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Working on a farm is often grueling, arduous, and messy, which is why it’s so important to have footwear that’s up to the task. A good pair of farm boots should keep your feet comfortable and dry all the livelong day. This type of footwear uses durable waterproof materials such as full-grain leather and rubber and has shafts that extend as high as just below the knee to provide protection from mud and manure.
Since a workday on the farm can often extend from dawn to dusk, a good farm boot should be comfortable, with cushioned footbeds and bouncy midsoles. While many farm boots are purely utilitarian, others incorporate Western cowboy style, making them suitable for work or play. Ahead, read about the features that go into making this specialized type of footwear and learn why the boots below are some of the best farm boots.
- BEST OVERALL: Ariat Groundbreaker Work Boot
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Georgia Boot Homeland Waterproof Wellington Work Boot
- BEST STEEL-TOE: Wolverine Rancher Waterproof Steel-Toe Wellington
- BEST LACE-UP: Timberland Pro Direct Attach 6″ Waterproof Work Boot
- BEST WATERPROOF: The Original Muck Boot Company Men’s Chore Tall Boot
- BEST WINTER: Carhartt 10″ Insulated Composite-Toe Pac Boot
- BEST WOMEN’S: Hunter Women’s Original Tall Rain Boots
- BEST STYLISH: Justin Stampede Work Boot
- BEST FOR FLAT FEET: Wolverine Buccaneer Waterproof 6″ Boot
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Farm Boots
In addition to choosing footwear that fits properly, it’s important to consider other factors when shopping for a farm boot, including the shaft height, tread, and material. Ahead, learn more about these and other features of farm boots.
Material
A good farm boot should be made of durable material capable of enduring muddy conditions. Most farm boots consist of either leather or rubber upper. Leather, once broken in, is the more comfortable of the two, as it better conforms to the foot. Rubber, in comparison, can chafe or cause blisters, especially if the boot does not fit right; however, it has better waterproof qualities than leather, making it the best choice for very messy conditions.
Lining
There are two types of linings found on farm boots—a breathable, waterproof lining and an insulated lining. Waterproof farm boots should keep feet dry while allowing water vapor from sweat to escape, so this type of lining is the ideal choice for hot weather.
Insulated farm boots use Thinsulate or shearling in the liner. This insulation traps body heat inside the boot to keep the foot warm in cold temperatures. The amount of insulation used to line the boot usually ranges between 200 and 400 grams.
Outsole
The outsole is the part of the boot that makes contact with the ground. The outsole should provide grip and prevent water from getting inside the boot. A farm boot’s outsole is typically made of rubber and should have a deep tread on the outsole that provides good traction in muddy conditions.
Rubber farm boots should consist of a single piece of molded rubber that prevents water from entering the boot. Leather farm boots should use a welted seam to connect the outsole to the boot. This type of seam uses stitching to attach the outsole to the boot as opposed to contact cement, which doesn’t last as long or make the boot as watertight.
Safety Features
Safety features commonly found on a set of farm boots include a safety toe and steel shank. A steel shank protects the foot against puncture wounds from nails and other pointy objects found on the farm. A safety toe is made of steel or a hard composite plastic that can endure hundreds of pounds of crush weight. This hard cap is intended to protect the toes from crushing hazards.
Closure
Farm boots come in pull-on and lace-up styles. A pull-on farm boot looks like the classic cowboy boot. Since these boots do not have an opening for laces, they provide better protection against water. Lace-up boots have more of a form fit for the ankle and calf, providing better support. A lace-up farm boot should have a gusseted tongue that attaches to the boot’s upper to prevent water from finding its way through the laces and into the boot.
Both types of boots have a shaft (upper part extending from the ankle to the top edge) that extends to between 6 inches (just above the ankle) to 12 inches, which is just below the knee. A higher shaft provides better protection when tromping through deeper puddles and mud.
Comfort and Fit
A boot’s footbed and midsole determine its comfort. A good farm boot should have a midsole made of foam that provides rebound and shock absorption, helping to reduce leg fatigue as well as stress on knees and hips. The footbed should be made of either high-density foam or gel. These two materials conform to the foot, providing comfort, and won’t compress easily.
Our Top Picks
Ahead, learn about some of the best boots for farm work. These boots include rugged rubber and leather construction that are designed to keep feet dry and comfortable over long days on the farm.
Best Overall
Ariat Groundbreaker Work Boot
They don’t come cheap, but few boots are as well equipped for farmwork, or as good-looking, as Ariat’s Groundbreaker work boot. At first glance, it’s clear that Ariat’s origins are as an equestrian boot maker (Ariat comes from Secretariat). With their Western stitching and riding-boot looks, the Groundbreakers are stylish enough to wear on a night out.
The Groundbreakers also feature quality construction. The upper is made from high-quality 100 percent full-grain leather, giving it better durability and water resistance than boots made from multiple pieces of leather. A welted seam coupled with a boot shaft measures 11 inches from arch to top, providing ample protection from mud and water.
The outsole’s deep lugs provide traction in messy conditions, while the insole features Ariat’s 4LR technology, which consists of a four-layer footbed that provides the cushioning and shock absorption that keep feet comfortable without aching on long workdays.
Product Specs
- Material: Full-grain leather
- Shaft height: 11 inches
- Safety toe: None
Pros
- Durable full-grain leather construction
- Comfortable 4-layer footbed
- Attractive Western stitching
Cons
- No safety toe
Get the Ariat farm boots on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Georgia Boot Homeland Waterproof Wellington Work Boot
A good farm boot can be expensive, which is why this pull-on model from Georgia Boot is such a great deal. It costs significantly less than other farm boots but still boasts excellent quality.
The lower part of the boot is made from genuine leather, while the 11-inch boot shaft consists of tough 900-denier Cordura fabric. Deep lugs in the tread provide good traction in dirt and mud, while an oil- and slip-resistant treatment keeps the wearer upright on smooth surfaces. With its steel shank, the midsole provides protection from nails and other puncture hazards. Inside is a breathable high-density foam footbed that cushions the foot while allowing for air circulation to keep feet from getting sweaty.
Product Specs
- Material: Leather upper with nylon Cordura shaft
- Shaft height: 11 inches
- Safety toe: None
Pros
- Affordable price
- Waterproof construction
- Oil- and slip-resistant outsole
- Steel shank
Cons
- Not as durable as all-leather boots
Get the Georgia Boot farm boots on Amazon.
Best Steel-Toe
Wolverine Rancher Waterproof Steel-Toe Wellington
Wolverine’s Wellington boots are well regarded as comfortable work boots, and the steel-toed Rancher’s boot is a great example of why. These Wellington-style boots come equipped with the brand’s Durashock system, which uses compression pads in the heel and forefoot of the outsole to provide cushioning while walking or standing.
Inside the boot is a removable OrthoLite footbed that conforms to the feet to provide cushioning for added comfort. The Ranchers are also durable, thanks to their all-leather upper and shaft and Goodyear-welt construction. Those who don’t just want to wear their boots to work can rest assured that the Rancher’s cowboy boot ranks as one of the more attractive sets of steel-toe farm boots on the market.
Product Specs
- Material: Leather
- Shaft height: 11.5 inches
- Safety toe: Steel
Pros
- Steel safety toe provides crush protection
- Durashock system reduces leg fatigue
- Removable OrthoLite footbed
- Attractive Western style
Cons
- Not waterproof
Get the Wolverine Rancher farm boots on Amazon.
Best Lace-Up
Timberland Pro Direct Attach 6u0022 Waterproof Work Boot
While pull-on boots may be the most traditional farm boot, they aren’t always ideal for the job. Those who prefer the form fit of a lace-up boot should consider this pair from Timberland. The Pro Direct Attach ankle farm boots consist of a 100 percent leather upper with a beefy lug sole.
This lace-up design allows the wearer to get a snug fit from arch to opening, unlike a pull-up boot. A high-density foam footbed that provides shock absorption and rebound helps to prevent leg fatigue. The boots keep the wearer’s feet dry and well protected thanks to a waterproof liner and steel-toe cap. And, since the boots have 200 grams of insulation, they’re suitable for use in winter weather.
Product Specs
- Material: Leather
- Shaft height: 6 inches
- Safety toe: Steel
Pros
- Leather construction
- High-density foam footbed for comfort
- Insulated for winter weather
- Steel-toe cap
Cons
- Uses less durable cement construction
Get the Timberland Pro farm boots on Amazon.
Best Waterproof
The Original Muck Boot Company Men’s Chore Tall Boot
For really wet and sloppy conditions, a set of leather boots probably isn’t going to cut it when it comes to keeping feet dry. For those conditions, one needs a good set of rubber boots, and few make them as watertight as Muck Boot. The boots use two materials in the design. The lower part of the boot is made from thick rubber, while the shaft consists of moisture-wicking neoprene that allows moisture from sweat to escape.
The boot shaft rises 15.5 inches from the arch to just below the knee and features a gathered collar that tightens around the calf, providing plenty of protection from water and mud splatter. The outsole consists of deep lugs that provide good traction in messier conditions while being wide set enough to shed mud and debris while walking. A kick rim on the back of both boots is convenient for taking muddy boots off without using the hands.
Product Specs
- Material: Rubber and neoprene
- Shaft height: 15.5 inches
- Safety toe: None
Pros
- Watertight rubber construction
- Flexible neoprene creates snug fit
- Deep lugs provide good traction in muddy conditions
Cons
- Rubber not as comfortable as leather
Get the Muck Boot farm boots on Amazon.
Best Winter
Carhartt 10u0022 Insulated Composite-Toe Pac Boot
This set of farm boots from Carhartt checks all the boxes for features that shoppers will need in a good winter boot. Large lugs on the outsole provide the traction necessary for keeping upright in snowy and icy conditions. The boot is also equipped with 1,000 grams of insulation, an ample amount to keep feet warm on cold days. In addition, an aluminum liner reflects heat back to the feet.
Since winter boots can get hot, there’s also a breathable liner that allows water vapor from sweat to escape. The lower part of the boot consists of rubber, which prevents water from getting into the boot. The boot shaft extends 10 inches from the arch to provide good protection in deep snowfall.
Product Specs
- Material: Rubber and leather
- Shaft height: 10 inches
- Safety toe: Composite
Pros
- Insulation keeps feet warm
- Deep lugs on outsole for traction in snow
- Breathable waterproof liner
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Carhartt farm boots on Amazon.
Best Women's
Hunter Women’s Original Tall Rain Boots
Hunter rain boots have been among the most popular women’s farm boots since the company unveiled them more than 65 years ago. They provide ample protection from wet and muddy conditions thanks to their thick rubber construction and a shaft that extends a whopping 16 inches from the arch. A buckle on the top allows the wearer to achieve a snug fit around the calf.
The tread is designed to provide traction on muddy terrain while also gripping smooth surfaces, making this boot versatile enough to wear on the farm or in the city, which buyers will want to do given how iconic these boots are. Unlike most farm boots, Hunter Women’s Original boots come in a broad range of colors.
Product Specs
- Material: Rubber
- Shaft height: 16 inches
- Safety toe: None
Pros
- Watertight rubber construction
- Iconic look suitable for farm or urban settings
- Rubber sole provides traction on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- Tall shaft can limit movement
- Expensive for rubber boots
Get the Hunter farm boots on Amazon.
Best Stylish
Justin Stampede Work Boot
A good farm boot doesn’t just have to be about function; it can look good, too. With its two-tone designs and eye-catching Western stitching, the Stampede Work Boot from Justin has few matches in farm-boot style. Justin launched in the late 1800s as a boot maker for cowboys.
This work boot features a two-tone look with a large flourish of stitching on the shaft. With multiple color schemes, this versatile boot is suitable footwear for the farm or a night out. These leather boots are also well constructed and comfortable thanks to a welted seam that adds durability and waterproofing to the boot as well as a dual-density midsole that provides rebound and shock absorption.
Product Specs
- Material: Leather
- Shaft height: 11 inches
- Safety toe: None
Pros
- Stylish Western look
- Welted seams
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Orthotic insole
Cons
- Can chafe the legs until broken in
Get the Justin farm boots on Amazon.
Best for Flat Feet
Wolverine Buccaneer Waterproof 6u0022 Boot
Wolverine’s Buccaneer work boot features an insole and outsole designed to bring relief to those with flat feet. The boot’s outsole features individual compression pads that absorb shock while creating bounce that returns energy back to the legs. Unlike boots with a pronounced arch support in the insole, the Buccaneer uses a flatter and wider foam footbed that’s comfortable for those with flat feet.
The boot is also well made, with welted seam construction, a flexible leather upper, and a thick rubber outsole that rises to the mid ankle. The outsole is also wider and flatter than most lug-style sole farm boots, providing more surface area to distribute weight, which is ideal for those with flat feet.
Product Specs
- Material: Leather
- Shaft height: 11 inches
- Safety toe: None
Pros
- Flatter insole ideal for those with flat feet
- Individual compression pads absorb shock
- Welted seam and leather construction
Cons
- Smoother sole lacks some traction versus other farm boots
Get the Wolverine Buccaneer farm boots on Amazon.
Our Verdict
The Ariat farm boots are the quintessential pair of farm boots. They’re made of durable full-grain leather, are equipped with a four-layer footbed for comfort, provide ample coverage with an 11-inch shaft, and have the look and feel of a cowboy boot. Those who prefer a lace-up work boot should look no further than the Timberland Pro farm boots, which have a lug sole designed for rough terrain, a foam footbed for comfort, and tough leather construction.
How We Chose the Best Farm Boots
For a boot to be suitable for work on a farm, it needs to be rugged enough to endure tromping through animal waste, mud, and muck while keeping the wearer’s feet dry and comfortable through a long workday. We kept that in mind when making our picks for our list of the top farm boots. We stuck with boots that use high-quality leather or rubber construction with tried-and-true construction methods that include welted seams.
The best farm boots should keep the wearer’s feet dry, so we primarily chose boots that are waterproof with shafts that are tall enough to provide protection when stepping into deeper puddles. Comfort is also vital, so we chose boots with midsoles and insoles that provide cushioning and absorb impact. Since safety is also crucial, we made sure to include options with steel or composite caps and steel shanks to protect the foot from crushing or puncture hazards.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to break in your new pair of farm boots or how this type of boot should fit your feet, then read on for answers to these and other questions about this footwear.
Q. Which boots do I wear on a farm?
Leather or rubber boots with a high shaft are the best boots for farming. These types of boots keep the feet dry while protecting the ankles and calves from mud and water splatter. They also feature deep lugs on the outsole that provide good traction even in sloppy conditions.
Q. How should my farm boots fit?
A farm boot that fits properly will have a snug fit around the heel, ankle, and the boot instep with no slipping. There should also be enough room in the toe box to allow the wearer to wiggle their toes.
Q. How do I break in my farm boots?
To break in a pair of farm boots, begin by wearing them around the house for a few hours each day. It also helps to walk outdoors over uneven terrain and to wear the new boots with thick socks. The socks will protect the feet during the breaking-in process while also helping to stretch the leather outward. It also helps to bend the boot at the midsole to loosen up stiff areas.
Q. How long should farm boots last?
How long a boot lasts depends on how often they’re worn. While high-quality pairs of boots can last for a long time if taken care of, most work boots that are worn regularly will last about 6 to 12 months before needing to be replaced.