Many boot brands now move their manufacturing abroad, impacting the quality of boots. If you’re looking for great shoes that also support US jobs and families, you’re in the right place.
Here are my top choices for the best American-made boots currently available that meet all the essential criteria.
Quick Look at the Best Choices
1. Thursday Vanguard My Top Pick
2. Thorogood Moc Toe Best Work Boot
3. Red Wing Iron Ranger Great Value
4. Abilene Bison Leather Best Cowboy Boot
5. Danner Mountain Light Best Hiking Boot
6. Oak Street Campus Best Chukka
When I want high-quality things, I look for what’s made nearby. Most shoes in America come from other countries, but some brands still make boots the traditional way right here at home.
Here are 6 boots made in the USA that I really like. These brands support American families and jobs. They’re worth every cent because they are strong and durable.
How did I create my list?
Over time, I’ve used more than 100 pairs of boots and I spent lots of time finding the top boots and brands from different countries and our own country.
I’ve found many brands that make excellent boots. These boots come from different countries like Indonesia, China, Spain, England, and more. Finding boots made in the USA is not very common. I’ve personally tried the best brands.
My Suggestions
Thursday Vanguard My Top Pick
The Thursday Boot Co Vanguard is the best because of its good materials, how it’s made, and the value you get for the price.
But the other Thursday boots are made in León Guanajuato, Mexico. Yet, this boot is really amazing, especially when you think about how affordable it is. The Vanguard has a Horween Chromexcel top and is lined with Horween Glove leather.
Thursday Boot Company Captain Men’s Lace-up Boot
● THE PERFECT FIT
● THE RUGGED & RESILIENT CAPTAIN
● UNPARALLELED WORKMANSHIP
● THURSDAY’S SIGNATURE CRAFTSMANSHIP
● CLASS OF ITS OWN
The upper and toe box has three layers of stitching, making it highly durable, similar to the Red Wing Iron Ranger but $100 less expensive. But it also looks slimmer, has strong steel inside, and a pointier toe.
If you are looking for a Dressing boot that still looks tough, The Thursday Vanguard is a high-quality boot made in the USA.
► Pros:
◈ The Vanguard is made in the USA using leather from Chicago’s Horween, it’s completely American.
◈ It has lots of good things, just like the Red Wing Iron Ranger, but it costs less than $300.
◈ The narrow shape and pointy toe make these shoes fit well with slim jeans and a modern style.
► Cons:
◈ There are no fast hooks, and since it has leather laces, it can take some time to put these on.
Red Wing Iron Ranger Great Value
Red Wing boots have been making American Heritage styles in Red Wing since 1905 in Minnesota. The Iron Ranger is a very famous boot in the US now.
Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
● Triple stitched quality
● Fit Tip-1/2 size smaller than their normal size
● Features a bump toe Features a bump toe for more room up-front
● Vibram 430 Mini-lug outsole
It’s inspired by what early iron miners in the Midwest used to wear while working. The Red Wing Iron Ranger is a strong boot that’s good for both work and looking stylish.
► Pros:
◈ The 270-degree Goodyear welt can be refurbished and provides good water resistance.
◈ The middle part of the shoe is made from leather and cork. Making the boot become more comfy as it wears in, while still staying strong.
◈ This boot looks cooler than other types of work boots.
► Cons:
◈ The starting time might be a bit challenging.
Thorogood Moc Toe Best Work Boot
The Thorogood Moc Toe is commonly seen on construction sites. There’s always someone who knows the secret. Many workers choose soft insoles, stylish plastic guards, and colorful boots from other countries.
But people who want strong boots like ones created in the United States for lasting quality.
The Thorogood Moc Toe may not be very stylish, but it comes at a fair price and is super durable, like a tough tank of boot. The wedge sole gives excellent grip and protection against electricity.
Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots for Men – Soft Toe, Premium Full-Grain Leather with Slip-Resistant Wedge Outsole and Comfort Insole
● 100% Leather
● Machine Wash
● Made in the USA
● MAXWEAR WEDGE SLIP-RESISTANT
The triple-stitched upper and 360-degree storm welt make sure your feet stay dry and safe. Even after many years of rough use.
If you’re looking for the top American-made work sock to go with these boots. I strongly suggest trying out the Camel City Mill Lightweight Wool Work Sock. These are my best socks for boots, and they are completely made in North Carolina.
► Pros:
◈ The 360-degree Goodyear Storm welt is almost waterproof (not completely, but unless you stand in water for a long time, your feet will stay dry).
◈ You can choose the Moc Toe with an 8-inch height and the option for a steel toe.
◈ The MAXWear wedge sole is made with a tough polyurethane material. This material is tough against rubbing, so it doesn’t wear out fast, unlike some other wedge soles
► Cons:
◈ They are a little tight (I would choose EE instead of D).
◈ There’s a hole at the top, above the fast hooks, that seems unnecessary.
Oak Street Campus Best Chukka
Oak Street Bootmakers come from Chicago, and out of all the brands on this list. They are probably the most ‘made in the USA’ among them all, along with Nick’s Handmade Boots.
Some American brands use materials from other countries and partially make parts overseas. Oak Street produces everything in their Chicago factory.
Oak Street Campus Boot | Made in USA
● 100% Leather
● Machine Wash
● Made in the USA
● MAXWEAR WEDGE SLIP-RESISTANT
The Campus Chukka is created with either Horween Chromexcel or Horween Orion suede. These materials have lots of oils and waxes, making the shoes more resistant to water and giving them a great, natural aging look.
► Pros:
◈ The design stands out compared to other chukka boots.
◈ Using Horween leather makes it connected to Chicago (and it’s really good quality).
◈ The Campus has a special rubber sole with little studs that give a really good grip, especially when it’s wet outside.
► Cons:
◈ There are not a lot of choices for sizes and colors.
5. Danner Mountain Light Best Hiking Boot
You know about Danner. They’re famous for their American hiking boots, and the Mountain Light has played a big part in making the brand well-known.
This boot has been here since 1979, entirely made in Portland, Oregon. It makes sense because Portland is an excellent spot for a hike.
Made with either Dri-Lex or Gore-Tex (depending on the model), these boots are really good at keeping water out. The fiberglass part gives strong support without making it too heavy.
Danner Men’s 30800 Mountain Light II 5″ Gore-Tex Hiking Boot, Brown – 11 D
● 100% Leather
● Made in the USA
● GORE-TEX waterproof breathable lining
● Vibram 148 Kletterlift outsole
The Danner Mountain Light is known as one of the best hiking boots ever. If you’re planning to go all out with a classic American look and wear some boots made in the USA. While exploring the Appalachian or PCT, these are the boots to choose.
► Pros:
◈ The lightweight fiberglass support inside the shoe. Gives strong arch support, especially on rough and rocky ground.
◈ The Vibram Kletterlift sole works really well on many kinds of ground, whether it’s dry or wet.
◈ The way the shoes are stitched makes them easy to fix, and they can handle different weather conditions quite well.
► Cons:
◈ The sizes are a bit limited, and the EE width might be confusing (that’s Danner’s usual width, so I’d choose EE even if I normally wear D width).
Abilene Bison Leather Best Cowboy Boot
You might expect it to be simple to find cowboy boots made in America. But, it’s not that easy. Even though they have a Western look, many cowboy boots are produced in other countries.
Some shoes are made by hand and can be customized in the USA, but most of them cost nearly $1,000 per pair. That’s not something I want to spend on.
Men’s Bison Leather Western Boot Medium Toe Brown 12 D(M) US
● Medium Toe
● Airride Comfort System Featuring insole
● Flexes In Cold Temps
● Dri-Lex Lining With Unique Cell Structure
Where can you find good cowboy boots made locally without spending a lot of money? Their Bison Leather boots are the top choice for a cowboy boot made in the USA that gives you the best bang for your buck.
► Pros:
◈ With tough bison leather on the outside, these boots are strong and sturdy.
◈ I really enjoy the Cuban heel, especially when I’m riding.
◈ Simple stitching and a somewhat pointy front make this boot flexible for different occasions.
► Cons:
◈ Limited options for color and size.
Which Is Right for You?
If you need good work boots or want something well-made with a cool story, these 6 boots are great. Even though many factories moved to other countries in the 80s and 90s, American businesses are still active.
Some of these boots made in America show that they’re doing well. The skill in making each thing is great, and I’m sure you’ll like whatever you pick.
FAQs
Q1. Which shoes are completely made in the United States?
The companies that are most nearly all made in the USA are Oak Street Bootmakers and Nick Handmade Shoes.
Q2. Are Red Wing boots made in America?
The Red Wing Heritage collection is made in the United States. But their workwear line is not.
Q3. Are Carhartt boots made in the United States?
Most Carhartt boots are created in Mexico, but they also attempt to produce items in the USA. If it doesn’t clearly say “Made in USA,” then feels like your Carhartt boots come from Mexico.
