Steel toed work boots don’t often look very fashionable. If you’re wandering around a warehouse ready to kick pallets into place or trying to avoid dropping an engine on your toes you’re probably not too worried about looks. Luckily, Brunt has both foot safety and fashion covered.
Brunt makes rugged work boots for various tough climates. They’re slip and oil resistant and many come in hard and soft toe options. The $169 Marin Brunt Toe Work Boot that we reviewed is a sort of a cross between a chukka-style boot with moccasin seams and, thanks to Brunt’s waterproof toe and heel cap, a duck boot. The boots feature a high laced upper, protective caps on the front and the back, and Brunt’s signature styling.
Brunt founder Eric Girouard didn’t just slap his logo on another generic moc-toe. He worked with Matt Marin, a lifelong friend and real-life tradesman, to make a boot that holds up under actual job site conditions. Marin wanted a boot that had the classic moc-toe look but with real durability and comfort out of the box. The result? A boot that’s waterproof, slip-resistant, and heat-resistant up to 572°F. Oh, and it’s also barnyard-resistant—because apparently, that’s a thing.
The white sole hearkens back to more familiar workwear brands but Brunt has added their own touches to these clod hoppers, making them surprisingly wearable and unique.
How do they feel?
The boot itself is surprisingly comfortable. I walked about three miles in this pair over the weekend and had no issues with chafing or break-in at all. In fact, I was surprised how easily these slipped on and off and kept my feet warm and secure. I had no issues with these and will be wearing them regularly. I would recommend sizing down, however, as they do run big. I usually wear a 12 but chose an 11.5 because I felt the sizing wouldn’t be quite true. I was right.
Brunt’s leather is sourced from Texas steer, which sounds tough enough to begin with, but it’s also treated to resist the nasty mix of acids, chemicals, and salts you’ll find on industrial and farm job sites. The high-quality cemented construction makes the boot flexible from day one, so you’re not limping around for weeks while they break in. You’ll notice a little scratching on the finish because the boots aren’t quite matte and instead have a bit of a sueded texture to them. This is fine, just a little off-putting if you’re trying to keep them looking clean.
The Marin Toe doesn’t mess around when it comes to durability. The Brunt Toe exterior cap and heel guard keep high-wear areas from falling apart. If you’re someone who spends time on your knees working on floors or crawling around in tight spaces, you won’t wear through the front of these boots in a few months.
A solid work boot is useless if it’s uncomfortable. Brunt solves this with a built-in adjustable width system—remove an insert, and the boot goes from a standard D width to a relaxed EE fit. The midsole is made from Brunt’s polyurethane blend, which lasts longer and cushions better than the cheaper EVA midsoles you’ll find in budget boots. Inside, the Brunt Cush’n insoles layer memory foam, a cushy bottom layer, and an anti-odor treatment, because no one wants to deal with the alternative.
The boot is lightweight (2 lbs. per boot in size 9), so you’re not dragging around an anchor all day. The non-metallic composite safety toe is 15% lighter than steel and won’t turn into a block of ice in winter or a frying pan in summer.
Built for Real Job Sites
The Marin Toe isn’t a fashion statement—it’s built for real job sites with real hazards. The rubber outsole is slip- and oil-resistant and meets multiple ASTM non-slip standards. It’s also electrical hazard-rated, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental contact with live wires. If you work in extreme conditions, the heat-resistant sole can handle temperatures up to 572°F.
The Verdict
The Brunt Marin Toe is a work boot designed by people who actually understand what a work boot should be. It’s durable, comfortable, and packed with features that make sense for people who spend their days on job sites. No pointless gimmicks, no overpriced branding—just a boot that does the job. If you’re tired of boots that either fall apart too fast or feel like bricks on your feet, the Marin Toe might be worth a look. They’re $169 and available now.
