Summary
It’s quite easy to mistake the Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Shoe for a sports sneaker because of its design, and I assumed that this shoe wasn’t suitable for most work settings. This was one of the rare times when I was glad to be proven wrong – starting with the shoe’s upper that looked like it lacked the strength of an all-leather material but in fact was a combination of full-grain leather and durable abrasion-resistant material that will easily withstand tough work settings without breaking apart. The sporty sneaker silhouette conceals composite safety toes that offer maximum protection against compression and impact dangers, ensuring that the foot won’t be crushed in case pieces of equipment, tools, and other heavy objects accidentally drop on the boot.
The footbed features anti-fatigue technology that acts as a dependable shock absorber to diffuse the effect of the impact coming from continuous walking, protecting the foot and calf muscles from extreme discomfort while returning much-needed energy to your steps to keep you moving nimbly for longer. The midsole is protected with a TPU wrap so it will easily resist scuffs, abrasions, and rips for long-lasting durability as it works twice as hard to stabilize and support your steps from underfoot. The all-weather TPU outsole offers good traction to prevent slipping on challenging surfaces while maintaining a lightweight profile that won’t add a lot to the total shoe weight and bulk. We’ll go into much more detail below about the components that make up this shoe to highlight which ones deliver the biggest advantages and if there are features that will benefit from some fine-tuning in order to enhance the footwear’s performance.
When you want your work shoes to look and feel like sneakers, this shoe ticks off your requirements while delivering high-performance benefits.
Ideal For
- Those after high-quality safety toe work shoes with an outstanding design
- People who want durable composite toe work shoes with a sporty look
- Work settings exposed to compression and impact threats
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Shoe is as comfortable as a running shoe and comes with even more enhancements to ensure a comfortable experience that can help you withstand your job site’s challenges.
The combination of full-grain leather and ReBOTL material made the upper as flexible as sports sneakers. It may not be as lightweight as most sneakers but the flexible upper allowed the shoe to move fluidly along with my steps, so I was able to walk comfortably without being bothered by an inflexible material biting painfully into the top of my foot. The generously padded footbed cradled my foot as it worked to protect pressure-sensitive spots so they wouldn’t have a chance to turn into blisters as the hours went by. The Anti-Fatigue Technology worked nonstop to provide the required level of support so my foot and calf muscles were spared from the extreme discomfort that can come with foot fatigue. The footbed acts as a reliable shock absorber that bore the brunt of the repetitive movements’ force, dispersing the impact evenly and returning the expended energy to the foot for prolonged power and momentum that kept me going for longer. The fiberglass shank offered increased stability that made me more confident to walk over uneven and inclined surfaces without worrying excessively that the tricky settings would result in a slipping accident. The ventilated inner lining was enhanced with an antimicrobial treatment that worked to maintain a fresh smell and feeling throughout the shoe interior, which made it possible for me to fully enjoy the comfortable experience with the full confidence that I was protected from smelly feet problems as well. The padded collar surrounded my ankle with a supportive softness that prevented uncomfortable chafing while increasing the secure feeling in this area with additional ankle support to prevent accidental ankle twisting, especially when dealing with quick lateral movements. The padded tongue prevented debris from entering while keeping the top of my foot properly cushioned, so it remained comfortable for the entire day with no rigid materials digging in from the top portion of the shoe.
Weight
This shoe is heavier than a sneaker but still much lighter compared to other work shoes that come with all-leather uppers. I expected it to be as lightweight as my favorite pair of running shoes but considering the comfortable experience it delivered, I’m still quite happy with the weight. Even if it’s not the most lightweight shoe that I’ve used, it still felt light enough to be used for long hours at a time without causing a dragging sensation on my feet – which can be a problematic issue when using bulky work shoes. The presence of composite toe caps and a nylon shank made it possible for this shoe to offer maximum protection against safety hazards without the heaviness that can be expected from safety work shoes with metallic toe protection.
Traction
This work shoe is built with an oil- and slip-resistant TPU outsole that kept me safe from slipping accidents as it firmly gripped the ground. Walking on uneven and wet floors as well as tricky terrains didn’t pose too many challenges because the outsole delivered reliable traction that helped me sustain my stability even when I needed to move more quickly to deal with time-sensitive tasks. The non-marking outsole helped me move more efficiently between different work areas without tracking in dirt from messier settings onto tiled and wooden floors.
Fit and Sizing
This shoe is true to size, so I easily enjoyed a comfortable fit without going through the inconvenience of guessing if I needed to go up or down a shoe size. It came with a regular to a relaxed fit that gave my foot the room to shift and my toes to wiggle so foot cramps were easily stopped from developing into severe foot pain, especially during those instances when I worked nonstop for hours. The spacious shoe structure, however, may feel unstable for people who are more used to snug-fitting shoes, since the foot can wobble a bit given the extra room.
Waterproofing
The full-grain leather sections of the upper offer some level of water resistance to keep your foot safe from getting wet in case a small amount of water drops on the shoe. However, due to the absence of fully waterproof components, this shoe won’t be able to maintain continuous foot dryness when you need to work in wet or waterlogged areas for long periods. If you’re planning to stay or work in exceptionally wet or waterlogged areas, you’re better off choosing waterproof work shoes that can easily protect your feet from getting thoroughly soaked in harsh surroundings.
Breathability
The shoe features a moisture-wicking lining that transports sweat away from the skin to maintain a dry feeling while helping the interior maintain a breathable atmosphere at the same time. This lining promotes increased breathability by encouraging more air to pass freely into the shoe, dissipating accumulated heat and moisture before they can cause overheating. The low-cut design also allowed generous airflow to move into the shoe’s interior, so even when I used the shoe for almost the entire day, the interior still felt comfortably cool.
Quality and Durability
The Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Shoe looks and feels like a sneaker but delivers the high level of protection that only a high-quality work shoe can provide. I got the black and orange colorway that looked athletic enough to be used for my favorite sport, with a sleekness that easily blends in with various attire choices that can be enjoyed in and out of the work area. The upper is built with a combination of full-grain leather and the ReBOTL material that includes at least 50% recycled PET bottles. The upper offers superb durability that will easily keep up with demanding work environments, ensuring that you’ll be able to fully maximize the benefits of the shoe’s features for a long time without worrying about premature damage. The flexible upper adapts to the foot’s actions for more fluid movements that won’t be hindered by rigid materials that can cause discomfort and clumsiness. The composite toe caps are built to withstand the force coming from impact and compression threats, so your feet can be kept safe from serious injuries in case heavy equipment, tools, and other objects suddenly fall or roll onto the boot. These toe caps are made with a material that’s significantly lighter than steel so you can enjoy the shoe’s maximum foot protection without the extreme bulkiness and weight that can be expected from steel toe shoes. A puncture-resistant plate is fitted into the shoe to protect the foot from being pierced by sharp objects that you may accidentally step on. This penetration-resistant plate is made with a non-metallic material that doesn’t add a lot of weight so that the shoe can more easily maintain its comfortable functionality without the extreme bulk. The PU footbed cradles the foot to deliver nonstop comfort while relieving pressure points before they can turn into painful blisters with long hours of shoe-wearing. The anti-fatigue technology works to absorb shock so force can be diffused properly before it can cause foot fatigue. A fiberglass shank provides enhanced structural support and helps stabilize your steps over tricky surfaces without contributing too much to the shoe’s total weight. The inner lining transports moisture away from your skin to ensure long-lasting foot dryness that you’ll be able to enjoy even when you need to work in hot or humid environments. This lining allows good airflow to continuously move inside the shoe and works with an antimicrobial treatment to prevent bad odors from developing, especially with nonstop shoe use for long stretches. The Aerocare midsole returns the energy to every step to help you sustain maximum momentum and power for longer, so you can stay productive throughout the day without feeling exhausted before all your tasks are finished. This midsole is wrapped in TPU to make it resistant to scuffs, abrasions, and rips for lasting durability you’ll be able to fully take advantage of for a long time. The all-weather TPU outsole is slip-resistant and offers good traction to keep you moving confidently on different floor and ground conditions without compromising your safety.
This work shoe is designed to deliver superior flexibility and durability, but I have some concerns about the thin laces that don’t look sturdy enough to keep up with numerous fit adjustments and demanding work settings. As this shoe doesn’t have fully waterproof features, it’s not recommended for use in extremely wet conditions.
Other Versions
The Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Shoe is offered in the following colorways: black ripstop and orange, black ripstop and grey, black and blue, black and white, and black ripstop and red. It’s available in a low-cut waterproof version with composite toes, a waterproof mid-cut version with soft toes, a waterproof mid-cut version with composite toes, and a non-waterproof mid-cut version with composite toes.
The Challengers
Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Boot
The Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Boot provides increased protection and coverage while maintaining the premium features that you’ve come to love in the low-cut shoe version. The anti-fatigue technology absorbs the impact coming from repetitive movements throughout the day to stop foot fatigue from developing. The composite toe caps keep the foot protected against crushing injuries if heavy items such as tools and pieces of equipment suddenly drop from an elevated location onto the boot. A puncture-resistant plate prevents sharp objects from puncturing your foot in case you accidentally step on these safety hazards. The Aerocore midsole delivers maximum energy return to keep you moving efficiently for longer, while the TPU wrap increases durability by resisting abrasions, scuffs, and rips. The breathable lining maintains a well-ventilated boot interior to keep the foot feeling comfortably cool for long hours, while the antimicrobial treatment controls odor so you won’t have to deal with smelly feet problems.
Timberland PRO Men’s Disruptor Safety Toe
The Timberland PRO Men’s Disruptor Safety Toe Work Shoe is a great alternative for those who’d like a casual style without the sporty vibe. The nubuck leather upper comes with a smooth finish that will pair nicely with casual outfits and workwear alike without screaming for too much attention. The alloy safety toes provide nonstop protection against heavy objects that can cause foot injuries when they accidentally drop on the boot from an elevated area. This boot offers secondary electrical hazard protection in dry conditions to keep you safe from being electrocuted in case you encounter live electrical currents around the job site. The anti-fatigue footbed absorbs most of the force of your steps to protect you from being overwhelmed by severe foot pain as the hours go by. The PU outsole is oil- and abrasion-resistant and keeps you moving steadily over various surfaces.
Puma Safety Elevate Composite Toe SD Shoe
The Puma Safety Elevate Composite Toe SD Shoe comes with a low-key profile that adds a sporty touch to your outfit. The fiberglass composite toe caps offer continuous protection against impact and compression risks so you can be sure your foot won’t be crushed severely in case these heavy objects suddenly roll or fall on the shoe. The knit textile upper allows more air to enter to maintain a well-ventilated interior and adapts quickly to your steps without hampering your mobility. The midsole features the exclusive Flexible Anti Penetration technology to protect the foot from being punctured by sharp objects that you may step on accidentally. The heel is enhanced with the IdCell technology that delivers strong shock absorption by diffusing impact to protect the foot and calf from pain even with nonstop shoe use.
Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX
The Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe is another work shoe that works hard to deliver enhanced protection while sporting an athletic vibe. The mesh sections on the upper keep air flowing freely into the shoe to maintain proper ventilation so that your foot can enjoy a comfortably cool feeling for long hours. The composite toes protect the foot from being severely crushed if heavy items such as pieces of equipment or tools are dropped on the boot accidentally while your attention is focused on your tasks in the workplace. The mesh lining wicks moisture away from your skin to prevent excessive sweatiness from disrupting your comfortable experience. The memory foam footbed delivers customized comfort by molding to the contours of your foot and easing pressure spots to stop blisters from forming over the course of a busy workday.
Skechers Work Bulklin – Lyndale Comp Toe Shoe
The Skechers Work Bulklin – Lyndale Comp Toe Shoe works hard to protect your foot from injuries while delivering an athletic silhouette that you can maximize in the workplace and in more laidback surroundings. The relaxed fit design offers more room for your foot to budge a bit and allows the toes to wiggle to relieve exhaustion throughout a long day. The toe and heel overlays provide additional protection from abrasions so these critical points can be saved from premature damage. The memory foam insole offers customized cushioning that conforms to the foot’s shape for remarkable comfort that will last for your entire shift. The composite toe caps guard your foot against compression and impact dangers that can suddenly fall on the boot from a high area in the worksite.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Timberland PRO Reaxion Work Shoe is a pretty good choice if you’re looking for high-quality work shoes that come with a remarkable design and enhanced durability. The composite toes offer protection against compression and impact hazards while keeping a low-profile structure that doesn’t add much to the shoe’s total weight. The anti-fatigue technology works as a dependable shock absorber to fight foot fatigue. I have some concerns with the thin laces that don’t seem to be that sturdy and may not last long in demanding environments, however, and without waterproof materials, this shoe isn’t suitable for use in exceptionally wet conditions.
