Nike does not make steel-toe shoes. However, there are plenty of casual-looking steel-toe shoes that look like Nike athletic sneakers. Here are the top 4 options.
Does Nike make steel-toe shoes?
Nike does not make steel-toe work shoes. While the Nike Special Field boot is puncture-resistant, it does not come with a protective steel toe, so it’s not going to replace your safety boots.
If you are interested in steel-toe Nike shoes because you want athletic steel-toe sneakers instead of bulky work boots, there are plenty of options made by popular footwear companies.
Top 4 steel-toe Nike shoes
Without a doubt, Nike has some of the most stylish sneakers in the world. If you want to combine comfort and protection, here are the top 4 “steel-toe Nike shoes”.
1. Best overall: Reebok Sublite Safety Shoe
The best overall “steel-toe Nike shoes” are these Reebok Sublite Safety Shoes. While they do need some time to break into, they are extremely lightweight and fit like athletic sneakers.
In fact, no one believed me that these Reebok sneakers were actually steel-toe shoes until I kicked one of my toes against metal. Now everyone’s interested in them.
Extremely lightweight and comfortable
There are two things that make these shoes comfortable. First, the shoes have a decent amount of room in the toe area, making sure both of your feet are not cramped inside the shoes.
Second, the cut-across design of the bottom of the shoes allows for extreme flexibility. This means the rear and sides of the shoe don’t dig into your ankles as much when you’re squatting or kneeling during work. Put another way, they’re pretty comfortable for an uncomfortable position.
In fact, these steel-toe shoes are so comfortable that I’ve worn them for jogging once. It’s not the best running experience, but it goes to show how versatile these steel-toe sneakers are.
Fits just like athletic sneakers
Instead of wearing work boots, I would prefer wearing these steel-toe sneakers because they are more practical. Switching from boots to these shoes has eliminated my sweaty feet.
The alloy toe design means that these shoes are very light, which is crucial for comfort when you’re walking close to 20 thousand steps a day in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
I also like the fact that these Reeboks offer protection yet feel like sneakers.
There is additional cushioning on the shoes (MemoryTech Massage footbed). It’s a game-changer, especially for long hours of sitting down or walking during workdays.
Much of the padding in the heel had disappeared by now, but you can definitely stretch the lifespan close to 2 years. If you have always been a “boots person” and you’re on your feet all day yet you’ve never tried steel-toe sneakers, you need to try these. Buy them and thank me later.
Needs some time to break into
While they are comfortable long-term, these Reebok steel-toe shoes need some time to break into. It took about one week for my feet to get used to these steel-toe sneakers.
Once you’ve given them enough time, you can easily walk 5 miles a day comfortably. And the best part is, that your co-workers will compliment you because these steel-toe shoes look sleek.
2. Runner-up: Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain
Coming in at second place is the Timberland PRO Powertrain Sport Shoe. It comes in three different color options for you to choose from (black and orange is my favorite choice).
Breathable yet durable athletic mesh material
The highlight of these steel-toe sneakers is definitely the athletic mesh material. It is made with 100% nylon material that provides breathability and prevents sweating, just like sports shoes.
One of my friends works as an engineering technician for a medical supply company. He’s always reluctant to buy safety shoes because they tend to be stiff and uncomfortable.
Much to his surprise, he enjoyed these shoes very much even though he’s on his feet 12 hours a day because they are comfortable and breathable. Not only are they lightweight (just like most Nike sneakers), but they are also able to protect his toes from 50 lb shipments too.
Helps with foot fatigue
I like the fact that these steel-toe shoes are equipped with anti-fatigue footbeds. Right out of the box, you will feel a big difference between these shoes and the average work boots.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not purchase additional or replacement insoles. I have been using the original insoles since day one. Every day I come home from work and my feet feel great.
No, these shoes do not make me feel like I’m walking on pillows, but contrary to other expensive work shoes, these steel-toe sneakers don’t hurt my feet. They look good too.
3. Best steel-toe Nike boots: Timberland PRO Men’s Powertrain Sport Mid Shoe
Out of all the steel-toe Nike shoes on this list, these Timberland boots might be my favorite.
These are literally the only boots I wear to work because I like them so much. In fact, I bought 4 pairs of these boots just in case they discontinue the product. Here are the highlights:
Feels like basketball high-tops
Even after a year, I still can’t get over the fact that these are actually work boots.
These steel-toe boots feel like Nike Air Jordans (basketball high-tops) but have the build of work boots. And the added bonus is they’re very light. Might as well play basketball in these. 🙂
If you want the perfect blend of comfort and protection, these boots have everything you’re looking for. Thick soles like a work boot, yet breathe like a sneaker. Offers steel-toe protection, yet they have flat sneaker laces that hold their grip, just like a pair of athletic high-tops.
The soles have plenty of cushioning
What makes these boots stand out from the others is the soles of the boots.
Not only are they soft, but they have plenty of cushioning (unlike most work boots that are tough). As I said above, these Timberlands feel just like Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes.
I’ve been wearing these boots every day for an average of 10 hours per day for over 2 years and they are still going strong. I’m sure you’ll enjoy these steel-toe boots as much as I do.
I just hope that the company does not discontinue this product. Over the last 20 years, I’ve tried more than 10 different pairs of work boots and these are by far my favorite.
Get the wide version
I never order wide shoes because I have narrow feet. However, I got the wide version for these boots and I recommend you do too. My big toe would rub against the toe box in the beginning. So I exchanged my boots for the wide version of the same size and they fit perfectly.
If your toe rubs on the toe box as mine did, don’t give up on these steel-toe boots. Try exchanging them for the wide version and see if that helps. Even if you never order a wide version of a boot or shoe, you might need to order the wide version for this particular model.
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4. Budget pick: Skechers for Work Men’s Synergy Ekron
Out of all the steel-toe Nike shoe options on this list, the Skechers for Work Men’s Synergy Ekron Work Shoe is the most affordable. It gives you the best bang for your buck.
Very comfortable (built like running shoes)
The thing I like the most about the Skecher Ekron is that it’s built like running shoes.
Most of my co-workers had surprised looks on their faces when they noticed my new “work shoes”. At first, everyone thought they were running shoes until I dropped a hammer on them.
While the toe area felt tight right out of the box, I stopped noticing the tightness after a few weeks. The toe area needed to be hard to protect your toes from heavy objects.
Once the break-in period was over, I could not believe how comfy these shoes were, even standing on concrete floors for extended periods of time. With my old shoes, my feet would be hurting when I got home, but with these shoes, the memory foam is so comfy.
And the best part is, they don’t look like work shoes! I find myself wearing these as casual sneakers most of the time now. I would recommend these shoes to anyone that has to be on their feet all day, as well as needing slip protection and toe protection.
Not puncture-proof
While these Skechers steel-toe shoes provide toe protection, slip protection, and electrical hazard protection for most work environments, these shoes are not puncture-proof.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just that these shoes are designed to be lightweight.
As long as you work in an environment where you do not need puncture protection, these Skechers should be more than enough for the job. They look like Nike sneakers too.
Conclusion
And there you go, the top 4 steel-toe Nike shoes. When it comes to working boots, you should not sacrifice style and comfort for the sake of protection. You can always enjoy all of them.
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