Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Boots Guru
There’re hundreds of affordable work boots nowadays, but the question is: are cheap work actually good?
Sadly they are not.
The cause is that their manufacturing process is made with low-quality materials that don’t last more than a few months of use. On top of that, they are very uncomfortable and lack protective features.
To prevent workers looking for cheap work boots from getting really frustrated with this reality I decided to research and make two lists of the best cheap work boots available, one with 5 options under 50 dollars and the other one with 5 options under 100 dollars.
The Best Cheap Work Boots Under 50 Dollar
As previously stated, these are the 5 best cheap work boots under 50 dollars I found after extensive research.
- Rhino 6 Inch Steel Toe Safety Work Boot
- Ever Tank Soft-Toe Insulated Work Boots
- GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots
- Skechers for Work Workshire Steel Toe Boots
- Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe Work Boots
1. Rhino 6” Steel Toe Safety Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: Rubber oil and slip-resistant outsole
- Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned insoles
If you’ve been looking for a good quality pair of affordable work boots then you’re looking at a great option.
These Rhino work boots come with many protective features, such as their:
- oil and slip-resistant outsoles which let the user walk with confidence on slippery surfaces
- safety steel toe caps that provide the protection needed for working without fearing the toes getting crushed by falling objects
- oil-resistant top-quality leather which guarantees the boots would endure anything
Regarding their comfort features, they come with cushioned insoles which are essential to avoid unbearable foot pain at the end of the day.
Pros
- Steel toe caps provide maximum toe protection
- Electrical hazard resistance
- Rubber oil and slip-resistant outsoles offer superior traction on tricky surfaces
- Oil resistant leather
- Padded collar and tongue improves the experience of putting on and taking off work boots
- Cushioned insoles
Cons
- They can be a bit bulky for some
- They can be a bit bulky for some people
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 160 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
2. EVER BOOTS “Tank” Full Grain Leather Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Soft toes
- Outsoles: Naturally grippy rubber outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: PU insoles
These Ever Tank work boots are some of the most comfortable cheap work boots I have ever tried as they not only require little break-in time but also have cushioned PU insoles that guarantee comfort at all times, even when walking on hard surfaces.
Additionally, they have speedy hooks that allow the user to achieve a custom fit which is key to improve the user experience.
They come manufactured with the Goodyear Welt construction which is one of the best and most known construction methods around the world as they add years of durability.
Regarding protection, they have slip-resistant rubber outsoles that keep the workers safe from slips and serious injuries thanks to the traction provided.
Pros
- Require reduce break-in time
- Cushioned insoles provide superior shock absorption
- Speedy hooks make tying the boots very simple and efficient
- Slip-resistant rubber outsoles keep workers protected from slipping and getting seriously injured
- Goodyear Welt construction
Cons
- Laces are not of the best quality
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 9,840 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.
3. GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Safety steel toe caps
- Outsoles: Slip-resistant rubber outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds
These GW work boots were manufactured using top-quality materials such as full-grain nubuck leather which substantially improve the boots’ lifespan.
Additionally, they come with safety steel toe caps that protect the toes from falling objects that could easily crush them.
On top of that, they have slip-resistant rubber outsoles that keep workers safe from falling and getting injured while walking on slippery surfaces usually found at construction sites.
Last but not least, these boots were made using genuine leather and premium water-resistant uppers which are responsible for protecting the feet from liquids and other harmful substances.
Pros
- Goodyear Welt construction improves durability
- Safety steel toe caps
- Slip-resistant rubber outsoles
- Premium water-resistant uppers
- Full-grain nubuck leather looks and feels great
Cons
- They are low top which is inconvenient for snow
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 1,264 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.
4. Skechers Work Workshire Steel Toe Cap Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: Nitrile rubber lug traction oil-resistant flexible outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: Memory foam cushioned removable comfort insoles
These Skechers boots have steel safety toes that keep the toes from getting crushed by tools that could have fallen at the construction site where I work.
The boots have electrical hazard protection that protects the worker from getting electrocuted when working near live wires, which is a lot to say of work boots that are so cheap.
Additionally, they have rubber lug traction and oil-resistant outsoles prevent serious accidents like slipping when walking on uneven or slippery surfaces.
Lastly, their roomier design and memory foam cushioned insoles guarantee an impressive constant level of comfort throughout the workday.
Pros
- Steel toe caps provide excellent toe protection
- Electrical hazard protection
- Traction Control rubber outsoles are excellent in providing traction on all surfaces
- Reinforced stitched seams strengthen durability
- Full-grain leather
- Heel and side panels overlays
- Padded collar and tongue
- “Relaxed Fit” roomier design
- Memory foam cushioned insoles
- Shock absorbing midsoles
Cons
- They run narrow
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 242 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. Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: High traction rubber outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: Memory Foam full cushioned comfort insoles
There’s no better way to work comfortably knowing that you won’t be exposed to serious injuries.
Luckily, these Skechers boots come with essential safety attributes such as:
- Safety steel toes that keep toes safe from serious injuries
- Electrical hazard protection
- Abrasion-resistant leather uppers
Their rubber outsoles have patterned lugs which are excellent for providing traction on slippery surfaces.
As to their comfort features, these Skechers boots have memory foam footbeds that cushion the feet when walking on hard or rocky surfaces.
Last but not least, the boots have padded collars and tongues which are key in improving the experience of using the boots, especially when tackling long 10-hour work shifts (like I do).
Pros
- Safety steel toe caps prevent nasty toe injuries from happening
- Electrical hazard protection
- Abrasion-resistant leather uppers
- Rubber outsoles with patterned lugs for maximum traction on slippery surfaces
- Padded collar and tongue
- Roomy design
- Memory foam full-cushion footbeds
- Shock absorbing midsoles
Cons
- They are low top
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 10,726 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
What Are The Best Work Boots Under 50 Dollars Overall?
Skechers 77055 Cankton Athletic Steel Toe Work Boots
I selected these Skechers 77055 as the best cheap work boots under 50 dollars due to features such as their:
- Steel safety toe caps that totally protect the toe box area
- High traction rubber outsoles that prevent nasty trips and slips from happening
- Memory foam insoles that totally cushion the base of the feet for maximum comfort
If you’d like to read the rest of the review, you can click the button down below.
What Are The Most Comfortable Work Boots Under 50 Dollars Overall?
Skechers Work Workshire Steel Toe Cap Work Boots
I think these Skechers Wokrshire boots are by far the most comfortable work boots under 50 dollars, thanks to features such as:
- Memory foam insoles that cushion the feet during the workday to reduce the chances of dealing with nasty foot pains
- Lightweight structure
- Safety steel toe caps to provide a nice level of basic protection
If you’re interested in reading these boots’ full review you can do it by clicking the button down below.
The Best Cheap Work Boots Under 100 Dollars
I know that there are workers with many different budgets, so I decided to divide this article into two different lists.
In the next part, I’m gonna show you what are the best cheap quality work boots under 100 dollars as of right now:
- Wolverine Hudson W02194 Work Boots
- Timberland Pro Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boots
- Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boots
- Dickies Men’s Raider Steel Toed Work Boots
- Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Work Boots
1. Wolverine Hudson W02194 Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: Rubber outsoles with high traction attributes
- Footbeds/Insoles: Removable full-cushion footbeds
These Wolverine Hudson boots come with incredible comfort features such as their removable full-cushion footbeds responsible for providing the feet the support they need to tackle long workdays.
Their breathable mesh lining wicks moisture away making sure the feet remain dry and cool when exposed to hot and humid temperatures.
Regarding protection, they have:
- Steel toe caps that act as a barrier between the toes and heavy falling tools
- Electrical hazard resistance
Last but not least, the boots are manufactured with a Cement construction that’s both flexible and very durable, which is key to save money in the long term.
Pros
- Nubuck sueded leather and mesh uppers keep the feet cool and smelling fresh
- Lightweight nylon shanks
- Electrical hazard resistance
- Steel safety toe caps
- Full cushion footbeds provide excellent shock absorption
Cons
- They run big
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 1,042 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
2. Timberland Pro Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: Welted lug outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds
It’s no wonder why these Timberland boots are one of the most popular work boots for under 100 dollars.
I mean, they come with solid safety features such as their:
- Steel toe caps that protect the toes from getting seriously injured
- Welted lug outsoles that provide solid traction on tricky surfaces
- Electrical hazard resistance
These boots also have great comfortable features such as their contoured sock liners that maximize breathability to keep feet dry and fresh at all times.
Finally, their comfort suspension technology is responsible for cushioning the feet when standing all day on hard surfaces to substantially reduce the chances of dealing with resulting foot pain.
Pros
- Welted lug outsole provide exceptional traction
- Steel toe caps that meet ANSI Z41 PT99 safety standards
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology
- Full-grain or nubuck leather uppers for maximum comfort and durability
- Goodyear welt construction for improved ruggedness
- Removable, contoured sock liners
Cons
- They take a few days to break-in
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 3,462 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. Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: Slip-resistant outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds
These Caterpillar work boots have a mix of protective features that make them stand out from the rest.
First, they come with safety steel toes protecting the toes from getting hurt which is a nice feature to have in budget work boots.
They have electrical hazard protection that shield workers from one of the most extreme of accidents that could ever happen, electrocution.
Moreover, their slip-resistant outsoles provide traction on slippery surfaces which are key in preventing nasty injuries.
Getting at least a couple of years out of their work boots is what almost all workers expect.
On that note, the boots are manufactured following the famous “Goodyear Welt Construction Method” which is very surprising to see in a pair of affordable work boots.
Pros
- ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 Steel Toe
- Electrical Hazard
- Climasphere Insole
- Goodyear Welt Construction
- Slip Resistant
- Full Grain Leather
- Nubuck Leather or Pull Up Leather Nylon Mesh Lining
Cons
- They are wide
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 11,919 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. Dickies Men’s Raider Soft-Toe Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Soft toes
- Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: PU insoles
When thinking about affordable work boots, one doesn’t picture footwear packed with safety attributes, right?
Well, to my surprise these Dickies work boots stand as an exception as they’ve oil and slip-resistant outsoles that provide solid traction to avoid slips and falls that could endanger workers.
Moreover, they are built with 100% full-grain leather that’s not only rugged and good-looking but also stands in the way so dangerous exterior substances don’t come in contact with the feet.
Their comfort features have PU midsoles that deliver unmatched shock absorption, which becomes essential when walking all day on hard surfaces.
Pros
- Oil and slip resistant outsoles
- Full-grain leather keeps feet isolated from exterior substances
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Shock absorbing PU footbeds
Cons
- They aren’t waterproof
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 185 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.
5. Caterpillar Revolver Pull-On Steel Toe Work Boots
Features
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Outsoles: T3 slip-resistant outsoles
- Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds
These Caterpillar work boots do a great job at keeping feet safe as they come with quality steel safety toes that protect the toes from heavy falling objects.
On top of that, they have the so-called t3 outsoles that provide superior traction on uneven terrains by providing traction needed to walk without worries.
Moreover, the boots are made following the so-called Goodyear Welt construction method which is one of the most trustable manufacturing methods in the world.
Their PVC midsoles dissipate the shocks coming from walking all day on hard surfaces.
Finally, the boots were manufactured using a nylon mesh lining that is not only comfortable but also lets the feet breathe, which is essential for maintaining them dry and smelling fresh.
Pros
- Full-grain leather
- PVC midsoles are excellent for shock absorption
- T3 outsoles are grippy and very flexible
- Steel toe caps
- Breathable mesh lining
- Goodyear Welt Construction
Cons
- Difficult to put in and out
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 1,809 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
What Are The Best Work Boots Under 100 Dollars Overall?
Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boots
I selected these Caterpillar boots as the best work boots under 100 dollars mainly because of the protection and comfort following features:
- Safety steel toe caps that provide maximum toe protection
- Slip-resistant outsoles
- Fully cushioned footbeds provide excellent shock absorption which is essential when walking on hard surfaces all-day
If you’d like to read more about these Caterpillar work boots you can click the button down below to read the entire review.
What Are The Most Comfortable Work Boots Under 100 Dollars Overall?
Caterpillar Revolver Pull-On Steel Toe Work Boots
I chose these Caterpillar Revolver pull-on boots as the most comfortable boots under 100 dollars because they have:
- Full cushioned footbeds
- Breathable mesh linings that maximize airflow through the boots
- Goodyear Welt construction is both flexible and very durable
- Steel toe caps
By clicking the button down below, you’ll be able to read the full review and learn more about the boots.
Must-Have Features of The Best Cheap Work Boots
There are certain features I think must be present in all affordable work boots to be considered of the best quality.
Safety toe caps
I believe all affordable work boots must-have safety toe caps as they successfully prevent serious toe injuries from taking place.
There are various options of safety toe caps:
- steel toe caps
- composite toe caps
- alloy toe caps
If you asked me, I think steel toe caps would be my choice as they are the safest of them all. However, any choice I think would be OK.
By the way, if you want to learn more about safety toe caps you can watch this nice man who teaches us about all of the options:
Slip-resistant outsoles
To avoid slipping and getting seriously injured, one must get affordable work boots with slip-resistant outsoles.
That way, workers can walk on slippery surfaces frequently found in all workplaces while enjoying superior traction and avoiding accidents.
Waterproofing & insulation
There are millions of workers around the world that do their jobs outdoors while exposed to rain and the elements.
For these types of workers, I think the best cheap work boots must have some kind of waterproofing or insulation to make sure the feet remain warm and dry when exposed to tricky exterior conditions.
Cushioned Footbeds and Midsoles
Workers are used to spending 8 to 12 hours on their feet with little to no rest.
This is why I think the best affordable work boots must have full cushioned footbeds and midsoles that, together, provide perfect shock absorption. This allows the feet to rest and recover which is essential to avoid nasty foot pain at the end of a long workday.
Reliable construction
This is a big one for me.
When getting cheap work boots, one doesn’t expect the best materials or constructions to be used in their manufacturing processes.
Luckily, there are some options out there.
So, I believe you should spend as much time as possible looking for affordable work boots manufactured with top-quality materials (i.e. full-grain leather) and solid construction methods (i.e. Goodyear Welt).
That way, you’ll have the guarantee that your work boots, regardless of their price, are going to be intact for years to come.
How Did I Choose The Best Cheap Work Boots?
For those interested, these are the tests I performed to select the best cheap work boots.
#1 Test: Durability Test
I inspected both materials and construction processes of each pair of boots to see what boots had better durability features.
Also, I exposed the work boots to water, mud, and scratching against concrete to see for myself how well they would endure this level of wear and tear.
#2 Test: Comfort Test
For this test, I paid close attention to what type of insoles the boots had and what type of cushioning they offered. Also, I analyzed whether they had good ergonomic designs or not.
And finally, I paid close attention to how tired my feet were after using the work boots all day long, which is what most workers do.
#3 Test: Protective Test
To test the protection offerings of the boots I would drop heavy tools in the toe box area with each work boot to see whether the safety toe caps successfully kept the toes safe from getting seriously injured.
Also, I would purposely walk on slippery surfaces to check if the boots had nonslippery outsoles that provided traction which is essential to prevent nasty injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’re hundreds of questions related to finding the best cheap work boots. This is my best attempt at answering all of them.
Are cheap work boots less comfortable than expensive work boots?
Some manufacturers aim to produce work boots with cheap materials that aren’t really that comfortable. Their goal is to lower the price as much as possible without considering comfort.
On the other hand, other brands focus their efforts on manufacturing work boots with comfortable materials and bring the price down as much as possible. These brands are the ones that offer very comfortable work boots at surprisingly low prices.
Some examples of these manufacturers are:
- Caterpillar
- Timberland
- Skechers
Are cheap work boots durable?
They can be.
Again, it depends on the manufacturer. Some brands will make an extra effort to find the right combination of materials to offer a durable pair of work boots that can last up to a decade while being offered at a low price.
Sadly, most brands offer cheap work boots made with cheap materials that don’t last more than a few months.
The solution? Making an effort and trying to find the best affordable pair of work boots (which is what I did while writing this article).
How can you make cheap work boots more comfortable?
Well, that’s easy to answer.
The fastest and easiest way to make a cheap work boot more comfortable is by adding removable cushioned footbeds. These footbeds will provide the base of the feet a good level of shock absorption which will, in turn, make the work boots much more comfortable.
And the greatest part is… it’s a very cheap solution.
Pro Tip: Never Buy Used Work Boots. Doesn’t Matter How Cheap They Are
Buying used work boots is a very bad idea for two reasons.
First, if you get used boots you will be using footwear shaped to a different type of foot. This will be uncomfortable as every foot is different.
Secondly, if you get used work boots you won’t know how long they will last. They may last a few months but they can last you only a few weeks, you never know with used boots as it’s very easy to conceal their actual use state.
Really like your list!
I’ve been through five or six pairs of cheaper work boots run ragged in the last two and a half years at my job as a welder.
I’m looking at the boots in the Under $50 range, but don’t want to buy another pair of boots, this time so lovely, and have them meet the same fate due to heat and sparks.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!