Thorogood 11-Inch Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boots – Are these pull-on boots any good?

Comfort

I discovered that the Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot feels quite foamy on the heel, thanks to the Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed built into the structure.

The shock-absorbing footbed soaks up the impact of almost countless steps on hard ground, protecting the foot against a fatigued feeling even after long hours of continuous boot use. I especially like how the Poron insole provides a comfortably soft cradle for my foot to ward off the discomfort on the job.

The smooth leather upper works not only to give the boot a sleek look but also performs to enhance comfort.

I got the impression of fine quality and strength, but I’m glad the leather upper also has enough flex to move along with my steps.

Compared to more rigid upper materials that bite into the skin with each step, the full-grain leather upper allows my foot to move naturally. It doesn’t cause the uncomfortably restricted feeling I associated with stiff leather boots.

The soft wedge sole offers great softness and rigidity for more stable footing. Thankfully, it’s flexible, just like the leather upper, so I could walk comfortably without the bottom of the boot hampering my movements.

A fiberglass shank helps support the foot’s proper alignment for added stability while walking but doesn’t make the boot feel too heavy like a steel shank.

Weight

Given its tall 11-inch height, I wasn’t surprised when I learned that this boot feels quite heavy.

The overall weight is also affected by the presence of steel toe caps, which are built into the boot to block heavy objects so that they won’t cause serious harm to the toes. The full-grain leather upper and thick wedge sole also add considerable weight to the boot, although I don’t feel it’s too heavy for its design. As shown on the image above, we’ve weighed the boots and their weight is approximately 2,257 grams / 4.98 lbs / 79.6 oz

Traction

The boot is equipped with the proprietary MAXWear Wedge outsole that’s slip-resistant.

However, I felt like the outsole lacked the strong grip I needed to navigate tricky ground conditions confidently.

The weak traction stems from the outsole’s almost flat, smooth surface. The absence of deep treads negatively affects the outsole’s traction level, making the boot unsuitable for harsh or uneven surfaces.

Fit and Sizing

I tried this in my usual size (US 10), and my foot felt very much locked in place, specifically on the heel and instep sections.

I also tried the boot in US 11, which turned out to be a bit more comfortable – although it still had a locked in-feeling in the heel and instep.

The upsize also resulted in heel slip when I walked, which can cause even bigger problems in the long run. Given these experiences, I’d still say that it’s better to get your true size when buying this boot – but you should bear in mind that this has a very snug/locked-in feel.

I also don’t recommend this boot for those with wide feet and those who like work boots with a relaxed or regular fit.

Waterproofing

This boot doesn’t have waterproof construction and isn’t suitable for wet work conditions.

However, the fine quality of the leather upper may provide a bit of resistance when it’s exposed to minimal amounts of water and other liquids. This minimal resistance may protect the foot against being instantly soaked by small splashes of liquids.

It’s also worth mentioning that the boot uses Goodyear Storm Welt, which effectively stops liquids from seeping in from the section where the sole and upper are attached.

Breathability

The boot uses unlined leather that offers good breathability.

Even with the tall boot structure, my foot didn’t heat up and sweat much.

It’s worth noting that without special components or technology for superior breathability and moisture dissipation, this boot isn’t the most breathable and may still feel overheated when used for a long time, especially in hot surroundings.

Quality and Durability

The Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot has a premium look and functionality that I got to maximize on the job.

The steel toe caps guard my toes against heavy items that can roll or drop by accident on my foot, making it easier for me to avoid serious foot injuries in hazardous work environments.

I was impressed that this tall boot turned out to be so easy to put on and off, courtesy of the pliable leather upper with a pull-on design and pull straps on the opening for more convenient wearing.

This boot is made in the USA to maintain exceptional quality, using components that are sourced globally.

I love the way the proprietary Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed works to take in and dissipate the shock, protecting my foot from feeling fatigued when I’ve been standing and walking for hours.

This footbed sits on a Poron insole, offering generous softness, with a rubber midsole for extra cushioning and support underneath. I appreciated the presence of the fiberglass shank providing foot stability and structural strength without the heavy feel of a metallic shank.

The MAXWear Wedge outsole gives the boot a distinct look, blending seamlessly with the fine leather upper for a seamless appearance. I discovered that the sole feels foamy and flexible, enabling me to walk comfortably without anything stiff underneath to hinder my mobility. It’s less flexible and feels more solid than other Thorogood boots I’ve tried, such as the moc-toe boots from the same American Heritage line. However, I discovered that the outsole has weak traction which makes the boot unsuitable for harsh terrains and unstable ground conditions.

The boot also has an exceptionally snug fit, so I don’t recommend it for wide feet and for those who prefer relaxed-fit footwear.

Just like other Thorogood boots, this one is well constructed. I’m a fan of the distinctive white stitching throughout the boot’s upper and the sole, where the Goodyear Storm Welt Construction works hard to stop wetness from creeping in. However, this isn’t a waterproof boot, so it’s not the best choice for extremely wet work conditions.

Other Versions

The Thorogood 11-Inch Pull-On Wellington Wedge Steel Toe Boot is offered in Tobacco oil-tanned leather. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have other versions.

Carhartt Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington Boot

The Carhartt Waterproof 10-Inch Wellington Boot is made with leather and reinforced fabric to deliver superior durability in demanding work conditions. It uses the proprietary Storm Defender lining to seal out water and other liquids, maintaining comfortable dryness for the foot to enjoy in wet surroundings. This lining is also breathable and helps moisture escape, preventing excessive sweating even with all-day boot use. Steel safety toes defend the toes against impact and compression risks that can cause serious foot injuries. The outsole has large treads delivering powerful traction that offers improved safety while navigating challenging surfaces. The electrical hazard protection minimizes the threat of electric shock in dry conditions. It’s worth noting that this boot feels too snug around the ankle and tends to feel hot when used in hot settings.

Ariat Rambler Western Boot

The Ariat Rambler Western Boot is built with full-grain leather for a premium appearance, with a broken-in aesthetic that significantly boosts the boot’s style points. The thick Duratread outsole features a cowboy heel for stability while going up and down ladders and walking on sloped or uneven ground conditions. This outsole is flexible, moving along with each step for more comfortable walking. A lightweight ATS forked shank enhances the boot’s structural integrity while stabilizing the foot’s movements over uneven surfaces. The cushioned footbed has enough padding to keep the foot comfortable, with a shock-absorbent gel fitted into the forefoot to protect against fatigue and painful impact. However, the boot feels uncomfortably tight and is quite challenging even with the pull-on design.

Muck Boot Derwent II Wellington Boot

The Muck Boot Derwent II Wellington Boot is 100% waterproof, featuring a thick rubber overlay to block wetness and a neoprene section on top for superior flexibility. The toe and ankle areas are reinforced for better resistance against abrasion and mild impact, protecting the toes and ankle in demanding work environments. The thick rubber outsole has aggressive lugs that can take on muddy or wet ground while stabilizing the steps over tricky surfaces. A breathable mesh lining allows the moisture and heat to escape, allowing the foot to remain dry and comfy even with all-day boot use. A steel shank offers ample foot support and strengthens the boot’s structure for lasting performance. However, the boot has limited temperature regulation and tends to run large.

Barbour Bede Wellington Boot

The Barbour Bede Wellington Boot’s vulcanized construction guarantees complete waterproofing, effectively blocking all liquids from getting in to ensure all-day foot dryness in wet conditions. The flexible material makes it easier to move around as no rigid components interfere with the foot and leg’s natural motion. The inside is lined with cotton for better comfort, protecting the skin so it won’t chafe with continuous walking and other movements for hours. The tapered ankle helps secure the ankle, significantly minimizing the risk of accidental twisting or sliding, which can be a greater risk on uneven terrains and when walking quickly. This boot can be washed off easily to remove dirt and other debris at the end of the day. However, the outsole isn’t very thick and doesn’t last as long as thicker soles structures.

Dunlop Devon Full Safety Boot

The Dunlop Devon Full Safety Boot has a waterproof structure to completely seal out water and other liquids, ensuring the foot will enjoy a dry environment all day. It has steel safety toes defending the toes against hazardous impact and compression to avoid serious foot injuries in challenging work environments. The midsole is puncture-resistant, blocking sharp objects so they won’t have a chance to pierce the foot from the bottom. The heel is designed to absorb the impact of walking continuously for long periods to prevent foot fatigue from setting in. The outsole has large treads that dig powerfully into the ground for superior stability and slip resistance. It also has antistatic properties for enhanced safety while walking on surfaces with high risks of static electric build-up. It should be noted that this boot can be too roomy, and may not feel as stable as snugger-fitting footwear.