CONSTRUCTION WORK BOOTS AND SHOES
Breaking ground. Pouring the foundation. Installing ducting. Construction work is hard on boots. Our KEEN Utility construction work boots and shoes are built with durability, support, and safety in mind, so you can just stay focused on getting the job done right.
Whether you work residential, commercial, or industrial, we’ve got a reliable pair of boots for every job. Each pair is equipped with an electrical hazard (EH)-rated, oil- and slip-resistant outsole for grip you can trust on rocky ground or slick concrete flooring. Left and right asymmetrical safety toes help prevent chafing and irritation while providing protection from falling objects and impacts.
Which construction work shoe or boot is best for your work? Here’s an overview of some of our favorite men’s and women’s styles:
“I’m on the move all day so I prefer a durable, lightweight boot.”
If you’re constantly up and down ladders, climbing stairs, or trudging across the construction site, check out our men's bestselling Red Hook carbon-fiber toe boot. It’s built with a lightweight KEEN.ReGEN midsole that resists compression and provides 50% more energy return compared to a standard EVA midsole. Waterproof leather and a breathable KEEN.DRY membrane keep feet cool and dry on wet days. A nylon shank provides plenty of midfoot support as you work. TecTuff protection in high-abrasion areas means your boots hold up day after day.
“It's designed for comfort and it truly is, especially since I work 12+ hours in a shift. The protection in the toes is actually very comfortable as well, I usually wear steel toe and my toes rub on the edge of the steel toe, but not with this boot. They did a great job designing it to be light, safe, and very comfortable.” - Luis A.
“I like a wedge boot but need it to be heavy-duty.”
Electricians, roofers, and carpenters love our men’s and women’s Cincinnati boot. Based on a classic wedge boot design but improved for long hours on your feet, it combines a durable Goodyear welt construction with a lightweight, air-infused KEEN Luftcell midsole. A removable, dual-density PolyAer PU insole adds additional cushion to every step. The secure fit and nylon shank provide support whether you’re walking on a roof or standing in place pulling wire. Whatever the worksite conditions, we have a Cincinnati boot that’s made for the job. We make both a carbon-fiber toe and a soft toe version, as well as a six-inch or eight-inch option. For outdoor work, we recommend going with one of our waterproof pairs.
“These boots are great! Very comfortable with minimal break-in time. Wedge soles are good for standing all day on concrete and the carbon toe is nice and light.” - Josh T.
“I work outdoors in the cold and wet so I need a warm, insulated boot.”
Jackhammering concrete in the dead of winter or directing traffic on icy roads, our men's CSA Philadelphia carbon-fiber toe boot keeps feet feeling good in even the harshest conditions. 600-gram KEEN.WARM insulation and a waterproof, breathable KEEN.DRY membrane help ensure feet stay warm and dry, so you can work through any weather. Built with KEEN.POLAR TRACTION, micro-glass fibers embedded in the rubber outsole provide excellent grip on icy ground by piercing the ice’s surface. The air-infused KEEN Luftcell midsole combines with a 3/4 Goodyear welt construction for long-lasting support that won’t weigh you down. For added protection on the jobsite, a flexible, puncture-resistant midsole plate helps reduce foot injuries caused by underfoot punctures and meets ASTM and CSA standards.
“Having never had a pair of insulated boots, I am surprised by the difference they make. Say goodbye to cold feet during all-day roof work at 10 degrees. They're light and comfy, and dry. Coworkers are very jealous of the Carbon toes!” - Cory G
“I need a rugged boot with a lot of flexibility.”
Crouching, climbing, and bending can wear out work boots. Built to flex with you as you work, our men's Portland carbon-fiber toe boot features KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology with durable accordion-like bellows where the foot naturally bends. The waterproof leather upper and contoured heel guard combine to keep feet dry and help protect against bumps and scrapes. Great for long, busy shifts, the KEEN Luftcell midsole is air-infused for lightweight cushioning that lasts. The heat-resistant rubber outsole lets you work on hot steel plates or asphalt and resists temperatures up to 572°F/300°C.
Using responsibly sourced materials from around the world, the Portland Boot is part of our American Built collection, assembled right here in Oregon.
“I work for a GC construction company, so I do a little bit of everything. I bought these boots over a year ago, and they have held up far beyond my expectations. Still waterproof. Still comfortable. Still perfect. Will definitely buy another pair of these when (or should I say "if"?) the pair I have wears out!” - Travis
“I need a supportive boot that’s easy to get on and off.”
Whether you’re constantly slipping in and out of rain pants or need to change out of muddy shoes before heading home, our women’s and men’s Seattle Romeo aluminum toe boot makes things easier with a pull-on design. A 90° heel and nylon shank provide support and stability as you climb ladders or kneel to work. The compression-molded EVA midsole and removable PU insole add long-lasting cushion and support. We also make a soft-toe version for jobsites that don’t require a safety toe.
“Awesome work boots! I’m a welder, and I wanted a durable boot that was also cute and most importantly easy to take on and off. Some job sites I have to change shoes, so these are perfect! Also kept my feet dry so far even though I’ve gone through snow and mud. Great boots that only took about a week to break in. A+.” - Maddy
“I work in warm conditions and need a work shoe that breathes.”
When the sun is blazing or you’re working in a hot electrical room, let your feet breathe in our women's and men’s Atlanta Cool II steel toe shoe. Mesh panels on the leather upper and a moisture-wicking lining help keep your feet cool and dry. A KEEN Utility bestseller, it’s built with a KEEN.ReGEN midsole that’s lightweight, compression-resisting, and provides 50% more energy return when compared to an EVA midsole. The secure fit lace capture system makes it easy to lock laces in place. We also make a version with an ESD-rated outsole that helps reduce excess static electricity with every step.
“No other work shoe compares. I would give these more than 5 stars if I had that option. Fit perfect, comfortable, supportive, excellent grip on slippery oily surfaces. I couldn't recommend these more!” - Mel T.
A fit you can depend on
Long days working construction requires footwear that feels good and supports you every step of the way. Adapted specifically for the work environment, our collection of KEEN Utility boots and shoes have a supportive fit based on our trusted KEEN hikers. A snug heel cup keeps the heel secure, and a roomy toe box allows for natural toe flexion. Our women’s boots are Tradeswomen Tested, meaning that every style is tested and approved by hard-working women across multiple trades and backgrounds. A snugger heel and a more spacious toe box keep feet supported through the rigors of daily work.