Have you considered how making the wrong decision between lace-up and pull-on work boots could put your occupational safety at risk?  

You can avoid a potential accident and simplify your choice between these work boots with the help of the MyBestWorkBoots team!

Keep reading to learn more…

What Are Pull-On Work Boots?

Pull-on work boots are work boots that don’t have laces. 

They’re mostly made for people who work on oil rigs and need to put on and take off their work boots quickly. 

These boots are mostly made from genuine leather, synthetic leather, nylon mesh, and foam, making them strong, sturdy, and long-lasting footwear.

What Are Lace-Up Work Boots?

Lace-up work boots are a type of work boot that features lace material to adjust the fit and grip on the foot.

Because the shoelaces go through the lugs of your boots, they provide excellent ankle support for your feet, increase productivity, look professional, and are highly durable¹. 

These tough and long-lasting work boots are popular among construction workers and outside workers, as they’re composed of full-grain, high-quality leather, rubber, and fabric in some cases.

Similarities Between Lace-up & Pull-on Work Boots

The similarities between lace-up and pull-on work boots all have to do with their safety features.

The safety features of both types of work boots include toe protection, electrical hazard prevention, durability, and many others.

Differences Between Lace-up & Pull-on Work Boots

The differences between lace-up and pull-up work boots include fit, uses, price, and boot construction.

Let’s take a look at all the differences:

Fit

Unless modified, pull-on work boots have a more general fit than a specified or tailor-fitted one; this is further emphasized by the fact that pull-ons have no laces. 

Lace-up work boots have a more snug fit due to the laces, which can easily be adjusted to your fitting requirements. 

Lace-up boots also keep dirt and debris out of your shoes and give you better heel support, which makes you less likely to get hurt. 

Uses

Lace-up work boots are worn by a wide range of workers who tend to be indoors or sheltered and in dry weather, including truck drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, and plant operators.

Pull-on work boots are usually worn by people who have to work outside, especially in wet or rainy weather.

Convenience 

Pull-on work boots outperform lace-up work boots in terms of convenience and ease of use; because they don’t have laces, they’re very easy to put on and take off.

Lace-up work boots aren’t as convenient and take time to put on. 

To wear lace-up work boots, you need to bend or kneel to reach your feet, secure the laces, and then knot them to keep the feet stable. 

Traction

Pull-on work boots certainly give your feet better traction, meaning that it’d be less likely that you’d trip or fall at work.

Lace-up work boots, on the other hand, have much less traction; there’s always the chance that your feet may become entangled due to the shoe’s laces, causing you to fall and sustain injury. 

Ankle Support

Pull-on work boots fall short of providing adequate ankle support for your feet because they have a relatively generic shape that can’t be adjusted to your particular foot shape².

Lace-up work boots offer much better ankle support, so your feet can be sturdy and comfortable. 

What gives lace-up boots the upper hand when it comes to ankle support is that their laces allow them to be adjusted according to your unique fitting requirements.

Boot Construction

Regarding boot construction, the only difference between these 2 boots is that lace-up work boots are generally leather, which is a great feature in a work boot.

Leather has a high-end, elegant appearance, but it’s also tough and durable, especially when properly cared for. 

Additionally, leather has stretchy properties and is relatively breathable, so the boots mold to your feet over time, and the leather helps keep your feet at a comfortable temperature. 

Price

The price of a work boot is usually based on the name and popularity of the brand, but in general, lace-up work boots are more expensive.

Pull-on work boots can certainly cost a pretty penny if you’re investing in a good pair, but because lace-up work boots tend to be made of leather, they quickly end up on the more expensive side.

Lace-up vs. Pull-on Work Boots: Which Is Best for You?

If you’re working in agriculture, welding, or, most notably, on an oil rig, pull-on boots might be the best pair for you. 

On the other hand, lace-up boots should be your pick if you work in fields with metal and glass particles, sand, fire, and other hazardous elements. 

The best boot for you is determined by the level of protection you require, your level of convenience, your field of work, and, in some cases, personal preferences. 

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Whether you decide on a lace-up or a pull-on work boot, your safety and comfort should never be jeopardized. 

The MyBestWorkBoots team would like you to remember that each of these boots is unique to its specific functions; when deciding between them, be mindful of what you intend to use your work boot for and keep your safety as the top priority.

We sincerely hope that our breakdown of these work boots has you all clued up about your next work boot purchase!