Summary
While using the Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Waterproof Work Shoe, we observed that it’s a pretty good investment, with features that sit in the middle of the essential metrics when it comes to high-quality work boots. What stands out the most is the waterproof construction that works to protect the foot from being soaked through in wet surroundings, along with a moisture-wicking lining that draws away excessive wetness from the skin for long-lasting comfort even with long hours of boot wearing. Steel toe protection provides a safety barrier against impact and compression sources that can injure the foot. The cement construction maintains a lightweight boot profile to prevent an uncomfortable heaviness, even as the strong rubber outsole makes its presence felt with considerable treads that strongly grip the ground. There is a soft-toe version of this boot that may be more suitable for working in areas that are relatively free from objects that can fall on and injure the foot. A 10-inch version of the Floorhand Work Shoe is available in both soft toe and steel toe options and is more suitable for working in more challenging outdoor environments where the increased height will bring more protection. The Iron Age Men’s Immortalizer Safety Toe 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot is another impressive option, with the leather designed to be resistant to cracking, lime, acids, and ammonia for maximum durability in the face of extremely challenging conditions. Lastly, we have an affordable contender in the Steel Edge 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot that comes with toe protection and a puncture-resistant plate but sadly does not have a waterproof structure for enhanced protection.
The Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Waterproof Work Shoe can be enjoyed in two versions – soft toe and a steel toe – with both versions constructed out of premium full-grain leather that provides continuous protection against water, mud, and other substances that can otherwise seep into the boot’s interior. We used the steel-toed version that felt pretty comfortable even with the metal enhancement in place, so we didn’t encounter any problems with moving around naturally and effortlessly throughout the day. This pair does not feel too heavy nor is it particularly light, although the same surely cannot be said when it comes to the soft toe version that will definitely have a more lightweight profile. We will go into more detail below as we share the qualities of the Floorhand 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Shoe that impressed us, and which features we think should be improved on for better functionality and overall ease of use.
To keep your foot safe against wetness and falling objects, this boot provides all-day protection without the shocking price tag.
Ideal For
- Providing superior foot protection against wetness while doing activities in wet or waterlogged areas.
- Those who feel more comfortable with boots that have cushioned footbeds to prevent pain.
- Jobs in slippery or wet areas that will benefit from the high-traction rubber outsoles.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Waterproof Work Shoe is packed with features that work hard to maintain a comfortable structure even with other protective characteristics in place. The fully cushioned footbed offers a generously padded surface that embraces the foot to prevent pain from building up, especially when the boot is used continuously for the better part of the day. This cushioned footbed effortlessly followed the contours of my foot, giving me the feeling of a welcoming embrace for a comfortable experience. The mesh lining integrated into the boot’s interior works to wick moisture away from the skin so perspiration will not have a chance to build up and will instead be dispersed outwards.
I liked that the cushioned ankles helped maintain a comfortable snugness to prevent a loose fit that can easily lead to chafing with certain movements, especially with extended hours of boot use.
The overall construction doesn’t make it feel too heavy, although I still wouldn’t consider this to be a truly lightweight pair of work boots. Strong shock absorption seems to be absent and will be felt when the boots are used for extended periods, when, unfortunately, foot fatigue starts to set in.
However, this may not bot be a big deal if you’re planning to use the boots only for a few short hours at a time. The full-grain leather felt a bit stiff at the beginning but became a lot more comfortable after a considerable break-in period.
Weight
The Floorhand Work Shoe is not the most lightweight work boot around, given the presence of the steel safety toe caps that add a considerable amount of weight to the boots’ structure. With the metal toe protection in place, I was pleasantly surprised that the boot managed to avoid becoming too heavy. The boots come with a considerable bulk and structure but can still be maneuvered easily, so moving around comfortably and naturally isn’t that hard. However, this may not be the case when the boots are worn for a long time because the boot may start to feel significantly heavier with extended use.
Traction
The rubber outsole is designed to help maintain stable footing on various floor conditions and terrain as the material strongly grips the ground, providing ample protection from slipping or falling accidents. .The treads are deep enough to work well in outdoor settings but are not so aggressive that they can make the entire boot too heavy and bulky to be used comfortably.
Fit and Sizing
The Floorhand Steel Toe Work Shoe comes in a relaxed fit. I wear a size 10 and I think that a size 9 would also offer a comfortable fit for me. Given the relaxed fit profile of these boots, I would suggest you wear thick socks with them to achieve the perfect fit that will allow you to move naturally without sacrificing a comfortable experience in the process. Even with the steel toe in place, the toe box still felt considerably roomy and allowed my toes to shift from time to time to stop the development of foot pain with long hours of boot-wearing. The cushioned footbed also contributed to the overall comfortable feeling of the boot’s fit, molding to the shape of my foot for a customized feeling that is neither too loose nor too tight.
Waterproofing
These boots are made with premium waterproof leather that won’t allow water and other liquids to breach the footwear. This ensures that the foot will stay dry inside the boot even when the surrounding area becomes wet. The boots are suitable for jobs that require working outdoors even in inclement weather, or for other job sites where there is a possibility of being required to work in wet conditions. The 6-inch shaft height provides waterproof coverage until the ankle area so you can wade in ankle-deep water or mud and still be assured these substances won’t seep into the boot’s interior.
Breathability
This boot is fitted with a mesh lining that has the role of keeping the inside of the boot cool and comfortable even with all-day use. The lining wicks away moisture to prevent a sweaty feeling and encourages air to enter the boot to keep the interior properly ventilated. The breathability and moisture-wicking properties work hand-in-hand to prevent overheating which can bring a great deal of discomfort to the foot.
Quality and Durability
The boot is constructed using premium full-grain leather and high-quality stitching, resulting in a structure that showcases a top-notch fit and superior aesthetics. These are not your usual work boots that look and feel awkwardly bulky.
They’re built to exude a bit of stylishness so that I had no trouble using this pair as part of my casual outfits.
The seams are finely stitched without the aggressive presence that is often seen in more rugged work boot styles, making it possible for the Floorhand Steel Toe Work Shoe to maintain its protective features while displaying a more refined look.
However, I still have some doubts about the boots’ durability because the material does not look thick or rugged enough to withstand extended exposure to rain and other sources of excessive wetness – although this personal observation may not have a solid basis, given the quality of the leather material used for the upper.
Other Versions
The Floorhand Steel Toe Work Shoe is available in a soft toe version that is also 6 inches in height and likewise has a waterproof structure to guarantee long-lasting foot protection against wetness. This soft-toed version may be the more ideal choice if your job doesn’t expose you to compression and impact hazards – such as tools and equipment that can fall on your foot and cause serious injuries. Without the metal protective toe in place, the Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Waterproof Work Shoe has a more lightweight structure that can be more comfortable to use, especially for long hours of standing or moving around. The steel-toed and soft-toed work boot versions are available in the following colors: black, wheat, and dark brown. Both options are available in sizes 7 to 14, in medium and extra-wide fits. On the other hand, a Floorhand Work Shoe version in a 10-inch shaft height is more suitable for harsh outdoor conditions, as the increased height provides improved protection in deep mud, water puddles, and muck that can be encountered when working outdoors. This 10-inch version is available in a dark brown color, with both the steel-toed and soft-toed options featured in sizes 7 to 14.
The Challengers
Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Work Shoe
The Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Work Shoe comes in a soft-toe version that comes with the same protective waterproofing to keep the foot safe from being soaked in wet conditions. This soft-toe option comes with a reduced weight since it doesn’t have the metal safety toe cap, making it a better choice for those who work in environments where there are no immediate risks of tools, equipment, and objects that can injure the foot.
Iron Age Men’s Immortalizer Safety Toe 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot
The Iron Age Men’s Immortalizer Safety Toe 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot is a formidable competitor that is brimming with protective features including a waterproof leather upper that is also resistant to cracking, lime, acids, and ammonia for remarkable durability in the face of various workplace hazards. The electrical hazard protection offers a secondary safety barrier when exposed to electrical currents. A composite toe guards the foot against impact and compression threats while keeping a lightweight structure that won’t compromise the boots’ comfort. Priced at $139.99, the Immortalizer may cost considerably more than the Floorhand, but the price difference can be justified with the heavy-duty performance and durability of the former.
Steel Edge 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot
The Steel Edge 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boot is another feature-packed competitor that comes with steel safety toes for enhanced foot protection as well as a puncture-resistant plate that prevents sharp objects from piercing the underfoot area. The boot comes with a skid-resistant outsole that works to keep you safe on slippery or wet floors. The memory foam bed molds to the shape of the foot for long-lasting comfort. Priced at $69.99, this boot is the most affordable option among the 6-Inch Floorhand’s challengers, but this low price can be readily felt with the Steel Edge Boot’s lack of waterproof features.
Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 10-Inch Work Boot
A 10-inch version of the Floorhand Waterproof Work Shoe will be more suitable for working in harsh outdoor conditions. This is because the increased boot height can provide more protection, as it enables you to work in deep mud or muck while ensuring that the foot remains protected from excessive wetness. The Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 10-Inch Work Boot comes in soft-toed and steel-toed options that you can choose from according to your protection and comfortability requirements.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Shoe is a great waterproof work boot that won’t deplete your funds. It comes with a refined appearance that works wonderfully with casual attire, just as it does with your regular work outfit. They come with decent features in terms of protection and comfort, but in my view, are not recommended for extremely challenging jobs and workplace conditions, where metatarsal boots and logger boots will be much more suitable.
