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Best Welding Boots to Protect you From Electrical Current and Falling objects

Welding is not an easy job. You have to deal with the dangers of an electrical current, falling objects, and sparks of molten welding rod. You might think that protecting your eyes with the right goggles and hands with the best welding gloves is enough, but wait until any of the above lands at your foot. You will be lucky to suffer a sprain as you dash to avoid the dangers. The worst-case scenario might see you stay away from your workplaces for months before you can completely heal.

Don’t wait until you learn your lesson. The best way to avoid such dangers and ensure that you work seamlessly is to wear the right welding boots. These shoes are designed specifically for welding and come with high-quality material to protect the feet from heavy materials and severe burns.

To save you from the hassles of finding the right one, we have rounded up ten best welding boots and even went a step further to provide some useful points that will help you make an informed decision.

Top 10 Welding Boots of 2020 Reviewed

 

1. Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge MG ST Steel-Toe Met Guard Boot

    Best Steel-Toe Guard Boot

    If you want the toughest pair of welding boots that can last through rough working conditions, try the Dr. Marten’s Men’s Ironbridge MG ST Steel-Toe Met Guard Boot. They feature a tough sole with the ability to stop you from slipping on wet oily surfaces or wet conditions. They are made with double stitching and heavy-duty laces and eyelets. It is hard to find a pair of boots that’s as durable as this. You will hardly notice any signs of wear and tear after wearing them for a long time.

    Dr. Martens Men's Ironbridge MG ST Steel-Toe Met Guard Boot

    It is composed of full-grain leather, water-resistant uppers which secure and protect you from the elements. The fabric lining is breathable and has the ability to wick away moisture so that your feet remain cool and fresh throughout the day. Despite their toughness, the boots are flexible with a removable insole and ankle padding. Thus, they are extremely comfortable to wear when busy in your workshop.

    To protect your toes against falling objects, the boots have steel toes caps. But that does not mean that the boots are that heavy. In fact, they are some of the lightest in the industry. Only that the sole is likely to melt due to its softness.

    Pros
    • Tough sole to prevent slipping
    • Double stitching for ultra-durability
    • A full-grain leather, water-resistant upper
    Cons
    • Soft, easy to melt soles
    • Not suitable for heavy-duty welding
    • Might be too wide for your liking

2. GW Men’s 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots

    Best Slip Resistant Welding Boot

    Boots with rubber soles are the best when it comes to providing the perfect grip. If you wear these boots on oily surfaces, you will hardly experience any falls. Also, the boots hold very well in wet conditions. Since the sole is made using the proprietary Good Year Welt technology, it resists heat in the working environment, making it extremely durable. Also, the soles will not show any signs of wear after long use. The sole’s platform is 0.75 inches thick and the heel 1.5 inches

    GW Men's 1606ST Steel Toe Work Boots

    The boots feature full-grain leather uppers that ward off any water any moisture, given that they are water-resistant. In order to prevent your toes from getting hurt by falling objects, the shoes feature steel toe cups. While this is metallic, it in no way means it is too heavy for you to lift it.

    One of the things about this pair of boots is that it is extremely affordable. It is a high-quality pair of boots which is not as costly as the other shoes in this category. So, if you are looking for a boot to use to greater effect in your workshop, this is it.

    Pros
    • Has a sizable, durable sole
    • The rubber sole is slip-resistant
    • The full-grain upper leather is water-resistant
    Cons
    • The heel doesn’t feel like it is that high
    • Steel toe cap may cause bruises
    • Reports of the boots wearing off too soon

3. Timberland PRO Men’s Excave External Met Guard Work Boot

    Best ever-guard leather Work Boot

    Given these boots top features, they can safely be considered among the best. One thing you like about these boots is that they are safe and comfortable to wear. They have metatarsal guards, which provide you with maximum protection against the elements. The hinged and asymmetrical guards provide protection from down to the top of your feet even when squatting or bending. The boots are made so that they can easily conform to the natural shape of your feet.

    Timberland PRO Men's Excave External Met Guard Work Boot

    It is made of weatherproof EverGuard leather to prevent moisture from getting inside. To ensure that you have highly durable boots, Kevlar thread is used to stitch the shoes together. Thus, you can expect to have these shoes in your possession for a long time to come.

    These boots come with steel toe caps, to protect your toes from falling objects. The good thing about the toe caps is that they are roomy enough to accommodate even the thick feet. On the inside, the toe caps are comfortable such that you will hardly feel the heat while welding indoors or outdoors. For greater occupational safety, the rubber sole is tough enough to prevent unnecessary accidents occasioned by slipping on oily, wet surfaces.

    Pros
    • Stronger ever-guard leather
    • Waterproof
    • The stitching is fire-resistant
    Cons
    • They might feel a little heavy
    • Reports of backstitching loosening
    • May hurt the feet

4. Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 Work Boot

    Best Work Boot with Steel Toe

    Good welding boots should stand out in two aspects, namely durability, and protection. Luckily, the Iron Age Men’s GroundBreaker IA5016 Work Boots stand out in all of those aspects. It features the highly durable Goodyear welt construction technology which when paired with Kevlar stitching leaves you with a pair of shoes that will last for a long time to come. In fact, past users have hailed these boots for their ability to withstand constant pounding and hammering.

    Iron Age Men's Ground Breaker IA5016 Work Boot

    These boots come with a number of standout safety features including steel toe caps which protect your toes from falling objects. The synthetic sole if slip-resistant to protect you from falls caused by slipping on oily and wet floors. Also featured is the metatarsal guards and insulation against electric shock. In fact, these boots comply with the stringent standards set by ASTM-F-2413.

    It measures 6.5 inches in terms of arc length right from the arc for adequate support for the angles. The major issue about these shoes is the lack of comfort. Since it has massive space inside, you can easily improve the cushioning by adding gel pads. That way, you do not have to buy new, more comfortable shoes.

    Pros
    • Steel toes cap to protect you
    • A slip-resistant synthetic sole
    • Durable Goodyear welt construction
    Cons
    • Not very comfortable
    • Reported to be too large
    • No women’s shoe sizes

5. Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel Toe Boot

    Best Pull-On Welding School

    Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel Toe Boot is for those who do not like laces. With these shoes, you do not have to worry about the laces coming undone at work. It eliminates any instances of you getting burnt out when welding. In addition, the shoes are calf-length, to provide you with the protection you need all the way up.

    Caterpillar Men's Revolver Pull-On Steel-Toe Boot

    It features full-grain leather uppers which are waterproof. That way, you don’t have to worry about getting soaked wet while working. The fireproof upper protects you from the heat coming as a result of your welding work. The shoes have the Goodyear welt construction making them strong, sturdy, and durable.

    Unlike other shoes in the same category, these do not have metatarsal guards, which is unnecessary since they have no laces that could catch fire. However, the shoes have steel toe caps to protect the lower parts of the feet from falling objects. It has a shock-absorbent PVC midsole which ensures extra comfort throughout the day. With boots, you will never complain about aching feet after work. Also, you are protected all the way to the calves which are not possible with ankle-length footwear.

    Pros
    • Waterproof leather upper
    • Durable Goodyear welt construction
    • Slip-resistant sole
    Cons
    • Lacks met-guards
    • Do not have many comfort-enhancing features
    • May prove to be hard to wear

6. Dr. Martens Men’s Icon Industrial Strength Steel Toe Boot

    Best Industrial-Grade Work Boot

    This is another great product from Dr. Martens. It features a durable, non-slip sole which prevents you from falling on oily, wet floors. With that, you will be able to work confidently without having to worry about work-related accidents. Besides the tough outsole ensures that the boots last for as long as it takes.

    Dr. Martens Men's Icon Industrial Strength Steel Toe Boot

    When it comes to the upper, the boots have a 100 percent outer covering. It is both water-resistant and fireproof. The upper will protect you from getting wet or scorched as a result of your work environment. To make spice everything up, the boots rise all the way to the calf thus protecting you beyond the ankles. You definitely need that kind of protection in a potentially hazardous work environment.

    To protect your toes from falling objects and knocks on other objects lying on the floor the boots are fitted with steel toe caps. It is not just any kind of toe cap. Rather, it is ANSI-rated to ensure proper protection. You can use the shoes in any rugged working conditions so that you are able to remain safe and protected.

    Pros
    • Non-slip rubber soles
    • Protects you all the way to the calves
    • Features steel toe caps
    Cons
    • Not suitable for heavy-duty welding
    • The ankle padding is not protective enough
    • May let in a bit of moisture

7. EVER BOOTS Tank Men’s Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Insulated Work Boots

    Best Insulated Welding Boot

    The best shoes in potentially hazardous environments are those with non-slip rubber outsoles. Like other protective shoes, the EVER BOOTS footwear features a rubber sole. You can wear these shoes while working on slippery oily, and wet floors. It will be possible for you to avoid any freak accidents while working. Additionally, the shoes have a good insole to provide maximum cushioning and comfort to your feet while at work. At the end of the day, you will sit pretty knowing that you are protected.

    EVER BOOTS Tank Men's Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Insulated Work Boots

    If you are looking for a pair of durable welding boots, this is worth trying. It features the widely acclaimed Goodyear welt construction which keeps the shoes strong for longer. You may use the shoes in rough conditions but you will still have something to wear years later.

    The uppers are made of full grain leather which is water-resistant. In wet conditions, you can be sure of your feet remaining comfortably dry. Apart from the eyelets, the boots have hooks through which you can direct the laces for quick wearing. It is even better than the boots come with a 3-month warranty. What more would you want?

    Pros
    • Has a non-slip rubber sole
    • Feature the Goodyear welt construction
    • Water-resistant full-grain leather uppers
    Cons
    • May fall apart without a warning
    • Has cheap shoelaces
    • Not suitable for heavy-duty welding

8. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Toe Work Boot

    Best Caterpillar Shift Toe Welding Boot

    Caterpillar is one of the best welding men’s shoes on the market. It is a welcome addition to the large collection from the world-renowned shoemaker. It features the Goodyear welt construction which makes it highly durable. Together with the full-grain leather upper, which is both waterproof and fire-resistant. With these great features, this is undoubtedly one of the most durable welding boots you can find anywhere.

    Caterpillar Men's Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot

    However, it is not just the durability of these boots that make them an attractive option. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Toe Work Boots have a number of safety features including a steel toe guard and a still-resistant outsole. To protect your toes from injuries due to falling objects or knocks, the tire cap comes in handy. The slip-resistant feature prevents accidents in wet or oily environments.

    In addition to that, the lining inside the boot is a nylon mesh affair. It improves the breathability of the boots as well as the comfort levels. When all is said and done, the Climasphere insole controls any unwanted odor. It doesn’t look like any of the other boots featured in this review but holds well when it comes to maximum protection. The only major issue concerns the poor quality laces, which are incidentally replaceable.

    Pros
    • Protection from steel toe cap
    • The rubber sole has slip-resistant traction
    • A mesh lining for breathability
    Cons
    • Poor-quality laces
    • Not one of the best comfort levels
    • Reports of rubber separating from the sole

9. ROCKROOSTER Men’s Work Boots Waterproof Steel Toe, Antistatic

    Best Welding Boot with Contoured Footbed

    The ROCKROOSTER Men’s Work Boots are designed to be water-resistant. If you are a welder in industrial or shipyard settings, this is the perfect boots for you. So, if your work involves the construction of pipelines, look no further than this. It features a full-grain tumbled leather upper which wards off water keeping your feet dry. But that isn’t the only safety feature of these boots. They also feature steel toe caps, so that your feet remain protected from falling objects and accidental knocks. Due to the fact that the boots have rubber soles, they are infinitely slip-resistant.

    ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men

    So what does that mean? It is possible to do your in areas full of water without worrying about wet feet, electrocution, and odor development. With the PORON materials used to make these shoes, you can be sure of a quick-drying pair of shoes, which is also able to control the temperature. It protects you against electric shock, thanks to its static control capabilities.

    Expect your feet to be contoured properly to the comfortable insoles for total support while going about your duty. It is, therefore, possible to work for long hours without feeling any kind of fatigue. Only that the boots prove to be a little too tight for your comfort.

    Pros
    • Water-resistant construction
    • Contoured footbed for extra comfort
    • Made of PORON materials
    Cons
    • Might prove a little too small
    • Does not protect to calf level
    • No met-guard

10. MAIERNISI JESSI Safety Shoes Suede Leather Welders Welding Safety Boots

    Best Suede Leather Welding Boot

    This particular shoe is different from most of those featured so far, given that the upper is a suede leather affair. Thus, it is highly durable. The rubber sole which is water-resistant. Thus, if you are working in slightly wet environments, you will be protected from unwanted wetness. It is a beautiful shoe, thanks to the suede cowhide material.

    MAIERNISI JESSI Safety Shoes Suede Leather Welders Welding Safety Boots

    In addition to being water-resistant, the rubber sole has anti-slip traction, which keeps you on your feet in a potentially hazardous working environment. Whether it is an oily flow or one flooded with water, you are good to go with this kind of traction. But that’s the only way this shoe will keep you safe. It also has a steel toe cap to protect your feet from accidental knocks and falling objects.

    It seems like these shoes are majorly meant for men, given that the sizes only fit the male gender. If you are a woman, you are advised to order 1.5 to 2 sizes down. For those in the U.S., the shoes may take a while to be delivered, given that they are manufactured in China.

    Pros
    • Beautiful suede leather upper
    • Steel toe cap protection
    • Anti-slip traction
    Cons
    • Shoes size not meant for women
    • Delivery may take long
    • Only ankle-length

How to Choose the Best Welding Boots – The Ultimate Buying Guide


So you want to buy welding boots? It will be foolhardy to order for a pair of boots when you aren’t sure of what you are getting. In order to get boots with the highest durability and functionality, there are a few things you need to consider. We shall examine them in terms of important questions you need to ask yourself before paying for a pair of welding boots.

Are The Boots Heat-Resistant?

As you weld metals together, the splatter will keep emitting heat, which may cause unnecessary injuries and even damage the shoes. That’s why it is important to check that the boots you need to buy are heat resistant. The good thing is that most of the boots available on the market are heat resistant. However, welding boots need to be made of heat-resistant materials such as hardy leather and heat-resistant soles made or neoprene.

Also important is material that prevents heat transfer to your skin like an in-sock with a Kevlar outer covering. This prevents the radiation of the heat to the inside of the shoes. But that’s not all. If the shoes are made of a rubber or high-density PU outsole are known to resist heat. In a factory setting, the best boots should ideally have a heat resistance level of at least 300 degrees Celsius. While some boots with heat-resistance abilities might be heavy, they are definitely worth the investment.

What Material Are The Shoes Made Of?

If the durability of the boots is important, then you need to give a good look at the material from which it is made. When buying welding shoes, some of the things to avoid include eyelets, prominent tongues, as well as crooks and crannies that could harbor molten metal. If your shoes were to be breached in any way, it is your feet they will get burned.

Equally important is the boots’ stitching. The best-designed shoes are those made with Kevlar thread. Not only are they durable but they are also heat resistant. There are a number of shoes which feature Goodyear welt construction. Welt refers to a leather part placed between the soles and the upper part of the boots which are then securely stitched together. In order to improve the ruggedness and longevity of the shoes, most manufacturers rely on the Goodyear welt construction.

However, some people may prefer shoes with the upper directly attached to the sole. Such shoes are lighter, affordable, and comfortable. Only that this kind of shoes are likely to be less durable. So, don’t be afraid of buying welding boots with welt construction. In the end, you will save a lot of money.

Laces or No Laces?

It might be a little bit confusing when it comes to choosing between pull-on and laced shoes. This is not just a question of picking one and not the other. It is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of these types of shoes. One thing you should know is that exposed laces can easily catch fire. They may also get untied tripping and even making you fall.

In order to avoid the risk of the laces catching fire or getting unnecessarily untied, you may want to buy boots with metatarsal guards. These will cover the laces from any kind of gender. But you don’t have to go with boots without laces. If laces are your thing, why not! Such shoes are comfortable and safe to wear.

You will enjoy a number of advantages by investing in a pair of no-lace welding boots. For once, there is no way such shoes are going to trap molten metal. If you want a pair of shoes you can put on quickly and head off to work, this is it. Some of these shoes are created to cover your ankles all the way to the calves.

Are The Boots Waterproof?

It is not possible that you will be working in a dry environment throughout. If you work in wet or oily places, you need a pair of waterproof welding boots. Examples of wet environments include shipyards pipeline construction sites.

It to have a pair of waterproof welding boots, you can easily step in water without it soaking you up. Not only will your feet remain dry, but you will also be able to avoid the development of odor on your feet. Water is dangerous where electrical extension cords pass. When they come into contact with moisture, these may cause an unnecessary electric shock.

So make sure you get a pair of water-resistant boots if you intend to work in wet environments without having to worry about anything. Most of the shoes labeled water-resistant are usually made of leather. There are a number of manufacturers making shoes with a hydrophilic and oil coating to totally stop the entrance of water into the boots. For shoes without a water-resistant coating, the owner can apply the necessary material. However, that can be very costly.

Any Steel Toe Cap?

It is not a must for welding boots to have a metal toe cover. However, it is good to take precautions just in case a heavy object like an engine block, fuel tank or metal workpiece falls on your feet. That way, you can avoid severe fractures or total loss of toes on your feet. Where you have a factory, OSHA requires you to provide your employees with boots with steel toe caps.

Importantly, the cap needs to cover the whole of the toe section. If electric shock if likely, then buy a shoe with a fused toes cap and not one made from metal. Apart from being comfortable to wear, fused toe caps and also lighter. If you opt to save money by investing in a cap-less boot, you may end up having to deal with an avoidable accident. So don’t compromise on your safety. Only buy welding boots with steel toe caps.

How Durable Is The Sole?

One of the most important safety features of shoes is the sole construction. It is important that you consider how thick the sole is. If you buy a thin sole, then you are likely to get injured due to punctures by sharp objects. With thicker soles, you will also be able to enjoy better cushioning and shock absorption. That way, you will remain more comfortable all day long.

But thickness is not everything. Another important aspect of the sole if whether it is anti-slip or not. You would need slip-resistant shoes if your work environment has a soapy or oily floor. However, a good sole should also resist any chemicals such as acids and also resist heat. With a high-quality sole, you will be able to maintain high levels of traction and avoid unnecessary injuries and fatalities. In short, it will be easier for you to stay on your feet. Instead of synthetic soles, buy rubber ones.

How Comfortable Or Supportive Are The Boots?


The best welding boots are also comfortable. If they do not have good support, they may cause discomfort and even injuries. Look at factors such as breathability, which simply means the ease of inflow and outflow of air. Breathable shoes are able to prevent your feet from being soaked in heat and sweat. Also important it the kind of cushion provided by the insole. Basically, a good insole should allow the free floor of blood in your feet without creating pressure points. Another important contributor to the comfort of the boots is the weight. Simply put, lighter boots are easy to carry.

Conclusion

So what kind of boots will you buy? The review above has ten of the best welding boots from which you can pick. We have provided detailed information on all of them together with the pros and cons. If none of them appeal to you, then you can look elsewhere but considering the buying guide. Whatever you do, make sure you buy a pair of boots that’s both comfortable and highly functional. That way, you will never regret it.

Written by Adrian Dimakis

Adrian Dimakis loves writing about everything tech, gadgets, travel and leisure as a full time editor at LearningRegistry. Adrian graduated from UCLA with a degree in journalism and marketing, and his work has appeared in publications including USAToday and The Boston Globe. When he's not testing gadgets and accessories, checking different online services, you can find him planning his next trip on a big paper world atlas with lots of pins. Adrian is also an avid consumer with an oddly deep love for finding amazing deals on amazing products.

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