Many workers today need a proficient slip-resistant work boot, which may also be part of their work uniform or a legal requirement for their work environment.
Slip-resistant work boots are not just a part of your uniform, they are a shield against severe injuries and even death in the right setting. They protect you from slipping and falling, ensuring your safety in the workplace.[1][2]
Please check that the work boot you choose states that it has a slip-resistant outsole, usually rubber. Most outsoles will be slip and oil-resistant or chemical and abrasion-resistant.
So, in this article, we will look at some slip-resistant work boots to suit your needs.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Toe | Safety rating (maker-stated) | Waterproof | Height | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soft toe | ASTM F2892 + EH | Water-resistant | 10" | Duratread rubber |
| 2 | Steel | ASTM F2413 + EH | Not confirmed | 8" | MAXWear Wedge |
| 3 | Steel | ASTM F2413 + EH | Yes | 6" | Duratread rubber |
| 4 | Steel | EH | Yes | 8" | Rubber lug |
| 5 | Steel | ASTM F2413 + EH | Yes | Mid (5.5") | Rubber lug |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing or the maker’s site · Specs as stated by the listing or maker, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy
Why You Need Slip Resistant Work Boots
Before I answer, let’s first look at the science of slipping and how it affects you.
Understanding the science of slipping is crucial. A shoe or boot will slip because it loses friction and cannot stop moving. The amount of slip resistance a shoe offers depends on the friction available, a concept that we will delve into to ensure you are well-informed.[3]
The composition of the floor surface, your shoe’s tread, and even your shoe’s or boot’s internal sole affect slip resistance.
When it comes to slip resistance, you will need to look at outsole materials, the tread pattern, and the manufacturer labels to give you an idea of how slip-resistant a work boot is.[4]
Wearing a slip-resistant work boot will greatly reduce your chances of slipping and falling on an uneven, slippery, wet, or even oily floor surface in a work area.[5][6]
Work areas such as restaurants, kitchens, hospitals, and some industrial work environments have very slippery floor surfaces for which you will need a proper slip-resistant work boot or shoe.
Types of Slip Resistance
Slip-resistant work boots offer different levels of protection;
- Slip Resistance Only – Work boots that offer only slip resistance are ideal for slippery and wet floors. They usually have a rubber or PVC sole with a more lug tread and are ideal for most indoor and industrial floor surfaces. Slip-resistant work boots may be required for many companies, especially industrial ones.
- Oil and Slip Resistant – Slip-resistant work boots offer slip resistance for slippery, oily, greasy floor surfaces. This type of sole prevents degradation and helps reduce you from slipping on oils. Oil-resistant work boots also have a protective coating that helps to prevent oils from seeping through your work boot’s soles.
- Chemical Resistant and Slip Resistant – Some Slip-resistant work boots also offer chemical resistance. This means the sole is designed to withstand the degradation and penetration of liquids and harmful chemicals.
Features of a Good Slip Resistant Work Boot
- Uppers – The Uppers of the work boot should be durable genuine leather with Goodyear welt, Welt, or Cement construction for quality and durability. An interior moisture-wicking lining can help to wick away moisture inside the work boot.
- Comfort Features – Comfort Features include a padded or cushioned insole that may be removable in some models. Shock absorbency in the midsole is ideal in the form of a Wedge sole, EVA, or foam. A padded collar and tongue can also provide much comfort.
- Safety Features – A steel alloy or composite safety toe provides good toe protection. Electrical hazard-safe materials will protect you against electrical shock. Most work boots are likewise waterproof and have a slip-resistant outsole.
- Slip Resistance – Slip resistance can only be Oil and Slip or Slip resistance.
- Outsole – The outsole is usually durable or Vibram rubber with a lug slip-resistant tread.
- Options – Options available will most likely be in a few color varieties, width options, and plenty of sizes. Slip-resistant work boots come in either slip-resistant only or oil and slip-resistant models, as you will see throughout our review range.
Our Picks: Slip Resistant Work Boots
This ear is our top favorite slip-resistant work boot;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
The Ariat Sierra is a men’s work boot, worth a look for workers on slick floors.[7][8]
- The Duratread outsole is oil- and slip-resistant, with a 90-degree heel. Traction like this may help on slick spots during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Ariat’s ATS technology is built for stability and comfort. That cushioning may help during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- It uses Goodyear welt construction, and Ariat lists it as heat- and abrasion-resistant.
- Per the listing, the full-grain leather upper has a six-row stitch pattern.
- It has a wide square toe. A better fit can make work on wet, oily or icy surfaces more comfortable.
2
The Thorogood American Heritage 8 Inch is a steel-toe men’s work boot, a sensible option for workers on slick floors.[9]
- The MAXWear wedge outsole is built to flex and grip on loose gravel and wet, oily surfaces. That grip can help your footing during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- A removable footbed sits on a Poron comfort cushion insole. It is designed for comfort through work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Per the listing, a fiberglass shank holds its shape under load.
- Goodyear welt construction makes it fully serviceable.
- The 8-inch upper is full-grain oil-tanned leather.
- It has a steel toe and is maker-rated to ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 EH.[3]
- The outsole is listed as slip-resistant.
3
The Ariat Treadfast is a 6-inch, waterproof, steel-toe men’s work boot, a sensible option for workers on slick floors.[10]
- Ariat says the Duratread outsole is oil- and slip-resistant, with a 90-degree heel. It is designed to help you stay steady during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Waterproof PRO construction makes the full-grain leather waterproof. That can help keep your feet dry during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Ariat’s 4LR technology and an All Day Cushioning insole add support and rebound. That cushioning may help during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- A mesh lining sits inside. That airflow can help your feet feel fresher during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- It has a steel toe and is maker-rated to ASTM F2413-18 EH.[3]
- It is a 6-inch boot.
4
The Carolina CA9824 is an 8-inch, waterproof, steel-toe men’s work boot, a sensible option for workers on slick floors.[11]
- Carolina says a slip-resistant rubber lug outsole grips varied surfaces. That grip can help your footing during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Carolina says a steel toe cap guards against impact and compression. That adds toe protection for work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- It has a fully waterproof design. It is designed to keep water out during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- A breathable lining lets sweat escape. That airflow can help your feet feel fresher during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Carolina lists electrical hazard (EH) protection.[3]
- It is an 8-inch boot.
5
The Keen Utility Detroit XT is a waterproof, steel-toe women’s work boot, a practical pick for workers on slick floors.[12]
- The non-marking rubber outsole is oil- and slip-resistant with a lug pattern. It is designed to help you stay steady during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Left and right asymmetrical steel toes give a roomier toe box. That toe protection is worth having during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- Per the listing, a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane works with a mesh liner. It is designed to keep water out during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- A KEEN.KEY-TECH FLEX TPU plate and contoured heel lock add support. Extra cushioning like this can be welcome during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- A removable PU footbed sits over a dual-density EVA midsole. Extra cushioning like this can be welcome during work on wet, oily or icy surfaces.
- It is maker-rated to ASTM F2413 I/75 C/75 EH (tested per ASTM F2412).
- The outsole is maker-rated to ASTM F2913 for slip resistance.
Index Table: Top Rated Slip Resistant Work Boots
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ariat Men's Sierra - Soft-Toe Slip Resistant Pull-On Work Boots |  |
| Ariat |
| 2 | Thorogood Men's American Heritage 8 Inch - Slip Resistant Work Boots |  |
| Thorogood |
| 3 | Ariat Men's Treadfast - Slip Resistant Work Boots |  |
| Ariat |
| 4 | Carolina Men's CA9824 - Slip Resistant Logger Work Boots |  |
| Carolina |
| 5 | Keen Utility Women's Detroit XT - Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot |  |
| Keen Utility |
Sources
General background on footwear safety and foot health. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- OSHA: 29 CFR 1910.136 – Foot protection Accessed October 17, 2026.
- OSHA: 29 CFR 1926.95 – Criteria for personal protective equipment Accessed October 17, 2026.
- ASTM International: F2413 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear Accessed October 17, 2026.
- CCOHS: Safety Footwear Accessed October 17, 2026.
- CCOHS: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls Accessed October 17, 2026.
- OSHA: Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Amazon: Ariat Men’s Sierra Wide Square Toe Work Boot (product listing). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Ariat: Sierra Wide Square Toe Work Boot (style 10010148) (maker page). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Amazon: Thorogood American Heritage 8″ Steel Toe Work Boots (804-4364) (product listing). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Amazon: Ariat Work Treadfast 6″ H2O Steel Toe (product listing). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Amazon: Carolina 8″ Steel Toe Logger Boots CA9824 (product listing). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Amazon: KEEN Utility Women’s Detroit XT Mid Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot (product listing). Accessed October 17, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Product picks checked for availability; removed Thorogood VGS-300 Work Boot and an earlier Keen Utility Detroit XT listing (unavailable) and added the current Keen Utility Detroit XT; corrected the Sierra toe type and EH standard, the Thorogood outsole (MAXWear Wedge, not Vibram), and the Carolina lining and footbed from the product listings; filled the Key Specs; added Sources (CCOHS, OSHA, ASTM International, Ariat, product listings).
- Nov 2023: Added Keen Utility Detroit XT Work Boot
- Sep 2021: First published
