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The ideal footwear for your active job. Steel Toe Work Footwear

WHEN YOU have an active job, from construction to retail to food delivery, your shoes need to do a whole lot more work than you think, especially if you’re on your feet all day. You’re not a typewriter monkey—you need something very specific to your lifestyle.

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You also might be inclined to believe that you should sacrifice form for function with a great work shoe, but that’s not the case. What makes the best work shoe is a combination of style and functionality. As you’ll see ahead, none of our favorite shoes for work ditch perfect form.

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For all day protection and comfort, take a look at our 11 favorite work shoes for men. You won't be disappointed.

When you think of the best lightweight safety shoes, this pair from Sketchers has to come to mind. It’s crafted specifically for guys on their feet all the time—servers, drivers, and so on—and is made with a breathable mesh upper so your feet don’t get too sweaty.

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For a timeless all-black work shoe, you can't go wrong with Dr. Scholl's Harrington. These bad boys promise all-day comfort, no matter if you're drawing up plans in your office or traveling to a job site to bid on a project. Best of all, they're under $100.

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For those who need a classic brown leather work shoe, Wolverine's Raider is a no-brainer pick. The premium full-grain leather upper and ultra-tough outsole makes for easy walking around a job site. And if you're looking for added protection, you can spend an extra $15 and get the composite toe option (we like that one best).

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Wolverine's latest work shoes are really changing the game when it comes to combining style with utility. These Rev Vent shoes feature a signature UltraSpring midsole that's wonderfully cushioned and springy. Up top, the brand outfitted the upper with a breathable mesh and added TPU molded pieces for armored protection.

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The best men’s shoes for standing all day on concrete need one big feature: a fat rubber sole. These Rockports have it, plus a 100% leather upper, dual goring insets, and a padded collar to keep your feet extra cozy.

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Made from water resistant Nor-eastern leather, these L.L. Bean shoes carry just as much style as they do function. The dark cocoa color won't mind scuffs or mud, thus allowing comfortable moving wherever your day takes you.

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Boasting a REVlite midsole to ensure signature New Balance comfort, these work shoes also feature a composite toe and boosted slip-resistant outsoles. A common qualm for work shoes is the arch support can be lacking—this if far from the case on these steppers.

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If you’re game to get a little sportier with your work shoes, this pair has a more active look while still keeping you safe. They have a widening steel toe cap and a puncture-resistant Kevlar sole—seriously heavy-duty, while remaining light with a mesh upper.

Convenience is key in a slip-on shoe. These work shoe slide on with ease and provide all-day protection with a stitched, oil-resistant bumper guard and Goodyear welt construction. An internal collar gives you seamless comfort and prevents any chaffing or rubbing.

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Reebok makes some of the best lightweight safety shoes around, combining a solid mesh upper and rubber outsole. An alloy toe box keeps you protected, and moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry.

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These side on a more formal work shoe—sleek-looking, absolutely, but also incredibly comfortable for standing on your feet for hours. The uppers are totally made of leather and the classic wingtip pattern gives it a modern touch. Rubber pods on the heel add extra traction and comfort. Call these in if you're occasionally stepping in a business casual environment for your line of trade.

So what are the best work shoes for being on your feet all day? Well there are a few things you should definitely look for. The biggest one right off the bat: durability. Choose kicks that are made from a super-tough material, ideally leather, but a synthetic mesh can also provide plenty of hold. Another super important factor is stability, especially when it comes to the tread; you don’t want to be slipping and sliding all day. Rubber soles are always a solid option, and a high-quality outsole from a brand like Vibram would be a top tier pick.

Last, don’t forget the fit: a good work shoe for work should not be too loose. (Even a slightly tighter fit is more preferable, since the leather can mold to your foot.) Don’t ever buy a size up—you’re not going to grow any more, big guy.

Light Weight Safety Boots For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the best work shoes for men. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor John Thompson, put a number of men's work shoes to the test and evaluated their design, durability, and comfort. We also considered price point, as some work shoes provide a better overall value than others.