasting sistchdown construction

Cons

  • Run big

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 71 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. Rockrooster “Roberta” Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: 100% leather
  • Outsoles: Slip and oil resistant Vibram rubber outsoles
  • Footbeds: PORON XRD cushioned insoles

The ideal work shoe with Vibram soles should have good safety, comfort, and durability qualities, like the ones found in these Rockrooster “Roberta” work boots.

These all-leather work boots have a slip and oil-resistant Vibram rubber outsoles, saving workers the hassle of being injured and spending weeks in the hospital.

Furthermore, they are made with the Goodyear Storm Welt construction, ensuring that the boots will not break down after only a few months of intensive wear.

Last but not least, they have PORON XRD insoles that cushion the feet with each step on hard surfaces, relieving stress on the feet and knees.

Pros

  • Manufactured with 100% leather
  • Slip and oil resistant Vibram rubber outsoles provide excellent traction
  • Electrical hazard resistant (up to 18,000 volts)
  • PORON XRD insoles that cushion the feet and prevent fatigue
  • Goodyear Storm Welt that provide superior resistance to wear and tear

Cons

  • No cons over here!

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5 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. Thorogood Oil Rigger 8″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles

Features

  • Material: Full-grain black walnut leather
  • Outsoles: Vibram SO498 outsole with TC4 compound
  • Footbeds: Ultimate Shock Absorption footbeds

When getting your safety clothes and accessories, most of the time must be spent on getting work hoes with Vibram soles that are comfortable, protective, and durable.

This is why I recommend you look into these Thorogood Oil Rigger work boots, which have wonderful qualities such as full-grain leather that is durable and stylish.

They are also made in America using the Goodyear storm welt construction, ensuring the durability that most tradespeople strive for in their safety footwear.

Their Vibram SO498 outsoles with TC4 compound provide optimum traction on slippery surfaces, allowing the worker to focus their full attention on the task at hand rather than looking around.

Finally, they include their “Ultimate Shock Absorption” footbeds, which reduce foot fatigue due to enhanced cushioning and support.

Pros

  • Manufactured in America
  • Full-grain black walnut leather
  • Ultimate Shock Absorption footbeds for sustained comfort and reduced foot fatigue
  • Triple ladder steel shank for maximum stability
  • Vibram SO498 outsole with TC4 compound for maximum traction
  • Goodyear storm welt construction
  • Electrical hazard resistance

Cons

  • Hooks are kinda tricky

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 27 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

10. Rocky Legacy 32 Waterproof Hiking Boot

Features

  • Material: Waterproof leather
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip resistant Vibram outsoles
  • Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds

Trying dozens of work shoes to get to the ones that not only have Vibram soles but also other worthy features is both annoying and time-consuming, which is why I took it upon myself to find an excellent selection of work shoes with Vibram sole.

In that respect, allow me to introduce you to the Rocky Legacy 32 work shoes.

They have oil and slip-resistant Vibram soles that grip the surface and provide exceptional traction to reduce the risk of falls.

Furthermore, they feature cushioned EVA midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption to the feet and knees, avoiding short- and long-term consequences.

Last but not least, these waterproof work boots have a stitch-out construction that ensures years of durability, which is uncommon to find in other work boots nowadays.

Pros

  • Oil and slip resistant Vibram outsoles
  • Cushioned EVA midsoles
  • Stitchout construction
  • Lightweight fiberglass shanks
  • Rocky Vapor Pass waterproof technology

Cons

  • They run narrow

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 4.2 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 Shoes With Vibram Soles Overall?

Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Work Boots with Vibram Soles

I chose these Georgia lace to toe work boots as the best with Vibram outsoles because they have superior features, such as:

  • Waterproof and insulated full grain leather that keeps feet dry and comfortable in cold winter temperatures
  • Slip and oil resistant Vibram outsoles that grip the ground to prevent slips and falls
  • Footbeds with TDC PU cushioning for ultimate comfort

If you’re interested in reading the full review, you can do so by clicking the button down below.

Review

What Are The Most Comfortable Work Shoes With Vibram Soles?

Timberland PRO Helix 6″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles

There are certain features, the most comfortable work boots with Vibram soles must-have, and these Timberland PRO Helix work boots have them all.

I mean, they come with a highly flexible waterproof leather and active heel lock technology that allows the heels to stay in place to achieve a customized and perfect fit.

They also have a breathable lining which proves essential when working in humid and hot conditions as it keeps the feet fresh and dry.

And lastly, they have a dynamic anti-fatigue technology that, through their footbeds and midsoles, provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption through their footbeds and midsoles.

Review


Quick Comparison

NameMaterialOutsolesFootbeds
1. Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Work Boots with Vibram Soles
Full-grain leather with 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulationOil and slip-resistant Vibram rubber outsolesTDC (Technology Driven Comfort) polyurethane insoles
2. Irish Setter 83907 Work Boots with Vibram Soles
Waterproof leatherVibram XClaim TC-4 plus rubber outsolesRemovable PU footbeds
3. Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Work Boots with Vibram Soles
100% waterproof leatherVibram Tacoma Logger outsolesCushioned footbeds
4. Ariat Linesman Ridge 10″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles
Waterproof full grain leatherOil and slip resistant Vibram outsolesRebound foam insoles
5. Timberland PRO Helix 6″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles

High-quality waterproof leather
Vibram outsolesCushioned footbeds
6. Rocky Ranger Insulated GORE-TEX Work Boots with Vibram Soles
Waterproof leatherOil and slip resistant Vibram outsolesCushioned footbeds
7. Danner Logger 8″ Brown Work Boots with Vibram Soles
Waterproof nubuck leatherVibram 360-degree Logger outsolesOrtholite footbeds
8. Rockrooster “Roberta” Work Boots with Vibram Soles
100% leatherSlip and oil resistant Vibram rubber outsolesPORON XRD cushioned insoles
9. Thorogood Oil Rigger 8″ Work Boots with Vibram Soles
Full-grain black walnut leatherVibram SO498 outsole with TC4 compound
Ultimate Shock Absorption footbeds
10. Rocky Legacy 32 Waterproof Hiking Boot
Waterproof leatherOil and slip-resistant Vibram outsolesCushioned footbeds

What Are Vibram Soles?

Even though Vibram is known for making mountaineering boots, they also manufacture rubber outsoles for safety work boots.

These rubber outsoles are known for being oil and slip-resistant, which guarantees the worker that they will enjoy the best traction possible when walking on slippery surfaces. This, in turn, allows them to avoid slips and falls, resulting in serious injuries.

Moreover, they are substantially lightweight and durable, which are both critical attributes in a work boot outsole.

And, even though they are a bit expensive, they are by far the most popular choice among tradespeople and construction workers.


Must Have Features of The Best Work Shoes With Vibram Soles?

There are certain features the best work boots with Vibram soles must have to be considered the best, at least by me.

So, to save you guys some time, I made sure to list those features in the following part.

how to break in work boots

Vibram Soles

Well, this is an easy one.

Vibram outsoles are widely regarded as the best work boot outsoles in the construction industry.

Why?

Because of their oil and slip-resistant properties, they provide outstanding traction. They are also quite lightweight and flexible, making them an excellent alternative for workers looking for work boots with trustworthy outsoles.

Safety Toe Caps

Working surrounded by heavy tools and parts is common for tradesmen, especially construction workers.

This is why I believe that the best work boots with Vibram soles should feature safety toe caps, as these will offer the user total compression and impact resistance, preventing terrible toe injuries.

But the question is, which type of safety toe cap should you get?

There are numerous options, so I thought it would be helpful to provide a small guide to assist you in selecting the best safety toe cap for your needs:

  • Steel toe caps are the most popular choice among workers since they are inexpensive and provide a high level of protection to the toe box area. They are, nevertheless, quite bulky and heavy.
  • Composite toe caps are far lighter than steel toe caps and nonmetallic, which means they do not conduct electricity, which is a great benefit for some workers. They are not, however, as protective as steel toe caps.
  • Alloy toe caps: These safety toe caps are as hard as steel toe caps but lighter than composite toe caps, making them the best choice of the three. They are, however, significantly more expensive and harder to find.

Waterproofing/Insulation

The last time I worked under the rain with work boots that didn’t have insulation material and weren’t waterproofed, I ended up with my feet freezing by the cold.

This is why I recommend all workers looking for a pair of safety work boots to get a pair with insulation material and a waterproofing membrane, especially if they’re frequently exposed to extreme conditions.

Solid insulation and waterproofing will guarantee you that your feet will remain warm and dry even when working outdoors in the harsh winter.

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

Most work boots nowadays may not be as comfortable as they should be.

This is why I constantly advise people to get safety boots with specific features that ensure their feet are well supported and cushioned.

In this case, choosing work boots with cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles would ensure that their feet will not be weary even after spending long hours walking on hard surfaces.

Reliable Construction Methods

Once you spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of work boots and you use them for a couple of weeks, there is no turning back. If the boots end up being awful, you won’t get your money back.

This is why I believe everyone should make an effort to find work boots that will last them for years to come. Sadly, this proves to be very difficult in today’s climate, where most companies transfer their manufacturing processes overseas to save on costs.

So, the best advice in that context is to get work boots made with reliable construction methods that will guarantee the work boots won’t fall apart after only a few months of intense use.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are specific questions that I always hear related to the topic of work shoes with Vibram soles.

This is my attempt at answering most of them.

What are work shoes with vibram soles good for?

There are a few features that set work shoes with Vibram soles apart from the competition.

First, there’s the question of traction. Vibram soles are composed of a highly gripping rubber with multidirectional deep lugs that grab the ground tightly to deliver the best traction possible.

Furthermore, they are known for being incredibly lightweight, which is a massive benefit for workers who spend the majority of their days on their feet because they will not want to carry bulky work boots around.

Finally, they are made of high-quality rubber that will not crack, so workers will be able to wear their work shoes with Vibram soles for many years to come.

Can I use work shoes with vibram soles for construction?

You most definitely can!

Vibram outsoles are recognized for being slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant, making them an ideal choice of outsole for construction workers, who frequently walk on slippery and uneven surfaces.

However, this is not the only safety feature they should look for in work boots; they should also get boots with safety toe caps because this is the easiest way to avoid nasty toe injuries.

What safety toe caps are best for work shoes with vibram soles?

Well, this question is a bit difficult to answer. I mean, it’ll highly depend on the needs of the wearer.

Steel toe caps, for example, which are by far the most common option, are known for being one of the most protective and affordable safety toe caps. They do, however, add a significant amount of weight to the boots.

On the other hand, composite toe caps are lighter and constructed of nonmetallic materials, which is a significant benefit for workers who work near live wires. They are, however, not as protective as steel toe caps.

Finally, alloy safety toe caps are as protective as steel toe caps and as light as composite toe caps, but they are more expensive and a little harder to find in safety boots.

How to maintain vibram soles work shoes?

Well, the process of maintaining a leather work shoe with a Vibram sole is pretty simple, you just have to follow the following steps:

  1. Dust off the boots with a brush
  2. Wash the boots with saddle soap and rinse them
  3. Give them a few minutes to dry
  4. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner and massage it to the leather surface of the boots
  5. Let the conditioner work for about 15 minutes
  6. Remove excess conditioner with a clean towel
  7. Buff the boots
  8. Done!

Anyways, if you’re more of a visual learner, you can watch this video that shows you exactly how to make the previous steps:

Author: Joe Strong

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