This post may contain affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you sign up for or purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure for more information.
A good pair of work boots can be every welder’s best friend. After all, they protect your feet and help welders get through long hours of work. So, if you’re looking for the best pair, we’ve reviewed 10 of the best work boots for welders to help with your search.
Let’s start.
Best Work Boots for Welders for 2022 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Are you looking to buy the best boots for welding? There are so many boots to choose from, and all of them offer different qualities.
So, if your head is spinning from the thousands available on the market, don’t worry. Here are the best work boots for welders that you can choose from.
The Timberland PRO Boondock 6 Inch welding boot is considered a favorite among workers with heavy-duty responsibilities. With all the protection it gives, it’s also comfortable to wear.
Although it’s heavier than other boots, it’s still comfortable enough to wear all day, even during long shifts.
The only issue we had with this boot is that the laces are exposed. As such, this can be a potential fire hazard. However, adding welding spats to cover the top of the boots should do the trick.
Pros
It’s made with durable material.
As for comfort, it’s outstanding.
This boot is waterproof and fireproof.
It includes a rubber cap to prevent accidents.
Cons
You’ll definitely feel the heaviness on your feet.
The laces are exposed.
2. Dr. Martens, Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Heavy Industry Boots
Dr. Marten’s also has a great selection when it comes to welding boots. Not only do they offer protection for your feet, but they also provide enough stability to keep you comfortable and balanced all day.
This is all thanks to the extra removable insole and ankle padding that add not just tot your overall stability but also to your comfort while wearing them. They’re also fire- and water-resistant, which adds to their quality, durability, and comfort.
Apart from being water and fire-resistant, they can also help protect the welder from an electric charge or against accidental metatarsal impact.
Pros
You’ll be protected from fire and water.
If you don’t need the extra insole, you can remove it.
The boot is quite flexible.
It includes ankle padding for more comfort.
Cons
Each boot weighs 3 pounds meaning they are a bit heavy.
The toe box can be tight.
We wouldn’t recommend these boots for long shifts.
3. Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel Toe Work Boot
If you’re looking for something easier to slip on, Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel-Toe Boot can be a good choice. After all, it’s one of the best pull-on work boots for welders.
This pair has no laces, so you won’t have to tie them, giving you more protection against fire hazards. This will also ensure that your calves are as protected as your feet.
This is also quite comfortable to wear, but it takes a while for it to break it in. However, once you do, though, it feels more flexible and comfortable.
Pros
These boots have a shock-absorption feature, and they are fire and water-resistant.
Since they are slip-on boots they’re easy to wear.
They are heat, electricity, and slip-resistant.
Cons
You’ll need a bit more time to break-in and make these boots comfortable for you.
Generally, this pair is not as comfortable as other boots on the list.
4. Irish Setter Men’s Wellington Steel Toe Work Boot 83906
Another slip-on boot on the list, the Irish Setter Men’s Wellington Steel Toe Work Boot 83906, is another great choice for welders. These are produced by Red Wing Boots, a company known for manufacturing military boots during World War 1 and 2.
One of its most notable features is that it’s durable but also flexible. It also offers traction on slippery surfaces to keep you from slipping or falling. This, in addition to its waterproof nature, makes it one of the safest boots to wear when working.
Pros
This pair features impact protection, as well as a steel-toe safety cap.
It is waterproof and has moisture wicking features.
You won’t slip in them.
Cons
We don’t recommend wearing them in hot weather.
The ankle support is low.
5. KEEN Utility Men’s Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot
KEEN offers specific boots for various toe shapes, specifically done to fit the right or left foot for a better fit.
This is one of the reasons why KEEN boots are popular amongst construction workers. In addition, this particular boot model is the best steel toe work boots for welders due to its added protection.
The rubber toe coverings lessen the impact. The fabric covers both the toes and heels as well. The laces can be locked, but since it presents as a fire hazard, you can always add welding spats to reduce the risk.
Pros
The metallic lace hooks can be locked down.
They are made with a ToughTec abrasion resistant leather and include fabric lining.
The rubber soles are comfortable
Cons
This boot is heavy.
The soles can be squeaky.
6. Ariat Men’s Workhog H2O 400g Composite Toe Work Boot
If you’re looking for something with a little style, the Ariat Men’s workhog H20 400g Composite Work Boot offers a huge range of boots with different patterns.
It doesn’t mean that it’s not as durable as the others from this list. On the contrary, it’s comfortable to wear, and the quality is also good.
It reduces moisture through its moisture-wicked footbed. Aside from this, it’s also a good investment because you can have them resoled when the soles have worn out. After all, the outsoles are stitched at the bottom of the welt.
Pros
This pair of boots feature a Gel-cushioned insole and a moisture wick footbed.
They’re easy to wear because it’s a slip-on and they are extremely lightweight.
Cons
It takes a while to break-in.
The boot sizing is different from regular shoes.
7. Timberland PRO Men’s MetGuard 6″ Steel-Toe Boot 40000
This is yet another good welding boot from Timberland. This work boot offers protection from electrical and construction hazards. Aside from that, these boots are comfortable to wear, and they don’t restrict movement.
You’ll be able to move with more agility compared to other welding boots. They’re also incredibly durable and last a long time, two of Timberland’s signature qualities.
Pros
The steel shank offers support and there’s also support for arches through cushioning.
The budget option for people who aren’t welding for long hours is the Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker Work Boot IA5016.
Although they’re not as comfortable as the other boots on our list, they’re still reliable when it comes to keeping your feet safe.
The boots are oil-, chemical-, and slip-resistant. In addition, the Kevlar stitching ensures that they are durable since it will keep them from burning. So, if you’re not welding frequently, these boots are the best option for you.
Pros
This pair is not as expensive as the other boots.
It’s equipped with aMetatarsal guard.
Great for occasional welders and short wearing time.
Cons
It is not very comfortable compared with the other boots on the list.
It takes a while to break-in.
9. Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ MetGuard Steel-Toe Boot 53530
These boots are designed to exceed the ASTM safety standards. The design is loaded with safety features but doesn’t forego comfort. It provides a nice fit due to the asymmetrical shield design that follows the natural shape of your foot.
Aside from these, the Timberland Welding Boots 53530 are also exceptionally durable. Therefore, it’s recommended for those who work for long hours.
Pros
This boot is breathable so it’s more comfortable to wear for a long period.
It is abrasion-resistant
You also get added ankle protection for more comfort.
Cons
It is heavy so it can affect the user’s mobility.
10. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Moc Toe, MAXWear Wedge Safety Toe Boot
The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Moc Toe is recommended for those looking for a more breathable pair of welding boots.
They included fiberglass shanks to protect your arches. This material provides the support your feet need, especially when you’re stuck in long shifts.
Although the laces are exposed, and the boots are not waterproof, it’s still recommended since they offer protection from various hazards you might be exposed to while working.
Pros
This pair of boots can resist up to 18,000 volts.
It has thick insoles, making it comfortable.
It is breathable.
Cons
The laces are exposed.
Your feet are not protected from water.
Best Work Boots for Welders: Buying Guide
Choosing top work boots for welders can be tricky. Here are a few things to consider before buying one.
Material and Construction
Exposure to extreme temperatures is one of the biggest hazards when it comes to welding. So whatever process you’ll be using, you need to be sure that every part of your body is protected.
In this case, the best heat-resistant material is leather. However, it doesn’t mean that it is not penetrable. It should give you ample time to remove before the chemicals and heat burn the leather.
Double stitching helps the boot become more rugged, and the boot should cover enough height for your protection.
There’s also the potential hazard of heavy materials falling on your feet. Moreover, the equipment you use for other objects surrounding you can be dangerous if they fall on you.
To protect your feet, your boots should have metatarsal guards and a steel toe cap. The toe cap can be made from steel, aluminum, or plastic.
Meanwhile, metatarsal guards are often used to cover laces. They are strapped on top of the laces, and they can be made from steel, aluminum, fiber, or even plastic.
Additionally, it should also be able to protect you from electric shocks. Look for boots with rubber soles. These should have non-conductive properties.
Since you will be wearing them for long periods, your boots should be comfortable to wear. A nice pair of boots is nothing if it’s uncomfortable to wear, especially if it causes pain.
Look for boots with thick insoles. Also, check if the inner padding is thick enough.
Another good feature has a moisture-wicking fabric lining to make it easier to wear. This helps reduce the odor and sweat.
If your work requires you to stand on ladders for long periods, look for boots with shanks in the arches to give you the support you need.
Your heels and ankles should be covered too. Try to find boots with padding around the ankles or anything To keep them from sliding on your feet. This will help you to avoid getting blisters.
Good quality boots aren’t often cheap, but they’re a good investment. They’ll surely last for a long time, making every cent you pay worth it. Plus, it gives you the protection you need when it uses materials of the best quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should work boots be tight or loose?
Work boots should have a proper fit. There should be some resistance when you wear them. However, it shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.
Ideally, try the boots and walk around a bit before buying them to see how they feel. If you think they are too loose or too tight for you, they probably are. Try other sizes and compare which pair feels more comfortable for you. If you’re shopping online, always read the reviews and check the return policy.
Q: Is there a standard size for work boots?
Unfortunately, no. Each brand has a varying size chart. Some work boots, for example, have a smaller size, “10” compared to others.
You should also keep in mind that sizing for shoes and sizing for boots are not always the same. In addition, each pair of boots has a different shape. As a guide, always check the insole. If you’re unsure, go to the store and try them out first.
Q: What kind of boots are recommended for welders?
The best kind of boots that welders should use are non-conductive boots. These are also known as Electrical Hazard boots (EH boots). These are designed to protect the welders from any type of electrical hazard.
These should keep them safe from electrical shocks and from electrical circuits that have 600 Volts at most. Typically, Electrical Hazard boots are made of materials that are heat- and slip-resistant.
Q: Why do you need to use work boots for welding?
Welding materials and processes can badly harm your feet. In addition, heavy equipment that falls on your feet can cause injury. You need work boots to protect you from the hazards found within your working environment.
A good pair of work boots will keep you safe from corrosive chemicals, heat, oil, heavy objects, as well as electric shocks. These will also keep you comfortable working long shifts.
Q: What are metatarsal guards?
Metatarsal guards protect the top of the foot from heavy objects that may fall on it. This prevents injuries from heavy objects rolling or dropping on the foot.
It also serves as a shield from heat and other corrosive chemicals that may splash onto your boots. These are recommended if your work boots have open spaces or laces. Laces can be a fire hazard, so make sure they aren’t exposed by putting a metatarsal guard on top of it.
Q: Why are work boots heavy?
To protect your feet, there are extra safety features that are added to work boots. The steel toe cap, extra rubber layer for shock-resistance, extra padding for comfort, and the metatarsal guard are just a few features that have been added to keep the welder’s feet safe.
Some work boots will add more safety features, depending on what the boots will be prioritizing. Before buying, make sure that you know what kind of work you’ll be doing. If you’re required to move a lot, look for lighter ones.
Q: How to take care of work boots?
Work boots are typically durable. If you take care of them properly, they will last longer than you expect. First, clean them with a water-based cleaning agent and use a nylon brush to scrub the dirt. After cleaning, apply a waterproofing agent on your boots to help with repellency. Next, apply leather conditioner if needed. Finally, clean the insoles to remove odor and dirt.
Conclusion
The review and comparison for the best work boots for welders should help you decide which of those are right for you.
Each of the reviewed work boots has different specifications, and there are also differences in the design and feel of the material. However, some of them are great for those who move around a lot or for those required to stand up a lot during their shift.
Moreover, before buying, make sure you know what kind of environment you have and what type of work is expected.
These boots are a good investment since they will last long while they protect your feet, but only if you are using the right pair. The wrong pair might protect you from hazards, but it might not be comfortable enough while you work.
Leave a Reply