Moc toe boots are any type of boot designed with a U-shaped seam on the top of the toe box. This style was inspired by the design of moccasin shoes historically worn by Native American peoples, and moc toe simply means “moccasin toe.” The seam can be created either by stitching together two pieces of material around the toe box or by creating a seam within a single piece in the same shape. While there are pros and cons to each construction method, the material that covers the top of Thorogood moc toe boots is made with one piece of full-grain leather; this gives them all the benefits of the moc toe design, while also providing added strength and better water resistance, and making it easier to resole the boots.
Why Are Moc Toe Boots So Popular?
The moc toe style is primarily associated with work boots designed for rugged performance, which makes them a popular choice not only for people who work tough jobs, but also those who want to add a little toughness to their style. Worn with a simple pair of jeans and few layered shirts, these boots are a great addition to a casual fall look. One of the benefits to their popularity is that you can wear a good pair of moc toe boots both on the job and on the town.
For most men, however, the real appeal of moc toe boots is their comfort, durability, and practicality – these boots are “must-haves” on many jobsites for a good reason. The seam on the top does more than look nice; it gives these boots added flexibility. The shape of a moc toe, with higher walls in the toe box, also offers a little more room for your toes, which many people find more comfortable – especially after standing on their feet all day. Plus, the moc toe style is very versatile and can be used on boots of all sizes, from those with 6-inch shafts to 11-inch pull-on Wellingtons. You can find them with wedge or heeled outsoles, waterproof linings, anti-slip soles, and with toe protection. These boots are made for the workplace, so they offer the features that you need to perform your best in a difficult environment. When your jobsite has specific requirements, such as wearing steel toe boots or shoes with ASTM F3445-21 slip-resistance, a durable pair of Thorogood moc toe boots is a great investment.
Many people find moc toe boots to be more comfortable than plain or round toe boots, especially when they’re on their feet all day. The seamed design delivers more flexibility in shoe overall, and it creates a toe box with higher walls so there’s more space for the toes. The outsole of a moc toe boot will depend on the particular style, but wedge soles are very common and good at distributing the wearer’s weight more evenly. Moc toe boots also tend to be comparatively lightweight, which makes them easier to wear when your day involves a lot of kneeling and standing, walking on uneven surfaces, and climbing ladders.
Of course, not everyone prefers moc toe boots, and they aren’t the best choice for every job. Logger boots, for example, typically have a plain or round toe and an aggressive sole to keep the wearer on his feet. If you’re spending a lot of time in the outdoors, you may find that plain toe boots are a little easier to clean. And for cold weather, a good pair of insulated outdoor boots is going to provide more warmth and protection.
Is Moc Toe a Safety Boot?
Not all moc toe boots are safety boots, but this style can be made with a safety toe. The design of the toe offers space to include a steel toe or a composite toe, depending on the style and preference. If you need other safety features in addition to a safety toe, Thorogood work boots include options with electrical hazard resistance (ASTM F2413-18 or ASTM F2892-18), oil-resisting outsoles, and slip resistance (ASTM F3445-21), in addition to many waterproof styles.
If your job requires footwear with a metatarsal guard, then the moc toe style may not be an option. Metatarsal guards help protect the top of the feet from compression injuries, extending protection beyond the toe box. Thorogood work boots with metatarsal guards (including our I-MET Series), typically feature a round toe style.
What Are Moc Toe Boots Good For?
Moc toe boots are good for many jobs, particularly those that require boots that are comfortable, flexible, and durable. They’re good work boots for electricians and plumbers (look for the EH code when working anywhere that electrical hazards may be a threat), concrete workers, carpenters, and construction workers. Check out our article on Buying Work Boots, and you’ll notice that there’s a moc toe boot under nearly every category (you might have to click through to the product to see that it has a moc toe). They’re also a good style if you want to carry that classic look off the jobsite and into your off-work hours, bringing the style and comfort with you.