Wearing safety toe boots can be a chore, but the nice thing about composite and steel toe wedge boots is the wedge sole can provide some additional comfort to your workday to help balance it all out. I’ve been wearing the Thorogood American Heritage steel toe wedge work boots for several years, and have found them to be very comfortable and dependable.
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These are our choices for the best composite & steel toe wedge sole boots for work:
- *STEEL* Thorogood American Heritage USA Steel Toe Wedge Boots (click here to view)
- *STEEL* Danner Bull Run USA Steel Toe Wedge Work Boot (click here to view)
- *COMP* Brunt Marin Composite Toe Wedge Work Boots (click here to view)
- *STEEL* Carolina Moc Toe Wedge USA CA7811 Boots (click here to view)
- *COMP* KEEN Men’s Cincinnati Waterproof Composite Toe Wedge Boots (click here to view)
- *STEEL* Thorogood 1957 Series Men’s Wedge Safety Toe Boots (click here to view)
- *COMP* Ariat Men’s Rebar H2O Composite Toe Wedge Work Boots (click here to view)
- *STEEL* Wolverine Loader 8″ Moc Steel Toe Wedge Boots (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Danner Bull Run Steel Toe Wedge Work Boots (click here to view)
- *Women’s* KEEN Utility Cincinnati Waterproof Composite Toe Wedge Boots (click here to view)
Obviously, if you’re interested in a wedge sole, you probably already know that they are best used on smooth work surfaces like concrete, tile, packed dirt, etc. The flat sole helps evenly distribute stress across the bottom of the foot, and is often more comfortable than a raised-heel outsole.
But because wedge sole boots don’t have that raised heel, they don’t provide the same type of grip in rocky, uneven terrain that a deep-lug outsole would. Despite that, there are still several types of outdoor jobs that might find a wedge sole work boot to be useful.
In this article let’s take a closer look at these composite and steel toe wedge work boots so you can find an option that fits your needs. Because we don’t know the demands of your job, please make sure the option you choose meets the safety requirements of your job. For oxford shoes, visit our article about the best steel toe oxford shoes.
Best Composite & Steel Toe Wedge Work Boots
Thorogood American Heritage Steel Toe Wedge Work Boots
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 American Heritage Steel Toe Wedge Work Boots look like (about 3 years old):
This is the current price of these Thorogood steel toe wedge boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Materials – These boots are made in the USA with 100% leather uppers and have a rubber midsole combined with shock-absorption footbeds for under-foot comfort. The wedge sole is both oil and slip-resistant. Both the stitching and laces have held up well over time on my boots.
- Sizing – In my experience, these boots fit true to size. But I must note that I personally don’t have wide feet – if you do, make sure you order wide sizing because I could see these boots feeling snug near the toe pad. You can expect these leather boots to stretch out a bit as you break them in.
- Safety – Yes, these are steel toe wedge work boots. They also come in plain toe versions. Despite being steel toe, because these are unlined boots, the overall weight isn’t bad. My shoes weigh:
I’ve worn these boots a lot over the years and like how they easily transition from on to off the clock. They fit in nicely as casual boots to pair with jeans.
Click here to buy this Thorogood steel toe wedge boot available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots are re-craftable.
Danner Bull Run USA Steel Toe Wedge Boots
Danner boots is based out of Portland, Oregon. Danner was started when founder Charles Danner ventured to the Pacific Northwest to build premium work boots for loggers in 1932. Danner, still to this day, makes several styles of their boots here in the USA, including these popular Bull Run moc-toe boots.
Here is what these Danner Bull Run boots look like:
This is the current price of these Danner steel toe wedge boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – These boots are made in the USA using premium full grain leather uppers. They are unlined, which allows your feet to breathe better. These boots also have a steel shank for under-foot support.
- Safety – Yes, these are steel toe wedge sole boots. The wedge outsole itself is also slip and oil resistant.
- Sizing – The Danner Bull Run boots are made using a 503 last type. A last is a mold which is used to help form the overall shape and fit of a boot. The 503 has a casual fit, and in general, fits true-to-size.
Click here to buy this Danner steel toe wedge work boot available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots are re-craftable. Wide sizing is available for these boots.
Brunt Marin Waterproof Composite Toe Wedge Work Boots
Brunt is a newer workwear brand focused mainly, at this time, on work boots. Brunt likes to say they “build the tools you wear”. Brunt has launched into the workwear space by prioritizing cost reduction by eliminating the middle man, and selling directly to you the consumer.
One thing that really stands out as unique about Brunt, and why I think you should consider them, is their boots have an adjustable width so that you can match the boot to the shape of your foot. To widen their work boots, you just simply remove the gray insert from below your insole and your boot goes from regular fit (D) to relaxed fit (E+).
If you are concerned about buying from a newer brand, one cool thing that Brunt does to give you confidence is they have a 30-day no questions asked return window. This allows you to use your boots on the job, and if they don’t work for you, you can send them back.
I recently started wearing the Brunt Marin boot, and yes, these wedge boots come in a composite toe version (don’t currently have a steel toe wedge boot version). Here’s what my Brunt Marin Boots look like:
I have found these boots to be very comfortable and to fit true to size. These boots are waterproof and have a slip-resistant wedge outsole. Click here to view the price of these Brunt Marin composite toe wedge boots (affiliate link takes you to bruntworkwear.com).
KEEN Cincinnati Waterproof Comp Toe Wedge Work Boots
KEEN makes a wide range of footwear, all the way from sandals to work boots, and they do make a composite toe wedge boot. Here’s what these KEEN Cincinnati Work Boots look like:
This is the current price of these KEEN composite toe waterproof boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – The barnyard-resistant, full-grain leather upper combined with Goodyear-welted style, this boot can handle the longest, toughest workdays.
- Toe Protection – Yes, these are composite toe work boots. The left and right asymmetrical, carbon-fiber toes offer a more spacious toe box.
- Waterproof – These are waterproof wedge sole boots built with waterproof leather in addition to KEEN.DRY, a waterproof-yet-breathable membrane liner that keeps water out while allowing vapors to escape. This boot also features a moisture-wicking liner.
- Other Details – Oil- and slip-resistant wedge outsoles. KEEN Luftcell provides pillow-top cushioning for comfort that doesn’t quit.
Click here to buy these KEEN composite toe wedge boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.
Ariat Men’s Rebar H20 Wedge Composite Toe Boots
Ariat is a well-known footwear brand that strives to build high-performing and innovative footwear for all types of work environments. The Ariat Men’s Rebar H20 Boots are a great option to consider if you are looking for a round toe wedge sole work boot.
Here’s what these boots look like:
This is the current price of these Ariat waterproof wedge boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – This boot is built tough from 100% full-grain leather with flexible Goodyear welt construction.
- Toe Protection – Yes, this boot has a composite safety toe. It’s also worth noting that these boots have a rounded toe, when many of the other options have a moc toe.
- Waterproof – This Ariat Rebar features Waterproof Pro construction with waterproof leather as well as a mesh lining, keeping your feet dry and comfortable in nearly any condition.
- Other Details – The Ariat footbed offers all-day support and cushioning on hard surfaces. The outsole is oil and slip-resistant.
Click here to buy these Ariat waterproof wedge work boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.
Other Composite & Steel Toe Wedge Boots to Consider
- Carolina Moc Toe Wedge USA CA7811 Boots – These steel toe wedge boots are made with leather uppers, and have a removable polyurethane footbed. They are steel toe and also have a steel shank (a shank is a supportive piece in the mid-sole of a boot). These boots are made in the USA and, in my opinion, have a price point that is a bit more affordable than other USA wedge boots. Click here to view these Carolina USA Steel Toe Wedge Work Boots (affiliate link takes you to Carolina Shoe’s website).
- Wolverine Loader 8″ Steel Toe Moc Wedge Boots – Many of the boots on our list are 6-inch work boots. If you want something that fits up even higher around your ankle, these Wolverine Loader 8″ wedge boots are a nice option. These are steel toe boots made with full-grain leather uppers and removable footbeds that can be replaced or cleaned. Click here to view these Wolverine wedge boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- KEEN Utility Cincinnati Women’s Compsite Toe Wedge Work Boots – KEEN also makes their popular Cincinnati boot in a women’s version. This boot is made using KEEN.DRY waterproof lining and has a slip-resistant wedge outsole. This is a composite toe work boot that is designed to have a wider fit for comfort. Click here to view this KEEN women’s composite toe wedge work boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
4 Things to Consider When Buying Safety Toe Wedge Work Boots
Outsole
Is a wedge sole best? Or would a traditional square heel boot make more sense?
The traditional square heel boots are built for rugged terrain. The 90-degree heel can help prevent slipping on things like a ladder and uneven terrain. The drawback is they aren’t usually as comfortable as a wedge sole.
The drawback to wedge is although they usually are slip-resistant, they are best used on smooth surfaces like a factory floor. If you are working on uneven, rugged terrain, it may be best to stick with a raised heel for extra slip protection.
If you are working on a factory floor and you are considering a wedge sole due to comfort, perhaps a safety toe athletic shoe might also interest you. For steel toe options, visit our article about the best low top steel toe shoes. For composite toe options, visit our article about the best low top composite toe shoes.
If you are set on buying a wedge sole, Vibram wedge soles are widely considered to be the best option. To read more, visit our article about the Best Vibram Wedge Sole Boots. For indoor/outdoor options, visit our article about the best composite toe hiker boots.
Insulated
If you work outside during the winter, insulated boots might be needed. The weight of insulation used will vary boot to boot.
The standard weight of insulation is usually 400 grams, although it can range anywhere from 200 grams all the way to 2000 grams. For many workers, 400 grams will be the right amount, but there are exceptions.
If you want to read more about insulated boots, visit our article about the best insulated wedge work boots
Toe Shape
Wedge sole boots are often combined with a moc-toe, but there are also round toe versions available. Round toe vs moc toe usually just comes down to personal preference. Our list does offer a round toe option (Ariat).
One potential advantage is some moc-toe boots have a wider toe box, which gives your toes extra breathing room.
Made in USA
Do you prefer to buy American made boots? Yes, work boots made in the USA usually have better quality, but they are usually more expensive too.
If you are looking for a steel toe wedge work boot, both the Thorogood and Danner boots on our list are made in the USA. To read more, visit our article about the Best Wedge Sole Work Boots Made in the USA. If you want to see all of your steel toe options, visit our article about the Best Steel Toe Boots Made in the USA.
If you want a composite toe wedge work boot that is made in the USA, then I would recommend these Thorogood boots style 804-4210 available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). For more USA composite toe options, visit our article about the Best Composite Toe Boots Made in the USA.