The best non-steel toe work boots

10 Best Non Steel Toe Work Boots in 2023

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Boots Guru

Ask any worker what they think is more comfortable: steel toe or non steel toe work boots and 9 out of 10 times they will answer the non steel toe version.

In this article, we’re gonna go about the best non steel toe work boots.

One of the most distinctive qualities of non steel toe work boots is, well, that they don’t have steel toe caps that add weight and stiffness to the footwear. As a result, work boots end up being much more comfortable.

Sadly, not all non-safety work boots are created equal, which is why I’ve decided to test and research many of them to arrive at a list of the best ones. I hope it helps.


The Best Non Steel Toe Work Boots

These non steel toe work boots come from a wide range of safety footwear to allow our readers to find the option that suits best to them.

  1. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Non Steel Toe Work Boots
  2. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots
  3. Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Non Steel Toe Work Boots
  4. Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Non Steel Toe Work Boots
  5. Rocky Mobilite Six Non Steel Toe Work Boots
  6. Irish Setter 6″ 83605 Non Steel Toe Work Boots
  7. KEEN Utility Detroit Xt Mid Waterproof Non Safety Toe Work Boots
  8. Carhartt Men’s CMF6066 6 Inch Soft Toe Work Boots
  9. Timberland PRO Gridworks 6 Inch Non Safety Toe Work Boots
  10. Wolverine Loader 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots

1. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: Abrasion, oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Open-cell PU footbeds with antimicrobial treatment

Balancing protective, durable, and comfortable features, these Timberland PRO Pit Boss work boots stand as a great option for non steel toe work boots.

I mean, they come with impressive safety features such as their oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant outsoles which maximize traction on slippery surfaces to avoid slips and nasty injuries.

Even though they might take a bit longer to break in, they have really good ergonomic features such as their PU midsoles and Open-cell PU footbeds that provide the feet the shock absorption and cushioning necessary to avoid dealing with foot pains and longer-term feet issues (i.e. plantar fasciitis).

Lastly, they’re manufactured with the so-called “Cambrelle” lining that is breathable enough to prevent tradesmen from dealing with disgusting feet odors and sweat during hot summer days.

Pros

  • Reliable leather uppers that look and feel nice to the touch
  • Timberland PRO oil, abrasion, and slip resistant rubber outsoles
  • Shock absorbing PU midsoles
  • Open-cell PU full cushion footbeds with antimicrobial treatment to keep freet smelling fresh
  • Padded top collars that maximize comfort
  • Breathable “Cambrelle” fabric lining optimize air flow to reduce odor and keep feet dry and cool
  • Goodyear Welt construction that guarantees durability

Cons

  • Take two weeks to break in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 6,649 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

2. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: MAXwear wedge outsoles with slip resistant capabilities
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Dual-density footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning

These Thorogood non steel toe work boots stand out from the competition as they come with excellent comfort features such as:

  • Dual density footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning
  • Cotton drill vamp linings that maximize brethability to avoid odor and sweat buildup

Even though they aren’t the best for climbing ladders (due to the lack of a heel), they do provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces thanks to their MaxWear wedge outsoles that come with slip-resistant capabilities, especially on flat surfaces.

Last but not least, the boots are manufactured in America which is always a seal of durability and ruggedness.

Pros

  • Manufactured in America
  • Dual density footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning
  • Composite shanks that enhance stability and arch support
  • MaxWear wedge outsoles offer excellent traction on flat surfaces
  • Cotton drill vamp linings that allow the feet to breathe when exposed to hot and humid conditions

Cons

  • Not the best from climbing ladders

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5,768 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

3. Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: 100% Leather and Textile
  • Outsoles: Slip resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds

Another excellent example of a great non-steel toe work boot that has outstanding protective features such as their slip-resistant rubber outsoles. These give workers the confidence that they can walk on any surface without the fear of slipping and getting accidentally injured.

Moreover, the boots come manufactured with a waterproof leather that is not only very durable but also vital in maintaining the feet dry when working exposed to wet conditions.

Also, their cushioned footbeds are important in providing users the shock absorption and cushioning they need to avoid serious foot pains.

Pros

  • 100% leather and textile
  • Slip resistant rubber outsoles
  • Waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids
  • Breathable leather uppers maintain feet fresh when exposed to hot and humid conditions
  • Cushioned footbeds

Cons

  • Breaking in takes a bit more time

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 4,666 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

4. Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: Slip resistant rubber lug outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds

If you want a very protective yet comfortable non steel toe work boot, then you’re looking at a great option for you.

These Wolverine work boots come with sturdy safety features such as their 100% waterproof leather that not only looks very cool but also protects the feet from getting wet by exterior liquids.

Also, they have slip-resistant rubber outsoles that guarantee workers the best traction possible on slippery surfaces, which are commonly found at various construction sites.

Lastly, these non safety toe work boots are manufactured with the widely-known Cement construction which is recognized for being both very durable and flexible at the same time.

Pros

  • Made with 100% real waterproof leather
  • Cement construction that’s not only durable but fairly lightweight
  • Slip resistant rubber outsoles
  • Cushioned footbeds that provide superior comfort

Cons

  • You might have to replace the laces

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 4,678 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

5. Rocky Mobilite Six Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Oil and slip resistant and removable polyurethane footbeds

Being one of the strongest nonsteel toe work boots by Rocky, these Mobilite boots come with impressive protective features such as their oil and slip-resistant outsoles that allow workers to walk on slippery surfaces without fear.

Additionally, these full-grain leather work boots have high abrasion heel counters that protect the feet from getting seriously harmed by external threats.

Even though they don’t have steel toe caps, they have a waterproof membrane that guarantees the feet will remain dry when exposed to exterior liquids.

Last but not least, they have both a wide oblique toe box and PU removable cushioned footbeds that allow workers to enjoy extreme cushioning and shock absorption.

Pros

  • 100% full grain leather
  • Oil and slip resistant outsoles
  • High abrasion heel counters that avoid nasty injuries from taking place
  • Waterproof membrane keeps all liquids out
  • Wide oblique toe box design for maximum comfort
  • PU removable full cushioned footbeds

Cons

  • The liners might come apart after heavy use

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 327 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. Irish Setter 6″ 83605 Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Full grain leather
  • Outsoles: Rubber EVA traction Tred outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Removable PU footbeds

If you combine excellent protective and comfort features, you’ll quickly arrive at a pair of work boots similar to these Irish Setter 83605 non steel toe work boots.

For once, they have removable PU footbeds and a flexible full-grain leather that not only makes the boots very comfy but also rugged and durable.

Regarding protection, they come with rubber EVA traction tred outsoles that, thanks to their slip-resistant capabilities, provide excellent traction on all types of surfaces.

Pros

  • Removable PU footbeds that allow the feet to rest and recover
  • Flexible full grain leather
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Rubber EVA traction tred outsoles with superior slip resistant attributes

Cons

  • Made in China

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 5,425 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

7. KEEN Utility Detroit Xt Mid Waterproof Non Safety Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: Oil and slip-resistant, non-marking, rubber, siped outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds

These awesome non steel toe work boots offer surprisingly good protective features such as their:

  • “keen.Protect” soft toe caps that offer excellent protection for the toe box area without adding the bulkiness steel toe caps add
  • “keen.Dry” waterproof membane that maintains feet dry when working in the rain or exposed to similar wet conditions
  • Oil and slip resistant outsoles that are key in avoiding nasty injuries

Even though they run a bit narrow, the boots have cushioned footbeds which stand as crucial for workers who stand on their feet for the better part of their workdays.

Pros

  • 100% Man Made
  • keen.Protect soft toe caps give enough protection for minor impacts
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Keen.Dry waterproof membrane not only keeps feet dry at all times but also are fairly breathable
  • Oil and slip resistant nonmarking outsoles
  • keen.Key-tech flex contoured underfoot support offers both stability and added protection
  • Cushioned footbeds

Cons

  • They run a bit narrow

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 691 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. Carhartt Men’s CMF6066 6 Inch Soft Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: Slip resistant rubber outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned PU insoles

Another excellent non steel toe work boot from Carhartt.

These CMF6066 come with excellent comfort features such as their EVA midsoles and PU footbeds with full cushioning that work together to give the worker’s feet and joints the rest they need after spending 8 to 10 hours standing on hard surfaces.

Moreover, they are manufactured with Fast-dry breathable linings that wick moisture and sweat away so the worker’s feet can remain dry and free of odors.

In terms of protection, the boots have rubber toe and heel bumpers and electrical hazard protection, which is always nice to have at the worksite.

Last, they come with flexible rubber outsoles with slip-resistant capabilities which are crucial in saving workers from slipping and getting harmed by preventable accidents.

Pros

  • EVA midsoles
  • PU full cushioned footbeds
  • Fast-dry linings that wick sweat and moisture to maintain feet dry and fresh
  • Rubber toes and heel bumpers provide excellent stability and added protection
  • Flexible rubber outsoles offer perfect traction on slippery surfaces
  • Electrical hazard protection of up to 18,000 volts

Cons

  • They can be too stiff for the first week

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 497 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

9. Timberland PRO Gridworks 6 Inch Non Safety Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: TPU flat outsoles with heat and slip resistant attributes
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Cushioned footbeds

Traction is a very important feature for workers, which is why I loved these Timberland PRO Gridworks non-safety toe work boots as they come with TPU heat and slip-resistant outsoles that provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces.

Moreover, they are manufactured with a waterproof full-grain leather that maintains the feet completely dry when exposed to exterior liquids (i.e. rain).

Regarding comfort, the boots have cushioned footbeds responsible for providing excellent shock absorption to relieve any stress from standing all day on hard surfaces.

Last but not least, they have breathable mesh linings that allow air to flow freely keeping the feet dry and cool at all times.

Pros

  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Waterproof full-grain leather that keeps feet safe from getting wet
  • Breathable mesh lining that maximizes airflow
  • TPU heat and slip-resistant flat outsoles
  • Reliable Goodyear Welt construction
  • Steel shanks

Cons

  • They take about two weeks to break in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,035 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. Wolverine Loader 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Features

  • Material: Leather
  • Outsoles: PU wedge traction outsoles
  • Footbeds/Insoles: Full cushion footbeds

There is nothing more frustrating than wasting hundreds of dollars on uncomfortable, non-safety work boots, right?

Well, luckily these Wolverine Loader boots stand as an exception as they come with:

  • Removable footbeds that provide superior cushioning to the base of the feet to avoid short and long term issues (i.e. plantar fasciitis)
  • Premium leather uppers that aren’t only durable but fairly flexible and comfortable
  • Padded collars

The boots have electrical hazard protection too. This allows workers who work near live wires to do their tasks knowing nothing bad will happen to them.

Lastly, they have PU wedge outsoles with excellent slip-resistant capabilities to save workers from getting seriously injured.

Pros

  • Goodyear Welt construction that guarantees durability
  • Removable full-cushion footbeds
  • Padded collars that maintain great comfort levels during the workday
  • Premium leather uppers
  • PU wedge outsoles that provide great traction
  • Electrical hazard protection

Cons

  • They run a bit too narrow

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 2,288 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


What Are The Best Non Steel Toe Work Boots Overall?

Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots

I selected these American-made Thorogood American Heritage non steel toe work boots as the best ones of the article as they come with:

  • Dual-density footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning responsible for delivering the feet and joints excellent shock absorption
  • Cotton drill vamp linings that allow air to flow through the boots to keep the feet temperature down
  • MaxWear wedge outsoles with slip-resistant attributes

If you’d like to read the full review you can easily do it by clicking the button down below.

Review

What Are The Most Comfortable Non Steel Toe Work Boots?

KEEN Utility Detroit Xt Mid Waterproof Non Safety Toe Work Boots

I picked these Keen Utility non steel toe Detroit work boots as the most comfortable of the list as they have:

  • Cushioned footbeds
  • Flexible and reliable leather
  • Waterproof membrane that’s not only protective but also fairly breathable

Anyways, if you’re interested in reading the entire review you can do so by clicking the button down below.

Review


Quick Comparison Table

NameSafety ToesOutsolesFootbeds

1. Timberland PRO 6″ Pit Boss Non Steel Toe Work Boots
LeatherAbrasion, oil, and slip-resistant outsolesOpen-cell PU footbeds with antimicrobial treatment
2. Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots
LeatherMAXwear wedge outsoles with slip-resistant capabilitiesDual-density footbeds with Poron 4000 cushioning
3. Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Non Steel Toe Work Boots
100% Leather and TextileSlip resistant outsolesCushioned footbeds
4. Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Non Steel Toe Work Boots
LeatherSlip-resistant rubber lug outsolesCushioned footbeds
5. Rocky Mobilite Six Non Steel Toe Work Boots
LeatherOil and slip-resistant outsolesOil and slip-resistant and removable polyurethane footbeds
6. Irish Setter 6″ 83605 Non Steel Toe Work Boots
Full-grain leatherRubber EVA traction Tred outsolesRemovable PU footbeds
7. KEEN Utility Detroit Xt Mid Waterproof Non-Safety Toe Work Boots
LeatherOil and slip-resistant, non-marking, rubber, siped outsolesCushioned footbeds
8. Carhartt Men’s CMF6066 6 Inch Soft Toe Work Boots
LeatherSlip-resistant rubber outsolesCushioned PU insoles
9. Timberland PRO Gridworks 6 Inch Non-Safety Toe Work Boots
LeatherTPU flat outsoles with heat and slip-resistant attributesCushioned footbeds
10. Wolverine Loader 6″ Non Steel Toe Work Boots
LeatherPU wedge traction outsolesFull cushion footbeds

Must Have Features of The Best Non Steel Toe Work Boots

Yellow leather work boots

There are certain features I believe the best non steel toe work boots must-have. To save you some time, I decided to list them for you.

Slip Resistant Outsoles

I believe the best non steel toe work boots must have slip-resistant outsoles as they provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces.

As a result, workers can walk around their worksites without worrying about slipping and falling hard on concrete surfaces which could lead to serious injuries.

Waterproofing & Insulation

Another great way of adding an extra layer of protection is getting non-safety toe work boots with some kind of weatherproofing like waterproofing or insulation.

That way, one can work knowing their feet will remain dry and warm when exposed to wet and cold conditions.

Shock Absorbing Midsoles

Regarding comfort, I’d say getting non steel toe work boots manufactured with shock-absorbing midsoles is another great idea.

The reasoning behind my recommendation is these midsoles will allow workers to walk on hard surfaces for long periods of time without suffering short-term (i.e. bad knees) or long-term (i.e. plantar fasciitis) consequences.

Fully-cushioned Footbeds

Nobody wants to deal with unbearable foot pain at the end of their long workdays, right?

Well, to avoid this one has to get non safety toe work boots with features such as cushioned footbeds.

Why? Well, because these footbeds will provide the cushioning and support necessary to allow the worker’s feet to rest instead of getting increasingly strained after many hours spent standing on hard areas.

Reliable Materials & Construction Methods

Well, this is an easy one.

If you get non steel toe work boots made with reliable materials and construction methods you’ll be winning half of the battle. Meaning you’ll get the guarantee your hard-earned money was invested in a good quality pair of work boots that will last for years to come.


Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most frequent questions about the best non steel toe work boots and my subsequent attempt at answering most of them.

What are non steel toe work boots good for?

Well, I’d say non steel toe work boots are substantially lighter than their steel toe counterparts as they lack toe caps that add a lot of bulk.

However, they don’t miss on key safety features such as waterproofing, insulation materials, and slip-resistant outsoles which are key to avoid discomfort and serious accidents.

In short, if you’re a worker who is not exposed to getting their toes crushed by heavy falling tools, then I’d say non steel toe work boots are for you.

Are steel toe or non steel toe work boots better?

Well, that depends on the type of user.

If you’re used to working next to heavy machinery and tools that could fall at any moment into the toe box area, seriously injuring your toes, then you should definitely get work boots with some kind of safety toe caps.

On the other hand, if you are free of getting your toes crushed by heavy objects but you still need the protection a work boot brings to the table then non steel toe work boots might be the best choice for you.

Can I use non steel toe work boots at a construction site?

You most definitely can, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

I mean, if you deal with heavy parts and tools that could fall and injure your toes, for that case, I’d say steel toe work boots would be a much better choice.

However, I can tell you this, if you’re supervisor allows it and you’re not exposed to getting your toes crushed, then you can use non safety toe work boots at a construction site.

How do I maintain non steel work boots?

Contrary to what most people believe, maintaining a pair of non steel toe work boots is very easy to do.

You just have to follow the next steps:

  1. Wash the work boots with saddle soap
  2. Rinse and clean excess soap with a clean cloth
  3. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to the boots
  4. Let the conditioner nourish the leather for about 15 minutes
  5. Remove excess leather conditioner with a clean cloth
  6. Buff the boots with a brush
  7. Done

Pretty easy, huh?

If you like to watch a video that goes step by step on how to clean and maintain your work boots you can do it with this youtube video:

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.