After the welding helmet, gloves, and other accessories, it’s time to choose the best welding boots. And sometimes it can happen for you to completely neglect this very important aspect of welding. It’s an indisputable fact that welding is a hazardous job. From sparks and sputters to surges of electricity, falling objects, and everything in between, the dangers are close to impossible. That’s why boots can prove to be an effective solution.
Moreover, workers without suitable boots may be severely injured. That may result in them limping. Or worse, they may end up in a hospital for something that could’ve easily been prevented with welding boots on. It’s no wonder that professionals in the field know and understand fully the importance of welding boots at the workplace.
A widely-spread misconception states that quality boots can be very expensive. That’s not entirely true. Welders can find an awesome pair of boots for prices which are tailored to their specific budgets. You’ll find some very affordable ones that do the job outstandingly. The boots need to have all the right safety certifications that are required for the welding task.The well-known ASTM standards are an example.
Anyway, in the following paragraphs, we’ll dive deeper into the top-quality welding boots which are currently on the market. First, we’ll present you detailed reviews with the models’ specifications, pros, and cons. After that, we’ll move on to the benefits of owning a pair of boots. We’ll close with answering some of the most urgent and frequently asked questions.
Reviews Of The 10 Best Welding Boots
Before you embark on the journey to buying a pair of welding boots, know what you want in them. Quality boots are associated with comfort, durability, performance, and protection, among other things. Majority of the boots we’ll cover next are made of leather as a material that is very protective and resistant to water, heat and other external conditions. Protection against impacts, molten metals, and more is a desired capability.Also, steel toes represent another popular feature. What’s more, the outsoles and the midsoles of great boots increase the comfortability and provide additional structural support.
1. Thorogood Men’s GEN-FLEX – Best Choice
These boots are suitable for various tasks in your everyday life. Whether welding is your hobby or a profession, they will keep you well-protected.
First and foremost, they are slip-resistant. This means that you can weld on different surfaces and under different conditions. In the process, you shouldn’t worry about slipping or getting hurt. Despite this, users state that they are comfortable and easy to wear. Yes, they have a steel cap that is meant to protect the toes. It’s not metallic, ensures the warmth stays inside and resists corrosion. Yet it makes the boots lightweight. Actually, they weigh 5 pounds.
Other details worth mentioning are the soles and heels. They are made to resist electric shock. More precisely, you can apply up to 18.000 volts for a minute at 60 Hz without leakage. To accompany this, there are the GEN Flex 2 outsole and the cushion flex insole. Also, the soles are made out of rubber, which explains the strong resistance capabilities.
Finally, this model looks nice on your feet. Based on the users’ preferences, it can be bought in brown and black color. As a complaint, people say that they aren’t waterproof. This can prove to be tricky if you’re welding in harsh conditions.
Here are some more specifications to have in mind:
- VGS 300 technology
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 6 inches
- Material: 100% leather
- Slip- and oil-resistant
- Polyurethane footbed that is removable
- Size of heel: 1.5 inches
- Size of platform: 1 inch
2. Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge MG ST
While making this model, Dr. Martens had the safety of the welder in mind. That’s why these boots are designed to keep your feet away from danger, accidents, weather as well as electrical charges. For premium protection, the forefoot is covered with the metatarsal guard. And the leather upper is made to resist water and oil. This gives you a chance to weld in different places.
What’s more, there is the electrical hazard insulation. It’s incorporated in the leather in order to ensure you remain safe in case of accident electrical charges. In the area of the heels, the boots have features to absorb energy successfully. Not to mention that the toe cap has the capacity to withstand 200j impact together with 15kn force of compression.
Regardless of all of these details, users say that they are comfortable to wear. The cushioned footbed only contributes to this. However, you should know that users reported troubles with the soles being too soft for tough welding jobs. Therefore, they recommend wearing them for more casual and lighter tasks.
What’s interesting about this brand is that it offers some uncommon features, as well. Some of the notable ones are metal eyelets, lace carriers, ankle support that’s padded, lining for moisture-wicking, industrial cord lacing, and similar.
For more specifications and details, read these:
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Height of the heel: 1.5 inches
- Synthetic soles
- Black and teak color
- Size of boot opening: 14 inches
- Smartmask insole that’s removable
- Material: leather
3. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
This is an affordable yet efficient model. It’s a classic among the work boots. And professionals wear it all the time on the construction sites. When it comes to welding, these boots possess some really helpful features.
The fact that they have rubber soles that are slip-resistant proves their dedication to safety. To accompany this, there is the climasphere insole. It’s responsible for making the surroundings drier and smell-resistant. As for the upper, it’s made of full or nubuck leather with nylon lining. Thanks to this, the boots can breathe and feel more comfortable. Connected to this, the sock liner that can be easily removed improves the comfort even further. At the same time, they are stable and tough because of the steel shank.
As a possible downside, users say that the original laces can eat up pretty quickly, so you’ll maybe have to buy new ones. Others had troubles with the rubber soles separating a while after you start using the boots more intensely.
Overall, it should be noted that the design is appealing. Not only are you able to choose between various colors, but the boots have a speed lacing shaft, plush collar, and logos-filled tongue. Read on for some more detailed specifications:
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Steel toe cap
- Heel height: 1.5 inches
- Grommets that are in the shape of a hex
- Material: leather
- Shaft measurements: 6.5 inches
- Goodyear welt construction
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches
4. Ariat Men’s Workhog Pull-on Waterproof Work Boot
Do you fancy looking like a cowboy while welding? These stylish work boots are designed in this style. As the name suggests, they can be pulled on easily and used on rainy days. Their waterproof feature helps a lot of professionals and hobbyists.
To enhance the stability and comfort, they have an ATS Max platform. It’s responsible for reducing the fatigue while wearing them and ensuring the right alignment of the body. Due to this, you can wear them for longer periods without feeling any pain. Connected to this, it boasts with a round toe shape, as well.
Ariat is known for its original U-turn entry that allows you to easily put the boots on. No matter of the size of your foot, they are made to fit. The EVA midsole for absorbing shock and the rubber soles are other features that help the durability and comfort. It’s like you aren’t even wearing professional boots. They are that lightweight. However, unlike some of the other professional boots, it doesn’t have a steel cap for the toes. This can affect the safety of the welder, even though not much.
For those that want more details, here are some other specifications:
- Material: leather
- Colors: aged bark, army green, and oily distressed brown
- Measurement for the shaft: 10 inches from the arch
- Size of boot opening: 12.5 inches
- ATS Max platform
- Round shape of the toes
- Outsole that’s oil- and slip-resistant
5. Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger Boot
What stands out about these boots is their durability. They are made to last for many years without any issues. This is because they have many premium features that make them strong. For starters, they have a steel shank and a double leather cap for the toes. These are accompanied by a heel pocket made of leather.
An interesting detail is that the boots incorporate a bump toe that gives more space on the front. If you’re buying this brand for the first time, you should have in mind that they are larger than the regular shoes. Therefore, people buy them ½ size smaller than the size they usually wear. The triple stitch and the Goodyear welt construction only enhance the experience.
Putting all of these aside, there may be some issues with the insoles. The manufacturer uses staples during the process for keeping the insole connected to the plastic last. These staples can cause little holes to appear on the insole’s surface thus pushing up a bit of the grain of the leather sole. Yet this isn’t a serious problem as it can be taken care of with proper care.
More detailed specifications are as follow:
- Outsole’s material: nitrile cork
- Insole’s material: leather
- Size of the heel: 1 inch
- Size of the platform: 0.5 inches
- Laces: black and brown laces that are 48 inches long
- Supports different shapes of shoes
- Stitch-down welt construction
- Oil-resistant and non-marking soles
- Weight: 5 pounds
6. Michelin Men’s 8″ Sledge Metatarsal Work Boot Steel Toe Brown 9.5 D
Everybody recognizes Michelin from their quality tires. It’s no surprise that the company is into the welding boots business. And their products are head-turners. With protection that lasts for a long time after you buy them, the boots provide constant support for every worker.
To begin with, the leather is of the full-grain type. So, the welders don’t have to worry about being shielded from water or excessive heat. When the metatarsal guard and the steel toes combine, you get extra protection against impacts.
The midsole takes care of the feet’s cushioning as well as resistance to shocks. On the other hand, the outsoles give wearers stability and anti-slippery capabilities. That’s due to the dual-density. As proof of its shielding features, the model has the necessary ASTM next to its name.
According to some reviewers, a small drawback appears when the welder is either in a squat position or bending. That’s when the metal plate may make your legs feel uneasy.
Check out the next specifications and aspects of the boots:
- Material: full-grain leather
- Steel toes
- From-ankle-to-arch shaft
- Dimensions (approx.): 12 x 12 x 24 inches
7. Caterpillar Men’s Assault Work Boot
The Assault boot provides full safety from toe to heel as well as comfort while wearing it.It’s approved by all the necessary safety standards for the workplace.
With that being said,the metatarsal guards are resistant to impacts and punctures. So, the top of the feet is safe even from objects that may fall on them. Your feet’s soles are also shielded thanks to the rubberized soles. The full-grain leather material at the same time looks good and protects against water and temperature.
The lining is pretty detailed and designed to be extra breathable even in the heat.The stitching is double. To make them even more long-lasting, the design is lace-up with metal. What’s more, the cushioning capabilities and resistance to shock are possible due to the quality footbed.
A couple of buyers expressed some cons like the heaviness. After all, it’s a byproduct of all the features. Also, some claim that they experienced uneasiness when bending or squatting.
What follows are several important specifications:
- Color: brown
- Height: around 6 inches
- Material: leather
- Lining: climasphere
- Steel toes
- Rubber midsoles and outsoles
8. Timberland PRO Men’s 53530 8″ Metguard Steel-Toe Boot
Their metatarsal guardis asymmetrical. It enables the boots to be resistant to impacts and to fully shield your feet. They fit the natural shape of the feet so that the wearer can bend, squat or work in any other odd position without any issues. All the necessary standards for ASTM safety are met and even surpassed.
What’s more, the boots are comfortable to wear even after long hours spent welding or generally at work.That is further improved thanks to the fresh Comfort Suspension technology. Cushioning for the feet as well as arch support for the wearers are achieved.The producers also took care to make the boots extra breathable and flexible. That’s largely due to the comfy footbed which consists ofpolyurethane. Also, it stops any microorganisms from nestling there.
The material they’re composed of is leather. However, this is a special Ever-Guard type. It’s a lot more solid and more powerful than the regular type of leather. This also gives it the ability to withstand temperature as well as water.
Furthermore, the rubberized outsoles stop the wearers from slipping on oil or damp terrains. The toe caps are steel, yet they’re still sizable and don’t pressure the foot.It’s worth mentioning that a couple of buyers pointed out the weight of the boots as a minus.
Still, here are some notable features and specifications of the model:
- Additional protection for the ankles
- Weight (of size 9): 2.41 pounds
- Color: black
- Steel toes
- Material: leather
- Outsole is resistant to abrasion, oil, and slipping
- Sole material: rubber
- Metatarsal guard
9. Timberland PRO Men’s 40000 Met Guard 6′ Steel Toe Boot
The boots provide all the necessary features so that the worker can feel equipped to do the job well and efficiently. Some of the aspects they’re known are comfort, stability, safety, and durability. And we’ll see why.
The premium leather fibers make sure that the boot is resistant to abrasion. It protects the wearer from any major surrounding hazards. The other threads in the boots have protective capabilities, too. That’s why some shield you from high temperatures. What’s more, the guard system further increases comfort. This system also makes sure the wearer feels at ease even when they’re squatting or working in an unusual position. The boots’ top collar is made of leather and is padded for extra comfort.
Speaking of the design, the boots are made to mimic the natural shape of the feet.They’re of the lace-up variety, too. That means that the welders have much more control over how tight they want their boots to feel. The top hooks are metal to make the boots more long-lasting and sturdier.
Steel toes take care to maximize safety. The steel shank in the boots provides additional support and stability while wearing them. Moreover, the feet can easily breathe in the boots. And the control over the smell is heightened. All of this is achieved due to the polyurethane footbed.
On the other hand, many reviewers complain that the boots are heavier than others available on the market. Anyway, we display some more specifications to consider:
- Resistant to heat and oil
- Shaft (of size 8): 6 inches
- Great traction no matter the surface
- Height of the heel (of size 8): 1.5 inches
- Anti-slip capabilities
- Weight (of size 8): 2.7 pounds of one boot
- Sole material: rubber
- Synthetic sole
10. EVER BOOTS “Protector Men’s Steel Toe Industrial Work Boots
When you have comfortability on your mind, you come up with this model. Every feature and detail is made to ensure as much comfort as possible while wearing them. Starting from the outsoles, they have multiple layers. The steel shank is also strong, yet pleasant on the soles of the feet. It further minimizes the pressure while walking and ensures a high level of stability. What’s important is that the boots keep their peak performance even while operating or walking on uneven terrain.
Another plus is that besides welders, a variety of other professionals can wear them. If an individual has a dangerous job that demands walking or standing for a longer time, then this may be a useful solution. That’s why carpenters, laborers, engineers, plumbers, and others can wear them and feel safe and comfortable.
A few words about the materials the boot is made of will follow. Overall, it’s made of leather, which is a very popular material when it comes to welding boots. The soles are rubber. Additionally, the toe caps are steel.
Something that the manufacturer can work on, according to a couple of customers, is the fact that the eyelets can very often break. Keep in mind that they don’t have a lifetime warranty.
Let’s check out some of the highlight specifications and aspects:
- Size: from 7 to 13
- EH protection: 18,000V
- Very affordable
- Color: black
- Material: leather
- Steel toes
- Resistant to oil
- Anti-slip
- Height of the sole: around 2 inches
Guide To Choose The Best Boot for You
Numerous dangers are lurking when you’re welding. That’s why you need the extra layer of protection that welding boots provide for you. Of course, you shouldn’t go for the first pair that meets your eye. The following are some important factors to consider before you purchase a pair of these boots.
Buying Guide
Customers, as well as manufacturers, mainly separate the design of welding boots in two categories. We’ll talk about them next. The criterion is how you put them on. So, they can be either slip-on or lace-up.
- Slip-On Boots – Just as the name points out, they’re very easy for putting on. That’s because you just slip them on and off. On the side of the pros, they’re pretty tall and cover even the calves. However, they’re less comfy than their counterpart.
- Lace-Up Boots – As we stated, they’re much more comfortable. Plus, you can modify the tightness of the boot thanks to the lace so that the foot is secure yet relaxed. Since laces are prone to catching fire, it’s recommended to get some leather guards. A slight minus is the ability to catch fire and the fact that putting off these boots can be tougher.
Sweat And Waterproof
Water on the footbed of the welding boots obstructs the whole welding task and annoys every welder. The same goes for the sweat, including oil, too. That’s why it’s always a good idea to purchase boots that are water- and sweat-proof.
Welding Boots Height
Welders should feel at ease even when they perform in some odd position or have to bend or squat. Height is crucial in these instances. So, experts recommend that the minimum height should be around nine inches. That way, you’ll be more comfortable and know that your lower parts of the legs are safe.
Types Of Safety Toes
There are three main types of safety toes found in welding boots. Which one is right for you is up to your personal preferences and needs, as well as the nature of the task and the environment.
- Steel: These toe caps are the heaviest of all and thus offer maximum protection against heat and such external factors. The newest trends try to incorporate fitness and comfortability, too.
- Composite: It’s the densest choice, yet very light when compared to its steel counterpart. Moreover, these toe caps don’t conduct electricity nor heat. But you’re still protected from these. Usually, they’re composed of carbon fibers as well as plastic or Kevlar.
- Aluminum: They’re known for their comfort. Also, they’re still denser than the steel type. Welders who like the lightweight feature of their boots will be fans of this type.
Resistance To Heat
Since the temperatures easily climb up when you’re welding, you need the material of the boots to be heat-proof. A material like that is leather. It will further protect you from other dangers like electric shocks, sparks, and more.
Price
On average, some of the best models circle the total sum of a hundred dollars. But you can still find quality models below or north of that price. Still, we believe that you should be guided by your preferences and whether your desired pair has all the relevant features and specifications.
Benefits
Not all welders consider these boots to be a necessity. This is because many underestimate the real dangers that appear while they are welding. So, often they think that welding boots aren’t an investment that must be made. Not to mention that because of the high prices, they get put off.
This is wrong. Of course, you need these boots to stay protected and make sure no harm comes to your feet. Here we’ll go over some benefits of getting welding boots.
Extra Protection
The main goal of the welding boots is to offer extra protection to the person doing the welding. Not only do they keep the feet safely tucked inside, but they have features for absorbing shock and heat. That way you can do your work without feeling pain. In fact, welding gears and wires can be the top sources of shock. Some of the welding boots out there are capable of providing 600 volts of current.
The high-quality soles made of durable materials contribute to this. Usually, the manufacturers make them out of rubber. And the main material used for the surface tends to be leather. It’s known to prevent heat from reaching your skin as well as stop accidents caused by the sparks.
Comfort
Despite wearing them for a longer time, most boots feel comfortable. Moreover, they make the whole welding process easier to handle. With them, you have the chance to carelessly perform the tasks. And your feet will be intact inside the boots.
The cushion soles are responsible for the comfort together with the leather. Sometimes sparks, chemicals, and small objects can fly in the welder’s direction. They force the welder to move quickly in order to escape them. For this reason, the boots are usually lightweight yet tough to withstand the hazards.
Nice Appearance
With welding boots, you can do your job with style. No matter what you wear, they will stand out. This is because most brands make them in appealing colors and with nice-looking overall designs. You can even choose from various interesting patterns like aged bark, army, and similar.
This, of course, includes the laces. Some models even have colored ones that match the color of the surface. However, you should be aware that the laces are flammable if they aren’t made of proper materials. So, you should make sure to double-check them.
In any case, by getting welding boots you improve both your safety and your looks while welding.
The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What can happen to me if I weld without wearing welding boots?
It’s advised that you absolutely shouldn’t do that. You’re extra protected with them on. Some of the situations that can occur if you don’t wear them are having electric shocks, sustain injuries from splatters, liquids, and molten materials. Welders can also slip and fall if the floor is wet. Burns may also appear from sparks. Also, welders can step on a cable or on sharp objectsthat can enter the sole.
How can I clean my welding boots?
Everybody can do it as it isn’t complex at all to carry out. It won’t take much of your time, too. It’s best to use a dry cloth or some other material or maybe a brush. Simply rub the boots with either the cloth or the brush. Don’t include any detergent or other cleaning solutions as that may damage them.Even water can seriously destroy the leather. In that case, the boots won’t be strong enough and their whole performance will be diminished.
What are some types of soles to consider for my welding boots?
Naturally, you should look for soles that are long-lasting and pretty strong no matter what. However, a lot depends on the surroundings and the environment where you perform the welding. So, it’s best to guide yourself based on that. At least all soles should have the slip resistance feature.
For instance, if you’re working with corrosive materials, oils, chemical substances and such, thermo-polyurethane (TPU) soles may be the right for you. Their main strengths are durability and lightness. Additionally, rubber outsoles are most frequently found on the market. It’s good that they’re anti-slip and protect you from wearing away, too. Furthermore, ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) midsoles are known for extreme comfort, flexibility, their lightweight, and firmness. They’re often compared to foam.
Why are boots made of leather prioritized more than boots made of other materials?
Multiple reports indicate that leather is a common material for making products that are supposed to have protective features. Some of the reasons are that the resistance towards temperature, as well as water, is increasingly high and effective. Other flame-proof materials are much more expensive compared to the leather which already has this capability. No wonder that you can find leather in regular winter boots, gloves, and other clothing that makes people feel more secure.
Can female and male welders wear the same welding boots?
It’s safe to say that most models out there are unisex. That means that they can be worn both by males and females without any difference. However, for the customers that often have fashion on their minds, they can freely look for boots designed especially for women or men.
Do I have to carry my welding boots in a bag?
Yes, it’s desirable to have a bag where you can store the boots while you aren’t wearing them. Also, it’s much easier to carry them around with you once they’re in a bag. Besides, they’ll be protected from external conditions like water, fire, dust, and similar.
Conclusion
It’s universally acknowledged that welders should choose which boots to buy based on their personal preferences as well as budget. We’d like to add the environment as a key factor, too. Where you perform the welding task is also crucial. It may drive your ultimate decision and point towards the pair that’s currently right for you. If you’re welding outside or indoors or in both surroundings, the welding boots should be responsive enough. And they should have a peak performance.
The primary function of the boots is to protect you while you’re welding. But they should represent something more than that. Comfort and the feeling or relaxation are also strong enough to consider when you’re purchasing the boots. Regardless if you’ll wear them all day or just during the weekend, your legs and your whole body shouldn’t be strained or hurt after wearing them.
Additionally, for those welders who want extra protection, we suggest special toe caps or similar guards. However, you wouldn’t need those for some of the models of boots we reviewed above.
We strongly believe that we discussed the most suitable welding boots on the market. And we hope that they’ll satisfy your preferences for your next welding adventure!