If you’re a landscape construction worker or landscaper, then you’re likely spending long hours on your feet every day, braving whatever Mother Nature decides to chuck at you. So one of the most important tools for getting the job done safely is the best pair of landscaping boots you can find. Not only do they offer protection from injuries, but they also have special features to boost performance and keep your feet supported all day.
However, with so many options available, it can be hard to decide which pair to buy. So we’ve taken a detailed look at some of the best landscaping boots around to help you find the right pair to keep you safe and comfortable on the job.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find The Best Landscaping Boots
The best work boots for landscaping should include the following features to make them suitable for work sites. This includes performance and safety aspects that can affect how a boot feels and functions.
Water Resistance
Since landscaping and lawn work can get wet depending on the weather, it’s a good idea to choose a boot that’s water-resistant. Many landscaping boots are made from leather for this reason, as it’s a great natural water-resistant material. For the boot’s interior, you’ll also want to have a breathable lining so your feet stay dry and keep cool while wicking away sweat.
Safety Toe Box
Building and heavy lifting are part and parcel of landscaping work, so steel safety toe boxes are a great way to protect your feet in case of heavy falling objects. Having additional reinforcement can prevent damage and broken bones.
Safety toe boxes are made from aluminum or steel and must fit standards set by ASTM International, an institution that sets standards for a range of safety products worldwide.
All safety toe boots should be tested and labeled to ASTM guidelines, to show how much impact force the toe can resist.
Slip-Resistance
Rough terrain or wet surfaces can be a tripping hazard at work, so you need boots that will grip securely on low-traction surfaces. Many landscaping boots have rubber outsoles for this reason, as rubber is a naturally high-traction material. A good rubber outsole needs to be tough, durable, and offer excellent grip on slippery surfaces.
Boots should be formally labeled with their slip-resistance rating on the outsole, so you can get the right level for your needs.
Durability
Your boots are likely to take a beating on the job, so you want something that’s durable and long-lasting. Little details such as having reinforced stitching or Goodyear Welt construction will help to keep the boot together for longer. High-quality materials such as leather on the upper and thick rubber outsoles will also keep going for longer without wearing out.
Rubber is a great material for outsoles because not only does it help with stability, but if you accidentally come into contact with an electrical charge, the rubber acts as insulation to prevent electrical shock.
Cushioning and Comfort
It’s good to consider comfort when deciding which landscaping boots to buy. You’re likely to be on your feet for hours a day, so look for something comfortable that will prevent foot fatigue. Features such as ankle padding and cushioned insoles will help with this
However, the cushioning level depends a lot on what you prefer. That’s where removable insoles come in handy. Many boots come with removable insoles so you can easily take out and add your own. Removable insoles also allow you to clean them regularly, preventing bacterial infections and horrible odors.
Overall Best Landscaping Boots
- Best Steel Toe Boots: KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Boot
- Best Slip-On Boots: Muckster II Ankle-Height Men’s Rubber Boots
- Best Waterproof Boots: Azxprot Work Boots for Men 6”
- Best Steel Toe Boots For Landscaping: Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
- Best Boot Type Landscaping Lawn Care: Georgia Men’s Giant Wellington Work Boot MNS
- Best Value Landscaping Boots: Nortiv 8 Men’s Work Boots
Best Steel Toe Boots – KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Boot
Worksites can be hazardous places, so extra reinforcement in the toe area is needed. Steel-toe boots protect your feet against falling objects and withstand the impact of heavy items.
One of the best steel-toe boots for landscaping that we’ve seen is the Pittsburgh Utility Boot from KEEN. Featuring an asymmetrical steel toe setup that provides a roomier toe box fit, the boots meet key industry safety standards.
Additionally, the boots have a fitted heel-lock and offer lateral support for a secure fit. The 6-inch shaft height offers good ankle protection and the lacing system allows a personalized fit.
Material-wise, the uppers are made from water-resistant leather, making them ideal for use in all weather. A moisture-wicking textile used for the lining keeps your feet sweat-free.
Extra cushioning and removable insoles will keep you comfortable, even when you’re on your feet all day.
Pros
- Safety steel toe cap
- Roomy toe box
- Removable cushioned footbed
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Can take a while to break in the shoe
What People Are Saying
One customer found their KEEN boot to be the “most comfortable work boot I’ve ever used, it’s now my go-to shoe for construction.”
Another experienced construction worker stated, “This is one of the best work boots I’ve worn.”
Best Slip-On Boots – Muckster II Ankle-Height Men’s Rubber Boots
Slip-on boots are ideal if you do a lot of landscaping, as they’re versatile and offer good protection against the elements. One of the best slip-on boots for landscaping is the Muckster II Ankle-Height Men’s Rubber Boots.
The Muckster II rubber boots have been designed to tackle mud and keep you comfortable outdoors in all temperatures. They’re fully waterproof with a rubber upper and a 4mm thick neoprene cuff, and a shaft height of 6 inches.
The neoprene cuff is flexible and will naturally shape to your calf shape for a snug fit. Neoprene is also a great material for heat retention and shock absorption, so the boots can be worn in sub-freezing temperatures. For warmer weather, the breathable mesh lining will keep you cool and allow air to flow inside the boot.
Since these boots are a slip-on style, you’ll be able to kick off and get into them easily with the pull tab details on the back. The high-traction rubber outsole also provides a great grip in slush or wet conditions.
Pros
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Fully waterproof
- Comfort-fit stretch topline
- Designed for use in sub-freezing -65°F (-54°C) temperatures
- Shock absorbent
Cons
- Limited ankle support
What People Are Saying
For practical use, one landscaper said that they are “nice boots for yard/light landscaping.”
Another customer said that they appreciate “the warmth, overall comfort, and ease of slipping on and off the boots without using my hands.”
Best Waterproof Boots – Azxprot Work Boots for Men 6”
Designed for all kinds of indoor and outdoor work, the Azxprot 6” boot is made to support you through long, hard days, including wet ones. It’s one of the best waterproof boots that we’ve seen, thanks to its durable leather upper and fully waterproof lining. The lining is also breathable, preventing water from coming in but letting sweat escape to keep your feet cool.
The Azxprot 6: also has a Kevlar fiber midsole that offers superb cushioning, plus extra cushioning support in the arch area, making it very cozy to wear. Cleverly, the Kevlar midsole is also puncture resistant for additional protection from on-the-job injuries.
Other safety features include a non-slip rubber outsole that’s also oil-resistant and designed to withstand temperatures of up to 390°F (198°C).
Pros
- Great price point
- High-temperature resistance non-slip outsole
- 100% waterproof
- Shock absorbent
- Leather upper
Cons
- May not be ideal for narrow feet
What People Are Saying
One satisfied customer said that the boots “are good quality, fit well, and are a great price.”
Another person commented that the boots “didn’t require any breaking in period, they were good to go right out of the box.”
Best Steel Toe Boots For Landscaping – Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
The best steel toe boots for landscaping should be reliable, durable, and provide great protection, something which the Cat Second Shift steel toe boots achieve. With a sturdy upper made from full leather, this boot can take a beating.
The 6-inch shaft height, from the arch to the topline, keeps your heel and ankle secure. A nice design detail to keep things comfortable is the padded ankle area on the boot, which helps to prevent rubbing. There’s also additional padding in the tongue.
The Cat Second Shift boot offers the highest standard of protection available against heavy impacts. You can be reassured that if you accidentally drop heavy equipment at work, your toes will remain safe. The steel toe shouldn’t affect the fit either, as the toe box area is fairly roomy.
For extra security, the rubber outsole is slip-resistant to help you keep your grip, and the boot has electrical hazard protection to keep you safe against shocks of up to 600 volts (in dry conditions).
Pros
- Excellent steel toe protection
- Full durable leather upper
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Roomy toe box
- Shock protection of up to 600 volts
Cons
- Insole could do with more cushioning
What People Are Saying
One reviewer mentioned that the boots “look great and keep my feet healthy, safe and dry.”
Another customer stated that the boots provide “strong protection in the toe and the leather held up to a real beating.”
Best Boot Type Landscaping Lawn Care – Georgia Men’s Giant Wellington Work Boot MNS
The Georgia Men’s Giant Wellington boot is a great slip-on style that offers plenty of flexibility and is easy to kick off without creating too much mess. The 9-inch shaft is ideal for keeping feet dry when working in long grass or damp weather, while still providing freedom of movement on days when you have to work on your knees a lot.
The boot’s upper is made from full-grain leather that is supple yet strong and contains a steel shank to boost stability. For comfort, a padded insole lays upon an EVA foam midsole to help with shock absorption.
Although the boots aren’t waterproof, they are water resistant, and there’s a nice rand detail that goes around the base of the boot to keep water out. A rubber outsole helps you maintain your grip.
Pros
- Lightweight & flexible
- Rubber anti-slip outsole
- Full-grain leather upper
- Double pull-on loops for easy on/off
- Goodyear welted construction
Cons
- No toe protection
What People Are Saying
Regarding comfort, one customer said that the boots “look nice and don’t need to be broken in.”
Another customer wrote, “They are great warm work boots.”
Best Value Landscaping Boots – Nortiv 8 Men’s Work Boots
The best-value landscaping boots that caught our attention are the Nortiv 8. With a leather and wear-resistant textile mixed upper, we were impressed with the quality and great look of this budget option.
The reinforced stitching and Goodyear-Welt construction help with the durability of the boots and prevent them from falling apart. These features are vital when you’ll be wearing them on demanding work sites.
To help with comfort, the boot has a padded collar to stop your ankle from chafing. The boot also comes with a cushioned insole for long-lasting comfort and support against tired feet. Additionally, it’s removable, so you can always add your own insole type if you prefer.
An oil-resistant rubber outsole will help you to keep your balance on low-traction surfaces, and the hiking lacing system lets you get in and out of the boot quickly. Although not fully waterproof, the upper is splash-resistant so your feet will remain dry when working outdoors in light rain.
Pros
- Nice leather upper
- Great value price
- Oil-resistant rubber outsole
- Removable cushioned insole
- Water-resistant upper
Cons
- Not waterproof, just splash-resistant
- Leather upper may take a while to break in
What People Are Saying
One customer mentioned that “the boots are well built, very sturdy.”
Focusing on the fit of the boots, another buyer said they “do offer plenty of support and are comfy enough to wear for extended periods of time.”
What To Remember When Selecting Your Landscaping Boots
When making your final decision, always consider what safety features are must-haves for your workplace that your boot must meet. Check product descriptions carefully to see what levels of protection they offer or their industry rating certification.
We also recommend reading reviews from other customers about the product’s fit, as well as trying on the style yourself when possible to ensure you get great-fitting boots.
Equally as important, consider the size as well and how much flexibility you’ll need. Leather uppers will always feel stiffer at first, but when broken in should be supple and fit well to your foot. Slip-on boots will also feel more flexible compared to lace-up styles.
At the end of the day, it all depends on your personal preference. Whether you’re looking for stability and impact protection or an all-around great value option, our guide has you covered!
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