Ladies, these are definitively the best work boots on the market for you.
Constructed specifically for your physiology, they provide the necessary comfort, support, and protection for those days you spend on a job site or working DIY home renovations.
Ariat Casey 6" MetGuard Composite Toe Work Boot
- Midweight construction, heavy-duty reliability
- Cushioned insoles adapt to women’s physiology
- Women-friendly construction, rugged good look
Wolverine Women's Floorhand 6” Steel Toe
- Versatile and comfortable
- Heavyweight construction suitable for tougher tasks
- Breathable, will combat sweaty and smelly feet
Ariat Anthem Composite Toe Work Boot
- Classic cowboy good looks, but work-friendly
- All-day comfort and support
- Suitable for riding, ranching, and farming
Skechers Women’s Padded Collar Safety Boot
- Low-budget while still being good quality
- Lightweight, low-profile design
- “Shoe-like fit” great for long hours on your feet
Redwing Tradeswoman 6” Waterproof Boot
- Hiker-inspired design great for work and sport use
- Solid waterproofing, resilient against mud, sleet, and slush
- Best-in-class outsole offers amazing traction
Here at CCM, we’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort to finding the best work boots for men.
But women need great work boots, too! Especially if you're on your feet all day.
While women’s options may be a bit more limited, you’d be surprised by how many well-built, supportive, and versatile pairs of work boots there are for women.
A few brands, in particular, make amazing work boots that ladies can love, not only for their tough and rugged construction but also for their stylish good looks.
Get ready for a deep dive into the best women’s work boots my extensive research has turned up.
Best Overall: Ariat Casey 6" MetGuard Composite Toe Work Boot
The Casey is built as tough as Ariat’s selection of men’s boots, using tough premium full-grain leather that can withstand a lot of hardcore on-the-job use. The addition of safety features like a met guard, composite toe, EH-rating, and oil- and slip-resistant outsole makes it suitable for any job site, too.
The All-Day Cushioning insole provides amazing support, but what makes it particularly practical is that it will adapt to the shape of your feet. Women and men tend to have different support needs, so that adaptability ensures women have the right amount of ankle, arch, and heel support exactly where you need it.
What I Like
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Sturdy construction, built to last for years.
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Ample protection, including safety toe and met guard.
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Cushioned insole adapts very well to the shape of women’s feet.
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Very short break-in time. Comfortable, pretty much right out of the box.
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Grippy outsole offers great traction on muddy and slippery ground.
What I Don’t Like
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My wife complained that her socks kept slipping down and bunching up because of the padded collar and the shape of the boot’s heel. Thankfully, switching to a wool sock (I got her a pair of the Camel City Mill Lightweights) solved that problem.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reading over reviews, it looks like users are pleased with the Ariat Caseys’ durability, suitability for work, and rugged construction.
A few had issues with the composite toe/met guard rubbing against their toes, but this seems to be a problem among women with larger feet. My wife’s small feet/slim toes had no such trouble or pain.
And, aside from a couple of complaints about the insole wearing down too quickly (a problem easily solved with work boot insoles), the Caseys get high praise for being rugged without being too heavy. Their comfort also earns high marks among reviewers.
The Verdict
For an all-around great pair of women’s work boots, I (and my wife) recommend the Ariat Caseys. The boots’ tough construction, ample safety features, built-in padding and support, and grippy outsole offer everything you need for better performance on the job site.
Best Steel Toe: Wolverine Women's Floorhand 6” Steel Toe
For ladies who are particular about needing a steel toe (not a comp toe), the Wolverine Floorhands are a great pick.
The boots are heavy-duty, so they’ll weigh a bit more, but they’re built very tough. Premium full-grain leather for the upper, a rubber midsole, and a rubber outsole all combine to make a long-lasting, rugged work boot that will withstand years of daily use.
The Floorhands are also waterproof, great for working in the rain, mud, or slush. The addition of a nylon shank improves stability on uneven or slippery ground, and the full-cushion footbed is very comfortable for twelve-hour shifts (a fact to which my girlfriend can attest).
Thanks to the moisture-wicking, breathable lining, your feet will stay fairly cool and mostly dry even over a long work day.
What I Like
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Breathable, moisture-wicking lining prevents overheating, swampy feet, and bad smells.
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Cushioned footbed is nicely padded and offers good arch and heel support.
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Six-inch shaft hugs your ankles tightly for better ankle stability.
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The top two speed hooks makes them easy to get on and off quickly.
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Heavy-duty build lasts for years on the job.
What I Don’t Like
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My wife is on the smaller side (5’3”), so for her slim build, the boots felt a bit too heavy.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Wolverine Floorhands get a lot of love from users. Many praise their short break-in time, the comfort of their footbed, and the ample arch support. The affordable price tag also turns a lot of heads.
I did find a few reviews that mentioned issues with sizing, the boots tending to run small. However, for the majority of users, the fit was fairly true to size and scored high marks for their protection and sturdy build.
The Verdict
My testing makes it clear: the Wolverine Floorhands are the best steel toed work boots for women. Heavy-duty construction, extra built-in comfort, good stability, and waterproofing make them just a great all-around choice.
Best Cowboy: Ariat Anthem Composite Toe Work Boot
More than once over the years, I’ve noticed my girlfriend eyeing my Ariat cowboy work boots. Acting on a hunch, I got her a pair of the Anthems, and wow, did her face light up.
Ariat’s Anthems just look good, with a rugged-looking full-grain leather and classic stitching on the vamp that she loves. But it’s their comfort that really won her heart.
The removable All-Day Cushioning insole took a bit of time to mold to her feet, but once they did, she’s claimed more than once they’re the most comfortable cowboy boot she owns.
The EVA midsole also provides great impact reduction and heel and arch support for long days on her feet or in the saddle.
Add to that Ariat’s DRYShield waterproofing, the unique 4LR technology for greater stability, and the oil- and slip-resistant Duratread sole, and they’re a winner in her books.
What I Like
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Waterproof construction makes them ideal for use on muddy job sites and mucking out barns.
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Sturdy build using tough leather that doesn’t puncture, tear, or scuff easily.
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Not too heavy while still feeling heavy-duty.
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Shock absorbing EVA midsole prevents foot fatigue.
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The mesh lining prevents overheating and keeps the boots breathable.
What I Don’t Like
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The Anthems’ leather was stiff and tough right out of the box and needed about two weeks to fully soften and adapt to her feet. That’s pretty standard for cowboy boots, but longer than she expected.
What Other Reviewers Say
While a few users struggled with the fit of the Ariat Anthems, complaining they were a bit tight in the ankle and shaft, the majority of reviews skew positive. Their reliability, waterproofing, and slip resistance earn them high praise. More than a few claim they are “the most comfortable boots I’ve owned” and wear them for long hours every day with no issues whatsoever.
The Verdict
If you need a pair of cowboy work boots for women, I have yet to find a pair that can outperform the Ariat Anthems. Between their solid build, comfort, support, and versatility, they’re a great choice if you work on a farm or spend time around horses or livestock. The addition of a composite toe, EH-rating, and slip-resistant outsole ensures they’re rated for use on any job site, too.
Best on a Budget: Skechers Women’s Padded Collar Safety Boot
Before I finally convinced my girlfriend to upgrade to the Ariat Caseys, she wanted to “keep it cheap” (her words, not mine). The first pair of women’s work boots she tested were these Skechers, and she was quite happy with them overall.
Don’t let the bargain price tag fool you: the shoes are built for work.
They’ve got a composite toe, stain- and water-resistant leather upper, ASTM rating, and grippy outsole that’ll keep your feet stable on muddy or wet terrain.
The Air Cooled Memory Foam insoles offer great cushioning and impact absorption to reduce fatigue over a long day spent on your feet.
Best of all, despite their budget price, they’re tough enough to endure at least a year or two of daily work.
What I Like
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Lightweight shoe-like fit great for more active work.
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Great cushioning integrated into the footbed, reduces fatigue and improves performance.
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Unbeatable price tag, but still good quality.
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Suitable for work sites, complete with ASTM rating and comp toe.
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All-day comfort and support.
What I Don’t Like
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My wife ordered a size 8.5, but they fit more like a 10.5 when they arrived. Thankfully, we returned it and got the proper size.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Skechers Padded Collar Safety Boot scores high marks for their versatility, performance, and comfort. Users appreciate their spacious fit, particularly for people with bigger toes. However, more than a few have commented that the sizing is over-large or quality control issues cause the wrong-size shoe to get shipped.
Overall, however, sentiment toward these shoes is largely positive. Reviewers who remark on their budget-friendly price typically follow it up by clarifying that the boots are still “great for long days of hard work.”
The Verdict
I’d recommend the Skechers Padded Collar Safety Boot to anyone who needs work boots, boots for occasional DIY projects, or needs a backup pair to wear when your “dailies” are muddy, wet, or in need of repair. They’re comfortable, grippy, protective, stable, and supportive. For the rock-bottom price, you won’t find better.
Best Waterproof: Redwing Tradeswoman 6” Waterproof Boot
Where I live we get long months of rain, which means muddy ground and lots of moisture. For us, waterproof work boots are an absolute necessity.
My research led me to the Red Wing Tradeswoman, and I was sold even before my girlfriend tested and fell in love with them.
First of all, they’re built with Red Wing’s unique—and uniquely good-looking—leather, but they’re fully waterproof and great to wear when working in the rain.
The Tradeswomans are also lightweight but built for medium-duty work, with a comp toe, EH-rating, and grippy VERSATRAX outsole that makes them suited for any work site.
But what really got my attention was the BOA Fit System, the same as is used on my favorite snowboard boots. No more tying laces with these bad boys. Just turn the dial to tighten them in seconds, then press to lock in place. Easy as pie and just as easy to loosen at the end of the day, too.
What I Like
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The BOA Fit System makes putting them on and taking them off a breeze.
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Sturdy construction using premium-grade, eye-catching materials.
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Fully waterproof, great at repelling rain, sleet, slush, and mud.
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Rated for all job sites, with “best-in-class” chemical, oil, gas, and slip-resistance.
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Hiker-inspired design specifically for women’s feet.
What I Don’t Like
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After nearly two years of wearing them, my wife has had no complaints at all.
What Other Reviewers Say
I was impressed by how many reviewers called the Red Wing Tradeswomans the “greatest shoes/boots I’ve ever owned.” The BOA Fit System gets a lot of praise from tradies who appreciate how easy it is to slide the boots on and off, not to mention the secure fit.
A couple of people found issues with the waterproofing, but based on my research, that appears to be a quality control issue. Overall, the majority of reviews highlight the boots’ versatility, reliability, and all-day comfort.
The Verdict
If you want maximum waterproofing, a comfortable fit, and a user-friendly design, the Red Wing Tradeswomans are your top pick. Though not the most affordable of the boots on my list, they offer game-changing user-friendliness, a female-specific construction, and top-notch safety and comfort features.
Top Features to Look for in Women’s Work Boots
#1 Lightweight Construction
The last thing you want over a long day of work is to lug around shoes that weigh three or more pounds each.
The ideal weight for a woman’s work boot is around one pound per boot. Any lighter, and they might be too light-duty for job sites (without the requisite safety features). But much heavier, and you’ll really feel the weight at the end of a long workday.
#2 Durable Materials
Premium leather is the best choice for work boots because it lasts longer than synthetic materials. Plus, it provides natural puncture resistance and electricity resistance.
Rubber is an absolute must for the outsole. It’s not only the most durable choice but also offers the best traction.
#3 Safety Features/Ratings
For a pair of work boots to be suitable for a job site, it may need certain safety features or ratings:
- ASTM-rated steel or composite safety toe
- ASTM electrical hazard rating
- Puncture-proofing/puncture-resistance
- Oil- and slip-resistant outsoles
- Met guards or flame-resistant soles and laces (for welders, specifically)
#4 Waterproofing or Insulation (if Needed)
Waterproofing isn’t a must-have on a job site, but it’s certainly nice to have if you’re going to be working in the rain, mud, or around water (such as when working on plumbing or using a water saw to cut tile).
Insulation is excellent if you’re going to be working in cold environments, like the below-freezing temperatures of the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska.
#5 Comfort and Support
A roomy fit and ample cushioning ensure good comfort for long days on your feet.
You’ll also want to make sure they offer good ankle support (typically provided by a higher shaft and sturdy lacing system) as well as heel and arch support (provided by the footbed, insole, and midsole) to absorb impact and reduce foot fatigue.
Conclusion
Ladies, the right pair of work boots will be game-changing for you if you're standing all day, not just for performance, but also for safety and comfort.
The right work boots will incorporate the necessary features to protect your feet from hazards, impacts, falling objects, and slippery terrain. Plus, they can provide all-day comfort and reduce foot fatigue, so you end your work day less tired and drained.
It’s an investment in your feet that will pay off for years to come.
My research has led me to the Ariat Casey 6" MetGuard Composite Toe Work Boots as the best overall. Their sturdy mid-weight construction pairs very nicely with the integrated comfort and support features. They’re also just a great-looking work boot all around.
