20 Best American Made Boots to Buy in 2024 (Made in USA!)

More and more American brands are outsourcing their production overseas, and while that doesn’t always mean their products are becoming lower quality, that doesn’t mean there’s no reason to shop American.

Maybe you want to preserve American craftsmanship or keep as much of your money within your borders as possible, or you don’t love supporting an iffy government that taxes the factory, or a loved one lost a job to outsourcing, and you don’t want to contribute to the process.

Whatever your reason, there’s a perfect American-made boot for you. 

Here’s the list of the best American-made boots. You can click on the link to take you to their respective part of the article.

1. Best Overall: Red Wing Heritage – Iron Ranger ($350)

While many of Red Wing’s work boots are made in Asia, you can be confident that 100 percent of the brand’s casual line, Red Wing Heritage, is made in the United States.  

Red Wing was founded over a hundred years ago by Charles Beckman, and it came to prominence when miners toil inside Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range, which is, of course, the namesake of their most iconic boots, the Iron Ranger.

A really cool thing about them is that they own their own tannery, SB Foot Tanning Co, right by their factory in in the town of Red Wing, Minnesota. (I’ve visited it myself.)  This not only helps to keep the price relatively low for an American made boot, it allows them more quality control over the leathers than most brands.

Red Wing Highlights

Probably the most popular shoe is the famous captoe boot the Iron Ranger, and its captoe-free brother the Blacksmith, both seen above. The Iron Ranger is very durable, thanks to its resoleable Goodyear welt and its thick, oil tanned leather. Its roomy toebox gives the toes plenty of space to wiggle, but combined with its bulbous cap toe and shiny nickel eyelets, it’s very casual. Consider the Blacksmith for a slightly more subtle boot.

The other model to know about is their moc toe boot, a favorite of Ryan Gosling, who basically gave them a starring role in The Gray Man.

All of these boots are made with resoleable Goodyear welt construction, cork filling, and thick, robust leathers that will acquire a beautiful patina over time.

Who should buy Red Wing?

• Guys who appreciate value; Red Wing’s price tag of $300 to $350 is very fair for American made boots.
• Folks looking for a good all rounder; Red Wings are usually a man’s first foray into classic boots. 
• Men who want boots that are both high end and casual.

Who shouldn’t buy Red Wing?

• Guys who want boots they can dress up; Red Wing is a firmly casual brand.
• People who want sneaker-like shock absorption; these are made like your grandpa’s boots.

2. Best Value: Thursday Boot Company – Vanguard ($265)

Want the most bang for your buck? The seemingly inflation-proof Vanguard is the best value American made boot at $265.

Thursday Boot Company is an American company that was founded in 2014 and while most of their boots are made in Mexico, their Vanguard and Logger boots are completely made in the United States.  

Thursday’s Vanguard Boot Highlights 

And we mean from start to finish. They don’t ship in pre-made pieces from overseas and just stitch them together here so they can be technically made in the US. (An all-too-often-exploited loophole.) The laces are made in the US, the steel shanks are made in the US, the eyelets are made in the US, and even the shock absorbing Poron in the sole is made in the US — which is why it has a slightly different feel to the Poron in the company’s flagship Captain boot.

That Poron is worth emphasizing, as it adds some tech from the sneaker world and gives the Vanguard far superior shock absorption to Red Wing boots and most other traditionalist brands. Combine that with the innovative dress-work boot hybrid design that makes them extraordinarily versatile, and it’s easy to see why this is the fastest growing brand in the business. 

[Further Reading: How to Size Thursday Boots]

Who should buy Thursday’s Vanguard?

• Budget conscious guys who want USA-made at the best possible price.
• Guys who like versatility; this low profile service boot is neither too bulky nor too dressy.
• Folks who want better shock absorption than old fashioned boots offer.

Who shouldn’t buy Thursday’s Vanguard?

• Guys who want a bulkier work boot.

3. Best Cowboy Boots: Justin Boots – Caddo (~$260)

Since 1879, the Justin Boot Company has been at the forefront of handcrafting western footwear. Founder H.J. Justin began this by mastering the art of boot-making and creating a brand renowned for its superior craftsmanship and comfort. Today, Justin Boots is recognized as one of the older Western heritage brands in the US, embodying both the quality and character of the American West.

Justin Boots Durant Highlights

Justin Boots Caddo is a no-frills cowboy boot. This boot features a broad, round toe and a long base heel for an easy fit, making it perfect for riding or long workdays. The orthotic insole ensures lasting comfort, enhanced by a cushioned insole and triple density insole board. Made from durable cowhide with a woven lining and a metallic shank, these boots are both practical and comfortable.

Who Should Buy Justin Boots Caldo:

• Cowboys, riders, and guys who like to get outdoors.
• Those looking for comfortable boots with orthotic support for extended wear.
• People who appreciate a blend of traditional cowboy boot aesthetics and modern comfort technologies.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Justin Boots Caldos:

• People who prefer a more formal or contemporary style in their cowboy boots.

Note that this boot is assembled in America, but the components may come from overseas.

4. Best Smart Casual Boots: Oak Street Bootmakers – Trench ($462 – $488)

Named after a short street in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Oak Street Bootmakers was founded in 2010, and these boots aren’t just made in the US, but most of the leather is from Chicago as well: the famous Horween Leather Company, which makes perhaps the most beloved boot leather on Earth, “Chromexcel.” Their bestseller by a mile is the Trench Boot in the “Natural” (undyed) shade of this leather, shown in the video above.

Oak Street Trench Boot Highlights

Their shoes and loafers are built differently, but these stylish boots are made with the tried-and-true Goodyear welt. Why are they on the pricier side? Unlike most cheaper brands that are made in the US, they make the entire product here from heel-to-toe, using no pre-assembled components from overseas. The cap-toe version is also hand lasted, meaning the leather is stretched over the last by hand instead of by machine. This is very skill and time intensive, but shoemakers consider it superior for durability and fit.

There’s a lot to like about the Trench boot: Natural leather uppers from a Chicago institution that will age beautifully, the option of Dainite or leather soles (the latter is cheaper), and a nice, simple aesthetic. It also comes in a variety of different leathers, including seasonal offerings that have included indigo roughout and even wild boar. 

It has a very simple, versatile, service boot aesthetic that lets the construction and the leather speak for itself, and I’m a huge fan of the wider toe that gives the toes plenty of room to splay out while retaining a smart look. 

Who should buy Oak Street’s Trench Boots?

• Guys who want boots that improve with age; this leather is famous for its patina.
• Folks who are tired of their pinkies getting cramped in boots; the wide toe is really comfortable.
• People who prefer more subtle designs; this is a pure, plain toe boot.
• Anyone who likes the softness and breathability of a leather sole.

Who shouldn’t buy Oak Street’s Trench Boots?

• Thriftier folk: this premium brand isn’t cheap.
• Guys looking for a more bulky, casual work boot.
• People who prefer sleek, streamlined looks; the wider toe might put you off. (Then again, they’ve got a slimmer model.)

5. Best Value Work Boot: Thorogood: Heritage Moc Toe (~$250)

The Weinbrenner Shoe Company is a manufacturer of military, work, and uniform footwear that was established by Albert H Weinbrenner in 1892. Currently headquartered in Merrill, Wisconsin, Thorogood is a brand within Weinbrenner that formed in 1918. A neat fact is that their workers unionized in 1943 and in 2000 the workers took ownership of the company as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Thorogood Moc Toe Highlights

Their most popular boot, without a doubt, is the Heritage moc toe, and it’s the boot that probably does the best job of straddling the line of work boot and heritage boot. It’s the boot that Brooklyn hipsters love to wear, but it’s a great boot for real work: it has an extra water resistant storm welt, the removable insole is great at reducing fatigue, the sole is harder wearing than the standard Vibram wedge, and it’s ASTM rated for electrical hazards and slip resistance.

Who should by Thorogood boots?

• Guys looking for an affordable work boot.
• Anyone who prizes shock absorption and softness underfoot.
• Guys who want to support unionized companies.

Who shouldn’t buy Thorogood boots?

• Guys who want leather underfoot: there’s no leather midsole or insole here, it’s rubber and plastic.
• People who want to resole a boot over and over: the welt is synthetic, so it probably has just one resole in it.

Note that while Thorogood states their boots are made in America, some stitching occurs in the Dominican Republic. 

6. Toughest Work Boots: Nicks Handmade Boots’ Urban Logger (~$560)

We understand that for many of you, durability is the most important element of a boot. And whether that’s outside fighting wildfires, working hard on the rail lines, or spending hours on job construction sites, boots from Nicks are world renowned for being able to take a serious licking and keep on kicking.

So which is the best model for you? Well, it depends on your job. Nicks’ range of boots encompasses dedicated boots for firefighting, logging, and more. We know enough about work to say know we can’t say there’s one boot for any job — you have to go to their range of boots and pick what suits your needs!

Nicks Urban Logger Highlights

But we’ll highlight what’s heralded as their best all-rounder: Nicks’ Urban Logger. 

Weighing well over a kilogram each, these shoes are tanks. Made with ultra heavy leather, a 9 iron leather midsole that’s a good 5 millimeters thick, an nailed-in Vibram V-100 lug sole, a dramatic arch, and a striking logger heel that I clocked at over 2 inches tall, they’re boots that you won’t soon forget and may never need to throw away.

That tall heel is to help you get purchase on ladders or to kick your shovel deep, and it’s the sort of boot that’s inflexible in the way that you need: it’s for guys that need something firm and stable for a day on their feet.  Sneakerheads need not apply.

The Urban Logger boots are forged in the Pacific Northwest and the overall build quality, the materials used, and the reputation the brand has earned from thousands of owners all speak to the legitimacy of these truly rugged and durable boots. 

The best part? They’re completely customizable. Choose from twenty leathers, eleven widths, four kinds of eyelets, three kinds of heels, three outsoles, and many other elements to make boots 100 percent yours.

The downside? The wait time: expect three to five months.

Who Should Buy Nicks Boots

• Guys who need heavy duty work boots
• Men who love feeling indestructible in their footwear
• People with unusual foot widths
• Guys who like the freedom to customize their footwear

Who Shouldn’t Buy Nicks Boots

• Guys who want less casual boots
• Anyone who doesn’t want to walk around some 1,200 grams of leather and brass on each foot
• Folks who don’t want to wait months for custom boots to be made
• Penny pinchers; there are cheaper work boots

Nicks is the crème de la crème of serious footwear and while we picked the Urban Logger for its all-round utility, remember you can get boots specifically designed for firefighting, logging, boots that need safety toes, 10-inch shafts, and more.

7. Also Consider for Work Boots: White’s 350 Cruiser ($720)  

It was difficult to nail down just one brand for this category. Arguments were had, tears shed, and friendships lost. Ultimately, we had to include both brands, so while Nicks is a little cheaper — edging them to the top spot — it’s worth looking at their frenemy White’s, also based in Spokane, Washington.

White’s Boots Highlights

I own the MP Sherman boot and the roomier 350 Cruiser in the video above, both beefy boots that can take a serious beating. They have all the arch support and thick leather you need to handle most tasks both daily and work-based, though I’d say the sleeker Sherman is for more casual wear, the Cruiser is more for work, and the boots that are really for specialized work, from logging to firefighting, are plentiful in the range on White’s site.

Some construction differences exist between White’s and Nicks, a notable one being that stitchdown construction is more common at Whites. This is a rarer shoe construction that’s even more durable and water resistant than a Goodyear welt and while for most guys the difference is splitting hairs, these things can matter for blue collar folks.

The fact they’re handmade to the point of being handlasted makes them all the more worth the cost.

Who should buy White’s Boots?

• Men who need seriously hardwearing footwear.
• Urban dudes who want a well-made boot that will last as long as possible.
• Guys who value the durability and weatherproofness of stitchdown construction.
• Anyone who wants to preserve the extra skillful craft of handsewn stitchdown construction in America 

Who shouldn’t buy White’s Boots

• Guys with very wide feet; you can usually find EE widths, but Nicks has White’s beat for widths.
• Anyone looking for a lightweight boot for walking, hiking or traveling.
• People who want to customize their work boots.

Nicks and White’s definitely have the hardworking man in mind when making their boots. With boots made specifically for Firefighters, Loggers, Ranchers, Motorcyclists, Outdoorsmen, and others, it’s hard not to consider one of these two brands when you’re needing some serious footwear.

8. Best High-End Smart Casual Boot Brand: Alden (~$680)

For the best high-end American boot brand, we’re talking about Alden Shoe Company, which was founded in Massachusetts all the way back in 1884 .

The oldest shoe company in New England was founded when boots had to be ultra durable and comfortable because people walked just about everywhere, and they’ve steadfastly remained in New England after hordes of bootmakers outsourced their manufacturing to cheaper countries.

Best Alden Boot: The Alden Indy ($607)

The most popular model without a doubt is the Alden 403, also known as the Indy — because Dr. Indiana Jones wears them in all of his movies. It’s a great shoe with fantastic arch support, and while the 403 in Chromexcel is the most popular, you can also get it in suede, cordovan, and many other leathers.

The Indy is renowned for its comfort; the company has a history of making orthopedic footwear and podiatrists often recommend their boots for those who experience arch pain or discomfort after spending all day on their feet. (Of course, talk to your doctor if that’s why you’re shopping for boots.)

Add all that to the fact that they’re made with a water resistant storm welt, the pull up leather ages beautifully, and did we mention Indiana Jones wore them?

Who should buy Alden Indy Boots?

• Guys who want a versatile boot that easily pairs with business casual wear.
• Folks who get sore feet from wearing sneakers all day.
• Anyone who wants to wear Indiana Jones’ boots.
• People who need wide widths; the Indy’s widths go up to EEEE.
• Guys who want a high quality boot that isn’t as heavy as Pacific Northwest work boots.

Who Shouldn’t buy Alden Indy Boots?

• Folks on a budget; these aren’t cheap.
• Folks who want very grippy boots; the flat nitrile cork outsole is surprisingly grippy, but it’s still not ideal for hiking.

Alden has put a lot of time and effort into providing footwear for every kind of foot, even offering more widths than practically any other boot brand. (Learn more in our list of the best boots for wide feet.) They’re pricy, yes, but the combination of comfort, coolness, and New England craftsmanship is hard to beat. 

9. Best Dress Boots: Allen Edmonds’ Park Ave ($495)

Currently headquartered in Port Washington, Wisconsin, Allen Edmonds was founded all the way back in 1922 and have a solid reputation as the American dress shoe brand. They have some spectactular smart casual offerings (for which you should definitely check out the Higgins Mill) but if you need a formal boot there’s just one that makes sense for this list.

Allen Edmonds Park Ave Boot Highlights

Allen Edmonds’ Park Avenue shoe has sold over 2 million pairs since it was launched in the early 1980s, so when they released a boot version it was a no brainer.

It has all the hallmarks of a fine dress shoe: blind eyelets, closed lacing, fine calfskin, and a leather sole. Available in five leathers, Allen Edmonds is also at the top of their fit game here, offering sizes 5 to 15 and a stunning ten different widths. Nobody offers this kind of precision in sizing outside of work boots. 

Who should buy Allen Edmonds Park Ave Boot

• Anyone who wants to enjoy the stability of a boot with a suit and tie.
• Guys with hard to fit feet
• Folks who like durability; the Goodyear welt makes these longlasting and resoleable.

Who shouldn’t buy Allen Edmonds Park Ave Boot

• Guys who want to be able to wear boots casually.

10. Most Customizable Boots: Wesco Hendrik (~$700)

Sure, Nicks has great options for customizing, but Wesco has over 300 billion possible configurations. Also called West Coast Shoe Company, Wesco was launched in Oregon in 1918 and is a beloved, although teeny tiny, institution in American work boots. 

Wesco Hendrik Boot Highlights

Let’s say you’re building a Hendrik boot. You can build it with one of 4 different heights: 6, 7, 10 inches. They have 11 different leathers and you can have different leathers on 5 different panels of the boot. You can pick from 6 different leather linings. If you’re looking to build winter boots, they have multiple weights of insulation, and you can pick from 10 options for outsoles, which include three kinds of winter-friendly Raptor soles.

There are also different metals for the hardware,  colored stitching in the upper or the sole, a dozen options for inserts.

You can make the most “you” boot possible with Wesco.

Who should buy Wesco’s Hendrik?

• Men who want a unique, custom boot.
• Anyone who needs a specific configuration for their boot like 10 inch insulated boots with no-slip soles and a welder’s tongue.

Who shouldn’t buy Wesco’s Hendrik?

• Guys who suffer from decision paralysis. The customize feature might blow your mind.
• The impatient man; you can wait up to 18 months for these.
• Men who want to save cash; these easily soar past $800.

Wesco isn’t the cheapest boot in the country but they’re incredibly tough and can be made exactly to your specifications — if you’re going to own boots that’ll last for a decade, why would you want anything else?

11. Coolest Leathers: Truman Boot Company (~$480)

Founded in 2014 and based in Oregon, Truman is a force of nature in the boot industry. Their output literally doubled in 2024 from the previous year and they show no signs of slowing down: their boots are completely made in the USA (nothing pre-assembled imported) and have a killer balance of value, durability, and coolness.

Truman Boot Company Highlights

Head honcho Vince Romero has carved out a niche in the crowded boot market as the brand with the coolest leathers. And for sticking to a few core models that let new leathers speak for themselves. And for being really inexpensive compared to other Pacific Northwest brands like Nicks and White’s. 

With most of his models under $500, it’s true he hasn’t cornered the lumberjack and lineman market, but he’s not trying to. Truman makes a truly terrific boot that’s both great for all purpose work and available in eye popping makeups.

The closest US brand that balances real world utility, chunky and masculine aesthetics, and cool-as-hell leathers would be Red Wing Heritage, and their boots are neither as robust nor as experimental.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of blacks and browns for the traditionalists as well, and whichever color you get you can be confident your purchase will endure anything you can throw at it. 

Who should buy Truman Boots?

• If you want unusual leathers but an unmistakably masculine boot, this is what you’re looking for.
• Guys who appreciate the talent, and care required for an actual handmade product.
• Men looking for a less expensive alternative to the $700+ boots from other Pacific Northwest brands like Viberg, White’s, and Nicks.

Who shouldn’t buy Truman Boots?

• Guys looking for boots that can be dressed up. 
• Folks not interested in the typical lead time of 6 to 8 weeks (though they’ve been improving at maintaining in-stock options).
• People who prefer the stitchdown construction that’s common in Pacific Northwest boots; these are Goodyear welted.

12. Best Moccasin Boot: Rancourt & Co’s Harrison Redux Boot ($350)

Rancourt & Co is one of the last remaining footwear companies in Lewiston, Maine, an area especially well-known for their moccasin-style boots and shoes. And we’re talking genuine handsewn moccasin construction, a vanishing artform in shoemaking that Rancourt is steadfastly keeping alive. 

[Learn More How Rancourt Makes the Realest Moc Toes]

Rancourt and Company Highlights 

Genuine handsewn mocs are considered uniquely American, and Rancourt’s are completely handmade. Think of it like an upside-down shoe: instead of the leather folding over your foot and being stitched to the sole, you’re standing on the leather, and it folds up over the foot and stitches to the “plug” sitting on top of your foot. With fewer seams, this makes for a shoe that’s remarkably comfortable and well-suited to molding to your foot’s shape. (More in the video above.)

The company also makes plain toe boots, their most popular being the Byron Boot, and the prices are pretty reasonable because, well, they spend way less on advertising than most of the other brands on the list — after all, there are only so many orders they can fulfill when you’re one of the last remaining factories that hinge on such a rare skill set. You should support them!

Who should buy Rancourt?

• Guys who like moccasin-style construction; Rancourt is considered the best at this kind of craft.
• Folks who find most boots uncomfortable: the genuine moccasin build, Blake stitch, and lactae hevea soles make these very light and comfy. 
• Anyone with a mind to preserve rare shoemaking techniques.
• Fans of New England prep style; Rancourt makes a range of them in Maine, including boat shoes and loafers.

Who shouldn’t buy Rancourt?

• Some people don’t like the softness of the latex outsole common on many of their boots.
• People who want a harder-wearing construction like a Goodyear welt or stitchdown.

[Related: Rancourt made our list of the best winter boots!]

13. Most Exclusive Boots: Kreosote ($1,800+)

One man, one high price, and an unending waitlist, there’s a 99 percent chance you won’t be able to buy these boots, but we promised to make a list of the best US boot brands, and Kreosote’s reputation is unimpeachable.

Kreosote Highlights

Formerly called MYG Handmade, JD Gabbard runs the operation in Missouri and makes one boot at a time by hand, managing an output of 35 pairs per year — if that.

Each pair takes over 50 painstaking hours to make with vintage sewing machines, wooden nail pegs, antique edging tool, and what’s called a traditional German welt. This involves hand cutting 10mm bend leather insoles and hand welting the 360-degree inseam that’s stitched with waxed thread — with needles he makes himself, of course.

There’s more detail here but rest assured, this is something very special. And expensive. But you’re taking over a week of the man’s life!

Who should buy Kreosote boots?

• Guys who value an extreme level of US craftsmanship; this handwelting process was almost totally replaced by Goodyear welt machines in the 1800s.
• Men who wear their boots hard; there are arguments that handwelting is more durable than Goodyear welts.
• People who really like exclusivity: you need to make these orders by appointment and compete with others to secure your spot.
• People who want boots that are a conversation piece; you’ll never get tired of telling the tale of these boots.

Who shouldn’t buy Kreosote boots?

• You really don’t need to spend two grand on a pair of boots and are happy just knowing these exist.
• Guys who can afford them but don’t want to wait a year for them.
• People who want versatile boots, dress boots, or boots that meet ASTM standards: these are old school, meaty work boots.

14. Role Club ($1,000+)

Role Club is the brainchild of YouTube’s Brian the Bootmaker, an LA-based cobbler whose passion for making boots started in 2010 when he stopped into a shoe repair shop and became friends with the owner. He fell in love with the craft and learned the bootmaking trade, elevating his brand to one of the most coveted in high-end heritage wear.

Popular Role Club Boots

Bran makes quite a few different styles of boots, all of which are handmade to measure. Like Wesco, you can customize your boots by choosing a style, leather, welts, l soles, heel, edge finish, and structured or soft toe box. The Engineer boots, Underdogs, and Lace to Toe all seem to be pretty popular. There’s a fantastic selection of leathers from Horween like their Chromexcel, shell cordovan, steer hide, and horsehide.

[Related: Why Hand Welted Boots are Better Than Goodyear Welted]

Who should buy Role Club Boots?

• Guys who want handmade boots that use great quality materials.
• Anyone who doesn’t mind the high price tag.
• Men who like customized, made-to-measure boots.

Who shouldn’t buy Role Club Boots?

• You’re not ready to invest in boots that cost four digits.

Just to note that Brian doesn’t list his prices online, so if you’re interested in a pair you’ll need to contact him through a form on his site. Remember that these are handmade, which is a time-consuming process. Also, he uses some really high-quality leather that is not cheap.

15. Frank’s Boots: Type 1 Commander (~$590)

Founded in 2016 and based in Spokane, Washington, Frank’s Boots is a relative newcomer to the Pacific Northwest’s bootmaking scene, home to legendary brands like White’s and Nick’s Boots. The brainchild of Frank Petrilli, a seasoned craftsman with over twenty years of experience at Nick’s Boots, Frank’s Boots represents a lifelong if not somewhat wavering, passion for bootmaking. Initially intending to step away from the industry, Frank soon decided to get back into boot making, establishing his brand, Frank’s Boots, to focus on handmade workboots for tough jobs like logging, firefighting, and electrical line work.

Frank’s Boots Type 1 Commander Highlights

Frank’s Type 1 Commander, originally designed for wildland firefighting, is a heavy-duty boot that’s meant for the field. This boot features 7.5 to 8 oz. full grain water-resistant leather, a 1″ thick sole for heat and rough terrain protection, and a high heel with arch support for maximum comfort. Suited for various professions like logging, carpentry, construction, and mechanics, it’s fully rebuildable and resoleable.

You can choose between five different leathers for their standard build. If you want more customization than the online form offers, call up Franks; they’ll walk you through the process. The boots are fully rebuildable and resoleable, triple stitched for added durability.

Who should buy Frank’s boots?

• Guys who like chunky heavy duty Pacific Northwest boots
• Working guys who want to customize every detail of their boots
• Anyone who wants a durable and functional work boots

Who shouldn’t buy Frank’s boots?

• Impatient people who don’t want to wait for their boots to be made.
• People who prefer a boot that doesn’t require a lot of break-in.
• Men who want a casual or dressier boot.

Overall, these are fantastic boots that compare with Nicks, Whites, and Wesco. Again, the downside is that for some, Pacific Northwest West boots are going to feel very stiff, heavy, and overbuilt. If you’re looking for more affordable and comfortable boots, you may want to go with something like Thursday boots.

16. JK Boots: Forefront (~$500)

JK Boots was founded by John Khadzhi, a Ukrainian who started his career as a leather tanner at fourteen and went on to apprentice under a famous Moldovan bootmaker. After moving to the U.S., he opened his own boot business in Washington, applying his extensive knowledge and dedication to crafting high-quality boots.

JK Boots Forefront Highlights

Built like a tank, the JK Boots Forefront boot stands out for its exceptional durability and is crafted with some of the thickest leather uppers available. The Forefront is their most versatile work boot (read our JK boots review) and it’s made with hardy stitchdown construction, preferred by many in the trades for its durability.

For added comfort, the boot offers enhanced arch support and a leather insole that gradually molds to the shape of your foot, providing a custom fit.

Who should buy JK Boots Forefront

• Guys who want the thickest leather uppers they can find; at ~3.5mm they’re 50% thicker than most work boots.
• Men who value the durability and water resistance of stitchdown construction.
• People who need good arch support and stability.

Who shouldn’t buy JK Boots Forefront

• Workers who need a lot of ASTM ratings; the only one here is for the safety toe.
• People who need lightweight boots; these are built like tanks.
• Anyone who needs their boot quickly; these can have a 2-3 month lead time, though that’s faster than other PNW makers.

17. Best Hunting Boots: Russell Moccasin (~$700)  

Russell Moccasin was founded over 120 years ago in Berlin, Wisconsin, where they’re still headquartered today. Originally designed for the state’s booming logging industry, the brand spread to the sports of fishing, hiking, and hunting when the clientele learned how unusually hardwearing their construction was. 

Russell Moccasin Highlights

Very, very few companies still make moc toes with genuine handsewn construction, wherein leather wraps around the foot and is stitched to the “plug” along the top of the foot, instead of wrapping over the top and getting stitched to the insole. With fewer seams and pieces of leather, many find this vanishingly rare construction to be more comfortable.

Moccasin-style shoes, of course, originated among indigenous inhabitants of North America. They were made sometimes with thin soles so they could feel the ground, sometimes hard soles (like those worn by the Plains Indians) to better protect the feet. Russell is the company that maintained this connection between moccasin-style footwear and traversing the American wilderness, and they further increased their durable boots’ utility by adding a second layer of leather to the vamp.

Their world famous “double vamp” construction — sometimes triple vamp — dramatically improves waterproofness without making them as stuffy and inflexible as synthetic materials would. The Backcountry is the best model to exemplify this rare construction while also being able to be worn casually.  

[Related: My list of The Best Leather Briefcases for Men]

Who should buy Russell Moccasins

• Guys who want an extra water resistant boot without sacrificing traditional craftsmanship.
• Hunters, hikers, and outdoorsmen with traditionalist bents.
• People who like to choose their own rubber sole; one lineup gives you this freedom on custom makeups.
• Folks who really like a small business feel; there are few models and few leathers.
• Anyone who likes some celebrity pedigree: they’ve been worn by Harrison Ford, Robert Redford, US Presidents, and the King of Nepal to boot.

Who shouldn’t buy Russell Moccasins

• People who don’t love moc toes; that’s all they offer! 
• Men in very hot and dry environments may want to avoid the double vamp.
• Guys on a budget; these boots start at about $700.
• Folks with wide feet; they tap out at E width for now.

18. Origin Maine – The Coronado

Not one of these small midwestern companies, Origin is a much larger, more modern company that makes their boots in the USA. Their marketing is a bit in-your-face, and it’s tough to find technical details about the boots as there’s a lot of fluff, but they are admirably transparent when it comes to their products, well, origins.

Origin Maine Highlights

Many guys like Origin’s boots because they break in quickly, are well built, aren’t expensive, and they’re made in the USA. They’re in fact much more transparent than many brands that are “made in the USA” but some of the processes take place overseas, or all the components are from overseas. 

The products’ description lists every component and where it’s from in the United States, and at the time of writing, only the vegetable tanned leather midsole is from another country. (Well, continent — they only say “South America.”) Still, we love the transparency and this degree of American-made can’t be found elsewhere at this price.

Origin makes a few different styles of boots; the Coronado is your best bet for a daily casual boot, but there are a few ASTM-certified composite toe work boots as well. They add poron in the midsole for extra shock absorption and the combination of cemented soles and poron makes a boot that’s fairly easy to break in.

Who should buy Origin Maine Boots

• Guys who want inexpensive composite toe work boots
• People who need boots that are ASTM rated for slip resistance
• Folks who value transparency in the origin of their products; this degree is rare for work boots

Who shouldn’t buy Origin Maine Boots

• You want an external toecap, a moc toe stitch, or any frills; there are few colors and styles here.
• Guys who want a Goodyear welted boot; these are partly cemented, so a resole is iffy.

19. Quoddy Grizzly Boot (~$400)

Founded in 1947 by Anne and Jack Spiegel, Quoddy, a renowned Maine-based bootmaker, saw a revival in the 1990s. This transformation brought the iconic brand back to life, blending traditional craftsmanship with a deep personal connection to the region’s history and culture.

Emphasizing traditional moccasin construction with a comfortable, one-piece wrap-around sole, Quoddy crafts boots that fit very comfortably by hand stitching boots like they did 100 years ago, blending traditional craftsmanship with a deep personal connection to the region’s history and culture.

Quoddy Highlights

The Grizzly Boot is made to order and very customizable. The base model has a 6” shaft and a leather piece attached at the sides of a boot to the uppers called a bellow tongue. This helps prevent water and debris from getting into the boot. These boots are crafted with handsewn uppers available in 6 leathers. They offer customization options for sole type, thread color, hardware, and lining, including the choice of sole and hardware.

Prioritizing comfort and durability, the boots are handstitched and feature true moccasin construction, lined with glove leather. Fitted with rawhide laces and rust-resistant lacquered eyelets, these boots come in multiple sizes and widths. Notably, they are resolable and repairable, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to buying new pairs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8v7r9Lp8EO

Who should buy Quoddy boots?

• Guys who want a classic American style moccasin boot.
• Boot aficionados who appreciate customizing the little details, like eyelets and soles. 
• Men who want comfortable casual boots that look more at home in a small town or campsite.

Who shouldn’t buy Quoddy boots?

• Guys who want a sturdier work boot.
• Folks who prefer dressy boots.

Quoddy is a true success story of American manufacturing and deserves a spotlight for its accomplishments.

20. Wolverine 1000 Mile (~$385)

Wolverine, established in 1883, is a brand steeped in American history, predating the famous comic book character of the same name. The company made significant contributions during World War II by developing pigskin gloves for the U.S. Navy.

In the 1910s, Wolverine launched the iconic 1000 Mile boot, a breakthrough in footwear resulting from an innovative method of processing shell horsehide into soft, pliable leather. Although today’s 1000 Mile boot is crafted from full grain cowhide, it continues to symbolize American footwear’s enduring legacy and quality, designed to offer a thousand miles of wear, as its name suggests.

Wolverine 1000 Mile Highlights

Crafted from waxy Chromexcel leather by Horween, these boots feature a two-millimeter thick leather, triple stitching along the vamp, a sturdy Goodyear welt, and a durable Vibram heel. Despite their rugged construction, these boots are more suited for casual use rather than heavy-duty work environments. The Wolverine 1000 Mile boot represents a perfect balance of form and function, offering a versatile, “no frills workhorse” aesthetic ideal for everyday wear.

Who Should Buy Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots:

• New comers to classic, handcrafted American-made footwear, this is a solid entry-level boot
• Individuals who value high-quality leather from renowned tanneries.
• Those looking for boots with durable construction that can be resoled.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots:

• Those who need specialized work boots with safety features like steel toes.

I’ll note that my pair had a few quality control issues like loose grain and threads; it’s nothing big, but you may want to read my full review.

Wrapping Up

I hope this list helped you guys find some great American made boots in your price range and style. All of these companies are American owned and all of the boots highlighted are American made. Whatever your priority or your budget, you’ll find something on this list to suit your style and your needs.

[Related: My list of The Best Boots for Men]

FAQs American Made Boots

What are some made in the USA Boot companies?

• Thursday Boot Co's Vanguard and Logger models
• Red Wing Heritage Boots and some Red Wing Work Boots
• Truman Boot Company
• Oak Street Bootmakers
• Origin Maine
• Rancourt Shoe Co
• Russell Moccasin
• Allen Edmonds
• Thorogood's Heritage moc toe
• White’s Boots
• Alden
• L.L. Bean's Bean boot
• Wolverine's 1000 Mile boot
• Wesco
• Kreosote
• Role Club
• Nicks Handmade Boots

Who makes the best boot?

Are keen boots made in America?

Most Keen boots are made overseas in Mexico, Thailand, or other countries. Some Keen boots are assembled in Portland, Oregon.

Where are boots made in USA?

Boots are made across the USA. The Pacific North West has a high density of boot makers, but boots are made in Minnesota, Maine, and the East Coast.

Is Ariat American made?

Most Ariat are made in China or Mexico.

Is Timberland American made?

Most Timberlands are not made in America, but they do have limited-release boots that are made in America.

Are Red Wing boots made in USA?

All of Red Wing’s Heritage boots are made in the USA. Many of their work boots are made in the USA, but some are made overseas.

What men's boots are made in USA?

There are many boots made in the USA here are a few.

• Red Wing Heritage Boots and some Red Wing Work Boots
• Thursday Boots makes their Vanguard boots in America
• Parkhurst
• Oak Street
• Thorogood
• White’s Boot Company
• Alden
• L.L. Bean

What is the best all around boot?

We think the Thursday Vanguard is the best all-around made in the USA boot. The price and quality are fantastic. Red Wing's Heritage Boots are also fantastic.

Are Carhartt boots made in the USA?

Carhartt boots are not made in the USA. They are made overseas by a grey label manufacturer, some people consider Carhartt boots to be cheap and poorly made.