Top 10 Best Leather Work Boots (2021 Review)

This post is aimed primarily at answering the question: what are the best leather work boots?
In protecting the feet, one major tool is work boots. Work boots are specific kinds of boots that layover and cover the feet and ankle mostly. Some extend to covering the whole leg and they can go as far as the hips too.

The main purpose of wearing work boots is the protection of the legs from different things. Some include work hazards like chemical splashes, sharp tools, and so on. Others include protection from the weather, mud, and other things alien to the feet.

Generally, work boots are made from some materials like rubber and plastic, but they are also made from leather.

Types of Leather Work Boots

Not all leather work boots are the same. Hence, types of leather work boots that exist are determined by two major factors. The said factors are its construction method and its coverage.

However, the factor that will be discussed here is the coverage factor. Interestingly, it is important to note that most materials used in leather work boots are waterproof. Essentially, there is waterproofing for leather work boots or most of them at least. Usually, it is rare not to come by leather work boots that do not have some resistance against water. But such exist anyway and you may want to look out for them.

Having mentioned that the factor that will be considered is coverage, here are some types of leather work boots:

Foot and Ankle Coverage

As the name of the heading explains, this relates to leather work boots that cover the feet and ankles. Typically, all kinds of boots are expected to cover this part of the leg, except for some rare kinds. Nevertheless, leather work boots are usually distinct in their coverage of this part of the legs. This is because the boot aims to protect those parts specifically, beyond being a fashion statement.

Additionally, this kind of work boot is usually made to be fitted. This is because any loose space can defeat the purpose of protection.
Pros:

• They are usually fitted
• They are usually lightweight

Cons:

• Due to it being fitted, it can become uncomfortable if used for a long time at once

Coverage of the Lower Calf

This kind covers the feet up to the lower calf. For simplicity, the lower calf relates to the part of the leg above the ankle but below the knee. They are similar to the known cowboy boots, except they are more fitted and thicker.

Also, the protection of the legs extends to the lower calf, and they are ideal for instances of splashes. They are also great for working in cold conditions, like in the snow.
Pros:

• Extended leg protection
• More ideal for working in tough weather conditions

Cons:

• They can be too tight since most are made to be skin-tight

Leg and Hip Coverage

Some other leather work boots extend their coverage to the leg and some go as high as the hip. In terms of full protection, you can find it in this kind of leather work boot. They are also usually fitted and sometimes customized.

They protect the whole legs from most hazards, so far as it does not involve falls, motor accidents, and whatnot. Usually, they are not unnecessarily heavy, but they are not lightweight either. This kind of leather work boot can come off as uncomfortable depending on its usage period. This is because asides it being tight, it can disturb movement to some extent.

Hence, they are ideal when the feet hazards are likely to be a lot and very random. For example, in welding situations or transport of chemical substances.
Pros:

• Full leg coverage

Cons:

• Not so lightweight
• They can become uncomfortable

The Best Leather Work Boots

Here are some of the best leather work boots as you go on a search for them. Although this list is not exhaustive, it does give some guidance.

Best Leather Work Boots Buying Guide

Getting the best quality leather work boots can turn out to be an adventure; it might not be as easy as thought. This is typical because there are several leather work boots out there and you might be faced with the paradox of choices. Here, we create a buying guide that is aimed at helping you reach the best choice as you browse through.

Some factors come to play in getting good leather work boots. Where some of them are addressed, things get easier. Accordingly, some of the factors are:

Why you Need a Leather Work Boot

There are a variety of reasons that exist for wanting a leather work boot. Also, there are work boots that fit particular reasons and can make for the best choices. Coming to terms with why you need a leather work boot can reduce the burden of choice. For example, do you need it solely for protection or for making a fashion statement? Do you need it for both?

This determines whether you need a full leather work boot or casual leather work boots. In some cases, it might be that you need a partial leather work boot. Your need will tell.

The Kind of Leather Work Boots

A reason why there are many leather work boots is that there are many kinds of leather too. Leather work boots is a tree with many branches. Again, this relates to the reason you need one. Do you need it for a fashion statement? You might need to get calfskin or suede leather. Do you need it for protection? You might need to get a work boot with full-grain leather.

Generally speaking, there are several kinds of leather and you might need to have your preferred one in mind. Anyway, whilst you choose, ensure that you have a way to clean the leather work boots.

Price

Leather work boots can easily go from budget range to very expensive really fast. Usually, the price range for any leather work boot is dependent on some factors. Part of said factors is the brand, the leather kind, and the particular function. Some leather work boots are made solely for protection. Some are made solely for fashion. Some are made for both.

In any case, it is important to have a budget in hand and first do some snooping. The snooping is for discovering the average price range of the kind of leather work boots you want to get. It is easier for men as leather work boots for men can easily be found. But they are not cheap either.

So, a major factor remains price. If you plan on getting a leather work boot, you should have a price determined.

The Brand

Of course, there are several brands out there that deal with the production of leather work boots. While this might not be a big deal for some, it is a big deal for others. If you are the kind that puts trust in brands, then this is for you. It is also important to check how the brand is currently fairing.

Some brands created quality leather work boots, but are now slacking. Some brands are just not the same anymore. Hence, you should check their current performance ratings before spending your earned cash. But it usually is great when you find a good brand’s leather work boots.

Season and Purpose

This is like asking the reason for needing a leather work boot, but it is beyond that. The season of use and purpose for use play a key role. Some leather work boots are best used in cold and snowy seasons. This is particular for leather work boots with full-grain leather. They are usually very thick and keep moisture out.

In the same vein, there are leather work boots that can be used in other seasons except for cold and snow. This is because they are relatively lighter and constant exposure to moisture can ruin them. This is particular with leather work boots made from corrected grain leather.

Hence, season and purpose are important. Do not use the wrong leather at the wrong time.

How to clean and condition work boots you will find out from this video:

Verdict

Getting great leather work boots can be tasking. However, this article has attempted to help in that regard. Always remember to go through the buyer’s guide again if you need some guidance. Additionally, you can check our picks for further guidance. Give your feet the best protection it can get.