If your boots could talk, oh what stories they could tell. For both men and women, the journey down life's road may be similar in miles, but certainly not in boot styles. Though a basic part of every wardrobe, there are as many boot designs as there are paths to walk. Still, there are five types of boots you should have on-hand to keep your feet happy at every turn.

The first boots on record date back to drawings on the walls of Spanish caves, with women's lower legs and feet wrapped in fur and men in more simple leather versions. illustrations of these types of boots, wrapped and worn as protection from the outdoor elements, were also discovered in Asiatic and Arctic cultures. 

The wearers tied the boots around their legs with thin strips of leather for the purpose of holding the wrapped skins in place. These first types of boots were clearly created for the practical purpose of placing a layer between the feet and the ground, and as a source of warmth in cold climates.

In the ancient world, ornate and colorful boots began to appear as a way of demonstrating power and rank. Commonly seen on the feet of the military, in Rome, rank was demonstrated by the height of a man's boots. 

Most people in early civilized cultures across the world did not have the advantage of wearing even basic shoes, as leather was scarce and, therefore, expensive. It is for this reason the first boots worn by most people were a combination of simple stockings with leather soles. What began as utilitarian, quickly became a statement of power and fashion for both men and women.

The simple answer is, yes. You need more than one pair of boots. In fact, there are particular types of boots everyone should have in their shoe wardrobe. But let's start, as our ancestors did, with the types of boots we need for work.

The type of job you perform dictates the type of boots you need to wear. If you work in construction, you will want to wear boots that protect your feet, with steel or reinforced toes and strong thick leather. On construction sites, it is most important to have boots that support your back and balance. 

You also want boots with soles that are hard and thick enough to keep nails or debris of any kind from penetrating your boot into the bottom of your foot. Work boots rugged enough for construction work can be stiff at first, and tough to break in, but will protect you well and last you longer than a softer style.

For those whose jobs have you working outdoors, you will want to be sure to wear boots that will protect you from the elements. Waterproof boots are a must, or boots you can treat with a waterproofing product to seal them from leakage. Liquids from streams, mud, or other damp locations can not only seep into your clothes and skin, causing discomfort, but they can also carry bacteria that you can easily avoid by wearing the right gear.

What began as a utilitarian invention created from man's (and woman's) need to cover their feet, has grown into a category of shoes made by innumerable companies and almost every designer, for every occasion. Today, boots of all kinds take center stage—at events—and on the shelves in many people's closets, but there are basics.

For men, a wardrobe of boots includes at least one pair of work boots, dress boots, cowboy (western style) or other casual boots, rain boots, and a pair of hiking or motorcycle boots, depending on what best suits your lifestyle. For women, it is essentially the same, although there are so many styles, most will tell you that the basic six can easily turn into sixty-plus. Boot collecting can turn into a honey of a habit.

Regarding the dizzying amount of boot styles you can find, there is good news. Today's clothing fashions are even more diverse than boot choices! Where there were once standard do's and don'ts on how to pair shoes with clothes and accessories, there are very few rules in the fashion world today. As mentioned earlier, hiking boots can look as adorable with a dress as they can paired with a pair of rolled-up jeans. Of course, it depends on the dress, but the rule of thumb is, if it fits your style, it fits!

Mix it up. Try different types of boots with suits you once wore only with pumps. Tuck your leggings into thigh-high boots and see how those funky wedged sneaker-boots look with a denim mini-skirt.

The invention of boots was born from man's need for protection long before manufacturers began making them in so many styles, for uncountable purposes. Boots enable firefighters to march into burning buildings, fishermen to wade safely into water, and skiers to fly down hills and into the air for sport and competition. Over time, they have also walked their way onto fashion runways and store shelves.

Today, we see and wear many types of boots, both for function and fashion. Sometimes, even for outrageous fun. And if someone doesn't like what we wear, what are they going to do about it? Boot us out of town?

​Featured Image Source: Pixabay

When it comes to our feet, there is nothing more annoying than a boot that doesn't fit right. Wearing an ill-fitting boot can lead to pinched toes, blisters, swelling, pain in the arch of the foot, plantar fasciitis, and other foot-related issues, such as ingrown toenails. In short, wearing the wrong size of boot is a problem. The problem begs a question: how do you know your boot size?

Surprisingly, most Americans don't wear the right size of sneaker let alone boots, which are constructed differently and are less forgiving when it comes to sizing. In fact, over 70 of both men and women are wearing the wrong size of shoe and ignoring all shoe-related pain as if wearing shoes is supposed to hurt. For work boots, withstanding that discomfort day in and day out is not an option. So, how do you know your boot size? Asking the question is a step in the right direction.

How Do You Know Your Boot Size?

The easiest way to know which size work boot you should be buying is to take a peek at the size of your retired boots. If you are buying from the same brand and had no issues with the comfort of the boot, then you should be able to buy a new pair based on your old boot size.

However, if you are switching brands or have had issues with the comfort of your boot in the past, then it's probably best for you to rethink your boot size before you buy. The fact of the matter is that all brands use slightly different measurements on their shoe blue prints, and this, coupled with other factors, means that there is some variances in sizing between brands. This is especially true if you are ordering your work boots online. When ordering online, how do you know your boot size? It's a bit of a gamble.

As always, it's a good rule of thumb to take a peek at the sizing guides that are provided by online retailers. These guides are usually brand-specific, which should help you select the right size based on the actual measurements of your foot. However, these sizing guides only measure foot length, which can mean that they aren't a proper indicator of correct boot size. For people with high arches or wider feet, it might be necessary to take other measurements and buy bigger boots altogether. There are a few ways to measure up if you want to know your proper boot size.

How to Measure Up

How do you know your boot size? The most accurate way to know your size - regardless of brand - is to do the work and measure your foot. If you're in the market for work boots, then you want to make sure that your boot is going to be comfortable and well-fitting all day long. Frankly, an ill-fitting boot can be a safety concern in more ways than one. Knowing the exact measurements of your feet will go a long way.

Remember This Before You Buy

No two feet and no two boots are the same. How do you know your boot size? Most of the time, finding an accurate boot size is just a matter of taking the time to make a few measurements. If you measure the base of your foot, you will be able to compare that measurement to a standard sizing chart. Knowing the width and the arch height of your foot is also a factor in finding the right boot size, since both of these variables mean that you might need a slightly larger boot.

It's also important to take the measurement of the right foot at the right time and under the right circumstances to get the most accurate measurement. If you keep all of these things in mind, you will be able to find the best fit for your work boot regardless of whether you buy online or in a store.

Featured Photo of Bigfoot by Pixabay

The average workplace faces some risk of accidents or injuries, particularly if the job involves machines, physical labor, or hazardous materials. Even an office building has to worry about people being injured on the premise. 

Risk assessments are an essential part of the workplace as they help employers understand what safety risks employees, customers, or visitors may be subject to. Understanding the risks associated with the workplace creates a blueprint for needed safety measures that need to be put in place. 

It also impacts the specifics of the employer’s insurance as it concerns accidents and injuries. 

Here’s the thing: 

Workplace injuries and fatalities went up significantly between 2013 and 2017, from 4,585 to 5,147. 

Those numbers include salaried, wage, and self-employed workers. 

Did you know that loggers and fishermen experience the highest rate of fatalities? Logging, along with fishing and other similar professions are occupations that put employees in dangerous situations regularly and frequently. 

In terms of industries with the highest number of injuries, healthcare and social assistance come out on top. 

That’s pretty interesting when you compare healthcare and social assistance with fishing and logging, and realize they’re professions with the most risk according to research. 

Just goes to show that even jobs filled with paperwork and social interaction can put employees at risk. 

Truth is, every place of employment carries risks, whether they come with the job or are just random events and accidents. Some obviously impose a higher degree of injury than others but clearly workplace injuries and fatalities are a way of life. 

See for yourself in the data below.

Let’s face it, work boots aren’t the most stylish or glamorous footwear that you can wear to the job site. They aren’t exactly the lightest pairs out there. However, one should not make the mistake of wearing just any pair of boots when working on physically intensive jobs. When you think of safety footwear, steel-toe boots usually come to mind. However, there are many other types of work boots that cater to many different job requirements and needs.

In this article, we will talk about the importance of having the right work boots. Plus, we will also highlight a pair that we think might just be worth your money: the Men's Corsair Waterproof 6" Composite-Toe EH Work Boot from Wolverine.

Why Invest in a Pair of Safety Work Boots?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 50,000 foot injuries that happen each year. Foot injuries can be debilitating which means thousands of work hours lost and could eventually lead to lost jobs. Here are some reasons why you should get yourself a good pair of work boots:

1. They Protect Your Feet

This is obviously the main reason why you should always wear a safety boot. The most common foot injury in a workplace setting is falling or flying objects. Your toes are the most vulnerable part of your feet so you need something like a steel toe boots for protection. Work boots are made from durable materials and come with various safety features to protect you from common workplace hazards.

2. They Provide Support

Work boots are heavier than your everyday casual footwear. Their heavy weight allows them to support proper posture. Most workers have to stand for long hours over the day which means they need all the support and cushioning that they can get. The right boots will make your feet less fatigued.

3. They Protect Against the Elements

Whether it’s the weather or the natural condition of the workplace, your feet will be exposed to the elements. Having wet feet while working is never fun, not to mention it makes you prone to electrical hazards. The best work boots will have superior weatherproofing features to protect your feet from various elements.

Wolverine Men's Corsair Waterproof 6" Composite-Toe EH Work Boot Reviewed

Wolverine is one of the leading manufacturers of heavy-duty footwear. Does the Wolverine Corsair a worthy pair for the hardworking American? Let’s take a quick look at its features.

Composite Toe

Steel toed boots are considered a classic for a reason. They do a good job of protecting the feet from straight impact. However, if you’re working in a site with electrical hazards, you will want to avoid using steel-toed boots since they conduct electricity. The Wolverine Corsair has composite toes which don’t have any metallic components. They also meet the ASTM standards.

Also, the composite toe cap doesn’t get too hot or cold, unlike steel. Lastly, the toes give the pair a lighter profile.

MultiShox Cushioning Footbed

The Corsair has a remarkable footbed called the MultiShox. As you continue to wear the boot, the footbed will actually adapt to the shape of your feet. The footbed absorbs shock and returns energy with each step. This greatly enhances the comfort of the Corsair. The footbed can be conveniently removed for washing.

Contour Welt

The best safety boots will not just protect you from impact but also from falls and slips. The Corsair is equipped with the Contour Welt rubber outsole which is resistant to oil, slip, and abrasions. This means that the outsole has excellent traction and increases your chances of not slipping while working.

Waterproof Full-Grain Leather

The Corsair is crafted from full-grain leather. For the uninitiated, full-grain leather is top-of-the-line when it comes to leather types. The gives the boot excellent durability and longevity. The upper does a great job of wicking away moisture. The Corsair is a great-looking boot, thanks to the full-grain leather upper.

The Negatives

The Corsair is a well-rounded boot and we have to nitpick to find something wrong with it. The most notable one is the break-in period. Out of the box, it’s not the most comfortable experience. However, once the break-in period was done, the pair really started to shine in terms of comfort.

Sizing can be a bit tricky as well. The toe box is rather narrow so if you feel any tightness in that area, you should get the extra wide model.

In Summary

Wolverine really did a stellar job with the Men's Corsair Waterproof 6" Composite-Toe EH Work Boot. They combined comfort, performance, and protection in one neat footwear package. Keep in mind that there is a brief break-in period and an issue with the sizing. Other than that, it’s hard not to recommend the Corsair as it delivers on all departments.

The Men's SuperSole 6-inch Boot is one of the strongest and most useful work boots on the market. As with all Red Wing shoes, the style is expertly crafted and comes with a range of premium upgrades. Red Wing boots are on the forefront of shoe technology, and the SuperSole is one of the best examples of that.

This style has all of the important qualities any strong work boot needs. You get excellent comfort, strong, long-lasting materials, as well as great traction. If you want a boot that is going to make your life easier, then you should look no further than the SuperSole 6 inch (style #202). This article will further break down why that is.

Style Meets Comfort and Functionality

The Men's SuperSole 6-inch Boot is based on one of Red Wing's oldest and most time-tested designs. That makes it so they look good on your feet, but also have the strength to help you out in any work.

While the stylish boots can be worn in a more casual manner as a result of their premium Copper Worksmith leather and sleek look, they have also been tested in some of the roughest conditions around. That testing means they are perfect for some of the harshest industries, including gas, oil, manufacturing, and construction.

It does not matter if the conditions are dirty, wet, slick, hot, or dry, the SuperSole will always be there for you.

A Boot Capable of Handling Any Job

A big bonus of choosing the Red Wing Men's SuperSole 6-inch boot is that it comes with various technologies to make sure it will always be useful for a wide range of different jobs. Let's face it, you don't want to spend money on a boot that is only going to be useful some of the time. You want a boot that is so dependable, you only need one pair for everything you do.

The SuperSole delivers on that front by giving you a shoe with ComfortForce technology and a range of different resistances. Not only is it electrical hazard rated, but it also comes with slip, oil, gas, chemical, abrasion, and heat resistance.

That range of features means you (and your shoe) will always be protected, no matter what.

As great as premium boots are, they can be hard to break in. This is another reason to go with the SuperSole over other models. Rather than having to wear them around for weeks hoping they mold to your feet, the SuperSoles feel great right out of the box.

Top-quality construction is one of the things that Red Wing is known for, and it holds up in every facet of this shoe.

The Best and Most Dependable Soles on the Market

The last aspect we will discuss is Red Wing's incredible SuperSole technology. Soles are one of the most important parts of any work boot. You want ones that are going to be strong enough to last, but soft enough to make sure you can move without worrying about pain. The Men's SuperSole 6-inch Boot does both.

This model is crafted with SuperSole Welt, which helps give it a blend of great comfort and strong traction. That not only helps you keep your feet happy through a long day's work, but it also means you are much less likely to fall or suffer an unfortunate accident in tricky conditions.

In addition, the technology combines both a comfortable inner core and a clear, hardy outer shell. That blend means you get extreme comfort no matter how tough the environment.

Finally, you also have access to a great Poron insole and a complex Odyssey SuperSole. The Poron helps absorb shock to make sure you are putting less stress on your feet as you walk. Not only that, but the boot has a durable steel shank that supports the shoe and works to take off additional pressure. Both of these are welcome features when trudging through hard jobs.

A Truly Super Sole

There are many boots out there, and all of them come with their own features. However, in terms of comfort, no work boot is more reliable than the Men's SuperSole. These will last, and they will make your toughest jobs much easier.

Remember, you do not have to pay an insane amount of money to get good quality. The Men's SuperSole 6-inch Boot is not only affordable, but it comes with all of the premium qualities Red Wing is known for. That makes it one of the best shoes the company has to offer.

Not everyone has the luxury of working indoors in a well-heated office with IKEA furniture and potted plants. Many of us are breaking their sweat working in challenging job sites like warehouses, factories, industrial sites, farms and more. We’re sure many of you will agree that a hardworking man deserves a hardworking footwear. A durable and comfortable pair of work boots is a godsend. On the other hand, an ill-fitting pair means you’re in a rough and uncomfortable day. Please don’t be that person who overlooks his workplace safety. In this article, we have reviewed the Men's Harrison Lace-Up Steel-Toe EH 6" Work Boot from Wolverine.

Quick Review of Men's Harrison Lace-Up Steel-Toe EH 6" Work Boot

Is this pair good enough for your daily work? Will it have enough comfort for all-day use? Will it deliver in terms of performance? Let’s take a look at the features of the Wolverine Harrison:

ASTM Rated Steel Toe

The Harrison features a steel toe that is rated ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH. This means that the boot has gone through rigorous impact testing to withstand variable pounds of force. So how does this help you? Imagine a 3-pound object falling on your feet from a considerable height. Ouch! The toes are the most vulnerable parts of your feet, so a falling object can easily result in a serious injury. The Wolverine Harrison’s steel toe will protect you from such unfortunate accidents without sacrificing comfort.

Full-Grain Leather Upper

Looking at the Harrison, you can see that it’s a very good looking pair. This stylishly good look is mainly attributed to the pair’s full-grain leather upper. Not all leather is made equal. Full-grain leather is widely considered to be the best of the best when it comes to leather types. The Harrison’s leather upper looks to be really tough and can easily repel water. Since it’s full-grain, you can expect that the material will last longer. The leather is also going to age beautifully in time.

Cement Construction

In general, we prefer our boots to feature other construction methods like Goodyear Welt, just so it can be resoled many times. However, the cemented construction of the Harrison boot looks to be really solid. The bond between the parts are tight and doesn’t look like it will come off anytime soon. Cement construction is also known to add longevity to shoes and boots. The construction does make the boot a little heavier.

Lightweight Nylon Shanks

Many boots use steel shanks for flexibility and stability. Shanks help by giving enough bend to create a more natural movement for the feet. However, steel can be a problem if you are working in hotter or colder temperatures. Steel can get too hot or cold too fast which could lead to extreme discomfort. The Harrison utilizes nylon shanks that don’t just make the pair more flexible and stable, it also helps in cutting down on the overall weight.

Comfort and Support

The Harrison has several features to provide comfort and support to the user. The first feature worth noting is the air mesh lining. The liner serves as a climate control mechanism by wicking away moisture and facilitating air circulation. This all adds up to better breathability for your feet which results in consistent comfort.

There’s also a removable footbed that provides the much-needed cushion so you’ll have lighter steps. This is essential for long-lasting comfort especially when you’re planning to wear the boot all day. Since the footbed is removable, you can just easily remove it for washing.

Lastly, the midsole is made from single density polyurethane. This gives the boot a combination of toughness and flexibility. Polyurethane provides a more cushioned sole to ensure a more comfortable experience.

What We Don’t Like

The Wolverine Men's Harrison Lace-Up Steel-Toe EH 6" Work Boot is a good pair but it’s far from perfect. Perhaps the most glaring drawback of this boot is the laces. They tend to slip and become loose after a while of wearing them. This is easily remedied by buying a new set of laces. There’s also the issue of sizing which is a bit tricky. When trying on this pair and there’s any feeling of tightness or snugness, make sure that you go for the wide model. The steel toes can also feel heavy for many users.

The Bottom Line

The Men's Harrison Lace-Up Steel-Toe EH 6" Work Boot by Wolverine is shaping up to be a solid, reliable pair. It’s a great-looking pair that delivers both comfort and performance. It doesn’t have that many safety features but it should be more than enough for most job sites.

The $120 price is also quite reasonable especially when you’re looking at a full-grain leather boot. The Wolverine Harrison will have you hitting the work site in comfort and style.

If you are working on a farm or ranch, you should know that you should be wearing the appropriate footwear. Many had the mistake of wearing regular lace-up boots only to find themselves disappointed (and likely wet). There is no shortage of work boots that will keep your feet dry and protected from conditions. However, you can’t just choose a pair and be done with it. In this article, we will walk you through at some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a pair of Wellington boots.

Plus, if you’re open to recommendations, you can also check out the Wolverine Men's Nation Durashocks CarbonMAX Wellington Boot to kickstart your search.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Wellington

Shopping for a pair of Wellington boot basically boils down to your personal needs and preferences. However, to make sure that you end up with a pair that will serve you best, you need to consider the factors below:

Review of Wolverine Men's Nation Durashocks CarbonMAX Wellington Boot

What makes the Wolverine Nation a good pair of Wellington? Let’s take a look at some of its features.

DuraShocks Technology

The DuraShocks is a patented technology by Wolverine. Basically, it’s a system that is made up of advanced components designed to deliver performance and comfort. The first component is the cushion in the heel which helps the flexibility of the shoe. Next, there’s the sidewall compress that is used to absorb shock and return energy with each step. The third part is the patented H-Plate suspension that enhances the boot’s overall stability. The last component is the rubber lug outsoles which provides excellent traction and slip resistance.

CarbonMAX Safety Toe

If a heavy or sharp object falls into your feet, it can easily lead to serious injuries. Fortunately, the Wolverine Nation has CarbonMAX nanotechnology safety toe that meets the ASTM standard. The protection is not as good as steel toes, but this also means that it’s not as heavy.

Goodyear Welt Construction

The Wolverine Nation is a beautifully constructed shoe, thanks to its Goodyear Welt construction. When it comes to shoe construction, Goodyear Welt is considered to be the best. The stitching ensures that the insole, sole, welt and upper are tightly secured. Other benefits include superior ventilation and the ability to be resoled.

Waterproof Qualities

Working on a farm also means wading through wet grass and mud. It’s a good thing that the Wolverine Nation has sufficient waterproofing properties to keep your feet nice and dry. The full-grain leather upper doesn’t just look good, it can effectively repel water. Also, the membrane has been treated with Waterproof Plus. The boots will not protect you from heavy rain and snow, but they should be perfect wet or damp conditions. The Goodyear Welt construction also adds to the leak-proof design.

Any Drawbacks?

The first thing that comes to mind is the break-in period. Not everyone experiences a break-in period but with this pair, we certainly did. This might not be the pair for you if you prefer an outstanding out-of-the-box experience. However, unlike most boots that it could take weeks to break in, we were able to break-in the Wolverine Nation in just a few days.

Another concern that might arise is the price. The $170 price tag might be too pricey for some people. However, you need to look at the quality and features that are being offered here. We feel that the Nation is worth the asking price.

Wrapping Up

The Men's Nation Durashocks CarbonMAX Wellington Boot from Wolverine is a solid pair of Wellingtons. Wearing them all day won’t tire you out and they will last you a long time. Safety features are on-point as well. The only drawback here is the price but don’t let that discourage you because there’s a lot of quality in this pair.

Vibram is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the shoe world. Not only are their boots highly regarded, but they also partner with many different companies who use their innovative soles. Vibram boots are some of the best in the world, and they give the customer many options for both outdoor and work-related activities.

Vibram specifically works in a way that best meets people's needs. Whatever you want out of your shoe, including increased elasticity, density, grip, or abrasion resistance, Vibram has something for you. That variety, combined with superior and advanced craftsmanship, shows why they are so successful.

The first two categories you need to look at when studying Vibram boots are sport and outdoor. These shoes come equipped with a range of important characteristics that help with climbing performance, durability, and grip.

Climbing upgrades are all about increased traction to make sure you are stable regardless of where you're traveling. The XS Grip and the XS Grip 2 both give enhanced friction to help with any rocky surface. While the XS Grip 2 is best for overhanging routes, the XS Grip gives great adhesion on smooth rock.

Unparalleled Durability

In terms of durability, Vibram boots come with the Mont and XS Trek. Mont has aced various tests held in all different parts of the world. It resists cold environments. And its construction made up of firm components helps promote increased protection and flexibility.

In contrast, the XS Trek balances traction with durability to provide you with a shoe that is both comfortable and responsive on the uneven or unpredictable terrain.

Renowned Soles

As Vibram is known for its soles, they provide a great amount of grip on all their shoes. The Idrogrip, which is inspired by free climbing technology, is a special feature that ensures you will be able to gain traction on any wet or slippery surface. If you want to take that even further, there is also the Megagrip for both wet and dry environments.

Enhanced Grip

For those going even further off the beaten path, Vibram has you covered with Icetrek and the Icegrip. The trek is great for icy surfaces and cold terrain, which also makes it perfectly suited for extremely low temperatures. It even has a special compound for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Though the Icegrip is only for moderate to low temperatures, it has a superior grip that helps you easily move across wet rock, snow, or even ice (as the name suggests).

All of these grips are perfect for the outdoor world and make it so that your boots won't just last on long, tough trails, they will protect you as well.

Vibram Boots for Work and Safety

The other part of Vibram is their work and safety boots. While this category has all of the same quality as outdoor and sport, they have a few distinctly different safety-related upgrades to keep your feet safe and protected.

Flame Resistance

Working environments can be harsh, and they can also be dangerous. Vibram understands that, which is why they offer amazing flame-resistant protection for their boots. Their Fire&Ice compound meets NFPA flame resistance requirements and is specifically engineered to meet extreme temperatures.

There is also Flame. This compound is highly recommended for any environment where heat or flame resistance is needed.

The last heat option you have is the Superwork, a high-performance compound specifically molded and tested for industrial areas. These boots have extreme heat resistance as well as superior tear strength.

Safety Performance Features

As with the above sport and outdoor models, the work and safety boots come with both Mont and XS Trek options to improve durability. However, where they are truly different is in their safety performance features.

These shoes have the option of TC4+, a compound engineered for many different rugged environments. It gives the shoes a high amount of grip and makes them both heat and tear resistant.

Oil Resistance

Another feature is the OR+, which is an oil resistant compound made and tested in industrial areas. This has heat and tear resistance as well.

The ESD is perfect for use in white rooms and aims to help protect valuable equipment, while the XS Work is a high-performance option for indoor work that has a superior grip on wet surfaces.

Finally, you can also choose the Minus 40. This compound is specifically for very cold places and gives flexibility and traction in temperatures as low as –40 degrees. Wearers can also use it in cold rooms or outdoors.

Vibram soles are some of the best in the world, and that perfectly translates to their boots. Quality is important, and you always want a shoe that is going to last. Vibram creates something for every harsh environment or workplace. If high-quality is what you're looking for, this is the brand for you.

Many boot companies focus on one design or craft shoes for a certain job. Carolina Boots breaks away from that mold by creating an incredibly wide range of shoes for an incredibly wide range of purposes. Their boots are not only 100 percent effective, but they are also specially made to ensure each person who uses them is as satisfied as possible.

The company does a great job of blending comfort with performance to generate a truly unique shoe. Not only do you get the great Carolina quality, but you also get ample information that allows you to intelligently locate and pick out the boots for you. There are several charts on the website, as well as well-trained salespeople to make sure you find exactly what you're looking for.

The Standard Features of Carolina Boots

Carolina has excellent craftsmanship, which extends throughout all their different styles. One such example is the Men's Carolina 8'' Steel Toe Loggers Boot, which comes equipped with everything you need for a hard day's work. These shoes are waterproof, light-weight, and have an extremely supportive steel shank. They also are electrical hazard rated and have a traction-heavy one-piece rubber lug outsole to make sure you stay upright no matter what surface you're walking on.

One of the things that makes Carolina boots so great is their numerous features. The company strives to make a unique pair of boots that can properly accommodate every customer. And they succeed on every level.

4 Types of Toes

The first feature you can choose from is the toe. Toes are essential parts of any work boot, and Carolina makes four kinds. Those are steel toe, composite toe, aluminum toe and carbon composite fiber toe. Steel is heavy duty and protects your feet in tough environments, whereas composite toes are non-metallic safety features for when you don't need something as heavy as steel.

Aluminum toes are also a great light-weight option that still offers ample protection, and carbon composite uses a special weave to offer high durability alongside a low cap weight.

Multiple Traits

When looking at boots, you always want options. Carolina gives you everything you need by providing multiple traits across all of their different shoes. You can get electrical hazard rated shoes to help prevent shocks, as well as electrostatic dissipative boots that help absorb impact. Their special Scubaliner helps waterproof shoes, and their Internal MetGuards increase both flexibility and comfort.

Safety Features

In terms of safety, they also have slip-resistant soles, insulated footwear to fight the cold, and flame felt lining that uses Kevlar Para-Aramid and carbon fiber to resist heat.

All of those features give them an impressive selection of boots for every single walk of life.

Carolina Boots: The Advanced Features

New age technology is the most important part of Carolina boots. Though the above section covers many of the basic features that come with the shoes, there are many other more advanced characteristics as well.

Carolina Contourical Internal MET is the first of those advancements. First introduced in 2016, the innovate metguard uses asymmetrically shaped polyurethane guard alongside a plastic top shield to perfectly form the boot to your feet. This is a great way to enhance comfort while reducing shock.

Pillow Cushion

Two other great comfort features are the Pillow Cushion and the Pillow Cushion 2. These both employ memory foam to add an extra level of cushion to any boot. You also have access to a GORE-TEX waterproof bootie. This slips inside the boot to keep both water and wind in rougher environments.

Continuing the discussion on advanced features, Carolina boots also have the option of Thinsulate Insulation. That uses microfibers to keep your feet warm and textured Cambrelle fabric to keep moisture out.

Soft Nylon Lining

Another great advancement is the Dri-Lex soft nylon lining, the Poron performance cushioning, and the Ortholite Deluxe. All of these add comfort through extra cushioning and make it so that your foot is as protected as possible. You can also try AG7 Footbed comfort system with enhanced arch support.

The final advanced features you can choose from are the Maxum Lite and Aerotrek outsole. The lite is a lightweight-but-durable outsold that provides strong oil and slip resistance. That makes it perfect for anyone who is constantly on slippery terrain. The Aerotrek compliments that slip resistance with a clog-free design to make sure you get the most traction possible.

A Wide Selection with Countless Features

Carolina has an incredible boot selection. This means you can freely browse their many options and upgrades to find whatever you want. Though they all bring something different to the table, each shoe is also equipped with all of the latest advancements.

Carolina is synonymous with quality, and that is on display with all their styles. As you can see from above, when it comes to tailoring a shoe exactly to your requirements, nobody does it better.

Working for a living is no joke – we mean actually putting in work. We are talking about showing up at 3 PM for late nights shifts in a factory or warehouse, hauling cargo in and out of trucks, operating heavy machinery or driving commercial trucks interstate for hours. Working grueling hours usually means that you’re on your feet all day. If you are doing physically demanding jobs for a living, you need a versatile work boot. A pair of boots that will help you, not hinder you. When you want a good combination of comfort and performance from your work boots, the Men's Contractor LX might just be the pair you’re looking for.

Wolverine is not the most popular brand out there when it comes to heavy-duty footwear. However, the company has been putting out excellent models that one couldn’t help but notice. Let’s see if the Men's Contractor LX is worth your money.

Reviewing the Wolverine Men's Contractor LX

With the number of brands and models available, choosing a good pair of work boots can be downright overwhelming. If you are open to suggestions, the Wolverine Contractor LX from Wolverine is a good pair to start your search. Let’s talk about some of its key features:

Premium Waterproof Full-Grain Leather Upper

Not all leather is created equal. The feel and functionality of different leather types can vary greatly. The Contractor LX’s upper is made from full-grain leather – the highest quality leather available. Full-grain leather is made using a traditional process and aims to keep the leather as close to its natural state. This results in a more durable and long-lasting material. The Contractor LX will not only hold up against the toughest conditions, it will also improve its looks over time.

Leather by itself is already moisture resistant. The Contractor LX’s leather has been treated with waterproofing techniques, so it will not only keep your feet dry, they will also remain warm during colder temperatures. This is a great feature for workers who spend most of their time outside.

Breathable Waterproof Membrane

As mentioned, this is a solid waterproof boot, but it’s made better with the breathable waterproof membrane. Unlike many waterproof models, the Contractor LX is highly breathable. Your feet are kept warm and dry but will still get cool comfort during hotter temperatures. This greatly increases the comfort of the pair.

TPE Footbed with a Memory Foam Top

TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers) is now widely used for making safety footwear. The material is used as a footbed for the Contractor LX which gives the boot superior cushioning and stability. TPE is also quite tough so you know that these boots can take a beating.

In addition, the footbed is topped off with memory foam. This means that the footbed will conform to the shape of your foot, providing relief for your pressure points. Both these features significantly enhance the comfort and support of the Contractor LX.

Ultra-Light Compression Molded EVA Midsole

This is yet another material that is widely used for most performance footwear. The EVA midsole of the Contractor LX is tough and waterproof which is perfect for most outdoor conditions. The midsole does a great job of cushioning and shock absorption. Since EVA is quite a low-density material, it adds little to no weight to the pair.

Cement Construction

The Contractor LX uses cement construction method for attaching the sole. For the uninitiated, cement construction is the superior method when attaching rubber soles. The cemented construction also allows for a leak-proof design, significantly helping the boot’s waterproofing potential.

Other Features

Now that we have highlighted the key features of the Contractor LX, it’s time to walk you through at its other features.

Rubber lug outsole: Contractor LX is a tough and stable footwear, thanks to its rubber lug outsole. The grip of the outsole itself is quite good. The outsole is also resistant to oil which works well in specific work situations.

Advanced ladder shank: If you want to be standing upright while working, you need a stable pair of work boots. The ladder shank in Contract LX helps in stiffening the outsoles which give you a stable platform. They’re shaped to contour with your feet, so the boot will still feel comfortable and flexible.

Posi-fit heel: A positive heel is the rise under the heel that’s higher than the ball of the foot. The posi-fit heel guarantees good comfort and support.

In Conclusion

The Men's Contractor LX from Wolverine is a solid pair of work boots that delivers on all fronts. It has enough comfort features so you won’t mind wearing it all day. In terms of performance and durability, the pair doesn’t disappoint. If this is your first-time shopping for a work boot, the Contractor LX is a solid choice.