Many American manufacturers outsource their production lines to various parts of the world and have their manufacturing units abroad. However, people who are die-hard fans of “Made in USA” products wouldn’t trust the quality of the American brand having their manufacturing hub in some other countries. This does not necessarily mean that American products manufactured in other countries are bad or poor.
A producer’s nationality has nothing to do with the quality of the product, and it’s just a matter of an individual’s mindset. Nonetheless, there might be other reasons people don’t like buying things from other nations.
It could be because they’re true patriots or someone who wants to raise their country’s economy or someone who’s had a bad experience while shopping abroad. No matter their grounds of denial, I am sure they have a perfect reason not to ditch American-made products.
If you are also one of those “Made in USA” lovers looking for some American boots, then this article is dedicated to you.
In this post, you will see the best and 100% American-made work boots that you can take for work, hiking, hunting, parties, or any other activities. I have also made a buying guide for you so that you can understand what parameters to set before buying any American-made boots.
LIST OF american made boots
No. | Product Name | IMAGE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Danner Men's Bull Run 6-Inch Work Boot |  | |
2 | Thorogood American Heritage Work Boots |  | |
3 | Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Work Boot |  | |
4 | Thursday Men’s “ The President” boot |  | |
5 | Chippewa Men’s 9-inch waterproof logger boot |  |
10 BEST american made BOOTS REVIEWS
1. Danner Men's Bull - Best boot for hiking
Features
Danner is one of the best manufacturers of boots made in USA, which provides excellent comfort and safety even in the toughest working conditions. When it comes to safety, the Bull run swore you to protect from electrical hazards, however no toe safety because it does not have a toe cap.
The good thing is these boots are completely flat, meaning they do not have any heels that would restrict you to do certain jobs such as climbing ladders, etc. Another good thing about these pairs of Danner work boots, they produce a little bit of insulation but have no waterproofing capabilities thus these boots would work best only for indoor jobs.
The break-in period of the Danner bull run is longer because they are made from tough materials that are not stretchable, you have to externally do some treatment to reduce the break-in period.
The material is durable, full-grain leather upper and steel shank, making it almost impossible to break this shoe. In addition, for extra comfort, it offers a thick OrthoLite footbed that keeps you cozy and comfortable at work.
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2. Thorogood moc toe - best for slip resistant
Features
If you are highly interested in buying 100% american made work boots then this is the brand you should consider. Thorogood is quite a popular manufacturer of all kinds of boots including work, and safety boots.
Certain features of this boot make it ideal for outdoor industrial applications or maybe hiking if you consider so. This is a mid-calf shaft boot with the strongest construction named Goodyear Storm Welt construction. It provides end-to-end stitching and moisture seal between the upper and midsole hence I can say these boots last longer than your conventional work boots.
These classic work boots offer a removable ultimate shock absorption footbed with a dual-padded polyurethane liner under the heel so that it absorbs all the impact and absorbs moisture for maximum performance and comfort.
No matter how long you are planning to wear these US-made boots they will never lose their shape, all thanks to the fiberglass shank construction that gives this boot strength to withstand any condition. On the other hand, you also get 6-inch ankle support that keeps your top secured and flexible throughout the day.
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3. Red Wing iron ranger - best stylish boot
Features
If you are looking for Red Wing boots made in USA for your everyday work outings, then here I present the Heritage Iron ranger boot from Red Wing that is handcrafted in the USA. The Iron Ranger is one of their popular boot series, which was named in honor of the most important ironworkers of the USA.
Suppose you are one of those hard-working miners or ironworkers, then you should definitely give this boot a try. Besides its strong history, there is much more to adore about this work boot, especially its stitch-down welt construction and excellent leather quality, making it lighter and comfortable to wear.
The welt construction consists of triple stitching and 48-inch brown lace that extends durability and adds a classic look to this work boot. It also features a bump toe for extra room up-front that keeps your feet secured and protects your toes to their greatest extent.
To all of you who haven’t tried Red Wing boots before, let me inform you these boots are designed 1/2 larger than the actual size. Thus, make sure you buy a 1/2 size smaller boot.
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4.thursday "the president" - best sturdy boot
Features
The President men's boot from Thursday is designed for men who like to wear sturdy boots. The resilient matte leather upper is sourced from cattle hides and other materials extracted from premium quality materials that look great even after years of use.
The full glove leather interior lining provides softness all over the shoes whereas the Goodyear Welt Construction ensures your boots are water resistant and resoleable so that you can wear them in the rain.
These work boots made in the USA have excellent soles, including the Cork-Belt Midsoles and Studded rubber outsoles that give the grip you need while walking on tricky surfaces.
These American work boots use genuine leather crafted with great care and premium materials to maintain its legacy of manufacturing fine and durable boots. These versatile boots are excellent for work and outings due to their highly sophisticated and clean look.
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5. Chippewa - best logger boot
Features
If you are looking for USA made logger boots, then Chippewa 9-inch boots are the best for you. Chippewa craftsmen make these boots with the highest precision, making the best and most high-quality outdoor footwear.
All the materials used are natural and the construction is handcrafted, which makes this logger boot stand out from the rest of the competitors. Since all the materials used in this book are raw doesn’t mean it compromises the safety part. It has a steel toe cap that meets the ASTM F2413-05 standard for compression and impact.
It also has electrical hazard protection, which means they are well insulated and can be worn at several job sites, for example, fire stations, thermal power plants, etc. The Chippewa boots can also be used as hiking boots made in the USA.
The Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane system provides excellent protection against water that gets locked in the boot by the membrane shield but also enables ventilation in and out in the boot. For moisture control, the boot has a moisture management lining system that allows breathability and keeps the feet dry and clean.
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6.thursday captain lace-up - best handcraft boot
Features
The Thursday Captain is an excellent boot if you are seeking USA-made boots. All Thursday's footwear is handcrafted in the US and Mexico factories, constructed using Chromexcel (CXL) and chrome leather which is water-resistant, so that you can wear these boots for outdoor occasions as well.
This boot has Goodyear Welt Construction that increases the longevity of the boots with excellent stitching and moisture-wicking capabilities. The Captain lace-up boots integrate Poron Antimicrobial shock-absorbing insoles that prevent accidental slipping and keep your feet impact-resistant.
To help you walk on tough terrain this boot has durable studded rubber outsoles that leave no footprint and also provide traction to walk on any kind of surface with minimal effort. If you’ve been looking for some good American boot companies, then make sure you do not miss out on this one.
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7. Thorogood steel toe - best work boot
Features
If you are obsessed with work boots made in USA, then Thorogood 8” round-toe boots are the best American-made work boots you can buy as they are 100% USA made work boots using US components only. With these rugged, oil-tanned leather boots, you can tackle any type of job site work.
Thorogood has collaborated with various safety workers and created an outsole named Maxwell Wedge outsole, which is a single-density, PU wedge outsole that feels comfortable throughout your walk, run or climb.
It gives you a nice and firm drop even with the help of its removable ultimate shock absorption footbed stuffed within the Poron insole. Just as how comfortable it feels, safety comes better with these Thorogood boots as they have EH resistance that meets ASTM F2413-18 electrical hazard resistance standards.
The important thing you need while wearing work boots is the stability that these toe boofy provide. It has fiberglass shank construction and 8-inch ankle support that give strength and stability under duress to walk around confidently.
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8. Red Wing classic moc- best hunting boot
Features
Red Wing is a famous boot brand that has existed for more than 100 years. This is one of the custom boots for men and it is constructed using tanned leather, which is stretched then rolled and cut into different patterns to fit different sizes.
The Classic Moc was made by Red Wing since 1952, and several modifications have been made to this classic men’s boot series that is well known in the US market. The Classic Moc series still holds the pride and same procedure of manufacturing. It uses Traction Tred rubber outsole, Puritan triple stitching, and Goodyear Welt Storm System for extra water resistance.
With this boot, you don’t have to worry about the fit as it offers an adjustable fit that promotes free wiggling of toes and comfort. The leather is 100% Nubuck, waxed leather that does not get damaged easily and lasts longer than other boot brands worldwide.
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9. Rockrooster Zipper - best for quick dry
Features
Rock rooster is a brand for every hard-working American who seeks full protection of their foot without compromising on comfort. If you are in search of similar boots made in the USA, consider Rock Rooster's work boots that will keep you comfortable all day.
Work boots are best when they are also waterproof apart from being comfortable and rigid. This boot is equipped with CoolMax® technology where the mesh lining keeps the feet cool and dry by controlling the temperature inside the boots.
For impact management, there's PORON supported insole integrated with micro ban technology that together gives extreme impact protection. The boots manufacturers have worked hard on static dissipation which avoids electrostatic discharge and keeps you away from any electrical shocks or ground-level shocks.
These are the best winter boots made in USA that provide intense protection with their strong flexible build and go well with any kind of feet size. If you are looking for a quick closure system then this is a good choice as it has a zipper system and is much easier to put on as compared to other occupational boots.
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10. WOLVERINE Floorhand - best waterproof boot
Features
Wolverine is an iconic and widespread American boot brand that combines craftsmanship and high quality. This Wolverine boot is made with the highest precision using waterproof, 100% full grain leather, making boots durable and washable simultaneously.
The waterproof leather is combined with a midst cushioned footbed that provides comfort all day long and also keeps the feet dry and odor-free. The rubber outsole maintains friction between the bottom of the boot and the floor.
You cannot slip on the floors when you are wearing these work boots made in the USA. The shaft height reaches the ankle, which indicates you will get full protection till your ankle. These boots have great cushioning that prevents shoe bites or blisters when worn for long hours. Wolverine floor hand is the best from my work boot brands list.
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BUYER’S GUIDE - How to Shop For The Best American-Made Boots
If you are going to buy made-in-USA work boots or hiking boots or any other boot of your preference. Certain things need to be addressed and understood to make a wise decision and bring home only the best USA boots. Here's what you should look for;
Brand
If you are firm on your decision of looking for American-made boot brands only then you would want to check who's the manufacturer and how reliable or famous it is. There are many great
American-based boot brands, amongst which most of the brands are covered in this post. In my opinion, Wolverine, Red Wing, and Thorogood are the best when it comes to high-quality boots as they are sturdy, comfortable, safe, and versatile footwear.
Material
Material matters the most when you want your work boots to last for years. Not all American-made boots brands have the best or top-notch construction material.
Thus, I always suggest work boots that have 100% full-grain waterproof leather and PU soles that retain stability and longer durability. Moreover, the insole materials should be breathable consisting of at least one cooling or insulation feature.
Quality
Knowing you've used your hard-earned money in buying the best American-made boots, you wouldn't want to compromise on the quality. No matter how expensive or cheap your boots are, make sure the quality does not fall apart.
Many made-in-America boots involve the use of high-quality leather material in the making. Look out for waterproof leather boots that provide breathable soles, and Goodyear welt construction lining for water repellent.
Sustainability
Sustainable boots are what people seek when they are highly concerned about the environment and use products that are eco-friendly and degradable. Boot makers use natural materials during the construction; one of the best natural materials would be the leather outer which covers most of the shoe's area.
Maintenance
Men's boots made in USA are reliable and have very little maintenance. However, there are some exceptions where you would end up with the wrong boot that needs frequent cleaning or washing. Make sure you don't opt for suede or duds for your everyday work. Leather boots are the best and need no maintenance which can go for almost a month without cleaning.
Budget
Top work boots brands tend to fall on the expensive side. But there are many other options out there that provide high quality boots as well as affordability. This is the most important parameter when you are buying American workwear boots.
Even in the cheaper boots, you should look out for features such as Goodyear Welt Construction, PU insole, removable footbed, 100% leather upper, etc.
Should you get boots a size bigger?
Buying a boot size bigger than the actual size is a personal preference. Some people have flat feet or have a wider toe region that gets injured if wearing a size smaller or true size. In some cases, people prefer bigger boot sizes for better comfort.
Men's work boots made in the USA produce accurate and versatile sizes to fit all sizes of feet. Women's work boots are produced smaller due to their anatomically blessed narrow feet. In my opinion, no matter whether men or women should wear boots bigger than their actual size.
The reason is some of the boots might turn out great and feel more flexible after the break-in period, but some boots might cause blisters or joint damage due to unstable fit. Thus, it is best if you don't get bigger, especially if you go for popular boot brands such as Red Wing or Danner.
USA-Made Boot Brands
Boot manufacturers based in the US are known worldwide. Some of the best made in the USA boots are;
- Red Wing based in Minnesota has a variety of boots with several lines of Chelsea boots and dress shoes.
- Frye is the longest-running boot manufacturer in the US market. Produce versatile work boots and casual boots having standouts 'Harness boots, Logan Cap Toe, and Heartbreaker boots'.
- Chippewa is the oldest brand that was established in 1901 which works on craftsmanship and advanced engineering in its boots. The humdinger in my opinion would be' Original Field, Road, and Outdoor'.
Popular brands that aren't made in the USA
It's no hidden fact that most American brands have shifted their production units to other countries including China and India. Although, you might be surprised to know that brands like CARHARTT, Simonon, etc, are not US brands yet adored by many Americans.
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FAQ
1.What boots are made in the USA?
Famous boot brands in the USA are namely OAK STREET, Nicks Handmade Shoes Chippewa, Thursday, etc. If you are looking for some handmade men's boots in the US, you should definitely check out Chippewa and Oak Street. They produce handmade, custom-fit, and 100% natural material boots for all categories.
2. Are Red Wing boots American made?
Yes, the RED WING is established in America however, its workwear line is produced in some other countries.
3. Where are Georgia boots made?
Georgia is a company established in 1938 in Atlanta. For decades it has been making top-notch work boots exclusively in the USA, which is why many Americans see this as the best American footwear company.
CONCLUSION
If you have trust issues with other footwear companies other than those established in America then this article would be of greater use to you. Being an ironworker, lab worker or technician, you would like to have boots that provide safety and comfort at the same time.
Not all brands outside the US would be able to compete with this criteria. There are boot manufacturers who originated in the US but now have flourished in other parts of the world. You can also rely on such brands. In the end, it all goes down to personal preferences. Thus, you should see which boot made in America works for you.
Myself Jerry, Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified coach. I was a personal trainer and a fitness nutrition specialist certified by the American Council on Exercise. I started the competitive running carrier in the sixth grade. Since then, I participated in countless races and ten marathons which including two marathons held in Boston. I am one of the author of ShoesGrow who shares real-world experience and helps the reader understand complex information in an easy, clear, and unbiased way.