DeWalt Richardson BOA Work Boot

Why I tried this boot

I spend a lot of time bouncing between indoor slabs, muddy job sites, and quick trips to the truck. Laces start to feel like a tax when you’re in and out all day, so a BOA dial boot has been on my list for a while. I’ve been wearing the Richardson BOA boot for several weeks in mixed conditions to see if the quick-on, quick-off promise holds up—and whether the rest of the boot keeps pace with that convenience.

Build and first impressions

Out of the box, the boot looks purpose-built: water-resistant nubuck leather, a toe scuff guard, and a low-profile BOA dial mounted high on the vamp. It’s a wide (EE) last, which you notice right away in the forefoot room. There’s a steel toe up front, an air-mesh lining, a PU insole, and a PU/rubber outsole that’s rated heat-resistant. The package sits at a middleweight for a steel-toe boot—reassuring without feeling like ankle weights.

The leather arrives with a light protective finish. It shrugged off a few splashes and a misty morning; it’s water-resistant, not a fully waterproof membrane boot, so treat it accordingly. Stitching and the scuff guard are tidy and well placed around the highest wear zones for kneeling and ladder work.

Fit and comfort

The wide fit is the story here. If you have broad feet or just prefer a generous toe box, this shape gives your forefoot space without losing heel hold. As someone with an average-to-slightly-wide foot, I appreciated the room on long days when feet swell. If you’re narrow-footed, plan on thicker socks or consider an aftermarket insole to take up volume.

The stock PU insole is soft under the heel and forefoot, with moderate arch support. There’s very little break-in; the nubuck is pliable on day one. Standing comfort is solid, thanks to a cushioned midsole that takes sting out of concrete and truck decks. If you’re on ladders for hours, the softer midsole can feel a bit compressive on rung edges—manageable, but something to note.

The BOA Fit System in real use

This is where the boot earns its keep. With gloves on, I can pop the dial, slide in, push down to engage, and micro-tune the tension in seconds. It’s not just about speed; it’s the consistency. I could fine-tune fit as my feet warmed up mid-morning, and I stopped dealing with loose laces catching on hardware.

Placement matters with BOA, and this dial sits fairly high. For most tasks that’s been fine, but on deep knee bends or long crouches, I felt the dial on the front of the ankle. A sock with some padding over the tongue took care of it for me. If you have a very high instep, try them on and flex into a squat to make sure the dial placement agrees with your anatomy.

The lacing cables distribute pressure evenly, and I didn’t experience hot spots once I got the tension right. The dial stayed locked; I never had to re-tighten unexpectedly, and a quick rinse kept mud from building up.

Safety and protection

The steel toe has respectable internal volume, so it doesn’t pinch in the way some safety toes do. The external scuff guard is more than cosmetic—it’s taken repeated kneeling on abrasive surfaces without cutting into the leather. The wide platform adds a bit of lateral stability when carrying awkward loads or stepping off curbs with a bucket or toolbox.

While the outsole is heat-resistant, there’s no claim here about puncture or EH ratings, so make sure it aligns with your site requirements. For my mix of carpentry, light mechanical work, and site walkthroughs, the protection has been appropriate.

Traction and outsole performance

The outsole uses a PU midsole for cushioning and a rubber compound where it meets the ground. On dry and wet concrete, untreated timber, and compacted soil, traction has been predictable. On dusty slab, it’s as good as any general-purpose site boot I’ve worn. As always, oily shop floors demand caution—nothing in this tread pattern is specialized for oil, and I walked accordingly.

Heat resistance is a quiet strength. Brief contact with hot surfaces (think sunbaked metal ramps or warm asphalt) didn’t soften or smear the rubber, and I never picked up that gummy feel you get with some softer compounds.

Durability so far

Uppers have held up well. The scuff guard absorbs the abuse of kneeling and crawling under sinks or chassis, and the leather keeps looking presentable with a quick brush-off.

The outsole design prioritizes comfort, and you can feel that cushioned core underfoot. That’s great for standing and walking miles, but it’s not a tank tread. Abrasive edges—rebar stubs, expanded metal, rough aggregate—will mark the rubber sooner than a heavier-lug work boot. After several weeks, my tread shows honest wear, mostly at the forefoot and outside heel. The bonding between layers has remained intact, but the construction isn’t resolable, so once you’ve worn through, you’re at the end of life. If you routinely grind through outsoles every few months, plan your expectations accordingly.

Breathability and moisture management

The air-mesh lining does its job. In moderate temps, my feet stayed dry without feeling clammy. On hot afternoons, I cracked the dial a notch at break and it was enough to restore comfort. In wet grass and light rain, the water-resistant leather kept the boot interior dry. In prolonged, heavy rain or standing water, expect moisture to find its way in; this isn’t a sealed waterproof boot.

Sizing notes

Available in sizes 7–13, the EE width is true to that designation. I wore my usual length and appreciated the extra forefoot room. If you’re between sizes and narrow-footed, consider going down a half size or plan on swapping in a higher-volume insole.

Maintenance

• Brush off dust daily to keep the nubuck from looking tired.
• Re-apply a water-repellent spray periodically to maintain resistance.
• Rinse the BOA dial and cables if you’ve been in mud; grit can affect smooth operation over time.
• Let them dry naturally—no heaters—to preserve the adhesives and leather.

Who this boot suits

• Trades where frequent on/off matters: site supervisors, delivery and supply drivers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, warehouse and assembly.
• Users who want a wide, stable platform and a roomy toe box.
• Folks who value cushioned, all-day comfort over ultra-rugged, resolable construction.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Heavy demo, ironwork, or formwork where outsoles are chewed up quickly or you require a resolable boot.
• Very narrow feet unless you’re ready to tune the fit with socks and insoles.
• Users with a very high instep who may feel the dial when deeply crouched.

Value

At a listed $149.99, you’re paying a premium for the BOA system and the convenience it brings. In my workflow, the time saved and the consistent fit are worth it. The comfort-to-weight ratio is strong, and the protective features hit the essentials. Durability is good for light-to-moderate construction use; for constant abrasion on harsh surfaces, you’ll trade some of that underfoot cushion for longevity in other models.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Richardson BOA boot for tradespeople who want quick on/off convenience, a precise, adjustable fit, and a roomy, wide platform with solid day-long comfort. It’s a smart everyday boot for mixed indoor/outdoor work, walkthroughs, service calls, and shop tasks where you value comfort and efficiency. If your job chews through outsoles or you need a boot you can resole, this isn’t the best match. For everyone else, the BOA system, cushioned ride, and protective upper make it a practical, time-saving choice that’s easy to live with.