Welcome to TFC’s Welding Work Boots Review & Buyer’s Guide!
Whether you’re a newbie welding student or an experienced welder, this best welding boots review is for you. Because every welder needs a solid, reliable pair of work boots can keep you safe and help you look professional at the same time.
With so many options out there, finding the best boots for work can be a challenge. Luckily we’re going to take a look at the best places to buy work boots as well as several options available on the market. Read on to discover where to find the best budget welding boots, lightweight work boots, steel toe boots, leather boots, best looking boots, and the best Women’s welding boots.
Reviews of the Best Budget Welding Boots
If you’re on a budget, here are some of the top rated welding boots under $100.
Delta Plus Panoply Cobra 3 S1P Mens Black Leather Welders Welding Safety Boots
At just under $100, the Delta Plus Panoply Cobra 3 S3 SRC Welding Boots are a great budget option. They feature a steal toe rated for 200 joules, a steel mid-sole, and a leather flap to protect against splatter. The are also anti-static and have arch-support, an energy absorbing heel, a cleated out-sole for great traction. Users frequently rate these boots highly as the Velcro strap makes taking them on and off easy and they are very comfortable.
EVER BOOTS “Protector Men’s Steel Toe Industrial Work Boots Safety Shoes Electrical Hazard Protection
For only $10 more you may consider Ever Boot’s Protector Steel Toe Boots. These run big larger than comparable Timberlands and Caterpillars, and they are designed to withstand 18,000V which makes them perfect for welding. They are also oil and slip resistant and are made using the direct-attach method which makes them more flexible and with great support. Users are most satisfied with their comfort, durability, and style.
Stanley Men’s Dredge Steel-Toe Work Boot
For a lighter and more flexible budget option, you may consider Stanley’s Dredge Soft Toe work boot. These top rated work boots are incredibly light and are slip, acid and oil resistant. They are ideal for lighter work and users enjoy their durability and stylish leather exterior.
Reviews of the Top Rated Lightweight Work Boots for Welding
Lightweight work boots trade a bit of protection for comfort and flexibility. If you need more mobility you might consider these work boots.
Golden Fox Men’s Premium Leather Soft Toe Light Weight Industrial Construction Moc Work Boots Insulated
At 22.6oz per boot, these Golden Fox Soft Toe Work boots are incredibly light and comfortable. And they look great, designed to resemble Native-American moccasins and available in a variety of colors. Not only are they stylish, but they are extremely comfortable. However, users complain that they run a bit narrow and with a soft toe they are not the safest model out there.
Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
For a more durable and rugged option, you might consider these Carhartt CMF6366 Composite Toe Boots. They are a bit pricier than the Golden Fox Boots but they offer much more protection while keeping flexibility. They also run much wider and are packed with features designed to keep you comfortable and safe like rubber out-soles with ladder lock channels, comfort cushioning, and an OrthoLite layer. They also offer electrical hazard protection and they are oil, slip, and chemical resistant.
Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot
For the best balance between mobility and safety, the Irish Setter 83606 Aluminum Toe Work Boot might be for you. Aluminum toed boots offer similar protection to their steel-toed cousins at a fraction of the weight. As a bonus, these boots are not only designed to meet ASTM safety standards for electrical hazards, but they are heat resistant to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Users rave about their extreme comfort, however they are not waterproof.
Reviews of the Best Steel Toe Welding Boots
Steel Toe boots have been the industry standard for safety for many years. Consider these boots for maximum protection.
Timberland Pro Men’s Direct Attach 8″ Steel Toe Boot
These Timberland Pro Steel Toe boots are very highly rated and offer multiple forms of protection combined with extreme comfort. Not only do they offer steel toe protection but they are waterproof and rated for protection against electrical hazards. Designed to be worn for long hours on the job, users praise their long life span and comfort. They are also quite stylish and relatively lightweight.
Steel Edge 6” Steel Toe Work Boots – Timberland Style – Oil Slip Resistant Safety Shoes
If you like the style of the Timberland boots but not the cost, you might consider these Steel Edge Timberland Style boots. The offer a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, their Goodyear Welt construction offers respectable durability. They offer much of the same protection and comfort too with slip and puncture resistance, electrical hazard protection, and waterproofing. Users love their durability and comfort.
Michelin Men’s Hydroedge Hi-top Steel Toe Boots
Another top-rated steel-toed work boot is the Michelin Hydroedge Hi-top. These boots feature an outsole that is slip-proof and they are oil and water resistant. They are also rated for electrical hazard protection. Users rate them highly due to their comfortable insoles and durability, and many users end up purchasing multiple pairs.
Reviews of the Best Looking Welding Boots
If you want a great pair of work boots that will also win you style points, these boots might be for you.
Thursday Boot Company Captain Men’s 6″ Lace-up Boot
These all leather captain style boots not only look and feel great, but they are also handcrafted with welt construction for maximum durability. They feature rubber soles for great grip and they are water resistant, coming in multiple colors and varieties including suede. They are extremely versatile and tough, however, they do not offer as much protection as steel-toed boots so it is important to keep that in mind.
Dr. Martens R12721001 Grizzly Ironbridge Safety Toe Boot
Doc Martens is a brand well known for making stylish and popular boots. They are also one of the most reliable brands out there. Without sacrificing protection for style, you might consider these Dr. Martens Grizzly Ironbridge boots. They feature an ASTM-approved steel toe as well as welt construction and heat sealing. Plus they are waterproof and oil and slip resistant and designed to keep you dry and comfortable. Users love how they are great for work and for going out.
Red Wing Heritage Men’s Blacksmith Vibram Boot
These Red Wing Blacksmith boots are on the more expensive side at over $200, but you get a lot of style and quality for the price. Not only do all these boots look amazing evoking the classic American work boot look, they are all leather and triple-stitched with welt construction for excellent durability. Vibram soles are also some of the most comfortable out there, however these particular boots are not steel-toed so that is an important consideration.
Best Metatarsal Guard Welding Boots
When shopping for the best welding boots, it’s important to remember that laces are prone to catching fire if you’re not careful. To avoid this issue you may consider one of these metatarsal guard boots for maximum safety while welding.
Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge MG ST Steel-Toe Met Guard Boot
Another stylish Doc Marten Ironbridge boot, the Ironbridge MG Steel Toe, features a metatarsal guard to protect your laces. But that’s not all. They’re crafted from water-resistant leather, heat-sealed, and protected from chemical corrosion. They also offer electrical hazard protection making them perfect for welding.
Here are some more advantages to Dr. Marten’s Ironbridge Men Steel Toe Welding Boots:
- Slip-resistant
- Water-resistant leather exterior
- Steel toes
- Leather ballistic mesh padded collar
- Affordable
As you can see, these best men’s work boots have what it takes to keep you comfortable and safe while welding. The padded, shock-absorbing insoles support your feet during long hours on the floor.
Also, the industrial grizzly leather is strong, so the shoes can take day after day of work without wearing out. Another benefit is that the leather is water-resistant and easy to clean.
Of course, the steel toes and metatarsal guide will protect your feet from possible electrical hazards.
All in all, these are some of the best welding boots. In addition to being inexpensive, they’re user friendly.
Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 Work Boot
At a lower price point you’ll find the Iron Age Ground Breaker work boots. Aside from the metatarsal guard, these boots feature welt construction with Kevlar stitching. They are also compliant with ASTM F2413 safety standards and they are protected from electrical hazards. Users claim they are very comfortable at an excellent price, just a bit on the heavy side.
Timberland PRO Men’s 53530 8″ Metguard Steel-Toe Boot
For maximum protection, you might enjoy Timberland’s PRO line of steel toe boots with a metatarsal guard. These boots not only look and feel great but they are packed with features including waterproof leather, anti-microbial lining, welt construction, Kevlar sewing, and amazing flexibility. They are also high-top boots which means excellent ankle support.
These leather work boots keep your feet both comfortable and protected. Check out these impressive features:
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Waterproof leather
- Anti-microbial lining
- Closed-cell polyurethane cushioning
- Steel toes
- Metatarsal guard
Clearly, these are some of the best safety boots on the market. As an added bonus, they’re quite attractive!
Best Women’s Welding Boots
For women in the trade, finding the right pair of boots can be an important decision. Luckily there is plenty of quality women’s welding boots on the market to choose from.
Timberland PRO Women’s Titan Waterproof Boot
Timberland’s PRO line of boots is great for welders due to their durability and wealth of safety features. These boots are no exception, featuring electrical hazard protection and Timberland’s titan alloy safety toe. They are also waterproof and feature anti-microbial comfort lining as well as being slip, oil, and abrasion resistant. These are a tough pair of top rated boots!
Check out these features:
- Contoured, polyurethane footbed provides exceptional comfort
- Moisture-wicking technology for “moisture management”
- Oil-, abrasion-, and slip-resistant
- Nylon diffusion shank
- Titanium alloy safety toe
For women who want to stay safe and dry, these are excellent womens welding boots. One of the best features is the spacer mesh lining, which helps prevent damp feet.
One special consideration is that toes are titan alloy, not steel. Although they’re not steel toes, titanium alloy is very durable, even in high temperatures
Adtec Women’s 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot Brown Work Boot
Adtec has been known to develop work boots specifically tailored to womens needs. These welt constructed steel toe boots are made with oil resistant crazy horse leather for amazing durability and protection. They are at a lower price point compared to the Timberland Pros and users love how they are extremely comfortable and a great pair of work boots for the cost.
Caterpillar Women’s Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot
For ultimate protection the Caterpillar Echo Waterproof Steel Toe Boots might be for you. These 8” tall work boots not only have a steel toe and are electrical hazard proof, they are also bio-mechanically engineered for maximum durability and comfort. These boots are also waterproof, slip proof, oil proof, and offer an amazing combination of safety, durability, and functionality making them some the best womens work boots out there. These boots really are the whole package.
Best Welding Boots:
Buyer’s Guide
For long hours on the job, wearing the best boots for work can make the difference between getting through the day safely and comfortably or ending the day in pain or worse. Work boots can keep you protected and are designed to be rugged and durable, but there are many different things to consider when searching for the right pair of good welding boots. Choosing the best safety boots often means finding the right combination of build, comfort, and safety.
There three main questions you should ask when shopping for the best work boots:
How are they constructed?
The best welding boots on the market are put together using a variety of construction methods, and each method has advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of work you do.
The most durable construction technique is called welt construction. Welt constructed work boots feature a strip of tough material, usually leather or synthetic, between the top of the boot and the sole. This welt is often double stitched for maximum toughness. Welt constructed boots are a great choice for extreme work conditions and intense environments as they are known to last a very long time.
For more stability, agility, and traction you may consider boots made using the direct-attach method. These boots feature soles made out of molten rubber that is directly injected to a mold attached to the top part of the boot. This method maintains durability while keeping the boots lightweight and shock-absorbing. Direct-attach boots are ideal for jobs requiring frequent fast movement.
Finally, cementing is the third most common construction technique. Cemented boots are put together with a very strong adhesive which bonds the boot to the sole. These are among the least expensive work boots and are often the most comfortable; perfect for light work requiring you to be on your feet for long periods of time.
How comfortable are they?
If you plan to wear your work boots every day, comfort is huge. Steel-toed boots are often the industry standard for safety, but the weight they add can get uncomfortable after long periods of time.
Every manufacturer has developed different ways to balance safety, durability, and comfort. One good place to start is to look for compression pads, which are built into the sole of the boot and are designed to absorb shock. Pads vary in thickness and the thicker the pad the more comfortable your foot will be.
Luckily, there are other technologies that can keep your toes safe without the extra weight, such as composite-toed boots. These boots tend to be bulkier, however, and they are limited to only one strike. For more durability and the same lightweight protection you could also consider boots tipped with aluminum alloy, but these boots tend to be slightly more expensive.
How safe are they?
Aside from protecting your toes, work boots are often designed to protect against several other hazards, which can again vary depending on the type of job you do.
If you frequently work around electricity, you may want to consider shock-proof boots made from non-conductive components. These boots can either protect against shock or protect against static discharge to prevent damage to sensitive electrical components.
Check for ASTM-tested boots rated for electrical hazards, static dissipation, or both.
If you’re often going to be around hazardous materials, you may need soles that are acid-resistant and water-proof. Likewise if you frequently need ankle support or climb ladders make sure to choose a boot with the right length, fit, and heel-height for maximum safety.
Once you’ve spent time considering all these factors you’ll be ready to find a pair of good welding boots that won’t let you down and that will keep you comfortable, confident, and safe every day on the job.
Best Place to Buy Work Boots
As soon as you’ve decided on the ideal work boots, you’ll need to find a place to buy them. By far the best place to find the right equipment is on Amazon.com. With their huge selection, you can fine tune your search and read in-depth owner reviews to decide on the best boots for work. Plus with Amazon Prime, you can get many benefits including free one and two-day shipping on certain orders. Amazon makes the buying process really easy, but if you need to try on your boots you could also check out local hardware and equipment stores. Some well-known stores include Cabela’s, Dick’s, and the Home Depot. Selections might be more limited at these stores, however, so you could always click on over to Amazon for the best variety if you don’t find what you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for good welding boots there are many things to consider. You need the right combination of durability, comfort, flexibility, and safety for your needs. Luckily there are many options out there, and once you decide on the construction type, comfort level, and safety features you need in the best boots for work it’s easy to find the perfect pair. So whether you’re looking for style, metatarsal protection, steel toes, or all three simply head on over to Amazon.com or your local sporting or home improvement store and find the best safety boots for you. As this review of the best welding boots shows, the perfect work boots are out there waiting.
