Are you on your way to purchasing a cheap pair of work boots? If yes, you have a reason to smile because there are many cheap work boots designed with top-quality materials, features, and latest technologies to guarantee you three things; comfort, protection, and durability.
However, selecting the perfect one can be challenging because some sellers label their boots with attractive tags, such as “the best,” even when the quality is wanting. To help you out of this quagmire, we went into the market, selected the best work boots under 100, and reviewed them. Keep reading to identify the perfect one for yourself.
The Best Work Boots Under $100 Are …
Product | Details | ||
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1. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Boots – Best Overall | Top Pick |
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2. Maelstrom Zion Men’s 6″ Earth Brown Waterproof Work Boot – Runner Up |
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3. Golden Fox Men’s Premium Leather Soft Toe Work Boots |
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4. Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot |
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5. King’s by Honeywell KGEO02 Steel Toe |
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6. Walkchic Men’s Leather Steel Toe Work Boot |
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7. GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots |
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1. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe Boots – Best Overall
Timberland is one of the most respected brands in the footwear industry, and their commitment to quality is evident in this pair of Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe boots. These shoes have set the standards for craftsmanship, durability, and protection, and, therefore, authoritatively grabs the first position on our list of the best budget work boots below 100.
This pair of work boots is designed using rubber outsoles and 100% genuine leather that make it strong and durable. Furthermore, they have steel toes to help protect your feet against falling objects or hard obstacles. Despite being constructed with hard steel toes, the boots have awesome cushioning and use sock liners that make them very comfortable.
Another notable thing about Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe boots is that the toe boxes are roomier compared to many boots out there. This means that your feet will be able to spread comfortably, allowing you to work for hours without worrying about getting hurt.
When it comes to the outsole, Timberland also did an outstanding job. The boots boast of slip-resistant and oil-resistant rubber outsoles that will provide you with good traction regardless of the nature of the surface. So, whether your workplace is oily or has loose materials, this is one boot that you can count on for a perfect grip.
Specs
- Upper: 100% leather
- Outsole: Rubber
- Shaft: Approximately 5.5 inches
- Heel: Approximately 1.5-inch
Pros
- Designed with 100% genuine leather
- Uses steel toe cap for top-notch feet protection
- Features a Cambrelle fabric lining with antimicrobial treatment
- Rubber outsole offers better traction even on slippery surfaces
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Problem with heel wrap when the shoe wears out
2. Maelstrom Zion Men’s 6″ Earth Brown Waterproof Work Boot – Runner Up
Coming close to our first pick is this Maelstrom Zion Men’s 6″ Earth Brown Waterproof Work Boot, which has been designed and constructed to meet the tough demands of the construction, utility, and industrial work environments. Whether you work outdoors or in areas with electrical hazards, you can count on these boots for protection and extra comfort all day.
Although the shoe looks tough and rugged on the outside, the inner part is soft and super-comfortable. It has a removable cushion footbed that is paired with a shock-absorbing EVA material. In addition to good cushioning, the footbed helps spread the body’s weight to reduce the risk of knee pain and backache.
The boots also feature a slip and oil-resistant outsole, which will provide you with a firm grip even when working on wet and oily surfaces. Fitted with Maelstrom iH20-Tex liners, these boots can keep your feet dry even when working in areas with sleet, rain, or snow.
Specs
- Upper: Waterproof leather
- Shaft: Approximately six inches
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- The boot is designed with high-quality and waterproof leather
- Conforms to ASTM F1677-96 Mark II standard
- Shock-absorbing EVA and cushioned footbed makes the boots super-comfortable
- Available in composite and soft toe styles
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Sold with a one-year warranty
Cons
- Loses breathability with continued use
3. Golden Fox Men’s Premium Leather Soft Toe Work Boots
Golden Fox is another brand that has won people’s trust in designing quality work boots. When they made these Golden Fox Men’s Premium Leather Soft Toe Work Boots, the targeted users were hunters and farmers. However, the shoe’s strong construction and comfort have made the boots some of the best models to use at work. Their lovely design, especially the visible stitching, makes the boots stylish, and some people prefer to match them with casual clothes.
The leather boots are constructed with oil-tanned full-grain leather that helps to make them tough, durable, and flexible. On the inner part, the shoe features a meshed lining to help make your feet feel comfy when working. Furthermore, the lining wicks away moisture and allows air to circulate, making your feet feel fresh even when working for a long period.
Another outstanding thing about this pair of boots is that it rocks a Rubberlon outsole that is firmly sewn to the premium leather to enhance its durability. The outsole is also water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and has a tremendous shock-absorbing capability. Notably, even with these top-of-the-range features, these boots feel lighter compared to most models in the same category.
Specs
- Upper: Oil full-grain leather
- Outsole: Oil resistant Rubberlon outsole
- Shaft: Approximately six inches
Pros
- Designed with high-quality oil-tanned leather
- Uses a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry
- Available in four different colors
- Awesome shock-absorbing capacity
- Waterproof and durable
Cons
- Might not work well for people with broad feet
4. Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot
When selecting a pair of cheap work boots, it is paramount to ensure they will serve the most crucial task – protecting your feet when working. One of the models that you can count on for excellent protection is this Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot. It is designed to withstand the toughest working conditions while keeping your feet comfortable.
The upper part is made with full-grain leather, which helps to make the boots waterproof and durable. Besides, it has a strong steel toe that meets ASTM standard F2413-11, M, I/75, C/75, EH, which makes it a great option for protecting your toes.
To make the shoe boot comfortable, it is made with a cushioned footbed that helps to absorb shock when working or walking. A soft lining further hugs the foot snugly and wicks away perspiration to keep you feeling dry and fresh. You will also like its roomy toe box that allows the feet to spread comfortably when working in your station.
Specs
- Upper: Full-grain leather
- Outsole: Rubber
- Shaft: Approximately six inches
Pros
- Strong steel toe that meets ASTM standard F2413-11, M, I/75, C/75, EH
- Designed with full-grain leather upper
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Waterproof construction
- Uses a removable full-cushioned footbed
Cons
- Heavy
5. King’s by Honeywell KGEO02 Steel Toe
Coming from a brand that has won trust for designing stylish and protective shoes, these King’s by Honeywell KGEO02 Steel Toe boots do not disappoint. They are as stylish as they are comfy and durable, making them a great find for workers, even in the toughest conditions. We liked their sturdiness, which largely comes from the design and durable welt construction.
KGEO02 rocks oiled, full-grain leather uppers that are coated with blended oil that acts as a lubricant. The oil improves the leather’s water-resistant ability, helping to keep your feet dry even when working in wet environments. The oil treatment also helps to protect the leather from cracking, meaning that it will last longer than most standard boots.
To provide support and keep your feet comfortable, the boots are designed with dual-density EVA cushion insoles. Because the insoles are replaceable, it implies that you can easily change them for better feet support when working in your workstation.
Specs
- Shaft: Approximately six inches
- Upper: Oiled full-grain leather
- Midsole: Dual-density EVA cushion insole
- Outsole: Slip-resistant PU outsole
Pros
- Durable welt construction helps to make the boots stronger and durable
- Designed with a protective steel toe to safeguard feet from falling objects
- Rocks a sleek and stylish design
- Uses a detachable and replaceable dual-density EVA cushion midsole
- Made with rugged PU outsole for superior traction
Cons
- Heavy
6. Walkchic Men’s Leather Steel Toe Work Boot
Style, comfort, and durability are the three things that you are guaranteed when you acquire and use these WalkchicMen’s Leather Steel Toe Work Boots. Like most shoes from Walkchic, these boots come with premium features, such as steel-toe and anti-piercing construction, which are mainly used in shoes with higher price tags.
The work boots are designed with alloy safety toe constructed to meet ASTM F2413 Safety Standards. We found the steel toe tough enough to help protect your feet from rolling or falling objects at work. The toe box is large enough to allow your feet to spread, relax, and breathe as you work.
To make the boots more effective, they are made with lightweight military Kevlar-midsole that protects them and your feet from being punctured by sharp objects, such as steel bars and nails. The midsole also uses a responsive design that takes the foot’s shape, helping to offer maximum support and reduce the risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Upper: Suede, synthetic and nylon
- Midsole: Kevlar midsole
- Toe Design: Alloy Safety Toe
Pros
- Uses ultra-wear resistant and non-slip rubber outsole
- Kevlar-midsole helps to protect the shoe from getting punctured by sharp objects
- Alloy Safety Toe that meets ASTM F2413 Safety Standards
- Comes with a large steel box
Cons
- The steel toe box can easily absorb heat and make working in hot areas uncomfortable
7. GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots
Safety and super-comfort are just a few of the reasons why these work boots have become every hard working person’s dream shoes. Although rocking a stylish appearance that matches well with casual outfits, the sturdy and protective construction makes it the unbeatable pair to use even in the toughest environments.
The upper part of the boot is designed using full-grain leather that gives it a tinge of quality and classy outlook. To make the boot strong and stable, the outsole is made with slip-resistant rubber, which is connected to the upper using Goodyear welt technology. So, if you work in wet areas, you can count on this pair of shoes to keep your feet dry all day.
When designing the work boot, Kingshow knew that most workers are faced with the danger of falling or rolling objects. Therefore, they created this work boot with a tough steel toe for toe protection. We liked the fact even with the steel toe and strong outsole; the shoe was remarkably light!
Specs
- Upper: High-grade leather
- Outsole: Rubber
- Shaft: Approximately five inches from the arch
- Heel: 1.5 inches
Pros
- Available in four different colors
- Matches well with both casual and workplace uniforms
- Durable and slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Water-resistant upper
- Spacious toe box
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Poor arch support
What to Consider when Looking for the Best Work Boots Under 100 Dollars
When looking for the best work boots on a budget, it is important to appreciate that a lower price tag does not equate to poor quality. Indeed, you will be surprised to realize that some of the top brands, such as Timberland and Golden Fox, are dedicated to creating top-quality but low-priced boots so that every worker can afford them.
Comfort
When buying a pair of work boots, you cannot compromise on comfort. If the boots are not comfortable, they can pull your performance down and even cause serious health issues, such as back pain and plantar fasciitis. Here is what you need to determine if a pair of cheap work boots is comfortable.
- Ensure the boots fit your feet well
- Should have good cushioning on the footbed
- The boots should have a soft lining to prevent the rubber from rubbing the feet
Protection
This is another crucial parameter that you need to get right when buying a work boot.
Here are some common types of protection to look for:
- Look for boots that come with a steel-toe or composite toe for protection from falling or rolling objects
- Consider the models with Kevlar-midsole for protection from piercing objects, such as nails
- Pick the boots with a good waterproof capability if you work in wet areas
- Select the boots with good thermal insulation for working in very cold areas
Durability
When buying a pair of work boots, you should go for the most durable options. These are the models made with quality materials, such as quality leather uppers and rubber outsole. The two should then be firmly joined together using advanced methods, such as Goodyear welt technology or cement construction.
Here’s a tip on how to care for your leather work boots.
Final Thoughts
When buying work boots on a budget, it is vital to go for top-rated models that guarantee you superior comfort and feet protection. Although costing less than $100, the work boots we have discussed in this post are designed by top brands and come with some of the industry’s best features. Therefore, you can trust them for better foot protection and comfort to make every moment at your workstation enjoyable.
While we vouch for the seven work boots below 100 in our reviews above (they are outstanding in every way), the Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss was the best of them all. The boots come with excellent features, such as steel-toe and super-cushioning, which make them rival more expensive models.