Your typical work boots are often stiff, heavy, and narrow. While this may protect you in the short term, it can hurt and cause real damage to your feet over time. But if you need protection what choice do you have? A few, it turns out.
Let’s examine how the wide toe box and natural feel of a barefoot work boot offers a better alternative for your feet than the traditional work boot – without compromising on safety.
Why a Wide Toe Box?
Feet don’t like to be cramped. Not only can a wide toe box help you feel better in the short term, it can also help ease the discomfort of chronic foot issues like bunions and plantar fasciitis.
Especially when wearing work boots for long hours each day, you will likely start to feel that pointy narrow toe box that comes standard on most work boots. If you are tired of suffering through your day and coming home with stiff, achy feet, you are in the right place!
Check out this wide toe box boot compared to another steel toe safety shoe we ordered as part of our research. I gasped when I pulled the right shoe out of the box! How can that be comfortable??
You deserve better than that. Let’s explore wide toe box work boots that won’t squish your toes, but still protect you when you need it.
The Best Wide Toe Box Work Boots
We recruited the help of a firefighter & homesteader to put to the test all the safety shoes and work boots with a wide toe box and flat sole that we could find. Over many months he tested them in the following ways:
- On the job as a firefighter (Paramedic and station duties only – not worn for fire calls)
- Woodworking
- Operating power tools
- Chopping wood
- Farm/yard work
- Hunting
- Driving a tractor
After months of wear, here are the ones that passed the test. These are the best of the best wide barefoot work boots, so your feet don’t have to suffer on the job.
Wide Steel Toe Boots
If you need serious toe protection, here are the wide work boots with a steel toe and safety ratings.
Carets Determination Boot
Steel Toe | Water Resistant | 19mm Stack Height | Resolable | Sizes US men’s 6-12
The Determination boots from Carets was our top pick for all around versatility and comfort. They come with all the features and specs needed for most jobs that require work boots AND can be resoled and repaired so that they last many years. They even have a ladder groove, while still being level from heel to toe!
The materials are thick and durable, from the leather upper down to the outsole. The upper is lined for a bit of extra protection around the foot and ankle, but they aren’t bulky or clunky. Everything performed at the level expected of a true safety boot, from the anti-slip sole to the steel toe – all while being actually foot-shaped and more natural feeling than you can find from your typical work shoe.
The product description states that the Determination is a factory boot and not a farm boot, but our tester Nick used them extensively in homesteading situations without any issue. Even wading through creeks they stayed dry unless the water came up above the 3rd lace eyelet where the gusseting ends.
The one thing we would change? That they come in black too, because many jobs (including Nick’s job as a firefighter) require black boots.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide
- High volume initially, but the lacing goes nearly down to the toes so once the leather breaks in you get full adjustability.
Nick found that they needed a bit of breaking in because of the thickness and durability of both the leather upper and the outsole. But after just a couple of wears they were soft, flexible, and easy to put on and off.
Safety Ratings:
- ASTM 2413-18 Impact, Compression, and Electrical Hazard Resistant (view certification)
- ASTM 2413-18 Puncture Resistant (view certification)
- ASTM F3445-21 Slip Resistant (view certification)
- ASTM D471 Oil & Chemical Resistant (view results & discuss with your employer)
Gaucho Ninja Carpenter
Steel Toe | Resolable | Sizes EU 37 – 48
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Next up are the Gaucho Ninja safety boots, which were Nick’s top pick for comfort. They had no break in time, and the soft but thick vegetable tanned leather has molded perfectly to his ankle and foot. They also have the widest toe box of any option we’ve tried – he has the extra wide model. Currently there are two widths, but only Extra Wide will be offered going forward..
These are the boots Nick has been wearing to work as a firefighter for most of this year – he wears them for training and ambulance calls when black steel toed shoes are required.
They function more like warehouse/factory boots than rugged farm boots, so Nick doesn’t wear them when doing construction or other outdoor work. The soft leather upper doesn’t provide a lot of ankle protection, which makes for a really nice light fit, but doesn’t lend itself as well to rougher wear.
One thing Nick noticed is that they are toe heavy, because of how soft and light the shoe is compared to the steel toe. But once he got used to that he fell in love with them and has been raving about them ever since (even though his coworkers tease him a bit). The comfort, fit, and the fact that they can be resoled and repaired over and over makes them well worth it.
Gaucho Ninja also makes fully custom work boots, shown above on reader Jake, who shared this image with me. You have more color and spec options to choose from and they will be made in a width and shape most similar to your actual feet.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Two width options for a wide and extra wide toe fit
- Good for most volumes because of moldable leather and laces.
Safety Ratings:
- Steel toe caps (200J) EN ISO 12568:2010
- Anti-puncture insole material (1200N) ASTM F2413-2018
- Soles made in Germany EN ISO 20344/20345 with anti-slip, fuel and oil proof, and anti-static properties
Birkenstock QS 700
Steel Toe | Leather & Vegan Options | Water Resistant | Sizes EU 36 – 48
The Birkenstock QS line is a steel toe safety shoe that comes in different colors, materials (only vegan option on this list), and ankle heights. Like the Gaucho Ninja boot, they are more of a factory boot than a farm boot. But they have the important safety specs, a high quality construction, and they are comfortable and wide. I also think they have the most mainstream and polished look.
One more perk – they go down to the smallest size of any option here, for small-footed people who need wide safety shoes.
The cons for us are that they are not easily resolable and come with a thick, supportive insole. Some people may love that, but we like more of a barefoot feel so we replaced it with a NorthSole insole. With that modification they are quite light and flexible.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- The toe box width is generous, but not extra wide (the Gaucho Ninja is the only one that is extra wide).
- Works for all foot volumes, but if you have medium or low volume feet plan to use an insole inside them (either the factory insole or your own).
There was a little break in time, but they were pretty comfortable out of the box.
Safety Ratings:
- Steel toe (200 joules) with scratch-resistant toe cap
- penetration-resistant, metal-free, nonslip, and oil- and petrol-resistant outsole (P, SRC, FO)
- energy absorption around heel (E)
- antistatic protection (A)
- Safety shoe certified in accordance with EN ISO 20345:2011
The trickiest thing about these barefoot work boots is that they are not available in all countries. See below a few of the places where they are found.
- Zami (ships worldwide)
- SLS Bartel Shop (ships worldwide)
- Amazon DE
- Birkenstock UK
- Birkenstock AU
- Birkenstock Spain
- Birkenstock Poland
If you are unable to find them on your local Birkenstock website, Zami (located in Spain) does ship worldwide. They also carry the low top version with and without the safety toe. Zami and Amazon DE are currently the only places I know of that ship worldwide, and the only way to get them in the US!
Wide Load Boots
Steel or Composite Toe | Side Zipper | Ladder Groove | Sizes US Men’s 7-17
Wide Load is an Australian brand, but we purchased them from the US retailer XL Feet. They are indeed very wide! But otherwise more like a traditional boot with a bulkier, clunkier sole and lots of padding around the ankle for support. Like the Birkenstock boot, they come with a thick supportive insole. But you can swap it out for the extra insole they send that is totally flat. This makes for a lower stack height and nearly flat boot.
When Nick first put these on he said, and I quote “This boot makes me feel like I’m getting into an F350!” You can take that how you will. 😅
Wide Load boots felt a bit clompy compared to the others we tested, because they don’t have much flexibility. But they are lightweight and provide ample room for your toes and foot. And, they go all the way up to a men’s 17! You can also choose from a steel or composite toe.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide to extra wide fit
- Medium volume with thicker insole, high volume with thin insole
Safety Ratings:
- AS/NZS 2210.3:2009
- Class 1:SB-SRA
- EN: 20345:2004
- IS: BMP 670431
DeWalt Plasma
Steel Toe | Leather | Sizes US Men’s 7 – 14
The DeWalt Plasma doesn’t have as wide of a toe box as the other work boots reviewed here, but they are soft out of the box, wider than most work boots, and have a nice natural feel to them. Nick uses these for night ambulance calls, when he has to pull on his shoes fast . He keeps the top speed hooks undone and ties the laces lower so he can slip into them.
They have a nice look to them, and the leather feels great. They are a little easier to find in the US than the Birkenstock boots, and also a little lighter too. They’re a good in-between option for someone who wants to start being kinder to their feet in a more accessible way, being the cheapest option in this article.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Average toe box width, but wide through the ball and midfoot
- Medium volume
Safety Ratings:
- ASTM 2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH
Wide Work Boots (No Steel Toe)
The following are rugged barefoot boots that can be used in work settings, but do not have safety ratings or a steel toe.
Bearfoot Bruin
Reinforced Toe | Leather | Water resistant | Resoleable | 15mm Stack Height | US Sizes Women’s 6.5 – Men’s 16
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
The Bearfoot Bruin is a fully leather barefoot work boot, with a reinforced toe. Made with durable Crazyhorse leather and a gusseted tongue to keep debris out, these shoes can protect your feet for yard work, construction, and in a workshop. The hefty zero drop sole can be replaced by a cobbler if it wears out.
We used these for yard/farm work, home renovations, and DIY projects where a steel toe was not needed. They were excellent in that capacity! And they have lots of toe space for even extra wide feet. We also love that they have a Made in the USA version you can preorder
For all the details, read the full Bearfoot Bruins reviews here.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size according to the US size chart
- Wide to Extra Wide
- High volume (our tester added a tongue pad to get a good fit)
We found them to be on the stiffer side when new, and they required break in time before they were easy to put on and off and tighten the laces. Once broken in, the durable materials were much appreciated.
Jim Green
Reinforced Toe | Leather | Water resistant | Resoleable | 15mm Stack Height | US Sizes Women’s 6.5 – Men’s 16
Jim Green makes a barefoot line that has a thick, rugged, and resolable outsole with a durable leather upper. They are similar to the Bearfoot Bruin, but softer leather out of the box, and less voluminous fit.
Both the short and tall cut boots have a fully gusseted tongue to keep out debris and provide natural water protection. But it also adds a bit of bulk around the ankle that needed breaking in for real freedom of movement.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide to Extra Wide
- Medium volume and easily adjustable.
Short break in time.
Vivobarefoot Tracker
Leather | Waterproof | Sizes EU 35-49
Use code ANYA20VB for 20% off
The Vivobarefoot Tracker FG is a sturdy boot with padding around the ankle and a tough leather exterior. It has a puncture resistant outsole and lugs for traction. These are marketed as a hiking boot, but they work well for all kinds of rugged outdoor use.
The sole on these is thinner than every other option here, so may not be comfortable for stepping on shovels. But functionally, they are really practical!
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs slightly small – we size up for socks and an insole
- Medium to wide width – men’s version is wider than women’s
- Medium volume – works well for low and some high volume because of the adjustability.
Lem’s Boulder Boot Grip
Leather | Waterproof | Sizes US Women’s 6 – Men’s 15
The Lem’s Boulder boot is really roomy and lightweight. It has a thick sole to protect you from sharp objects and is padded around the ankle. The toe box is not reinforced, but the upper has a lining for a bit of extra protection.
They are also fully waterproof and super comfortable!! They give clearance above the toes, so you’re not getting squished from above or from the sides. All arounds great boot that can double as a light work or farm boot.
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs small – I recommend sizing up
- Wide to extra wide fit
- Works for all foot volumes
Coming Soon Brands
The follow brands are in the process of developing a wide toe box barefoot work boot. We have not yet tried them, but will be sure to keep you updated in our Barefoot Shoe Digest.
112 thoughts on “The Best Wide Work Boots That Won’t Kill Your Feet”
Can you compare the sizing between the Carets and the QS700? I wear a 46 in the QS700 and would like to buy a pair of the Carets. Thank you!
I would say the sizing is pretty similar, but there’s a little more toe room in the Carets. My guess is you would be the same size in both.
Thank you soo much for making this list. Words cannot express how much bare foot shoes have changed my life. This list is a life saver to help me meet my employers steel toe requirement.