Workwear.org

is reader supported. Our links may earn us a commission.

Learn More

Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe – Detailed Review

Summary Image
Workwear Logo
Rating : 8.3/10
See price at Amazon.com

Performance Breakdown

9
9
9
7
9
6
9

Bottom Line

Built with composite safety toes in an athletic silhouette, the Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe provides continuous protection and effortless comfort at the same time.

Pros

  • Sporty, lightweight construction
  • Composite toe protection
  • Comfortable memory foam cushioning
  • Strong traction

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Material

Mesh and TPU

Type of Toe

Yes (composite)

Weight

2.2lb / 0.99kg / 34.8oz

Waterproof

No

Shaft Size

3 inches

Outsole

Rubber lug outsole

Shoe type

CarbonMAX

Manufacturer

Wolverine

Safety certifications

No

Price range

$169.95 to $199.00

Summary

It’s quite easy to assume that the Wolverine Jetstream is a sports sneaker when you first look at it, given the athletic silhouette that looks more at home with your beloved sport rather than in a work setting. This footwear looks and feels like your favorite running shoes, from the way it’s shaped to resemble most sports sneakers to the comfortable experience that it offers even with long hours of continuous use. This athletic profile conceals the fact that the shoe delivers a high level of protection, with a composite safety toe that will guard your foot against compression and impact dangers that can otherwise cause severe injuries when they accidentally fall or roll onto the shoe. With the composite toe protection in place, the shoe managed to maintain a lightweight profile that almost felt like nothing was on my foot, which allowed me to keep on doing the things that needed to be tackled throughout the day without bulky shoes weighing down on my foot and calf. Customized cushioning within the shoe delivers long-lasting comfort you’ll be able to enjoy for the entire day, as it prevents foot discomfort from hampering your efficient movements in different settings in and out of the work area. We’ll look more closely at the shoe’s attributes to highlight which ones stand out and if there are components that can be improved to ensure enhanced shoe performance.

Image

The Ariat Men’s Spot Hog Boot is built with full-grain leather that exudes a classy retro vibe for a premium look and feel that will look as welcome on a job site as in more laidback surroundings. The round toe silhouette doesn’t veer away from the traditional work boot appearance for a rugged appeal that at the same time works remarkably well to bring a sophisticated look you can take advantage of in a variety of settings. The elastic side panels help with easy boot placement and removal and allow different foot anatomies to be accommodated without too much fuss. Pull-on loops at the back and front of the collar make putting on the boot almost effortless. The cushioned midsole acts as a reliable shock absorber to stop foot fatigue from developing even with long hours of nonstop boot use. The Everlon outsole contains deep treads that deliver outstanding traction to grip the ground strongly so you can be protected from slipping accidents. Below we’ll delve deep into the boot’s structure to discover the components that bring the greatest number of benefits as well as look into the features that can still be improved on for better footwear performance.

When you are after footwear that offers lightweight comfort, these work shoes can be relied on to keep up with your daily activities.

Ideal For

  • People who prefer lightweight work shoes that look like sneakers
  • Those who want comfortable work shoes that can be used with casual wear
  • Work settings that are exposed to compression and impact threats

Image

Performance Analysis

Comfort

While I was using the Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe, it was easy to forget that it was designed to be used in work settings and not for sports activities. This feeling was influenced by the way the shoe is structured, as it mimics the appearance of popular sneakers that are used for a variety of sport and leisure activities. This shoe is designed to bring superior comfort in and out of the workplace so you can maximize its noteworthy features in a variety of settings. The upper is made with breathable mesh that effortlessly adapted to my foot’s movements, allowing me to move as freely as possible without the awkwardness and discomfort that comes with using shoes made with rigid materials. The shoe makes walking around superbly comfortable as it almost weighs like nothing and didn’t get in the way of my quick and efficient actions. It’s equipped with a memory foam footbed that molded to my foot to deliver a customized level of comfort that felt like the shoe was built specifically to follow my unique foot shape. The midsole is designed to provide increased cushioning and support as it absorbs most of the force of each step so that the foot and calf are spared from foot fatigue, especially when the shoe is used for long stretches.

I liked how the composite toe caps provided nonstop protection from impact and compression threats around me but didn’t conduct heat or cold like steel toes do.

This resulted in the shoe maintaining a comfortable feeling that wasn’t significantly affected by the temperature of the surrounding area, so it was much easier for me to withstand challenging settings while maintaining my efficient movements. The nylon shank added more stability to the shoe that was especially beneficial when I needed to walk over rough and inclined ground conditions, allowing me to do so in a safe manner that didn’t compromise my comfort.

I loved the flexibility of the sole because it enabled me to walk effortlessly without experiencing the pain and clumsiness that can come from using shoes with unyielding soles.

Image

Weight

This is a truly lightweight work shoe that feels more like sports sneakers, so I didn’t experience any difficulties with moving and walking around all day long. The mesh material of the upper came with a lightweight structure that didn’t contribute much to the total shoe weight. The shoe felt almost weightless, so walking wasn’t a challenging chore even when I needed to work on numerous tasks for the better part of the day. Even the toe protection didn’t weigh a lot, since it was made with a composite material that kept my foot safe from being injured by falling objects.

Image

Traction

The rugged rubber outsole delivered strong traction that helped me sustain my steady footing on different surfaces. Walking on rough surfaces as well as slippery floors wasn’t too difficult to manage because the rubber outsole had a strong grip on these surfaces. This strong traction gave me the certainty to move efficiently over tricky surfaces without fearing that a single misstep would cause me to fall or slip.

Image

Fit and Sizing

This boot is true to size, so I was able to easily feel comfortable without needing to guess if I had to go up or down another size. The athletic sneaker construction provided just the right amount of roominess within the shoes that allowed my feet to breathe and my toes to shift freely when needed. The lace-up design allowed me to do fit adjustments as needed to keep the shoes comfortably secured , preventing an unstable fit from getting in the way of my quick and efficient movement.

Image

Waterproofing

This shoe isn’t built with waterproof materials, so it’s not recommended for use in settings exposed to extreme wetness. The mesh material of the upper will easily let in water and other liquid substances so your feet won’t be protected from getting completely soaked when you step in a deep puddle or when you walk over muddy or mulchy ground conditions. Although the high traction delivered by this shoe allows it to be safely used on slippery surfaces, the non-waterproof mesh upper dictates that the shoe’s best used in dry conditions.

Image

Breathability

This shoe is crafted with a mesh upper that permits a generous amount of air to get in so that the interior can feel as fresh and as airy as possible for long stretches. The mesh material encourages heat and moisture to be dispersed quickly so they won’t accumulate to an overheated sensation within the shoe. This ensures your feet will enjoy a cool and comfortable environment even when the surroundings turn increasingly hot as the hours go by.

Image

Quality and Durability

The Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe is equipped with a CarbonMAX composite toe that protects the foot against serious injuries in case heavy objects roll or fall onto the shoe from a great height. The composite toe maintains a lightweight profile that doesn’t add a considerable amount of weight and bulk to the shoe. It also doesn’t conduct cold or heat so the feet won’t be negatively affected by temperature changes. The mesh upper allows increased airflow to get into the shoe to keep moisture and heat dispersed before they can turn into uncomfortable overheating inside the footwear. The upper easily adapts to the foot’s movements with a pliable structure that won’t hamper your mobility so you can continue with your tasks for the day without exerting too much effort. This boot comes with a memory foam insole that conforms to the foot’s shape so you can enjoy personalized comfort while it eases pressure points, preventing them from developing into blisters, especially with long hours of continuous shoe-wearing. The RMAT rubber EVA midsole acts as a reliable shock absorber that catches the brunt of the impact coming from your repetitive movements throughout the day, sparing your foot and calf from the discomfort of foot fatigue. This shoe comes with a flexible structure that enables a wider range of motion, as it doesn’t get in the way of your natural mobility, so you can move as quickly as possible without feeling awkward or uncomfortable. A nylon shank offers extra stability to make it easier to navigate rough ground conditions or steeply inclined surfaces safely and comfortably while maintaining a lightweight composition that doesn’t feel heavy or bulky. The rubber lug outsole delivers strong traction that will help protect you from slipping on wet and tricky surfaces so you can confidently walk around the job site without worrying about the challenging ground conditions. This outsole comes with a flexible structure that allows you to move more freely, as it won’t hamper your natural agility as you tackle the most demanding physical activities. This shoe is as light and as comfortable as a running shoe, so it can be easy to forget that it’s meant for use in work settings – although its structure allows it to be enjoyed in more relaxed surroundings off the job site.

It should be noted that the mesh upper will allow water and other liquids to penetrate the shoe so your feet can get thoroughly soaked when you step on a puddle or are surrounded by extreme moisture sources.

Image

Other Versions

The Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe is offered in the following colorways – all black, black and navy blue, black and red, and gray and green. Another version, the Wolverine Men’s Jetstream 2 CarbonMAX Work Shoe, comes with the same athletic silhouette but this time is crafted with a single piece of fabric upper.

Image

The Challengers

Wolverine Men’s Jetstream 2 CarbonMAX Work Shoe

The Wolverine Men’s Jetstream 2 CarbonMAX Work Shoe is a great choice if you want a sportier look to your work shoe. It comes with a strong, one-piece fabric material for the upper that delivers enhanced durability to withstand challenging work conditions without breaking apart easily. The footbed is fully cushioned with memory foam that surrounds the foot with customized comfort to keep foot pain at bay and to relieve pressure spots, especially with long hours of continuous shoe usage while tackling physically demanding tasks. The moisture-wicking lining disperses sweat and heat before they can develop into extreme warmth inside the shoe, allowing your feet to enjoy a comfortably cool environment even with extended shoe-wearing. The rubber pad outsole grips surfaces firmly to make sure that you can maintain your steady footing on a variety of surfaces so you can move more confidently without compromising your comfort in the process.

Skechers Men’s Flex Advantage Fourche SR Shoe

The Skechers Men’s Flex Advantage Fourche SR Shoe is a good alternative if you’re looking for work shoes that will easily blend in with service uniforms while delivering superior functionality. This shoe comes in a casual Oxford silhouette that will effortlessly suit uniforms and other workwear without clashing with the overall aesthetic. The slip-resistant outsole helps maintain your stability on tricky surfaces, making this shoe an ideal choice for service professions, such as foodservice jobs that are regularly exposed to wet or slippery floors in the workplace. A relaxed fit design offers welcome spaciousness that allows the foot and toes to move freely inside the shoe to relieve some of the tiredness that comes from staying on your feet for long hours at a time. The memory foam cushioned footbed cradles the foot all day long and stops pressure points from turning into blisters. This shoe is tested for safety against electrical hazards that you may encounter around the work area in dry conditions.

Skechers Work Malad Comp Toe Industrial Shoe

The Skechers Work Malad Comp Toe Industrial Shoe will sustain your foot comfort by maintaining a cool interior all day long. The memory foam insole follows the curves of your foot to deliver customized comfort that will ease the discomfort that can come from walking and standing for extended periods. This memory foam is enhanced with cooling features that work to diffuse heat from within so that overheating can be prevented even when the shoe is used for long hours while you’re doing some of the most physically taxing tasks of the day. The mesh panels allow more air to pass through so that any heat and moisture accumulation can quickly be dissipated outwards to maintain a cool environment for your foot to enjoy. The composite toe caps offer superior protection for your foot against heavy items that can accidentally roll or fall onto the shoe from an elevated location in the workplace.

Dunlop Maine Steel Toe Work Shoe

The Dunlop Maine Steel Toe Work Shoe is an impressive safety shoe option that looks more like a sneaker. The athletic silhouette can blend in well with workwear and can be paired just as easily with jeans so you can maximize the shoe in a variety of settings in and out of the work area. The steel toe caps form a protective barrier to keep your foot safe from crushing injuries when the boot is exposed to compression and impact hazards. This shoe comes with a shock-absorbing heel that protects the foot from feeling the pain of the repetitive impact of hours of walking or staying on your feet. It comes with a mesh upper that maintains a well-ventilated interior by encouraging continuous airflow to get into the shoe to stop overheating even with long hours of use. The slip-resistant outsole delivers strong traction that helps you move more confidently on different surfaces while avoiding slipping accidents.

Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot

The Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot is a fantastic choice if you want more rugged-looking footwear that offers increased visibility. It’s made with waterproof full-grain leather and a waterproof construction to seal out water and excess moisture, guaranteeing your foot will remain dry and comfortable within the boot as you work in extremely wet surroundings. The reflective wrap going around the sole makes it possible for the boot to be easily seen for safety purposes, which would work to your great advantage in low-light conditions or at nighttime. The cushioned footbed conforms to the shape of your foot to let you enjoy maximum comfort for the entire day. The rubber outsole, with its heavy-duty lugs, grips the ground strongly to make it easier for you to safely walk over different surfaces and terrains without compromising your comfort and agility in the process.

Conclusion & Verdict

The Wolverine Men’s Jetstream CarbonMAX Work Shoe is a great work shoe that can easily be mistaken for a running shoe because of its athletic silhouette and due to its host of comfortable features. The memory foam footbed delivers customized cushioning to prevent foot fatigue and ease pressure spots that can form from long hours of staying on your feet. The mesh upper helps in sustaining a properly ventilated interior to surround the foot with cool comfort all day long. The composite toes keep the foot protected from being gravely injured when any impact and compression dangers fall onto the shoe. However, as this shoe doesn’t have waterproof components, it’s unsuitable for use in wet conditions, because liquid will be able to seep into the mesh upper easily.

Image

Luke Davis

Luke Davis

Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!