Working at UPS as a package handler is a physically demanding job. You’re on your feet all day, lifting and sorting packages of all shapes and sizes and you have to do it all while meeting stringent time deadlines. They typically work in warehouses and can be exposed to a variety of hazards, including lifting heavy objects, slippery floors, and moving machinery.
So, it’s important to have a good pair of work boots that will support your feet and ankles and help you stay comfortable, and protect your feet from injury throughout your shift. With all the moving and lifting you’ll be doing, you need a boot that can withstand some serious wear and tear and something that won’t rub or chafe.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best work boots for UPS package handlers, based on our research and the feedback of current and former UPS employees. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right pair of boots for your needs.
To find the best work boots For UPS Handlers, we put in over 100 hours of research and testing. This included looking at over 50 different boots and testing them side-by-side. We also consulted with UPS package handlers and other experts in the field to get their insights and feedback.
Best Work Boots For UPS Package Handlers – Top Picks
1. Timberland Men’s Pit Boss 6-Inch Steel Safety Toe Industrial Work Boot
The Timberland Men’s Pit Boss 6-Inch Steel Safety Toe Industrial Work Boot is a classic work boot that has been known for its rugged and durable features since it was first introduced in 1987.
Timberland is a well-known brand in the footwear industry and their Pitboss 6″ steel-toe boot is one of the most popular boots on the market. It’s made with a durable leather upper and features a steel toe that meets ASTM safety standards.
The boots are made up of a thick durable leather upper and have a steel toe that can withstand heavy-duty situations. There is also an oil and abrasion slip-resistant sole that prevents damage to your feet.
In addition, this boot is built using high-quality materials and it’s very sturdy. The rubber sole provides the ideal combination of traction and durability. The rubber outsole provides excellent traction while walking on rough or slippery surfaces.
It also comes with a padded collar which will give you additional comfort while wearing these work boots. These shoes come with a protective steel toe that will prevent accidents in case of a fall.
These boots have been manufactured to protect workers’ feet against the harmful effects of electric shocks that can harm your feet in the long run.
Moreover, there is also a sock liner that comes with the boots that will prevent moisture from entering and cleaning and these boots are available in a wide range of sizes so you can find the perfect fit. It’s also relatively lightweight and won’t weigh you down on the job.
Pros
- Super comfy and lightweight for walking, even on rough concrete floors
- Perfect fit with good support
- Water-resistant
- Sturdy and durable
- Short break-in period
- Well-cushioned ankle support
- Excellent heel grip
- Steel toe protection against workplace injuries
- Fantastic appearance
- Easy to clean
- Excellent quality and material
- Affordable price
Cons
- The toe box is narrow
- Arch support is poor
- The inner lining can rub against the ankle and cause pain
- The sole of the boots can wear out if roughly used
2. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift 6″ Plain Soft Toe Work Boot
Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift 6″ Plain Soft Toe Work Boot is a great pair of boots for UPS handlers. The design of these shoes is simple yet effective. The uppers are made up of 100% leather with a smooth finish for easy cleaning that can withstand tough work conditions. It has a padded collar for added comfort and a soft toe area that will keep your feet protected.
This boot is very lightweight and comfortable, which is perfect for long hours of standing. It also has a very cushioned insole that provides a good level of shock absorption and comfort.
Furthermore, this shoe also features a plush logoed collar that provides a great look while working. It has a speed lacing shaft that makes it easy to lace up the shoe quickly which makes it perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time when they have to put on their shoes.
This pair of shoes has a nylon sock liner and lining that will help keep your feet dry and fresh. It also features a good-quality slip-proof and oil-resistant traction rubber outsole that provides enough traction for the wearer on various surfaces.
In addition, these boots are designed to provide comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and protect your feet from any harmful substances that may be present in the work environment.
Pros
- Offers good traction
- Protects your feet
- Its Slip resistant sole prevents you from slipping
- These boots are sturdy and comfortable
- 6.5 Inches shaft provides ankle support
Cons
- There is no water resistance in these boots
3. KEEN Utility Men’s Boots for UPS Package Handlers
These are a great pair of work boots that come with a lot of features to keep you safe and comfortable on the job. These work boots are made up of 100% premium quality leather and rubber materials for durability and maximum comfort.
They have steel toes to provide additional support for your feet and arches. The soles of these shoes are oil- and slip-resistant and can provide enough stability on both wet and dry surfaces. The cleats on these boots have a safety steel toe that protects your feet from any accidental mishap when walking on slippery floors.
Since this pair of boots are very lightweight. The boots have lugs and ridges that provide you with more traction while standing on hard surfaces for extended periods so that you can wear them all day long without discomfort.
Surprisingly they are also breathable to keep feet fresh and cool. The upper is soft and air-permeable so you won’t feel too much when wearing these boots. Its waterproof membrane helps to prevent your feet from getting wet while working. Its anti-microbial treatment keeps your feet odor-free and bacteria-free. Moisture-wicking textiles are used to keep feet dry.
These boots are also rated as an Electrical Hazard (EH) that provides good protection against shocks and electrical hazards. The boot’s rubber sole offers shock absorption to protect the foot from potential injury.
Moreover, these work Boots are very comfortable pairs of boots that provide excellent arch support for added comfort and the Cleansport NXT provides natural odor protection to keep your feet clean and healthy while wearing them for long periods.
Pros
- These boots are made of 100% leather
- They are exceptionally comfortable
- Toe area of these boots has plenty of room.
- These boots look very decent and stylish.
- Steel toe of these boots protects the toes from injuries
- Breathable
- These boots are well-constructed and provide good support
Cons
- It could have a better shoelace system
- Shoe soles can wear off over time
4. Ariat WorkHog Wellington Boots
These boots are made from premium full-grain leather which is naturally water-repellent and highly durable. The outsole of these boots is also made from Duratread rubber which provides excellent traction and slip resistance. This is done with the help of its anti-slip tread, which is also oil and slip-resistant.
This allows you to work in an environment where you need to protect yourself from the elements and will help you withstand the toughest job site challenges. These boots are both comfortable and durable.
We found these boot to be light weighted and has a shaft height of 10″. They have a mid-calf height, which makes these boots comfortable for all types of work. It comes with a high-quality steel shank and the heel of the boot has a 90-degree angle that ensures better support and stability to the leg and foot.
The boot also comes with an EVA midsole which provides comfort and cushioning which gives them a soft and flexible fit. This makes these boots suitable for work-related activities like delivering packages. The midsole also provides shock absorption.
The boot is available in a range of vibrant colors and sizes to suit the needs of any person. It is incredibly lightweight and comfortable. The shaft length is just right to fit comfortably and assists in arch support that provides great relief for your feet.
Pros
- Made of 100% leather
- Exceptionally comfortable, durable, and lightweight
- Good cushioning for heels and toes
- 100% waterproof for moist or rainy environments
- Composite toe for foot protection at work
- Ample room in the toe box
- Neoprene lining keeps feet warm in the snow
- Provides good arch and ankle support
- Short break-in period
- Easy to get on and off
Cons
- Stiff and heavy
- Narrow toe box causing discomfort
- Poor fitting for wide feets
5. Bates Men’s 8″ DuraShock Lace-to-Toe Waterproof Work Boot
This pair of work boots is a good choice for those who are working as package handlers. It’s made of high-quality materials to ensure safety and durability.
These work boots are constructed from tough durable leather that provides breathability and water resistance. It also has a nylon upper that is highly durable and tough to resist tears and wear providing ultimate protection and insulation.
Moreover, the interior of the shoe is padded with PU foam to offer great cushioning and a soft touch that will make your feet feel relaxed during the entire day. It also has a removable insert for comfort and ease. The nylon side zipper is a handy feature that allows you to easily put and remove your footwear.
The midsole and outsole of these boots provide enough cushioning and shock absorption to keep your feet comfortable and protected while working at your job.
Amazingly these boots also have DuraShocks Energy Returning Outsole which helps you with enough protection for your feet when you walk around the workplace. It also keeps your feet from feeling sore after long hours of standing on hard ground.
Also, the outsole of these shoes is made of slip-resistant rubber that provides adequate traction and grip. These boots are highly durable and will protect your feet from all sorts of hazards while working.
The leather upper of this boot ensures superior ventilation to help keep your feet dry during your daily work. These boots also have a waterproof lining that will keep your feet protected from the wet environment and the water will not penetrate the leather so you don’t need to worry about your feet getting wet while you are on the job.
Pros
- Comfy and lightweight for all-day wear on concrete and asphalt floors
- Perfect fit with excellent arch support
- Waterproof to some extent for protection from water and moisture
- Sturdy and durable construction for long-lasting use
- High-quality leather that breaks in quickly and nicely
- Stylish appearance
- Roomy toe box for added comfort
- Grip sole provides excellent traction on the ground
- Inner lining keeps feet warm and dry in cold weather
Cons
- Bulky and stiff design
- Not fully waterproof
- Fitting may cause slight discomfort at times
6. Wolverine Men’s SR Direct-Attach 6″ Work Boot
The Wolverine Men’s SR Direct-Attach 6″ Work Boot is a boot that offers many amazing features that makes it a perfect choice for a package handler. This pair of boots have an overall good design that is made up of a nylon shank and polyurethane midsole. They are made up of an extremely durable leather upper that will keep your feet protected against harsh environments.
Inside of these boots is lined with breathable mesh lining that helps wick away moisture and cool during the hot summer days. The linings also manage moisture in the shoes making them perfect for work in extreme conditions.
Moreover, the outsole of these boots is made up of polyurethane which is designed to provide shock absorption and shock-absorbing features. It features 4 different layers of technology and is equipped with two sets of shock-absorbing pads. These also offer a great level of cushioning to prevent any injury during your work.
It also has a patented technology that helps in distributing pressure to avoid pressure points on the sole of your feet and also reduces foot fatigue.
The boots are designed with a durable nylon shank that gives them a lot of stability and durability. This footwear is extremely lightweight and will not weigh down your feet even when you are carrying heavy packages around. There are no seams to worry about so you can wear these boots for hours without any discomfort. for a long period.
Also included is a removable full-cushion footbed for added comfort. The footbed is also made up of soft and comfortable memory foam which adds additional cushioning to the boot.
Pros
- Leather of these boots is way too soft
- Well-constructed with excellent quality
- Soft and lightweight for all-day wear
- Short break-in period
- Nice fit with a well-cushioned sole and excellent laces
- Provides good ankle support and reduces foot fatigue
- Slip and oil-resistant sole for safety
- Shock-absorbing properties for added comfort
Cons
- The heels of these boots don’t hold up longer
Buying Guide for Best Work Boots for UPS Handler
When it comes to finding the best work boots for UPS handlers, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Following are some key features to look for when purchasing a new pair:
Comfort:
Comfort is essential when choosing work boots since you will be wearing them for long periods. Look for a boot with a cushioned insole and padded collar to help prevent blisters and soreness. If you have any foot problems or issues with your joints, look for a boot with extra support in the form of gel insoles or foam around the ankle area.
As you will be on your feet all day, so make sure to find a boot that is supportive and will help to reduce fatigue and discomfort to your feet, ankles, or legs.
Traction:
Make sure to pay attention to the traction and slip resistance of the sole on your work boots. A good sole will help you stay on your feet even in slippery or wet conditions and prevent slips and falls so be sure to choose a boot with a rubber sole that provides a good grip.
Breathability:
Breathability is another factor to consider when choosing work shoes. Since UPS handlers work in all types of weather, look for a boot made with mesh panels or other breathable materials to help keep your feet cool and dry.
Durability:
Durability is also important since you want your work boots to last long enough to get your money’s worth out of them.
Choose a boot made with high-quality materials such as leather or composite toe construction. Leather is a popular choice because it’s durable and breathable, but synthetic materials like nylon or PVC can also be a good option if you’re looking for something lighter-weight.
Toe protection:
It’s also important to think about the type of toe protection you want in your work boots. Often, UPS handlers are lifting heavy loads in warehouses, which can lead to injury.
Toe caps made from steel or composite materials can offer the highest level of protection, but they can also be heavy and uncomfortable at times. If you don’t need extra toe protection, a boot with a plain toe might be a better option for you.
FAQs
Final Verdict
The best work boots for UPS package handlers may vary depending on the individual. Some people may prefer a steel-toe boot, while others might find more comfort in a slip-resistant shoe.
In this article, we have reviewed the 7 best work boots for FedEx, DHL, and UPS package handlers and after reviewing each product, we’d like to recommend the Wolverine Men’s SR Direct-Attach 6” Work Boot because of its many amazing features, which make it an excellent choice for UPS package handlers.
They are made up of an extremely durable leather upper that will keep your feet protected against harsh environments. The inside of these boots is lined with breathable mesh lining that helps keep your feet dry and cool during the hot summer days. The linings also manage moisture in the shoes making them perfect for work in extreme conditions.
I’m Richard Gravener, founder and editor of Bootzine. I have 19 plus years as Safety Officer in the construction industry. I have been qualified as a Safety Inspector since December of 2000, and have been a Workplace Safety Coordinator/Advisor since September of 2008.
Workplace safety First – Therefore, it’s crucial for workers to have good footwear to protect their feet from different dangers at work! On this blog, I aim to share all my knowledge and expertise in dealing with workplace safety, especially in choosing the right footwear for different jobs and foot care, hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!