10 Best Lace Up Square Toe Boots for Work [Steel & Soft Toe] | Workwear Command (2024)

In this article we discuss the best lace up square toe work boots (if you want pull-on, visit our article about the bestsquare toe boots). This list contains both safety toe and soft toe boots.

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These are our choices for best lace up square toe boots:

1. Justin Original Work Boots Men’s Pulley Steel Toe Work Boot (click here to view)
2. ARIAT Cascade 8’’ Lace up Square Toe Work Boots (click here to view)
3. Twisted X Men’s 8″ Steel Toe Lite Western Work Lacer (click here to view)
4. Justin Men’s Driller Waterproof Work Boot Composite Toe (click here to view)
5. ARIAT RigTek 8″ Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Work Boot (click here to view)
6. Durango Maverick XP Square Toe Waterproof Lacer Work Boot (click here to view)
7. Cody James Men’s 8″ Waterproof Lace-Up Work Boot Square Toe (click here to view)
8. Irish Setter Men’s Marshall Lace-Up Square Toe Boot (click here to view)
9. Guide Gear Men’s Square Toe Western Work Boots (click here to view)
10. *Women’s* ARIAT Anthem Lacer Boot (click here to view)

As I mentioned above, this list contains both safety toe and soft toe work boots. I personally need both, so I’ve been using the Ariat Cascade soft toe boots and also the Justin Pulley steel toe boots. Honestly, these two boots are very similar in style, design, and comfort, and both come in both soft toe and steel toe versions (photos of my boots later in article).

Also, do you need waterproof protection for your lace up square toe boots? Waterproof lining obviously helps keep your feet dry, but it can also trap heat. Some lace-up boots will also have gusseted tongues and kilties to help keep water and debris from slipping into your boot.

In this article let’s take a closer look at the best lace up square toe work boots on this list so you can find an option that fits your needs. Let’s also discuss a few things you will want to consider when buying these type of work boots. If you are interested in loggers, visit our article about the best square toe logger boots.

Best Waterproof Pull On Work Boots

ARIAT Cascade 8’’ Lace up Square Toe Work Boots

These Ariat boots have become some of my favorite work boots that I own. They easily pair with jeans and are very comfortable to wear.

Here’s what my Ariat Cascade square toe boots look like:

See Also

12 Best Pull On Square Toe Work Boots [Steel & Soft Toe] | Workwear Command7 Best Square Toe Work Boots for Comfort and Durability10 Best Square Toe Work Boots in 2023 - Work Boots GuruWhy Do Boots Have Square Toes? (Pros and Cons) | Work Gearz

This is the current price of these Ariat lace up square toe boots (affiliate link takes you to Ariat.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Design – These boots are made using full-grain leather uppers. These are 8 inch work boots that will give you support up around your ankle. This boot is unlined, which allows the foot to breathe a little bit in the heat. The footbed is designed to wick away sweat.

• Safety Toe – I own the plain toe version of these boots, but Ariat also offers these boots in a steel toe version. Click here to view the steel toe version of this boot available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). My soft toe size 12 Regular weighs 2.25 pounds. Overall, these boots do not feel heavy on my feet.

• Fit – Yes, these boots have a wide square toe which provides extra space in the toe box area. I ordered my normal sizing and these boots fit perfectly. They have a comfortable design that absorbs shock and doesn’t irritate my feet.

Click here to buy these Ariat lace up square toe work boots (affiliate link takes you to Ariat.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots. In my experience, these boots fit true to size.

Justin Original Men’s Pulley Steel Toe Lace Up Square Toe Boot

These are the steel toe square toe lace up boots that I use. I’ve found these boots to be dependable and durable, and quite comfortable despite the steel toe.

Here’s what these Justin Stampede lace up square toe work boots look like:

This is the current price of these Justin lace up square toe boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Design – These boots are made using 100% leather uppers. Just like the Ariat boots we discussed first, these are 8-inch lace up boots that will give you support around your ankle. This boot is unlined. Built using welt construction.

• Safety Toe – Yes, these are steel toe work boots. I have found these boots to be very comfortable and the weight on these boots is reasonable despite having a steel toe. The outsole uses a rubber/EVA combination which helps keep the weight down. My boots weigh 2.30 pounds:

See Also

Square Toe Vs Round Toe Cowboy Boots | Work Gearz

• Fit – Yes, these boots have a square toe which provides extra space in the toe box area. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit correctly.

Click here to buy these Justin work boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots. In my experience, these boots fit true to size.

Twisted X Men’s 8″ Steel Toe Lite Western Work Lacer

Twisted X is a relatively new footwear brand (founded in 2005) that has seen its popularity grow quite rapidly due to some of their unique designs, and their commitment to prioritizing handmade boots.

They originally began creating only western boots, but have since expanded their line to offer both casual and work boots. They do offer several square toe styles.

Here’s what these Twisted X Square Toe Lacers look like:

This is the current price of these Twisted X lace up square toe boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Design – These boots are made using 100% leather uppers and rubber outsoles. They use EVA midsoles, which is lightweight compared to other types of midsole material, and helps keep the overall weight of this boot down. These are 8 inch work boots.

• Toe Design – Yes, these are steel toe work boots. Yes, these boots have a square toe which provides extra space in the toe box area.

• Summer – The footbeds in these Twisted X boots are moisture wicking and designed to help pull sweat away from your foot. The footbeds are removable and machine washable to help reduce odor.

Click here to buy these Twisted X work boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.

Other Lace Up Square Toe Boots to Consider

• Irish Setter Men’s Marshall Lace-Up Square Toe Boot – These are 9 inch boots, so they will fit up over your ankle a little higher than the other boots on this list. Good for those who need extra ankle support. These are steel toe boots but Irish Setter uses a composite outsole material to keep the weight of the boot down. Click here to view these Irish Setter lace up square tow work boots (affiliate link takes you to IrishSetter.com).

• ARIAT RigTek 8″ Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Work Boot – Nice option if you need a composite safety toe boot. These Ariat RigTek boots have a wide square toe for extra toe space. One thing that stands out about this boot compared to others is Ariat has used a leather/textile upper to help control the total weight of the boot. Click here to view this Ariat square toe work boot (affiliate link takes you to Ariat.com).

• Durango Maverick XP Square Toe Waterproof Lacer Work Boot – Need a waterproof boot? This Durango square toe boot is made with a waterproof membrane which helps keep your feet dry. This boot also has a kiltie to hold out water and debris near the laces. Built for comfort with memory foam footbeds and a fiberglass shank that is lightweight and flexible. Click here to view this Durango work boot at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

4 Things to Consider When Buying Lace Up Square Toe Work Boots

Waterproof

If you’re shopping for square toe waterproof boots, please understand that not all waterproof boots are made equal. Some boots will just use waterproof leather and a seam-sealed construction (but not have an actual waterproof membrane).

The advantage of a membrane is that, yes, it’s an extra barrier between your foot and moisture. But one drawback is waterproof membranes trap heat.

Most companies do the best they can to make these membranes breathable, but even though they are designed to be breathable, they will trap some heat. This basically means that when if you use these boots during the summer when it isn’t wet, your feet might be too hot.

For the most waterproof protection possible, you will definitely want a waterproof membrane. But if you are concerned about heat being an issue, a compromise might be to buy a boot that is made using waterproof leather, but doesn’t have the extra waterproof membrane.

Raised Heel

Most all lace up square toe work boots have a raised heel that usually measures between 1-1.5 inches. Raised heel outsoles that have a square heel are built more for rugged, uneven terrain. The deep lug patterns provide grip on rugged terrain, and the raised heel adds extra slip protection.

The raised heel is also very useful for those who spend much of their day climbing ladders and need the square heel for stability on the ladder.

Although these types of outsoles can help maximize grip, they are usually not as comfortable as the flat, wedge soles. These raised-heel outsoles tend to focus stress on the heel and toe pad, and can lead to discomfort. Many of the boot companies on our list prioritize comfortable footbeds to help mitigate this issue.

If you are working indoors on concrete, a wedge sole (that has a flat design) may be a better option. The major benefit of a wedge sole is it helps evenly distribute stress across the entire bottom of the foot, which can help prevent discomfort from building up on the heel and toe pad.

Now, it’s important to note that many other factors in a boot can influence comfort as well, but this is certainly one to consider. If you are looking to maximize comfort, a wedge sole may be best.

So what is the drawback to a wedge sole? Well, a wedge sole does not have the raised heel, so it doesn’t have that extra layer of slip protection that a square-heel boot has.

Because of this, wedge sole boots (although they still usually have slip-resistant outsoles) are best used on smooth surfaces like concrete, tile, packed dirt etc. Wedge sole boots, more often than not, are indoor boots.

Origin

Unfortunately, most work boots on the market today are imported, including lace up square toe boots. Yes, this makes them more affordable, but it also makes them typically less reliable.

If you are interested in buying work boots made in the USA, you do have quite a few options. The drawback is these USA boots will usually be more expensive.

But in some cases, paying up for a well-made work boot may save you money in the long run if that boot holds up for a longer period of time. If you are interested in USA boots, and want to explore your options, visit our List of Work Boots Made in the USA.

Weight

Because a lot of lace up square toe work boots are 8-inch boots, weight can be an issue. To combat this, many of the boots on this list are designed in a way that helps keep the total weight of the boot down.

Some boot companies like to use EVA midsoles that are foam-like and lightweight compared to rubber or leather midsoles. Other companies may use a composite outsole material that mimics rubber but is lighter in weight. Some lace up square toe boots (like the Ariat RigTek boots) will use both leather and textile on the upper to help reduce weight.

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