Made in the USA: 7 Best American Made Work Boots

American-made work boots offer high comfort and protection for your feet. Find out which are the 7 best work boots made in the USA you can purchase in a click.
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If you have a physically demanding job, there are probably two things you care about: protection and comfort, especially for your feet. To ensure your feet are protected and comfortable all day long, you need a pair of qualitative boots that will last longer, and which boots have better quality than the ones made in the USA?

After a lot of research and first-hand experience, we have come up with a list of the seven best work boots made in the USA, including key features, pros and cons, price, and customer reviews.

Well then—let’s get started!

7 Best Work Boots Made in USA

It’s time to face the facts— one of the things America does best is boots. American-made work boots are known for their craftsmanship, high quality, comfort, durability, and protection. This country is home to numerous companies that offer a plethora of options for work boots, some of which you can find in this article. Keep reading the list to find yourself a great pair of boots.

Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Work Boots

Source: Amazon

The Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Work Boots have exceptional craftsmanship in two unique and stylish colors. This pair of boots is made from full-grain leather known for its durability, and with proper maintenance, you can use them for years to come. The Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Work Boots are steel-toe with a removable footbed and fiberglass shank to ensure your feet will be protected and comfortable at all times.

These boots are perfect for a range of outdoor activities and industrial applications as they offer comfort and protection for your toes.

Key features 

  • Oil-tanned, full-grain leather
  • Steel toe
  • Slip-resistant traction outsole
  • Removable footbed
  • Fiberglass shank
  • Goodyear welt construction

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Durable full-grain leather
  • Steel toe for protection
  • Flexible, slip-resistant, shock-absorbing outsoles
  • Moisture-resistant, shock-absorbing footbed
  • Extremely dependable, long-lasting boots

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Need to be broken in
  • Some reviewers said they needed to replace the laces
  • Some reviewers reported thin cushioning on the arch of the foot

Social proof

The Thorogood American Heritage 6″ Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 2,751 global ratings. The global reviews for these boots are pretty positive.

Most reviewers agree that the Thorogood American Heritage 6″ boots are very comfortable:

“When I slipped my foot inside the boot I immediately knew I made a good decision buying the boots. The soft leather wraps your foot comfortably and immediately begins to stretch and conform to your foot shape. The best part is that my big toe and pinky toe could not tell where the steel toe began.”

The majority of the reviewers mentioned the durability of these boots:

“After two solid years of abuse they surpassed every expectation, including the strings. I ordered a second pair in black and as soon as I got those I mailed the brown ones out to be restored. So now I have a brown pair and a black pair and will buy only Thorogood for my work boots from now on. P.S. I wear them on my days off too because they’re the most comfortable shoes I have!”

Some reviewers also pointed out the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship:

“I was skeptical about buying online but had to take my chances due to the lack of good, comfortable, steel toe work boots. I first took these boots out of the box and immediately noticed that the quality of craftsmanship was WAY above par.”

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Keen Braddock Mid Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boo

Source: Amazon

The Keen Braddock Mid Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots are 100% leather and are known for the roomier toe box, so your toes will not be uncomfortably bunched up together while you try to do your job. This is definitely a work-all-day type of boot, with a metatomical arch, heel cushion, steel toe, and stability shank offering the proper support for your feet throughout the day.

With a roomier toe box, the Keen Braddock Mid Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots offer maximum comfort for your feet during work without compromising the protection.

Key features 

  • 100% leather
  • Steel toe
  • KEEN patented toe protection
  • Oil and slip-resistant non-marking outsole
  • Waterproof membrane
  • Metatomical arch support
  • Heel cushion
  • Stability shank

Pros

  • Comfortable 
  • 100% leather
  • Asymmetrical steel safety toe for comfort and protection
  • Waterproof 
  • High-quality material
  • Minimal waste design

Cons

  • Some reviewers pointed out the lack of arch support
  • Needs improvement on the lacing eyelets and hooks 
  • A little heavy

Social proof

The Keen Braddock Mid Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 1,541 global ratings. Over 72% of them are 5-star reviews. 

Most reviewers mentioned how comfortable the Keen Braddock Mid Waterproof Steel Toe Work boots are:

“Love the generous toe room. Very comfortable and I don’t have the issue of my toe knuckles bumping into the steel toe when I kick mud off of them, something I have dealt with my entire 40+ year career. These work so well, I don’t know they’re there, probably the highest compliment I can give a work boot.”

Other reviewers pointed out the quality of materials:

“The soles are wearing very well and are quite thick too. The leather seems to be of very good quality and is wearing exceptionally well. I love the heavy, rubber toe guards too. Very nice!”

Some reviewers commended the company’s great warranty on the boots:

“I issued a warranty claim, had to take a few pictures, DIDN’T even have to send them back, and within a week’s time I had my new warrantied boots.”


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Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Work Boot

Source: Amazon

Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Work Boot have a classic design that comes in four different colors and guarantees comfort for your feet with its Ortholite footbed and rubber outsole. These boots are made from full-grain leather, with a handcrafted stitch-down construction to ensure strength and stability.

The Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Work Boots are also perfect for working in warm weather as the lack of lining in the leather contributes to cooler and more comfortable feet.

These made in USA work boots perfectly combine the classic design with the modern comfort, offering you an immaculate pair of work boots.

Key features 

  • 100% leather
  • Moc toe design with contrasting stitch
  • Rubber sole
  • OrthoLite footbed
  • Steel shank
  • Oil and slip-resistant outsole

Pros 

  • Comfortable
  • Flexible
  • Cushioning, open-cell footbed
  • Handcrafted
  • Full-grain leather upper
  • Stitchdown construction for strength and stability
  • Electrical hazard protection (EH certified) 

Cons

  • Longer break-in period
  • The tongue of the boot does not lay flat
  • Inner lining could be improved

Social proof

The Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Work Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 1,721 global ratings. The global reviews for these boots are quite approving.

Most reviewers mentioned the overall quality of the boots:

“I’ve been a longtime Danner customer. Their quality is always topnotch. These Bull Run Mocs are true to form: well-made, comfortable, fit to size, and great-looking!”

Some reviewers pointed out how comfortable the Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Work boots are:

“Welding all day standing on concrete is a foot killer. These boots are the prosecution! I am able to stand all day with little foot and lower back pain. After a lower back injury it seemed impossible to find comfortable work boots until now. Thank you Danner boots! Fits as described and the EE is a foot saver. Quality USA products are 100% worth every last red cent.”

Other reviewers commented on the durability of the boots:

“I have had these boots for nearly 2 years, and I can’t say enough for them. When you get them you recognize they are high quality on first sight. The leather is well made and durableI work in construction and have worn these exclusively at work for the last year and they are still going strong. I suspect that I will get them resoled in the next few months, which is a great thing about these boots.”

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Nortiv 8 Tactical Work Boots

Source: Amazon

Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without at least one pair of ankle-high work boots— and they are the Nortiv 8 Tactical Work Boots. Designed for daily work and outdoor activities, this pair of boots wraps comfortably around your ankle, giving you support and keeping you from a possible rolled ankle.

Nortiv 8 Tactical Work Boots are made from breathable material which keeps your feet from overheating and sweating, making them good summer work boots. The dynamic, two-sole system offers you support and flexibility for your outdoor activities.

These boots are made in the USA, ensuring you for high-quality material and design. You can wear these work boots for indoor and outdoor activities and sports, enjoying the comfort at a relatively low price.

Key features 

  • Rubber sole
  • Ankle-high protection wraps
  • Breathable fabric
  • High-abrasion resistant leather
  • Removable in-soles
  • Slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles

Pros 

  • Comfortable
  • Breathable leather and mesh fabric upper
  • Wear-resistant leather toe cap
  • Shock-absorbing cushioned insole
  • Durable midsole
  • Zipper makes it easy to put on and take off
  • “Worry-free” warranty

Cons

  • Narrow fit
  • Need improvement on the lace hooks
  • Some reviewers reported a “popping” sound from the midsole

Social proof

The Nortiv 8 Tactical Work Boots have an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 7,365 global ratings out of which 5,185 are 5-star reviews. 

Most reviewers commented on how comfortable and durable these boots are:

“Took literally 1 day of wearing to break in and then boom… comfortable and durable. I’m on my feet 12hrs a day and they are the best pair of boots I’ve purchased in a while. Highly recommend them. Came back to update… After 7 months my boots are still holding up really well and as i say I’m on my feet a lot in all types of weather. Give it another couple of months and I’ll be purchasing another pair for sure.”

Some reviewers mentioned the excellent ankle support the Nortiv 8 Tactical Work Boots offer:

“At 2 weeks in, these fit well and have good ankle support. Saved my ankle from rolling several times. I walk 5-8 miles a day on grass, pavement, sidewalks, pavers. Laces pull and hold foot and ankle securely.”

Others appreciated the quality and make of the boots compared to the low price:

“Seems like a well built boot, especially for the low price point. Normally, especially with cheaper boots, you find glue on the surfaces, bad stitching etc. None of that was found on my pair. They felt solid, true to size and looked as good as boots costing way more.”

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Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6″ Boot

Source: Amazon

If you have ever come across a pair of classic boots in your grandpa’s closet and wished you could somehow restore them, the next item on our list is for you. The Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6″ Boot is a classic pair of work boots available in seven colors.

These work boots made in the USA have full-grain leather uppers with water-repelling properties to ensure durability. The all-leather footbed coats the sole of your foot, thus creating a perfect mold.

Another unique thing about these USA-made boots is the easiness of putting them on despite being high-quality work boots, which is not the case for most work boots.

Key features 

  • Timeless style
  • Full-grain leather
  • Crepe sole
  • Leather lining
  • All-leather footbed

Pros

  • Water-repellent leather upper
  • Smooth leather lining that wicks away moisture
  • Comfortable leather footbed
  • Flexible crepe outsole that minimizes shock and vibration
  • Comes in six different colors

Cons

  • Longer break-in period
  • Narrow fit

Social proof

The Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6″ Boots have an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 1,837 global ratings. The global reviews for the Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6″ Boots are pretty positive.

Most reviewers pointed out the durability of the Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6″ Boots:

“These were prettier than my best gal when that fellow dropped ’em on my doorstep. Four and some years on, they got some character alright, ain’t never been accused of takin’ it easy on my gear, but damn if they ain’t even prettier today. Drug ’em through Wyoming and Minnesota salty street slop in winters, got ’em dusty and dirty in the Arizona and California deserts, worn ’em with jeans and my cleanest dirty shirt at Bob’s Country Bunker and I put a hundred miles or two on ’em down streets, sidewalks, parking lots and various shortcuts from coast to coast.”

Some reviewers mentioned the multifunctional make and model of the boots:

Now, a bit over two months after receiving them, these are my daily wear boots. I wear them for work, for hiking, and as my general purpose shoes. After my initial dismay at the level of discomfort during the break-in process, I’m at the point where I’m seriously considering purchasing a second pair.”

Others commented on the timeless model of the boots:

“The shoes are beautiful; the color of the model 8883 is different from everything I had seen before. The leather of the boot is soft in the part that surrounds the ankle and much more rigid in the part from the heel to the fingers. The sole is sturdy, white, the seams are perfectly finished.”

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Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Steel-Toe Boots

Source: Amazon

And if you are looking for a comfortable pair of waterproof work boots, look no further. The Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Steel-Toe Boots have a Goodyear welt construction, Chip-A-Tex waterproof bootie, and 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation to keep your feet dry and comfortable looking stylish at the same time.  Besides, the thick outsole offers maximum comfort during your outdoor work.

Handcrafted with quality materials in the USA, this hefty pair of boots comes in three colors and offers enough flexibility for all your outdoor activities.  

Key features 

  • 100% leather
  • Man-Made sole
  • Steel toe
  • Goodyear leather welt construction
  • Chip-A-Tex waterproof bootie
  • Ruby Dri Lex 2000 lining
  • ATSM Electrical Hazard

Pros 

  • Slip and oil-resistant outsoles
  • Loftier insulation for warmth and comfort
  • Breathable and quick-drying lining
  • Breathable, waterproof membrane
  • Steel toe for protection

Cons

  • Needs improvement on the lace hooks
  • Narrow fit

Social proof

The Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Steel-Toe Boots have an Amazon score of 4.4 out of 5 with over 745 global ratings. The global reviews for the Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Steel-Toe Boots are very positive.

Most reviewers pointed out the high quality of the Chippewa 9″ Waterproof Steel-Toe boots:

“These boots really surprised me, when I picked ‘one’ up after I unboxed them, it was so heavy I thought I had maybe made a mistake, I didn’t want ‘too heavy’. After I put them on it felt better, the quality just jumps out at you after you put them on, I have had a lot of boots in my life, but none were made as well as these appear to be.”

Others commented on how warm and comfortable these boots are:

“They are comfortable right out of the box. The heel somehow makes me stand up straight and alleviates back pain even when standing for hours at a time and the best part for me is how warm these are. With these boots I can wear normal socks and stand in the cold all day without my toes getting the slightest chill which I find amazing! Sure they are pricey but when you’re wearing these you’ll feel like a better person, trust me.”

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Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boot

Source: Amazon

Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boots are lightweight and have a fire-resistant, full-grain leather upper and a rubber sole. The Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boots have a breathable mesh lining to avoid moisture and odors and a heat and slip-resistant outsole.

These boots are made in the USA designed with high-quality materials. They offer great comfort and stability for your feet with an Ortholite footbed and an integrated steel shank.

The Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boots are a perfect solution for outdoor activities as they offer all-day protection, security, and comfort for your feet. 

Key features 

  • Full-grain or rough-out leather upper
  • Rubber sole
  • Moisture-wicking mesh lining
  • Ortholite footbed
  • Full-length polypropylene board with integrated steel shank 
  • Handcrafted, opanka-stitch construction
  • Fire, ice, oil-and-slip-resistant outsole
  • Electrical hazard protection

Pros 

  • Comfortable
  • Athletic design
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Cushioning, open-cell footbed
  • Durable, fire-resistant leather
  • Shorter/ no break-in period

Cons

  • Narrow fit
  • Needs improvement on the lace hooks
  • Some reviewers thought the tongue of the boots was too thick

Social proof

The Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boots have an Amazon score of 4.4 out of 5 with over 862 global ratings. The global reviews for the Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boots are very positive.

Most reviewers mentioned how comfortable the Danner Tactical Fire and Safety Boots were:

“The support for your ankles and arch are very effective and you immediately notice it without even lacing them up. Padding for the heel and ball of your feet are firm, but soft giving you an athletic basketball shoe type feel and ankle brace type of support. I can’t say enough good things about these boots, but I will add this. BUY THEM!!! You will NOT regret the premium tag attached to them for they are worth every penny!”

Other reviewers appreciated the fact that they did not need to break the boots in:

“Most comfortable boots you will ever own! No break in period. I was hiking miles the first day with no problems. Went on fires where we hiked at least 14 miles and never got a single blister. I’ve heard the laces break and the eyelets break or come off but I haven’t had any of these problems at all! I highly recommend these boots at least for a back up because there is zero break in period!”

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Features to Look For While Shopping Made in USA Boots

If the need for a good pair of work boots has just recently presented itself, or you need to get yourself a new pair, here are a few features to consider:

Origin

Where a product is made is an aspect you should consider with every item of clothing, not just work boots. Consider purchasing American-made work boots for a few reasons. Firstly, you get the fantastic craftsmanship that you cannot find in imported department store boots. Secondly, American companies do not sacrifice quality for passing trends.

Material

It is essential to know what your boots are made of for a few reasons. Firstly, the material is directly linked to the durability of the boot. The most durable and best quality material for working boots is full-grain leather.

Secondly, the material should be flexible enough to ensure free movement. It should also allow for enough air circulation to avoid odors. 

Insulation

Insulation in your boots refers to the barrier between your feet and the outside weather conditions. Wearing poorly insulated boots is uncomfortable and bears potential health risks, too, e.g., the risk of frostbite during winter. A pair of boots with good insulation will protect your feet from extreme weather conditions, keeping them warm.

We should note that not all boots are insulated to withstand the same weather conditions. So, we suggest you buy a pair that suits your needs best to avoid cold feet from too little insulation and sweaty, chaffed feet from too much insulation.

And if you work with or near water, make sure you get a pair of waterproof boots to keep your feet dry at all times. Waterproof boots are well insulated and have water-resisting properties. 

Safety toe 

Having a physically demanding job usually requires lifting heavy objects or working with materials you can get hurt from if you are not extremely careful. That’s why you need work boots with a safety toe box. 

A safety toe, usually made from steel, aluminum, composite (non-metal), or carbon nanofiber, is inserted in the toe box of your work boots to protect your toes from outside impact or compression. 

Different types of safety toe boots are tailored for different work environments. Steel and aluminum toe boots are ideal for work environments with an imminent risk of falling objects. Composite or non-metal toe boots are ideal for work environments involving electricity or extreme temperatures due to their electrical resistance properties.

Outsoles 

Last but not least, you will need work boots with outsoles made from specific materials, depending on the industry you work in. The outsoles of work boots are usually made from different kinds of rubber, as rubber is one of the best materials for this part of the boot.

Rubber outsoles offer flexibility that directly impacts the boots’ durability and is abrasion, oil, and slip-resistant to avoid accidents when working.

Final Thoughts

Finding or even choosing a good pair of work boots is often overwhelming and requires a little time and patience, but you can do it. The best and safest option to go with regarding work boots is to get a pair of work boots made in the USA.

American companies offer a variety of high-quality options, that are famous for their durability, comfort level, and protection. Purchasing a high-quality, American-made pair of work boots can be a considerable investment for many of us, but you can always make it count as a good one. We believe that with our help, you can easily find the ones tailored to meet your work environment requirements.

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