Best Lace Up Work Boots

There has always been a long debate around the Pull-On and Lace-Up Workboot design.

Each work boot, whether a pull-on or a lace-up, offers unique benefits and styles. However, the lace-up work boot, with its versatility and adaptability to different work environments, stands out. Its distinctive advantages, such as the ability to adjust the fit and the added ankle support, will leave you feeling well-informed and confident in your choice.

Lace-up work boots, with their array of safety features, including a lace-up closure for a secure fit, a safety toe, waterproofing, electrical hazard-safe materials, and a slip-resistant outsole, provide a high level of security and protection. This emphasis on safety will make you feel secure and protected in your work environment.

In this article, our goal is to compare pull-on and lace-up work boots, discussing their unique features and benefits. We aim to guide you in choosing the right work boot for your specific occupation, supporting you in making an informed decision.



What Are Pull-On and Lace-Up Work Boots?

Reviewing the quality of Lace Up Work Boots
Pull-on work boots have a much different application than lace-up work boots.

Both work boots make outstanding industrial, outdoor, and safety work boots. However, there are distinct differences between the two, and instances where one will be a better choice. We will guide you on choosing the right work boot for your specific occupation, based on these differences.

  • Lace-Up Work Boots are – Lace-up work boots come with a lace-up closure and lace material that allow you to get a more secure fitting of the work boot. Lace-up work boots generally offer better ankle support because you can get a much tighter and more secure fit. Lace-up work boots are durable and offer a more snug fit that you can adjust, which is the main difference. They are ideal for outdoor and construction work and other Industrial work and environments. However, there are better choices than lace-up work boots if you need completely seam-sealed, waterproof, and weatherproof.
  • Pull-On Work Boots – The pull-on work boots have no laces and may sometimes have a zip closure, or you can pull them on and off. Pull-on work boots are easy to wear, offer a more generous fit, and make for the ideal work boots. Pull-on work boots are a great design if you need full protection against liquids, and most chemically resistant and fully waterproof work boots are generally pull-on. They are ideal for ranch, laboratory, farming, and similar occupations. Pull-on work boots will not be adjustable in fit and may be less snug. They are also ideal if you need to change shoes frequently because they easily pull on and off, and there is no need for laces.

Proper maintenance and care of your work boots are essential to ensure they continue to provide the necessary protection. By following our tips on maintaining and caring for your work boots, you can feel responsible and proactive in ensuring workplace safety.


Comparing Pull-On and Lace-Up Work Boots

If you are still not sure, here are a few benefits of wearing lace-up work boots in comparison to pull-on work boots;
Analyzing the comfortability of Lace Up Work Boots

  • Fit – One of the top benefits of a lace-up boot is the fit. Lace-up work boots can be adjusted to give you the fit that suits you, which is also much more secure and stable for your feet. Lace-up work boots are also ideal for feet that swell, as you can easily loosen or tighten the fit.
  • Safety – Lace-up work boots can provide safety features and protection like a pull-on work boot. However, their only downfall is that because of the laces, you will never be able to fully submerge the workboat in a liquid, even if it is waterproof.
  • Good Ankle Support – A Lace-Up work boot offers more stable and comfortable ankle support because of the collar and fit. Because the fit is adjustable, you will not worry about a looser fit boot in the ankle as the leather stretches and is worn in. Thus, a lace-up work boot is a much better choice for your ankles.
  • Safer – Because lace-up work boots offer a more secure fit, they are generally much safer than pull-on work boots. There may be an incident where your feet get stuck, and your pull-on work boots can slip off or pull off your feet. However, this is less likely with a lace-up work boot. Pull-on work boots may also have a loose fit that can cause chafing, blisters, or heel slippage.

Features of a Good Lace Up Work Boot

Examining the features of Lace Up Work Boots

  • Uppers – The Uppers of most lace-up work boots will be genuine or synthetic leather; some may have mesh insets for breathability and a textile lining to wick away moisture. Most lace-up work boots are short or ankle-length work boots that range between 6 and 8 inches.
  • Comfort and Support – For comfort, a lace-up work boot may have a cushioned insole of a footbed and a shock-absorbing foam or EVA midsole. There may be a stability support shank, arch support, or an ergonomically shaped footbed for more support.
  • Outsole – The Outsole of most work boots is rubber or Vibram rubber. They usually have a patterned or lug tread that offers slip resistance or oil and slip resistance.
  • Safety – The basic safety features include a steel or composite safety toe, electrical hazard-safe materials, waterproofing, and slip resistance. Additional safety features include heat resistance, chemical resistance, a puncture-proof sole, metatarsal guards, and abrasion resistance.
  • Options – Most work boots come in many sizes, and sometimes width options and color ranges are usually limited and neutral.
  • Closure – The Closure system for the work boots today will be a lace-up closure that can be normal or speed laces.

Reviews: The Best Lace Up Work Boots

These are some of our best available lace-up closure work boots;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1
Reviewed by: David Alegeta Score: 98.4

  • The Timberland Pro Pitboss is a steel-toe lace-up work boot.
  • It has genuine leather uppers and a sturdy lace-up closure.
  • The work boot features a slip-resistant rubber sole and a very durable construction.
  • It also has a steel safety toe.
  • As you can see, it features all the necessary safety features. However, the Pit Boss also has a very comfortable and cushioned footbed.


2
  • The Keen Durand is a waterproof hiking-style lace-up work boot.
  • It has an all-terrain, dual-compound rubber outsole for better grip.
  • There are comfortable leather and synthetic uppers with a secure lace-up system.
  • The work boots are designed for support and stability on uneven surfaces.
  • They are also fully waterproof.


3
  • The Chippewa is a lace-up work boot for men.
  • The work boot has leather uppers, a waterproof lining, and a lace-up closure.
  • They have a durable and slip-resistant outsole made of rubber.
  • The lace-up hardware is also non-tarnishable.


4
  • The Columbia Newton Ridge is a comfortable lace-up work boot.
  • It has leather, suede, breathable mesh uppers, and lace-up closure.
  • The work boots feature advanced waterproofing technology and responsive cushioning.
  • They are durable and come in many color selections.

 Wearing the Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoe from Columbia

5
  • The Keen Utility work boot also has a non-tarnishable hardware lace-up system.
  • It has textile uppers and a steel protective toe.
  • The work boots are fully waterproof and have a slip-resistant rubber outsole.
  • They are comfortable and cushioned, with a moisture-wicking interior lining.

Trying the Lansing Mid Height Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots KEEN Utility

6
  • The Timberland Pro Direct Attach is a steel-toe, lace-up work boot.
  • The work boots have leather uppers, steel safety toes, and lace-up closure.
  • They have a durable heat, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsole.
  • There are anti-fatigue technology, comfort, and cushioning features inside.

Testing the Direct Attach 6-Inch Steel Safety Toe Insulated Waterproof Industrial Work Boot from Timberland PRO

Index Table: Top Rated Lace Up Work Boots

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Timberland PRO Men's Pit Boss - Lace Up Work Boot
  • Steel Toe
  • Leather
  • Slip Resistant
Timberland PRO98.4
2Keen Men's Durand 2 - Lace UP Work Boot
  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • EVA Footbed
  • SlIp Resistant
  • Rustproof Lace Up
Keen98
3Chippewa Men's Waterproof - Insulated Lace Up Work Boot
  • Insulated
  • Waterproof
  • Dri-Lining
  • Non-Tarnishable Lace Up Hardware
Chippewa98
4Columbia Men's Newton Ridge - Lace Up Work Boot
  • Waterproof
  • Suede Leather and Mesh
  • Adjustable Lace Up Fit
Columbia97
5Keen Utility Men's Lansing - Lace Up Hiking Style Work Boot
  • Steel toe
  • waterproof
  • Slip Resistant
  • Stability Shank
  • Electrical Hazard Safe
Keen Utility97.8
6Timberland PRO Women's Direct Attach - Lace Up Work Boot
  • Steel Toe
  • Waterproof
  • Insulated
Timberland PRO97.5


About the Author

David Alegeta

A Long Distance Hiker and Hiking Instructor, with over 20,000 miles of experience. David joined Work Boot Magazine as an Editor and Consultant.