Summary
The Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boot reminded me a lot of the Caterpillar Second Shift, with both boots sharing similar features and designs. I appreciated the Pit Boss boot’s classic silhouette that, surprisingly, doesn’t look boring even compared to more modern work boot designs. The steel toe cap provides enhanced foot protection.
In contrast, strong stitching throughout – along with the steel eyelets – gives the boot a remarkably robust appearance and reliable durability that will last for a long time. Even if it’s heavier, I liked how the boot still felt comfortable enough for all-day use – thanks to the 24/7 Comfort System that delivered continuous cushioning and fatigue reduction. Meanwhile, the electrical hazard-safe design offered peace of mind with additional protection in settings that may have exposure to electrically charged objects. Let’s look at this boot’s exceptional qualities in the details below.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I was initially apprehensive that the Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boot would be very uncomfortable to use because of its weight. However, I was so happy to be proven wrong, as the boot turned out to be quite comfortable even if it weighed more than most of the other work boots I’ve previously tried.
This boot is definitely on the upper end of the spectrum in terms of comfort. It is surprisingly comfortable enough to be worn for long hours without causing foot pain. While it didn’t have the foamy feel that’s offered by boots with high-tech comfort features – and even with the protective toe cap in place – this boot is still a winner when it comes to keeping the foot comfortable throughout a busy workday.
This boot didn’t have Timberland’s proprietary anti-fatigue technology but featured a unique comfort system that worked just as well. I appreciated the Timberland PRO 24/7 Comfort System that gave the boot ample cushioning, protecting my foot from becoming pressed too directly into the hard surfaces I walked on. The boot had strong arch support, so my foot easily maintained its proper position, preventing the pain from falling arches.
The exclusive comfort system continuously protected my foot from feeling fatigued, so it was much easier to walk around pain-free while on the job.
The collar was generously padded, adding to the enhanced comfort as it protected my ankle and calf from chafing against the inner material of the boot. In addition, this thickly cushioned portion helped improve the stability of my steps and made it easier for me to avoid blisters even when I moved continuously for long periods.
Weight
As mentioned earlier, at 4.2lb / 1.9kg / 67.4oz these boots are heavier than other options I had the chance to try with more modern designs and features. The thick leather that created a robust structure around my foot significantly contributed to the boot’s weight, although it didn’t feel extremely uncomfortable on my foot. I felt the heavy-duty rubber sole added to the boot’s weight, with its thick and robust structure providing a solid base for more stable walking. I found it remarkable that even with its hefty profile, the boot still felt comfortable for me to walk around all day without pain.
Traction
The boot’s thick outsole utilizes the proprietary Timberland PRO rubber and offers ample traction, enabling me to walk confidently on unstable or wet ground without losing my balance. The sole gripped strongly gripped surfaces, so it was easier to navigate challenging conditions that might otherwise cause slipping accidents. In addition, the sole is abrasion-resistant and durable enough to maintain its appearance and function even through the toughest work conditions, resisting premature damage even with frequent use.
Fit and Sizing
I tried this boot in size 9 US, even if I normally wear a size 10 because I wanted to test this option for a more secure fit. The size was normal, but the boot is also available in a Wide size option. Downsizing from my usual size 9 resulted in a more secure and snug fit. The boot helped me walk with more stability, especially while doing outdoor jobs.
The boot fits snugly, and I appreciated the heft of the thick leather as it felt quite protective without feeling extremely bulky. However, I had a slight issue with the sole as it felt a bit inflexible, but it didn’t affect the boot’s comfort levels.
Waterproofing
As this isn’t a waterproof boot, I won’t recommend this boot for use outdoors in extreme weather conditions and in other settings where there’s heavy exposure to water and other sources of moisture. However, the leather upper’s thickness provides a bit of liquid resistance, so the boot can still protect the foot from wetness when liquids are accidentally spilled.
Breathability
Considering how thick the leather upper was, I expected this boot to get overly warm quickly. Instead, the interior stayed cool after long periods of boot use, thanks to the moisture-wicking lining that moved wetness away from the skin and encouraged it to evaporate rapidly. This resulted in the interior staying dry and cool for a longer period, as the lining also allowed the air to flow continuously inside the boot.
I was also impressed with the antimicrobial feature that stopped bacterial growth and odor development, giving me one less thing to worry about as I concentrated on my daily tasks.
Quality and Durability
The Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boot is one of the brand’s best-selling boots of all time for a couple of reasons, most of which I got to appreciate and experience as I used the boot while on the job. Its design may seem a bit dated, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t keep up with work boots that have more modern designs.
The thick leather upper showcased exceptional durability, with strong stitching throughout the boot to ensure that the components stay attached for a long time. In addition, the robust sole gave the boot an almost sporty look, contrasting nicely with the traditional work boot silhouette featured by the smooth leather upper.
I liked how the metallic hardware delivered a welcome bit of discreet shine throughout the upper while also giving it a bold touch. The hexagonal eyelets hold the shoelaces firmly and won’t succumb to premature breakage as they’re designed to maintain their strong attachment to the upper. The lace hooks are just as sturdily constructed, helping me secure the boot and making it possible for fit adjustments to be made much more easily. The thick laces looked and felt just as strong – almost like the ones on hiking boots – so I didn’t worry that they would easily fray and fall apart with long-term use.
The beefed-up round toe signified the presence of a safety toe cap for maximum foot protection. As a result, I felt more confident working in hazardous job sites where objects may accidentally fall while wearing this boot, which had a steel safety toe in place to guard the toes against dangerous compression and impact. The premium safety boot can be relied on to prevent serious injury if large construction materials, tools, or heavy machinery suddenly fall or roll over the foot.
Meanwhile, the electrical hazard protection delivered a secondary layer of safety as it significantly minimized the threat of electrocution in case of exposure to open circuits or electrically charged components.
I fully appreciated the unique Timberland PRO 24/7 Comfort System that delivered much-needed suspension and cushioning exactly where they were required. The system included strong arch support that kept the foot properly positioned while walking and moving around. It worked to prevent the development of foot fatigue, enabling me to walk and stand pain-free for hours. I loved the ample cushioning as it supported my foot and protected it from being pressed too firmly into hard floors and other unforgiving surfaces. Even the collar was thickly padded, preventing uncomfortable chafing and increasing the ankle’s stability by securing it in position so it won’t easily rotate when walking on unstable ground.
I was surprised that this boot didn’t easily overheat as the leather upper was quite thick – which I assumed didn’t let in plenty of air. Fortunately, a moisture-wicking lining helped keep the interior dry and prevented sweat build-up as it encouraged the moisture to dissipate. This lining was breathable, keeping the foot cool while also working with an antimicrobial enhancement that helped sustain freshness for longer periods.
The Timberland PRO rubber had strong traction while offering strong heat and abrasion resistance, although I felt it was a bit too stiff and heavy at times. It also doesn’t have waterproof components, so that I won’t suggest this boot for use in wet environments.
Other Versions
The Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boot is available in 3 different colors – black, wheat, and brown. It also comes in a soft-toe version.
The Challengers
Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
The Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot showcases premium leather and durable construction, built to last through the toughest jobs and environments while offering numerous benefits to the wearer. The steel toe cap protects the foot against grave injuries caused by heavy falling objects, making it safer to work in hazardous work conditions. The breathable insole promotes a cool feeling by allowing the air to move freely inside the boot, preventing it from overheating even after long hours of boot use. A padded collar area forms a snug fit over the ankle and helps protect it from accidental twisting. The robust rubber outsole delivers strong traction, gripping the ground to aid in stable walking even on challenging terrains. However, this boot caused a bit of discomfort because it was heavy, and its sole wasn’t flexible enough to move along with the foot’s motion, resulting in awkward and uncomfortable walking. Real full review.
Wolverine Raider 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot
The Wolverine Raider 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot features premium leather in a casual silhouette that can almost be mistaken for a hiking boot. The deep padding on the collar secures the ankle, keeping it steady so it won’t easily slip and twist when walking in rough or slippery ground conditions. The thickly cushioned collar works with the collar to promote a snug fit while also stopping debris from entering the boot. The rubber sole is built with the exclusive ContourWelt construction that promotes increased flexibility, allowing a wider range of motion while walking around the job site. A breathable mesh lining offers good ventilation so that the boot interior remains cool and fresh for longer, even in hot environments. The steel toe cap provides protection against impact and compression hazards that may accidentally drop or roll from high areas. It’s worth noting that these boot aren’t waterproof and at 67.4oz (4.2lbs / 1.9kg) feel a bit heavy, so these are not ideal for those who are after really lightweight work boots. Real full review.
Ariat Groundbreaker 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot
The Ariat Groundbreaker 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot is built to take on demanding work environments while keeping the foot safe and comfortable. The steel toe cap guards the foot, so it won’t be seriously harmed if heavy items, such as tools or equipment, are unintentionally dropped over the boot. The waterproof upper stops liquid penetration, keeping the foot safe and dry while the work must be finished outdoors in the rain or other extremely wet conditions. The cushioned insole feels exceptionally comfortable as it supports the foot with enough softness, preventing the pain from setting in after being upright for prolonged periods. The 90-degree heel helps stabilize steps over inclined or loose ground conditions, while the slip-resistant Duratread outsole is grippy enough to prevent slipping on challenging surfaces. The top part feels uncomfortably stiff, though, and makes it difficult for the boot to be removed and put on. Real full review.
Dr Martens Duxford Steel Toe Waterproof Boot
The Dr Martens Duxford Steel Toe Waterproof Boot is a reliable partner when doing tough jobs in harsh surroundings. The steel toe cap forms a protective barrier over the toes so that they won’t be crushed by falling tools, construction materials, and other heavy objects in hazardous work settings. The waterproof leather seals out water, mud, and other sources of wetness, maintaining a dry interior to protect the foot against uncomfortable moisture. The welt stitching, with its distinctive yellow thread, further enhances the liquid resistance of the boot. The flexible midsole contains a composite plate that blocks sharp objects from the bottom, preventing them from piercing the sole so the foot won’t be injured in case of accidental stepping-on puncture hazards. This is a heavy boot, though, so it can feel uncomfortable when used for walking or standing for long hours. Real full review.
Georgia Boot Hammer Internal Met Guard Steel Toe Work Boot
The Georgia Boot Hammer Internal Met Guard Steel Toe Work Boot protects the foot in extremely hazardous worksites. The steel safety toe ensures that large or heavy falling items won’t gravely harm the toes. Meanwhile, the internal metatarsal guard forms a protective shield over the top part of the foot, keeping the area that’s not protected by the toe cap safe against impact and compression threats. The built-in ventilation system keeps the air flowing so sweat and heat won’t easily accumulate inside the boot after long hours of continuous use. The Comfort Core insole cushions the foot, so it stays comfortable after extended hours of walking or standing. The electrical hazard protection of these boots offers a secondary level of protection to significantly reduce the likelihood of electric shock if there’s contact with electrically energized materials. Real full review.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boot is a fantastic choice for professionals with physically demanding tasks in hazardous settings. I appreciated how this became one of Timberland’s best-selling work boots of all time, with features such as a steel safety toe and electrical hazard protection shielding the foot against safety threats in the workplace. The durable construction showcases a premium design that easily keeps up with other alternatives with more updated features. What made this boot even more remarkable was that even with its hefty structure, it still managed to deliver a comfortable experience while I walked and stood for hours. However, it’s not waterproof, so it’s not my top choice for working in wet environments.
- Steel toe
- Durable
- Comfortabl
- Electrical hazard safe
- Strong traction
- Stiff sole
- Heavy
- Not waterproof
