Tackle tough jobs all summer long in these breathable work boots.
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While it’s nice to think about the backyard barbecues and poolside afternoons that summer has to offer, working in the hot sun is part of life for many of us—contractors, landscapers, and homeowners alike. Instead of stomping around the job site in a pair of heavy leather boots, you should opt for a pair of breathable work boots in the warm seasons (or year-round, if you suffer from sweaty feet on the job).
Breathable work boots made from synthetics like nylon and mesh offer more breathability than full-grain leather, helping keep your feet dry and comfortable while you work a long summer day. They can withstand tough working conditions almost as well as leather boots, but you might have to trade just a bit of durability for the much-needed airflow—and it’s worth it.
Here are our picks for the best work boots that keep your feet smelling and feeling fresh all summer long, without compromising protection when it comes to safety standards and job site performance.
What to Consider
Safety Standards
Some work boots are made to spec for different trades, but the general minimum requirement at most job sites is toe protection. The protective toe of the boot must be able to withstand impact force of 75 pounds and compression force of 2,500 pounds to meet the ASTM F2413-18 standard for approved safety boots.
This standard is the bare minimum when it comes to protection—different fields may require boots that meet more standards such as electric hazard resistance or puncture resistance. The majority of breathable work boots that aren’t made from heavy leather and chunky soles provide only toe protection, though our top pick does have an electric hazard rating, and our best pick for boots on a budget is puncture-resistant.
Materials
As we mentioned, most work boots that have multiple safety standards covered are made of burly leather and lugged soles for the toughest work conditions. However, for the best breathable options, we must trade a bit of durability for comfort.
An all-leather boot doesn’t allow much air flow, so we’ve picked options that are made from mesh, nylon, and other synthetics that won’t suffocate your feet on hot days. Abrasion-resistant nylon—sometimes referred to as ballistic or denier—is a military-grade material designed for high durability while staying lightweight. If durability is top of mind for you over breathability, opt for a pair of leather work boots instead.
How We Selected
We researched work boots that promised breathability without compromising on safety standards or significantly reducing durability. Breathable work boots are a relatively slim pool of products since the marriage of air flow with ruggedness is tough for manufacturers, but we found the best by combing through offerings, referencing safety standards, and researching both expert and customer reviews.
All of the breathable work boots we recommend meet the minimum ASTM F2413-18 safety requirement of providing toe protection, some steel and some composite, that are made from breathable materials that can stand up to various job sites and hard, daily use.
1
Best Overall
KEEN Utility Lansing Steel-Toe Hiker Breathable Boots
1
Best Overall
KEEN Utility Lansing Steel-Toe Hiker Breathable Boots
Pros
Low ankle allows for mobility- Rubber toe cap adds durability
Cons
- Not the best traction
These work boots have a wide toe box, allowing wiggle room while still protecting your feet. The steel toes are wrapped in a rubber guard for added abrasion-resistance and durability, while the mesh panels on the uppers offer breathability.
There’s enough room to throw in custom insoles to give you more cushioning, and the majority of user reviews report these don’t require a break-in period.
The soles are slip- and oil-resistant, but these aren’t warm enough to serve as winter boots and the lugs don’t give you the traction you need on ice. Still, the Lansing boots are rugged enough to take a beating while letting your feet breathe and move around comfortably.
Key Specs
| Upper | Leather, nylon |
|---|---|
| Sole | Slip-resistant rubber |
| Safety Features | Oil-resistant sole, steel toe |
2
Most Stylish
Timberland Radius Mid Breathable Work Boot
2
Most Stylish
Timberland Radius Mid Breathable Work Boot
Pros
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- No break-in required
Cons
- Upperscan tear
This lightweight work boot fits and feels more like a sneaker without compromising on safety standards and protection. Its mesh uppers are breathable and reinforced by double-layered panels for added durability without making them feel stiff.
The cushioned midsole provides extra arch support and there’s enough room to throw in custom insoles for a more personalized fit—a great way to keep your feet from aching at the end of a long work day.
The composite toe and electrical hazard protection meet the safety standards mandated by several different lines of work, and these can double as hiking boots in a pinch. The rubber sole is flexible and these don’t require a break-in period.
The mesh uppers may tear in areas where it isn’t reinforced, but most reviewers say these have held up well over time despite some tears and nicks.
Key Specs
| Upper | Abrasion-resistant mesh |
|---|---|
| Sole | Slip-resistant rubber sole |
| Safety Features | Composite toe, electrical-hazard rated, heat- and oil-resistant sole |
Pros
- Variety of color options
- Puncture resistant midsole
- Reflective strips for visibility
Cons
- Soles wear out fast
These steel-toe boots are flexible and lightweight thanks to their mesh upper construction and rubber soles. They have a kevlar midsole to resist any punctures like stepping on nails or other construction hazards.
Customers say these are some of the most comfortable boots they’ve tried that still meet safety requirements. They note that the slip-resistant sole does wear out faster than other parts of the shoe, but the kevlar midsole still provides protection despite a worn outsole.
Even with their drawbacks, these boots are a favorite and garner lots of repeat customers because of their great price. These are best suited for those prioritizing comfort and breathability over durability.
Key Specs
| Upper | Synthetic mesh |
|---|---|
| Sole | Slip-resistant rubber |
| Safety Features | Steel-toe, puncture-resistant midsole, reflective strip |
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4
Best Waterproof
Wolverine Durant Breathable Work Boot
4
Best Waterproof
Wolverine Durant Breathable Work Boot
Pros
- Supportive shank
- Waterproof
- Moisture-wicking lining
Cons
- Not as durable as they could be
These are a reliable pair of mid-weight boots that let your feet breath with mesh panels on the uppers and a moisture-wicking interior lining.
They have a nylon shank to give you extra support without adding weight and the cutaway ankle silhouette allows for mobility. The rubber soles are lugged for good traction on slick building sites, roofs, or the polished concrete of warehouse floors.
Customers say these feel more like a pair of sneakers or lighter hiking shoe than a work boot, so those that are particularly hard on boots may want to opt for another pair. Some customers found the rubber at the toe peeling off after taking a couple of hits from building materials and going up and down ladders. However, if you need toe protection for the occasional DIY job and waterproofing is a must, these are a great pick.
Key Specs
| Upper | Nubuck leather, synthetic mesh |
|---|---|
| Sole | Rubber |
| Safety Features | Steel-toe |
5
Best Sneaker-Style
Reebok Sublite Construction Shoe
Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible sole
Cons
- Toe-box can constrict wider feet
Although not proper work boots, with high shafts to protect your ankles from rolling on uneven ground, these work shoes are highly breathable because of their all-mesh uppers. They’re a good, versatile option for you if you just need a steel toe.
They fit like standard athletic shoes and are similar in weight with the only major difference being the safety toe. Customers say these are comfortable to wear and feel like regular walking shoes without the bulk of added safety features, and they’re relatively affordable.
Key Specs
| Upper | Synthetic mesh |
|---|---|
| Sole | Rubber |
| Safety Features | Steel-toe |
6
Most Versatile Style
Carhartt Force Boot
6
Most Versatile Style
Carhartt Force Boot
Pros
- Versatile style
- Durable 1200D nylon uppers
Cons
- Break-in required
These versatile boots have a composite-toe and slip-resistant outsoles to meet the safety standards for most job sites and are sleek enough to wear after quitting time. The upper mesh is made of 1200-denier nylon, so it’s highly durable and abrasion-resistant.
Leather detailing adds to the crossover style, making them presentable for casual wear and functional for on the job. The interior has a moisture-wicking lining to help keep your feet dry.
Customers report the footbed requires a bit of a break-in period, but insist it’s short and say these are comfortable within a week or so. We like how these boots can seamlessly go between the conference room and the field thanks to their sleek shape.
Key Specs
| Upper | 1200D nylon, leather |
|---|---|
| Sole | Rubber |
| Safety Features | Composite toe, electric hazard rated |
Danny Perez
Commerce Editor
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
