If you just want to know which work boots to get, the Red Wing Iron Ranger is it. The brand’s reputation is built on its Goodyear-welted boots and its Iron Ranger is among its most iconic. It features a protective cap toe, cork misdole that adapts to the wearer’s unique foot shape, speed hooks and resolable Goodyear-welt construction. The pull-up leather ( tanned by Red Wing) is beautiful from the start, even more with time. You’ll need to step into them knowing about the tough break-in period, but fans will tell you it’s totally worth it.

Based off a vintage work boot pattern from the 1980s, this collaborative boot is like Timberland’s Waterproof Boot if it had gotten into bodybuilding. Crafted in Canada, vegetable-tanned Horween chamois leather makes up the boots’ upper with oil-tanned leather at the ankle collars. It’s attached to an over-the-top Goodyear commando sole via 360-degree storm welted construction and laced up with rawhide laces.

When Timberland introduced its now-iconic work boots in 1973, it was a revolution. The cement construction made it among the first boots to be truly waterproof and the design has remained much the same since. The nubuck uppers are constructed with quadruple needle stitching and outfitted with PrimaLoft insulation padded ankle collars and tough rubber lug soles.

Another stalwart in the Northwest bootmakers scene, Nick’s Handmade Boots serves up quality and its Robert boot is as pretty as it is durable. It’s crafted with stitchdown construction with a leather midsole, Vibram outsole and a sculpted stacked leather heel, as well as brass eyelets and leather laces.

Whatever the job requires, Wesco’s Jobmaster gets it done with full-grain leather uppers and a hunky Vibram lug sole which boost it to ten inches tall. With effectively indestructible build quality, full-leather insoles and midsoles, and brass eyelets that get better with age, it’s worth considering the price jump from our Just Get This pick.

Taylor Sitch’s Moto Boot may be marketed toward the hog riders, but it also makes for a great all-around work boot. Crafted in Léon, Mexico, it uses triple-needle stitching and Goodyear storm welt construction for longevity. It’s made with durable yet soft weatherproof snuff suede for the uppers and vegetable-tanned leather for the insole, midsole and welt, and comes with a tough Vibram lugged sole.

These work boots were born from a collaboration between White’s and Filson, two well-known Washington-based outfitters. They look a bit like Timbs, but they’re totally an upgrade. (Sorry, Timberland.) Made in the US, the co-branded Shop Boots come with a steel shank, a Vibram outsole, and full-grain roughout leather uppers.

Manage even the messiest of jobs with Belstaff’s eight inch Marshall Boot, which is work footwear with style sensibility. Contrast stitching and speed hooks give it a subtle twist, while the tumbled leather stays true to tradition.

The 350 Cutter was originally designed by then White’s owner Otto White, who famously took a chainsaw to a taller boot to make something loggers could wear on off days. The upper’s waterproof and there’s a mini Vibram outsole, plus each pair is both resoleable and rebuildable. 

Incredibly durable, Unmarked’s Archie-01 boots were designed as an homage to Mexican worker boots, which were made from heavy cowhide leather with calf leather liners and a cork-filled footbed and midsole. There’s also a ripple soled version for those seeking something… edgier.

This is Wolverine’s 1000 Mile Boot. It’s named after the number of miles you can put on a pair, but you can probably add even more. This one is modeled after the original’s pattern, which was first produced in 1914, and made in Big Rapids, Michigan. Unlined, the boot’s upper is made from premium Horween leather and there’s a leather outsole with a Vibram heel, too.

Constructed from a durable, oiled, full-grain leather upper, an ortholite insole, and Danner’s oil- and slip-resistant wedge outsole, the brand’s Bull Run Moc Toe Work Boot mixes classic designs cues and modern capabilities. Namely, the handcrafted, stitchdown construction and an electrical hazard protective finish.