10 Best Work Shoes That Mean Serious Business, Tested and Reviewed

With a lightweight, flexible membrane that allows your foot to breathe, these work shoes are protective yet ventilating. They have a slip-resistant sole and sturdy tread and feature a composite, protective toe that meets standard safety regulations. Plus, the responsive cushioning technology will make you feel that much lighter on your feet.

These leather shoes are tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Textile lining wicks away moisture on your feet, and the sole is all about traction—don't fear any slipups. Keen designs its work shoes with a PU midsole so they can be as lightweight as possible, and instead of steel toes, these shoes have aluminum-alloy safety toes, which are 35 percent lighter.

One reviewer writes:

"I work in a metal factory. Very dirty & oily. These shoes don’t slip like others I’ve had. Worn them for a year with the original sole insert. Very comfortable. I’ve had $200 boots that are not close to the quality of these. Buying another pair soon!"

Skechers have always been a go-to footwear choice for all-day comfort, and these work shoes are no different. They feature a nonslip sole that's virtually immune to oil and water, plus a memory-foam insole for maximum cushioning. These also have a lighter-weight alloy toe, instead of steel, which still meets safety regulations.

One reviewer writes:

"Highly recommended for anyone who works outside in the summer months. I'm a power plant operator and I'm on my feet for 10 hours of my 12-hour shifts. Too hot for the boots in the summer and these shoes are great."

Carhartt is a tried-and-true brand for work gear, down to the shoes. These breathable, waterproof sneakers are designed to meet electrical-hazard safety standards, with a soft toe, cement construction featuring a hardy rubber sole, and a breathable membrane. The classic Carhartt footbed is engineered specifically to cater to your arches, too, so your foot can go on feeling unfatigued.

Although these are hiking shoes, they're perfect for outdoor work, too. Hoka's construction is universally comfortable and durable, and these shoes, with a Gore-Tex membrane and plenty of traction, bring the heat in terms of breathability. They're waterproof, too, and have toe caps and heels designed for maximum protection.

One reviewer writes:

"Best shoes ever. Three foot surgeries and these are the only shoes I can wear!"

If your work finds you outside in the cold, Teva has the ultimate pair of shoes for you. This waterproof style features waffle-knit linings for maximum warmth, plus a durable antislip sole, nylon shanks to keep you stable in any terrain, and a lace-up bootie style that protects and warms your ankles.

Designed to meet work safety standards in the U.S. and Canada, these shock-absorbing shoes are all about keeping you light on your feet. The alloy safety toe is significantly lighter than a steel toe but still protective, and the rubber sole is a no-slip must-have.

One reviewer writes:

"It is definitely worth your money. It gives you great arch support and you know the soles of the shoes are wonderful. I can't deny that you get it in the exact size and it fits just great."

From the folks over at Columbia comes a staple work shoe—especially if you want something plush and cushiony. This sneaker has adjustable laces that'll never come untied, plus an abrasion-resistant outer and slip-resistant sole.

One customer writes:

"Very happy with them. Good looking, comfortable, breathable and really great traction on all surfaces/terrain. Slippery rocks, muddy trails, asphalt trails, clay trails...zero issues. Felt very confident in their grip on everything. Highly recommend."

For something that extends protection to your ankles, too, opt for a boot instead of a shoe. This one has hard-wearing Blake stitching, plus a super-lightweight sole that won't drag you down. They're great for winter and outdoor wear, at work or home.

Who says a Chelsea boot is only for dressing up? These Chelsea work boots are all about durability and comfort, with a waterproof, abrasion-resistant outer, a slip-resistant sole, and a safety-approved design that even passes the melt-point test.