7 Best Shoes For Factory Work-2020 Reviews

For most people, factory work spells long hours of work and having to move around a lot. Apart from being physically fit, having the best protective equipment is the way to go. A good overall, safety goggles, and a handy pair of gloves won’t be enough. You need the best footwear available to keep you comfortable and sure-footed during those strenuous work shifts.

The shoes you choose to go to work will have to be strong and capable of protecting your feet from impacts on surfaces. They will also need to be durable, super comfortable, and, most importantly, slip-resistant.

Factory shoes have to be government-regulated and safety-approved by OSHA or the EHS regulations. To help care for your feet, we have found you the top 7 best shoes for factory work.

Table of Contents

Top 7 Best Shoes for Factory Work

KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool Steel Toe Work Shoe

From the looks of it, the shoe looks designed and built for serious business. People who have bought it rate it as one of the most comfortable shoes ever. The slip resistance feature on them is otherworldly.

These steel-toed, safety approved shoes spot on nubuck leather famed for being water-resistant, stain- and dust-resistant and also easy to clean with a bristle brush. The rubber outsole is both oil and slip-resistant with non-marking rubber on the outsole protecting your feet from accidental slippage. The midsole is made up of a compression-casted double-density EVA technology for maximum shock absorption.

The design on its footbed and heel has been made to give the best comfort experience and arch support. The lining inside the shoe hugs your feet, keeping them encased and feeling snug whether you are on your feet for long at work or taking casual walks. The mesh on the upper side is breathable, waterproof, and designed to keep your feet dry and odor-free. There is also a wrap-around outsole extending all the way around the toe area which protects the much-sensitive toes from impacts.

These shoes are also built to last with very durable rubber soles. The water resistance feature and the best slip- and oil-grip resistance features a shoe can have guarantees that they outlast any harsh environment. They are multipurpose shoes and can be used in a non-work environment.

Pros

Durable, with water- and stain-resistant and protective leather to keep your feet safe during work.
They guarantee maximum comfort during all-day wear.
The mesh lining offers breathability, keeps the feet dry and odorless.
They have the best grip system keeping you from accidental slips on oily or other wet surfaces.
They meet the OSHA regulated safety standards.

Cons

They do not offer protection for the upper parts of the leg.
The pull-up and slide lacing system which is tight at the beginning loosens up after a while.

Verdict

These lightweight casual looking shoes might just be what you are looking for in a long list of comfortable work shoes. The 19.2 oz, 1.25” heel and the ASTM F2412-11, C/75 and F2413-11 1/75-safety standard shoes come in gargoyle, shitake, and black colors. The sizes also vary from 7 to 15.

New Balance Men’s 627v2 Work Training Shoe

The New Balance 627v2s have been made to bring the best out of any factory worker. They are stylish, offer maximum comfort through their cushioning technology, are well-fitting, and easy to clean. They are practical and come highly recommended by athletes due to their durability and ability to protect your feet from all sorts of dangers.

To ensure that your toes remain protected from machinery and other impacts, they have been designed with a tempered steel-toe and wide-flanged cap. The collar on them is padded complementing the webbing heel for easy don and doff. The lacing ensures a snug fit hugging your feet comfortably. The reinforced tongue is sewn in place, promising to keep debris and other particles from irritating your midfoot.

There is also an EVA-foam footbed which adds onto the comfort and support that the shoe gives. The popular ABZORB® cushioning technology offers more shock absorption while the soft textile lining found on the internal shank bolsters arch support. The outsole is made up of durable non-marking rubber designed to be slip-resistant and offers the best traction system.

Pros

The traction system on them is fantastic ensuring that there are no accidental slippages.
They are very comfortable to wear all day while being lightweight.
They offer the best arch support

Cons

The outsoles on them could be made to be more durable.

Verdict

If you have been looking for the most comfortable yet affordable shoes, then look no further. The 627v2s are a multipurpose shoe designed for the best comfort and experience. They also pass all the safety OSHA standards.

Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe EH Industrial and Construction Shoe

The lengthy name on this shoe outlines some of the shoe’s best features. More than factory work, these shoes have been designed for other types of work outside making them multipurpose. You do not have to worry about lawnmowers, trimming and landscaping tools and other power tools when in them. The lightweight Timberland PRO® Powertrain alloy-toe guarantee nimble feet during working hours.

The leather used to make these shoes is microfiber with a breathable mesh lining culminating in a very durable and breathable shoe. The alloy safety-toe is synthetic and lightweight meant to give excellent protection to your feet. Apart from enhancing comfort, the mesh lining also keeps your feet feeling dry and fresh with a conductive polyurethane static-removing midsole. Arch support is also catered for by the abrasion-resistant fiberglass shank.

These shoes come designed with a Timber PRO® Comfort SuspensionTM technology which implies that they can be worn all day without feeling the need to take them off. Unlike other shoes made out of heavy steel, the alloy-toe safety shoe is constructed from a breathable and antimicrobial mesh lining to keep your feet feeling fresh and dry. They have also been proved to have an Anti-Fatigue feature which absorbs surface shock and uses that energy to boost you through the next step.

The shoe uppers, toe cap, and the dual-density rubber outsoles are all extremely strong and durable. It passes the SD\ Static dissipative recommended safety guidelines guaranteeing the best foot protection. There is no wearing out easily when it comes to the wide-flanged asymmetrical-shaped alloy-toe caps.

Pros

They are very comfortable to wear for all-day use.
The covering material is abrasion-resistant.
They spot on rare anti-fatigue technology.
There is a breathable antimicrobial mesh lining to keep your feet fresh and dry.
They have a non-metallic shank for the best arch support and foot safety.

Cons

They are not waterproof.
They have poorly-made insoles.

Verdict

Available in sizes 7 to 15, these 570-grams shoes offer premium cushioning technology to keep your feet comfortable for more than 12 hours at a time, perfect for those 12-hour shifts. The deal becomes made sweeter with the fact that the manufacturer guarantees a full-price refund within 30 days of purchase should you find the shoes not comfortable. You however have to keep your receipt for this one.

Alegria Women’s Emma Clog

With all the versatility that comes in a diverse workforce, women are not left behind. Styled for comfort, these suave clogs are made to enhance the comfort of any professional lady. Although being on the pricy side of the chart, these nicely-finished clogs come designed in an elegant look.

The easy-to-slide-in clogs have one of the best comfort systems found in shoes. The covering material is made of leather which has been lined with a soft mesh and a padded cushioning material on the footbed. For your own convenience, the insole is removable to ensure a perfect fit. The soles consist of flexible rubber for easy movement in any direction.

The waxed and smooth leather is seamlessly joined to the polyurethane outsole which offers a good traction system and a non-slip feature on oily or greasy floors. The wedged heel guarantees the best arch support for your feet which makes walking so natural, as it should be. The inside while being maxed for comfort, is also breathable, with a good airflow system to keep your feet feeling dry.

Pros

The leather on the shoes is stain resistant.
The clogs are slip-resistant offering good grip on waxed, polished, wet, oily, or greasy floors and surfaces.
The padding inside makes them very comfortable shoes to wear for long.
There is a roomy toe box to ensure that your toes do not cramp.
There is an excellent arch support system for the heel wedge.
They come in various colors from which you can choose from.
They are very easy to clean.

Cons

The fit may not always be a true size.
It does not offer protection on the upper midfoot.
It is not waterproof.

Verdict

Although it guarantees comfort, these factory work shoes are very pricy. Suffice to say that they are shoes designed to bring the best out of you as you work. With these, you can say goodbye to unhealthy feet at the end of a long workday.

Timberland PRO Men’s 47015 Titan Soft-Toe Lace-Up

Another flagship of the Timberland shelf is the 47015s Titan Soft-Toe Lace-Up shoes. They come spotting a sophisticated leather finish all seamlessly joined to the outsoles. Their use doesn’t stop at factory work. They are suitable for casual walks as well because they also blend in very well with casual wear.

The build on these kicks boasts of a well-constructed full-grain leather. They are lightweight, weighing about 602 grams making them suitable for a busy all-walking workday. The matte-finished Haystack-Brown soft-toed shoes have subtle soles with an easy break-in period.

They also come designed with a polyurethane footbed and midsoles, high-rebound EVA technology heel inserts, and mesh lining offering premium comfort. They are antimicrobial to keep the feet fresh as can be especially for sweaty- or odor-prone individuals. The lining is also waterproof and insulates your feet keeping them warm and dry in all conditions. The heel area hugs the feet snugly ensuring a comfortable fit straight from the box.

You could not find a more well-balanced pair of shoes with a perfect grip on oily, greasy or wet surfaces. This is attributed to their rugged rubber soles joined to the triple-stitched leather uppers which also increases durability. For fluid and flexible movement, and arch support, the contoured polyurethane footbed guarantees the best quality and performance

Pros

The PowerFitTM technology ensures a comfortable fit for an all-day job.
There is electrical hazard protection from electrical faults around work.
Antimicrobial features to keep feet free from odor.
They are durable with excellent grip on all types of surfaces.
The leather is abrasion-resistant.
The shoes are waterproof keeping your feet dry and warm from the insulating inner lining.
There is a 30-day full refund of the price should you not find them comfortable.

Cons

The soles could stand to be a little stronger.
Some people have found the laces to be a bit brittle.

Verdict

The 47015 Soft-Toes offer the best balance between durable and comfortable shoes. The horse-tough leather shoes with comfort-enhanced inside padding give them a competing edge for one of the best safety shoes. These multipurpose shoes are not only best for factory work but they can by masons, plumbers, tunnel diggers among others.

KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe

Off the KEEN Utility shelf is another flagship, the Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe. Just like the Atlanta Cool, this flagship means business when it comes to protecting your feet from any hazardous environment at work. The tough leather with stylish finishing that goes into the making of this shoe delivers all the comfort that it promises.

To start us off, it is built of the nubuck leather which comes forest- or gargoyle-colored with rubber soles and steel toes. These together with the 1.25” heels and the 0.5” platform serve to protect your feet from any impacts on surfaces or falling objects. It is incorporated with the Torsional Stability Shank (TSS) technology and the non-optional dual-density EVA footbed delivering exceptional arch support and comfort for your feet. While the right and left asymmetrical steeled toes offer roomy space for your toes, the contoured heel lock, and slip- and oil-resistant outsoles enhance surface grip.

The shoes are made from breathable high-grade material which coupled with a comfortable roomy feature leaves your feet flexed even after a long day at work. The lining comes padded for maximum comfort and a stable balance for the midfoot during use. The Flint Low’s treads are durable and will not wear out comparatively fast like other shoes. The shoe guarantees maximum safety from abrasions and wet environments.

Pros

The leather uppers and the steel toes offer the best protection system for your feet.
The rubber outsoles with good treads offer a good grip on most surfaces.
The comfort and arch support of the shoes are enhanced with its cushioning system and contoured slopes.
There is plenty of room for toe movement.
The shoes are breathable with a continuous airflow system.

Cons

There is an irritation caused by the thin tongue making the laces dig into the skin.
The shoes are not waterproof hence unsuitable in wet environments.

Verdict

Available in sizes 7 to 15, these are one of the best pairs of shoes a factory worker can have. Their maximum comfort and durability will have you falling in love with them in no time. You are guaranteed that they have been tested to meet the ASTM F2412-11 and the F2413-11 M 1/75, C/75 EH standards.

Skechers for Work Men’s Synergy Ekron Alloy Toe Work Shoe

Last but not least, the Skechers’ Synergy Ekron Alloys conclude our list. These shoes mean business when it comes to the safety of all factory workers. Ideal for those who work extra-long shifts because of their superb comfort, they are perfect for any factory worker.

They have been constructed with a supple, smooth, and durable nubuck leather delivering stylish and durable shoe. Personalized to look trendy, the lacing system and the synthetic overlays enhance their sneaker-ish looks which makes them perfect for casual walks too. The lining inside is made up of a soft fabric with a Relaxed Fit® technology for a snug and comfortable fit.

The memory foam insoles and the FlexSole midsoles serve to cushion your feet during use while also absorbing environmental shocks when your feet hit surfaces. The padded tongue and collar and the stabilizing heel overlays are a cherry on top of otherwise very comfortable shoes. The study and composite ultra-light aluminum toe caps slip-resistant outsoles contribute to the shoes being lightweight have a firm grip on surfaces and a long lifespan.

Pros

The durable and tough leather on its uppers and aluminum toe caps protects your feet from all work-related hazards.
The cushioning system from the RlaxedFit® technology and memory foam insoles form a comfortable lining and the best arch support for a long-day use.
The shoes are slip-resistant with proven electrical hazard protection.

Cons

After a while, your feet may start to feel a little bit cramped since the shoes are not very breathable.

Verdict

If you are looking for shoes that can be used both for work and casual walks, then these are the shoes for you. The safety-tested shoes come recommended for factory workers for their versatility. They tick all the three boxes in that they have good arch support, are comfortable, and very durable making them a perfect friend. The sizes range from 7 to 13.

The Best Shoes for Factory Work: Buying Guide

Comfort

Being comfortable in your work shoes is one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself. The right shoes for factory workers have to be comfortable and have the best arch support system for your feet. Not only does this leave you focused on your job, but having healthy feet also reduces the much-dreaded medical bills in taking care of your feet. Healthy and comfortable feet will surely bring out the best in you.

Safety

As a factory worker, you are bound to work in an environment wherein there is a lot of feet impact from bumping into surfaces. You are also likely to find yourself in greasy, oily, wet, and potentially electrically hazardous environments. You, therefore, need to invest in shoes that protect your feet from dampness, mechanical shock from the environment, accidental slippages, and abrasions. This is why it is best to go for tried-and-tested OSHA recommended safety shoes so as to keep both you and your feet safe.

Durability

Factory shoes can be quite expensive. To save you the hustle of having to buy shoes every now and then, it is prudent to go for durable shoes that balance other aspects including comfort, being lightweight, and offer good protection. Durable shoes meant to outlast a hazardous environment will save you the time, the energy, and most importantly the money of having to look for new shoes every other day. You can give different shoes a try to find out what works best for you.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right shoes for factory work can be an uphill task, but it doesn’t have to be. This is why we guarantee the “top 7 best shoes for the factory work” list is your ultimate guide in getting the best of the best. Picking the best shoes requires that you invest in those that offer long-lasting comfort, are supportive, safe to use in a hazardous environment, and durable even with rough use.

Investing in the right shoes also saves you expensive medical bills, time, money, and hustle in looking for other shoes. You do not want to be carrying an extra pair of shoes every time you are going to work or changing activities. In finding the best shoes for you, remember that expensive doesn’t always translate into quality.