Proprietary Soles Developed By Work Boot Manufacturers

Work boot outsoles are built with different materials, each with a unique set of advantages suited to specific activities and environments. While there are main types of outsole materials (such as rubber and TPU), some brands showcase their own outsoles that are built using proprietary materials and technology. Check out the outsoles that manufacturers exclusively developed to fit into their work boot profiles.

Ariat Duratread

Duratread outsoles are created with Ariat’s proprietary rubber compound, which lasts longer than ordinary rubber. This quality gives these outsoles an improved performance level compared to the traditional rubber outsoles found in other work boots. They’re exceptionally flexible, making them easier to move with because they don’t hamper the foot’s motion from the bottom. The multidirectional lugs with high traction hold a firm grip on different surfaces to prevent slipping for safer walking, especially when going over tricky ground conditions. Duratread outsoles, which are fitted into the Ariat Wexford Waterproof Boot, also have a high resistance to oils and barnyard acids, so they won’t easily disintegrate when exposed to these substances.

Ariat Everlon

Ariat Everlon outsoles place equal emphasis on comfort and durability. They deliver the cushioning of EVA outsoles to support the feet in a comfortable manner, with the right level of rebound that adds an energy boost to every step. These outsoles have a lower profile compared to Ariat Duratread outsoles and are more lightweight, providing the improved wear resistance of blown rubber structures. They’re also flexible, easily adapting to each step, so walking and moving around is more comfortable. In addition, Everlon is designed to resist lasting compression, so the outsole maintains its cushioning properties for a long time without significant deterioration even with heavy use. However, it may not be grippy enough to withstand exceptionally unstable or slippery surfaces.

Ariat Pro Crepe Light

Ariat Pro Crepe Light is an exclusive Ariat rubber blend that delivers maximum wear resistance and superior performance compared to other crepe outsoles used in Western boots. Pro Crepe Light outsoles have structures that are 30% slimmer compared to conventional crepe outsoles, providing enhanced comfort without the extreme bulk. Additionally, the right amount of rebound gives an energy boost to each step for longer walking comfort. Each of these outsoles features a heel tap that increases slip resistance and durability for long-lasting functional benefits, although they aren’t recommended for exceptionally unstable or slippery surfaces.

Ariat Bantamweight

Ariat Bantamweight outsoles use a special chemical compound commonly used in outdoor work gear. They’re resistant to barnyard acids and won’t easily break down when exposed to such harsh substances that may be encountered when working outdoors. The heel and forefoot areas are designed to have high wear resistance, delivering maximum performance during tough activities without easily being damaged. Even with the enhanced structure, these outsoles maintain a lightweight and flexible feel to promote agile movements without discomfort. Their grippy design helps maintain secure footing but isn’t suitable for extremely harsh terrains.

Vibram TC5+

Vibram TC5+ outsoles are used exclusively in Merrell footwear (such as in the Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot), featuring a technical compound that’s built for high-performance use in a wide variety of ground conditions. They come with deep treads that firmly dig into the surface, helping sustain stable footing even with fast-paced movements over challenging terrains. The outsole’s material offers strong traction to help prevent slipping on unstable or slick ground but also has a reliably strong grip on dry surfaces. It’s also flexible enough to accommodate the foot’s natural movements, making walking more comfortable without compromising stability and efficiency.

Vibram Workman

The Vibram Workman outsole is custom-made for the Danner Workman Boot. It has a low-lug pattern that pares down the aggressiveness of the boot’s aesthetic without negatively affecting its function. This structure results in less bulk, so it’s easier to walk for longer periods without the boot painfully weighing down on foot and leg muscles. Its grippy material helps sustain stable footing on wet and dry surfaces to prevent slipping in indoor or outdoor environments alike. Nonetheless, it may not prevent slipping in extremely slick or unstable ground conditions.

Danner Wedge

Danner Wedge outsoles are made with a polyurethane compound, creating a soft platform that comfortably cradles the foot while keeping its position stable all day long. These outsoles cushion the impact of hours-long walking on hard ground, sustaining enhanced comfort for longer periods. Their lightweight profiles don’t substantially contribute to the total boot weight, preventing foot fatigue that can often develop when wearing heavy boots for hours. Even with the low-profile structure that doesn’t have deep lugs, the Danner Wedge outsole still offers strong traction that firmly grips the ground to prevent slipping – but it’s not recommended for extremely uneven or rocky surfaces.

Dr Martens AirWair

Also referred to as “bouncing soles”, Dr Martens AirWair outsoles have an air-cushioned structure that gives a bouncy feeling to inject more energy into every step. This air-cushioned profile supports the foot while preventing the pain from walking on hard surfaces for long periods. The outsole material is slip-resistant, promoting continuous safety while walking over uneven or wet ground conditions. It’s also resistant to acid, fat, oil, alkali, and petrol. It won’t easily deteriorate when exposed to these harsh elements but may not be grippy enough for significantly unstable ground conditions.

Columbia Omni-Grip

Fitted into the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Boot, the Columbia Omni-Grip outsole is designed to keep up with different terrains while promoting a stable walking experience. The special formulation of rubber compounds results in an impressively firm grip on tough terrains – including gravel and loose dirt – to maintain a steady, comfortable gait without sacrificing safety. The treads offer high traction performance on dry and wet surfaces for uncompromised mobility in different surroundings. The outsole’s non-marking design won’t easily track dirt, making it easier to transfer from outdoors without leaving dirty marks on clean floors.

Thorogood MAXWear Wedge

Thorogood MAXWear Wedge outsoles are fitted into the Thorogood American Heritage series boots – such as the 6-Inch Moc Toe Boot. Their white color stands out against the rich leather upper, giving the boots a distinct profile that’s fashionable and rugged at the same time. The wedge structure gives a height boost while comfortably cradling the foot, with enough softness to ward away the pain of standing or walking on unforgiving surfaces. Its slip-resistant material makes walking on different surfaces easier to manage without compromising productivity and safety in the process but isn’t ideal for rocky or harsh terrains.

Timberland L7 Lug

Timberland L7 Lug outsoles, such as the one built into the Timberland Larchmont Boot, are constructed to deliver maximum traction on different surfaces. They come with lugs that are strategically spaced and lengthened to promote efficient liquid drainage, enhancing the stable walking experience when going over wet ground conditions. These outsoles have a high resistance to abrasion, so they’re able to maintain their structural strength even with exposure to tough environments. Their deep lugs may feel too bulky or rugged for some, though, who are used to low-profile soles.

Caterpillar T1230

The Caterpillar T1230 outsole, fitted into the Caterpillar Parker Boot, has a slip-resistant design that substantially minimizes the risk of slipping or falling on tricky surfaces to promote safer walking. It’s designed to grip the ground firmly, helping maintain secure footing even when moving quickly in unstable or wet ground conditions. High resistance to abrasion, fuel, and oil preserves the outsole’s strength with constant exposure to potentially harmful materials on the worksite. The outsole has an almost sporty profile that lends a casual look to the boot but may look too rugged for some, especially those who prefer lower-profile soles.

Caterpillar T1450

The Caterpillar T1450 outsole is created with Caterpillar’s exclusive rubber compound that delivers exceptionally strong slip resistance. Its deep lugs dig into the ground firmly, so it’s easier to maintain a stable stance while navigating slick or rough surface conditions. This outsole keeps the foot firmly planted even on the oily ground and is abrasion-resistant so it’s not prone to breaking apart even when used in areas with abrasive materials all around.

Irish Setter RPM R-Zone

The Irish Setter RPM R-Zone outsole used in Irish Setter VaprTrek Boots is created with a composite material that delivers superior performance without excessive bulk. The lightweight profile doesn’t pull the foot down with unwelcome weight while providing maximum traction, helping maintain stable steps over challenging surfaces. This outsole promotes superior mobility with a flexible structure that moves along with each step, enabling confident walking across various ground conditions without sacrificing comfort. It’s designed to extend higher up the boot’s sides for enhanced protection and an even better grip, while the tapered lugs quickly release mud to prevent dirt build-up. However, the material tends to break down faster than other outsole materials.

Atlas Tred PU

Red Wing’s exclusive Atlas Tred PU outsole showcases its benefits in the Red Wing Work Chukka. The lightweight sole doesn’t contribute much to the boot’s weight, so it easily maintains its streamlined profile without the uncomfortable bulk. Its flexible structure makes bending or kneeling a lot easier to deal with as it doesn’t restrict the foot’s motion in any way. However, the flat outer surface doesn’t deliver strong traction, so the outsole isn’t the best for preventing slipping on tricky surfaces.

Merrell Sticky Rubber

The Merrell sticky rubber outsole gives boots (such as the Merrell Moab Velocity Mid Tactical Boot) an excellent grip on various surfaces, helping sustain steady footing for a safer walking experience. The lugs adapt to the terrain to provide maximum traction precisely where it’s needed to maintain stability, especially in tricky ground conditions. However, the lugs on the edges of the boot can be too pronounced and easily get caught on objects in the surrounding area.

Merrell M Select GRIP

The Merrell M Select GRIP outsole delivers superior slip resistance to help sustain balanced steps over unstable or slick surfaces, preventing slipping accidents even with quick walking. The exclusive rubber material enables the outsole to grip the ground exactly where it needs to for increased safety while navigating varying surfaces. This outsole works just as well to maintain stability on dry surfaces. Its flexible structure makes walking almost effortless and much more comfortable without rigidity to hamper the foot’s natural motion. The lightweight design doesn’t pull down with unbearable weight for pain-free walking but isn’t recommended for extremely tough ground conditions.

Carhartt Rugged Flex

The Carhartt Rugged Flex rubber outsole, fitted into the Carhartt Rugged Flex Boot, offers an outstanding level of traction to stabilize the foot’s movements over different surfaces. The robust lugs bite firmly into the ground, making it easier to avoid slipping in rough or wet conditions. These self-cleaning lugs make cleaning and maintenance much more convenient since the outsole doesn’t accumulate much debris and dirt even with all-day use. This outsole’s flexible profile makes walking more comfortable since there are no rigid components underfoot to hamper natural mobility – but this flexibility can feel a bit compromised in cold weather.

Timberland PRO

The Timberland PRO rubber outsole’s slip-resistant structure promotes enhanced safety by offering a strong grip on different surfaces to help prevent slipping. It features the Ladder Lock heel that firmly holds on to ladder rungs for increased protection against falling accidents. This outsole is cemented to the upper, offering superior flexibility that makes walking comfortably for longer periods easier. It’s also heat resistant, so it can safely be used in high-temperature settings. However, this outsole is prone to cracking, so it may deteriorate faster than other sole materials.

Conclusion

Work boots are fitted with different outsoles, offering functional benefits that address specific needs on job sites. Manufacturers have developed proprietary outsoles and technology that enable the work boots to deliver enhanced performance. These outsoles are built with exclusive technology and materials to bring substantial benefits that can be maximized in the workplace, offering strong traction without sacrificing comfort and mobility.