5 Best Work Boots for Mechanics Reviewed: FREE Buyer’s Guide + Five Options for You in the Workshop

This article will try and find a selection of the best work boots for mechanics available on the market today.

If you were to ask an auto mechanic what their most important piece of equipment is they would probably tell you that a good pair of work boots are a definite necessity and the highest item on their list of priorities.

As an auto mechanic, you work under dangerous and often gruelling conditions, spending most of your work day on your feet.

We know that shopping around for the perfect work shoes is very important.

A good work boot for mechanics must be comfortable enough to wear all day.

It must be durable enough to last through the stringent workplace conditions found in an automotive garage.

Standard safety features to protect the mechanics from injury is also a msut.

Scroll down to read reviews!

Safety Standards:

Mechanics require work boots that meet strict safety standards imposed on employers by the governing bodies such as the CSA in Canada, ISA in Canada, the ISA in Europe, and the ASTM or ANSI in the United States.

The general consensus of these standards dictate that footwear for auto mechanics must have protection at the toes such as;

• steel, aluminum or a composite material for strength.

• Collision, fall protection as well as rubber soles for slip resistance (non slip), water proofing

• Dispersion of electrical hazards

These safety features are categorized by the governing bodies with color-coded symbols visible on work boots for both men and women, so the features of each pair of work boots is apparent at a glance.

So what should be the key considerations when purchasing the best work boots for mechanics?

Workplace Conditions for Mechanics:

Soles must also be heat resistant to protect from fires and other exposures to excessive heat, as well as puncture resistant to protect the worker’s arches from sharp objects.

As an auto mechanic, your workplace has the potential for many hazards such as oil, diesel and or water spills on the floors, shocks and collisions.

Add to that heavy and mobile machinery which needs to be operated in tight spaces.

Standards in footwear, therefore, are absolutely necessary to prevent injuries to you as a mechanic.

Expense

Safety standards help reduce workman compensation and other insurance claims as well as potential medical costs and the lost time associated with preventable injuries.

As a result, the cost of appropriate safety equipment including work boots may often be covered by the employer (please check with your employers).

The Auto Mechanic can shop for work boots of his/her choice and then get reimbursed by their employer for the cost if this is the case.

If not, some governments also allow auto mechanics, as well as men and women working in other trades, to claim the cost of their required equipment on their income tax each year.

Comfort

The best work boots for auto mechanics must meet all of these safety requirements and still be comfortable and durable as well.

Men and women wearing safety footwear look for work boots that mold to their feet, are easy to get off and on, are light weight, breathable enough so that their feet do not sweat excessively and durable enough so the work boots do not need replacing often.

Our Reviews for the Best Work Boots for Mechanics

Reviewed below are a variety of many work boots available on the market today for both men and women.

There may also be a link for further information provided with each work boot reviewed:

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Option 1. Justin Original Men’s 8 Inch Blueprint J-Max Steel EH Steel Toe Lace Up Work Boot (441)

These work boots combine incredible comfort with durability.

Ideal for auto mechanics.

Steel toes, waterproofing, and slip resistant soles are the main safety features.

Made in the USA, the come with a reasonable price tag for what you get.

The 441 (Rugged Tan Gaucho) boot has a leather exterior finish.

The boots adhere to ASTM Electrical hazard rated standards which mean you’ll be protected of open currents upto 18,000 volts.

The Aluminum steel toes will aim to protect your toes against anything potentially falling on them.

We think these are a very good looking pair of work boots.

What do you think?

There are some questions around inconsistent sizing.

However, when you find the correct size, we hope you’ll be happy with your purchase.

It’s probably a good idea to get one size smaller or wear your usual size but with some extra thick socks.

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Option 2. Caterpillar Men’s Endure 6 inch Super Duty Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot

If looks could kill, then you can be sure that this would be a contender.

Caterpillar have done a fantastic job with the aesthetic look of this boot.

They look like they absolutely mean business.

These boots display many great features including slip-resistant rubber soles which is ideal for you as a mechanic, steel toes, waterproofing, plus anti-microbial and cushioned insoles for comfort.

These boots look great, are extremely durable and comfortable, and very easy to put on and remove.

They are electrical hazard compliant (I/75 C/75 EH) and the steel toe also conforms to ASTM F2413-11.

They may be a bit stiff at first, but you will hopefully be able to break into them easily.

The boots are slightly on heavy side, but work boots are usually heavy for the same reason they are good.

Overall a very tough boot for serious industrial work and at the same time very good to look at too.

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Option 3. Thorogood Men’s Composite Safety Toe Gen Flex 804-4445 6-Inch Work Boot

This is another pair of work boots rated highly.

These boots look good, meet all of the safety standards such as composite toe, slip resistant rubber soles, water proofing and appear comfortable to boot!

The composite toe will help your feet stay protected.

Walking around all day in water, diesel and petrol shouldn’t be a problem with the slip resistance.

The boot comprises of a Goodyear storm welt construction as well as a mesh lining.

The Goodyear Welt construction means that you can get the boot resoled if you need to.

This is great if you’re paying for the boot yourself with your hand earnt cash!

The boot has toe and side bumpers to prevent the leather from getting scuffed up.

An anti-roll bar (ABHS) at the heel provides ankle support, and a gel heel insert provides extra comfort.

The only drawback appears to be the weight of the boot, but if you don’t want to compromise on quality, you should get used to the weight of the boot very quickly.

The composite safety toe adheres to ASTM F2413-11 M I/75/C/75 as well as EH standards which is also great for electricians.

This is one seriously tough looking boot and it means business.

Some of the boots features include;

• Electrical hazard protection (CAN/CSA-Z195 18,000V)
• Goodyear Storm Welt construction
• Abrasion-resistant

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Option 4. Irish Setter Men’s 6 Inch 83607 Waterproof Work Boot

A highly rated pair of boots, they bring the experience and comfort of the Red Wing shoes brand name with them in this model.

They have all of the expected safety standards including steel toes and slip resistant rubber soles.

ASTM F2892-11 and EH adherence mean they are ideal for those working in a slippery environment, chemicals and also diesel/gas.

Exactly what you need as a mechanic.

A very good looking pair of boots, they offer a great deal of comfort using the “direct attach welt design” and “dual-density sole”.

Made from red russet leather, this boot is in it’s original color without it being dyed.

By applying a spray, you may be able to overcome their lack of being waterproof. Apparently they do not rate well in the waterproofing category, although this can be easily fixed .

Then again, you’re unlikely to be submerged under too much water, so you may not need a fully waterproof boot anyway.

However, please do check the warranty to ensure you don’t invalidate it.

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Option 5. Dr. Martens Ironbridge Safety Toe Boot

Our research suggests this is a highly rated shoe.

These boots are rugged and durable with added extra features of metal M

Industrial strength laces also mean that they wont break when you pull them tightly.

Extra ankle support and moisture wicking boot liners are sure to provide excellent comfort.

Features such as steel toe, water proofing and slip resistant rubber soles provide the required safety features for mechanics or those that work in the automotive industry.

If you work with oil or petroleum, then these boots are ideal.

The boot conforms to ASTM F2413-11 MI/75 C/75 EH so not only are your toes very well protected, but so are you from any electrical hazards.

You’ll look good in these very aesthetically pleasing pair of work boots which are packed with an array of features.

Probably even more than you might need as a mechanic.

Nonetheless, definitely worth the money.

There is an option to buy in three different colors, teak, gaucho and black.

Reviews are all favorable with comfort and durability the most mentioned and appreciated features.

In terms of negative feedback, the main point was around the sizing.  However, this seems to be a common issue when purchasing work boots.

Our Choice:

Our choice of the best work boots for auto mechanics are the Dr. Martens.

They combine good looks with breathable comfort, durability and safety features, all at a reasonable price point.

You may also want to consider the Keen Pittsburgh shoe which we also think is a pretty good contender for you.

Thankfully we’ve already done a full review on it.

Conclusion:

Work boots must primarily be capable of protecting the auto mechanics feet from falling and sharp objects, electrical hazards and slippery floors.

They must also be comfortable enough for men and women to wear for long hours every day.

They must be durable enough to withstand the workplace conditions of an automotive mechanic.

The best work boots for auto mechanics should fit all of the above requirements.