Comfort

I was surprised that the Timberland Originals Earthkeepers 6-Inch Boot turned out to be as comfortable as it was because its bold profile suggested otherwise. I was expecting it to be quite stiff and heavy, but that wasn’t the case at all.

The high-quality leather upper felt truly flexible, with the material easily moving with my steps instead of interfering with my foot’s motion.

This flexible quality made walking much more comfortable to do even for long periods. The sole flexed just as easily, supporting my foot without the unwelcome rigidity that makes other boots feel very bulky and difficult to walk in.

I’m impressed with the Anti-Fatigue technology at work in the footbed, which cushioned my foot against painful impact. The footbed had a soft yet supportive structure that helped keep my foot in proper alignment while also offering a soothing texture for a more comfortable walking experience.

It worked as a non-stop shock-absorber that soaks up and disperses the impact, helping maintain long-lasting comfort when I needed to walk continuously on hard ground.

A steel shank offered extra support from the bottom while reinforcing the boot’s structure.

I liked how the shank gave the sole just enough stiffness to keep my foot stable, making my steps feel more secure over different surfaces.

The EVA-blend midsole offered another cushioning layer for support and comfort, especially when navigating sterile ground conditions such as concrete floors.

Weight

The main thing that stands out about this boot is its lightweight structure.

The reduced weight surprised me when I first touched the boot, and I got to appreciate it even more when I put it on. I expected this boot to be much heavier because of its bold silhouette and pronounced stitching, but I’m so happy to be proven wrong.

This is undoubtedly the lightest boot that I’ve used in this boot height (6-inch) category.

The minimized weight considerably affected comfort since the boot didn’t push down on my foot with a bulky feel.

As always, we have weighed the boots ourselves as part of our testing process. As per the image above, they weigh approximately 1.16 kg / 40.76 oz / 2.53 lbs.

Traction

The rubber outsole features aggressive treads, which I expected to be very grippy on most surfaces – but this wasn’t the case.

I discovered that apart from the deep treads, the sole structure was fairly thin and didn’t have a strong level of traction.

What makes the sole stand out is its flexibility for superior comfort while walking.

However, this quality seems to have compromised the sole’s ability to deliver a secure grip, especially on tricky surfaces where slipping can be a huge risk.

Fit and Sizing

This boot feels true to size, with enough space on the tip to let my toes wiggle easily.

The flexibility of the upper and sole contributed to the overall comfortable fit, with the boot moving along with my steps instead of restricting the natural foot motion.

However, I found this boot difficult to put on and remove because of the boot’s height.

The issue wasn’t helped by the pull tabs, which were so small that I could barely put my finger in to pull the footwear on. I had to loosen the laces before I could pull on and remove the boot more easily.

Waterproofing

This isn’t a waterproof boot and will not stop liquids from coming in.

The full-grain leather material offers a bit of resistance to water and other liquids in small quantities, so they won’t instantly seep in. However, without fully waterproof components, the boot isn’t recommended for wet work areas where the foot can easily become soaked.

Breathability

The boot’s lining is eco-friendly – made from recycled plastic bottles – while helping with function and comfort by being breathable.

My foot felt fresh and dry for much longer, thanks to the good ventilation inside the boot, where the fabric lining allows a lot of air to enter and move freely. This breathable quality stops the internal temperature from rising and prevents the foot from sweating too much, especially in hot or humid surroundings.

Quality and Durability

The Timberland Originals Earthkeepers 6-Inch Boot showcases an outstanding design that can be fully maximized at work and for more laidback environments. I got it in a light brown color – which was the product’s flagship color and was referred to as “Rust Full Grain” in the box.

The soft-toe design makes this boot a great addition to workwear for non-hazardous worksites.

The quality of the full-grain leather shines through, and I appreciated the boot even more when I learned of its eco-friendly construction.

The leather comes from a sustainable tannery using environmentally sound practices, while the lining uses a material called ReBOTL is made with a minimum of 50% recycled plastic bottles.

I admired the boot from the first time I saw it because of its robust design, featuring premium leather reinforced with thick stitching all around. The contrast color stitching gave the boot an even bolder look that I easily paired with jeans for use on the job and in more leisurely settings. The metallic eyelets can support the laces for a long time without falling apart. The laces look strong enough and are darker than the leather for a more seamless appearance.

Inside, the Anti-Fatigue footbed does a great job absorbing the shock from continuous steps on hard floors. I appreciate how it effectively prevents foot fatigue from setting in, allowing me to walk comfortably for much longer periods.

This footbed is removable, so I had no trouble keeping it clean and putting it back properly as needed.

The EVA-blend midsole added another layer of cushioning without the considerable weight.

This boot is the most lightweight 6-inch option I’ve tried, with the exceptional lightness significantly enhancing foot comfort even with all-day use.

I’m glad a steel shank strengthened the boot’s structure and stabilized my footing in variable ground conditions. The outsole is flexible enough not to restrict comfortable foot motion but, surprisingly didn’t offer much when it comes to traction – even with the rugged treads in place.

This boot isn’t built with waterproof materials and won’t be suitable for wet worksites.

Other Versions

The Timberland Originals Earthkeepers 6-Inch Boot comes in light brown (also referred to as “Rust Full Grain”) and dark brown. It doesn’t have other versions.

Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boot

The Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boot has a timeless work boot silhouette that goes remarkably well with workwear and with casual attire. A leather toe cap gives the boot a distinctive look while reinforcing the tip of the upper to resist premature deterioration better. The premium construction consists of leather sourced from select tanneries in the US, along with nickel eyelets and brass hooks for superior durability and aesthetics. The bump toe design allows the toes to move comfortably so that foot cramps can be avoided more easily after walking or standing for prolonged periods. The leather insole follows the foot’s shape and delivers a personalized fit with long-term use for exceptional comfort. However, this isn’t a waterproof boot and offers only minimal traction, even with the lugged rubber outsole fitted in.

Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot

The Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the look and feel of a high-quality leather boot but don’t want components sourced from animals. The vegan leather looks almost exactly like genuine leather, with an almost undetected difference in the material’s thickness. The boot’s upper feels slightly thinner, but it also has the advantage of being more flexible and softer than real leather, making this boot considerably more comfortable out of the box. It showcases the iconic 8-eyelet silhouette that remains a favorite among generations of loyal Doc Martens customers. The boot has the same AirWair sole with the air-cushioned bounce, at the same time offering strong resistance to acids, alkalis, oil, and fat. It’s worth mentioning that the synthetic material doesn’t allow plenty of air to come in so the boot can feel quite warm before long. The laces also don’t look very sturdy and may not last as long as thicker designs.

Ariat Lookout Western Chukka Boot

The Ariat Lookout Western Chukka Boot comes in a moc-toe profile that works well on the job but is also handsome enough to be enjoyed with more stylish attire. The moc-toe design also offers functional benefits, leaving the toes with enough room for comfortable wiggling. The footbed feels comfortably cushy because of the proprietary Ariat 4LR technology delivering ample padding and support precisely where the foot needs them the most. Meanwhile, the EVA midsole acts as the boot’s reliable shock absorber, removing and dissipating the impact to protect the foot against severe pain. Even with all the comfort features tucked in, the boot maintains a lightweight structure that doesn’t cause foot discomfort even after long hours of use. The boot isn’t designed for harsh outdoor conditions, though, since it’s not waterproof and doesn’t have safety toe caps.

Rockport Storm Surge Boot

The Rockport Storm Surge Boot features an upper made with leather and suede in a streamlined silhouette, pairing nicely with chinos and jeans that can be used on the job site or in more relaxed settings. Its Hydro-Shield waterproof construction blocks liquids from entering, keeping the foot protected and dry in exceptionally wet surroundings. The gusseted tongue stops debris and wetness from seeping in for even better protection outdoors in inclement weather and other challenging conditions. A moisture-wicking lining draws sweat away from the skin and helps moisture to evaporate quickly in hot or humid environments. Meanwhile, the shock-absorbing heel soaks up the shock of continuous steps on hard ground and helps prevent foot fatigue for prolonged foot comfort. This lightweight boot has an EVA outsole delivering a strong grip, making it easier to move safely across tricky surfaces. However, the laces look a bit thin, and without safety toes, it’s not suitable for hazardous work areas.

Danner Bull Run Moc-Toe Boot

The Danner Bull Run Moc-Toe Boot has timeless good looks that can be taken advantage of in and out of the work area. It has steel toe caps to protect the toes against serious injuries if heavy objects are dropped or rolled by accident over the feet. The moc-toe design keeps the toe box spacious enough for the toes to wiggle freely, preventing a cramped feeling from settling in. The leather upper has a rugged structure, but it’s also soft and flexible, easily following the foot’s motion for a significantly more comfortable way of walking. The boot offers electrical hazard protection to minimize the risk of electrocution in dry conditions. Thanks to the unlined leather and a breathable OrthoLite footbed, it remains comfortably cool in hot conditions. The outsole is just as flexible and doesn’t restrict movement for unhampered agility on the job and in more relaxed surroundings – but it doesn’t feel as grippy as thicker outsole designs.