Top 10 Best Boots For Welders in 2021

The job of a welder is not an easy one as it involves the use of dangerous equipment and materials. Welders are often exposed to flammable substances, extremely high temperature and working with heavy objects. With so much risk involved, a welder must take safety precautions and dressing appropriately should be the top priority.

Protection gears include helmets, gloves, jackets and boots.

Welding boots are a necessity no matter what kind of welding tasks you take on and even more important if the job requires overhead welding.

But when purchasing welding boots there are a few things you need to know about them. We have included a buying guide that will give you a clear idea of what to look out for when shopping for boots but before we get to that let us take a look at the top 10 boots available in the market currently.

Best Welders Boot Reviews for 2021

Michelin Men’s Sledge Metatarsal Work Boot

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for work boots that feel as good as they look then check out these boots by Michelin. Made from full grain leather and sporting an external ANSI/ASTM Class 75 metatarsal guard, you will be protected from all heat, spatter and impacts, while also maneuvering around the workstation with ease and comfort.

The design of the boots ensures that the user feels no fatigue or soreness around the feet even when standing for hours while completing tasks.

Although not water-proof, you can stand and walk on heated grounds as well as slippery floors without risks of harming your feet or slipping. They offer excellent grips and a very sturdy feel; making tasks like climbing ladders and maneuvering on construction sites seem easy and quick.

For maximum comfort, the insoles are designed to provide arch support and cushioning around the heels.  To prevent a feeling of stuffiness, the insoles also have holes around the toe area that allow room for breathing. 

Overall, these boots score high in the comfort department and are also amazing safety boots for welders who prefer to wear lightweight designs.

Pros

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Insoles offer a lot of support to the mid-region and heel area
• Good grip
• Design include metatarsal guards

Cons

• Not waterproof
• The metatarsal pad may cause discomfort on the top part of the feet when sitting in a squatting position.

 

Thorogood Men’s USA Made Safety Toe Work Boot

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thorogood Men’s USA Made Safety Toe Work Boot are ideal for welders, tradesmen, engineers and those working at construction sites.

They offer protection against heat and impact, particularly with extra detailing around the toe area. Its 200-joule steel toecap is shock resistant and ensures maximum safety for the front part of the feet and its strong and durable steel midsole allows you to place each step with confidence.

With an arched design, your feet will be able to rest comfortably, reducing the chances of sore heels and pain in the mid-region of your foot while the heel is capable of absorbing energy.

You can easily and safely move about on tricky grounds because the outsoles with heat resistant Kevlar seams are made with anti-slip materials and are injected with dual-density PU.

The insoles of the boots are fixed polyamide on EVA which is inserted for a cushioning effect.

The quick on and quick off slip-on design removes the need for any laces and instead a Velcro fastened metatarsal flap is added for protection against any spatter or flying harmful substances. 

Pros

• Made with pigmented split leather and amesh lining for durability
• Quick slip on and off design
• Includes a Velcro fastened metatarsal flaps for added protection
• Steel toe cap protects the front area of the foot
• Anti-slip outsoles
• Comfortable

Cons

• The quality of the sole was questioned by a few customers who reported that the sole was prone to melting when faced with extreme heat
• The steel toe may cause discomfort if a mesh fit is not perfect

 

Stanley Men’s Dredge Steel-Toe Work Boot

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Made from 100% full grain leather, this men’s work boots by Stanley is durable and very comfortable to wear during summer. If your work demands you to remain standing for a long time then you will love the lightweight feel and quick slip-on design of these boots.

With no laces to tie, you can save time when getting ready for work and also take them off in no time when needed. The steel toes offer excellent protection but may not feel as comfortable as expected due to the front of the boots not having the ability to stretch as required.

Customers who faced this problem recommended using extra foam inserts in case the boots fit a little bigger.

The boots come with removable EVA insoles that are included for comfort but you could also use extra purchased inserts if the ones that come with the boots do not work for you.

The main concern with this model is that getting the right size may not be easy because most of the customers reported that the boots either felt too tight or were too big for them. But for the price, these boots offer good protection and are ideal for welding and building sites.

Pros

• Affordable
• Anti-slip outsoles
• Quick slip on and easy take-off design
• Lightweight

Cons

• The insoles may not do much for cushioning the feet
• Some customers reported that the boots were too big/small despite ordering the correct sizes.

 

Best Welding Work Boots with Guards

Timberland PRO Men’s  Metguard Steel-Toe Boot   

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Timberland Pro work boots are stylish and comfortable. They are very flexible and perfect for a long day out in the work field. Made from waterproof Ever-guard leather, these boots can withstand all kinds of weather conditions and can be worn for the ultimate protection against any extreme work environment.

The heat-resistant leather will ensure that your feet remain unharmed when handling hot metals and dealing with heated equipment, while the hinged metatarsal guard acts as a shield to protect your feet from spatter and burns.

The 053530 Timberland PRO Men’s Met Guard Safety Boots model meets the ASTM safety standard so you can confidently wear them to work and be assured that you will be guarded well. The rubber soles had strength to the boots and also make them resistant to abrasion and oil, enabling you to keep your balance and work confidently.

To complete the high-grade construction of these boots, they are stitched with Kevlar sewing thread for durability and have an anti-microbial lining insert to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Waterproof and heat-resistant leather
• Metatarsal guard ensures double protection
• Flexible design, easy on the foot even when bending down or squatting
• The closed-cell polyurethane footbed provide the best cushioning
• Anti-microbial lining protects against bacteria and fungus
• Slip-resistant rubber sole

Cons

• Some customers mentioned that the Metguard was poorly connected to the boot and had ripped off after a few months.
• The boots are a bit heavy and may not be ideal for summer wear.

 

Rocky  Duty  Men’s  Modern  Paraboot  

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tall boots are excellent for construction sites and industrial work as they provide a lot of sturdiness and grip around the lower leg.

The Rocky Duty Paraboot comes with a lace up design that wraps around the foot and extends way above the ankles with shaft measuring around 10” from the arch. There is a side zipper that allows you to wear or take off the boots easily so you do not have to waste time on undoing or tying the laces every time.

It is made of full grain high-grade leather and is water resistant, making it a great choice for all kinds of work environment and tasks.

It is not designed with a steel toe cap and has a patent cap toe (hard and thick leather) instead which also does a good job in protecting your toes from impact and eliminates the uncomfortable feeling which sometimes accompany steel toe caps. You can also polish the toes for a squeaky clean look.

The rubber lug outsoles with oil resistant grips are designed for balance and safety while stepping on slippery grounds or climbing ladders. For the wearer’s comfort and prevention of sore feet during long hours of standing at work sites, the boots have a thick foot-bed made of EVA foam.

The overall design of the para boot is slim and sturdy, with the company logo embossed on the tongue.

Pros

• Made of water-resistant full grain leather
• Oil resistant rubber lug outsoles prevent accidental slip offs
• Construction includes a thick footbed and side zipper for comfort and convenience
• Easily repairable

Cons

• The boots may stretch and lose shape over time, especially when using only the zipper when wearing and taking them off
• A fold in the leather that surrounds the zipper may cause the zipper to get stuck once in a while.

 

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

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We don’t see why work boots should be any less stylish looking than fashion boots, as long as they come with all the right kind if features and high-quality design to provide customers with the right kind of protection and comfort.

Dr. Martens Ironbridge work boots are the perfect examples of good looking work boots with the best ability to protect your feet
in dangerous work environments. 

With a black full grain leather construction and strong stitching around the base, the boots are made to last through everyday
wear and tear and heavy duty workload. The non-processed leather is very flexible and water resistant so you can expect the Dr. Marten’s Ironbridge work boots to provide you with support and high-grade performance for a very long time.

Although very soft and flexible, the leather is extremely tough and requires very minimal maintenance. Cleaning the boots is not a difficult task and you can keep your favorite pair of work boots in great condition even months after the purchase. 

For comfort level, the inner lining is made to absorb sweat and keep your feet dry and fresh, even after a long day of heavy duty work, while also providing a thick soft bed to rest your feet on.

As for the outsole, they are heat resistant and can also absorb shock and impact. The boots feel extremely strong and sturdy without weighing you down because despite all the extra measures taken for protection, the boots are very light in weight.

Other features include padded ankle support, metal eyelets and lace carriers, and steel toe cap.

Pros

• Attractive design
• Comfortable
• Waterproof
• Inner lining keeps the feet dry and clean
• Steel toe cap
• No-slip rubber-like outsole

Cons

• There have been a few reports of the sole splitting within the first few months of use
• The steel toe cap may cause toe pain for some

 

Timberland PRO Men’s Met Guard 6′ Steel Toe Boot

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another model by Timberland, the Men’s 40000 Met Guard 6’ Steel Toe Boot is an excellent pair of work boots designed for welders and workers involved in construction work or industrial work. 

It is made of good quality imported leather that is durable and flexible for everyday use.  The slip-resistant ridged rubber outsole provides stability and balance if accidentally stepped on spilled oil or any slippery floors.

They also allow you to maneuver with confidence and move about more freely on any kinds of construction grounds.

The heels on the boots are approximately 1.5’’ in height while the shaft measures around 6’’ from the arch.

It is designed with metatarsal shield and steel toe to maximize the amount of protection against impacts and
heat. For a welder these are much-needed features on the work boots as welding jobs or any construction work involves dealing with flammable objects, high temperature and heavy loads.

With a pair of these boots wrapped around your ankles, you will be ready to work in any work conditions and also be protected against hazard around you.

Pros

• Heat resistant leather
• Includes metatarsal shield
• Slip-resistant rubber outsole
• Smart design
• Flexible- you can easily bend, squat and apply pressure on these boots without feeling any discomfort around your feet area

Cons

• Not completely water-proof
• A few complaints received about the Metguard breaking off the seams

 

Best Pull-On Work Boots for Welding

Wolverine Men’s Cabor-M

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a slip-on work boot by Wolverine in the color dark brown and is made of durable leather. The boots are water-resistant which mean that they will not be prone to any damage even when they come in contact with moisture.

Perfect for a long day at work, the Cabor work boots sport a dual density EPX anti-fatigue footbed that prevents any sort of soreness or fatigue during wear. The base layer of the footbed is thick so with every step the weight will be evenly distributed while the heel will absorb impact by expanding as you apply pressure on them. The ribbed spine is added to increase flexibility.

With an anti-slip outsole, you can step and walk on slippery floors, reducing the risk of accidental falls when met with challenging terrains. Your toes will be protected from impact with composite toe caps incorporated in the making of the boots.

As these boots are made for longs hours of heavy duty work, the inner mesh linings are designed to reduce moisture build-up, keeping your feet dry and clean.

The slip-on design with no laces help you wear and take off the boots quickly and easily.

Pros

• Quick slip-on design
• Waterproof leather
• Well made footbed –designed to reduce fatigue
• Slip-resistant outsole

Cons

• The composite toe may cause discomfort to your toes if the boots are a little tight
• The slip-on design may be a little tough to put on as the boots are somewhat tall

 

Georgia Boot Men’s Work Boot 

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Georgia farm and ranch Wellington cc work boot is specially designed to resist chemical hazards and protect your foot from all sorts of acid burns and impacts. It is made from SPR leather which is processed to increase its durability and abrasion resistance.

There are no steel toes which may be an issue in welding work environments but the boots are amazing against most hazards you may come across in the work field.

You will love how comfortable these boots are made to be and the lightweight design makes them even more convenient to wear throughout the whole day.

Unfortunately, the boots aren’t all water-proof but you can get Georgia Boots that are water-proof too. The outsoles are rubber and oil resistant, enabling you to keep proper balance and stability even on slippery grounds.

The shaft measures around 12 inches from arch as they sport a tall design with a boot opening of 17 inches, while the heels are 1.5 inches in height.

If required, you can re-sole the boots without causing any damage to the upper part because the durable construction allows for it and also offers reliable and longevity in the performance.

Pros

• Protection against all chemical hazards
• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Slip-resistant outsole
• No lace- quick slip-on wear

Cons

• Not much toe protection
• Not all the models are waterproof

 

Ariat Men’s Pull-on Waterproof Pro Work Boot 

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pull-on work boots are perfect in the sense that they take very little time and effort to put on and take off. The Workhog by Ariat is a stylish looking model, made for challenging workplaces where you are exposed to harmful and hazardous chemicals, heated tools and flammable materials.

If you are going to be working all day in them then you will need your work boots to be comfortable and durable. A lot of detail and care as been put in to the making of the footbed so your feet can remain dry and clean all day long. The foot-bed is made from gel-like cushioned foam that prevents foot soreness and stiffness. The mid-sole is also made of EVA foam, supporting your every step.

With water-proof quality the boots become resistant to moisture and damage and can be worn through any weather and work conditions. The outsoles are also oil-resistant, providing you with stability on slippery floors, without causing any marks on the ground.

The boots are approximately 10 inches tall and come in four stylish designs and various sizes.

Pros

• Easy to wear
• Waterproof high-grade leather
• Rubber soles provide balance and stability on slippery floors
• Comfortable and well-designed footbed

Cons

• Not much protection for the toes against impact
• The boots are quite narrow in design so they may not be ideal for wide feet.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying Boots for Welding

As a potential buyer, you will be faced with the decision to choose between various models and styles of boots for welding so you must know what factors to consider and what to take note of while browsing through the different models of boots.

Remember that these boots are not worn for style or comfort only, their main purpose is to protect your feet while you are taking care of some risky tasks.

Of course, comfort is also important as you will be wearing these boots for many hours if your work demands and style comes in too because the design of the boots will have to be appealing to attract you in the first place.

So here are some things to take note of.

1.  High Heat Resistant

Welding involves heat, that is a known fact but the amount of heat may vary depending on the kind of task you take on. Your boots must be able to resist heat and also protect your feet from the high temperature. The quality of the leather or material used in the construction of your boots will determine how much protection you get. This will also decide how long your boots last because if the material is cheap then the heat will be able to cause damage to them, making them shrink or lose shape gradually.

2. Flame Retardant

If your work involves flames or flammable gas then make sure the leather used is flame retardant, meaning it has been added with chemicals that slow down or prevent the start of fire.

3. Toe-Safety

The part of your foot that needs most protection during welding are your toes because it is very easy to burn toes or have some heavy objects dropped on them by accident. Welding boots come with any of the following three kinds of toe-protection designs: Steel Toes, Aluminum Toes and Composite Toes. 

Steel toe caps are the traditional choices for toe protection and are greatly preferred by welders because of their excellent temperature conducting ability. If you feel that steel toe caps are not as comfortable then look for models that are designed with protective toe caps that go along with the steel toe caps for added comfort and a better fit.

Aluminum toes are thicker than steel toes but also quite lightweight. They meet the ASTM/ANSI safety standards and are excellent options for those seeking lightweight wear.

Composite toes are made of carbon fiber, Kevlar or plastic. They are the thickest kind and are quite heavy. As they are non-metallic, boots with composite toes do not transfer heat or cold and are the best options for metal-free environments.

4. Sole

The sole of the boots must be durable and slip-resistant.

Rubber soles are the most common kind of sole materials and they offer the best support and protection for activities in construction sites as well as manufacturing industries. Rubber soles offer excellent grips and are
usually abrasion resistant and oil resistant.

TPU– If you are interested in something lighter than rubber soles then TPU soles might work for you.  They are designed with materials that are also oil resistant and abrasion resistant, offering you good protection in all working environments.

Midsole– the midsole of a boot play an important role in the comfort level and stability of the foot. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate or EVA midsoles are considered the best kind in boot designs as they provide a cushion-like support to the feet while walking or stepping on.

5. Lace/No Lace

Boots with no lace designs are easier to wear and are also safe as they carry fewer chances of burnouts. But laces offer more support as you can adjust them for the perfect fit. The good news is that you can now get Metatarsal Guards that are designed to protect the laces as well as your toes. Metatarsal guards must be worn over boots and can be bought separately but to avoid the hassle and extra cost you can get welding boots that already come with these guards designed on them.

6. Comfort and a Perfect Fit

If you are a serious welder who spends many hours at work or even if you like to take on tasks once in a while, your boots must be comfortable to wear and a well-fitted pair of boots will provide you with the best comfort. 

7. Durability

Invest in a pair of boots that will be able to withstand all of the stress and beating that your work environment may have to offer. Make sure it has the right kind of design and great comfort level so you can enjoy working in them as well as be protected.

Frequently Asked Questions about Welders Boot

How should I clean my work boots?

Work boots are made from durable materials and are designed to withstand harsh conditions so they do not require too much maintenance. If your boots are not waterproof then avoid washing them with water, you could just wipe them with a damp cloth or brush them clean. Some boots can also be polished, depending on the material.

How do I get the right size for my feet?

Most of the boots come with size charts or an option for you to select your size. Some boots however have a narrow design while some may be too wide so check out that information to help you get a perfect fit.

How long do work boots last?

That depends on the quality of the boots as well as how much stress they go through during wear. Some companies offer warranties on boots while some don’t. There are models that last a couple of months and some may last you years.

Conclusion

We hope our post will help you pick the right pair of work boots for your work.  All the boots we covered today are excellent in providing you with the much-needed protection in welding work but they come in a wide range of designs and prices so you can filter and select whichever model you think meets your requirements.

Timberland, Dr. Martens and Michelin are some good brand names in work boots.

Look for comfort, durability, and performance when making your final pick as these traits will ensure the best usage of work boots.