Welding boots are a necessary piece of safety equipment that every worker must wear while working in a dangerous environment. Their use is not limited to only welding and can be worn by all types of workers.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert; safety equipment is a must for everyone. A single mistake can cost you your life. These boots are heavy-duty and are used by construction workers and workers dealing with demanding tasks.
Especially for a welder, welding boots are necessary because without them, you can get accidental burns from the welding spatter or the grinding metal. These boots prevent that and ensure your safety in most conditions.
Different types of boots are available in the market these days and at a variable price tag. We’ve put together a list of four top-quality welding boots that’ll spark your interest.
Without further ado, here are the top welding boots you can wear for welding and grinding purposes.
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM F2413-18 EH standards.
- FastDry Technology Lining. FastDry lining wicks away sweat for comfort.
- Brown Oil Tanned Leather
- Oil, chemical and slip resistant
Why do we like it?
These shoes ended up being our top pick because of the quality they offered for a reasonable price tag. They are made from 100% leather and have rubber soles. These rubber soles are shock absorbing and are perfect for worksites.
These boots by Carhartt have a unique rugged flex technology that helps them to stretch with your feet. This can make extended work sessions much more comfortable. These boots are durable and versatile.
The outsole is cement constructed, which gives it incredible strength and helps these boots to last a long time without wearing out. Several different inner layers help cushion your feet during extended working hours.
You can also wear these boots casually as you take a walk in the woods or the street. They are perfect for both the working environment and ordinary wear. Moreover, they are made from full-grain leather and are water-resistant.
The leather is oil-tanned, and the cement construction will protect your ankles and feet from almost any type of environment. The string laces are strong and durable enough to hold your shoes in one piece while you work.
These boots meet the ASTM 2413-11 EH standards and are water, oil, and chemical resistant. There is an additional polyurethane layer under the soles for extra cushion. They also protect against high voltages and have abrasion-resistant heel bumpers.
Pros
It’s made from 100% leather.
They are reasonably priced and have top quality.
Provide protection against electrical circuits of up to 18000 volts under dry conditions.
They are available in 2 colors, standard brown and oil-tanned brown.
They can be used for both work and casual walks.
Cons
The waterproofing may not be perfect on all the boots, and you may need some waterproofing agent.
The inner soles are not soft enough of some pairs, and you might need to add something for comfort.
- WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO: The Catalyst VX by Ariat are a revolution in engineering and design; With innovative performance details on the outside and Ariat's most advanced Cobalt VX technology on the inside, the Catalyst VX is the ultimate work boot
- WATERPROOF: From puddles to heavy rain, thanks to the Waterproof Pro construction, these waterproof work boots for men will keep your feet warm and dry; Thanks to the internal impermeable barrier, these boots won't let even the slightest amount of water in
- COMPOSITE TOE: The non-metallic composite safety cap on these rugged work boots for men provides maximum toe protection; Coupled with a protective shin guard, the ASTM F2413-aa M I/75 C/75 EH rating makes these waterproof cowboy boots are an ideal choice for the hard-working man
- THE SUPPORT YOU NEED: The Duratread outsole is both oil and slip resistant and the 90-degree heel gives you added support; Built for the hard-working man, these safety toe work boots provide maximum support and traction on any terrain without sacrificing comfort
- EVERYDAY COMFORT: The Cobalt VX Technology helps control temperature inside the boot while providing advanced support and flexibility; They also feature a Mesh X-Static pure silver lining for permanent anti-odor performance along with a lightweight EVA midsole for shock absorption
Why do we like it?
These boots by Ariat are the runner up on our list because they offer the best quality along with some style. The price may be a lot more than our top pick, but these boots come packed with a ton of extra features.
They are imported and made from 100% leather with rubber soles. These are long boots; protecting not only the feet but the lower part of the leg as well. The shaft measures almost 11 inches from the arch.
They have a base measuring of 15 inches around. This product have a wide square toe and a mesh lining with an X-STATIC sock liner. They also come with a protective shin guard. The leather is water-resistant and will resist most oils and chemicals.
This pair of work boots are perfect for heavy-duty work involving welding, grinding, lifting, or work at construction sites. These bots can handle all different types of terrain and will hold up for a very long time.
If you’re in the line of heavy work for a long time and are looking for something with a premium touch that’ll not only look splendid on you but offer the best protection possible, then these work boots by Ariat are made just for you.
And here are some of the summarized pros and cons of these premium boots. These will surely help you decide if you want to buy them or not.
Pros
They are made from 100% leather and are imported.
The product is water-resistant and also resist oils and chemicals.
They come in two different size options.
These are made from premium material and look very attractive as well.
Cons
You might need to add some waterproofing agent for perfect waterproofing.
They might need some getting used to and might hurt your toes in the beginning as they’re hard.
- Rich, water resistant tumbled leather uppers
- Steel toe cap, slip resistant sole and rigid steel metatarsal guard
- Welted construction foot bed offers exceptional stability and durability
- Additional insulation to protect against accidental contact with an electrical charge
- The iconic Dr. Martens classic PVC air-cushioned sole is resistant to oil, fat, petrol and alkali
Why do we like it?
This is another excellent pair of boots by Dr. Martens. They are also made from 100% leather and are imported. The products have a synthetic sole and steel lining in different parts to give them rigidity.
They are available in three colors, and the heel measures about 1.5 inches. The boot opening is about 14 inches around. The leather used is rich, tumbled, and water-resistant.
The toe cap is made from steel. The soles are slip-resistant, and it also features a rigid steel metatarsal guard. This provides the best rigidity and structural integrity that’ll last for years if treated right.
These boots have welted construction footbeds that offer exceptional stability and durability. There is also an additional layer of insulation to protect against accidental electrical charges. The PVC sole is resistant to fats, oil, petrol, and alkali.
These boots will help you out with all your work-related chores and still look good if you decide to wear them casually. They are a good option for a beginner or an experienced worker.
As we all know that every product comes with its pros and cons and may appeal to some people, but others may not like it.
Pros
They’re made from 100% leather and it’s imported.
There are steel guards for extra protection.
The sole is oil, petrol and alkali resistant.
They are perfect for work and casual wear.
Cons
Water-resistance may not be 100% effective.
The toe area might be too hard and hurt your toes.
- 【Steel Toe】Steel toe is a crucial feature that safeguards your toes from potential injuries caused by large falling equipment at the construction site.
- 【Durable and Comfortable】Work Boots Fabric made with COOLMAX technology transports moisture away from the body to keep the wearer cool and dry on hot days, fiber structures provide insulation on colder days.
- 【Full Grain Leather】Upper made of high-quality full grain leather provides comfortable wearing experience.It is soft, breathable and durable. It keeps the feet dry when exposed to water.
- 【Slip-Resistant】TPU Outsole provides superior superior slip-resistance, abrasion resistance, shock-resistance. At the same time, it can also resist the corrosion of chemical materials.
- 【Keeping Stability】Rockrooster Work Boots have steel shanks that contribute to the overall stability of the boots, ensuring they won’t break apart even after putting them under tremendous stress.
Why do we like it?
These boots are our budget pick not because they cost crazy less than the other models but because they provide a ton of premium features for a fraction of the price. They are available in black and wheat color with a lot of different size options.
They have a synthetic sole with a steel toe cap for added protection. There are pull-on straps for comfortable wearing. The fabric is made from COOLMAX technology that transports heat and moisture away from the body and keeps the wearer fresh.
The fabric structure also provides insulation and impact protection from heavy loads. These boots are comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and have high endurance. These boots are static dissipative.
They release all the stored static charges while driving or walking and release them into the ground. They are also oil-resistant and slip-resistant. The footbeds are made from anti-fatigue memory foams that do not lose their shape.
Wait! Before making a decision, take a look at these pros and cons.
Pros
They are priced lower than other models without compromising quality.
They come in a ton of different sizes.
The products have steel toe tips for added protection.
They have memory shaping foam inside for comfort..
The products have COOLMAX technology included in the fabric that keeps your feet cool.
They come in two different colors.
Cons
Some people may have size issues.
There may also be issues with the inner sole being a little uncomfortable for some people.
The research
Can I wear them outside work hours?
How are they any better from standard boots?
Who should get this?
Anyone who works under dangerous conditions should buy a pair of high-quality safety boots. People working in construction sites, electrical or gas companies, welding and grinding work, and other such places should never compromise on their safety and protection.
Having a pair of sturdy welding boots can keep your feet safe from accidental tool drops, welding spatter, and flying metal specks.
Why should you trust us?
All of these reviews and top picks are backed up by expert advice, extensive research, and verified customer reviews. Moreover, our team has carefully evaluated the specifications, pros, and cons of each product before putting them on this list.
Most of our top picks have been subjected to on-field testing under the supervision of experts, as we want you to buy only the best in class.
How we picked?
There are several factors involved when deciding on which pair of work shoes to buy.
- Build quality: The top priority is the build quality. A substandard build might be okay for day to day casual usage but for the harsh condition of a workshop? Maybe not. We have included only those welding boots that can withstand all the abuse you hurl at them. Also, most of the boots offer waterproofing and steel toe tips for added durability.
- Safety: These boots should be built according to the safety requirements of different work locations. If they are not up to the task and fail during work, they might cause some severe injuries. All of our top picks come from renowned manufacturers who have been providing high-grade welding boots for quite some time.
- Cost: You don’t want to spend tons on safety boots, right? Our list comprises only those products that provide an excellent price to quality ratio. For safety equipment, one should always hunt for high-grade products as spending some extra buck is far better than losing your life.
How we tested?
All the boots on this list are being used by hundreds of users. We went through hundreds of customer reviews, product specifications, and product pictures and videos to test the durability and longevity of each product.
We summarized all this into a comprehensive review for each product with all the essential pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the best product for you.
Care and maintenance tips
Surely after paying a ton of money, you’d expect these boots to last a long time before being needed to replace, but still, if you handle them poorly, they’ll just wear out early.
Make sure you avoid using them in tough conditions for which they are not made for. Also, avoid wearing them all day and clean them regularly.
Are they waterproof?
They are water-resistant to some extent but may not be completely waterproof. If you want to make them completely waterproof, you’ll need to buy a waterproofing agent separately.
Can I wear them outside work hours?
Most work boots are made so that you can wear them to work and also casually. They’ll look good just like any standard pair of boots. But you may end up reducing their life by using them too much.
How long do they last?
That depends on how much you use them and what do you use them for. If you use them only for work and handle them with care, they’ll surely last a long time.
How are they any better from standard boots?
Some dangerous work conditions include welding, grinding, and lifting heavy loads. Regular boots can’t handle these tasks. For example, welding spatter or grinding spatter will burn right through some cheap shoes but not the heavy-duty work shoes.
Conclusion
Welding boots can keep your feets safe from all sorts of dangers. Unless you want to burn your feet, make sure you’re buying superior quality boots.
And there you have it, a complete guide helping you find the work boots of your choice and liking. Go through all the products and each of the sections as they’ll help you find the best set of boots for you.