Timberland PRO Women’s Direct Attach 6’’ Steel-Toe Waterproof Work Boot takes the top spot for the best steel-toe work boot for women, but Double H Women’s Haddie 11″ Comp Toe, Wolverine Women’s Floorhand Steel-Toe Nylon Mesh Lining Work Boot, and Ad Tec Women’s Work Boots 9’’ Steel Toe Logger also rank as the best women’s work boots.
Whether on a construction site, behind the wheel of heavy equipment, or wearing a safety vest, finding the right pair of work boots is key to staying comfortable and safe. Compared to “everyday” boots, women’s work boots are designed to offer more protection. They have a higher shaft to shield and support the ankle, a slip-resistant rubber sole to prevent injuries, and a reinforced toe for additional safety.
But proper footwear isn’t just about comfort and style—it’s also about foot health, safety, and productivity. When looking for properly fitting women’s safety work boots, it’s important to fit both length and width to optimize comfort and fit.
8 best safety work boots for women
1. Best steel-toe boot: Timberland PRO Women’s Direct Attach 6’’ Steel-Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Sizes: 5.5-10 (available in half sizes), 11
Width: Medium and wide
Materials: Nubuck leather, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Steel toe
ASTM rating: F2412-18a and ASTM F2413-18 I and C impact and compression safety standards and CAN/CSA-Z195-14 Grade 1
If you’re after the classic yellow Timberland boot but need it to comply with safety regulations, the Timberland PRO Women’s Direct Attach steel toe work boot is the next best option. It’s built for optimal fit and comfort, is waterproof, and features 200 grams of insulation to ensure your feet stay warm and dry in cold-weather environments.
These boots are made with Timberland® seam-sealed, waterproof leather, are steel-toe, and have heat-, oil-, slip-, and abrasion-resistant rubber soles for maximum traction. They also have added electrical hazard protection and Anti-Fatigue Technology polyurethane footbeds for ultimate daily comfort and protection.
2. Best steel-toe runner-up: Caterpillar Footwear Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots
Sizes: 5-10 (available in half sizes), 11
Width: Medium and wide
Materials: Nubuck leather, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Steel toe
ASTM rating: Steel toe (ASTM F2413-18); Electrical hazard protection (ASTM F2413-18)
CAT’s Women’s Echo waterproof steel-toe boot is made to perform under the toughest construction conditions. Designed specifically for a women’s fit using CAT Footwear’s patented iTechnology™, these work boots are the perfect combination of durability and athletic comfort. Featuring a tall silhouette and plenty of color options, they’re perfect for women in physical jobs who want comfortable yet stylish work boots.
To ensure job site safety, the CAT Echo boots are reinforced with a steel toe to protect against impact or compression. They are also electrical hazard-protected for maximum safety. They also feature a slip-resistant rubber outsole that is abrasion-resistant, performs against oil and water, and provides optimal grip on low-traction surfaces.
3. Best cowboy-style boot: Double H Women’s Haddie 11″ Comp Toe
Sizes: 6-10 (available in half sizes)
Width: Medium
Materials: Leather, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Composite toe
ASTM rating: Composite toe (ASTM I-75/C-75), slip resistance (ASTM F1677),
Double H Women’s Haddie comp toe boots are where comfort and style meet durability, functionality, and strength. The bold western look is enhanced by a sturdy boot with an oil-resistant sole. This work boot features Flex II composite and a wide square toe with an 11” upper for maximum protection.
The boot features a non-metallic lightweight shank and composite safety toe that meet safety standards for Electrical Hazards and oil- and slip-resistant soles for maximum traction and safety on the job.
4. Best lightweight boot: Wolverine Women’s Floorhand Steel-Toe Nylon Mesh Lining Work Boot
Sizes: 5-10 (available in half sizes), 11
Width: Medium and wide
Materials: Full-grain leather, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Steel toe
ASTM rating: Steel toe (ASTM F2413-18 F/I/C EH)
Steel-toe work boots aren’t known to be exceptionally lightweight, but the Wolverine Women’s Floorhand Steel-Toe work boot seems lighter than its competitors. While the steel caps protect your feet on the job, the boots feature a removable cushioned anti-fatigue footbed and a moisture-wicking nylon mesh lining to keep your feet comfortable, dry, and cool, even after a long day on the job.
You may want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for a stylish work boot. This Wolverine steel-toe boot has a no-frills design—a traditional lace-up closure, waterproof leather upper, and rubber outsoles for maximum traction on challenging surfaces. Put simply, it’s a great option for first-time steel-toe wearers or those looking for a simple, functional, and durable work boot that won’t break the bank.
5. Best rubber boot: LaCrosse Women’s Alpha Thermal 14″ Rubber Work Boot
Sizes: 5-11 (not available in half sizes)
Width: Medium
Materials: Neoprene, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: None
ASTM rating: Electrical hazard certified
Navigating the demands of the outdoors, especially during colder months, requires a pair of work boots that can withstand negative temperatures and rugged conditions. LaCrosse Women’s Alphas stand up to the challenge. They’re the ultimate rubber work boot for women with 7mm of insulating neoprene and a plush fleece lining to keep your feet toasty in the coldest conditions—snow, slush, sleet, ice.’
The Alpha Thermals are easy to put on and off. They feature an Antarctic outsole for superior grip on any terrain and premium natural rubber over the insulating neoprene for durability, flexibility, and total waterproof protection.
If steel-toe boots aren’t a must for your job, these boots are the winter warriors you’ve been looking for.
6. Best Wellington boot: Carhartt Women’s CWP1250 Work Boot
Sizes: 6-10 (available in half sizes), 11
Width: Medium
Materials: Leather, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Steel toe
ASTM rating: Electrical (ASTM 2413-18 EH standards), steel toe (ASTM 2413-18)
When it comes to style and functionality, the rugged 10-inch Carhartt Wellington steel toe work boot takes the cake. It’s a breathable, comfortable, waterproof boot with a slip-on design—no tedious laces or zippers. The shaft measures just over 10 inches, making this boot ideal for working outdoors without worrying about mud, water, or dirt.
Its steel toe and Goodyear welt construction provide the same level of impact protection as other steel-toe boots. Its slip-resistant rubber outsoles repel mud and provide maximum grip on slippery terrain. The boot is also designed with a waterproof membrane and a sweat-wicking liner to keep feet warm, dry, and protected in all weather conditions.
7. Best alloy toe boot: Danner Women’s Quarry USA-Made Alloy Toe WP Work Boot
Sizes: 5-10 (available in half sizes), 11
Width: Medium
Materials: Leather, Vibram® oil- and slip-resistant rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Alloy toe
ASTM rating: ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 EH
Danner Women’s Quarry USA-made work boots are a true testament to craftsmanship and durability. Featuring a full-grain leather upper for maximum strength, a GORE-TEX liner for complete waterproof protection, and an alloy toe meeting ASTM standards, these boots are the ultimate in safety and comfort.
Danner’s boots are triple-stitched and feature electrical hazard protection to tackle the toughest challenges. Plus, the Vibram® Quarry outsole ensures maximum traction. For the modern working woman, these are a solid investment.
8. Best steel-toe logger: Ad Tec Women’s Work Boots 9’’ Steel Toe Logger
Sizes: 6-10 (available in half sizes), 11
Width: Medium
Materials: Leather, rubber sole
Toe reinforcement: Steel toe
ASTM rating: ANSI/ASTM I75 & C75
Ad Tec Womne’s Steel Toe Loggers are rugged and ready to work. They’re ultra-durable work boots featuring a rubber slip-resistant outsole for traction and water-resistant, oil-tanned crazy horse leather to protect from the elements.
The steel toe and Goodyear welt construction also protect your feet. These boots are purposeful yet comfortable and are one of our favorites for an affordable women’s work boot.