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Every worker knows the importance of investing in high-quality work boots that provide protection, support, and comfort. And there is nothing better or more comfortable than a good handmade pair of work boots. In this era of mass production, quality and durability can, unfortunately, be overlooked, and you may have just found out that the expensive work boots that you bought just a few months ago are now utterly destroyed and need another pair.
Handmade boots are built to be durable so you don’t have to buy another pair for years to come. These work boots are entirely made by hand, using only traditional tools and techniques. They are the best of their kind and ensure premium quality, long-lasting durability, and superb comfort. You might be wondering what their downside is; well, they are not very budget-friendly. But they definitely pay off in the long run.
Best 5 Handmade Work Boots
So, if you have the budget, have no doubts, handmade work boots are the right choice for you. You can buy handmade boots online or around your hometown, but before you do, you need some quality information to get you started; that is where we come in. We have taken the time to compile a list of the five best handmade work boots for you. We will review these products and tell you everything you need to know before purchasing a pair of handmade boots. So, let’s get to it!
Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boot
Source: Amazon
“YOU DON’T PUT ON A PAIR OF DANNER BOOTS TO SIT AROUND THE HOUSE. THEY’RE MADE FOR ADVENTURE, EXPLORATION, AND THE HARD WORK THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WEAR THEM PERFORM DAY IN AND DAY OUT.”
Danner is an American footwear company that has been operating since 1932. The brand is known for its high-quality boots, which are one of the most popular choices among workers. The Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boot ticks every box that the brand stands for. They are well-built, durable, and extremely comfortable.
You can expect the highest quality from these men’s work boots. They are made with oiled nubuck full-grain leather upper and feature stitch-down construction and metal eyelets for a secure fit. And the smooth, rich leather completely molds to your foot, and once they’re broken in, you will fall in love with the warmth and comfort that these boots provide.
Key features
The main features of the Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boots are:
- Durable, oiled, full-grain leather upper
- Made in the United States with imported components
- Handcrafted, stitchdown construction for strength and stability
- Wedge sole
- Shaft measures approximately 6″ from arch
- Cushioning OrthoLite footbed
- Steel shank
- Danner Wedge non-marking, oil- and slip-resistant outsole offers superior traction
- Electrical hazard protection ASTM F2892-11 EH
- Soft toe
Pros
- Stylish looking
- Rugged and durable
- Warm and comfortable
- Supportive and protective
- Resist shock and ensure superior traction on slippery surfaces
- Keep your feet fresh and dry
- Lightweight
Cons
- Leather may take time to break-in
Social proof
The Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boot has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 814 global ratings.
Most reviewers agree that the Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boots look very attractive:
“Wow, well let me start off by saying I was immediately impressed by the appearance of the boot on arrival. Beautiful brown leather and great design.”
Many reviewers point out that the Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boots are well-built and of high quality:
“The leather quality is second to none and the craftsmanship is superb!”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boots are worth the money:
“This Danner just feel great since day one. You can tell that they are handmade and worth every cent.”
You can buy the Danner Men’s Bull Run 6” Work Boots on Danner’s website. This is a reliable work boot with a timeless design that resists trends and is the perfect combination of sturdy and soft.
Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boot
Source: Amazon
The legacy of Chippewa started in a small factory in downtown Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Chippewa brand has been manufacturing boots with uncompromising quality and standard since 1901, and these boots are no exception.
The Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots are perfect for everyday wear. They are made with a versatile and simple rich brown leather that looks a bit worn out of the box, attributing the boots a very beautiful look. The stitching is firm and secure, and the Iron Texon insole and orthotic midsole with the fiberglass shank and arch support take care of your feet and keep them relaxed. The antique brass non-tarnishable hooks, eyelets, and heavy-duty Wax Sta-Ties laces are crafted for durability. However, these shoes do not provide electrical hazard protection, nor do they have a puncture-resistant shank. They do not have a steel toe either.
Key features
The main features of the Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots are:
- 100% leather
- Made in the United States and imported
- Vibram sole
- Boot in burnished leather featuring American Flag lace pin, contrast midsole, and debossed logo at side
- Lace-up with D-ring lacing hardware
- Removable cushion insert
- Worn-look leather
- Vibram outsole that provides maximum traction on wet or dry surfaces and various terrain
Pros
- Handcrafted stylish-looking Apache leather
- Lightweight and flexible
- Very supportive and comfortable
- Vibram Stockbridge outsoles are slip resistant
- Rugged and durable
- Excellent insulation
Cons
- Require one or two weeks to break-in
- Are not waterproof
- Don’t have a safety toe, and do not provide electrical hazard protection
Social proof
There are more than 1,025 global reviews on Amazon about the Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots are very comfortable once they break in:
“I’ve worn my boots hiking and walking, and daily with jeans; after they break in, to me they are just as comfortable as athletic shoes.”
Many reviewers point out that the Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots keep your feet warm:
“I’ve worn these outdoors all winter, gone for long walks in single digit temps wearing wool socks and my feet stayed warm.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots are very durable:
“I purchased these about five years ago and wore them consistently, both in my daily work life in the city (including city winters), long hikes (e.g. 30 miles/day), and a lot of outdoor work. They held up pretty well.”
You can buy the Chippewa Men’s 20065 6″ Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boots on Amazon. These handmade, genuine leather boots are incredibly comfortable and take just a week or so to break in, and once they do, they offer you comfort unmatched to anything.
Justin Original Work Boots Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boot
Source: Amazon
The Justin Original brand has been around the footwear industry for quite a long time; they have been manufacturing shoes since 1879. In the past, the brand was very popular for its cowboy boots, but the gradual modifications in design and style have made their shoes popular among everyone. You can take the Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boots listed here as an example. These shoes are so stylish and comfortable that any man will be tempted to buy a pair.
You will appreciate these shoes for their attractive look and endurance. They are handcrafted in the United States with imported materials. Every stitch has been supervised carefully, so have no doubts about their high quality and durability. The 8.5-inch shaft, removable cambrelle-lined footbed, fiberglass shank, and thick outsoles will keep your feet dry, provide arch and heel support, as well as reduce foot fatigue. Plus, they provide protection against electrical hazards.
Key features
The main features of the Justin Original Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boots are:
- 100% leather
- Made in the United States
- Manmade sole
- Adjustable circumference
- Steel toe for protection
Pros
- High-quality leather upper
- Made in the United States
- Highly comfortable and durable
- Rated for electrical hazards
- Feature a steel safety toe
Cons
- Require some time to break in
- Not backed by warranty
Social proof
The Justin Original Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boot has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 164 global ratings.
Most reviewers agree that the Justin Original Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boots are worth the high price:
“You get what you pay for, and Justin boots are worth every penny.”
Many reviewers point out that the Justin Original Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boots are well-built and of high quality:
“I work outside year around – farm & excavation – mud, manure, snow & everything in between and these hold up well.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Justin Original Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boots are very comfortable:
“These are great boots and very comfortable to wear for long hours on your feet. ”
You can buy the Justin Original Men’s Double Comfort Steel Toe Work Boots on Amazon. These are one of the best work boots out there; they are suitable for pretty much any work environment and any weather conditions.
Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boot Composite Toe – 72331
Source: Amazon
The Chippewa brand has always focused on manufacturing handmade work shoes for long-lasting performance. These rugged handcrafted pull-on boots are sure to win the heart of any kind of worker. The Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boot Composite Toe offers all the traits that Chippewa promises – high quality, uncompromised standards, authenticity, and unmatchable craftsmanship.
This western-style boot looks fantastic with the chocolate Apache full-grain leather, contrast stitching, plain toe, and orange midsole. The exterior of the boot is crafted, keeping durability in mind. They are built to withstand abuse from oil, mud, snow, sharp rocks, saltwater, and so on. However, keep in mind to protect them from cracking by applying mink oil or coconut oil on the exterior.
Key features
The main features of the Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boot are:
- Made of leather and synthetic material
- 100% full-grain leather
- Made in the United States and imported
- Thick rubber sole
- Round composite toe and met guard to protect from heavy loads and impact
- Waterproof leather
- Puncture-resisting insole to help prevent intrusion of sharp objects underfoot
- Dri-Lex® lining to provide a comfortable environment inside the boot
- Vibram® Alpha Plus outsole delivers oil- and heat-resisting durability
Pros
- Waterproof
- Comfortable and durable
- Oil and heat resistant
- Offer protection from heavy objects and impact
- Puncture resistant
Cons
- Need some break-in time
- Leather may crack if not properly maintained
Social proof
There are more than 12 global reviews on Amazon about the Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boot at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.7 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews of this pair of work boots are generally positive. Here are some thoughts from Amazon and Chippewa:
A review pointed out that the Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boots are very comfortable:
“I bought these boots and have been wearing them now for about two weeks most comfortable pair of slip on‘s I owned so far.”
Another reviewer also pointed out that the Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boots are durable and worth the money:
“Money well spent. You get what you pay for. I got tired of 100 dollar boots and replacing them less than a year after buying others.”
You can buy the Chippewa Men’s Serious Plus Waterproof Western Work Boots on Amazon. You will be surprised how supportive, comfortable, and protective these western-style boots are.
Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boot
Source: Amazon
Danner is a footwear brand that takes pride in its shoes because of the superior craftsmanship and quality. It never compromises with the making and premium quality of its products. The Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boot is one of these products. It is loved and celebrated by workers around the globe, and for good reason.
This US-made boot with oiled full-grain leather and the unique stitchdown construction undergoes rigorous testing for sturdiness and strength. Danner pays attention to every single detail to make all the parts work together and to build boots that last for a really long time. These boots have been designed to perfectly fit the foot’s anatomy and allow extra room in the toe area for support and comfort. Plus, these boots are oil and slip resistant and offer lightweight support and cushioning comfort in every step.
Key features
The main features of the Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boot are:
- 100% full-grain leather
- Made in the United States with imported parts
- Moc toe design
- Rubber sole
- Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed
- Steel shank
- Handcrafted, stitch down construction for strength and stability
- Danner Wedge non-marking, oil- and slip-resistant outsole offers superior traction
- Electrical hazard protection ASTM F2892-11 EH
- Recraftable
Pros
- High-quality leather construction
- Outsoles provide superior traction and grip
- Stylish design
- Meet ASTM standards
- Provide maximum support and protection
- Very durable and comfortable
- Breathable
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Footbed wears out fast
- Not insulated
- No safety toe
Social proof
The Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boot has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 1,642 global ratings.
Most reviewers agree that the Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boots are really anti-slip:
“Overall great boots, I wore them out in some slick light snow and they are truly anti slip compared to other boots I own.”
Many reviewers point out that the Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boots are well-built and of high quality:
“So once they came I gave them a look and put them on. I was blown away at how nice they looked and felt. Top notch quality as expected by Danner!”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boots are very comfortable:
“These boots are insanely comfortable and after only three days of wear and some whites boot oil these babies are already feeling like slippers.”
You can buy the Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6″ Brown Work Boots on Amazon. If you do purchase these boots by Danner, you will be amazed by their high-quality, stylish look and the support and comfort that they offer.
What to Look For When Buying Handmade Work Boots
Purchasing a pair of handmade work boots is quite an investment because they can be really expensive. So, you have to ensure that you make the right choice. To do that, you need to consider some factors such as the materials used and how durable those boots are if they offer enough comfort, support, and protection. We will discuss these factors in more detail below.
Materials and durability
Good handmade work boots are often made of premium quality full-grain leather. This genuine leather guarantees many years of good look and durability, unlike cheaper synthetic leather that has a short lifespan and cracks or splits much easier. Handmade boots have the proper amount of spunk and hardiness to withstand tough working conditions or environments. If you take good care of them, you won’t need to worry about buying another pair for many, many years.
Comfort
Handmade boots are built and designed keeping the wearer’s comfort in mind, so a good pair of handmade work boots will offer comfort all day long, but don’t expect all of them to be comfortable right out of the box. Quality leather boots can be stiff at first, but they will become more and more comfortable over time.
The handmade work boots that we recommended above come with a lacing system that ensures a snug fit and keeps your feet from slipping inside. Other factors such as the design, overall shape, toe area, ankle, and so on also are carefully engineered to provide support and prevent any discomfort or pain.
Toe protection
Some handmade work boots feature toe protection. There are usually three types of toe protection: steel toe, aluminum toe, and composite. This feature is very important for those that work in hazardous environments and need protection. A safety toe will protect your toes from impact, puncture, or compression. But, not all work boots have a safety toe, so consider this factor before making your purchase.
Soles
Other features worth paying attention to are the boots’ sole. You need to look for a lug-patterned outsole that provides excellent traction and stability, so that you can avoid embarrassing and even dangerous falls. You will often find that handmade work boots come with a cushioned footbed, EVA midsoles, and shock-absorbing outsoles, which offer comfort and support when working long shifts.
Conclusion
So, should you buy handmade boots? Well, it all depends on your budget and preferences. While it is true that these boots can be pretty expensive, the high price tags are worthwhile considering the value that handmade shoes provide. They will keep you comfortable and cozy through those long days on your feet from sunrise to sunset. Plus, they look so expensive and stylish that you will almost not want to wear them at work.
