I know this first hand, which is why I decided to take the time to put together a list of the Best Hot Weather Work Boots for Summer. My research considered a variety of factors from weight to breathability. After much consideration and reviewing many great options, my research suggests that the best overall summer work boot is the Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic with its Traction Tred Wedge outsoles and leather outsoles.
Why It’s VERY Important To Keep Your Feet Cool:
The two most important areas for body temperature regulation are the head and feet. If you take care of these and follow the tips above you can avoid these heat-related pitfalls.
- Heat injury: Mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
- Urinary and kidney problems: Prolonged dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even kidney failure.
- Seizures: Electrolytes — such as potassium and sodium — often become depleted in hot weather. Since they help carry electrical messages from cell to cell, a drop in electrolyte levels can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BEST OVERALL  |
BEST OVERALL
|
Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR BREATHABILITY  |
BEST FOR BREATHABILITY
|
Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker Steel-Toe Work Boot
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR COMFORT  |
BEST FOR COMFORT
|
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
7 Best Summer Work Boots For Hot Weather
Purchasing the correct work boot for the summer months is crucial to your performance and well-being. The rigors of manual labor are enough without having to deal with the heat and humidity. The right boot will help minimize the effects of the heat by keeping your foot dry, cool and protected minimizing the likelihood of foot cramps or an injury. A boot that will respond on hot concrete, dried soil or steamy gravel can provide a comfortable day on your feet and help with fatigue and overheating.
1. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot – Best Overall
The Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6” Boot is a comfortable, durable and stable boot. The leather insole melts to the shape of the foot providing a comfortable and customized fit. It boasts a high level of durability due to the use of the Goodyear Welt Construction Method. The boot offers confidence and stability on slippery surfaces with its Traction Tred Cushion Crepe Wedge outsole.
Features:
Oro legacy leather; Traction Tred Cushion Crepe Wedge outsole; copper rough & tough leather; leather insoles; Goodyear Welt Construction Method; 80-inch chestnut leather laces
Comfort and Breathability
The level comfort provided by the soft, leather insoles is unmatched.
Protection
No need to worry about slip and falls on the job site with its Traction Tred Cushion Crepe Wedge outsoles.
Durability
The Goodyear Welt Construction Method and leather uppers make this one tough boot.
- Comfortable – full leather uppers and leather insole
- Durability – Goodyear Welt Construction Method and leather uppers
- Stability – Traction Tred Cushion Crepe Wedge outsoles
- Price – You do pay for the quality of these boots
2. Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker Steel-Toe Work Boot – Best For Breathability
The Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker Steel-Toe Work Boot shoe is a breathable, comfortable and protective work boot. It boasts an antibacterial mesh liner to promote airflow keeping your feet cool all day long. The Ortholite footbed and shock diffusion plates offer excellent comfort and support. This boot provides the utmost protection with a steel toe cap.
Features
Abrasion resistant, waterproof fabric upper; shock diffusion plate; Ortholite footbed; antimicrobial mesh lining; electrical hazard protection; ANSI-rated steel toes.
Durability
With an abrasion-resistant fabric upper this boot can take on the toughest job sites.
Protection
The steel toe cap provides the highest level of protection for your foot.
Features
The combination of a mesh lining, Ortholite footbed and shock diffusion plate make this a comfortable boot with outstanding airflow.
- Protective – steel toe cap
- Comfortable – Ortholite footbed and shock-diffusion plate
- Breathable – antimicrobial mesh lining
- Aesthetics – its performance by far exceeds its looks
3. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe – Best For Comfort
The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe is an instant favorite. It offers a MAXwear wedge sole and rubber midsole to promote comfort. The slip and oil-resistant outsole ensures that you can navigate the most hazardous surfaces. The cotton drill electric hazard resistant lining provides an additional layer of safety.
Features
Polyurethane MAXwear wedge sole; rubber midsole; composite shank; slip and oil-resistant outsole; cotton drill vamp electric hazard resistant lining; removable dual-density ultimate shock absorption footbed; Poron 4000 comfort cushion; Goodyear Storm Welt Construction.
Durability
The Goodyear Storm Welt Construction offers a level of durability that most boots can’t beat.
Comfort and Breathability
The boot is made for comfort from the 4000 comfort cushion to the shock absorption footbed.
Protection
This boot boasts a cotton drill vamp lining to protect you from electrical hazards.
- Comfort – MAXwear wedge sole, shock absorption footbed and Poron comfort cushion
- Durable – leather upper and Goodyear Storm Welt Construction
- Grip – slip and oil-resistant sole
- Protective – this boot has a soft toe but it is ANZA rated for electrical hazards
4. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot
The KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot is protective and durable with a breathable upper. It provides the ultimate protection with a steel toe, slip-resistant outsole and electric hazard resistant construction. The upper is durable water-resistant leather. Its mesh panels in the upper offer optimal airflow making it a very breathable work boot.
Features
Water-resistant nubuck leather upper with mesh panels; moisture-wicking lining; dual-density compression midsole; removable footbed; oil and slip-resistant outsole; steel toe; electric hazard resistant.
Comfort and Breathability
A footbed and breathability with mesh panels in the uppers keeps your feet pain free and promotes airflow.
Protection
The steel toe, anti-slip sole and electric hazard resistant construction keep your foot safe on the most dangerous work sites.
Durability
The water-resistant leather upper and tight make this a very durable boot.
- Protective – Oil and slip-resistant soles, steel toe and electrical hazard rated
- Breathable – moisture-wicking liner and air mesh paneled uppers
- Durable – Nubuck leather, water-resistant and tight seams
- Plastic lacing tab – the plastic lacing tab which helps secure fit can catch the laces from the other boot causing trips and falls, not a problem if wearing jeans.
5. Maelstrom Men’s PATROL 6 inch Work Boot with Zipper
The Maelstrom Men’s PATROL 6 inch Work Boot with a Zipper checks a lot of the boxes. It offers a durable leather and nylon upper with a rubber sole. The composite safety toe protects the foot while the Dri Lex liner keeps your foot dry. The comfort of this boot is enhanced with a shock-absorbent insert, padded collar and tongue.
Features
Leather and nylon upper; rubber sole; composite safety toe; Dri-Lex waterproof liner; removable shock-absorbent inserts; composite shank; slip and oil-resistant outsole; padded tongue and collar.
Protection
The combination of a composite safety toe and slip-resistant outsole provide a heightened level of safety on the job site.
Comfort and Breathability
This boot boasts breathable waterproof liner and removable shock-absorbent inserts preventing foot fatigue while keeping your foot dry.
Durability
The leather and nylon upper with a composite shank make this one tough boot.
- Durable – leather and nylon upper with a composite shank
- Protective – composite safety toe and slip-resistant outsole
- Comfort – breathable waterproof liner and removable shock-absorbent inserts
- Flexibility – you sacrifice a little flexibility due to its composite shank and toe box
6. Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Work Boot
The Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6” Work Boot is a sturdy, durable and comfortable boot. It boasts a sturdy handcrafted, stitchdown construction. The boot is constructed with durable full-grain leather upper. The OrthoLite footbed and rubber sole offers comfort all day long.
Features
Durable full-grain leather upper; Handcrafted, stitchdown construction; Steel shank; OrthoLite footbed; rubber sole; electrical hazard protection.
Durability
The stitchdown construction on a full-grain leather upper offers optimal durability for a work boot.
Comfort and Breathability
The OrthoLite footbed makes this a boot that is easy to wear for long periods of time.
Protection
The electrical hazard protection and rubber sole will protect your foot from worksite hazards.
- Durable – handcrafted stitchdown construction and full-grain leather upper
- Comfortable – OrthoLite footbed and rubber sole
- Sturdy – Steel shank, stitchdown construction and rubber sole
- Sizing – runs narrow and long. Consider ordering a wide size for a more comfortable fit.
7. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men – Best on a Budget
The ROCKROOSTER is the perfect summer work boot on a budget. It offers breathability, durability and comfort. The COOLMAX fiber technology wicks moisture away from your feet and improves airflow. A combination of a Poron insole and a dual-density footbed maximizes comfort. The thick, full-grain leather upper makes it a sturdy and durable boot.
Features
Full-grain leather upper; COOLMAX performance fabric; Goodyear Welt Construction; Poron insole; dual-density injection footbed; soft toe; anti-static and anti-slip outsole.
Comfort and Breathability
The use of COOLMAX technology in the liner offers a high level of comfort and breathability on those hot summer days.
Durability
The full-grain leather and Goodyear Welt Construction make this boot as tough as the competition.
Protection
A thick leather upper in combination with an anti-static and anti-slip outsole offer safety on the job site.
- Comfort – Poron insole and dual-density injection footbed
- Breathable – COOLMAX fiber liner
- Durable – Goodyear Welt Construction
- Sizing – runs large order a half size down
Summer Working Boots Buying Guide
Hot weather can wreak havoc on your body and can leave even the fittest person dehydrated and ill. The number one reason people fall ill is due to dehydration. It can create an unsafe work environment for you and your co-workers. If you are dehydrated you may become irritable, fatigued, dizzy, confused and experience an elevated heart rate. That is why it is important to drink additional water in hot or humid weather.
You May Also Like: Best Insoles for Work Boots
Staying hydrated will replace what you lose through sweating and help lower your body temperature. It is best to start hydrating the day or night before working in strenuous conditions and replenish fluids at regular intervals throughout the workday. You also want to:
- Be sure to take plenty of breaks to ensure you are getting enough shade and fluids.
- Avoid direct sunlight and wear a hat.
- Wear cool and light-fitting clothing.
- Have the right pair of boots for the heat and humidity to keep your feet cool and dry.
Benefits of Getting The Best Work Boots For Summer
The benefits of getting the right boots for summer are your feet will be cool and dry. Boots with a lightweight construction will help minimize fatigue and improved work performance.
Cool and dry feet – A cool and dry foot promotes a cooler body temperature. Many boots are made with sweat-wicking technology and additional airflow.
Lightweight – A lightweight boot allows for more breathability and less exertion. Both of which are important if you want to remain comfortable and focused on the job site in the sweltering heat of summer.
A boot made for summer will promote improved job performance and comfort during the hottest days. These boots are made of a lightweight, breathable material to keep your feet cool and dry helping you to focus on the job, not the heat.
You May Also Like: Best Law Enforcement Boots
What Makes the Best Hot Weather Work Boots?
The best work boots for hot weather are breathable, lightweight and protective. The body works harder in hot weather to regulate your body temperature. It is necessary to take advantage of each and every opportunity to help the body with this process. Keeping your feet cooler is a good way to help out.
Breathability
A boot that features a mesh lining and promotes airflow is a necessity for a hot weather work boot. It helps reduce the risk of overheating, confusion and dizziness that can put your safety at risk.
Lightweight
A lightweight boot helps decrease your level of exertion when walking or climbing at work. It helps limit the fatigue a heavy boot can create on those hot summer days.
Protective
Safety is always first around the job site. This makes a boot that offers safety toe caps and an anti-slip resistant sole a must-have in a work boot. It will protect your feet and prevent slipping on hazardous surfaces.
You May Also Like: Cheaper Alternatives To Muck Boots
How Were the Summer Work Boots Tested?
It is important to note how I tested the boots. A clear description of the tests offers a good understanding of each boots capabilities under a variety of conditions. Hopefully, this will allow for a more informed decision when it comes time to purchase a pair of work boots for the summer.
Comfort And Breathability
In order to test a boot’s comfort level, I experimented with the shoes on a variety of surfaces in hot weather for hours. I walked on gravel, dirt and concrete continually noting the level of support and comfort each boot provided. Breathability was measured by the level of sweat-wicking properties and the coolness of my feet while walking around in the hot weather all day long. You may also like our guide on Ugg alternative to the originals but are as the same quality.
Protection
Now, this was tricky. Unlike minimalist boots I needed to test the toe caps of each boot without injuring myself. I would begin with a few light taps with a hammer moving ever so slightly toward vigorous banging on the toe cap. Finally, I would find some heavier objects to drop on the toe cap. Testing the anti-slip properties of a boot was a little less intimidating. I walked through oil, mud and a variety of other products commonly found on a worksite paying close attention to the grip and stability of the soles.
Durability
After each day of testing, I made a thorough inspection of the boot’s soles, laces and upper. I looked for tears, fraying and disproportionate wear.
Best Breathable Work Boots for Summer – Final Thoughts
The task of finding the right boot for a hot worksite can be challenging and there are many good options. Each boot has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some offer superior durability but bake your feet all day. Then again, others offer excellent airflow and leave you nervous that a dropped hammer might end your day. Knowing what to look for is the first step in selecting the best hot weather boots for summer.
The rigors of a job site on a hot day make it important to balance comfort, breathability, protection and durability. I know this from first-hand experience which is why I decided to test a variety of boots to help others find the best boot. After hours of research and considering all the previously mentioned factors, I can confidently suggest that the best hot weather work boots for summer are the Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic with its full-grain leather, Goodyear Welt Construction, Traction Tred Wedge outsoles and leather insoles.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BEST OVERALL |
BEST OVERALL
|
Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR BREATHABILITY |
BEST FOR BREATHABILITY
|
Timberland PRO Men’s Expertise Hiker Steel-Toe Work Boot
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR COMFORT |
BEST FOR COMFORT
|
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Related Posts:
https://stayontrails.com/best-insoles-for-shoes-that-are-too-big
Austin Mills