9 Best Moc Toe Boots – Budget and Luxury Picks for 2023

Few boots double as both a work boot and a casual dress shoe quite like the best moc toe boots. Designed after the moccasin shoe of Indigenous peoples, it’s characterized by round toe box stitching and a rubber sole.

This roundness gives moc toe boots an attractive, well-tailored appearance suitable for casual occasions, while the large toe box is roomy, making it perfect for the job site. What’s not to love about a highly versatile boot? It’s a space-saver and easy on the wallet, too.

Naturally, not all men’s moc toe boots are the same. Variety is the spice of life, after all. Some moc boots cater to certain needs more than others, like shock resistance or hot environments. There’s construction, which can make shoes feel more durable or lighter on the feet. And while synthetic boots are fine, the best moc toe boots are made of leather, with some being handcrafted by the finest artisans in Italy.

All of that and more is outlined below. Take a look at the top 9 best moc toe boots your money can buy.

Key Takeaways

Thanks to incredible quality and construction, the Grant Stone Brass Boot is one of the best moc toe boots. It boasts Goodyear welt construction, three different widths for a great fit, and steel shank reinforcement, so the shoes last and your legs and feet remain supported. If a stunning pair handcrafted by artisans in Italy is what you’re after, look no further than Velasca Pastissee Boot.

Easily the best moc toe boots, Grant Stone Brass Boots are a true investment in terms of impeccable construction, unbelievable comfort, and versatility. No other boot offers three different widths to choose from, ensuring you’ll find your absolute best fit.

As for construction, there’s Blake construction, and then there’s Goodyear welt construction. Both are fantastic, but The Brass Boot has Goodyear welt construction, which makes it possible to re-sole boots multiple times. Again, another reason why it’s a solid investment. Goodyear also improves water resistance and makes the shoes more durable.

Another lust-worthy feature this boot offers is cork filler with steel shank reinforcement. A steel shank provides optimal foot support, prevents foot and leg fatigue, and helps the shoe maintain its shape for longer. These moc toe boots aren’t cheap, but a steel shank means you’ll likely have them for years to come.

Finally, It goes without saying that this is one gorgeous boot. You can thank the boutique Italian tannery Baldalassi Carlo for that. It specializes in a 30-35 day vegetable tanning barrel cycle for the beautiful depth of the leather.

Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 6-13 (width: D, E, EEE) | Colors: 1 | Key Feature: Goodyear welt construction

Okay, the Jousen isn’t made from leather, but for the staggeringly cheap price, this is a solid boot choice. From a looks perspective, it can comfortably nestle amongst some of the best leather options, and it’s got a nice ivory contrasting rubber sole. Plus, its cushion-like outsole provides excellent arch support.

As for durability, the Jousen packs a surprising punch for a synthetic shoe. It’s also moisture-proof, which means you can wear these bad boys in the rain and on the job site if you work in a rather wet environment. Finally, a silk-like fluff lining makes them easy to slide off and on, even without a boot sock, which matters more than you think if you slip your boots on and off every morning and night.

Tip: Reviewers say this boot runs slightly large, so you may want to consider going down a half size.

Material: 100% Synthetic | Sizes: 8-13 | Colors: 3 | Key Feature: Silk-like lining

There’s something about Italian-made that sets my heart aflutter, and it’s not because I’m a fashion snob. There is a level of quality to shoes made in Italy that is unparalleled globally. That being said, the Steel Blue Desert Boot is as stunning as it is well-made in terms of comfort and resilience.

This is probably the dressiest boot on the list. Because it’s not giving much in the way of ankle support, it presents as more of a dress shoe than a work boot. And it sure is beautiful. Both stylish as well as cozy, it has patented Cashwool trim. Cashwool is made from only the finest raw wool that is hand-selected for quality and luminosity.

The supple suede upper made from 100% French calfskin, patented as Softey, also reaches incredibly high standards. This suede is naturally treated in the finest tanneries in Italy with an exclusive oil application designed not to transfer when handled. Paired with impeccable hand stitching, these just may be the best men’s moc toe boots—if you’re not afraid of a little luxury.

Material: 100% Suede | Sizes: 7-13  | Colors: 6 | Key Feature: Patented Cashwool and Softey suede

Another stunning suede option, the Gothem boot is more of a work boot than the Aurelian. It has a sleek, stylish look that feels a little more traditional, too. The dark brown suede is perfect for winter. And I love that it sources only the most premium water-repellent suede from Charles F. Stead, one of the highest-quality purveyors of suede for hundreds of years.

It’s got all the fixin’s we love in the best moc toe boots, too, like Goodyear welt construction and a studded rubber sole for good grippage. On the inside, you’ll find soft leather, which helps the boot slide on and off with ease while adding warmth and breathability. It may not be Italian, but it’s handmade in Portugal. Good enough for me.

Material: Suede and leather | Sizes: 6.5-12.5 | Colors: 2 | Key Feature: Premium water-repellent suede

These moc toe boots almost made my top pick. They’re downright gorgeous, high-quality, and handmade in Italy in a direct to consumer fashion. This gives a fairer value to both the products and the artisans that make them.

Just one peek at these boots, and you’ll see why I love them. They’re crafted in smooth calfskin full-grain leather, which is the outermost and most valuable part of leather. It also undergoes the least amount of processing, which makes it breathable and longer-lasting.

As for the tanning, it takes place in giant barrels mixed with water and cognac for a truly stunning look and feel. I wouldn’t mind floating around in there for a while. And the comfortable para rubber sole is made from smoked lattice in Brazil.

Instead of Goodyear welt, the Pastissee uses Blake construction, which is usually favored in Italy. This involves directly sewing the insole and sole together with one chain stitch. This is why these moc toe boots are so flexible and lighter weight than most boots. If you need your shoe to move with you as you work, Blake construction is best.

Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 5-14 | Colors: 3 | Key Feature: Blake construction

The Irish Setter is probably the most straightforward moc toe boot, but it’s trending on Amazon for a reason. It’s reasonably priced, cushiony, and even comes with a pull tab at the back so it’s easy to slide on.

If your work environment is hot, this is probably your best moc toe boot. With a rubber EVA outsole that’s heat resistant up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s perfect for scorching temperatures. Many reviewers note that these shoes are also wildly comfortable if you stand on metal or concrete surfaces for long periods of time.

Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 7-14 (wide) | Colors: 1 | Key Feature: Meets ASTM F2413 electrical hazard safety standard

Often, much can be said about a moc toe boot based on where it’s made. Freeport, Maine, is the home of Eastland’s Lumber Up Boot, an outdoorsy place that knows adverse weather like rain and snow. Since 1955, they’ve provided quality boots, and their moc toe variety is no exception.

It’s got all the right features for support and comfort, like a leather upper, cushion insole, and rubber EVA combo outsole. But it’s the triple-reinforced hand stitching that bears my utmost confidence. I doubt a grizzly bear could rip these puppies apart.

Similar to Goodyear welt construction, The Lumber Up has an aggressive storm welt. As the name implies, it provides even greater moisture protection than Goodyear. It’s also going to make it look chunkier and better suited to country wear. Perfect if you spend a lot of time outside in rain and muck.

Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 7-15 (wide) | Colors: 10 | Key Feature: Storm welt construction

I thought it important to include a heavy-duty moc toe boot. Sometimes you need further reinforcement that comes with a steel toe. They might be heavier, but if you work with heavy equipment and objects, you’ll need a steel toe to withstand higher impact. Sureway makes a great pair that still has the roomy moc toe box.

As one would hope, this work boot also comes with steel shank and Goodyear welt construction. But it’s got shock absorption and wear-resistant rubber outsole, too. The outer is also strong, thanks to premium full-grain oil-tumbled leather. It’s designed to look better with time. If only the same could be said about us.

Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 7-13 | Colors: 3 | Key Feature: Steel Toe that meets ASTM F2413-18 standards

If you’re on your feet all day, listen up. In terms of daily support, The Danner Bull Run is going to give every other boot on this list a run for its money. First, it has steel shank support, which relieves the load on your arches, calves, and knees. This feature is also going to help the boot maintain its shape over time.

The open-cell Ortholite footbed cushions provide further relief for the foot, and it’s even got slip-resistant rubber outsoles for a great amount of traction. Finally, these moc toe boots are handcrafted in stitch-down construction, which means they’re stable and strong. What else could you want in a work boot?

If words like ‘stable’ and ‘support’ make you think unattractive, think again. The Danner is a looker like the rest of them and even comes with a little American flag tab, signifying that it’s made in the USA.

Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 8.5-14 | Colors: 2 | Key Feature: Ortholite footbed cushions

What to Look for in the Best Moc Toe Boots

Features

Men’s moc toe boots can come with a variety of features depending on your needs. If you work on a hazardous job site, look for boots with a steel toe, electrical hazard safety features, and heat resistance. If you stand on your feet all day, midsole cushioning or steel shanks will support your feet and legs.

Fit

While most of the moc toe boots on this list fit true to size, it’s important to know if a boot typically runs small or large. Reviews can help with that. Luckily, several of the best moc toe boots come with wide and even double-wide options. Fortunately, the moccasin toe box on all moc toe boots provides a roomier fit than your typical work boot.

Construction

Most moc toe boots are designed with either Goodyear welt, Blake construction, or storm welt. Blake is typically favored in Italy and provides a lighter, more flexible shoe. Goodyear offers better moisture protection, is typically cheaper, and makes resoling possible. Storm welt is similar to Goodyear, only wider, and provides 360-degree waterproofing.

Final Verdict 

The best moc toe boots should be roomy, support the foot, and use strong construction, like Goodyear, Blake, or storm welt. Grant Stone Brass Boot is the best moc toe boot, thanks to three different widths to choose from and steel shank reinforcement for support.