Forefront vs OT Boots: Which Boot Is Right for Your Work?

If you’ve browsed through our website before you’ve most likely come across two of our popular options: the Forefront and OT. You might be wondering which one actually fits your work. Let’s break down our two most flexible boots to better understand how they’re built and what they’re designed for.

Let's Start With the O.T.

This is what we like to call our “dual sport” work boot. The idea behind it was to take the durability and toughness of our heavy-duty boot (like the Superduty/Fire Inlander) and make it lighter, more flexible, and easier to move in. The biggest change is in the midsole. In the Superduty, it runs all the way through the boot. In the OT, it doesn’t, we feathered it at the ball of the foot for what we call our “flexi design”. This small adjustment makes a big difference.

The result is a boot that feels more nimble and responsive. Almost like a sneaker, but not exactly since it’s still built fairly tough. It comes at an 8 inch height with a lower heel to keep it more lightweight. It also uses the 132 unit sole, a lug-style sole giving you better traction and grip as well as stability because of that wide base. That is why the OT is a go to for jobs that need stability and traction.

Now let’s take a look at the Forefront

The Forefront was built with construction and trade work in mind. It keeps that same flexible “flexi design” as the OT, so you’re still getting a lightweight and mobile boot. The big difference here between these two is the sole.

Instead of a lug sole, the Forefront uses a wedge sole (also called a Christie sole). This sole is all about comfort. If you’re spending long hours on concrete, walking between multiple job sites, climbing in and out of equipment, or working indoors and outdoors, that added cushioning makes a noticeable difference. It’s softer underfoot, reduces fatigue, and still provides enough grip for most job site conditions. A lot of electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and general contractors lean towards the Forefront for that reason.

So what’s the real difference between the two?

The OT is better if your work requires more grip, more aggressive footing, and a bit more of that “four-wheel-drive” feel. The Forefront is better if your day is spent on hard, flat surfaces where comfort and cushioning matter most. Everything else like materials, build quality, and the craftsmanship is essentially the same. Both are handmade, using high-quality leather, and built to last.

If you’re trying to decide between the two, the best thing you can do is think about your environment. Where are you working most of the time? What kind of surfaces are on every day? The answer will usually point you in the right direction. This doesn’t necessarily mean if you do one type of work you can’t use the other one. They are both still very versatile and flexible boots. And if you really want the best of both worlds, a lot of people end up owning both just rotating them depending on the job or season.

🔗 Visit our comparison page to compare the specs on both the Forefront and O.T. as well as our other models.

Watch the video below to see the full breakdown on the Forefront vs the O.T.