Whether you work from the office or in the field, you need the best breathable work boots that have been designed to give you the needed comfort. The ideal boots should, among other things, be made from a material that does not allow water in but let your feet breathe.
Whether you work in an environment that requires lots of standing or heavy lifting; breathable work shoes that are comfortable should be your priority.
By the way, comfort is synonymous to breathability. The one thing I have learnt during my research is when you are looking for summer working boots, you must ensure the lightweight breathable work boots are ventilated properly.
Also See: Are waterproof boots breathable?
If you find yourself with the wrong shoe, you will either end up in some sort of pain or discomfort, which, in turn will affect your productivity and attitude towards your work.
Table of Contents
What are breathable boots?
Breathable boots are boots made of materials that allow water vapor and air escape from inside of the boot, while also allowing cooler air from outside to enter thus letting your feet breathe. This prevents sweat from accumulating inside the shoe, which can lead to fungal or bacterial infections of the foot.
Quick Comparison
 |  |  |
| KEEN Utility Men's Flint Mid Steel Toe Work Shoe | Under Armour Men's Stellar Tac Side Zip Boots | Thorogood Men's American Heritage 6" Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Non-Safety Toe Work Boots |
| MADE OF: 100% Leather | MADE OF: Leather & 900D nylon textile | MADE OF: 100% Leather |
| FEATURES: Breathable mesh panels. *Ankle-cut work boot with removable footbed and non-marking sole. | FEATURES: UA Storm gear uses a DWR finish to repel water without sacrificing breathability. *Medial side zipper for ease of entry. | FEATURES: MAXWear Wedge slip resistant outsole. *Goodyear storm welt construction. |
The 7 Best Breathable Work Boots 2022
Now, let’s look at the 8 best breathable work boots in the market.
1. KEEN Utility Men’s Lightweight Breathable Work Boots
KEEN’S boots are designed for comfort, performance and protection. Over the years, KEEN has used skilled craftsmen who go beyond industrial standards to build lightweight breathable work boots for sweaty feet from materials that are safe and minimize foot impact.
Keen’s Utility Men’s flint work boots are fit for the roughest work environment thanks to their tough outlook. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
They’re fitted with rubber soles which, offers much-needed benefits like slip resistance when contacting substances like oil as well as protection against abrasions.
Design & Performance
If your work environment is outdoors, these hot weather work boots are for you. They can survive dirt and rough surfaces. KEEN’s got you covered from the outside to the inside.
These boots are 100% leather in the upper and lower sole giving it a rugged and durable construction that will most likely last for years.
The boots are built around the general shape of the foot with prominence on the toes. The foot bed is designed to offer support arch support.
Your feet will sweat as you work and a shoe without the right ventilation can even cause blisters. Keen has fixed this by fitting the boots with breathable mesh panels to keep your feet cool and dry by enhancing air circulation.
The padded tongue and collar keeps the feet well ventilated, preventing sweat and keeping the feet and the boots from odor.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable boots suitable for all outdoor work environments.
- They offer excellent arch support and provide a decent grip even on slippery floors.
Cons
- They aren’t water proof.
- The mesh panels and the laces aren’t strong enough and are likely to break with extreme tough usage.
2. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Side Zip Boot Work.
UA Storm has skillfully designed this summer working boots with a finish that repulses water without sacrificing breathability. It’s constructed with stability and protection in mind. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
Glossy may not be the best word to describe these boots but its black color makes it stand out; an excellent blend for even casual wear.
Under Armour boots are lightweight work boots for flat feet giving great stability and traction on different surfaces.
The boot is laced from the tongue all the way to the toe to give you a perfect fitting, which you can loosen or tighten to your liking and comfort.
They’re made with high-traction rubber suitable for a variety of work environments.
Design & Performance
The boots have molded EVA midsole with fortified shank for feet preservation and support making it the ultimate option for use even in the most “hostile” environments. It’s constructed with full grain leather with nylon textile upper and molded collar for excellent support.
The boots’ internal composite toe is designed for extra comfort and support to the feet.
The zipper pocket on the side is a nice addition even though it has nothing to do with performance.
Pros
- Medial side zipper for ease of entry.
- Quick-dry minimalist design with polishable toe.
- Zero break in time; only takes a few hours making it the shortest break in period as compared to other boots on this list.
You might be interested in how to break in a pair of boots quickly
Cons
- Not ASTM rated.
- The stitching at the sole tends to break after a few months of regular use.
3. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Moc Toe Work Boot
Thorogood has continuously constructed work boots focusing on innovation and comfort by collaborating with boilermakers, ironworkers, and safety experts. With their expertise, they have constructed vented work boots for every job site. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
The best news about Thorogood boots, they come in extended sizes, with metatarsal guards.
The best breathable waterproof work boots have created an outsole that outlives competition due to its durability on the job as compared to other brands.
These quality boots will keep you working productively the whole day due to its steel safety toe giving your toe maximum protection.
Design & Performance
They are manufactured with electric shock resisting soles and heels that can withstand an application of 18,000 volts under dry conditions.
They have comfortable cushion insole and rubber outsole for support and comfort.
They’re built with a slip and oil resistant outsole with a uniform tread profile providing a good grip without adding extra strain to your feet.
The boots are genuinely constructed with leather and a storm welt construction for enduring durability.
Pros
- Electrical hazard rated.
- Removable dual shock absorption foot bed.
Cons
- Takes a longer time to break in.
- The laces aren’t strong enough and are likely to break within a short period.
4. Muck Chore Classic Tall Steel Toe Men’s Rubber Work Boot
Since 1999, Muck boot brand has consistently built its boot with comfort as their priority. Every boot is modeled to cater for every work environment and brave every condition so that you are able to work comfortably despite the weather. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
Muck boots are designed to serve, whether you’re sweating it out in the fields, in the garage or in the farm; these waterproof work boots are good to go.
Though they are excellent option for tough conditions, they are constructed in a lightweight framework that you don’t need to strain with extra weight on your feet.
They’re durably suitable also for hard surfaces like gravel and concrete and easy to clean by simply rinsing them off with water and they are ready for the next day.
Design & Performance
Muck boots are safety steel toe boots guaranteeing your toes comfort and protection no matter your working condition.
The breathable steel toe work boots have a 5mm neoprene waterproof and shock absorbent.
They’re flexible enough to adjust to the natural contours of your feet offering excellent support.
The boots will keep your feet cool and dry inside by keeping away perspiration away from the skin due to its outer waterproofing. Also, they are fitted with breathable air mesh lining.
For added support, they have a steel shank, a comfortable and removable sock liner.
They’re additionally fitted with a collar that keeps away gravel, mud and dirt.
Its rubber shell is slip-resistant giving excellent traction on the surfaces protecting your feet from impact.
Pros
- 100% water proof.
- Built for durability.
- Takes a shorter time to break in..
Cons
- The elastic at the top can prove too tight for the calves.
5. Carhartt Men’s Composite Toe Boot
For generations, Carhartt continues to manufacture footwear that serves a diversity of industries from manufacturing, farmers, construction and outdoor. As such, you can trust that you will get the best breathable work boots from this manufacturer. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
Everything about Carhartt boots is lustrous and style; the brown leather, black outsole and the yellowish laces.
If you can’t give up, neither can your boots. Whether you need to shield your toes or comfort for your feet, these boots are your best bet regardless of your working condition.
Carhartt uses the highest standards of design and construction paying attention to details in the manufacturing process resulting in boots with unrivalled features and advantages.
Design & Performance
These composite constructed boots with a rugged flex outsole makes for durability with its full grain leather uppers.
They’re built with a padded tongue and collar for maximum comfort and protection allowing you to work as long as you should.
They’re fitted with a lightweight EVA midsole and ortholite insole guaranteeing you comfort and support all day long with its multiple layers of cushioning. Also, the multiple cushioning minimizes foot fatigue.
They’re abrasion resistant with rubber outsole with grasping lugs and ladder lock channels giving you the best performance. The composite toe is additionally wide giving your toes that extra room to move around.
The fast-dry technology lining wicks sweat thus fighting off odors.
Its composite toe offers protection against impact and compression hazards. The composite toe meets the ASTM F2413-18 industrial standards, making it one of the best breathable work boots with composite toes.
For secondary protection against electrical accidents, the boot has electrical hazard with 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions.
Pros
- Electrical hazard rated according to ASTM standards.
- Unmatchable cushion.
Cons
- Takes time to break in.
- Not water proof.
- Lacks arch support.
6. Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Steel Toe Work Boot
Style and comfort don’t often go hand in hand but Timberland, a household brand has combined both of these features to give these ventilated work boots the right balance between performance and elegance. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
Timberland has always been about protection and safety on one hand and comfort on the other. These boots are probably one of the best game changers in the footwear industry.
Design & Performance
Whether you are going to spend long workers at your work place, these boots will give you long-lasting protection.
They’re built with anti-fatigue technology comfort system that absorbs shock giving you maximum protection of your feet.
They are safety steel toe shaped for excellent protection to your toes with lace system with durable metal hardware to tighten or loosen them to your liking.
To fight odor and moisture absorption, Timberland breathable boots are fitted with a mesh lining with antimicrobial treatment.
These ventilated work boots are slip and abrasion resistant, ASNI compliant including electrical hazard protection ensuring that you’re not just comfortable but safe too.
Thanks to the rubber sole, Timberland Pro gives you confidence to work even in the most slippery environments.
Pros
- Electrical hazard rated.
- Safe and comfortable, the kind of boots you can wear if you work long hours or shifts.
- Ventilated steel toe boots.
Cons
- While Timberland Pro runs true to size, it takes a long time to break in.
- They’re not waterproof.
7. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Toe Breathable Work Shoe
Do not confuse KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Best Breathable Work Boot with KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Mid Work Boot that I spoke about in number 1. The former, Flint Low Steel, is a work boot for you if your work involves moving from job site to job site. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.
The boots guarantee you the luxury comfort that you need the whole day. However, I must concede that the boots haven’t been with us long enough, thus, I may not have a lot about them or term them our favorite.
Nonetheless, KEEN Utility Flint Low Steel Toe Work Boot comes with excellent cushioning. They fit well and offer the same kind of protection that other brands give.
What is more exciting, on the weekends, when you’re free to explore the best outdoors with the people you care about, these lightweight breathable work boots take care of your sweating feet.
Design & Performance
With a padding that feels as soft as thick cotton fabric, these are the best comfortable boots you can wear to work.
The EVA footbed and midsole add a layer of support making the best choice for carpenters and contractors moving from one job site to another.
They’re fitted with cleanSport NXT for natural odorless protection so you don’t have to worry about smell feet.
Since they are built with excellent support to fallen arches, we couldn’t help but include them in the list of the best breathable work boots for men.
Pros
- They’re lightweight, fit well and have a breathable membrane for cool and dry feet.
- They have a rubber guard that protects your toes from harm in case of heavy objects landing on the boots.
Cons
- Not waterproof.
Factors To Consider When Buying Breathable Work Boots
Before you spend any dime on what you may think are the best breathable work boots, it is important you read the following part. This section speaks on the important factors you should consider if you want to get the best breathable work boots.
- Gore-Tex Fabric Technology
Named after founders, Wilbert L. Gore and Robert W. Gore, the fabric technology has changed the world of industrial, construction, and work boots. Essentially, the Gore-Tex fabric technology is aimed at attaining the best boot material stretch while maintaining waterproof and breathable abilities.
When looking for the best breathable work boots, ensure they can stretch to fit your narrow or wide feet. The right breathable work boots should not squeeze but expand to accommodate your wide or at times your swollen feet.
Besides, the boots should not at any given point let want in. The final element of the Gore-Tex Fabric Technology is to ensure the hot weather work boots allow for the needed feet breathability.
- Fabric
The material of the work boot you are choosing should be able to give you the intended service. Although most work boot materials in the market are genuine, not all can sustain intense work environments.
When choosing the right summer working boots, put the environment in mind. Know that you are looking for a work boot, not a walking sneaker. As such, the fabric should be strong and sturdy enough to guard your feet against basic injuries.
- Comfort & Fit
Besides the Gore-Tex Technology and the fabric, comfort is another big consideration for vented work boots. The best work boots are the ones that allow you to breathe no matter the work environment.
The boot design plays a crucial role in determining how comfortable your boots will be. Flexible rubber soles will ensure that you won’t trip while cushioned insoles provide consolation from foot problems that happen while standing for long periods.
Boots that are lightweight take off a whole burden off your feet allowing you ample time and energy to focus on your work.
Also read: Breathable ems boots
- Boot Reinforcements
What comes to your mind when you hear the work reinforcement? While the word can have several usages, the fact is, it has to do with additional features that help in you achieving something.
Without a doubt, quality work boots should have among other things features such as arch support, composite steel toe, and electric hazard protector.
Luckily, most work boots on my list come with these reinforcements. It is important you emphasize on these and related safety features because your personal safety and life in general matter a lot.
- Insulated or Ventilated
The two features can be on the same boot but it is always to choose. In most cases, when a work boot is insulated, it carters for one main problem – guards water from reaching your feet.
However, the best-quality work boots should be waterproof and at the same time breathable. If you are going for the both, ensure no water reaches your feet when you are working and at the same time, make sure your feet breathe.
If the work boots are ventilated properly, you will not be afraid to remove your work boots on site, in the office, or when you arrive in the house.
Conclusion
The quest for the best breathable work boots should not be a one-time thing. Rather, it is an endless search because every day opens for new opportunities. Whether you’ve worked from the same office, site, or commuted home for many years, you are definitely going to need a few more breathable work boots.
Although there could be many other considerations, I’m sure if you settle on the five when choosing the right breathable boot, you will not regret to have stayed around a while longer. Whatever work boots you finally settle on, make sure they meet your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there breathable work boots?
Yes, here is a list of breathable work boots that are available in the market:
1. KEEN Utility Men’s Lansing Mid Steel Toe Waterproof breathable Work Boots.
2. FREE SOLDIER Men’s Tactical Lightweight Work Boots.
3. Timberland PRO Men’s Drivetrain Mid Composite Safety Toe Breathable Work Boots.
4. KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe.
5. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Ventilated Shoes.
6. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Side Zip Boot Work.
Can a boot be breathable and waterproof?
Yes, but it all boils down to the material of the upper part of your boot as well as the inner lining. KEEN Utility Men’s Lansing Mid Steel Toe Boot is a waterproof and breathable work boot.
How do I make my work boots breathable?
You can make work boots breathable by:
1] Cleaning your boots regularly.
Cleaning your boots regularly is one of the easiest ways to improve the breathability of your work boots. This will help by removing any dirt or contaminants that can reduce or block airflow.
2] Wear Socks With your boots.
Socks will help absorb sweat and moisture that accumulates in the shoe which can reduce breathability if left unchecked.
3] Condition your boots.
4] Air Out your boots in between uses.