Despite uncertain times, “hard-working tradespeople don’t have the luxury of pushing back purchases for work boots—their safety footwear is too important,” according to Seth Cobb, VP GM Americas at BOA, whose precision fit technology is being used by several work boot brands. When consumers are spending their cherished dollars for on-the-job footwear, they want more. KEEN Utility Senior Director of Global Insight and Engagement, Kevin Oberle, explains that “unlike older generations, Millennials and Gen Z are open to innovation and new styles. They don’t want to buy their parents work boots or even the same style over and over. Growing up with sneaker culture, these generations are excited by this mindset of ‘what’s dropping next,’ even when it comes to safety footwear.” • Innovation is expected for 2026, adds Oberle, with brands continuing to push boundaries in technology. Versatility has emerged as a deciding factor in purchases, notes Emily Soloby, founder of Juno Jones. “In safety boots, a style that can take them from the office to the job site, and out to run errands provides that. Customers are making choices knowing that if they can use their work shoes both on and off the job site, that versatility is actually a savings.”

Footwear execs tell us how consumers are shopping for their boots right now…

Price hasn’t been a major issue for shoppers, reports Don Colbert, president, Hoss Boot Company. “Most of what we are seeing is not price driven yet,” he tells us. “What we are feeling more from retailers is caution. We are all in a similar boat as far as the uncertainty. Several years ago, we moved western and welted product to India. We are looking at non-China options but seeing the cost sometimes exceeds the perceived value of the shoe. We will cull down our China options and look at other sourcing options for long term relationships.”  On the trend side, while many still think of safety footwear as heavy and bulky steel-toe work boots, that’s not the reality as the category evolves. “We are actually seeing a growing demand for safety footwear that is faster and lighter without sacrificing safety,” says Kevin Oberle, senior director of global insight and engagement, KEEN Utility.

Important features for consumers buying boots, according to Kelly Dumpson, head of sales – wholesale, SAS, include: “Value = versatile (goes with many outfits and appropriate for multiple wear occasions), wearable (comfortable and well-fitting), functional (supports multiple activities), season-less (okay to wear all year) and well- made (lasts).”  

Demand for work boots for women is also on the rise. “Studies now prove that women’s feet aren’t just smaller versions of men’s, but have different proportions, and for safety and comfort, require boots engineered to fit the contours of the foot,” notes Emily Soloby, founder, Juno Jones.

Regarding safety features, Soloby says, “Composite toe has been the most requested safety toe of 2025 and continues to grow in popularity. Customers have also come to expect and appreciate weather-resistant materials in the construction of their safety footwear.”  

Thorogood/American Heritage non-safety boot

This 6-inch moc toe work boot is made in the USA with full-grain American leather. It has a MAXWear Black Wedge outsole, composite shank, and Goodyear storm welt construction. MSRP $254.95.

SKECHERS WORK/SANTORO

Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins have made their way to the job site. The full-grain leather Santoro includes a composite toe, Goodyear rubber outsole and is electrical hazard rated. MSRP $119.99.

ROCKY/GRINDSTONE XTR BOA

Rocky brings customization to the worksite with the BOA Fit System. BOA provides a micro-adjustable, precise fit by securing the foot evenly and eliminating pressure points. Rocky Recycled Waterproof Construction keeps feet dry in wet and muddy environments. MSRP $179.99, $189.99 (composite toe).

JUNO JONES LEEZA

The Leeza boot is built on a woman’s last, ensuring a female-focused fit without skimping on hardworking details like water-resistant construction and a rugged outsole. The boot is ASTM-certified for impact, compression, static dissipation and slip resistance with a lightweight, metal-free composite toe. New colorways arrive for fall 2025. MSRP $129.

PUMA SAFETY MOTION PWR TURBO

The Turbo is supercharged with a PWR.FOAM midsole, featuring performance foam technology with maximum responsiveness and light weight. An Evercushion Prime Footbed provides 47% less impact on bones and joints. A BreathActive functional lining brings breathability.

DC WORK CREW/PEARY TR WORK

DC Work Crew’s inaugural work boot is unique with D-rings and speed lacing for a superior fit. A waterproof liner and water-resistant heavy leathers keep the elements out and the feet comfy. ASTM F2413 compliant. MSRP $154.

IRISH SETTER/WINGSHOOTER XD

With 70 years on the job, the Wingshooter is an ideal option for heavy-duty work including construction, maintenance and repair. The new XD offers added durability thanks to an ArmaTec TPU toe cap, adding protection against wear from repetitive tasks. MSRP starting at $229.99.

GEORGIA BOOT/BOA LTX LOGGER

Bringing both comfort and flexibility needed by loggers, the BOA LTX Logger features the BOA Fit System for a dialed-in fit and the ability for quick micro adjustments. A nano composite safety toe is designed to match the contours of the feet. MSRP $260.

KEEN UTILITY/LIBERTY

The American-built Liberty is a modern take on a safety boot. A Luftcell air-infused midsole offers all-day support, while KEEEN.FUSION construction forms a strong bond between the upper and sole for both durability and flexibility. The extra-thick leather is sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. MSRP $295.

VOLCOM/TRUE

This skate-inspired work shoe has a canvas upper while also boasting a wide toe, comfort insole and safety properties such as: ASTM F2413, XTR Composite Toe, Electrical Hazard Protection, Slip Resistant SRO and Met Guard. MSRP $137.

ROXY AT WORK/JEYNA WORK

Talk about toasty, Jeyna keeps toes warm in cold work environments thanks to a moisture-wicking lining. This easy on/off offering features a 90-degree heel and Roxy Heart durable lugs on a slip-resistant rubber outsole for superior traction and stability. MSRP $133.

HOSS/ BUSTER

Buster is created for wide feet, with a carbon nanofiber Bubba toe. Adjustable straps make for an easy fit, while a !WOW! Comfort System makes each pair super wearable. A Fast Rebound insole offers arch support. MSRP $140.

SAS/PREMIERE WK

Bold in black; this men’s style is a double gore, pull-on ankle boot with comfort features to support standing for extended periods of time. A full leather upper is resistant to dirt and moisture. A women’s version will drop in 2026. MSRP $299.

REEBOK WORK/KITARI DMX WORK

This workhorse has a HydroTex waterproof liner, XTR extra wide toe caps, EH protection and slip resistance. A Memory Tech Massage 2.0 memory foam removable footbed and DMX Dynamic Moving Air Cushioning Midsole bring comfort. MSRP $157.

DIEHARD RAPTOR

This new fall launch features USA hides tanned by Tantec with salt and barnyard acid-resistant features. Raptor includes an exclusive long-wearing Meramec exclusive outsole and composite safety toe. Available in 6”, 8” and 11”. MSRP $160-180.

DURANGO WORKHORSE

Built for cowboys, the square-toed Workhorse features a slip, oil and abrasion-resisting rubber outsole. A Durango ACS footbed helps combat fatigue with a memory foam top layer and provides shock absorption and support. MSRP $150 (soft toe), $159 (steel toe).

OUTDOOR ABOUND

Whether Wind Or Rain, Quality Boots Overperform In The Elements.

Footwear is considered a must-have item by consumers, not only for work, but also for recreation, asserts Donald McLellan, product line manager, LaCrosse Footwear. In outdoor boots, shoppers are looking for longevity and performance in a variety of weather conditions.

Customers stay loyal to a style once they find the one they love. Danner’s Recrafting department volume continues to grow year over year (while purchase frequency has decreased). Shoppers are purchasing for durability and sustainability, sometimes opting to have boots repaired rather than buying new. “We’ve also seen sales shift towards our established franchises—when people come to trust a specific product line, they tend to stick with that product line when looking for a new pair of shoes/boots. For example, fans of our non-waterproof Trail 2650 will seek out the GTX waterproof version or mid when they need those features because they’re familiar with that franchise and know it works.”

DANNER/N45 MID GTX

‍ For the adventurer looking to tackle a wide variety of terrain, the N45 Mid GTX now comes in a mid-height for both men and women and includes a GORE-TEX waterproof liner. An EnduroFoam midsole and exclusive Vibram N45 outsole with Vibram Megagrip makes this a multi-season shoe, able to attack colder temps and wetter excursions. MSRP $230.

XTRATUF/DRIFTTECH SPORT

‍This ankle boot for men has a molded BioLite footbed with drainage holes for breathability and moisture release while exploring. The silhouette has a new DriftTech engineered stretch knit upper for breathability. A high-abrasion TPU overlay provides added durability in the toe and bottom of the boot.

MUCK RAINSCAPE

The Rainscape is a vulcanized rubber boot option with a breathable lining for men and women that is crafted for both comfort and performance. A molded polyurethane insert with memory foam provides underfoot support, while an SRA-rated rubber outsole offers traction on wet surfaces.

LACROSSE ALPHA DECK

The premium, hand-laid rubber keeps this boot both waterproof, flexible and durable. A signature Air-Circ liner with quick-drying mesh circulates air with every step, keeping feet cool, dry and comfortable. A hands-free Kick-Off heel plate makes for easy on and off. MSRP $150.

LIVIN’ THE  LIFE

In the lifestyle market, there’s a shift toward “value-driven decision-making: buying fewer pairs, but expecting more from each one — more comfort, more versatility and more longevity,” notes David Mondrick, senior footwear designer at H.H. Brown, which recently launched a new men’s brand called Align. In the boot category, he explains that means “spending on boots that serve a clear purpose — for work, daily wear or all-weather protection; expecting premium materials and all-day comfort, not just style; often waiting for sales or promotions, but willing to pay full price if the product feels truly worth it; and prioritizing craftsmanship and quality over country of origin.”

The Align brand brings offerings like the waterproof Align Rangley Chelsea boot ($199.95), which is crafted with a seam-sealed construction to keep the foot dry and comfortable. A slip-resistant rubber lug outsole offers traction, while a signature made-to-move Align footbed is designed for all-day support, balance and body alignment.  

“Comfort and value are the two most important things in footwear right now. With having to make dollars stretch, consumers are expecting to find added value items, like our HydroGaard water resistant treatment or Ortholite insoles as standards” explains Jerry Breig, COO at Mykos. The Mykos Maria ($119.99) offers both, along with a microfiber lining and mixed material suede and knit upper.

Rich Rask, President of Rieker Shoe Corporation emphasizes that “consumers shopping for boots want fashion and expect comfort and function!” The Rieker Heike ($145) is a lace-up boot that has an optional zipper closure on the side. Smooth leather provides a style component, while an ultra-light and shock absorbing sole makes it a practical option. When it comes to fashion, Allison Tiller, brand and marketing manager at Dingo 1969 is witnessing “bold patterns and a vintage-meets-modern vibe.” Customers are “really drawn to that nostalgic feel but with a fresh twist. They’re loving distressed leather, detailed stitching and those retro toe shapes that somehow manage to feel both vintage and totally current.” The Dingo 1969 Vagabond ($169.95) gives a nod to the 1970s with clean lines, a sleek profile and colorful leather options including merlot, plantain, tan and brown. A 2 ½ inch heel height keeps the boots wearable and comfortable.

RIEKER/HEIKE

Practical and stylish, this smooth leather lace-up boot ($145) has an optional side zip closure and an ultra-light shock absorbing sole.

MYKOS/MARIA

Comfort and value rise to the forefront in the Maria boot ($119.99), which features HydroGaard water resistant treatment and OrthoLite insoles.

ALIGN/RANGLEY

The Rangley Chelsea ($199.95) is waterproof and slip-resistant and has a footbed designed to offer all-day support, balance and body alignment.

DINGO 1969/VAGABOND

The sleek, retro-influenced Vagabond boots boast rich, colorful leather and a wearable, comfortable heel height.