Whether it’s on the work site or on the trail, there are two traits working overtime in new boot styles — versatility and lightweight performance. While many consumers are seeking out modern, athletic looks, some consumers still prefer the classic silhouettes. Either way, brands tell us, styles that “get the job done” and have all-day appeal are key.

“Consumers are looking for versatility in their footwear, prioritizing styles that can be worn in various situations and through diverse climates,” says Jessica Liut, Director, Brand, Baffin. “Providing a go-to style customers can reach for all season long – no matter where their day may take them – is a big focus for our team and has guided the design and production of our upcoming product launches in both FW23 and SS24. By combining the proven technology and high-performance features Baffin is known for with trend inspired design and finishes, consumers get the perfect blend of a fashion forward accessory and a utility product.”

Davide Degano, VP of product, Kamik, offers, “Today’s consumers are looking for versatile boots that can adapt to any outdoor situation without sacrificing style or durability. For the past 125 years until today, Kamik continues to manufacture boots in our Canadian factories and to deliver products that are timeless, sustainable, and built to last. For Fall/Winter ’23, the collection was focused around versatility, comfort, and protection to allow our consumers to embrace the everyday outdoors.”

All-day performance and comfort are critical in work offerings, according to the Warson Brands team, which counts Reebok and Volcom among its licensed work brand offerings. “Consumers are continuing to look for boot options with enhanced cushioning and support,” explains Sam Sproull, brand marketing manager, Warson. “They are spending long hours on their feet, and without proper footwear they are more vulnerable to injuries and fatigue. Our feet are our foundation, it is essential to wear boots that are supportive and comfortable.”

The work-specific square toe style is taking center stage for Thorogood. “With the importance of the square toe in the work footwear category, we feel this is a natural expansion for our brand,” notes Ty Harris, national sales director, Thorogood. “We now offer square toe wellingtons, built with quality materials and Thorogood craftsmanship. Our loyal customers can now choose a square toe, and we feel confident this will bring new customers to the Thorogood brand. “

Classic and timeless is the name of the game for Propét, as seen in its new Cortland boot. Says Armie Pasa, design, Propét Footwear, “Having comfort in our heritage, we designed the Cortland with our consumers in mind, combining rugged durability, weather resistance, and personalized comfort for any adventure. We aspire to guide our customers to embrace the great outdoors and conquer any terrain with these boots as your trusted companion.”  

At outdoor brand Zamberlan, the brand is “seeing nice momentum with lower cut, hybrid styles” like the brand’s Free Blast and Salathe, says Graham Gephart, director of marketing, Zamberlan. “These shoes combine performance features like added foot protection, Gore-Tex membranes, and Vibram outsoles, with lighter weight, versatile designs that are equally at home on technical pursuits as traveling or around town. These ‘car-to-summit’ styles bring added comfort to Zamberlan’s mountain DNA, for much greater confidence and longevity than challenging a street shoe in a rugged environment.”

On The Job

CAT / Invader Hiker Work Boot

This hiker style waterproof work boot is available in two colorways and in both a composite ($164.95) and non-composite toe ($154.95) style. The Invader Hiker Work Boot also features a lug pattern inspired by Caterpillar machines (for grip and slip resistance), a 100% recycled sock lining and a ReVive footbed with engineered comfort for a contoured fit and support underfoot.

Georgia Boot / Brute Collection

Designed for ‘the toughest jobs,” the new Brute collection includes two new composite toe styles: GB00643 (an 8-inch lace-up boot) and GB00644 (an 11- inch, pull-on boot). Both have the ASTM approved ANTimpact, a flexible met guard material that firms instantly when struck to offer the same level of protection as rigid met guards. Brute styles feature full grain leather uppers, and a Tec-Tuff leather vamp for high abrasion resistance, as well as an Ergo-Fit safety toe designed to match the contours of foot.

PUMA Safety / Iron HD

The new Iron HD 6” Comp Toe, EH WP SR, $170, is designed to deliver toughness, style, comfort and uncompromising safety. The Iron HD from PUMA Safety has a composite fiberglass toe cap for protection, heel counter for stability, a breathable lining with waterproof membrane, evercushion MAX footbed and a shock absorbing midsole. It also boasts a Heavy Duty oil-resistant, TPU outsole with slip-resistant octopus pattern for enhanced grip.

Reebok Work / Nano X1 Adventure Work, RB3484

After much success as a tactical boot, the Nano X1 Adventure, with its athletic, mid-cut style, is now being designed for the occupational market, too. A critical element of the Nano platform is the heel stabilizer which provides more support and stability, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. The heel stabilizer also helps to prevent side-to-side rolling of the foot, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces, minimizing the risk of other foot-related injuries. Available now, $152.

Thorogood / Square Toe Wellington

Made in USA with USA and globally sourced components, this $275 ATS work boot offers a square toe silhouette, a design touch the brand is excited to be adding to its line. The toe box offers more room for feet. The boot is waterproof, has a steel toe, and is EH rated, with slip- and oil- resisting, resole able goodyear welt construction and a tri-tone shaft stitch.

Durango / Maverick XP

The Maverick XP collection offers western work boots with a variety of safety and comfort features. New styles for Spring include Tobacco Leaf/ Black Eclipse (DDB0478) and Briar Brown/Crimson Red (DDB0479) which feature an ACS Footbed with InsulKul vamp lining for insulation and cooling, as well as an X-treme A.C. 360° perforated ventilated shaft and air mesh lining to promote air flow.

Muck / Chore

Muck’s original Chore boot is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a new logo and green chore colorway with reflective silver details. The Chore offers 100 percent waterproof functionality for work on the farm, the yard or in the field. The 25th Anniversary Chore Mid has breathable mesh lining and quadruple rubber heel reinforcements. A quick cleaning rubber outsole offers durability and traction on slick surfaces.

Skechers / Slip-ins Work: Cankton – Faison

This low-cut Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins Work style offers protection, comfort and style. It features a durable leather, synthetic and mesh upper with a molded heel panel, an exclusive Heel Pillow, a steel safety toe, and a Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole. Steel toe meets ASTM F2413 impact and compression standards, and the shoe is Electrical Hazard (EH) safe design tested ASTM-F2413.

On The Trail

Rieker / Anthony 69

This Fall ’23 boot ($175)  from the brand’s R-Evolution line has a leather upper with Rieker’s “TEX” water resistant membrane, along with a lamb’s wool lining and a soft removable insole. A lightweight EVA rubber outsole with a walk safe fiber grip ice slip grip sole delivers traction.

Baffin / Brook

New for Spring 2024, Brook is a rubber boot for women, adding a lifestyle option to the mix for Baffin. The brand says it was created in response to the call for an on-trend lifestyle boot that meets the quality level of Baffin footwear. By combining Baffin’s proven technology with fashion forward styling, Brook provides the same protection from the elements that Baffin is known for to the customer who needs to work, play and function in the wettest of environments.

Oboz / Cottonwood Mid

The Spring ’24 Cottonwood Collection includes Oboz’s most responsibly sourced hikers to date. Its waterproof upper features ISA LITE full-grain nubuck leather with the lining, breathable mesh, laces and webbing made from 100% recycled polyester. Its sole features ACT Eco single density, bio-EVA, made of 30% sugarcane, paired with a slip-resistant Trail Tread outsole made with 20% regrind rubber. Available in mid and low waterproof styles for men and women, $165.

Rocky Boots / MTN Stalker Pro

Made to tackle rugged terrain, this backcountry hunting and hiking boot has a waterproof full grain leather upper along with Rocky SHIELD technology that reinforces high abrasion areas for added durability. Rocky Vapor Pass waterproofing keeps feet dry, and a Vibram Mountaineering outsole keeps feet secure when scrambling. Styles include various insulation packages to offer a range of protection. Two new lace-up styles include: RKS0643 (brown), and RKS0644 (charcoal).

Kamik / Treklite M

These warm boots ($149.99) for Fall ’23 feature waterproof DriDefense Ortholite Hybrid eco sustainable comfort insoles plus a midsole made with sustainable BLOOM EVA foam to keep feet comfortable. A synthetic rubber outsole with GripXT offers traction on the trails. The vegan-friendly upper is made with a waterproof DriDefense membrane nylon and synthetic leather, and a moisture wicking fleece lining provides added warmth.

Propét / Cortland

Designed to offer comfort and performance outdoors, this weather-resistant, durable boot is crafted with a combination of mixed materials of oiled suede and waxed canvas. A molded rubber toe provides extra protection, and the speed lacing eyelets, waterproof bootie construction and zipper, and 3M Thinsulate insulation aim to keep feet dry and warm even in cold temperatures. A removable breathable Open Cell PU insole provides comfort and moves moisture away from feet. The EVA spacer allows for a customized fit. And the Cortland, $159.99, has a lightweight and cushioned EVA midsole.

AKU / Reactive GTX

This modern hiking boot boasts a design focused on agility, cushioning and traction. The Tenuta Grip high-traction outsole is built to offer cushioning and stability on any type of terrain. An exclusive tread design offers asymmetric distribution of outsole lugs, flexible and dual density EVA cushion at the forefoot for propulsion and at the heel for impact. And the lasting board and sole unit feature AKU’s Elica Natural Stride System technology to enhance biodynamic performance.

Zamberlan / 226 Salathe Trek GTX

Designed for freedom of movement and lightweight comfort, the Fall ’23 Salathe Trek, $330, also boasts the support of a hiking boot. And it has Hydrobloc suede leather uppers that are soft and lightweight complemented by stretch over-the-foot wraps that are well-padded and offer a sock-like environment for the foot. The to-the-toe lacing system provides a technical fit that is adaptable to either climbing or hiking situations, and the Vibram Pepe with Megagrip outsoles offer versatility for both trails and on the rock.

Totes / Chelsea Rain Boot

This Chelsea Rain Boot, $60, features the brand’s Everywear proprietary construction that is 60% lighter than ordinary boots, according to the brand. The boots (under 1 pound in weight) are machine washable and 100% waterproof and anti-microbial. The short boot design keeps legs dry while also being a stylish silhouette.

Astral / Pisgah

Designed to be versatile, these stylish outdoor boots sport a design inspired by mid-20th century French and Vietnamese armies’ garb with a twist of elegance and waterproofing. The Pisgah, $175, debuted in 2021 and got sizing updates in its 2023 design. Built to be a year-round style, Pisgah has a 100% recycled Polyester breathable membrane, and G.15 high friction rubber for controlled footwork on all surfaces.

LâMO / Autumn II

Featuring southwest-inspired textile prints, the Autumn II, $94.99, for Fall ’23 features NeverWet technology, which is self-cleaning and water and stain resistant. Other features in this cozy outdoor lifestyle boot include a rich suede and textile upper, premium faux fur lining and footbed, max comfort Cirrus Footbed System memory foam footbed and LâMO TPR outsole.

Skechers / Terrabite Trekker

This Fall ’23 outdoor performance boot is designed to tackle any type of terrain. Insulated and waterproof with an aggressive outsole design that offers flex, grip and control, the Terrabite also boasts SKECH FRAME external arch support. The outsoles feature 51% recycled Goodyear Rubber. Additional design elements include a TPU molded brace for enhanced support and fit, a molded toe cap for extra protection, and all-season breathability.