1. Dr. Martens Men’s Icon 2295 Steel Toe Welding Boots
2. Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Welding Boot
3. Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge MG ST Welding Boots
4. Timberland PRO Men’s 53530 8
5. Timberland PRO Men’s 40000 Met Guard 6′ Steel Toe Boot
6. Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 Work Boot
7. Irish Setter Men’s 83906 Wellington Steel Toe Work Boot
8. Wolverine Men’s W10318 Cabor-M
9. Ariat Men’s Sierra Wide Square Steel Toe Work Boot
Welding Boots Buying Guide
How We Chose Our Selection Of Welding Boots
Brand – Cheap shoes are never a good idea and when it comes to welding boots that you may wear for several hours every day, they’re an even worse idea. We chose brands that have a reputation for excellent quality shoes. This quality must include comfort, flexibility and, above all, protection for your feet. Stick to brands that understand workplace health and safety, like the brands in our list.
Price – When it comes to buying shoes or boots for work, it’s human nature to look at the cheapest ones possible. This is especially the case with welding boots as many people know they will be subjected to some rough treatment. The welding boots in our selection include a range of prices to suit every budget, but they would not be considered cheap. We believe you shouldn’t compromise comfort and safety when choosing footwear, you will be wearing in a hazardous environment for multiple hours every day.
Reviews – Who better to tell us about the comfort and performance of welding boots than someone who has already purchased them? We rely on customer reviews to determine which welding boots will be suitable in a workshop environment and which may not live up to expectations. We used the information in reviews to put together our selection of welding boots and chose the ones that were protective, durable and comfortable.
Features To Look For In Welding Boots
Outsole – The outsole may be the most important feature in a pair of welding boots. Any workshop where welding is taking place usually has a lot of electrical equipment lying around as well as oil. Although most workshops have high safety standards in place, things can and do go wrong. The outsole needs to be oil and slip resistant to prevent the wearer from falling onto dangerous equipment and you want and outsole that will not conduct electrical currents, preventing accidental shock. While these aspects are crucial, you also want an outsole with a bit of flexibility so that you can squat down to pick up tools and move about as freely and comfortably as possible.
Toe Cap – Workshops are full of tools and sometimes these tools are dropped. Welding boots with a steel toe cap are important to protect toes from dropped tools or even bumping into solid work benches. In most countries and states, regulations insist on all workers wearing steel capped boots as an additional safety measure. The toe cap should be protective, without interfering with the comfort of the boots.
Material – Welding boots are subjected to sparks, oil spills and overall wear and tear. This automatically dismisses any made from light fabric or other flimsy materials. Leather is often the best choice because of its strength. It’s also quite comfortable and when broken in, fit perfectly. Non-flammable materials are also a must in a welding environment and must be strong to protect the feet at all times.
Durability – Strength and durability are essential for welding boots. This type of footwear is worn for several hours every day so they need to last. Most welding boots are made from strong leather that can withstand being pounded by flying bits of cut metal, sparks from the welder and dropped tools. You should be able to get through several months or longer if your welding boots are made from quality, durable materials.
Comfort – Ideally, most people work 8-hour days, but will often work longer to finish a particular project. With this in mind, comfort is one of the most important features of any work boots, but even more so for welding boots. Welding produces heat and sparks which can make uncomfortable boots unbearable. Look for welding boots that have an anti-microbial lining to keep your feet fresh and a cushioned insoles, flexible outsoles and uppers so your feet move naturally and stay comfortable during your long working hours. You’ll also want your welding boots to have a little bit of breathability so your boots don’t become a sauna for your feet.
Anyone who has done even a small amount of welding knows of the hazards. They will protect their eyes with a welding mask and wear protective gloves to prevent sparks from burning fingers and hands. The feet also need protection so don’t overlook them by wearing ordinary shoes. The best welding boots will not only protect your feet in a welding workshop, they’ll also offer comfort and support to get you through your busy day.
