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Tool of the Year Awards is an annual tradition of celebrating the most notable new tools and solutions for pros and average Joes. This series spotlights the handiest products launched in the last 12 months across 10 essential categories, ranging from power tools to cleaning tools.
Boots, gloves, pants, and jackets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about tools, but wearing the right gear sets the stage for safer, more productive work. For our Workwear category, Bob Vila’s Tool of the Year team reviews the best new clothing and personal protective equipment for comfort and safety.
This year’s top performers include professional-grade work boots, supple leather work gloves, and clothing that will move comfortably with your body as you go about your day. Whether your work requires long days outdoors or grinding it out in a workshop, this workwear lineup will have something for you.
1. Wolverine Alpha FT 6-Inch CarbonMax Work Boots
Every worker needs rugged, dependable boots, and Wolverine Alpha FT work boots are up to the challenge. This new boot design features layer upon layer of patented footwear technology for all-day comfort and best-in-class foot protection.
They are made with premium waterproof full-grain leather, a composite safety toe, and heel cap. They also include a breathable waterproof membrane, a comfortably cushioned yet supportive footbed, nylon shank, treaded rubber outsole, and lightweight cement construction. Alpha FT work boots are certified for workplace safety standards in overall construction, impact and compression resistance, electrical hazards, and slip resistance.
2. Vermont Glove Flatlander
Leather gloves may be tough as nails, but some can still be awkward to wear while working due to stiffness or uncomfortable seam placement. Vermont Glove recently addresses these issues with the newly released Flatlander work glove: all of the benefits of a rugged leather work glove plus outstanding dexterity.
These gloves are made of supple 3-ounce goat leather that’s hand-stitched with heavy-duty nylon thread. The seams are positioned on the interior, toward the tops of the fingers, to ensure a smooth glove exterior. For added durability, they include a second layer of protection at the base of the thumb gusset. Altogether, Vermont Glove Flatlander work gloves offer comfortable general-purpose protection against blisters, splinters, cuts, and scrapes.
3. Helly Hansen Workwear Tech Midlayer Jacket
For outdoor work in cool weather, layering is the key to comfort. The Helly Hansen Workwear Tech Midlayer Jacket is designed from scratch for the job site. Made from recycled 100-percent polyester fleece, it offers both insulation and moisture-wicking protection to keep you more comfortable during a wider range of outdoor temperatures and activity levels.
The fitted design allows free range of movement with reduced risk of getting caught up in tools or machinery. If the temperature drops, it fits comfortably under an outer shell layer. Zip-closure hand pockets and a front chest pocket secure work gloves, keys, small tools, and other important items.
4. Dickies 874 Pro Series Work Pants
The Original Dickies 874 Work Pants have anchored the brand since the 1960s, so we had high expectations for the new 874 Pro Series Work Pants. In our tests, they performed as well as we had hoped.
This updated version of the classic features a tapered leg, a regular fit through the seat, and a flex waistband that boosts comfort and mobility. The quick-drying fabric helps wick away sweat and is also resistant to stains and fading. A convenient zippered pocket on the right thigh secures essential tools or a cell phone within easy reach.
5. Cat Invader Sport Lo Mesh Composite Toe Work Shoes
Heavy-duty work footwear doesn’t have to be heavy. That was the idea that led Cat Footwear to develop the new Invader Sport work shoes. They are constructed with a synthetic mesh upper and reinforced wear areas, nylon hardware, and a composite safety toe for rugged protection in warm working conditions in the garage or workshop, or outdoors. Yet, they are still lightweight, comfortably cushioned with a soft foam footbed, and breathable for all-day comfort. We can attest: They kept our feet cool and comfy through a 10-hour day of mowing, edging, and hedge trimming.
