One of the most common challenges for a big and overweight person is finding proper footwear. Finding the normal shoes is hard enough on its own, but when it comes to finding the best work shoes for big guys, that's another issue altogether. I know how frustrating it is to search and only find either too-narrow shoes or ones that don't accommodate your size.
As a guy weighing over 300 lbs and standing 6' 6" tall, I've experienced this issue myself. Today I'll be sharing the best work shoes and boots for big guys that I recommend considering. I've made sure to include a few of each type of shoe so you'll have something regardless of the kind of work you do.
With this list, you'll save yourself a lot of time searching through hundreds of shoes that won't fit. Moreover, the options I'll share have all been tested by big guys like yourself and have received lots of positive reviews for comfort and quality!
Best Work Shoes for Big Guys:
- Irish Setter Men's 6" Work Boots for Overweight Men
- Caterpillar Diagnostic Steel-Toe Work Boot for Big Guys
- Wolverine W04821 Buccaneer Work Boots for Big Guys
- Skechers for Work
- Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot for Fat Guys
- Hush Puppies Leverage Slip-On Loafer Shoes for Work
- Rockport Wingtip Oxford Shoe for Overweight Guys
- Florsheim Midtown Plain Toe Oxford
- Neil M Wynne Oxford Work Shoes for Overweight
I've reviewed each shoe below, so you'll have an easier time determining which one is best suited to you. Check them out:
Irish Setter Men's 6" Work Boots for Overweight Men
Irish Setter is a long-standing brand known for making heavy-duty work boots for men and big guys. This 6" work boot is one of the few shoes that I've owned that I can honestly say is worth buying multiple times. They offer incredible protection and truly impressive comfort that makes them a shoe you'll be able to wear all day!
They come in a dark brown color and feature a 6" lace-up front with a comfortable upper. Plus, you can get it in sizes from 7 to 14", and each size has a wide option, so you won't have to worry even if you've got fat feet.
If you're on the shorter side, you'll also appreciate that this shoe has 1.5" heels, so you'll look taller while wearing them.
Moreover, the Irish Setter 6" work boots for big and tall guys are built with full-grain leather material for the upper, which, when paired with their rubber-EVA outsole, offers heat resistance up to 475F. This shoe also meets the ASTM F2413-11 Safety standards, so it's safe to wear if you do electrical work.
You can confidently buy these work boots for overweight with specs like those, knowing that you are getting a really good shoe!
Caterpillar Diagnostic Steel-Toe Work Boot For Big Guys - Best For Construction Workers
The Heavy Duty Steel-Toe work boots from Caterpillar are another excellent pair of boots for big guys to wear to work. It has received loads of positive customer feedback, and it is still my preferred steel toe shoe to wear when I need absolute protection. So I can safely recommend it to you as one of the most comfortable steel toe boots for standing all day as a fat guy.
One of the main things to love about this shoe, apart from the sleek heavy-duty look, is the waterproof leather. The leather on the Caterpillar Diagnostic Work Boot will allow you to tackle the toughest situations such that you won't even remember you've got feet to worry about! Moreover, these boots even feature 200 grams of Thinsulate, which offers insulation against cold.
Like the previous work boots for big and tall guys from Irish Setter, the CAT Diagnostic shoes meet all the safety criteria of ASTM F2413-05/75 for electrical hazard. Most importantly, this boot offers a much more rugged outsole that works great for repelling water and oil. And it won't get damaged from the slightest abrasions.
This shoe is rated very highly thanks to the ERGO design and breathable nylon mesh lining in terms of comfort. They also come with a removable perforated EVA insert that utilizes gel technology for shock absorption and comfort. Moreover, it has a slip-resistant rubber sole with thick treading that'll make sure you've got traction on any surface.
Wolverine W04821 Buccaneer Work Boots for Big Guys
The Wolverine Buccaneer boots are best for the more subtle working situations with their premium design. These boots take the win for the best looking boots you can buy for heavy-duty work. And the extremely high-quality leather is a testament to the great job Wolverine did in making it. So if you want shoes that are very heavy duty yet suits any situation, then these are the best big guy work boots to consider.
The Wolverine Buccaneers feature a thick rubber sole with standard tread patterns for your average work conditions. While the treads aren't as deep as the last option, they do offer slip resistance, so you'll be safe while wearing them. However, I still wouldn't recommend wearing them for very extreme situations where you know you'll need shoes with better sole treads.
The good news is that the Buccaneers make up for it in comfort! Of all the boots I've ever worn, these offer the best arch and heel support and feel comfortable right out of the box. So if you suffer from any conditions like plantar Fascitis, you'll find that these are a good option. They are available in sizes 7 - 14 with plenty of wide options for guys like us that need them.
Another great fact of these heavy-duty work boots for overweight people is durability. This shoe is water, chemical, heat, oil, and abrasion-resistant and will take a beating while still looking good months down the line. Furthermore, they are waterproof, so you won't have to worry about getting your feet wet while wearing a pair.
Timberland PRO Boondock Review
These Timberland Pro Boondock shoes look very rugged and heavy-duty, but they surprisingly offer probably the best comfort in class. With any Timberland shoe, you can be guaranteed that you'll be getting a high-quality shoe. But the Timberland Pro Boondocks go above and beyond with the excessive amounts of features that it packs, which I found surprising for the price.
These Timberland heavy-duty work boots feature a 100% leather, composite safety toe, and 6-inch multi-layered soles with plenty of treading. They also feature anti-fatigue technology that will allow you to wear them all day and still feel comfortable. Best of all, you can get them in all sizes and widths, so you'll be guaranteed the right one for your feet.
If you do any super heavy-duty work that requires standing all day, getting these boots will be the best decision.
Skechers for Work - Best Casual Shoes for Fat Guys
If you're on a tight budget but still want the best work shoes for big guys, you should consider this one from Skechers. These are their Felton Slip Resistant work shoes that offer decent levels of comfort. They are a little on the stiff side but still feel very comfy to wear for hours.
The Skechers Felton shoes feature a lace-up vamp with plenty of internal padding. It has a memory foam insole insert that also offers a little more comfort. And the sole pattern makes it next to impossible to slip while wearing them.
I'd recommend these shoes if you're looking for a sneaker type shoe for work.
Hush Puppies Leverage - Best Shoes for Big Guys on their Feet All Day
The Hush Puppies Leverage is the best dress shoes for big guys with wide feet. They come in black and brown with plenty of sizes from 7" to 16" so you'll find one that fits perfectly for you. And the no-lace design makes them very easy to slip on and off your feet.
Why I liked It:
Rockport Wingtip Oxford Shoe for Overweight Guys
The Rockport Wingtip Oxfords are another excellent option for fat guys, thanks to the plentiful size options. You can get them from size 6.5 up to 16 inches wide. So no matter how large you think your feet are, this brand will have a pair for you.
Why I liked It:
Florsheim Midtown Plain Toe Oxford
The Florsheim Oxford shoes are the absolute best work shoes for overweight guys with massive feet. They feature a clean design and comes in two colors of black and cognac. Moreover, the sizing options are truly impressive and allow you to find the right width for your feet.
These shoes feature a leather upper with a moisture wicking Suidetec that will ensure that the shoe doesn't smell. And it also offers very good comfort thanks to the removable footbed, which does a good job of absorbing shock. For big guys looking for a work/dress shoe, these are very good ones to consider!
Why I liked It:
Neil M Wynne Oxford Work Shoes for Overweight
The Neil M Wynne Oxford shoes offer a more rugged look than the previous options. However, they are really impressive work shoes for fat guys when all is considered. The only thing to note first is that they might require a short break-in period.
The Wynne Oxfords are available in 7 styles featuring the same rugged look. It uses 100% leather materials for the upper part of the shoe, which offers great weather resistance. Moreover, they even have removable leather-covered polyurethane footbeds.
Comfort is also pretty good once you've had them broken in thanks to their shock-absorbing Poron insoles. For a 350 lb guy, you've got plenty of cushioning while wearing these shoes. And the best thing about them is that they come in a variety of sizes.
Why I liked It:
The Bottom Line
As a big guy, finding great work shoes wasn't easy until I came across the options, I listed above. Those selections are from my personal life experience and the recommendation of lots of other fat guys that have truly found them perfect. As such, I can safely recommend them to you, knowing that you'll not only be getting the best bang for your buck but also excellent shoes that will provide plenty of comfort for any situation.
Before you go ahead with your selection, make sure you measure your foot to get the right size that you'll need. If there's anything else, drop a comment below, and I'll respond.