As you probably know, Vibram makes premium, dependable outsoles for many types of footwear, including work boots. Finding Vibram wedge sole boots can be a bit difficult because many major brands that make wedge sole work boots will use a cheaper, more generic sole to reduce costs. But if you prefer Vibram, you do have options.
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These are my choices for the best wedge sole boots that use a Vibram sole:
- Thursday Boot Company Diplomat Lace-Up Wedge Boots (click here to view)
- Viberg Men’s Wedge Sole Scout Boot (click here to view)
- Tecovas “The Knox” Vibram Wedge Sole Roper Boots (click here to view)
- White’s Made in USA Rambler Wedge Sole Boot (click here to view)
- Chippewa Men’s Edge Walker Work Boots (click here to view)
- Georgia Boot Men’s Small Batch Round Toe Wedge (click here to view)
- White’s Foreman Lace-to-Toe Vibram Wedge Boots (click here to view)
- Duluth Trading Co. Men’s Wedgestone Boots (click here to view)
- Georgia Boot Men’s Small Batch Moc Toe Wedge (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Duluth Trading Co. Wedgestone Work Boots (click here to view)
All the brands on this list are popular boot brands that have earned a reputation for making dependable boots. Our list contains both moc-toe wedge boots, and round-toe wedge boots.
Even though wedge boots are comfortable, and stylish, they don’t make sense for all jobs. Let’s start by discussing a few things you should consider before you buy a wedge sole work boot.
5 Things to Consider When Buying Vibram Wedge Sole Boots
Waterproof
Do you need waterproof protection. Not all wedge work boots will come with waterproof lining built in.
If you work outdoors, in the elements, and need water protection, visit our article about the best waterproof wedge 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.
Toe Shape
Wedge sole work 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. Some moc toe work boots do provide a little extra space for your toes (best wedge sole cowboy 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
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.
To read more, visit our article about the Best Wedge Sole Work Boots Made in the USA.
Also, do you need a custom boot? This can help reduce the break in process and make for a comfortable fit from the beginning. Yes, leather boots will stretch, so even stock boots can form, over time, to your foot, but custom boots are a great option for cranky feet.
Best Vibram Wedge Sole Boots
Georgia Boot Vibram Wedge Sole Boots
Georgia Boot is owned by Rocky Brands, a footwear company based out of Ohio. They are a trusted boot brand that has a wide variety of boots, and a wide variety of Vibram wedge sole boots.
They have 3 specific versions that I want to discuss.
Moc Toe Wedge
This is the current price of these Georgia moc-toe wedge boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – Full grain leather uppers.
- Toe Type – These are soft toe boots. They do not have a safety toe.
- Outsole – Yes, these have a Vibram wedge outsole.
- Footbeds – The footbeds in these boots are removable in case you need to clean or swap them.
- Shank – These boots do have a steel shank
Round Toe Wedge
This is the current price of these Georgia wedge round toe boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – Full grain leather uppers.
- Outsole – Yes, these have a Vibram wedge outsole.
- Toe Type – These are soft toe boots. They do not have a safety toe.
- Shank – These boots do have a steel shank
- Footbeds – The footbeds in these boots are removable in case you need to clean or swap them.
Georgia Chukka Wedge
This is the current price of these Georgia wedge chukka boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – Full grain leather uppers.
- Toe Type – Round toe, soft toe boots.
- Outsole – Yes, these have a Vibram wedge outsole.
- Chukka – Low profile chukka design
- Footbeds – The footbeds in these boots are removable in case you need to clean or swap them.
Thursday Boot Company Diplomat Lace-Up Wedge Boots
Thursday Boot Company believes in clean, timeless designs, and they have a classic moc-toe wedge boot (called the Diplomat Boot) that uses a Vibram outsole.
Here’s what these boots look like:
This is the current price of these Thursday wedge moc-toe boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – Leather uppers.
- Toe Type – Moc-toe, soft toe boots.
- Outsole – Yes, these have a Vibram wedge outsole.
- Midsoles – Cork bed mid soles that add comfort and will form to your feet over time.
- Insoles – The Poron shock-absorbing insoles on these boots are anti-microbial, meaning not only will they add comfort, but they can also help control odor.
- Shank – These boots do have a steel shank
Click here to buy these Thursday wedge moc-toe boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Thursday recommends customers order a half size smaller than typical shoe size.
Other Vibram Wedge Sole Boots to Consider
- 5.11 Tactical Men’s Apex Vibram Wedge Boots – 5.11 is a trusted name in service workwear, and the 5.11 Apex Boots do have Vibram wedge outsoles. These boots are made with premium leather and feature a covert pocket for tactical use.
- Nicks Boots Traveler Wedge Work Boots – Nicks Boots was founded in 1964 in Spokane WA, and has always specialized in making premium, handmade work boots. Nicks Traveler Work Boots is made with premium leather, Vibram outsoles, and can be custom fit.
- White’s Foreman Lace-to-Toe Wedge Boots – White’s Boots has been a family-owned business since it was founded in 1920. White’s Foreman Boots are lace-to-toe wedge work boots made in the USA. Yes, they have Vibram outsoles. Click here to see the design of these White’s Foreman boots, and the current price.
- Duluth Trading Co. Vibram Wedge Sole Work Boots – Duluth Trading is a workwear brand established in 1989, but has really gained steam during the recent decade. They have several types of Vibram wedge sole boots for both men and women. Click here to view their men’s wedge sole Vibram boots.
- Red Wing Traction Tred Chukka Boots – Red Wing Shoe Company was founded in 1905 by Charles Beckman in Red Wing, Minnesota. They do offer a pair of chukka boots that use Vibram wedge outsoles. These boots are made with premium leather made from US-raised cattle. Click here to view these boots at redwingshoes.com.
The Benefits of Wedge Work Boots
If you work on a factory floor, or even on some construction sites, you need something that is tough, but also appropriate for that environment. For example, you absolutely don’t need to wear a heavy-duty outdoor boot if you work in a factory.
If you work on a factory floor, you need a boot that can, yes, provide proper support and toughness, but with a build and style that is more appropriate and comfortable for an indoor environment.
Many factory jobs are great opportunities to turn to a more comfortable Vibram wedge sole boot.
I see people all the time working on a factory floor with a heavy-duty boot that has a rugged lug pattern. It’s overkill, and it’s stealing comfort.
Wedge soles are comfortable, in part, because the flat sole helps evenly distribute the stress across the entire bottom of the foot.
Standard raised heel boots, although rugged and great for uneven terrain, focus the majority of the stress to specific spots on your foot, like your heel or toe pad. This can lead to irritation.
A wedge sole work boot is a comfortable alternative to a raised heel boot. But again, it’s about matching your needs with a boot.
If you work on harsh, uneven terrain, a wedge sole boot does not make much sense for you (because the raised, square heel add extra slip protection).
But if you work on concrete, tile, plywood, carpet, or packed dirt (etc), wearing a wedge sole work boot is a great way to add some comfort. And choosing a Vibram wedge sole boot gives you a dependable outsole with proven comfort.