I have worn a lot of pull-on work boots in my day and have found the Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel Toe Boot are the best shoes for working.
In my line of work, I require a good pair of work boots. Throughout my career, I have worn and gone through at least a hundred pairs. As a result, I know exactly what to look for in a good pair of pull-on work boots. Having a pull-on boot is convenient and allows you to get ready quickly.
The Caterpillar Revolver boots are my number one go-to choice for pull-on work boots. Their leather design and steel-toe boots are just what I need for my work environment. Along with those features, I also gravitate toward how comfortable the boots are to wear.
The comfort that these pull-on boots provide is likely due to the nylon mesh lining on the inside. On the outside of the shoe is 100% leather, making it pleasing to touch. These boots are also affordable and last a long time.
The best pull-on work boots for you may be different than what will work best for me. This is especially true if you are a woman, as your feet are probably different than mine.
The shape and size of your feet can play a factor in which kind of shoes you will need in a work environment.
In the following article, I will review and discuss the best pull-on work boots for men and women. Keep reading to find out the best boots and what to look for when buying a pull-on boot.
CATERPILLAR MEN’S REVOLVER PULL-ON STEEL TOE BOOT – BEST OVERALL
My number one choice, as I have said before, are the Caterpillar Men’s Revolver work boots. In my opinion, these are the best pull-on work boots.
The simplicity of the construction of these boots is part of what makes them so great. Despite the simple design, the boot is completely capable of serving and protecting your feet.
The Caterpillar Revolver features a full-grain leather upper and Goodyear welt construction. The pull-on boots are slip-resistant with a steel toe and an electric-hazard outsole.
All of these features together are what make the Caterpillar Revolver the best pull-on work boots. Cat Footwear, the brand that creates the boots, has a goal of creating footwear that symbolizes honest work, strength, and integrity.
While the brand was initially meant to create work boosts, the company now creates footwear that includes professional, industrial, and casual shoes. All shoes still feature the same symbolism of work, strength, and integrity.
For each job that requires work boots in some shape or form, I have found the Caterpillar Revolver to handle successfully. They are a good length for jobs that take place in a wet or damp environment. Having work boots that extend past your ankle can help keep your feet dry in these cases.
The Caterpillar Revolver features 100% leather material, which is another feature that I love. In general, genuine leather is durable. Durable boots are especially important when trying to maintain a long lifespan.
Along with the leather design, the boots also feature a rubber sole. The sole helps prevent slipping in wet or oily work environments. These boots are also comfortable to wear. They feature nylon mesh lining and a removable footbed on the inside to reduce the impact on the bottom of your foot.
Another excellent quality of the Cat Footwear is the electrical hazard(EH)technology it features. This technology is a must for those who are working jobs in the electrical field. By using the EH technology, the Caterpillar Revolver work boots can protect an individual against up to 14,000 volts.
It is critical to note that this protection is only for dry conditions. If you are caught in a wet environment with an open current, you need to evacuate the location immediately.
The Caterpillar Revolver boots work well in essentially any terrain that your job may require you to be in. For that flexibility, I have to recommend these above any other as the best pull-on work boots.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant
- Easy to pull on
- Durable
Cons:
- Sizes run small so you may need to buy a size up
WOLVERINE MEN’S FLOORHAND WATERPROOF 10″ SOFT TOE WORK BOOT – BEST VALUE
I have gone on about the importance of having good boots while working in a wet environment. These Wolverine Men’s Floorhand boots are my top pick for those in need of a good pair of waterproof boots.
This work boot helps you complete your daily tasks by providing a high-quality level of comfort. The Wolverine soft toe boots bring you that comfortable feeling by providing you with a removable footbed, along with a rubber midsole.
A soft toe boot is different from a steel toe boot. These boots do not provide the same level of protection.
There is quite an interesting backstory on the brand that manufactures these shoes. The brand Wolverine first got its start in Rockford, Michigan in 1883. Since then, the brand has built up a reputation for creating iconic American products. These products combine high-quality materials and professional craftsmanship.
The biggest goal of this brand is to create footwear and products that are durable and tough. Wolverine boots can provide long-lasting comfort, as well as handle the wet and challenging terrain you may be working in. Boots that can pull this task off are not easy to come by, so I applaud the Wolverine boots.
Lately, Wolverine creates a wide variety of different models for their shoes. Each model strives to achieve different tasks.
Another nice aspect these work boots feature is 100% leather. As we know, 100% leather material is a great quality in a pair of work boots. The full-grain leather is waterproof and is a great aid in keeping your feet safe and dry during your workday.
Along with the leather, these boots have a synthetic sole with a rubber outsole. The design of the sole is primarily to keep you from slipping around.
One of the best parts about these boots is the price. The Wolverine boots are among the cheapest boots on my list, and that only adds to the impressiveness of the footwear. Any time you can save money while still securing high-quality boots, you should jump on the chance.
While these boots are great, I do notice that they are not for every foot size. If you have wide feet, for example, these boots may end up being too tight. They are a bit narrow. But if your feet are long and slim, then these boots will likely be a great fit. Choose The Right Size for you
The Wolverine boots are a close second for the best pull-on work boots.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Comfortable and minimal break-in time
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Sizes run large
SKECHERS MEN’S RELAXED FIT SEGMENT – DORTON BOOT – BEST FOR COMFORT
The next pair of work boots on the list is the Skechers Men’s Dorton Boot. These work boots are a little bit more casual than the previous two pairs.
I recommend having these boots for several reasons. The first reason is my favorite go-to: these boots feature 100% leather material. They also have a built-in hell of one inch, which is a nice little surprise when you first put them on.
I also enjoy the general design of these boots. The length of the Skechers allows for a more casual approach. If you work in fast food or retail, these boots are a great option.
There is a plain toe front on the boots, with embossing of an S-logo. Along with the leather, the design is reinforced stitched seams.
Overall, I enjoy the simple and casual design and function of these pull-on work boots.
Skechers is a brand that can sometimes get a bad rep. But in my experience, they can make some decent shoes. It was a little bit of a surprise when I found that these boots were pretty great. They work well to keep your feet comfortable and dry.
The length of the boots does not lend itself to wet environments. If you are not careful, you can easily get water into your shoes. But for jobs that merely involve a lot of standing and walking around, such as restaurant jobs, they are a good solution.
Most of the time, work boots do not excel in the fashion department. Some work boots can even end up looking like cowboy boots. While most workers don’t care about how their work clothes look, it never hurts to have some fashionable options.
The design of these boots is also fairly relaxed. I recommend keeping this in mind if you find that you want to buy these boots. A common experience of those who have these boots is that the shoes tend to run large. Try to order a size that is one to one and a half sizes smaller if you can.
Aside from being fashionable, these boots are pretty comfortable to wear. There is gel memory foam technology on the inside of the boots. This technology provides a comfortable experience even after hours of wear.
These boots are an excellent option for those who require an affordable pair of work boots. They are among the cheapest options on my list, and in my experience, Skechers is an affordable brand.
Pros:
- Breathable insole
- Comfortable with air-cooled memory foam
- Suitable for wide feet
Cons:
- Not waterproof
SKECHERS MEN’S RUFFNECK WORK BOOT – BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE
The next entry on the list is another Skechers product. I think that the Skechers Ruffneck work boots are a men’s substitute for the Caterpillar Revolver at a lower price.
Like the Caterpillar, the Ruffneck work boots feature 100% leather material with a rubber sole. Along with the rubber sole is the removable insole.
While the Ruffneck boots may not entirely match the quality of the Caterpillar boots, I find that they are a good affordable substitute. If you are a woman, I have another substitute for the Caterpillar boots for you later in the review.
The Ruffneck boots have a similar design to the Caterpillar boots as well. However, you will want to note that Skechers does run large. You need to keep this in mind before you order or you have to deal with clunky boots.
In your everyday life, it’s not that big of a deal to have shoes that are a size too big or too small. But in a work setting for hours on end, you need to have work boots that fit your feet well.
We know that having boots that are too small can cause damage to your feet. But wearing boots that are too big can have its own set of health issues. As a result, I cannot stress the importance of wearing the right size enough.
However, the boots running large may be beneficial to those who have issues finding shoes in their size. I know, those with wide feet find it difficult to find boots or shoes that fit comfortably.
When you are on your feet for hours, you don’t want to add any unnecessary strain to the body. That is why it is critical to have boots that are comfortable as well as practical.
These Skechers work boots are pretty versatile. They are perfect for both wet and dry work environments, and they last longer when you take care of them.
The Skechers work boots have a simple design and execution, making them easy to slip on and off throughout your day. These boots are likely to last their full year if you take good care of them. All in all, they are a great substitute for the Caterpillar Revolver.
Pros:
- Comfortable insole
- Lightweight
- Good arch support
Cons:
- Sizes run large
- Not waterproof
ARIAT MEN’S GROUNDBREAKER PULL-ON STEEL TOE WORK BOOT – BEST FOR WORK SAFETY
The next entry on the list is the Ariat Men’s work boot. These work boots have some outstanding features. If you are looking for a good pair of pull-on steel-toe work boots, the Ariat boots are a good option for you.
The work boots Ariat produce have 100% leather material, along with a rubber sole design. On the inside, there is an insole that focuses on bringing comfort as you are working throughout your day. The outsole of the boots focuses on preventing you from slipping on oily and wet floors.
In my opinion, these boots are a great option for those who work construction or heavy lifting jobs. The main reason is the steel-toe aspect.
While the Caterpillar Revolver also has a steel toe, I find that the design on the Ariat boots is a bit thicker. The extra layer of thickness will work well in protecting your feet from heavy construction material.
I also find the history of the company to be rather interesting as well. The company of Ariat began with one goal in mind. That goal was to bring high-level technology to the world of riding boots for equestrian athletes. To achieve that goal, Ariat has been working hard to bring high-quality footwear for horse riders.
Now, Ariat is the go-to for equestrian athletic footwear. If your job involves working with horses or other farm animals, consider looking into the Ariat boots. These boots will provide you a firm footing for working in the fields or a barn.
You can also use these boots for a variety of other jobs. But I think it is a good idea to have a pair of work boots on the list that caters to farmworkers. Farm jobs are not easy jobs, and famers need their tools and clothing accessories to help complete the jobs.
Aesthetically, I think that these boots are the most pleasing. They resemble cowboy boots, but the design and darkness of the leather are attractive and fashionable.
Along with being pleasing to look at, the boots are thick without being clunky. This thickness will help with prolonging the life span of the boots and keeping your feet safe.
As for the quality of the boots, I think that the price is reasonable. They are a little on the higher end, but you are paying a fair price for what you will be receiving.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty oil and slip resistant
- Waterproof
- Sturdy steel toe
Cons:
- May take a while to break in
MARTENS WOMEN’S WORK CONSTRUCTION BOOT – BEST ANKLE SUPPORT
Up until this point, I have been focusing mainly on men’s pull-on work boots. But to be fair, there are plenty of great women’s work boots that I do not want to exclude from the list.
My first entry for women’s work boots is the Dr. Martens Construction Boot. These boots feature 100% leather material and a polyvinyl chloride sole, also known as a PVC sole.
Earlier, I said that I would talk about my women’s substitute for the Caterpillar Revolver boots. These Dr. Martens are what I would recommend to my female workers who need good work boots.
Both the Caterpillar and Dr. Martens provide comfort, a well-thought-out design, and protection against electrical hazards. For those reasons, I compare the two in performance.
The two pairs of boots are relatively similar in price as well. Because Dr. Martens is more of a name brand, they are a little more expensive than Caterpillar.
The Dr. Martens Construction Boot are some of the more fashionable work boots on the list. They feature a black leather design with gold stitching along the bottom of the boot.
There is also ankle support within Dr. Martens, along with a footbed. These boots offer protection against materials during the workday and comfort after hours on your feet. The soles are slip-resistant against oily and wet floors.
I also recommend these boots to women with wide feet. You can order several sizes in an extra-wide fit. One of the biggest struggles of buying shoes for some people is the lack of diversity.
If your feet are extra-wide, putting your feet in regular shoes is only going to wear the shoes out. Not only that, but you can develop blisters and sores on your feet after a while. So if you have trouble finding work boots that fit, consider getting these Dr. Martens.
Although they are a little pricey, Dr. Martens is a high-quality brand that creates some surprisingly good work boots. As a result, the price is worth what you get in the end. The boots are versatile and provide a good length for working in wet and dry environments. They are also waterproof, another plus for women working in wet jobs.
Pros:
- Padded ankle support
- Stylish
- Air-cushioned PVC sole
Cons:
- Steel toe is not reinforced
MARTENS UNISEX 2976 SLIP RESISTANT SERVICE BOOTS – BEST FOR KEEPING FEET DRY
The next entry on the list is another Dr. Martens product. These pull-on work boots are an excellent option for men and women working in the service industry.
Many people in the service industry do not get the credit they deserve, either from customers or from other companies. It is cool to see a popular brand that wants to provide shoes that cater directly to service workers with anti-fatigue construction.
The Dr. Martens Unisex work boots feature full-grain, waterproof leather construction. These boots also feature a slip-resistant, synthetic sole that protects you from wet and oily floors.
Working in the service industry looks a lot easier than it seems. As a server or a cook, you are often on your feet for at least eight hours a shift. Food, soda, and dishwater on the floor can all cause safety hazards. For that reason, it is critical to have slip-resistant shoes when working in the service industry.
Greasy and soggy food on the floor can be more slippery than they appear. A clean-looking floor can even be deceptive. You can never be too careful on a kitchen floor and should always wear a non-slip style shoe.
Even waiters and waitresses are at risk of slipping if they enter the back of the house. The Dr. Marten Unisex work boots provide comfortable air cushions on the insole. On the outsole, the boots feature a unique rubber design that prevents you from slipping.
Also on the inside of the boot is a moisture-wicking sock liner and a soothing memory foam pad. Another unique aspect of these work boots is that the soles are resistant to heat up to 572°F for 60 seconds. The heat-resistant feature makes these boots good for jobs in extremely hot environments.
These Dr. Martens focus on keeping service workers from having their feet worn out too quickly. If you require a casual pair of work boots for your service job, consider these Dr. Martens.
These boots are unisex as well, meaning that men and women can wear them. It is important to provide options for anyone on the gender spectrum. Feet can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, regardless of your gender.
Pros:
- Shock-absorbing soles
- Slip and heat resistant
- Moisture-wicking sock liners
Cons:
- Heavy
KODIAK WOMEN’S BRALORNE COMPOSITE TOE WATERPROOF CHELSEA INDUSTRIAL BOOT – BEST FOR NARROW FEET
The last entry on the list is the Kodiak Chelsea Industrial Boot. These boots are similar to the Unisex Dr. Martens, as both designs allow you to slip the boots on and off. The Kodiak boots are waterproof and a great option for a women’s waterproof work boot.
These boots feature a rubber sole and a full-grain waterproof leather material. The pull-on design is appealing and comes in a medium brown color. If you are looking for a casual pair of waterproof boots, I recommend these.
The Kodiak boots are versatile and are suitable for several different jobs. Whether you are doing light garden work or working a 12-hour shift, these boots are durable and comfortable.
It is nice to have a pair of boots that are truly easy to pull onto your feet quickly. The Kodiak Chelsea boots are easy to slip on and off, and yet they stay on your feet the whole day.
These boots provide a mix of style and protection. There is another level of protection that comes with wearing these boots. The Kodiak boots provide an electric shock-resistant construction.
Along with protective technology, the Chelsea-style work boots work to provide comfort throughout the day. The comfort aspect comes in the form of an OrthoLite footbed and a foam cushioning that works to soothe your feet all day.
Another great aspect that I sometimes wish would come with more men’s boots is the Smell Out Science technology. This technology helps that awful odor that occurs after working and sweating at your job all day long. Instead, your feet and shoes will stay relatively fresh after your day.
The company that manufactures these boots also has a fascinating history. Since 1910, Kodiak has been making boots for those who need work boots. The company has set a high standard for those who create work boots.
Kodiak focuses on pride, hard work, sweat, good planning, intelligence, and determination to overcome any challenge one may face during the day. For over 110 years, Kodiak has been adding to the world of high-quality work boots.
However, I think it is also important that I point out that these boots are not compatible with wide feet. These work boots are on the narrow side and can cause fitting issues for those with regular to wide feet.
But if you struggle with narrow feet, these work boots are a great option for you. They provide a level of comfort that you may have a difficult time finding for narrow feet.
Pros:
- Comfortable with OrthoLite foam insole
- Minimizes odors
- Suitable for narrow feet
Cons:
- Toebox may be tight
Buying Guide
There are a lot of things that you will want to consider before buying a pair of pull-on work boots.
It is critical to take all of these things into consideration when checking out the boots available. Your feet can seriously pay the price if you buy the wrong pair of work boots.
Even if you think you already know what you want, a buying guide can be useful. Having advice from an expert of work boots can help you solidify your decision or lead you to a better choice. The best pull-on work boots will suit all of these topics.
Foot Size
The size of your foot is one of the biggest considerations that you need to make when looking for a pair of work boots.
If you purchase a pair of boots that do not fit well, you’re going to be in for a lot of pain throughout your workday.
Often, you can get away with wearing a work boot that is a size too big or too small. But when dealing with an eight-hour day of hard work, you can’t afford to have shoes that don’t fit.
If your work boot is too tight, your feet can blister and otherwise go through a lot of pain. But if your shoes are too big, you can slow yourself down. You can even suffer long-term health issues as a result of wearing shoes that are too big. Either way, you will want your boots to fit just right.
Knowing your exact shoe size is the best way to avoid getting the wrong size. If you are ordering online, you won’t be able to try on your boots before you pay for them.
In this case, it is best to know your size before ordering.
If you don’t know your shoe size off the top of your head, there are a couple of ways that you can find out. You can visit a shoe store, where they typically have tools customers can use to measure their feet. Otherwise, you can use your shoes as a guide.
Try and find a pair of shoes that fit you well. If you own any shoes that are a little loose or too tight, don’t use them to gauge your foot size. Instead, look for the shoe size on a pair that fit comfortably on your feet.
Job
The job that you have will also impact what kind of work boot you get. There are many different styles of work boots, and some work better in different work environments.
For example, if you work in an area that is frequently wet, you want to find boots that stop at your knee. This length can help prevent water from traveling into your work boot and causing issues such as trench foot.
Another way to prevent getting your feet wet is to invest in waterproof work boots. This feature helps keep your boots and feet dry in a wet environment. Waterproof shoes can work well for restaurant jobs, outdoor jobs, and more.
However, if you don’t work in a wet environment, your boots can be much shorter in length. Sometimes it is more convenient to have short boots, as they are easier to store.
There is also footwear that caters to specific types of jobs. For example, the Unisex Dr. Martens are specifically for service workers. Sometimes footwear brands will make shoes that focus on the needs of one specific job.
Another example is certain jobs require the use of steel-toe boots, or composite toe boots. Construction jobs and other heavy labor jobs may ask you to wear safety-toe boots.
There is a lot of dangerous material that can cause a broken foot if you drop it. Steel-toe(or composite toe) boots provide an extra level of protection necessary for some labor jobs.
You can search your job, along with the keyword “pull-on work boot” to see if there are any boots that focus specifically on your job.
Durability
The durability of a work boot is an essential aspect to consider when buying any kind of shoe. If your shoes are highly durable, they will last a longer time than if your shoes feature cheap materials.
Genuine leather is a durable material and is typically the material that work boots feature. Leather is a good material to use for a work environment, and many pieces of furniture and accessories feature it.
When looking for a pair of the best pull-on boots, try and find one that features 100% leather. That way, you can ensure that the entirety of your boot features durable material.
Waterproof leather is another good way to ensure that your work boots stay durable no matter what terrain you are working in. Water can ruin regular boots if they are not meant to handle frequent exposure to water.
Frequency
How often you are wearing your work boots should also play a large factor in which boots you buy.
Those who work infrequently will not need to worry as much about durability as someone who works every day. However, any worker will want a pair of decent work boots regardless.
A good pair of work boots will often require a little bit of an investment, but you may be less inclined to spend a lot of money on boots if you do not use them often.
Spending less money on a pair of boots that you do not use frequently is perfectly acceptable, as long as the shoes still hold up when you need them.
But if you need work boots almost every day, you are likely willing to invest in your boots. You will need a reliable pair of work boots that will function for at least six to 12 months down the line.
The best way to ensure that you get the most out of your work boot is to find a pair that features durable and high-quality materials.
Quality
Quality is important with any product that you choose to purchase. Some products work the same regardless of the quality of their material and design. However, there are some products (such as work boots) that cannot sacrifice quality to perform well.
The quality of a product has more to it than the materials that it features. A product’s design also plays a large part in its quality.
A high-quality product will have a good and practical design that allows the appropriate consumer to easily use it.
Your work boots can sport the best material, but the material means nothing if the design is impractical. You will also need to look at the size, price, and weight to determine the quality of your boots. The best pull-on work boots will have a good balance of all three qualities.
If a high-quality pair of work boots are heavily over-priced, are they high-quality? Sure, you’ll want to invest a bit of money, but there is a limit on how much money you should pay for a product.
Reading reviews on a pair of pull-on work boots online is a good way to see how good the quality is.
Budget/Price
One of the last aspects you want to consider when buying a pair of work boots is the price. To justify the cost of your work boots, you will need to set a budget.
Setting a budget can go a long way in finding a price range that works for you.
Before you set a budget, you will need to research and make a list of all of the things you are looking for in a pair of work boots.
You can use the rest of the buying guide above to help you figure out what you’re looking for.
Once you have a list of what you want, you can research the work boot that matches your set description. By researching these boots, you can see what you can expect to pay for the kind of boots that you want.
After your research, you can adjust your list to see if there are features that you can live without. Then, you can set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on pull-on work boots. Be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room, as you may end up spending more or less than you plan to.
Remember that overall, the best pull-on work boots are subjective to the individual who is wearing them.
CONCLUSION
I have gone on about how the Caterpillar Revolver is the best pair of pull-on work boots. For me, that is still my top option. However, I do know that these boots have a design that caters to men.
My top recommendation for women is the Dr. Martens Women’s Work Construction Boot as the best pull-on boots.
These boots match the same quality and design as my favorite Caterpillar boots. They are a little bit more expensive than my Caterpillar, so a good second choice is the Kodiak Chelsea Industrial Boot.
Overall, all products in the article are good options for pull-on work boots. The best pull-on work boots are the ones that will work best for your feet and your job. Using the buying guide, you can find your next go-to work boots.
To start your pull-on work boot shopping, just click one of the links I have throughout the article! Just one link can lead you in the direction of your next favorite pair of pull-on work boots.