Here at Everyday Carry, we like to talk a lot about the tools and accessories we carry to get the job done. But for some people, being on their feet is the job. Whether they’re military/LEO, EMTs, doctors and nurses, or those working in heavy industries, many people rely on what’s on their feet as much as what’s in their pockets.
So we’ve put together a list of great boots. Boots with the same quality and performance you would expect from a tool you carry and use every day. Any of these boots can last a lifetime with the proper care. And while you may be paying a bit more than generic department store fare, you get much more robust materials, construction, and comfort in return.
Whether you’re looking for the longevity a Goodyear welt provides, the breathability and waterproofing from GORE-TEX, or the rugged classiness of a well-worn pair of work boots, in this guide, we’ve got a pick for you.
Dr. Martens Combs
It would have been easy to pick the iconic Dr. Martens 1460s and called it a day. Instead, we recommend a newer model from the DM catalog: the lightweight, nylon Combs. If you like the toughness of a boot but prefer a lighter pair you can wear every day, then these are the boots for you. Synthetic leather and tough nylon get the Goodyear welt treatment onto DM’s signature oil- and fat-resistant AirWair sole, giving you performance without the added weight.
5.11 Taclite 6” Coyote
5.11’s a brand that needs no introduction, with packs and apparel with a long history of performance and quality. Their Taclite Coyote boot is designed for high-performance in hot climates thanks to a breathable and lightweight design. An Ortholite sockliner, EVA midsole, air mesh panels, side vents, and EVA foam ankle padding all come together to give maximum comfort during hard use, with a 1200D nylon and suede upper and synthetic outsole rounding out the Taclite’s construction.
Bates Delta-6 ICS
Bates is a longtime LEO/military favorite, with our pick putting together a tidy list of features for comfort and performance. The Delta-6 comes with Bates’s signature iCS comfort system that uses a disk in the sole you can adjust to your preferred comfort level. GORE-TEX lining keeps your feet dry, while a YKK side zipper ensures easy entry.
Wolverine Raider
Wolverine’s a well-known American brand known for their work boots, and our pick the Raider comes with the features you would expect from a boot that needs to work as hard as you do. Built with an athletic feel, the Raider comes with a full-grain leather upper with a breathable CK mesh lining for comfort during long days. The boot also uses Wolverine’s Contour Welt construction that combines a resilient outsole designed to bend and flex as needed with a shock-absorbent system that uses compression pads for comfort and support.
Thorogood 6” Moc-Toe
Thorogood is an American heritage brand best known for their moc-toe boots like the 6” seen here. It features black walnut oil-tanned leather Goodyear-welted onto Thorogood’s signature oil- and slip-resistant polyurethane wedge outsole. If you’re on your feet for long periods, a polyurethane footbed with a Poron 4000 comfort cushion and a rubber midsole keeps things comfortable.
Chippewa Apache Classic Lacer
Chippewa’s been making quality work boots in the USA since 1901, with the Apache one of their most popular and enduring models. It’s got a classic look you can wear every day with any outfit, packing quality materials and construction like antique brass hardware, heavy-duty laces, and a Goodyear-welted Vibram outsole.
Thursday Boot Company Captain
Thursday Boot Company walked onto the scene on the heels of a successful Kickstarter campaign that offered inexpensive but sleek work boots. The Captain is one of their flagship models with its minimalist cap-toe design that dresses up any outfit, featuring chrome leather with full glove leather lining for a comfortable fit. A cork footbed and EVA comfort strip adds even more comfort when worn, while Goodyear welt construction gives the expected water resistance and re-soleability to keep the Captains walking.
ECCO Track 6 GTX
ECCO’s Track 6 boots came to us highly recommended by people who spend most of their day on their feet, vouched for their comfort and longevity. The 7” boot comes with a leather upper and leather sole, with speed lace hardware and a thick padded collar for the best fit and comfort during long use. A GORE-TEX liner keeps your feet waterproof, while the Track 6’s understated design lets you wear them with pants, jeans, or uniforms as the task demands.
Danner Light II
When you think of Danner boots, the first models that come to mind are most likely their military combat boots or their iconic Mountain Light hiking boots. For our pick we went with the Light IIs, a model with a good balance of classy design and high-tech boot features. Leather and 1000D nylon lend durability and quality to the Light’s uppers, with GORE-TEX lining and a Vibram outsole keeping your feet waterproof and stable on both wet and dry surfaces.
Red Wing Iron Ranger 8119
This American brand has been setting the bar for work boot styles and quality for over 100 years(!), with iconic models like the Iron Ranger seen above. The 8119 features a Vibram outsole for extra grip combined with the Iron Ranger’s Goodyear welt construction, premium Oxblood Mesa leather, and triple-stitched fit and finish to give you the last pair of work boots you’ll ever need to buy.
Do you have a pair of boots you wear every day? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
Header photo submitted by Jeff.
