For casual outings or trips to the gym, sneakers get the job done. But if you work in construction, spend time tooling around a garage workshop or do anything else that puts you around debris and heavy things, you’ll want a shoe that provides a bit more protection. The go-to choice? Steel-toe boots. In fact, in many workplaces, they are a requirement because they can prevent workers from serious injuries.
“Steel-toe boots reduce crush injuries from blunt heavy objects, stubbing of the toe and lacerations from sharp objects falling on your foot,” says Dr. Adenike Sonaike, a podiatrist and medical director with Baker Street Health in Motion in New Jersey.
Below, we consulted experts on what to look for in a good pair of steel-toe boots. Then, we rounded up highly rated options based on their recommendations.
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How we picked the best steel-toe boots
To round up the best steel-toe boots, we consulted with experts on what you should keep in mind when shopping. Here’s what they suggest paying close attention to:
- Toe cap: Look for boots that have an ASTM rating for safety footwear, says Dr. Brandon Haghverdian, an orthopedic surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in California. This is a rating given to performance footwear, like work boots, that designates that the shoes meet or exceed ASTM’s falling and compression tests.
- Shoe weight: Steel-toe boots can be heavy, and wearing weighty shoes for extended periods of time can introduce other foot issues like shin splints, ankle fatigue and strain on the tendons along the front of your foot, says Sonaike. To prevent that, look for lighter-weight boots or composite toe boots.
- Sole: Your toes aren’t the only thing your work boots should protect. “Look for boots with sturdy soles that don’t flex too much,” says Haghverdian. This can help prevent things like nails and metal debris from puncturing the bottoms of your shoes.
The best steel-toe and safety boots of 2025
Using the guidance provided by experts above, we sourced highly rated steel-toe boots that have at least a 4-star average rating from hundreds of reviews. We also got a few recommendations from our experts.
“Orthofeet has some great options,” says Sonaike. “[Its] Granite workboot has a wide composite toe, cushioned heel, arch support and it offers slip resistance.” The upper on these shoes is made from leather and has a coating that makes them water-resistant. The inside is padded for comfort, and the laces are secured with ladder grab notches, which allow you to tighten them or loosen them easily.
Like all of the boots on our list, these boots meet ASTM standards for their steel-toe cap and for a sole that provides grip on low-traction surfaces. They have a water-resistant leather upper that is also abrasion-resistant, so they will continue to look good after you’ve worn them a number of times, according to the brand. The boots also have an electrical hazard protection of up to 600 volts in dry conditions, according to Cat.
Similar to the boots from Cat, these offer electrical hazard protection. They are also heat- and water-resistant and have built-in arch support, according to the brand. The boots come in six colors and are available in regular and wide widths.
These work boots look a bit more like a hiking boot than most styles. They are water-resistant and also have a moisture-wicking interior that keeps feet dry, even if you sweat. The lug soles provide good traction, and the insole is contoured for comfort, according to the brand.
These work boots have an ASTM-rated steel toe, electrical hazard protection and are water-resistant. They also have a fast-drying lining inside to wick away sweat and a foam cushion insole to reduce foot fatigue, according to the brand. They are available in three colors and come in regular and wide widths.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Adenike Sonaike is a podiatrist and medical director with Baker Street Health in Motion in New Jersey.
- Dr. Brandon Haghverdian is an orthopedic surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in California
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two podiatrists about steel toe boots shoes.
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