12 Best Steel Toe Chore Boots for Farm & Ranch Work

Finding steel toe farm boots can be difficult, especially if you need a specific type of work boot. I personally like the Muck Boots Rubber Steel Toe Chore Boots because they are durable, comfortable, and easy to hose down, but I also have experience with many of the other boots on the list below, including the PVC and leather boot options.

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These are my choices for the best steel toe chore boots:

I like to wear the Muck Boots on the list above because the rubber boots provide a 100% waterproof barrier, and most importantly for me, they are very simple to hose down and clean when needed. I also occasionally wear the LaCrosse Rubber Pac Boots on the list above because they have laces around the calf which help secure the boot to my leg.

Obviously, when shopping for steel toe farm boots one of the first things you need to consider is what type of material you want the boot to be made from. I’ve worn a wide variety and here, quickly, is what you need to consider:

• Rubber – I like rubber steel toe chore boots because they are very durable, waterproof, and very easy to hose down and clean when you get them covered in muck and mud. But some options can be a bit pricey.

• PVC – PVC steel toe farm boots are very similar to rubber, but cheaper to make, and therefore offered at more affordable price points. PVC boots are often chemical resistant and are waterproof and easy to hose down when dirty. But, beware, PVC boots are not good for cold conditions and can feel stiff.

• Leather – Leather is obviously a traditional choice, and adds comfort compared to rubber and PVC. The problem here is most leather boots are not 100% waterproof, and cleaning them can be a pain since hosing them down may damage the leather, and shorten the lifespan of the boots.

You will also need to consider whether or not you want a pull-on boot or a lace-up boot. Most chore boots are pull-on boots, which make them easy to slip on and off as needed, and you don’t have to worry about water and mud getting in through the laces. But lace-up boots do help pass more control over to your feet, which can be helpful.

Some people actually like to use lace-up logger boots around the farm because the raised heel of a logger boot not only helps elevate the foot out of the muck and mud of a barnyard, but it also allows the boot to function nicely as a riding boot for stirrups.

And then you will also want to consider whether or not you need insulated boots for winter (for example, the LaCrosse Pac Boots on the list above are insulated). If you need winter steel toe farm boots, my recommendation is to visit my article that discusses my favorite insulated farm boots in greater detail.

In this article let’s take a closer look at the best steel toe chore boots so you can find an option that meets your needs. I have experience with most all of the boots on this list, and will provide you my opinion of these boots as we go.

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Best Rubber Steel Toe Farm Boots

Muck Boots Rubber Steel Toe Chore Boots

Muck Boot Company is a boot brand that was launched to find a reliable solution for those days spent in the mud and muck. Today, Muck Boot Company is one of the most popular rubber boot brands on the market, and work great if you are shopping for farm boots (how warm are Muck Boots).

Here’s what these Muck Boots Chore Classic Tall Steel Toe Rubber Work Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Muck Steel Toe Chore Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Height – The protective 16-inch height of these boots allows you to wear them over jeans to help provide extra protection up your leg.

• Steel Toe – Yes, this boot does have a steel toe.

• Year-Round Comfort – These boots use neoprene and rubber. The 5mm neoprene and mesh lining allow for cool airflow in the summer and trapped heat in the winter. There is a stretch-fit top that helps trap in the heat.

• 100% Waterproof – Yes, this is a waterproof boot. The outer boot is easy to wipe and/or spray clean at the end of the day.

Here’s a look at my Muck Boots:

Below is a look at the stretch-fit top that helps keep debris out and also helps trap in heat during the winter months. This neoprene upper can be rolled down if needed on warmer days:

They do have pull tabs to help you pull these boots onto your feet:

These are tall boots that fit up over my calf:

Click here to buy these Muck Rubber Steel Toe Chore Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). I personally ordered my normal sizing for these boots and they fit comfortably (do rubber boots fit big?).

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LaCrosse Men’s Insulated Pac Steel Toe Boots

Lacrosse is another well known rubber boot company, and a company that I have worn over the years. I do use the Muck Boots above more often, but there are some specific situations I think these LaCrosse Steel Toe Boots make more sense.

Here’s what these LaCrosse boots look like:

This is the current price of these Lacrosse steel toe farm boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Design – These boots are 100% rubber. Unlike similar rubber work boots, these boots lace up near the calf, making it easier to tighten them to your preferred fit. This can be particularly important if you’re working in wet, slippery conditions.

• Safety – Yes, this rubber boot does have a steel toe and it also has a steel shank for extra under-foot support. This is a waterproof work boot.

• Warmth – These boots have foam insulation that extends from the bottom of the boot to the ankle to provide you warmth on those cold winter work days. These boots also have a 9mm wool-felt midsole. These will be a better winter option that most of the other boots on this list.

As I mentioned above, I have also worn LaCrosse Steel Toe Chore Boots for several years. If you like pac boots, for more options visit our article about the best insulated pac boots. Here’s a look at my Lacrosse Pac Boots:

One thing I really like about the design of these LaCrosse Pac Boots is they have a more defined heel than my Muck Boots do. Let’s say for example you are doing chores and might have to climb a barn ladder, this raised heel may be helpful and provide extra slip protection.

Click here to buy these Lacrosse steel toe chore boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). In my experience, Lacrosse boots fit true to size. To read more, visit Lacrosse Work Boot Sizing.

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Best Leather Steel Toe Chore Boots

Irish Setter Marshall Steel Toe Boots

Irish Setter boots are owned by Red Wing Shoe Company, which has been making premium footwear since 1905. Red Wing Shoe Company is based out of Red Wing, Minnesota. The Irish Setter brand was formed in the 1950s and has established itself as a premium boot brand for both outdoor boots and work boots.

These are leather pull on boots that I have worn for several years. The thing that jumps out to me about these boots is despite being steel toe, they do not feel heavy on my feet (due to the lightweight composite material used for the outsole).

Here’s what mine look like:

This is the current price of these Irish Setter Marshall steel toe farm boots (affiliate link takes you to Irishsetter.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Safety – The version linked above is the steel toe version. These boots also come in a soft toe version. I personally use the steel toe boots that also have a steel shank (a shank is a supportive piece between the outsole and insole of the boot that provide underfoot protection).

• Design – These boots have an 11-inch shaft that will fit up near your calf. They are made with full-grain leather uppers and heat-resistant outsoles. They have removable footbeds making it easy to clean and/or swap them when needed. These are square toe work boots.

• Waterproof – Yes, these are waterproof boots. No, I wouldn’t expect them to hold up against water as well as the rubber steel toe chore boots we discussed earlier. But I have found them to be very good in wet conditions. They are made using Irish Setter’s “UltraDry” Waterproofing system, which includes a breathable waterproof membrane. Here’s a look at the lining in my boots:

• Weight – Sometimes pull on steel toe safety boots can be too heavy. A cool thing that Irish Setter has done with these boots is to use a composite material (known as Rubber RPM) for the outsole of the boot. This composite material helps reduce the weight of the boot. This material for the outsole is engineered to provide the durability and strength of traditional materials, without the extra weight.

Overall, I love the design of these steel toe western boots. They are durable and dependable, and the waterproof construction helps keep my feet dry in wet environments. But again, choosing leather as the material in your steel toe farm boots can add comfort, but doesn’t make cleaning the boots as easy when compared to rubber.

Click here to buy these Irish Setter Marshall steel toe chore boots (affiliate link takes you to Irishsetter.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots. In my experience, these fit true to size. To read more about pull on boot sizing, visit our Irish Setter Work Boot Sizing Guide.

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Thorogood American Heritage Steel Toe Wellingtons

If you want your steel toe farm boots to be made in the USA, these Thorogood boots will be a great option. Thorogood boots are made by Weinbrenner Shoe Co., an employee-owned company based in Wisconsin that has deep roots in American culture. 

Weinbrenner Shoe Co. started manufacturing shoes in the late 1800’s and was a significant contributor of boots for the US Army in both WWI and WWII. That same American pride is carried forward into their modern-day business, and specifically to the Thorogood American Heritage line of work boots, which are made in the USA by union workers.

Here’s what my Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Wellington Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Thorogood leather steel toe chore boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Material – 100% premium full-grain leather uppers.

• Comfort – These boots have removable shock-absorbing footbeds that can be replaced or cleaned as needed. Fiberglass shank provides support. I think these are some of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn – plenty of cushioning below the foot.

• Origin – These Thorogood work boots are made here in the USA.

• Safety – Yes, these are steel toe work boots. My boots have a raised heel, but Thorogood does offer several types of wedge sole pull-on work boots as well. Wedge sole boots can help reduce mud build-up, which might help for chores and farm work.

Again, these are the USA pull on work boots I now use. I like how the leather shaft uppers for these boots aren’t super stiff and uncomfortable. Here’s a look at my boots after a few years of use:

Again, I use the raised, square-heel version of these steel toe chore boots:

These boots have better comfort under the foot than most other types of pull-on work boots. Overall, the weight is reasonable. My size 12 D safety toe weighs 2.55 pounds:

What I probably appreciate the most about these Thorogood steel toe farm boots is how well they’ve held up despite taking on a decent amount of abuse over the years. As you can see, there is no splitting on the toes or heels, and the seams have all held up well.

Click here to buy these Thorogood boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These will, in my opinion, be the best option on the market today if you are looking for leather steel toe farm boots that are made here in the USA.

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Wolverine Men’s Rancher 10″ Pull On Steel Toe Work Boot

Wolverine is another well-known name for work boots and they make a wide range of boots including pull on steel toe boots. Here’s what these Wolverine Men’s Rancher work boots look like:

This is the current price of these Wolverine Rancher pull on steel toe chore boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:

• Design – These are 10-inch boots that will fit up near the calf muscle. They are made with 100% leather uppers and have a square-toe design. Goodyear welt construction.

• Safety – Yes, these are pull-on steel-toe work boots. They also have a slip-resistant outsole.

• Summer – These slip on steel toe boots have a moisture wicking mesh lining that can help pull sweat away from your body to help keep your feet cool and dry in the summer heat.

These are another good option if you need a steel toe farm boot that doesn’t weigh you down like a brick. My size 12 regular weighs 2.22 pounds:

I wear a lot of Wolverine boots so I decided to give the Rancher a try, and I was a bit surprised that it actually weighed less than my Irish Setter Marshall pull on steel toe boots. For some reason, the Irish Setter Marshall boot when it’s on my foot feels lighter in weight.

This Wolverine leather steel toe chore boot has the waterproof protection I need, including a waterproof liner to keep my feet dry.

Click here to buy these Wolverine Rancher pull on steel toe farm boots at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide and extra-wide sizing is available for these boots.

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Best Women’s Steel Toe Farm Boots

• Muck Boot Chore Xf Steel Toe Farm Boots – Although there aren’t as many options for women’s steel toe rubber boots, Muck Boots does make a nice option. These women’s Muck Chore Boots are 100% waterproof and have a 5mm Neoprene bootie which provides warmth above the ankle. Click here to view these Muck Women’s Chore Boots available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

• Cat Footwear Revolver Steel Toe Work Boots – If you are shopping for leather women’s steel toe chore boots, these Caterpillar Boots will be a nice option. These are mid-calf work boots that are made with 100% leather uppers and rubber, oil-resistant outsoles. Click here to view these Caterpillar leather work boots available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

• Adtec Women’s Steel Toe Logger Boots – If you are shopping for a lace-up women’s steel toe farm boot, these Adtec loggers will be a nice option. The raised heel helps elevate your foot out of the mud and the water-resistant leather helps keep you dry. These also work nicely as riding boots. Click here to view these boots available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

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7 Things to Consider When Buying Steel Toe Farm Boots

PVC vs Rubber Steel Toe Chore Boots

I discussed this briefly earlier in the article, but PVC boots are a popular alternative to rubber boots because PVC is more economical to produce, meaning PVC boots are usually more affordable to buy. And they do share many of the same qualities that make rubber boots good for farm work.

Like rubber, a PVC steel toe farm boot will be waterproof and very easy to clean. In my experience, PVC is also quite lightweight compared to other materials, and might help balance out the weight of a steel safety toe.

But the main disadvantage with PVC work boots is they don’t handle cold weather as well as rubber, and can start to feel stiff. If you are working in a cold environment, you might want to option for an insulated rubber steel toe boot.

Composite Toe vs Steel Toe Boots

Do you absolutely need a steel toe farm boot? Yes, some situations absolutely call for a steel safety toe, but the drawback is a steel toe boot can be very heavy, and sometimes uncomfortable to wear.

Some people like to use a composite safety toe instead, which offer toe protection but is often much lighter-in-weight than a steel safety toe. But, it is very important to note that a composite safety toe does not offer as much protection as a steel toe, and therefore won’t be safe for all work environments.

Made in USA Boots

Unfortunately today, most work boots are imported. But, the good news is that you do still have a few options that are made here in the USA if you prefer to wear American-made boots.

Actually, there are several types of PVC boots that are made here in the USA. If you want to explore your USA-made options, visit our articles linked below:

• PVC work boots
• Rubber Boots Made in USA
• Waterproof Boots Made in USA
• Pull On Boots Made in USA
• Insulated Boots Made in USA
• Steel Toe Boots Made in USA
• Logger Boots Made in USA

Lace Up vs Slip On Chore Boot

When most people think of steel toe chore boots, they imagine slip on boots. Using a slip-on boot removes laces, which creates less hassle and less opportunity for mud and debris to enter the boot. But lace up boots also have some advantages.

Most importantly, laces help secure the boot to your foot, which can be important if you are working in wet, slippery conditions. Using a lace-up logger boot is a popular choice for many farmers and ranchers.

Logger boots have a raised heel, which for farmers, can help elevate the foot out of the muck and the mud of a barnyard. The raised heel also works well with stirrups if you need a pair of riding boots.

On the list at the top of the page, I like the Georgia logger boots. These boots have a kiltie under the laces to help protect from water and debris slipping in.

Here is what my new pair of Georgia Loggers looks like:

This is the current price of these Georgia Boots Loggers available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a waterproof design and an abrasion-resistant rubber outsole.

Again, lace-up boots can have their disadvantages when it comes to farm work, but if you appreciate extra foot and ankle support, lace-up steel toe farm boots may be the way to go. Just don’t expect lace-up boots to hold out debris as well as slip on boots.

Outsole on Your Steel Toe Chore Boots

Traditional outsoles have a raised heel, and that is what you will find for most types of steel toe farm boots. These types of boots will usually have a clearly defined lug pattern which helps to add grip (my favorite rubber sole cowboy boots).

These traditional outsoles are useful, but one drawback is they can be very bad at accumulating and tracking in mud. If you are working in a sloppy barnyard, mud may be an issue.

Again, this is why I like pull on rubber boots because I can easily slip them off and hose them down when needed. But if you want to explore other options, one way to cut down on the tracking of mud is to buy a wedge sole boot.

Wedge outsoles are flat, don’t track mud as bad, and also are often more comfortable to wear since they help evenly distribute the stress across the bottom of the foot. It’s something to at least consider (steel toe wedge boots). Here is a look at the wedge sole of one of my work boots:

If you want to explore wedge sole options, visit our article about the best pull on wedge sole work boots.

Height of Your Steel Toe Chore Boots

As I mentioned earlier in the article, you will definitely want to consider the shaft height of the boot. Obviously, steel toe chore boots that fit higher up your leg not only offer more abrasion resistance, they also provide more weather protection to your leg.

Most steel toe farm boots will have shafts in the 12-15 inch range, but there are also ankle farm boots on the market today. For example, if you prefer more of an ankle Chelsea-style boot, then I would recommend the Caterpillar Stormer boots on our list at the top of the page.

Steel Shank

You’re shopping for a steel toe chore boot, but what about the shank? A shank is a supportive piece in the midsole of a boot that help provide form and structure to the boot, and also offers some underfoot pierce protection.

Some, but not all, steel toe farm boots will also use a steel shank. Steel shanks can be useful for those climbing ladders, kicking shovels, working or rocky terrain, or performing other types of tasks that can put extra stress on the bottom side of a work boot.