This article is a comparison of the Timberland Pit Boss vs Direct Attach work boots. In general, both can work as heavy-duty premium work boots, but the Direct Attach boots are insulated and work best in winter, while the Pit Boss boots weigh less, aren’t as bulky, and use heat-resistant rubber best for hot weather.
If you are shopping for Timberland work boots, here’s what you need to know about some of their most popular options:
- Timberland PRO Men’s Wedge Sole Boot – These Wedge Sole boots have the rolled moccasin style toe that gives them a unique look in comparison to most work boots. Flat sole great for iron workers. Full grain leather, electrical hazard protection. Available in soft toe.
- Timberland PRO Boondock Waterproof Work Boots – These are a great option for those needing waterproof or winter boots. The Boondock boots come in several different versions (soft and steel toe), including an insulated version for winter.
- Timberland PRO Pit Boss Work Boots – The Pit Boss boots are one of the most popular work boots on the market. These boots aren’t quite as bulky as other types of work boots. Great summer boots. True to size and comfortable. Come in soft toe and steel toe. We review these boots in this article.
- Timberland PRO Direct Attach Work Boots – The Direct Attach boots are one of the most premium work boots on the market. Classic Timberland style. These boots come with an oil-resistant, thick outsole that provides both traction and comfort. Insulated and waterproof; great for winter. Ultra comfortable near the collar. Come in soft toe and steel toe. We review these boots in this article.
To read more about how Timberland boots fit, visit our article: Timberland Boots Sizing.
In this article we will focus solely on comparing the Pit Boss vs Direct Attach boots. The Direct Attach boots are insulated and make for great winter work boots. The Pit Boss boots have heat-resistant rubber soles that make them great summer work boots.
There are other differences in size and construction between the Pit Boss vs Direct Attach that you will want to consider. Let’s start with some basic information:
| Pit Boss | Direct Attach | |
| Steel Toe | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Toe | Yes | Yes |
| 6″ Boots | Yes | Yes |
| 8″ Boots | No | Yes |
| Insulated | No | Yes |
| Anti Odor | Yes | Yes |
| Oil Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (lbs) | 1.58 | 2.00 |
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Padded Collar | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Build | Stitchdown | Direct Attach |
*Weight based off 6″ steel-toe size 9.
Pit Boss vs Direct Attach
Although these boots are similar in that both are well-made boots that come in both a soft-toe and steel-toe version, there are many differences. Let’s take a look at some of the most important differences between the Timberland Pit Boss vs Direct Attach boots.
Pit Boss Direct Attach
What you need to know
In general, the Direct Attach is a premium work boot that checks just about every box you could ever need in a boot. The Direct Attach is waterproof, insulated, oil-resistant, anti-odor, extremely comfortable, and has electrical hazard protection. They make for great winter boots.
Although the Pit Boss boots are also very comfortable and have several of the same qualities (anti-odor, oil-resistant, electrical hazard protection), the Pit Boss boots do lack a few things in comparison to the Direct Attach boots.
The Pit Boss boots are not certified waterproof and are not insulated. The waterproof construction and Thermolite® 200g insulation make the Direct Attach boots one of the best winter work boots on the market.
But not everyone is looking for a winter work boot. If you are searching for a summer work boot in a dry climate, the Pit Boss boots might make more sense (Pit Boss boots use heat-resistant rubber). Remember, you can always add spray waterproof protection to the outside of your boots to help them repel water.
Reasons to Buy the Pit Boss Boots
Here’s what I really like about the Pit Boss boots: they aren’t extremely heavy. The Pit Boss boots aren’t huge and bulky like traditional work boots, and because of that, they weigh a bit less than other boots (including less than the Direct Attach boots). For me, this is important.
I use the Pit Boss boots as my go-to safety toe work boots. In general, many types of steel toe boots are heavy, and can really weight down the feet over the course of a work day. Because the Pit Boss boots aren’t incredibly bulky, this helps keep the weight down.
If the overall weight of a boot is something that matters a lot to you, then the Pit Boss boots are a great option. They are dependable, give you trustworthy protection, and don’t feel like bricks on your feet.
Also, because these boots don’t have insulation, they work as a great summer work boot. They also use heat-resistant rubber for the outsoles to help control temperature inside the boot.
Pit Boss boot’s features:
- Leather upper construction
- Offered only in 6″
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- Heat-resistant Rubber
- Slip, oil and abrasion resistant bottoms
- Padded top collars
- Nylon shock-diffusion plates for support
- Antimicrobial treatment for odor control
- Timberland PRO’s 24/7 Comfort System
Reasons to Buy the Direct Attach Boots
The Direct Attach boots are one of the most premium work boots on the market. They have more premium features than the Pit Boss boots (but will also cost a bit more).
I personally think the Direct Attach boots are the most comfortable work boots available. The upper collar is extremely comfortable and probably what stands out the most to me in comparison to other boots. The fit around the ankle is perfect for me.
As I mentioned earlier, the Pit Boss boots are my go-to steel toe boots because the overall weight of the boots is less (because the steel toe adds weight, I prefer a lighter boot). The Direct Attach, however, is my favorite premium soft-toe boot because of how comfortable it is.
The Direct Attach boots are awesome winter work boots. They have a waterproof construction and are insulated with Thermolite® 200g insulation to help keep your foot warm in harsh winter conditions.
The Direct Attach boots are offered in both 6″ and 8″ versions, while the Pit Boss boots are only offered in 6″ versions.
Direct Attach boot’s features:
- Leather upper construction
- Offered in both 6″ and 8″
- Waterproof, seam-sealed
- Quick-drying, moisture-resistant Thermolite® 200g insulation
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- Slip, oil and abrasion resistant bottoms
- Padded top collars
- Nylon shock-diffusion plates for support
- Antimicrobial treatment for odor control
- Timberland PRO’s 24/7 Comfort System
- Anti-Fatigue Technology