Summary
What stands out the most with the Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot is its lightweight construction that feels quite comfortable, especially with the relaxed fit that is designed for providing a roomier profile. This helped in preventing foot fatigue when I used the boots while working, aiding me to maintain my productivity for the rest of the day without worrying about discomfort. For alternative work boot options with similar features, you need not go too far as there are noteworthy choices from the same brand. The Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire – Condor Work Boot is an excellent version of the Workshire that has the same memory foam insole, oil-resistant outsole, and a roomy fit – but this one does not have toe protection. Another version of the first Workshire is the Workshire – Peril Steel Toe Boot that also has electrical hazard protection and steel safety toe, but this time comes with the enhancement inside in the form of a gel-infused memory foam insole for cooler comfort. On the other hand, the Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot is an excellent choice if you are looking for a work boot that is both waterproof and with safety toes. The Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Waterproof Soft Toe Work Shoe offers waterproof protection without the toe protection, making it an ideal option for working in wet conditions where there are no immediate threats for impact and compression. The Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot comes with toe protection and is waterproof, with the additional benefit of having a lightweight construction for better mobility.
The Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot is made to provide the protection needed in a variety of workplace conditions while ensuring that comfort is not compromised in any way. The lightweight profile makes this boot quite comfortable to use for walking around all day, even with the presence of the protective steel toe that guards the foot against falling or rolling objects. I do have some concerns that the lightweight structure was done at the expense of overall durability, which will also be affected by the conditions where the boot is used. A shock-absorbing midsole and memory foam padded insoles keep the foot protected from extreme discomfort as the work continues for the rest of the day. This boot also comes with electrical hazard protection that makes it a suitable choice for electricians and other professions that need this type of protection on a regular basis. We will explore the boots further below to see which qualities make it a great buy and which features need improvement.
When you’re looking for steel-toed boots but don’t like to carry around bulky shoes, this lightweight optionfits the bill.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot is designed to deliver long-lasting foot comfort while taking on the challenges of the workplace.
I liked the way the memory foam insole hugged the shape of my foot throughout the day because it kind of felt like the shoe was custom-made according to my unique foot measurements, but this comfort level is not the best I have experienced with work boots.
The midsole works to deliver strong shock absorption to ease the pain that can come from walking around and staying on your feet all day long. The padded collar and tongue offered generous cushioning on the top of my foot and around my calves, at the same time gave me a more secure feeling without wobbliness to worry about. The interior is lined with a soft fabric that enveloped my foot with a welcome softness that did not cause chafing or any type of discomfort, so I was able to through long hours of work while staying blister-free until the end of the day. Moving around in the boots is effortless because it is built with a flexible body, with both the outsole and the upper easily adapting to movements as required. I did not feel that the boots got in the way of my movement as the outsoles stayed flexible and supportive for the rest of the day.
Weight
These are supremely lightweight boots – there were times when I forgot that I was wearing work boots and not running shoes because that is what they almost felt like. Even with the steel safety toe caps in place, the boots remained lightweight so walking and doing work with them on did not bring discomfort, since they do not feel intrusive in any way. The midsole and outsole delivered the functionality that was expected from them while maintaining lightweight structures that supported and stayed flexible for an overall positive experience.
Traction
The Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot is fitted with rubber outsoles that are slip-and oil-resistant so there were no problems walking over most of the wet and slippery surfaces I encountered. However, as these outsoles only have a medium thickness, they do not have the maximum traction needed to be able to move over more challenging ground conditions, which may include oily concrete floors and muddy or waterlogged outdoor settings. The outsoles’ treads are also not that aggressive so they may not be suitable for harsh environments where more pronounced treads will work best.
Fit and Sizing
These boots come with a relaxed fit so there was ample space for my foot to move inside, which was a huge plus when I have been working for the better part of the day and started to feel a bit of foot discomfort. With the space to move my toes, I was able to stop my foot from cramping when I still had a lot of work to finish. The boot is also true to size so there is no need to go up or down the next size to be able to feel comfortable while using the Workshire. While the relaxed fit allowed for some foot movement, I liked the way that the padded collar hugged my calf and delivered a more secure feeling, as my calf and ankle were stabilized and did wobble inside the boot. This security made it easier for me to walk quickly across the work area without worrying about twisting my ankle if I stepped on uneven surfaces.
Waterproofing
This leather upper of this boot is not waterproof, so this boot is not a good choice for working in wet conditions. The boot’s design and materials make it more suitable for work areas where there no water or liquid sources around, such as in construction sites and other indoor settings where water exposure is not an issue. With the lack of waterproofing in place, the Workshire is also not a great choice for working in harsh outdoor environments, especially when there is a chance of rain.
Breathability
The full-grain leather upper allows a bit of breathability so air can enter the boot and help disperse built-up heat. This protects the foot from being surrounded by extreme heat inside even when the boot is used for the all-day work. There was no mention of a breathable lining within the boot, which could have helped deliver a cooler sensation, especially with long-term boot use.
Quality and Durability
Based on my experience with using the Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot, I would say that it had a medium to high score when it came to the durability and overall quality of construction.
While it is built to withstand certain work environments that are mostly indoors, I do not think that the boot can be recommended for harsh work environments, such as those in outdoor settings in inclement weather.
One of the components that contributed to the overall quality of the boot is its steel safety toe that worked nonstop to keep the foot protected from tools and other objects that may suddenly roll on the foot or fall from a high area. The boot also meets the ASTM F2413-2011 standards for electrical hazard protection so it is suitable for electricians, engineers, architects and other professions who may need this kind of protection while enjoying the benefits of the lightweight structure of the Workshire work boot.
Leather overlays on the sides and heels of the boot protect these areas from extensive damage in tough conditions while strongly stitched seams aim to prolong the structural strength of the boot.
Other Versions
The Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot is available in two colors – brown and black. It has two other versions with similar features – the Condor and the Peril. The Men’s Workshire – Condor Work Boot also has a lightweight structure with a relaxed fit and memory foam cushioning but comes in a soft toe design without toe protection. Meanwhile, the Workshire – Peril Steel Toe Boot has almost the same features as the original Workshire but comes enhanced with a gel-infused memory foam insole.
The Challengers
Condor
The first great alternative to the Workshire is its own version, the Condor. It has the same look like the original Workshire, with a relaxed fit that offers increased roominess, a memory foam insole, and a lightweight structure that will not interfere with quick movements as needed in various workplace settings. The difference between the two is that the Condor version has a soft toe design with no toe protection in place. With only a $5 difference from one version to another, it will be a good idea to go for the original version with steel safety toes – unless you really do not this feature, in which case the soft toe Condor will work best.
Workshire – Peril Work Boot
The second challenger is another version of the Workshire – the Workshire – Peril Work Boot. The Peril almost looks and feels identical to the original version of the Workshire, with the same steel toe protection in place and electrical hazard protection as a secondary safety layer against electrical currents. However, the Peril comes with a nice upgrade inside – a gel-infused memory foam insole instead of the Workshire’s regular memory foam one. This gel infusion works to keep the interior cooler for longer and will be an excellent choice if you often experience extreme foot warmth or are working in a warm environment.
Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot
Caterpillar Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot a fantastic alternative if you want your work boot to be both waterproof and with safety toes. This boot has a breathable leather upper that keeps the inside comfortably cool by allowing air to move freely, so you will not experience an overheated feeling with long hours of boot use. The Threshold may be the heaviest among the list of contenders, but some users will argue that the additional weight is a small price to pay for the waterproofness and toe protection in one work boot.
Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Work Shoe
Another work boot choice is the Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Work Shoe. It is waterproof but does not have toe protection, which makes it ideal for working in wet conditions where there are no immediate threats that can injure the foot. A fully cushioned footbed delivers a comfortable experience that can last as long as your long shift at work, while the rugger outsole with aggressive treads will keep you safe from slipping or falling on challenging surfaces.
Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot
The Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot may be the boot to beat in this list of challengers. It is built with waterproof leather and mesh to prevent water from entering the boot while keeping the inside nicely ventilated to stop excessive heat from building up. The steel safety toe creates a protective barrier against objects that can fall on and injure the foot while in the workplace. This boot has the most lightweight construction on the list and is designed for superior flexibility and mobility no matter how tough the work environment can be.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Steel Toe Boot comes in a supremely lightweight structure that makes standing all day and moving continuously in the workplace much easier to manage. With the steel toe in place, the boot also provides the protection needed to prevent serious injuries when something heavy falls on the foot. This boot has a good design, but the overall construction quality and durability may have been somewhat compromised in the quest to keep the build as light as possible. With all the features considered, this boot is not a suitable choice for use in harsh work environments or for working in extreme weather conditions.
