The 15 Best Steel Toe Shoes in 2022

The best steel toe shoes are all here. These products not only provide your feet with premium protection in hazard conditions but also make you feel comfortable.

For people who spend most of their time working in hazardous and electrical environments, it is essential to wear some types of shoes that can provide their feet with the efficient protection to avoid sore or injured feet. These shoes are the must-have accessories for those types of work.

However, most of the safety footwear used for such conditions are often too heavy, bulky, and cause some difficulty to work effectively. Therefore, people usually tend to choose steel toe shoe products. Because these shoes not only can come up to the safety requirements but also are much more comfortable to wear than the bulky work boots as they have been improved to become more lightweight, fashionable, and flexible.

To help you in choosing a suitable product, I have done in-depth research and sort out the 15 best steel toe shoes that are high-quality on the market today. Check out this list so you can choose what you think suits you the most.

What are The Best Steel Toe Shoes?

The best steel toe shoes are Timberland PRO Men’s Titan and KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit because the brands have the most comfortable and durable steel-toe shoes. They are excellent everyday mid-ankle boots in the summertime. These shoes can protect your toe and boost your comfort, feeling up to 12 hours while you’re working in the factory or standing all day on the concrete floor.

To make it more convenient for you, I put here the 10 suggested best steel toe shoes, which each of them features outstanding advantages. Refer to this part to make it easier in choosing.

Best Overall: KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Industrial Shoe

Completely waterproof materials, lightweight and comfortable, easy to clean, casual-look.

Good for Walking on Concrete: Timberland PRO Men’s Mudsill Shoe

Anti-fatigue shoes offer arch support and cushions, helping keep feet comfortable all day. In addition to these shoes, here are great shoes for walking on concrete floors all day.

Good for Narrow Feet: New Balance Women’s Industrial Shoe

Durable materials, non-slip and oil-resistant, shock-absorbing footbed, light and comfortable.

Good for Wide Feet: Skechers Women’s Synergy Sandlot Work Shoe

Stylish lace-up design, includes memory foam, arch support, slip-resistant outsole, wide range of sizes.

Good for Heavy Guys: Caterpillar Diagnostic Waterproof Boot

Upper waterproof leather, breathable mesh lining, features 200g of Thinsulate insulation.

Good for Standing All-Day: Timberland PRO Men’s Titan Oxford Shoe

Sturdy water-resistant leather, padded collar and cushioned footbed for premium comfort.

Good for Women: KEEN Utility Detroit Shoe

Left and right asymmetrical toes, easy and light to move, removable EVA insoles, comfortable.

Good for Safety: Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Boot

It’s best for safety work boots, provides premium protection, comes up to ANSI safety standards, non-slip and oil-resistant.

Good Women Steel Toe Shoes for Concrete: Nautilus ESD Metal Safety Athletic Shoes

Reasonable price, Cute, Anti-slip outsoles, Toe is roomy, lightweight and comfortable, workable on manufacturer’s floors or concrete floors.

Good for Breathable: KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Shoe

Well-constructed and high-performance shoes, mid-feet support, asymmetrical steel toes.

Good for Budget: TICCOON Shoes Safety Shoes for Men and Women

Slip and abrasion-resistant outsoles offer excellent grip, stylish design, additional comfort.

All The Steel Toe Shoes – Comparison Chart

Steel-capped boot or safety shoes can be called a steel toe boot, which supports the reinforcement in the toe that products the foot from falling objects. Also, Steel-toed shoes can help to prevent injuries due to slips, burns, and punctures. The table below acts as a summary of the top 15 best steel toe shoes on the market:

Top 15 Best Steel Toe Shoes Reviews in 2022

Now we come to the central part of reviewing the best steel toe shoes. Let’s get to know each of the product’s pros, cons, and specifications.

Best Overall: KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Industrial Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Light-duty steel toes shoes for works
• Left and right asymmetrical steel toes
• USA-made meets ASTM standards
• EVA midsoles and footbeds
• Many colors available

KEEN Utility brand is reputable for manufacturing protective and high-performance footwear products. And we can see that in this Atlanta Cool steel toe shoes as it’s the top option for many workers who work at industrial places or worksites. 

There’s a reason why the KEEN Utility Atlanta Cool work shoes rank in the first place on this list. As you can see, they have sturdy construction with left and right asymmetrical toe design, which helps to protect each of the parts of your feet perfectly. 

The performance and protection of these steel toe shoes have been verified as they come up to the ASTM safety requirements. I don’t put it mildly when I say that these casual-looking shoes will be the best protector for you to work in harsh conditions.

Besides safety assurance, these shoes also provide superior comfort for your feet to wear for a long time. They feature the cushioned EVA midsoles and footbeds, combined with the hydrophobic mesh lining, which helps you to feel soft and comfortable with each step.

Best for Narrow Feet: New Balance Women’s Industrial Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Compact steel toe shoes for women
• Breathable textiles, abzorb heels, static dissipative
• Features removable cushioned EVA inserts
• Non-slip outsoles, meets ASTM standards

Women now can have some types of safety shoes that don’t feature heavy-duty or massive looks. The New Balance has spent all the decade improving the work shoes so that they feature fashionable looks as well as lightweight and flexible like types of sports shoes or sneakers. And these New Balance Industrial steel toe shoes for women are the typical example of how safety shoes can be as compact and stylish as the sporty sneakers.

Now workers don’t have to wear those heavy and bulky work boots to move around the hazardous places. This footwear will make it better alternatives as they are more lightweight and comfortable to wear while still ensuring the efficient safety and protection your feet need to be free from getting damaged when working in dangerous environments. 

The steel toe cap will help to protect your toes from pressure and impacts. It also features the static dissipative abilities to keep you safe from electrical components. Meanwhile, the EVA inserts and breathable textiles will make sure that your feet are dry and fresh inside so that you can feel more comfortable.

Best for Walking on Concrete: Timberland PRO Men’s Mudsill Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Low-steel toe shoes for working on concrete
• Meets ASTM standards, features comfort system
• Breathable full-grain leather molded EVA midsoles
• Lace-up system

Do you have to walk or stand on the concrete floor all day? If yes, you need to get yourself a pair of safety shoes that can keep your feet and knees from getting sore, aches, or swollen. And these Timberland PRO Men’s Mudsill Steel toe shoes will be the perfect assistant for you to achieve the safe performance working on the concrete every day.

These Mudsill Low Steel Toe Shoes come up to or even surpass the ASTM standards. They feature everything it needs for comprehensive protection. Specifically, they have high-quality abrasion-absorbing leather materials and a unique comfort system that offers fatigue reduction combined with arch and ankle support to help decrease the impact on your legs and knees. So that you can walk or stand on the concrete for a long time without often getting your knees hurt or stress out the other parts. 

Besides, the breathable full-grain leather and anti-microbial insoles make your feet stay fresh and comfortable even after long hours of working. It’s worth a try.

Best for Work: Reebok Men’s Sublite Cushion Boot

Product specs

Key features

• Steel toe shoes with athletic style
• Full-grain leather and cushioned insoles
• Features FootFuel footbed technology
• Lightweight and flexible

These Reebok Men’s Sublite Cushion steel toe shoes may have the look of a pair of athletic shoes, but they can provide excellent performance and protection like types of work boots out there. Reebok has done a great job in improving its footwear to become lighter and more flexible while ensuring all the necessary factors to pull out the best performance in the harsh conditions of working places.

They feature a sturdy steel toe to protect your toes well and durable full-grain leather materials, which help to reduce the influences and pressures on the feet. Also, it’s safe for electrical work. These steel toe shoes provide excellent traction with non-slip rubber outsoles.

Besides featuring the essential factors of standard safety shoes, the Reebok Men’s Sublite still keeps the comfort and flexibility often seen in sport’s shoes. They feature the FootFuel footbed technology to bring the soft and cushioning feeling when wearing. I would say that these shoes won’t let you be disappointed when you try it out.

Best for Waterproof: Caterpillar Women’s Echo Boot

Product specs

Key features

• ASTM rated steel toe work boots for women
• 8 inches shaft high
• Waterproof Nubuck leather
• Slip and oil-resistant outsoles

If you were working women at worksites or factories, these ASTM rated steel toe shoes would be the perfect option for you. These fashionable high shaft boots would make it great for those who want to keep a stylish look while wearing some safety footwear. They are specially designed for women who are involved in hazardous workplaces. 

The Caterpillar Echo Waterproof steel toe boots provide the support and safety needed for the industrial and electrical work as well as the stylish design to match with diverse tastes. They feature an 8 inches shaft, which will give the additional protection from the toe to the leg. The waterproof Nubuck leather materials will not let any wet elements access your feet. The outsoles are non-slip and oil-resistant that ensure safety as well as prevent accidents from happening when working.

And of course, comfort is the must-have thing. The Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof work boots feature a nylon mesh lining and sock liner that provides cushion with each step, which makes it comfortable for you to wear all day.

Best for Comfort: New Balance Men’s Industrial Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Comfy sports shoes-like design
• Lightweight ASTM certified steel toe shoes
• ESD inserts, foam insoles, Abzorb midsoles
• Slip and oil-resistant outsoles

When I mention the most comfortable and easy-to-wear pairs of steel toe shoes on the market today, it would be a mistake if not includes The New Balance Men’s Steel Industrial Shoes. Having seasoned experience in manufacturing those high-quality running shoes that are the favorite pick of most athletes, the New Balance has focused on some more intricate products for environments with high safety requirements. And this ASTM rated shoe product is one of their top performers.

They feature a design of sports shoes but deliver all the things featured in safety footwear such as durable waterproof materials, oil-resistant and anti-slip bottoms, arch support, and protective steel toe cap. 

When you have these shoes to your dangerous workplaces, your feet are protected well, but you will feel like wearing a pair of lightweight workout shoes with the ESD inserts, shock-absorbing foam insoles, and Abzorb midsoles provide all the demanded comfort. And that’s what the New Balance does to make it the best.

Related: Cushioned Shock Absorbing Shoes

Best for Wide Feet: Skechers Women’s Synergy Sandlot Lace-Up Work Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Comfy safety steel toe work sneakers
• Smooth Nubuck Leather uppers
• Sporty design, high durability, and flexibility
• Features memory foam footbed
• ASTM rated, electric hazards safe

These Sketchers Women’s Synergy Sandlot Steel Toe Shoes are the types of sneakers that are very comfortable and stretchy to wear. They feature excellent protection and safety functions with active sporty design to help working women perform well at the harsh conditions of workplaces.

I have to appreciate that the look these steel toe shoes bring is not bad. They have a modern design with bright reflective accents and a neat lace-up system. Hence, many customers would love to have them on their feet. 

These safety sneakers also provide a comfortable and cozy feeling that will make you satisfied thanks to the cushioned memory foam footbed inside and padded shoe collar. The breathable materials help to keep your feet fresh and reduce the foot odors. 

In addition to comfort, these shoes are sure to keep your feet safe during a long day working at factories or worksites. They have high durability, non-slip, oil-resistant rubber outsoles, and are also safe from electric components. They surpass all the safety standards, so you could have your peace of mind using these shoe products.

If you need durable shoes like sketcher, you may love to check these most durable shoes. They are suited for long-lasting footwear.

Best for Heavy Guys: Caterpillar Diagnostic Waterproof Boot

Product specs

Key features

• ASTM-rated steel toe work boots
• EVA inserts, waterproof leather
• Electrical hazard protection
• Features 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation

For people who have a heavyweight, they may don’t want to wear safety work shoes as these products may make them suffer from several issues like swollen feet, toe pain, hurt knees, and so more. But luckily, these Caterpillar Diagnostic Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots are specially manufactured for big guys with additional sizes and functions that can help to reduce pain on toes, legs, and knees when wearing. They can bring back the relaxed state as well as required protection for feet for long hours of work shifts.

Besides the steel toe cap that prevents toes from getting hurt by sharp objects at workplaces, these boots feature electrical hazard safety, which makes it suitable to wear for electrical work. They also come with 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, which will help to keep feet warm and dry all the time even under cold conditions.

And to make it more comfortable to wear, these work boots feature cushioned EVA inserts that support and cushion feet effectively. Therefore, it will deliver comfy performance for the whole day.

If you’re staying in wintertime or cold weather conditions, you may want an insulated work boot for winter that could protect your feet from slippery floors, icy pavement and keep your feet warm all the time. With that in mind, there are well-insulated work boots for the construction site, such as this Chinook Footwear Scorpion II Heavy Duty Boots.

Best for Standing All-Day: Timberland PRO Men’s Titan Oxford Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Mid-ankle steel toe shoes
• Premium full grain leather upper
• Lace front, padded collar
• Nylon 1.5 inches high shaft
• Feature PowerFit comfort system

The Timberland PRO Men’s Titan Steel Toe Shoes deliver superior performance for working all the days on types of surfaces. They come with a waterproof full-grain leather upper, improved lacing-up system, and the slip-resistant synthetic outsoles which provide excellent traction and grip for different surfaces. It’s safe to say that these work shoes would not be a bad option for wearing to daily work at factories or warehouses.

The Titan steel toe shoes are lighter than conventional types of work shoes. They also deliver a good-looking appearance with the front laces and premium leather. You would find it super comfy to wear as it is a combination of cushioned insoles, PU midsoles, padded collar design, heat-resistant compounds, and PowerFit comfort system. All of it is to give your feet a cozy and comfortable feeling even when walking or standing all day.

One more thing great is that these Timberland PRO Titan feature high durability and meet all safety standards for industrial environments. No matter how often you wear them, they can still perform very well.

Best Steel Toe Shoes for Women: KEEN Utility Detroit Work Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Light-duty steel toe shoes for women
• Features EVA footbed, 2-zone comfort technology
• Asymmetrical toe design, reflective webbings

The female workforce has gradually asserted its position in the working environment of industry and construction. As a result, many well-known shoe brands have made efforts to launch protective footwear products that can provide the necessary protection for women so that they can work safely and effectively in the industrial environments, which are supposedly more suitable for men. And this Keen Utility Detroit Low Steel Toe Shoes has eventually met all those things and become the top choice of many users and testers.

The upper materials of these shoes are leather combined with a fabric that is super durable and flexible for users to move comfortably and lightly. The left and right asymmetrical toe design provides the optimum protection for the toes as well as ensure they fit perfectly. The oil and slip-resistant outsoles are sure to make it safe when walking on the slippery surfaces.

The Detroit steel toe shoes are also super comfy to wear as they feature soft foam EVA footbed and mesh Lining with 2-zone comfort technology, making it cushioning and soft every step.

Best for Skating: Harley-Davidson Men’s Safety Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Safety steel toe sneakers
• Feature full-length cushioned sock lining
• Left & right toe caps fit individually

These Harley-Davidson Static Safety steel toe shoes are one of the top products of the Harley-Davidson that are highly appreciated by many customers. At first sight, you may see that they look like some types of stylish sneakers that are used for outdoor activities, but it adds more additional safety and protection than conventional sports shoes. The metal toe caps ensure that your feet are kept protected during the exercises or working.

The materials of these safety shoes are a combination of leather and suede so that they will offer excellent durability and adaptability to use in various conditions. Especially, cement construction is everything that makes it exceptional for a light and flexible performance. Like other types of steel toe shoes, these ASTM rated safety sneakers feature anti-slip and oil-resistant outsoles for the safe movements. 

One of the great things about these shoes is that they have cushioned sock lining inside, which not only provides additional cushion and comfort but also helps to absorb moisture to keep your feet always dry and fresh.

Best for Safety: Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Boot

Product specs

Key features

• Safety steel toe work boots
• Shaft height of 5.5 inches
• Meets ANSI standards
• Comfort Suspension technology feature

If you are planning to get yourself or your relatives a pair of work boots for the industrial or construction work, then these Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Shoes are one of the options that will come up to your expectations. With the high-grade quality of construction, these shoes will surely bring safety, comfort, and excellent performance that is worth your investment.

The Pit Boss work boots meet ANSI standards for the level of safety. Hence, you can have high confidence in the quality of the products. Featuring the shaft height of 5.5 inches from the arch, they can provide additional protection for the points from toes to mid-ankles.

The comfort these shoes bring is also worth mentioning. They feature Comfort Suspension technology that can adapt to the most rigid worksite requirements. They also help to decrease foot fatigue, foot pain as well as provides arch support and cushioning feeling for each of the steps. As a result, the user will find it super comfy wearing these steel toe work boots to the workplaces.

Best Women Steel Toe Shoes for Concrete: Nautilus ESD Metal Safety Athletic Shoes

Product specs

Key features

• Safety steel toe shoes for women
• Surpass ASTM standards
• ESD Electrical Static Dissipative shoes 
• 100% man-made components

The unique feminine design and color of these Nautilus ESD safety steel toe shoes will help working women to express their individuality even when taking part in some severe businesses. From a far distance, these sneakers can still cause impression by their striking colors and bright accents. Plus, the upper’s combination of microfiber Nubuck leather and suede materials make it look even more rugged and stable.

Besides the safety steel toe caps that offer premium protection, the Nautilus ESD Athletic Shoes come with most of the soft and cushioning materials. As it mentions in the product’s name, the ESD protection gives it a magnificent static dissipative capability to keep it safe from the electrical elements. Moreover, these shoes surpass all the ASTM safety standards. Therefore, they are sure to provide excellent safety and performance that workers need.

Talking about the feeling when wearing them, these shoes feature EVA foam midsoles and cushioned PU footbeds that help to reduce the impacts on your feet when you walk or move. Also, the anti-slip outsoles can bring excellent traction for types of surfaces.

Best for Breathable: KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Shoe

Product specs

Key features

• Light-duty steel toe shoes for work
• Left and right asymmetrical toe caps
• Heel height of 1.25 inches
• Metatomical footbeds

The Keen Utility is always famous for its light-duty safety footwear, and these Flint Low Steel Toe Shoes for work is another successful outcome of its. These shoes would deliver all the features you need for safe and comfortable hours of working, but it comes with an average budget price.

The Flint steel toe shoes are made from one hundred percent Nubuck leather, so they surely deliver superior stability and flexibility as well as enhanced breathability for the most effective performance. Besides, the left and right asymmetrical toe caps that give your toes sufficient room for the more flexible and comfortable movements.

In addition to the rugged appearance, these ASTM rated safety shoes come with the anti-slip and oil-resistant rubber outsoles that provide a high grip for all surfaces. They also feature prominent arch support and a bit high heel to keep your feet comfy and reduce the pressure on each part when moving a lot in a long work shift. It’s safe to say that these low-top steel toe shoes can protect your feet well.

Best for Budget: TICCOON Shoes Safety Shoes for Men and Women

Product specs

Key features

• Lightweight steel toe shoes for men and women
• Synthetic upper, wear-resistant outsole
• Suitable for industrial working or outdoor activities
• Various colors available

The most economical solution on this list finally arrives! One thing great is that these Ticcoon Work Steel Toe Shoes can be suitable for both men and women to wear due to their versatile and unique textile design. Plus, they are available in a variety of colors and models so that you can pick ones that suit your fashion taste.

Either you wear these safety steel toe shoes for exercising or working are both good. They are like the perfect blend of sporty sneakers and protective footwear. Therefore, they come with a lightweight, flexible, and comfy design that ensures to give you the best comfort combined with the essential protection for safe working.

The slip and oil-resistant rubber outsoles offer the most enduring traction and grip on the surfaces, while the breathable textile and flyknit shoe upper will help to keep feet fresh and dry all the time. Besides, these shoes can be perfect for both industrial working or other outdoor activities. There are many suitable usage options.

Steel Toe Shoes Buying Guide: How to Choose a Good Work Boot?

With the number of products above, I think that it’s not going to be easy to determine the best steel toe shoes for yourself. Therefore, I’ll put here some significant factors that are worth considering in the process of choosing products so that you can pick out the suitable ones.

Protection And Safety

High protection and safety are the must-have features of the best steel toe shoes. Of course, it is also because the chief purpose when getting these shoes is to get your feet protected from harmful elements when working. Therefore, it has to be sure that the products you choose can bring sufficient safety and protection needed.

It will be easy to figure out what steel toe shoe products will do this function well if it has been described to meet the ASTM or ANSI safety standards. Other factors that deliver additional protection are static dissipative capability, waterproof upper, non-slip and oil-resistant outsoles, and so more. Besides, if you are working in electrical environments, it’s essential to get some steel toe shoes that feature reliable electric hazards protection for the required security.

Comfort

The second important factor when choosing the best steel toe shoes is comfort, which means everything that makes you feel comfortable and cushioning feelings when wearing shoes even for a long time. You won’t have to suffer types of foot pains if the shoes you pick deliver adequate comfort. 

And what makes it comfortable or not? That’s mainly the fit issue. You need to make sure that your steel toe shoes fit your feet perfectly, not too tight, not too large so that your feet will not get hurt from wearing them for a long time.

Besides that, to bring additional comfort, it is essential for safety shoes to feature some cushioned inserts to make your steps soft and light. It’s even better if the upper material is breathable and features some moisture-absorbing lining to help keep feet dry and fresh and reduce foot odors.

Durability

Durable steel toe shoes can provide long-lasting protection for your feet to survive the hazardous working conditions. Manufacturers can improve shoe durability by focusing on construction. A durable and sturdy pair of steel toe shoes also allow you to wear for a long time without being torn apart or fell off. Besides, you can refer to some ways to expand the lifespan of your safety shoes.

Materials

There are various materials used for making steel toe shoes. It can be leather, textile, fabric, plastic, steel, alloys, synthetic, rubber, and so on. High-quality materials will contribute to the shoe durability and level of protection. It would be great if the upper materials are waterproof so that your keep can be safe from wet elements at the workplace. And as you know, leather is the material that used the most to manufacture types of safety work shoe uppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

After the buying guide, I will add here some frequently asked questions so you can be more open about choosing the best steel toe shoes for yourself. Refer to this part so you will have no more inquiries.

Are steel toe shoes bad for your feet?

Low-quality and poor-construction steel toe shoes can cause feet pain or damage to leg muscles when wearing for long periods. However, with good quality steel toe shoes that fit perfectly, it will be safe for your feet.

What is the difference between steel toe and alloy toe? 

The main difference between the two types of shoes is the component used for their structure and structure. Alloy toe materials are usually lighter than steel toes such as titanium, aluminum, or a mixture of other light metals.

Should electricians wear steel toe shoes?

According to OSHA, electricians wearing steel toe shoes are safe and non-dangerous, as long as the conductive parts of the footwear are not exposed and come into contact with the wearer’s skin. Some steel toe shoes have electrical hazard protection that will ensure better safety.

How do you stop your feet from hurting in steel toe shoes?

It is essential to choose steel toe shoes that fit your feet accurately. A few additional pads or extra socks will help reduce the friction between feet and shoes. The safety footwear that features cushioned footbeds or inserts will help your feet feel comfortable and solve this problem.

What’s the point of the steel toe?

Steel toe caps will help protect your toes from being damaged by sharp objects, heavy equipment, or robust contact with solid objects, especially when you are working in environments such as construction sites or factories. Therefore, steel toe shoes are often considered as a must-have tool in these workplaces.

My Top Picks

After reading through this article, I hope that now you can have all the information you need to pick for yourself the best steel toe shoes for safe working at severe workplaces.

Among the products included in this article, my top picks are New Balance Men’s Steel Toe Shoes and Keen Utility Women’s Detroit Steel Toe Shoes as they are both high-quality products. They can deliver the essential protection for your feet as well as comfort to wear all the time.

To sum up, I hope this article helps you in the process of choosing the most suitable steel toe shoes. If you want to ask a question, drop a comment below. I’ll try my best to answer you as soon as possible.