The Best Cheap Work Boots: Affordability That Will Surely Suit Your Budget

Are you looking forward to buying a pair of work boots on a budget? While some people hold the view that only the most expensive boots can be the best, the truth is that there are also affordable work boots that are equally good. Indeed, there are plenty of good and affordable work boots priced under $100.

However, it is also true that many low-priced work boots are of poor quality. They are designed with poor quality materials and design, resulting in low protection, less durability, and a lot of frustration. Our post will help you wade through the market flooded with all sorts of work shoes to identify the best cheap work boots.

The EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots is our first choice. In addition to being offered at a low price, this shoe comes with impressive features, such as high-quality leather and durable polyurethane midsoles, that will make it a great pick for you.

 

The Best Cheap Work Boots Are…

 

ProductDetails
1. EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: Shock absorbent polyurethane
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2. Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: Custom engineered foam
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3. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Work Boots

  • Upper: Leather 
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Shaft: Approximately 5.5 inches from the arch
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4. Military Uniform Supply Desert Combat Boots

  • Outsole: Rubber 
  • Upper: Leather and synthetic
  • Closure design: Easy lace-up
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5. Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot

  • Upper: Leather 
  • Outsole: Synthetic
  • Shaft: Approximately six inches from the arch
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6. GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots

  • Upper: Leather 
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Heel: 1.5 inches
  • Shaft: Approximately 5-inch from the arch
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7. Maelstrom Zion Men’s 6″ Earth Brown Waterproof Work Boot

  • Upper: High-grade leather 
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: flexible EVA
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1. EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots — Best Budget Work Boots

 

EVER BOOTS Men's Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots Insulated Rubber Outsole for Hiking (12 D(M), Copper)

Launched recently in 2015, Ever Boots has put a lot of effort into designing top-quality and affordable work boots, and one of the best pieces is this pair of “Ultra Dry” Men’s Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots. We liked this boot because it not only makes a good work boot, but it can also be worn casually when going out or shopping in the city.

These premium work boots come in tan colors with black sole and a lace-up closure that makes them easy for you to select the preferred fit easily. Furthermore, they are designed with 2mm full-grain leather, which is naturally waterproof, meaning that you can expect your feet to remain dry all the time. A polyester lining on the inner part helps to keep your feet warm and provide a comfy feel when working.

To provide maximum cushioning, the work boots’ midsoles are designed with a comfortable polyurethane material that comfortably conforms to the shape of your feet. The insole works with the rubber outsole that is flexible and lightweight to absorb shock when working. So, you can expect to use this boot the entire day without suffering from fatigue.

Specs

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: Shock absorbent polyurethane

Pros

  • Uses durable polyurethane midsoles to help reduce fatigue
  • Made with high-quality and flexible rubber outsole
  • Waterproof
  • Can be used both at work and for casual purposes
  • Strong and durable

Cons

  • Sizes run small
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2. Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot — Runner Up 

 

Caterpillar Men's Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot, Brown, 9.5 W US

Flashing in a shiny leather tan, these Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boots are stylish and as safe as you can expect. Arching steel toe, rise ankle length, and awesome cushioning make these work boots very reliable even when working on tough conditions or rough terrain.

Designed with 100% leather, these work boots are sturdy and will not easily break even when working in tough conditions. Even when working on wet areas, your feet will not get wet because the boot is waterproof. To augment the strong leather upper, the outsole of the boots is slip-resistant.

To enhance your comfort when working, Caterpillar used lightweight and custom engineered foam that provide 30% more energy return compared to EVA. This implies that you are sure of enjoying better support, and moving will be pretty easy. Because the footbed is removable, you can easily adjust it or replace it with an Ortholite model for additional support.

Specs

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: Custom engineered foam

Pros

  • Designed with quality full-grain leather upper
  • Made with waterproof features
  • Provided steel toe protection
  • Available in two colors
  • Impressive electrical hazard protection
  • Uses slip-resistant outsole
  • Lovely cushioning
  • Stylish
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy
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3. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Work Boots

 

Timberland PRO Men's Pitboss 6" Steel-Toe Boot, Brown , 10.5 D - Medium

Timberland pops out of the pack again with this Pro Men’s Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boots. The boots are designed to offer a typically high degree of protection and comfort, allowing you to work even in tough areas. Well, you work in an area where the risk of falling debris or dropping tools abound, the steel toe box offers all the protection you want, and you can work with confidence.

The upper part of the shoe is made with high-grade leather made to meet ANSI safety standards, but Timberland did not stop there. They designed the outsole with slip-resistant, oil-resistant, and abrasion-resistant capability to give you better traction and stability. So, whether your work involves crisscrossing the country and being in an oil rig for many, this pair of boots is all that you need for better stability.

We found the boots to be very comfortable thanks to Timberland’s Comfort Suspension Technology. The footbed supports the foot arch well and works with the outsole to absorb shock and reduce fatigue. Furthermore, the toe box is big enough, giving your feet ample space to spread as you work.

Specs

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Shaft: Approximately 5.5 inches from the arch

Pros

  • Designed with steel-toe for better suspension
  • Designed to meet ANSI safety standards
  • Slip and abrasion-resistant
  • Available in four colors
  • Splendid toe protection
  • Designed with abrasion and oil-resistant outsoles
  • Strong and durable

Cons

  • Breathability is poor
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4. Military Uniform Supply Desert Combat Boots

 

Military Uniform Supply Desert Combat Boots - Size 12 Regular

Coming next on our list are these Desert Combat Boots from Military Uniform Supply that closely resembles what is used by the soldiers out in the battle. They are strong, comfy, and will allow you to work with confidence.

The uppers of these boots are designed with synthetic and leather that makes them strong and stylish to use at work. The outsole of the shoe is designed with anti-slip rubber that provides a firm grip even working on slippery surfaces, whether outdoors or indoors. Furthermore, the outsole is broad and helps to spread your weight well for better stability.

To provide you with the comfort you need at work; the shoes come with a well-padded midsole that helps to protect your feet from shock when working or walking. The padding extends well from the heath through to the toe box and makes walking very easy. The collar of the boot is also padded well for additional comfort.

Specs

  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Upper: Leather and synthetic
  • Closure design: Easy lace-up

Pros

  • Great to use both at work and for casual purposes
  • Designed with a strong anti-slip outsole for extra strength and durability
  • Lightweight construction
  • Good cushioning for protection from shocks

Cons

  • Outsole is not durable
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5. Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot

 

WOLVERINE Men's Floorhand Waterproof 6" Steel Toe Work Boot, Black, 12 M US

Wolverine, one of the oldest and trusted shoe brands, specializes in work shoes and their commitment to quality is evident in this Floorhand Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot. As the name suggests, the toe box of the shoe is reinforced with steel and further rocks awesome features that make it unbelievable that it is sole this cheaply.

The most notable thing about this work boot is that it uses waterproof leather material for strength and protection. The leather upper also features a moisture-wicking mesh lining that helps to clear off perspiration, helping to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The lining is also soft and hugs the feet well for a plush feel when working.

When it comes to cushioning and safety, this work boot is pretty difficult to beat. Wolverine used its patented Contour Welt that helps to make the shoe flexible so that you can easily move around your workplace. Furthermore, they used MultiShox design on the soles with additional cushioning that helps to absorb shock and make movement easy and fast.

Specs

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Synthetic
  • Shaft: Approximately six inches from the arch

Pros

  • 100% leather made
  • Uses a rubber outsole for better traction and water resistance
  • Waterproof material helps to keep your feet dry
  • Works with moisture mesh lining for added comfort
  • Durable

Cons

  • Only available in one color
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6. GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots

 

GW Men's 1606ST Brown Steel Toe Work Boots 10.5 M US

Next on our list is this GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots, one of the top-rated and best-selling products from Kingshow. The boot is designed using high-quality materials, and you can trust it for maximum comfort and protection when working.

The boot’s uppers are done using genuine full-grain nubuck leather, which is treated to offer premium water resistance. The outsole is constructed using rubber firmly connected to the upper with Goodyear welt. Furthermore, it is equipped with steel toes that provide additional protection when working on site.

To enhance your comfort when using this boot, Kingshow uses a responsive footbed that firmly molds into your feet for maximum support, absorbs shock, and returns energy as you work. The collar is also padded well to provide maximum support to the ankle while an inner lining helps to protect feet from getting rubbed by leather.

Specs

  • Upper: Leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Heel: 1.5 inches
  • Shaft: Approximately 5-inch from the arch

Pros

  • Designed with high-grade leather and steel toe for maximum protection
  • Uses slip-resistant rubber outsole for firm grip at work
  • Large toe box makes the shoe a great pick for people with broad feet
  • Matches well with different work uniforms
  • Good cushioning
  • Available in four colors
  • Durable

Cons

  • Poor breathability
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7. Maelstrom Zion Men’s 6″ Earth Brown Waterproof Work Boot

 

Maelstrom Men's Zion Waterproof Work Boot, Size 15W

The last shoe on our list of top-rated work boots is this pair of Maelstrom Zion. They are high-quality shoes that are designed for industrial workers who want waterproof boots that guarantee good performance, waterproof quality, and ample comfort.

These boots are designed with high-quality materials and design that makes them suitable for people working in places such as industrial, utility, and construction sites. The upper section is made using top-quality water-resistant leather and nylon. It also features an inner lining made with Maelstrom iH20-Tex liners that help to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry.

The boots also feature a dynamic comfort sole system that uses two features for optimal cushioning, shock-absorbing EVA insole, and a removable footbed. If your work involves handling heavy objects, it is pretty easy to replace the footbed with a thicker one.

Specs

  • Upper: High-grade leather
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Midsole: Flexible EVA

Pros

  • Made with quality leather for optimal strength and durability
  • Uses lightweight EVA insole for cushioning
  • Rugged outsole with aggressive treads for maximum traction
  • Features a soft lining for plush comfort at work
  • Good for both work and casual use
  • Sole affordably
  • Strong and durable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Poor breathability
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How to Pick the Best Affordable Work Boots

After reading our reviews of the top cheap work boots, you might have identified the perfect pair for yourself. If you have not, we understand that it can be challenging, so we will move a step further to tell you the things to look for. We will also highlight common misconceptions about budget work boots.

Common Myths about Cheap Work Boots 

There are two common myths or misconceptions that a lot of consumers believe in. It is important to know them because they have made a lot of people miss opportunities to acquire quality work boots at affordable prices and make some savings.

Misconception #1: Cheap Equals Low Quality

This is a common myth that fails to take note of the advances in technology, which has come to help cut the cost of production.

Technology is not just making mass production possible, but it is also making creating the materials for shoe production pretty easy and cheap.

Indeed, you can expect the price to drop down even further in the future.

Misconception #2: Higher Price Tag Equals High-Quality

This mindset is a product of traditional marketing strategies that were used to try and help optimize sales and profits. However, we have seen a lot of people complain that they bought high-rated shoes but got disappointed after wearing them for a short while.

To know how good a specific type of shoe is, simply looking at the price is not enough. Even if it has a high price tag, make sure to read through reviews by experts and feedback from past users before committing to buy.

Things to Look for in Affordable Work Boots 

Now that you know the misconceptions to avoid, here are the main things to look for when buying work boots on a budget.

  • Durability: You can tell this by looking for the shoe that is made using quality materials, such as leather on the upper part and rubber on the outsole.
  • Comfort: A comfortable work boot should have features such as good cushioning, well-padded collar, padded insole, and enough toe room.
  • Firm grip: Good grip is provided by features such as non-slip technology, large cogs, and large treads.
  • Waterproof capability: If you will be working on wet areas, go for the boots that will not allow water to pass through.

Final Thoughts 

If you are looking forward to buying work boots on a budget, the truth is that you should not settle for any model that is inferior because there exist some pretty awesome yet affordable options awaiting you on the shelves.

The seven best cheap work boots that we have reviewed in this post are designed using high-quality materials and awesome features that could, in reality, qualify them for higher price tags. So, go ahead and select the model that will work best for your situation.

Although we vouch for the seven most affordable work boots that we reviewed in this post (they are remarkable), the EVER BOOTS “Ultra Dry” Work Boots was the best of them all. It is designed by one of the best brands and comes with features such as rubber outsole and leather top that are common in boots with a higher price tag.