If you work at a site where you face electrical and mechanical hazards throughout the day, you better need all the safety tools, including a Metatarsal work boot pair. These boots are specifically designed for safety purposes to ensure the wearers’ feet get protected all the time at work.At the same time, they provide other features as well, such as comfortability, durability, and breathability, to complete the package at a reasonable price. Some are great in looks, but the rest are standard work boots designed for your protection. In this post we will look into 7 best metatarsal work boots that not adds style but also durability in your work.

What is a Metatarsal Boot?

It is not a regular work boot but instead designed explicitly for the metatarsal part of the foot located on the upper side. So, as the name indicates, it is known as a metatarsal boot because of its function to protect the metatarsal area.

To serve this purpose, the boot is equipped with a Metatarsal Guard, also known as MetGuard, to provide protection against falling harmful elements such as heavy objects, oil, acid, or burning chemicals. If the boot has a steel toe alongside, it will be a bonus to complete the package of extreme safety. 

Why Choose a Metatarsal Boot instead of a Regular Work Boot?

An ordinary work boot isn’t capable of protecting the metatarsal part of your feet, which is the crucial part, and when it gets damaged, it affects the entire feet. There’s nothing attached over the upper of a typical work boot for this situation to provide safety against falling heavy objects, acids, oils, and chemicals.

On the other hand, a metatarsal work boot features MetGuard equipped either internally or externally is there to protect that area. That’s why choosing a metatarsal work boot is necessary rather than a typical work boot, especially if you work at construction sites or other similar places where you face risks throughout the day. 

Types of Metatarsal Work Boot?

The metatarsal work boot is mainly categorized into two types based on their structure, design, and construction, but both offer the same level of protection. Let’s go through the details of each type one by one.

Internally Guarded Metatarsal Boot

In this type of boot, the metatarsal guard is equipped on the inner side of the boot and not clearly visible from the outside.

These are relatively lighter in weight and look more attractive than externally guarded ones. They offer the same protection as others, but MetGuard isn’t clearly visible from the outside. 

Externally Guarded Metatarsal Boot

These are equipped with a metatarsal guard on the upper side, which is clearly visible from the outside. Due to this design, the boot may become a little heavier than internally guarded ones but offer more protection.

Its design also may look unique because of the external MetGuard, but it ensures to fully cover the metatarsal area for maximum protection.

Comparison Chart

  

1. Timberland PRO Men’s 40000 MetGuard Boot

Materials and Performance 

Timberland PRO Men’s 40000 MetGuard Boot is one of the most attractive boots in the metatarsal work boots category because of its dark black color and sleek design. The boot is manufactured using full-grain leather along with Ever-Guard leather to ensure all the safety your feet need by resisting abrasion.

It is constructed to provide protection, comfort, support, and durability in a single piece to complete the package. There’s a contoured footbed cradle attached inside the shoe and a steel shank under the arch to ensure ultimate support and comfort for all-day work situations. The Timberland PRO logo on its bottom looks nice, making the entire shoe attractive. 

Comfort 

Most of the time, when the wearer has to sit in a squatting position for many hours, a work boot equipped with an external asymmetrical ABS metatarsal guard can be the support needed by the worker in that particular position. It not only offers support but also provides comfortable protection needed to save from risky situations.

There’s a top collar equipped behind the laces for increased comfort. Since the boot is a complete package and covers every single thing you need at work, it features a contoured open-cell single density PU footbed for exceptional comfort. The antimicrobial cover attached works to eliminate odor, making the interior odorless.

Durability

When we look at Timberland PRO Men’s 40000 MetGuard Boot construction, we find many factors directly or indirectly responsible for making it last longer, such as Goodyear welt construction, known for its most rugged construction for increased durability.

Then comes the Aramid fiber protection thread on its upper and welt responsible for increased durability and heat resistance. Its lace-up system attached with a cast-metal top further helps increase durability.

Protection

The boot equips steel toe, shaped on a TiTAN last to offer enhanced protection and a comfortable fit. Also, there’s a steel shank under the arch, which itself is robust enough to provide ultimate support and protection while working in harsh environmental conditions.

Its attached steel toe conforms to I/75 and C/75 compression and meets ASTM F2413-11 and F2412-11 safety standards. The boot also meets ASTM F2892-11 electrical hazard standards, making it useful for electricians. 

Why Do We Love It

First, the boot meets all the safety standards to offer you maximum protection at work, which is the primary purpose of buying such boots. Then comes PU footbed and steel shank equipped under the arch, offering ultimate comfort that comes as a bonus to the safety to keep you at ease throughout the day.

Its Goodyear welt construction is all about increased durability to help boot last longer, making it budget-friendly, so you don’t have to buy a new pair every few months. Last, the design is unique yet attractive because of the beautiful laces pattern, dark black color, and the way the metatarsal guard is attached makes everything elegant. 

2. Timberland PRO Men’s External Met Guard Boot

Materials and Performance 

Timberland PRO Men’s External Met Guard Boot features cement construction, a well-known manufacturing type famous for making the boot solid and robust. That’s why the pair is able to resist abrasion, and its strength doesn’t come with the sacrifice of comfort.

It takes comparatively less break-in period to offer a snug fit. Its front area is equipped with a steel toe that follows ASTM standards to ensure your feet are safe from falling heavy objects during work.

When it comes to incredible comfort, the interior is equipped with a most comfortable PU footbed and mesh lining that not only makes the wearing comfortable but also keeps the interior moisture-free. 

Comfort 

Since the boot is using a polyurethane (PU) footbed and mesh lining in its interior, there must be something inspiring about its comfort. The PU footbed is responsible for offering the ultimate comfort needed to wear in challenging work conditions, where sometimes you need to stand or walk all day.

Then comes the mesh lining that not only adds convenience but also eliminates moisture or sweat inside the boot. There’s an addition of an EVA midsole, which is super lightweight itself but offers exceptional comfort along with metatarsal guards that let the wearer easily squat. 

Durability

Timberland PRO Men’s External Met Guard Boot is made using cement construction that is responsible for increasing the durability factor. Then comes the material, which includes 100% leather and textile to make the pair even more robust.

Its lace-up system, including hooks, is durable enough to not tear apart soon like a typical work boots’ laces. The Met-Guard overlay in the front provides protection to the feet and durability to the shoes. 

Protection

These boots offer ultimate comfort that keeps you at ease throughout the day, but it doesn’t come with the sacrifice of protection and durability, which happens in most regular work boots.

It does offer exceptional comfort with its PU footbed, EVA midsole, and mesh lining, but ABS metatarsal guard and upper provides protection by resisting heat, oil, and chemicals. Its outsole resist slip and has a ladder lock radius for traction. 

Why Do We Love It

First comes the look for which Timberland PRO always leaves everyone behind for the excellent design for their boots.

The unique combination of the metatarsal guard on the upper and laces with hooks on the top makes the pair more decent and attractive.

The brand logo on the bottom adds to the attraction, and the tread pattern on both sides looks brilliant. Then comes the ultimate comfort offered by the pair using PU footbed, steel shank, and EVA midsole is an extraordinary addition.

Last, the durability to make it last for years using cement construction and premium quality material is also appreciable. 

3. Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Boot

Materials and Performance 

Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Boot is all about safety as it is designed and manufactured to provide the highest levels of protection. That’s why the pair is widely used for different industry workers such as electricians, construction site workers, and many more.

The highest safety standards are followed with its premium construction that comprises a water-resistant and oiled leather upper having a metatarsal guard on it.

It entirely covers the upper as it is shaped just like your feet. Its outsole is comparatively very thick, stitched using contrast thread that not only makes the pair robust but also looks nice as well. 

Comfort 

The boots are obviously tough from the outside, but they are the most comfortable on the inside; at the same time, which is rare when it comes to metatarsal boots. First, it offers a 14 inches wide opening, so you can quickly wear it without any hurdle.

Then comes the construction of boots using full-grain leather with a leather ballistic mesh padded collar for extreme comfort. The boot provides comfort against external elements such as shocks, electrical hazards, and impacts.

Also, the pair is highly resistant to oil, petrol, alkali, and fat, besides having a standard wood shank.

Durability

Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Boot is a sturdier work boot because of its Goodyear welt construction, which is a well-known technology famous for being highly tough.

Then comes the outsole, which is not like an ordinary work boot sole instead made using PVC material. Because of its robustness, being heat-resistant, and sturdy, the boot is incredibly durable and lasts for years.

Each element used in the manufacturing of boots is itself durable, contributing to the overall durability of these boots to ensure they last longer than you expect. 

Protection

The exceptional strength of the boot is to offer maximum safety at work rather than lasting longer only. That’s why it ensures the workers have their feet safe from electrical hazards because of its EH insulation that protects against any electricity-related incident.

Its Smartmask PU cushioning footbed isn’t all about ultimate comfort but also protects feet against external shocks. The safety toe cap is designed to protect the feet against the impact of 200J and 15KN compression force.

To make sure you don’t fall on slippery surfaces and injure yourself badly, the boot offers a slip-resistant outsole that resists slip and oil. Its heel can absorb shocks with excellent energy absorption and return it to the ground. 

Why Do We Love It

There’s not a single factor in the boot to not love because it’s a complete package every worker needs in a single piece and at an affordable price. First, it is equipped with an external metatarsal guard rather than an internal, which is the case with most work boots.

The outer guard is to provide comparatively more safety and properly surround the entire feet. Second, the boot is constructed using superior quality material, which is itself durable and then adds strength to make it even more durable.

The design is typical, but contrast color stitching on the outsole, PVC outsole, laces design, and upper with guard looks elegant. Last, the boot is versatile in nature because of its safety feature that offers protection from different industries. 

4. Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance EX MetGuard Boot

Materials and Performance 

Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance EX MetGuard Boot is the most attractive metatarsal work boot you’ll ever find that can be used for work and casual purposes.

Timberland PRO is a well-known brand famous for making good-looking boots that come without the sacrifice of quality and features.

That’s why this boot is also constructed serving the industrial as well as commercial workers. The great look isn’t all you need when it comes to metatarsal boots because of their use in heavy industry work nature. That’s why they are made in consultation with industry experts to ensure the shoes provide exceptional safety and durability. 

Comfort 

The boot is made using 100% leather and textile material which is the primary cause of offering incredible comfort to the users’ feet.

Its breathability feature lets the air circulate throughout the boot to make sure the interior remains dry and moisture-free by wicking away any found sweat or moisture.

Then comes the anti-fatigue technology used along with polyurethane (PU) midsoles to reduce the shocks and return the same energy.  Its inside is equipped with a highly comfortable cushioning footbed to provide the comfort you need to keep yourself at ease. 

Durability

Since 100% leather and textile are used in its construction, which are itself durable, they make the boot highly durable to last for years. Furthermore, its ankle-high construction along with the upper ensures the boot gets maximum strength needed to last longer.

The rubber outsole having tread pattern never lets you slip on any floor, either rough or wet, besides resisting water to keep the boots away from water for increased durability and safety. Most importantly, cement construction makes the boot more durable and also reduces the break-in time. 

Protection

Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance EX MetGuard Boot has a metallic puncture-resistant plate that not only provides flexibility but also underfoot protection.

Then comes the rubber outsole that has a tread pattern all over it to ensure you don’t slip on any surface to get yourself injured by falling.

Also, the anatomical MetGuard molded inlay on its upper provides the safety required by industrial construction workers. So, we can conclude that you’re going to get all the protection you need in different industries to avoid life-taking risks. 

Why Do We Love It

The primary reason to love the pair is its ability to offer maximum protection with its safety toe on the toe end and MetGuard on the upper that entirely covers the upper part of feet, which is the real cause of buying metatarsal work boots.

Then comes the ultimate comfort because of equipped PU midsoles and anti-fatigue technology to reduce shocks and return the same energy. Last, the boot is highly durable because of the quality material and cement construction to make sure you don’t worry about getting a new pair for at least a year. 

5. KEEN Utility Men’s Mt Vernon Metatarsal Guard Boot

Materials and Performance 

KEEN Utility Men’s Mt Vernon Metatarsal Guard Boot is designed to offer long-lasting comfort with its soft cushioning and safety with its metatarsal guard and steel toes.

The external metatarsal guard covers the entire upper for enhanced impact resistance to ensure your feet get protected against dangerous elements.

It never lets the water enter inside the boot because of waterproof leather and moisture-wicking inside to make sure your feet always remain dry. There are laces equipped along with the hooks that are durable and create a better look. 

Comfort 

The boot is definitely solid and robust from the outside, but you can get all the comfort inside the boot you need at work to go through all-day work situations.

This is possible by the left and right asymmetrical safety toe that is designed to be anatomically correct, along with steel and aluminum toes that make more room for the toe area.

The more room makes your feet comfortable because of the slight movement inside the boot, which is always relaxing. Then comes the membrane used inside is waterproof and breathable to keep the water away and prevent moisture.

Durability

Its abilities to resist water, slip, oil, and liquids automatically increase durability because these factors are there for your boot to tear it apart as soon as possible.

The boot is made using premium quality material gathered from different parts of the world to ensure the craftsmen get the high-quality material to show their crafting skills. So, the combination of the most talented artisans and the best quality material ends up making the highly durable boots. 

Protection

Since the boot is equipped with a wide metatarsal guard on its upper, it enables the pair to meet ASTM safety standards. It also deals with sparks, abrasion, and heat because of Kevlar thread protection for the safety you need at the worksite.

Its outsole meets non-slip ASTM safety standards to ensure you don’t fall by slipping on wet, oily, and muddy areas.

Why Do We Love It

KEEN Utility Men’s Mt Vernon Metatarsal Guard Boot features a unique and attractive design along with abilities to protect you from hazards and make it last longer. It meets ASTM safety standards, so you can relax that you are using the footwear authorized by safety officers.

Another factor to love the pair is its ability to resist water from the inside, and outside, so your feet never go near the water for better protection of your feet as well as the boot itself. 

6. Iron Age Men’s GroundBreaker IA5016 Boot

Materials and Performance 

Iron Age Men’s GroundBreaker IA5016 Boot is one of the formal-looking work boots that you can wear under a formal suit besides wearing for casual and heavy work purposes.

It is designed to provide a high level of stability, comfort, safety, and confidence a wearer needs at work for more productivity.

Each part equipped to the boot plays its role in withstanding the highly rough conditions at work. If we look at its structure, we find a decent design with dark black formal color, having laces attached to the hooks for a durable and speedy lacing process.

There’s a steel toe and metatarsal guard equipped to provide safety along with full-grain leather for high breathability and comfortability. 

Comfort 

The boot is all about comfort because of full-grain leather that offers comfort and breathability to let the air circulate and wipe away the sweat and moisture inside it to keep the feet dry and cool. Also, the Moisture-Wicking Nylon Mesh is designed to wipe away the moisture inside the boot for increased breathability, much needed to keep you firm on the ground.

Then comes the EVA midsole that absorbs the shocks caused by running over hard surfaces and returns the same energy. So, the combination of breathability and comfortability keeps you at ease throughout the day. 

Durability

Each factor in this work boot plays its role in making it as durable as possible. For example, Goodyear welt construction, which is always known best for making the boot more durable, performs its role to withstand it through rough conditions to last longer than your expectations.

Second, breathability and comfortability factors play their role in wiping away the moisture and keeping you at ease, so you don’t put more pressure on the boot for enhanced durability.

Last, full-grain leather resists many harmful factors that are not good for your feet as well as the boot itself helps in lasting the boot a bit longer than before. 

Protection

Since the boot is equipped with a steel toe and metatarsal guard, you’ll get maximum safety anyway. The steel toe protects your feet against falling heavy objects, and the guard covers the upper side of your feet against harmful elements.

Overall, it meets ASTM F2413 safety standards to protect the wearer against electrical hazards. As the Kevlar stitching is done throughout the boot, it helps in making the boot strong enough to protect you from various risks. 

Why Do We Love It

The first thing to adore about this metatarsal work boot is its unique shape and formal look that lets you use this one for the office, so you don’t buy a new pair for formal use.

Then comes the material, which includes full-grain leather that offers comfort and breathability to keep your feet cool and dry. When it comes to protection for your feet, there’s a steel toe and metatarsal guard that ensures maximum safety. Last, everything combines to help the boot withstand rough work conditions and last longer, making it more durable and budget friendly as well. 

7. KEEN Utility Men’s Louisville Metatarsal Guard Boot

Materials and Performance 

KEEN Utility Men’s Louisville Metatarsal Guard Boot is an ideal work boot specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions against all types of mechanical and electrical hazards that every worker encounters at work.

It looks more like an athletic shoe but offers the safety you need at work by resisting oil and liquids to ensure you stand steady on your feet, either on rough or wet surfaces. The laces are attached all over the upper along with durable hooks to provide a snug fit which is a dream of every worker. Its shaft is a little higher than other metatarsal boots that offer support to the ankle for increased comfort. 

Comfort 

The boot is versatile in nature as it can be used for indoor as well as outdoor purposes because of its ability to serve in every condition. It is super comfortable to wear first because of snug-fitting, and then comes the soft cushioning equipped inside the boot.

The leather and synthetic material used allows the air to circulate and eliminate the moisture and sweat for increased breathability, which keeps the users’ feet at ease throughout the day, whether you’re running or walking. 

Durability

It is a highly durable pair because of its construction using premium quality leather and synthetic material that lasts longer. Its outsole is made of rubber that resists water and other liquids to protect not only the feet but also the boot itself.

It features 14 inches wide opening and 6 inches shaft from that arch that lets you roughly wear it without damaging the opening. Also, the footbed is removable, which means when it gets ripped, you can replace it with a new one rather than buying the entire shoe. 

Protection

KEEN Utility Men’s Louisville Metatarsal Guard Boot equips a steel toe and metatarsal toe; this combination is enough to provide protection against any hazard, either electrical or mechanical.

Also, its outsole is resistant to chemicals, water, oil, and other liquids to provide protection against slip and harmful elements. So, the boot is capable of protecting your feet against toxic substances and various types of hazards to peacefully and safely end your day at work. 

Why Do We Love It

If you are looking for a hybrid work boot that can be used for indoor and outdoor purposes in the metatarsal boot category, we highly recommend KEEN Utility Men’s Louisville Metatarsal Guard Boot. Its met-guard is equipped inside the boot, making it look more attractive than other metatarsal work boots.

Another factor to love the pair is its extreme protection against mechanical and electrical hazards because of the steel toe and metatarsal guard. Last, the boot is highly breathable, comfortable, and durable to give a complete package any worker needs at a reasonable price. 

FAQs

What is the most comfortable metatarsal boot?

Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Boot is the most comfortable metatarsal work boot because it is made using premium leather that offers ultimate comfort.

At the same time, leather ballistic mesh lining is also equipped inside the boot for increased comfort needed for any worker throughout the day.

What is metatarsal protection in Boots?

It is the hard part attached right on the upper side of the boot to protect the metatarsal part of your feet to ensure maximum protection. Sometimes it is clearly visible when linked externally but might not be visible when equipped internally, but still, you can feel it by touching or pressing the boot. 

Is Met Guard the same as metatarsal?

Metatarsal is also known as Met Guard or MetGuard, so people use different names, but it is the same thing that works to protect your upper part of the feet against falling heavy objects, chemicals, acids, and other harmful liquids. 

What is an internal metatarsal boot?

When the met-guard is attached inside the boot and not clearly visible yet can be felt by touching or pressing the boot, it is an internal metatarsal work boot.

Similarly, when it is equipped outside and clearly visible, it is an external metatarsal boot. 

What is the difference between a steel toe boot and a metatarsal?

When a boot is equipped with a steel toe at its toe area, it is a steel toe boot, and when attached with a metatarsal guard, it is the metatarsal boot.

A boot can be a steel toe boot and metatarsal boot at the same time. So, it entirely depends on the materials attached, and that’s it. 

Final Verdict

Since you are already buying a new pair of work boots, then why not select the metatarsal work boot, which offers more protection and the level of safety needed for your work nature.

You would be spending the same amount of money and still can get a great-looking pair as well in this category. So, why don’t you prioritize your safety rather than the design and looks that you can find in these boots as well?

The post 7 Best Metatarsal Work Boots Review 2023 first appeared on Top Work Boot.