We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Rating: 4.9/5
Working on your feet all day is hard no matter the environment. But when you have to wear safety-toe work boots, it adds another layer of potential misery. I got a pair of Wolverine Alpha FT Work Boots shortly after they came out last summer, and I could not be happier with them. I realize that even quality boots can be a toss-up. One person may love a pair that the next person can’t wear because of individual variations in foot shape, walking pattern, or different perceptions of comfort. In this review, I will share what I like best about them after wearing mine the past 4 months, along with the pros and cons that I see in them for different work environments.
Out-of-the-Box Comfort
Photo: Amazon
The Alpha FT boots are ideal for working outdoors. The uppers, made with waterproof full-grain leather, are designed to keep feet dry without excess heat buildup. The toe and heel are capped with a protective rubber layer for extra protection. The inner layers include a breathable waterproof membrane and a moisture-wicking lining. Mine also include the lightweight CarbonMax composite safety toe for impact and compression protection, but they are also available with a soft toe.
From the outside in, these boots showcase Wolverine’s comfort and safety innovations. They feature rubber DuraShocks outsoles for traction and shock absorption, EnergyBound foam pads for cushioning, lightweight nylon shanks for support, Infinity Frames for stability, and a removable dual-density polyurethane footbed for added comfort. Wolverine Alpha FT Work Boots carry ASTM F2413-24 I/C EH SR safety ratings, and are available in men’s and women’s sizes from 7 to 13 (and 14 for men).
These boots are very well built, but that was not really a surprise. Wolverine has a long-standing reputation for excellent quality. What really amazed me was the out-of-the-box comfort. There was really no break-in period. I wore them for the first time on an unseasonably warm day for 10 hours, walking on concrete. I wore them with normal boot socks—not the extra plush kind—and they fit true to size, securing my heel and leaving just the right amount of toe room. The boots cushioned against the hard pavement and provided excellent support without feeling stiff or tight. They were surprisingly breathable, too. I expected to have hot feet due to the multiple layers of material, but they felt great. They didn’t ache or develop hot spots or any other problems that day, or since.
Although I am not in the field as much as I used to be, I still need comfortable, dependable work boots 3 or 4 days a week. In my 30-year career, I have never been brand-loyal when it comes to my work boots; much less have I been concerned with buying the same boots twice. These boots may have changed my thinking. They are still in near-perfect condition after only a few months of part-time use, but when they eventually wear out, I’m sure I’ll buy a new pair.
Where to Buy the Wolverine Alpha FT Work Boots
Photo: Amazon