Work Boot
5 boots in this category
Boots designed for actual work—on job sites, in forests, on farms. These prioritize function over fashion, though the overlap with heritage boots is significant.
History
Work boots evolved throughout the industrial revolution as different trades required specialized footwear. Steel toes for factory workers, logger boots for timber, lineman boots for telephone poles. The aesthetics we now call 'heritage' were simply functional design.
Identifying Features
- Protective features (steel toe, metatarsal guard)
- Aggressive tread for traction
- Oil-resistant soles
- Often waterproof or water-resistant
- Built for hard use over aesthetics
Work Boot Boots (5)
Wolverine Courtland
Wolverine
The Courtland brings Wolverine quality to a lower price point with American-made construction. It's their workwear-forward option, competing directly with Red Wing's moc toe line.
Thorogood American Heritage
Thorogood
Thorogood delivers American-made, Goodyear-welted boots at prices that undercut Red Wing by $100+. The American Heritage line captures heritage aesthetics while including modern comfort features like the Poron insert.
Thorogood Logger 804-3898
Thorogood
A proper work boot that can handle job sites while still fitting the heritage aesthetic. The logger heel provides ankle support for uneven terrain, and the aggressive Vibram sole grips anything.
White's Bounty Hunter
White's Boots
The Bounty Hunter is White's work boot for those who don't actually fight fires but want smokejumper-level quality. It's the Semi-Dress's tougher sibling—more aggressive, more rugged, built for actual abuse.
Nick's Builder Pro
Nick's Boots
Nick's is White's neighbor and competitor in Spokane. The Builder Pro represents their core work boot—handmade, customizable, and built to last decades. Nick's has a reputation for excellent customer service and slightly faster turnaround than White's.