Waterproof Work Boots

Are Any Boots 100% Waterproof? 

Let’s deal with this common question first. The simple answer is that no work boots are 100% waterproof. You are dealing with degrees of water-resistance here, but at some point, water will start leaking in if the conditions are right. It’s no big surprise – if you stand in a stream long enough, at some point your feet are going to get wet. However, the best waterproof work boots will keep your feet dry for long periods of time in the wettest conditions, possibly even hours. So, you should aim for waterproof boots that are close to 100% effective.

The Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Boots

You may be confused by how people and companies use the terms waterproof and water-resistant to describe work boots. There’s a good reason for that – often they are used interchangeably, while sometimes they are used to describe different things.  That’s the issue – there’s no industry standard for what constitutes water-resistant and what waterproof work boots.

Each company sets its own standards, so the quality may vary. However, they both denote a degree of water-resistance and, almost always, waterproof boots provide more protection than water-resistant ones. So, if you have a choice between water-resistant and waterproof boots from the same manufacturer, you should choose the waterproof ones.

What Are the Features of Good Waterproof Work Boots? 

Like with all boots, good waterproof work boots should meet certain standards. Whether you want features like safety toes, a metatarsal guard, hazard protection, slip-resistance, etc. is up to you, but you must consider the following three features when making your choice.

Degree of Water-Resistance 

First and foremost, waterproof work boots need to keep your feet dry. That’s surely not a big surprise. Good quality leather or rubber boots should allow you to walk through wet or muddy terrain without leaking water. The degrees of water-resistance vary, but by wearing top-notch waterproof work boots, you should be able to stand in a shallow river for long stretches without getting wet. Rain or show should be no issue at all.

However, nothing lasts forever, including your work boots. Over time, due to flexing, scuffing, excessive heat or cold, and general wear and tear, the waterproof membrane will wear out and slowly start leaking. A good pair of boots will last at least a couple of years with daily wear, and you can extend the lifespan with different waterproofing sprays and waxes. You can use them whenever you feel it is appropriate, to add another level of protection.

Breathability 

Breathability is extremely important for your waterproof work boots. They should not let moisture in, but allow moisture to get out. Otherwise, you’ll end up with sweaty feet. At the end of the day, that’s not much better than wet feet. It’s easier for leather boots to be breathable, but good rubber boots can do the job too. The lining of the boots needs to be breathable and, ideally, quick-drying to wick away moisture.

Comfort 

Your work boots need to be comfortable, as simple as that. Let’s say you buy good waterproof winter boots that don’t let water in and allow your feet to breathe, but you can’t break them in and constantly have sore feet. How long will you wear them before you get a new pair? These are not dress shoes that you wear once in a while, but your work boots that you wear constantly. They need to be comfortable.  

Style 

You may not be overly interested in fashion, but surely there are things you like and don’t like. Fortunately, the solution is simple – buy a pair that looks nice to you. After all, what’s the point of buying boots if you end up not wearing them because of how they look? Waterproof work boots come in many styles, from rubber fishing boots to leather boots that can be used as casual wear, so finding a pair you like should not be a problem.

When Are Waterproof Boots Not a Good Choice? 

In general, if you have a choice between waterproof and non-waterproof boots, getting the waterproof pair is the better option. Yet, there are certain situations where waterproof boots are not ideal. Working outside during a hot summer is one such situation. Even breathable men’s waterproof boots seal your feet in, so it can cause you discomfort if the temperatures are high.

Wearing insulated boots (we are not even talking about waterproof winter boots, but anything above 200G of insulation) that are also waterproof will cause your feet to sweat excessively during hot summer months. In such scenarios, wearing non-insulated waterproof shoes could be your best option. 

Purchase Waterproof Boots Based on Your Need 

At the end of the day, the boots you buy need to suit your needs. Work boots serve different purposes, so your choice should reflect where you will wear them. If you do construction work, you will need work boots with a steel safety toe. For southern hunting, lighter boots with snake-bite protection are optimal.

You should pick and choose the features you need depending on your work conditions. However, the waterproof boots you buy need to be breathable, comfortable, keep your feet dry, and suit your personal style. These things are not optional.