Wonolo
Previously, we looked at some options for non-slip shoes and, while that covered the shoe most often needed for food prep jobs, we know that many warehouse and general labor jobs can also require a pair of steel toe safety shoes. And, if you want to pick up more warehouse or general labor jobs, take a few minutes to look at this comparison of various steel toe shoes and boots for men and women so you can step into more work.
What is a Steel Toe Safety Shoe?
A steel toe safety shoe is a shoe or boot to be worn in an environment such as a warehouse or loading facility, where one’s foot might be exposed to falling objects or be compressed under a heavy item, such as a crate or pallet. As the name implies, the steel toe offers protective reinforcement of the shoe’s toe box while also combining with a mid sole plate to protect the underside of the foot. While traditionally associated with heavy, rugged military boots, today’s steel toe safety shoe comes in many styles and colors. In addition to steel toes, one can also opt for safety shoes with protective reinforcement made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or fiberglass.
What’s The Best Steel Toe Shoe For You?
As everyone has different needs, different budgets and different feet, there’s no one right answer to this question. Instead ask yourself, why do you want a steel toe or comparable safety shoe? Are most of the Wonolo jobs you accept warehouse, loading, or shipping positions? If so, then you might want to invest in a better quality, but higher priced safety shoe that’s made to withstand hard use while offering comfort and stability. If you just need a pair of safety shoes to accept that weeklong warehouse gig to pick up some extra money until the next event staffing job comes along, then you might want to spend a little less and get a shoe that’s light and breathable that you can wear anywhere.
Finally, note that this list contains safety shoes for men and women at a variety of styles and price points and, in spite of the title of this article, some of the shoes listed here may actually have an aluminum, carbon fiber or fiberglass toe. Some may be available at local retailers and others are a better buy online. Finally, since you’ll be on your feet a lot in a pair of safety shoes, remember to ensure you’re getting the right fit, that they’re properly broken in and, if you’re ordering online, that you allow time for them to ship before the job.
Men’s
Reebok Work Sublite Men’s Work Athletic RB4016 ESD Safety Shoe
Combining a steel toe with the looks and performance of a training shoe, the Reebok RB4016 Safety Shoe is lightweight, breathable, and built for comfort with Reebok’s FootFuel footbed technology. The RB4016 also features a slip-resistant rubber outsole and ESD – Static dissipative with dual resistor for electrical shock protection.
Available from Sears
Skechers For Work Men’s Conroe Steel Toe Work Shoe
Sporting a casual sneaker style and the lightweight and cushiony memory foam insole that Skechers is known for, the Skechers Conroe Steel Toe Work Shoe is one of the most comfortable safety shoes on the market. And, even though they sport a steel toe cap, the Conroes are also one of the lighter safety shoes on the market as well, meaning less foot fatigue during a hard day’s work.
Available from Amazon
Red Wing Men’s Dynaforce 8-inch Boot
The brand known for shoes that are built for hard work and durability, the Red Wing Dynaforce offers a steel toe and a sturdy, leather upper. Inside, the Dynaforce features Red Wing’s Comfort Force and Super Sole technology for all-day comfort. If you want to invest in a safety shoe that’s made to take plenty of hard work in any conditions, this is the shoe for you. Available at Red Wing stores nationwide
New Balance Men’s MID627 Work Shoe
Though best known for their athletic shoes, the New Balance MID627 Work Shoe offers the features of a athletic shoe with the function of a work shoe. With the lightweight of a New Balance running shoe, the MID627 also offers safety features such as a steel toe, shock-absorbing foam footbed for comfort, and an outsole that offers resistance to slips, oils and electrical hazards.
Available from Amazon
Keen Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe
The Keen Flint Steel Toe Work Shoe offers the comfort and performance of a hiking boot with the durability and safety features of a work boot. That means you get a natural, snug fit in the heel and a larger toe box with asymmetrical steel toe caps made to fit both feet evenly while allowing room to move and flex without pinching. Add in a reinforced toe box to keep your toes safe from the unexpected and Keen’s Metatomical Footbed Design and the Flint Work shoe is ready for the job-site or curbside.
Available from Amazon
Women’s
Skechers Work 76601 Bisco Ladies Steel Toe Oxford Work Shoes
Who says steel toe shoes can’t be safe and sporty at the same time? The Skechers Biscoe Work Shoes combines all the comfort, breathability, and memory foam cushioned insole that Skechers is known for with a steel toe and non-slip sole for safety. Plus, with synthetic uppers and breathable mesh panels, and abrasion-resistant toe overlay for a athletic shoe look, your work shoes can be as comfortable as your Saturday sneakers.
Available from Shoe Carnival
Safety Girl II Insulated Work Boot
Sporting a more traditional work boot style, the Safety Girl II work boot also features a layer of 3m Thinsulate™ insulation, as well as a water resistant membrane, to help keep your feet warm and dry in cold climates. With a steel toe, nubuck leather upper and an oil resistant outsole, the Safety Girl work boot offers the utmost performance in the most punishing environments, at a great price. And, if you want to add a little color to your look, the Safety Girl Work Boot is also available in pink and tan.
Available from Safety Girl
Wolverine Jetstream Composite Toe Waterproof Work Shoes
For more than 130 years, Wolverine has made its name by offering shoes and boots that are built for hard work and durability. And with the Jetstream Work Shoe, the company brings that same philosophy to an athletic-style shoe for women. Featuring a thin, composite, CarbonMax safety toe for safety, the Jetstream also offers a spacious toe box for comfort. In addition, the waterproof Jetstream shoe features breathable mesh uppers to keep your feet cool and dry all day, a slip-resistant rubber outsole for traction and support and a multi-color design that looks more like a running shoe than a safety shoe.
Available from Safety Girl
Timberland PRO Newbury Alloy Toe Slip-On Shoes
Get a safety shoe in a slip-on style with the Timberland PRO Newbury. Though best known for their original waterproof, yellow boot, the PRO Newbury combines Timberland’s quality and durability with the protection of an alloy toe safety shoe. Plus, with leather uppers, padded collar, anti-fatigue technology in the footbeds, and slip-resistant sole, the Newbury offers comfort, support, and safety for all-day wear. In addition to the alloy toe, the Newbury also features abrasion, oil, and chemical resistance as well as an electrostatic dissipative (ESD) sole.
Available from Working Person’s Store
Nautilus 1631 Women’s Steel Toe Work Shoe
Offering steel toe protection in a moccasin style shoe, the Nautilus 1631 Womens’ Steel Toe Work Shoe is made for comfort with an ergonomically designed “wide-area” steel toe cap and removable, anti-fatigue polyurethane insoles. On the outside, the Nautilus 1631 is made with full-grain, water-resistant uppers, durable slip and oil resistant outsoles for traction and stability in all conditions.
Available from Workboots.com
