Summary
The Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington’s height is similar to more common rain boots, but its silhouette reminded me of cowboy boots. I liked the leather upper that’s fitted with sections of reinforced fabric to increase durability, which also worked to deliver a nice contrast of colors and textures. The steel toe guarded my foot to prevent it from getting crushed by compression or impact threats.
I appreciated the waterproof, breathable lining that sealed out liquids while helping the interior feel a bit cooler for longer. Moisture doesn’t accumulate inside the boot even with its tall structure, thanks to the Fast Dry lining that wicks away sweat and also stops odor development. The outsole aggressively digs into the ground and kept me walking steadily and safely. Get to know more of the boot’s remarkable characteristics in the product review below.
When you prefer work shoes that come with a classic silhouette, this high-quality footwear choice will work wonderfully for your needs in and out of the job site.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington didn’t cause the level of discomfort that I thought I would experience while wearing such a tall boot. I liked the cushioned insole that provided the right level of softness to keep my foot from feeling pain when I had already walked on hard surfaces for a long period of time. The padding wasn’t too thick, so it didn’t make the interior feel painfully tight – something that can be a problem when using overly cushioned footwear. The insole also took on the role of the shock absorber as it soaked up the force coming from walking for prolonged periods on hard surfaces. With the impact spread out across the boot, I didn’t suffer from foot fatigue even after being on my feet for almost the entire day.
The upper had enough flexibility to adapt to my steps, flexing at specific points to allow me to walk normally without feeling discomfort with every step. I also appreciated how the sole didn’t have the unwelcome rigidity that would’ve restricted my movements from the bottom. It accommodated my steps, so I walked comfortably without stiff components limiting my mobility. Even with the tall height, this boot comfortably surrounded my calf but didn’t feel too tight. However, my ankle rubbed against the back and sides of the boot. I also felt some pinching on the toes of my right foot. I think these issues can be improved by going for a larger size so there’s more room for the foot to move comfortably.
I liked the insole’s removable structure, but I don’t recommend removing it if it isn’t necessary. This is because it can be quite difficult to squeeze back in due to the tightness of the boot’s tall shaft. I should mention that I didn’t feel completely comfortable going up and down stairs because it felt like my foot was moving in and out of the boot with each step.
Weight
This boot weighed as much as I expected it would. Given its tall structure, I expected it to be a bit heavier, so I was happy that it turned out to be less bulky than I initially assumed. Most of the weight was concentrated on the thick rubber outsole with its aggressive treads, although the steel toe cap also contributed to the overall weight profile.
Traction
At first glance, I knew this boot would have a high-traction outsole. The aggressive treads dug powerfully on the surfaces I walked on, sustaining my balanced gait so I was able to walk confidently without compromising my safety in uneven or slick ground conditions. The traction felt pretty fantastic, and I felt the sole gripping the ground as I walked on bumpy, gravel-strewn surfaces.
Fit and Sizing
I felt that the boot ran a bit too small. My toes felt pinched because there wasn’t enough room on the toe box to allow comfortable wiggling. My ankle also rubbed painfully against the side and back of the boot because these areas felt a bit too tight, although the boot was roomy enough for my calf. I’d recommend choosing a size that’s larger than your usual choice to get ample space for improved comfort. It’s worth noting that even with the tall height, it wasn’t too hard to slip my foot in and out of the boot. This may be because the shaft wasn’t extremely thick and flexed a bit to accommodate foot entry and exit.
Waterproofing
As the name suggests, the Storm Defender waterproof membrane protects the boot by keeping it safe from liquid penetration. I was able to walk outdoors in the rain without getting my foot wet because the waterproof construction sealed out wet elements. The tall boot structure also worked to save my foot against uncomfortable wetness, preventing liquids from entering through the top when I waded in deep puddles.
Breathability
The FastDry lining was a wonderful bonus because it moved moisture away from my skin, allowing me to avoid sweaty foot problems even when I used the boot for long hours in humid or hot settings. The Storm Defender waterproof lining worked to dissipate pent-up heat and kept the air moving inside the boot. However, I still felt my foot becoming uncomfortably warm when I was in high-temperature environments, so I won’t recommend this boot for warm weather use.
Quality and Durability
The Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington has the tall height of a rubber boot but has some touches that give it a cowboy vibe. I enjoyed these functional and aesthetic enhancements both on and off the workplace, allowing me to maximize this boot in different surroundings. The leather sections on the upper showcased a rich texture that elevated the boot’s look, making it a stylish addition to any outfit. Meanwhile, the proprietary Carstrong reinforced fabric was fitted into sections of the upper, strengthening it enough so it easily resisted easy wear and tear with heavy boot use in tough work conditions. I liked how the combination of these two materials resulted in an interesting mix of colors of textures that enhanced the boot’s stylish appearance.
This steel toe enhancement wasn’t that obvious because the boot didn’t have the overly bulky profile of heavy-duty work boots. The toe cap kept my foot safe against grave crushing injuries that can occur when working in hazardous areas that are exposed to dangerous compression and impact. This boot also offers electrical hazard protection that acts as a secondary source of safety against electric shock in dry conditions should there be unintentional contact with open circuits.
I especially liked the Storm Defender lining that stopped liquids from entering the boot, helping sustain a comfortably dry interior that kept my foot protected against unwelcome wetness. What made this membrane even more special is its breathable structure that worked to keep the air moving continuously throughout the boot to prevent overheating. However, even with the breathable lining in place, my foot still felt quite warm when I stayed in hot areas for long periods. I appreciated the addition of the FastDry lining that drew moisture away from my skin, keeping my foot dry and protected against excessive sweatiness.
When it came to comfort, I encountered some issues, but that doesn’t make this a completely uncomfortable boot. The cushioned PU insole supported my foot and helped keep it in proper alignment while providing a soft base that effectively warded off the pain. It had enough padding to prevent my foot from feeling the extreme hardness of the surfaces I walked on and worked as a shock absorber that soaked up and dissipated the force to help me avoid foot fatigue. Most of the discomfort stemmed from sizing issues as my ankle experienced painful chafing as a result of the boot feeling too tight in this particular area. The toes of my right foot felt squashed, while the left ones had enough wiggle room. Going up a size may be the best way to resolve these sizing issues.
The thick rubber outsole featured heavy-duty treads that delivered excellent traction, digging powerfully into the surfaces I walked on to keep my feet planted firmly and protect me from losing my balance. The traction felt wonderful as I felt the outsole gripping each step, ensuring that I won’t easily slip or fall in unstable or extremely wet ground conditions. The Goodyear welt construction reinforces the waterproofing action and ensures reliable durability. However, I did feel a bit uncomfortable going up and down stairs because my foot felt like it was popping in and out with every step.
Other Versions
The Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington is available in bison brown oil tan and black oil tan color options. It also comes in a non-safety toe version.
The Challengers
Dr. Martens Icon Steel Toe Slip-On Boot
The Dr. Martens Icon Steel Toe Slip-On Boot showcases a premium leather upper that’s tough enough to keep up with demanding activities and settings while exuding a stylish profile that seamlessly blends into more casual surroundings. The EVA footbed supports the foot with ample softness to ease the discomfort of walking and standing on hard ground conditions. The ankle area has enough padding to protect the ankle against harm in case of contact with abrasive or dangerous impact. The padding also helps keep the ankle secured in its position to prevent accidental twisting with quick sideways movements. The steel toe cap shields the foot against risky compression or impact, preventing serious injuries in case heavy objects are rolled or dropped on the foot. The air-cushioned sole delivers a bouncy feel to keep you walking comfortably for longer while keeping your steps stabilized with a high-traction structure. The electrical hazard protection adds a secondary level of safety against electric shock should you unintentionally touch electrically charged objects in dry conditions. This boot will need a long break-in period, though, before the leather softens enough to feel comfortable.
Avenger Work Boots Framer Pull-On Comp Toe Boot’s
The Avenger Work Boots Framer Pull-On Comp Toe Boot’s 10-inch height offers extended coverage to keep your foot protected against the elements and safety risks in the work area. The waterproof membrane stops liquids from getting into the boot, making sure that your foot remains dry whenever you are in wet surroundings. This lining also promotes a well-ventilated interior by encouraging the air to flow continuously. The composite toe cap saves the foot from getting seriously injured in case heavy items, such as pieces of equipment or tools, are accidentally dropped onto the boot. It’s not as heavy as steel, making it possible for the boot to maintain a relatively minimized weight profile that doesn’t drag uncomfortably on the foot. The thick rubber outsole strongly bites into the ground to help you walk more safely on slippery or uneven surfaces. The leather on top of the toes feels a bit stiff at first but eventually softens after it’s nicely broken in.
Durango Maverick 10-Inch Western Waterproof Steel Toe Boot
The Durango Maverick 10-Inch Western Waterproof Steel Toe Boot showcases a cowboy profile that adds eye-catching style to your workwear and to other attire choices for casual outings. The Western-style stitching, available in different colors, makes this boot stand out with its appearance without compromising performance. The waterproof construction blocks wet elements so they won’t have a chance to seep in, keeping the interior comfortably dry while you work in wet conditions. An exclusive comfort footbed features memory foam that conforms to the foot’s shape, relieving pressure zones to avoid blister formation. The proprietary Durango X-Pand system comes with a concealed gore expansion to ensure that you’ll easily achieve a secure and comfortable fit. The steel toe enhancement keeps the foot protected so it won’t be crushed if heavy or blunt items roll or fall on top of the boot. The slip-resistant rubber outsole keeps your foot planted firmly on the ground to prevent slipping. The materials used in this boot don’t seem to have the best quality, though, so you may experience durability issues.
Justin Wanette Steel Toe Boot
The Justin Wanette Steel Toe Boot has discreet Western-style stitching that adds a wonderful accent without the over-the-top details, so the boot remains appropriate for different work environments. The contrast stitching and perforated touches give the leather upper an almost luxurious look, making the boot stylish enough to elevate outfits that can be enjoyed for work and for more relaxed settings. The steel toe cap blocks impact and compression threats so they won’t easily crush the foot if they fall from elevated spaces. The electrical hazard safe design provides an additional layer of protection, keeping you safe against electric shock if you’re exposed to electrically charged components in dry conditions. The waterproof structure won’t allow water, mud, and other liquids to enter, so you can be sure that your foot will stay dry even when you’re in moisture-filled job sites. An exclusive comfort system features a cushioned insole that supports the foot and cradles it with ample softness. It should be noted that the toe box feels a bit narrow while the heel area is spacious, so these should be considered to pick the right size.
Shoes for Crews Bronco III Composite Toe Boot
The Shoes for Crews Bronco III Composite Toe Boot is constructed with waterproof leather to ensure long-lasting foot protection against unwelcome wetness. The composite toe cap shields the foot against crushing injuries if impact and compression dangers are accidentally rolled or dropped on top of the boot in tough work settings. The abrasion-resistant toe bumper strengthens the tip of the boot to protect it from premature damage and forms a protective barrier to prevent toe pain when you’re kneeling on hard surfaces. The gel insole softens the impact of walking on unforgiving ground conditions for extended periods to help you walk comfortably for longer. The Gladiator outsole features deep lugs that provide superior traction to keep you walking confidently on slippery or unstable surfaces. This outsole has a proprietary clog resistance quality that works to quickly shed dirt and debris. The Ladder Grab enhancement strongly grips ladder steps to increase stability and safety. However, it’s worth noting that the seam on the toe bumper tends to get damaged more easily than the other boot sections.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Carhartt Women’s Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington is built to last, with components that are designed to deliver aesthetic and functional benefits for a long time. I liked how this boot looked like a rain boot and cowboy boot hybrid, resulting in a versatile style that paired nicely with workwear and casual attire. The steel toe cap and Storm Defender waterproofing offered continuous protection against safety hazards and the elements in challenging conditions. The high-traction outsole ensured stable footing for increased safety on tricky surfaces. I just had an issue with the boot’s sizing as it fits quite tightly on the ankle area. It’s also very warm, so I won’t recommend using it in high-temperature worksites.
- Waterproof, breathable lining
- Steel toe
- Moisture-wicking
- Electrical hazard protection
- Powerful traction
- Tight around the ankle
- Can feel hot in warm weather
