Summary
It’s easy to dismiss the Birkenstock QS 700 Boot as just another casual sneaker choice because of its looks, but I discovered that it had a lot more to offer in terms of performance. The water-resistant leather showcased a premium texture and at the same time kept my foot dry when there was limited exposure to liquids. I appreciated the presence of the steel toe component and anti-penetration sole that both offered increased foot protection in harsh environments.
The ergonomically designed cork-microfiber footbed comfortably supported my foot, while the nitrile rubber outsole promoted steady movements on different surfaces. We’ll take a closer look at this boot’s qualities to determine which ones significantly contribute to its superb function and aesthetics.
To keep up with demanding environments, this work boot has remarkable safety features that don’t compromise comfort and style.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Birkenstock QS 700 Boot looked a lot like tall sneakers, and I expected it to feel just as comfortable. Based on my experience while wearing the boot, that initial assumption wasn’t that far off as it almost felt like I was wearing sporty sneakers instead of work boots. The cork-microfiber footbed was designed to follow my foot’s shape so it felt secured in place. This resulted in enhanced stability while walking as my foot was prevented from sliding back and forth inside the boot with every step. The heel cup formed a comfortable cradle that supported my heel and helped sustain my foot’s naturally aligned position inside the boot.
I liked how the curved edge of the footbed worked to protect my foot from falling flat onto the base, preventing uncomfortable fallen arches that may occur with long hours of walking or standing on hard floors.
The footbed had a microfiber lining that offered a soothing kind of softness, preventing blisters from forming even when I walked and moved around continuously for long periods. Unlike other work boots I previously tried that bit into my toes,
I loved the spacious toe box that accommodated my toes so they were allowed to spread out naturally.
This spaciousness was a welcome surprise, enabling me to walk without the tip of the boot digging into my toes – even with the steel toe enhancement in place. This roominess resulted in increased comfort and stopped painful cramping from setting in, especially when I stayed on my feet for almost the whole day. The deeply padded collar hugged my ankle and calf, making the boot a lot comfier since there were no irritating materials rubbing against these areas with every step. I appreciated how this thick cushioning also helped sustain my stable footing as it supported my ankle, keeping it firmly in place so it didn’t easily twist when I needed to go over tricky surface conditions. I liked the support that the tall boot height provided, working with the generously padded collar to secure my ankle in place and promote lasting stability while walking over varying surface conditions. The heel was designed to take on the impact produced by striding or standing on unyielding ground conditions. This shock-absorbing heel spread the force across the boot instead of letting it concentrate in one area, so foot fatigue was easily prevented from building. The antistatic quality of the sole was another great enhancement that offered improved safety and comfort when working in areas that have high risks of static electricity buildup.
I also liked how the EVA footbed provided good cushioning to cradle my foot from the bottom while warding off the pain that can come from walking or staying upright for long periods. The footbed absorbed the shock that was produced by my steps, protecting my foot and leg muscles against fatigue, especially when I had already spent long hours on my feet. The shoe didn’t feel foamy nor flat when I was walking, providing just the right amount of padding – not too thin or too thick – while also not allowing my foot to feel the unyielding surfaces that I walked on. I appreciated the flexibility of the sole that enabled me to continue walking in a comfortable way since there were no rigid components to hamper my mobility from the bottom of the shoe.
The shoe had a built-in fabric lining that surrounded my foot with a soothing softness. This lining formed a protective barrier to prevent my skin from rubbing painfully against the shoe’s interior, especially when I needed to keep walking for extended periods. I enjoyed the added comfort delivered by the heel cup as it helped soak up the impact of walking, ensuring that the force was spread out throughout the shoe to further prevent foot fatigue. This component also worked to keep my heel in a secure position, stopping it from unintentionally sliding inside the shoe while I walked.
Weight
It’s easy to assume that this boot would weigh a lot less because of its sporty appearance which looks more like a sneaker instead of a work boot. However, I wasn’t disappointed with this boot’s weighty feel as it felt a lot like other work boots that I’ve tried. This significant weight was also a result of the addition of the steel toe component that offered increased protection against safety hazards in harsh conditions. It’s worth noting that although this boot felt heavier than casual boots, it still felt comfortable to use even if it wasn’t lightweight because it didn’t drag heavily on my foot and leg muscles the way bulky work boots do.
Traction
I welcomed the stable feeling that the boot’s rubber outsole delivered, giving me the confidence to walk over challenging surfaces without losing my steady gait. The nonslip sole had a firm grip on different kinds of floors, so I didn’t have to worry about slipping or tripping even when I needed to move quickly. The sole’s antistatic properties were another remarkable addition, making it comfier and a lot safer for me to work in an environment where static electricity build-up is a high risk. The rubber outsole is resistant to petrol and oil so it resists not only slipping but also premature damage, especially when the sole is exposed to these harsh substances in different work environments.
Fit and Sizing
I liked how this boot felt true to size because it eliminated the need for me to pick a size option that’s different from what I usually get. I enjoyed the fit because it felt a bit relaxed, even when I had thick socks on. The extra space resulted in comfortable walking, allowing my foot to shift a bit when necessary so it wasn’t packed into a painfully tight space. At the same time, my foot also felt secured in place and didn’t slide uncontrollably inside the boot. Adjusting the boot’s fit was easy enough because of its lace-up design. This allowed me to customize the boot in a convenient way, so I got to enjoy a secure and comfortable fit at all times. I appreciated the thick padding on the collar because it helped maintain the boot’s snug fit around my ankle, keeping it safe from accidental twisting when I walk over inclined or unstable surface conditions while in a hurry.
Waterproofing
The water-resistant upper kept liquids out so my foot maintained comfortable dryness even after the boot was exposed to splashes of water and other limited amounts of wetness. I also felt confident enough that my foot wouldn’t get thoroughly soaked when I needed to work outdoors for a short period while it was drizzling, as the water-resistant material would keep the wetness out. It’s worth mentioning that this boot isn’t completely waterproof, though, so it’s not recommended for settings that are always exposed to excessive wetness.
Breathability
This boot didn’t easily overheat, thanks to the microfiber material that was used on the footbed itself and its lining. This material encouraged air to move freely so that the interior stayed relatively cool for a long period. The microfiber component helped increase ventilation while also encouraging sweat and warmth to dissipate. However, this isn’t the most breathable boot I’ve tried because it lacked ventilation holes, and there was still that risk of unwelcome warmth creeping in, especially when the boot is used in humid or hot surroundings for prolonged times.
Quality and Durability
The Birkenstock QS 700 Boot looks like a stylish sneaker but also offers superb functional benefits that can be maximized in a variety of work settings. The leather upper has a water-resistant structure that kept my foot dry despite exposure to a bit of wetness, such as accidental liquids that were spilled onto the boot.
However, I won’t recommend this boot for extremely wet surroundings because it isn’t built with fully waterproof components.
The premium construction offers long-lasting benefits, with double-stitching all throughout the high-quality upper that increases the boot’s strength so it can easily take on demanding jobs and other activities without easily breaking down. The metallic eyelets made a nice, shiny contrast to the leather’s structure, delivering a robust look that only served to enhance the boot’s stylish silhouette. These components are made to last for a long time and worked with the thick laces to make fit modifications a lot easier to manage, so I didn’t have a hard time getting the perfect boot fit. The steel toe cap was a fantastic addition that offered significant protection against safety hazards in harsh work environments. It shielded the foot against impact and compression threats, preventing serious injuries that may occur if these hazards are accidentally dropped or rolled on top of the boot. The scratch-resistant toe cap worked hard to protect the boot’s tip from extensive damage in settings that are exposed to abrasive materials. I found it impressive that such a casual-looking boot had a penetration-resistant sole fitted in, delivering continuous protection against puncture injuries in case I accidentally stepped on sharp objects.
I loved how the toe box still managed to stay comfortably spacious even with the presence of the safety toe cap. The toe box was roomy enough to allow my toes to spread out in a natural way, preventing cramping and the painful feeling that occurs when the metallic toe cap presses into the toes.
The anatomically designed cork-microfiber footbed cradled my foot with lasting support, maintaining its proper alignment so I was able to walk with increased stability. It kept my heel in place for a secure feeling and worked to bring strong arch support, preventing the pain that would’ve resulted from fallen arches if the boot lacked ample support. I welcomed the softness of the microfiber lining that topped the footbed as it stopped painful friction and at the same time worked to encourage good ventilation inside the boot. The cushioned collar helped promote a comfortably snug fit and kept my ankle secured so it didn’t easily get twisted when I was walking over uneven or inclined ground conditions. The sole’s antistatic quality offered increased comfort and protection in locations that are prone to static electricity accumulation. I loved the shock-absorbing heel as it helped keep my foot comfortable even after hours of standing or walking as it dissipated the force throughout the boot. The slip-resistant rubber outsole had a strong grip on various surfaces, keeping me steady on my feet so I didn’t easily lose my balance in challenging ground conditions. This boot felt a bit heavy, but it wasn’t a surprise given the steel safety toe.
Other Versions
The Birkenstock QS 700 Boot is available in oiled nubuck leather in oily brown and natural leather (in white and black). It also has a version that’s constructed with microfiber.
The Challengers
The Nike Air Max Goadome Boot
The Nike Air Max Goadome Boot is constructed with waterproof leather to block wet elements, enabling you to go about your day without worrying about getting your foot soaked. The leather upper showcases a sleek look that goes well with workwear and is stylish enough to pair handsomely with casual outfits, too. The mid-cut height offers ample support to keep the ankle secured in a proper position, protecting it from accidental twisting when you’re striding over tricky surfaces. The Air Max unit is fitted on the entire boot’s length, delivering superb comfort and flexibility to help you move with increased agility. This cushioned unit has a lightweight structure that doesn’t considerably add to the boot’s weight even with its thick construction. The rubber outsole’s aggressive treads bite firmly into the ground to help stabilize your gait on tricky surfaces. The boot’s laces are quite thin, though, and it may be a good idea to replace them with thicker and stronger ones.
The Skechers Work Workshire Steel Toe Boot’s
The Skechers Work Workshire Steel Toe Boot’s leather upper has a robust look that fits into a variety of work environments while still sleek enough to be used in office settings. The steel toe cap offers maximum protection against impact and compression threats, shielding the foot so it won’t easily be injured in harsh surroundings. The memory foam insole immediately conforms to the foot’s shape to deliver remarkable comfort that can be enjoyed with lasting pressure relief. The midsole absorbs most of the force that comes from all-day walking so it’s easier to avoid foot fatigue even with long hours of boot use. The relaxed fit allows the foot to shift inside the boot when needed and gives the toes ample wiggle room to prevent painful cramping with prolonged boot-wearing. This boot offers protection against electrocution in case of contact with live currents in dry conditions. It isn’t waterproof, though, so it’s not recommended for use in exceptionally wet areas.
The Caterpillar Excavator LT Composite Toe Boot
The Caterpillar Excavator LT Composite Toe Boot is built with waterproof leather that seals out water and other liquids, protecting the interior so it doesn’t get wet even with extended boot use in very wet settings. A special last provides a roomy toe box that gives the toes enough wiggle room to prevent cramping, especially with all-day standing or walking. This boot has a composite toe cap that guards the foot against serious harm in case heavy objects such as tools and machinery are accidentally dropped on the boot. The ankle pods that are integrated on the boot’s sides shield the ankle against bruising if the boot encounters impact threats that may be present in harsh settings. The TecTuff material placed on the heel and toe portions delivers heavy-duty protection from abrasive objects in the work area. The EaseHD footbed offers remarkable cushioning with just enough bounce to bring energy back to each step, promoting superior foot comfort throughout the day. The boot’s industrial design is only suitable for work environments, though, and may look out of place in casual settings.
The Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot
The Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot comes with a waterproof barrier that prevents liquids from seeping in, maintaining the interior’s comfortable dryness when you’re in wet environments. This barrier allows sweat and unwelcome warmth to quickly dissipate to prevent overheating even with extended boot-wearing. The OrthoLite footbed cushions the foot to promote lasting comfort without the excessive bulk that comes with other padded insoles. The Megagrip outsole firmly grips different surfaces to help you maintain your balanced gait even at a hurried pace. The rubberized EVA midsole offers extra cushioning and support from underfoot for continuous stability. The boot’s extremely snug fit is worth mentioning, as it may be uncomfortable for those with wide feet.
The Palladium Pampa Shield WP+ LTH Boot
The Palladium Pampa Shield WP+ LTH Boot has an almost sporty look that seamlessly works with jeans, cargo pants, and other casual attire options. The waterproof construction stops wet elements from coming in, ensuring superior protection against uncomfortable wetness if you’re in areas that are exposed to extreme moisture. The fleece lining keeps the foot cocooned in soothing warmth to prevent an uncomfortably chilled feeling in cold environments. The sock liner, made with 100% merino wool, soothes the skin with welcoming softness and keeps it safe from painful chafing. The rubber toe cap protects the boot’s tip from getting damaged when it comes in contact with abrasive objects. This boot comes with a lightweight and flexible structure that doesn’t get in the way of your agility. It has a very snug fit, however, which makes it quite difficult to put on – especially for those with wide feet.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Birkenstock QS 700 Boot is a superb choice for those who are searching for a high-quality safety boot with a sporty look. Its appearance is similar to that of athletic sneakers and can be enjoyed with casual outfits as well as a variety of workwear. I welcomed the enhanced protection delivered by the steel toe cap, antistatic properties, and puncture-resistant sole as these components kept my foot safe in harsh environments. The water-resistant leather upper blocked wet elements and ensured that my foot stayed comfortably dry in wet surroundings. The boot felt a bit heavy, though, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable and was what I expected from a steel-toed work boot. It also offered decent value for money, even with an expensive price tag, because its outstanding features offered plenty of performance benefits.
