Best Moc Toe Work Boots – Worn & Tested
Moc toe work boots are easily distinguishable from other work boots because of their unique U-shaped stitching on the toe box, resembling the construction of the traditional moccasin from which the term “moc toe” is derived. This design results in a roomier toe box that can deliver superb comfort, making this style extremely beneficial for those who spend long hours of the day working on their feet. The additional space allows the toes to move slightly to prevent cramping and foot fatigue. High-quality moc toe work boots are further enhanced with features that aim to protect the feet from various workplace safety hazards. Moc toe work boots may also be preferred by those who are looking for more stylishness in their footwear. Read on for our take on the products that made it to our list of the best moc toe work boots in the market.
Our Picks – Best Moc Toe Work Boots
Best Overall
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Best Soft Toe
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Best Waterproof
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Most Comfortable
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Best Design
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Our Picks – Moc Toe Work Boots
- Rating
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- Best in class
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- Price range
- Overall score
- Performance Breakdown
- Comfort & Fit
- Design & Build Quality
- Durability
- Sole & Traction
- Safety Toe
- Water Resistance
- Value For Money
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Bottom Line
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$186 to $299
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- Aluminum toe
- Waterproof construction
- Electrical hazard safe design
- Tough construction
- Outstanding traction
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- Ankle area tends to feel loose and chafes
- Read Full Review
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$139 to $145
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- Storm Defender waterproof membrane
- Stylish moc-toe wedge design
- FastDry lining
- Shock-absorbing insole
- Electrical hazard protection
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- Loose on the ankle area and tight on the toes
- Read Full Review
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$245 to $299
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- UltraDry waterproof construction
- Comfortable
- Debris-shedding, high-traction outsole
- Versatile style featuring thick leather
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- No safety toe
- A bit heavy
- Read Full Review
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$159 to $199
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- Comfortably cushioned footbed
- Lightweight shank for stability
- Stylishly rugged moc toe profile
- Breathable mesh lining
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- Not waterproof
- No safety toe
- Read Full Review
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$239 to $299
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- Premium quality leather
- Eye-catching, strong stitching
- Breathable and shock-absorbing footbed
- Stylish, versatile profile
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- Not waterproof
- No toe protection
- Read Full Review
Table of Contents
Detailed Product Reviews
If you’d like to get acquainted with your new potential faithful companion, here are detailed reviews.
Best Overall
Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot
Material
LeatherType of Toe
Yes (aluminum)Weight
2.81lb / 1.279kg / 45.1ozWaterproof
YesShaft Size
6 inchesOutsole
RubberBoot type
High-TractionManufacturer
KeenSafety certifications
YesPrice range
$186.00 to $299.00- Those who are after comfortable, high-traction safety toe boots
- Working in wet conditions or outdoors in bad weather
- People who are willing to pay the price for premium work boots
Price range
$186.00 to $299.00
Pros
- Aluminum toe
- Waterproof construction
- Electrical hazard safe design
- Tough construction
- Outstanding traction
Cons
- Ankle area tends to feel loose and chafes
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot is an absolute winner among moc toe styles and an overall outstanding work boot choice. The aluminum toe cap is a barrier against dangerous compression and impacts to keep the foot safe in hazardous settings without feeling as heavy as steel. With a waterproof structure, this boot seals out liquids to sustain comfortable dryness inside. We love the remarkably tough construction that offers lasting durability but still looks wonderfully stylish. The outstanding level of traction promotes stable walking over varying surfaces, while the electrical hazard-safe design delivers a secondary source of protection against electrocution in dry conditions.
Unique Features
Sole
We’re fans of the light and comfy sole that packs a mean punch when it comes to traction. It’s grippy enough to keep the foot planted firmly on tricky surfaces, preventing slipping and an unstable feeling while walking. In addition, the structure quickly gets rid of dirt, so there’s no problem with debris build-up on the bottom of the boot.
Fit
The boot’s snugness enhances the secure fit, maintaining the foot’s proper alignment while keeping the ankle in its correct position to prevent painful twisting. When tightened, the laces feel like they’re glued in place to sustain the proper fit for hours. Even with the moc toe design, the boot’s interior feels snug while fitting loosely on the ankle area.
Build
We’re impressed with the superbly robust construction, with top-quality materials and strong stitching working together to maintain the boot’s structural integrity for lasting durability. In addition, the moc toe design injects more style without compromising the boot’s toughness in various work environments.
Summary
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot is the clear winner in this list, with amazing qualities such as aluminum toe protection, waterproof structure, durable yet stylish profile, excellent traction level, and electrical hazard protection.
Best Soft Toe
Carhartt Women’s Wedge Boots
Material
LeatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
2.2lb / 0.99kg / 34.92ozWaterproof
YesShaft Size
6 inchesOutsole
Rubber wedgeBoot type
Wedge BootManufacturer
CarharttSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$139 to $145- Those who prefer moc-toe style work boots
- Wet, non-hazardous work conditions
- People who are after comfortable, quick-drying work boots
Price range
$139.01to $145.01
Pros
- Storm Defender waterproof membrane
- Stylish moc-toe wedge design
- FastDry lining
- Shock-absorbing insole
- Electrical hazard protection
Cons
- Loose on the ankle area and tight on the toes
The Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot showcases a sturdy profile without toe protection. Its waterproof structure stops rain, mud, and other liquid substances from entering to guard the foot against uncomfortable wetness. We especially like the FastDry lining that wicks away moisture to combat excessive sweatiness even with prolonged boot use. In addition, a shock-absorbing insole acts as a buffer against discomfort from walking for hours on hard surfaces. The moc toe silhouette adds a fashionable element to workwear and various outfits for more relaxed settings. Meanwhile, the electrical hazard-safe design provides a non-primary shield against electric shock in dry conditions.
Unique Features
Sole
The rubber outsole offers a relaxing sensation that makes walking much more comfortable while giving a good grip on different surfaces. However, without deep lugs that bite more strongly into the ground, the sole’s traction level doesn’t feel strong enough to protect against slipping while walking in extremely slick or uneven ground conditions.
Fit
We like the strong arch support that removes the pain, sustaining the foot’s proper alignment to prevent fallen arches. In addition, the tall height secures the ankle to stop it from easily twisting. However, some areas have fit issues, with the toe box feeling a bit too tight despite the moc toe style and the ankle area feeling quite loose.
Build
The tall height offers enough coverage and support to promote a stable walking experience. We especially like the thick wedge sole as it gives a nice height boost and delivers a comfortably cushy feeling. The boldly stylish profile makes this boot a great partner to a variety of outfits on and off the worksite.
Summary
The Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot showcases remarkable functional and aesthetic benefits, including a stylish moc toe wedge design, Storm Defender waterproof membrane, shock-absorbing insole, FastDry lining, and electrical hazard protection.
Best Waterproof
Irish Setter Wingshooter Boot
Material
Waterproof full-grain leatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
4lb / 1.8kg / 63.49ozWaterproof
YesShaft Size
7 inchesOutsole
Prairie outsoleBoot type
Hunting BootManufacturer
Irish SetterSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$245.00 to $299.00- Those looking for premium boots made with thick, supple leather
- Job settings that require waterproof footwear without safety toes
- People who prefer moc toe work boot silhouettes
Price Range
$245.00 to $299.00
Pros
- UltraDry waterproof construction
- Comfortable
- Debris-shedding, high-traction outsole
- Versatile style featuring thick leather
Cons
- No safety toe
- A bit heavy
The Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot offers impressive waterproofing to prevent liquid penetration, ensuring all-day foot dryness while working in wet surroundings. We love the thick leather as it gives the boot a premium look while protecting the foot against hazards and sustaining long-term functionality. The moc toe design leaves ample toe wiggle space to prevent cramping, especially with prolonged periods of standing or walking. Meanwhile, the nicely cushioned interior supports the foot most comfortably and helps maintain a secure fit. The versatile profile looks great on job sites and blends nicely with various attire choices for more relaxed settings.
Unique Features
Sole
The Prairie outsole offers strong traction to help maintain stable footing over varying surface conditions. We like how grippy this outsole feels even without deep treads that bite into the ground. The absence of aggressive lugs works to the boot’s advantage, preventing debris from accumulating on the bottom, so the boot doesn’t become too heavy as the hours go by.
Fit
Thanks to the boot’s moc toe design, we appreciate the extra bit of space on the toe box. The soft toe profile also helps keep this area comfortable, as there are no metallic components that can dig into the toes. In addition, the snug fit keeps the foot secured in place, preventing a wobbly feeling from developing, especially while walking on unstable surfaces.
Build
The bold structure speaks of lasting durability but doesn’t negatively affect the boot’s style. We welcome the versatile profile as it allows us to maximize the boot in different environments – not just in the workplace. A steel shank supports the foot to help maintain a steady gait over various ground conditions.
Summary
The Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot stands out with strong waterproofing and its stylishly versatile design, comfortably cushioned interior, and a high-traction outsole that resists debris build-up.
Most Comfortable
Ariat Recon Lace Boot
Material
Full-grain leatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
2.88lb / 1.3kg / 45.86ozWaterproof
NoShaft Size
6 inchesOutsole
Recon PU outsoleBoot type
Recon Lace BootManufacturer
AriatSafety certifications
certifications YesPrice range
$159.00 to $199.00- Dry work environments that don’t have impact and compression threats
- Those who want a comfortable boot with a generously cushioned interior
- People after budget-friendly moc toe work boots
Price range
$159 to $199
Pros
- Comfortably cushioned footbed
- Lightweight shank for stability
- Stylishly rugged moc toe profile
- Breathable mesh lining
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No safety toe
The Ariat Recon Lace Boot is a clear leader in comfort, with the generously padded interior cradling the foot and acting as a buffer to soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces for a long time. With the signature 4LR technology, the boot provides support and cushioning exactly where it’s needed to sustain all-day foot comfort. We appreciate the presence of a lightweight shank that adds the necessary rigidity, promoting a stable walking experience without making the boot feel overly heavy. In addition, the mesh lining allows a lot of air to circulate, helping the foot feel fresh and cool for longer. Meanwhile, the moc toe profile offers a style boost to even the simplest attire.
Unique Features
Sole
The slip-resistant PU outsole grips different surfaces nicely, promoting stable walking while soaking up the impact of repetitive steps with a cushy structure. However, because it doesn’t have strong, deep treads that can bite more firmly, this boot may not have enough traction to protect against slipping accidents while navigating exceptionally uneven, inclined, or wet ground conditions.
Fit
The boot’s slightly snug fit enhances the securely comfortable feel, preventing the shaky feeling that can result when the foot unintentionally slips inside the boot. We like how the moc toe makes the toe box roomier, leaving ample space for the toes to wiggle to stop cramps from building up. Adjusting the boot’s fit isn’t a problem, as the lace-up feature can easily be tweaked to achieve the perfect fit.
Build
The boot has a more streamlined silhouette than the other moc toe work boots in this list, so it blends flawlessly with more formal workwear. However, it still has enough ruggedness and style to look great even in more casual settings. The metallic hardware adds a bit of boldness and shine to enhance the boot’s form and function.
Summary
The Ariat Recon Lace Boot is our top pick for providing superb comfort, with notable features including comfortable padding, a roomy toe box, a lightweight shank, breathable lining, and a cushy sole.
Best Design
Thorogood American MAXWear Wedge Boot
Material
LeatherType of Toe
Soft ToeWeight
3lb / 1.4kg / 49.38ozWaterproof
NoShaft Size
6 inchesOutsole
PolyurethaneBoot type
Moc Toe BootsManufacturer
ThorogoodSafety certifications
NoPrice range
$239.00 to $299.00- Working indoors where exposure to water and other liquids can be avoided.
- Workplaces with no impact or compression threats.
- Those who prefer a work boot that is also handsome enough to be used for dressing up.
Price range
$239 .00to $299.00
Pros
- Premium quality leather
- Eye-catching, strong stitching
- Breathable and shock-absorbing footbed
- Stylish, versatile profile
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No toe protection
The Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot instantly catches the eye with a beautifully crafted profile that showcases excellent design and performance. We were impressed with the full-grain leather’s supple texture and accent stitching, delivering a top-quality appearance while offering lasting durability. The moc-toe design gives a tough vibe but doesn’t reduce the boot’s stylishness, giving it versatility that can be maximized in various environments. An impact-absorbing Poron insole prevents footbed by soaking up and dispersing shock, while the oil-tanned leather encourages good air circulation for continuous foot comfort. The slip-resistant MAXWear Wedge sole creates a stylish platform while providing a good grip.
Unique Features
Sole
The MAXWear Wedge sole delivers a light-colored enhancement that looks great against the rich leather upper. We like how its cushioned structure helps relieve pressure for a comfortable walking experience. However, it lacks the strong traction that’s needed to maintain secure footing while walking on unstable or slippery surfaces.
Fit
The relaxed fit design promotes comfort, allowing the foot to shift easily within the boot and giving the toes enough room to wiggle so cramping can be avoided, especially after extended periods of standing or walking. We appreciate the lace-up design as it helps with fit customizations, making it easier to keep the boot comfortable and secure in a hassle-free way.
Build
The Goodyear storm welt construction helps maintain the boot’s strength for long-term use. A fiberglass shank reinforces the boot’s structure without the heavy feel of a steel component. The moc toe design exudes a rugged yet wonderfully stylish vibe that makes this boot stand out among other moc toe work boots.
Summary
The Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot delivers a superb style that’s equally rugged and fashionable, making it suitable for various settings. It’s built with premium leather, strong stitching, shock-absorbing insole, a breathable interior, a cushy sole, and Goodyear storm welt construction.
Noteable Mentions
Ariat Lookout Boot
The Ariat Lookout Boot has a stylish moc toe design that gives an effortlessly casual vibe, making this a great boot choice for work settings and laidback environments. The supple leather delivers a premium look and feels that’s thick enough to resist premature damage but pliable enough to support comfortable unrestricted walking. The proprietary 4LR technology works with multi-layered cushioning, cradling the foot in the most comfortable and supportive way. The lightweight shank helps stabilize steps on varying ground conditions but doesn’t cause discomfort like a steel shank. The EVA midsole soaks up the impact of repetitive foot movements over hard surfaces, preventing foot fatigue from developing for a more comfortable walking experience. The lightweight profile is suitable for all-day walking because it doesn’t drag heavily on foot and won’t cause significant discomfort. However, this boot isn’t recommended for harsh settings because it doesn’t come with a safety toe and waterproof construction. Read Full Review.
Red Wing Heritage Work Chukka
The Red Wing Heritage Work Chukka’s superior construction addresses your need for stylish footwear while delivering functional benefits at the same time. Its classic silhouette matches work attire but also has a casual vibe, making it versatile enough to be used in more laid-back surroundings. The strong stitching nicely contrasts with the rich leather texture while reinforcing the boot’s structure for lasting durability. The leather footbed is created to follow the foot’s shape, creating a customized feel that becomes even more comfortable with regular boot use. The upper and sole are flexible enough to support the foot’s natural movements without the stiffness that can eventually lead to a great deal of discomfort. The Atlas Tred outsole has a lightweight profile that doesn’t pull the foot down with uncomfortable heaviness, although its smooth structure doesn’t deliver high traction. It’s worth noting that this boot is ideal only for non-harsh indoor settings without safety toe protection and waterproofing. Read Full Review.
Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6-Inch Boot
The Danner Men’s Bull Run Moc Toe 6-Inch Boot is handsome enough to instantly boost the look of the plainest outfits, making it a superb partner to workwear and casual attire choices. The high-quality leather exudes a premium appeal while enhancing overall comfort with a flexible structure, easily accommodating the foot’s movements without painfully biting into the skin with every step. The leather has an unlined design that effortlessly follows the foot’s contours for a personalized fit while keeping the interior comfortably cool even in hot or humid environments. The OrthoLite footbed has three layers of cushioning, providing support and softness where they’re needed to promote long-lasting comfort. Its open-cell structure allows the air to flow freely, protecting the interior against overheating even after long hours of boot use. Meanwhile, the moc toe design offers enough room for the toes to wiggle to prevent foot cramping freely. The Danner Wedge outsole creates a comfy base and doesn’t track debris, so the traction level isn’t strong enough to resist slipping on tricky surfaces. Read Full Review.
Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6-Inch Boot
The Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6-Inch Boot showcases awesome old-school vibes, making this an ideal choice for those who want to add a vintage touch to various outfits that can be enjoyed on and off the work area. The moc toe stitching results in the toe box having more space, allowing the toes to wiggle as needed to avoid the development of foot cramps. The upper features of Puritan triple-stitching reinforce the boot’s structural integrity while simultaneously delivering a handsome accent that blends in with the leather’s supple texture. The leather laces allow the boot’s fit to be customized and add a bold dimension to the leather upper. Finally, the cork midsole soaks up the impact of repetitive steps on hard surfaces and keeps the force dispersed to prevent foot fatigue. Unfortunately, this boot isn’t built with safety toe protection and waterproof materials, so it’s not the best option for extremely wet or hazardous work conditions. Read Full Review.
Selection Methodology
We created this product list by first determining the most important aspects for selecting the best moc toe work boots. Aside from sifting through top-notch work boots that only have the moc toe silhouette, we also considered each product’s performance when used in different settings. Using the work boots in actual job environments, we built detailed product reviews that can help make your search process more efficient, so you won’t need to go through a lot of hassle or spend so much time finding the perfect moc toe work boot.
This list is built by considering various moc toe work boots with varying features across several brands. We made sure to include highlights on each product’s standout features so you can quickly have an idea of the benefits you can look forward to with each choice. We also emphasized the products’ weaknesses, enabling you to prepare for possible obstacles you may encounter when choosing a moc toe work boot from this list.
Product Analysis on Different Categories
The products included in this list were chosen by considering specific aspects that we considered crucial for finding the best moc toe work boots. The design & build quality category assesses the components that bring the most significant benefits to the boot’s performance and appearance. The comfort & fit category examines the aspects that impact how comfortably the boot fits and performs when used in real-life work settings. The sole & traction category checks the sole’s strength and how well it grips surfaces to promote a stable walking experience. The durability category analyzes the boot’s ability to maintain its structural integrity, especially with heavy use in challenging conditions. The safety toe category verifies the presence of safety toe caps for enhanced foot protection against impact and compression threats. The water resistance category confirms if the boot’s structure can resist liquid penetration, while the insulation category appraises the boot’s insulating capabilities and if it’s fitted with insulation materials. Finally, the value-for-money category considers the boot’s remarkable features and relates it to the price.
Overall
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot is the clear winner in this list. Its terrific construction features aluminum toe protection, a waterproof structure, excellent traction, and a stylish yet durable design. The Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot comes in second with amazing qualities, including a stylish moc toe silhouette, a waterproof membrane, a shock-absorbing insole, and electrical hazard protection. The Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot got in third with remarkable features such as an UltraDry waterproof membrane, comfortably cushioned interior, stylishly versatile profile, and high-traction outsole. In fourth place, the Ariat Recon Lace Boot delivers great benefits with its comfortable padding, cushy sole, and breathable lining. The Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot got the last spot but still offered notable qualities including a stylish profile, premium leather, shock-absorbing structure, and a cushy sole.
Comfort & Fit
The Ariat Recon Lace Boot stands out with exceptionally comfortable components such as a roomy toe box, a comfortably cushioned interior, and breathable lining. The other four products got the same slightly lower scores but still delivered comfortable experiences with features including shock-absorbing materials, roomy toe boxes, and lightweight shanks.
Design & Build Quality
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot and Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot both got excellent scores for design & build quality, with the former featuring a stylish yet durable profile with toe protection, excellent traction, and waterproofing. At the same time, the latter showcases remarkable form and function with waterproof components, a ruggedly stylish profile, and an electrical hazard-safe design. The Ariat Recon Lace Boot got the next highest spot with its impressively comfortable features and streamlined silhouette. The Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot and Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot are tied at the last spot but still provided noteworthy functional and aesthetic benefits with their premium styles and strong structures.
Durability
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot tops this category with exceptionally durable construction that can take on the most challenging work environments. The Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot, Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot, Ariat Recon Lace Boot, and Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot all had the same slightly lower scores for durable structures.
Sole & Traction
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot came out on top with an outstanding level of traction that promotes a safer walking experience even on unstable or extremely wet surfaces. The Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot and Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot are tied in second place, featuring grippy soles that help maintain secure footing over various ground conditions. The Ariat Recon Lace Boot and Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot both got the last spots because their outsoles don’t have deep treads that can deliver strong traction.
Safety Toe
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot got the highest marks for its aluminum toe protection, while the other four products all scored considerably lower because of their non-safety toe structures.
Water Resistance
The Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot, Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot, and Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot all got the same high scores because of their waterproof designs. On the other hand, the Ariat Recon Lace Boot and Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe MAXWear Wedge Boot had significantly lower scores due to their non-waterproof structures.
Value for Money
All the products in this list have high scores for value for money because their prices are justified by their superb qualities.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Moc toe work boots feature a distinctive U-shaped toe box that offers more space in this area, offering increased comfort that can be enjoyed in various job industries and even in social (non-work) settings. In addition, many features make the best moc toe work boots stand out from the rest of the other choices. Based on our research, the top three moc toe work boots in the market – Keen San Jose 6-Inch Boot, Carhartt Waterproof 6-Inch Wedge Boot, and Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch Waterproof Boot – all showcased superbly stylish profiles that also delivered remarkable functional advantages that are ideal for different work conditions.
FAQs
- What materials are most often used for the best moc toe work boots?
- The most often used material is premium full-grain leather that delivers a comfortable fit while offering enhanced durability and resistance to water and other liquids.
- Why are they called “moc toe”?
- This term comes from the word “moccasin,” a type of shoe made from a soft material with distinctive stitching at the top. The moc toe work boot has the same U-shaped stitched portion at the top, which results in a more spacious toe box.
- What are the top brands for moc toe work boots?
- Based on our research, the top brands are Keen Utility, Thorogood, Georgia, Red Wing, Ariat, Irish Setter and Danner.
- Is a moc toe work boot wider than a round-toed one?
- Not automatically. The roominess of the moc toe’s toe box comes from the increased vertical space resulting from the U-shaped stitch and not necessarily from a wider boot structure or outsole.