Best Slip On Work Boots
Traditionally, the slip on boot (pull on boot) has been associated with the cowboy boot, but this is not the case in modern fashion. The various designs, materials used, and the overall functionality have yielded a large selection of slip on leather work boots for various professions. Whether you are looking to work on a farm or wish to have a luxury shoe for your office profession, these best slip on work boots (best pull on work boots) can definitively fit the needs of your profession. Here are our top 5 picks.
Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-on Steel-Toe Boot
Caterpillar is an industry standard when it comes to heavy duty construction equipment. As such, you would expect that their boots would have the same level of durability and performance (since the brand is put on the label). The caterpillar men’s revolver pull-on Steel-Toe Boot resembles the cowboy boots of old, meaning that there is a very high ankle/leg support to the boot. The leather is imported dark brown leather designed with dual pull handles and a slip- resistant outsole.
The Top Pros
- The traction on the boots has been praised by customers from various geographic locations. Ice, mud, and water have all been reported to have been tested against the slip on boot with results being that the foot stays dry.
- Short break in period for most customers, making it ideal for those which need to have a sturdy pair of boots for work right away.
- Design of the boot allows for pants to comfortably fit over the high part of the support
- Caterpillar is a known brand, standard in construction and the quality is reflected with the manufacturing of the shoe.
The Top Cons
- You do pay a bit for the CAT brand
- Sizing of the boot is consistently off from other brands by about .5 of a size.
Dr. Martens Men’s Fusion Safety-Toe Chelsea Boot
If you do not desire a large boot, but want to have a design which mimicks more of the loafer or low luxury boot, then the Dr. Martens Men’s Fusion Safety-Toe Chelsea Boot may be for you. The boot is a combination/fusion of real leather and synthetic material. Stitching on the slide on shoe is 360 degrees and helps to support the glue on the sole.
The Top Pros
- Boot is available in two different colors
- The boot has a textured outsole and is slip-resistant
- Moderate to light everyday wear of the boots will yield a life of about 2 years. Tread is extremely thick for a slip on boot (about 2 inches or so) which helps to minimize the wear and tear common with such boots.
The Top Cons
- Bending and squatting in the boots has shown to cause water leakage in the boot. Those which have to constantly do so in their profession may need to constantly water treat the product.
- The shoe is wide. Individuals with narrow feet may find that the shoe causes discomfort and blistering of the feet. The insulation in the shoe is rather thin and can further the irritation should your toes already have extra wiggle room.
Redback Men’s Bobcat UBBK BLACK Elastic Sided Soft Toe Leather Work Boot
What first caught my attention on this best slip on work boots was the front and the back pull tabs. While a front slip on tab may not seem to be that important in a boot, I have oftentimes found that I can get either the toe or the heel on but need assistance in getting the other area done. And even though the shoe has a synthetic sole, the design seems competitive with some of the leading brands on the market.
The Top Pros
- The boot has an optional additional insert for the slip on which will come in handy as customers report that the longevity of the boot is more than a year and a half. You are more apt to wear through the insert than you are to wear out the sole. A few customers have reported the shoe to last up to 6 years.
- The design is not heavy construction based making it appropriate for EMS, Station workers, and office personnel.
- The sole of the shoe provides enough support and comfort without adding excessive weight to the shoe.
The Top Cons
- In order to get the appropriate size for your shoe, you will need to get a chart conversion from your current sizing. These shoes are imported from Australia, and so the shoe sizing is a bit different. Buyers should contact the company directly about concerns with sizing as some customers have said that they sized down and the shoe fit where others have stated that they needed to size up a few numbers from their US size for a proper fit.
- The shape of the boot has been reported to distort after minimal wear. This may be the result of improper pairing of various gauges of leather, or it could be that the leather has not been treated properly.
Ariat Men’s Workhog Pull-on H20 Work Boot
The durable rubber sole of this boot is what enables it to be among my picks for best slip on work boots. The boot has the appearance of a work boot and the durability needed to stand up to any form of hard work you have to do, but it maintains its stylish appearance with the hand stamped etching on the upper part of the boot. This particular boot also comes in a variety of colors to suit the needs of any wearer. It is able to go from the work day to an evening out with relative ease and cleans off easily for maximum use.
The Top Pros
- The boot consistently has proven to be capable of keeping feet dry in various weather conditions. The boot is ideal for professionals who work in industries where condensation is a major factor to their work performance.
- The re-enforced pull on the top helps to prevent wear and tear on the toe of the shoe. Other shoes which do not offer this feature tend to have issues with the stitching along the toe after pulling and use. The loop may become a bit worn after a while, but this is a trade off when considering that it is a small piece of fabric over the large toe of the shoe.
- Soft padding on the inside provide for a comfortable yet structural place for your foot to inhabit and the rounded toe gives your tows room to move without feeling boxed in. You may need to purchase additional inserts for the shoes as they tend to wear out over time. However, this is common in slip on work boots.
- Multi-shock technology absorbs the stress on the arches of the foot to maximize comfort. This comes in particularly useful to those which work in professions where standing on concrete, metal, as well as those which have a lot of step-ups and downs (such as truckers, and warehouse managers). Customers have stated that 12 to 16 hour shifts can be performed with little to no discomfort on the heels.
The Top Cons
- Not very supportive for heavy use. This boot is best suited for medium to light wear.
- The boot does not make any claims to be a steel toe boot, so those which require such will need to look elsewhere.
- Leather fades and scuffs easily. Customers are encouraged to polish, clean, and condition the shoe regularly
Wolverine Men’s Raider Romeo Contour Welt Steel Toe Work Boot
If you are looking for the best slip on work boots, but also want to have a luxurious look then the Wolverine Men’s Raider Romeo Contour Welt Steel-Toe Work Boot will do the trick. The boot is lower cut than other standard brands, has that nice dark brown look mixed with the side fabrics to give it a nice aesthetic. The wolverine boot does not claim to be waterproof which is a major drawback for a work boot. However, the steel toe as well as the thick sole do well to compensate for this loss.
The Top Pros
- The upper portion of the shoe is full-grain leather and the toe is not synthetic (as is a great deal of the competition). This adds to both the natural look as well as to the longevity of the product.
- Contour welt allows for the boots to bend and flex while not losing the shape of the boot. It also allows for a lower break in time on the boots. Customers have stated that the flex is comparable to an athletic shoe.
- Wide fitting to allow for those with less than ideal feet to fit and work comfortably. Not a narrow boot.
- Lower cut boot allows plays to a more luxurious style than heavy rubber or cowboy style work boots.
The Top Cons
- Boots tend to be sized larger than regular shoe sizes. Combined with the wide design of the shoe, you may end up swimming in it.
- The steel-toe box may be a bit cramming for some people. The box has shown to be very uncomfortable on the foot which would also suggest that the interior lining on the boot is rather thin or that the steel box is not properly installed in the boot.
- The shoe is rather heavy for such a small steel-toe boot. Those which are not used to working in steel-toes may find that the weight throws off their alignment and walking a bit.
A note about slip on work boots
The best slip on work boots are shipped from various locations in the world. This means that the sizing may be different than the US sizing standards. Check where your shoes are coming from and use the appropriate chart. When you receive your shoes, always check the stitching, glue, and inserts for any visible defects. Customers should note that most slip on work boots will require a level of breaking in. However, if you experience extreme discomfort or if you see blisters on your feet, you are encouraged to cease wearing the shoes.
Regardless of the level of luxury and design that you receive from your shoe, you should always have leather conditioners, cleaners, and perform routine maintenance on your slip on work boots. Keep in mind that some shoes warranties are voided if polishes are added. Check the specifics of your particular brand before applying anything to the leather.