Top Work Boots for 2022

Comparison by Brand

Brand

 
Bottom Line

6.5/10

8.5/10

7/10

7.5/10

7/10

6/10

Price Range

From $289.95 for a 6" basic boot to $689.95 for their lineman boot.

From $105 for a comp toe work shoe to $175 for a comp toe logger-style boot.

Sold through Red Wing stores and select online retailers. Prices vary but are generally toward the high end.

From $115 for an aluminum toe shoe to $270 for an 8" CSA-rated insulated carbon toe boot.

Sold through Thorogood stores and select online retailers. Prices vary but are generally toward the high end.

From $95 for a 6" basic boot to $235 for an 8" insulated comp toe boot.

Rewards / Loyalty Value

No rewards or loyalty program.

Ambassador program rewards you for referring friends. After the third friend referred, you get a free pair of boots.

No rewards or loyalty program.

The KEEN Corps offers limited edition gear, member pricing, and special access. Earn points for purchases and more.

No rewards or loyalty program.

No rewards or loyalty program.

Returns

Returns must be pre-approved and paid for by the buyer, but returns are not a problem for fitment issues.

Free returns and exchanges for boots in any condition within 30 days.

Return only for defects, but they offer a 30-day comfort guarantee to exchange for another boot.

Free returns for unworn boots within 30 days of purchase.

Returns are offered in some cases but are complicated and explained on their website.

Free returns accepted for size, fit or style reasons within 60 days. Worn boots cannot be return.

Warranty

Warrantied free of defects for one year from date of purchase, normal wear & tear not accepted. With boots this expensive, they take warranty issues case by case.

30 day wear-on-the-job trial, boots can be returned for any reason.

Hard to find, at the retailer's discretion.

Warrantied free of defects for one year from date of purchase, normal wear & tear not accepted.

Hard to find, at the retailer's discretion.

Warrantied free of defects for one year from date of purchase, normal wear & tear not accepted.

Shipping

Flat-rate paid shipping to the 50 states. Faster shipping available.

Free shipping to 48 states, small fee for AK & HI. Expedited shipping also available.

Red Wing's true work boots are not sold online, only in-store.

Free standard shipping for orders over $100 in 48 states. Shipping is $10 for orders under $100. Additional charges for AK & HI. Faster shipping available.

Unable to purchase directly through Thorogood online, must find a local delear.

Free ground shipping & free 3-day shipping to 48 states. Additional charges for AK & HI. Faster shipping available. Paid ship to AK & HI.

Customer Service

There are mixed reviews of Whites' customer service responsiveness and policies. They invest in craftsmen, not customer service.

Customer service is top-notch and can be reached by phone, email, chat, or text.

In-store shopping means personalized assistance. Can also reach Red Wing by phone and email.

Customer service can be reached by live chat, email, and phone. Great FAQs section.

In-store shopping means personalized assistance. Can also reach Thorogood by phone and email.

About what you'd expect, can be reached by phone or email but generally difficult.

Comfort / Break-In

White's aren't built for comfort, but can get more comfortable with time.

The response BRUNT has been getting about their boots' comfort puts them on top.

Red Wings tend to have long break-ins before they're reliably comfortable.

Many comfortable options with little break-in, especially on the lower end of price.

Like Red Wing, Thorogood boots take awhile to break-in before they're comfortable.

Comfort is more in line with boots produced by Keen. They are mostly comfortable but sacrifice longevity.

Durability

You get what you pay for. These boots can last forever with proper care and resoling.

Well constructed and durable in most conditions.

Red Wing boots are known to last in most use conditions.

Seems to have mixed reviews of durability.

Thorogood boots are also known to last in most use conditions.

Timberland's durability is sometimes questionable, but generally reliable in most conditions.

Shop Link*

White's Boots
BRUNT
Red Wing
Keen
Thorogood
Timberland