8 Best Boots for Asphalt Work in 2022-Reviews and Buyers Guide

Hot, black, and sticky sounds harmless, right? Well, not for asphalt workers who work with hot molten tar. Unsurprisingly, standing and walking on hot asphalt while wearing the wrong shoes will result in second-degree foot burns.

Simply investing in a good pair of asphalt boots will save you the cost of hospital bills, pain, and time wastage that comes with asphalt work-related injuries. Better yet, they will offer comfort; you won’t strain or ache by the end of a long workday.

Quick Answer: Best Asphalt Boots

Lucky for you, we did in-depth research to find the best asphalt paving boots that can withstand the tough conditions that come with the job. 

In this article, we’re going to review the best boots for asphalt work

Cofra Asphalt Safety Boots (Best overall)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They can withstand extreme heat	The sole wears out with time
Composite safety toe protection
Breathable lining
They’re waterproof
Puncture-resistant sole plate

At first glance, these boots look like the average work boot, but they’re designed with special features to protect your feet from very high heat. Its outsoles are made of nitrile rubber that can withstand temperatures of up to 572°F for about one minute, 302°F for 30 minutes, and 212°F for 8 hours. 

More impressively, the Cofra asphalt boots have an insulated thermic insole made of polyurethane that plays a double role; it offers comfort and protects your feet’ bones from injury. Not to forget, they have flat lug-free soles that eliminate marks on freshly laid asphalt.

Unfortunately, like all good boots, the sole wears out with time.

Oliver 55 Series Work Boots (Best impact protection)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Heat resistant soles	Upper part can wear out
Metatarsal guard to prevent feet injury
Safety steel toe protection
Chemical resistant leather
Dual-density midsole

You should consider this option if you want work boots for asphalt that can protect your feet from compression as you work with heavy asphalt machinery. First things first, it has a metatarsal guard that protects the feet from impact.

Moreover, it has a steel toe that protects the toes from blows from above and the side. It’s also worth noting they’re made of rubber outsole that can withstand the heat of up to 300°F for 8 hours; it’s more than enough protection since hot asphalt hits the floor at 275°F.

Besides, they are abrasive resistant, making them suitable for hard surfaces.

However, because of the leather material, the upper part can wear out after a while.

Timberland PRO Men’s Gridworks (Best comfortable)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
It has cushioned polyurethane footbed	The waterproof feature is a bit faulty
Designed with a breathable waterproof membrane
Steel shank for support
Oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant
Made with durable full-grain leather

Remarkably, these boots have a polyurethane footbed. The result is proper footwear for a demanding job; you won’t strain or feel the pressure from the hard asphalt pavement on your feet. To add on, the boots have a steel shank that provides arch support and improves posture.

Of course, they can resist the heat of up to 248°F since the outer sole is made of polyurethane to safeguard the feet against burns. Are the boots durable? They are made of leather and reinforced with Goodyear welt construction for longevity, although they require proper maintenance.

The icing on the cake is breathability; the moisture-wicking lining keeps the feet cool and dry, especially while working in the asphalt heat.

Surprisingly, the disadvantage is also an advantage; its alloy toe is a good conductor of heat, which means it can cause blisters.

ROCKROOSTER Work Boots (Best water-resistant boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Anti-fatigue technology	The eyelets fall off
They’re waterproof
Electrical hazard protection
Steel toe protection
Heat resistant materials

The Rockrooster work boots are made with full-grain leather that is both water-resistant and durable. Even better, they have a lining that helps whisk away moisture; you won’t have to bear the discomfort of working in icky sweaty shoes.

Did we mention they have a poron footbed? That means the cushioning is contoured to distribute body weight and reduce foot fatigue and pain. Furthermore, they’re antimicrobial treated to eliminate the odor that comes from sweat. 

Most importantly, the sole is made of TPU, which is abrasive resistant and can also resist heat up to 500°F. These features make them suitable for working with asphalt. Another thing they have ASTM-approved safety toe.

These work boots for asphalt are almost perfect, except some units have weak eyelets that fall off.

Thorogood American Heritage 6” Boots (Best slip-resistant)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Slip-resistant soles	They have a narrow fit
Ultra shock absorption footbed
They’re very durable
They’re designed with steel safety toe
They’re strong and flexible under pressure

How about a moc toe asphalt work boot that meets the ASTM slip-resistant standards? The good thing is they don’t have lugs, which makes them so perfect; they can prevent slip and fall injuries without leaving imprints on the soft asphalt pavements.

Even better, these boots will increase your productivity with their comfort features and no more foot fatigue and pains. They have a removable foot cushion that performs two functions: resist moisture and absorb shock. Not to mention, their wedge sole and fiberglass shanks provide arch support.

You don’t have to worry about water sipping into the boots if it’s raining or wet. The Goodyear welt construction and oiled full-grain leather prevent water from seeping through the boots.  

On the flip side, some people find these boots cramped around the toe area, resulting in bunions.

COFRA Leather Treadless Asphalt Footwear (Best flat sole)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
High shaft for extra ankle support	The outsole peels off with time
Flat lug-free outsole
Heat resistant boots
Crush-resistant composite toe
They can withstand harsh refinery conditions

How about another pair of Cofra leather work boots designed with an 8-inch shaft that gives you ankle support? Another big difference is that it has an anti-perforation plate that protects your feet from sharp objects, especially rocks while laying asphalt.

These Cofra work boots have a heat-resistant outsole made of nitrile rubber and an insulated thermic protective insole. Both come in handy when walking and standing on hot asphalt to prevent scalds and burns. Also, they are fitted with a composite toe to prevent toe injuries.

There is just one thing; the outsoles start to peel off with time.

Timberland PRO Men’s 40000 Steel-Toe Boot (Best met guard)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
External metatarsal guard	The treads might leave marks
They’re durable
Superior cushioning support
Excellent performance on slippery surfaces
Available in different sizes

The Timberland PRO Men’s 4000 has an external metatarsal guard that covers the shoe’s top part, preventing hot asphalt from passing through the laces and burning your feet. Furthermore, they protect your feet’ bones from injury caused by heavy falling objects. 

Besides that, these boots have a thick, durable outsole that’s anti-slip; they offer maximum traction, especially when boarding a slippery tar-covered steamroller. Beyond that, they have a steel shank and removable cushion for comfort. 

Despite all the safety features, some people think it’s too sturdy. The treads also make them unsuitable for finishes while laying asphalt; they might leave prints on the fresh asphalt.

Golden Fox Steel Toe Work Boots (Best versatile)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
ASTM-approved safety toe	No steel toe protection
Extreme heat protection
Goodyear welt stitching for durability
Oil and slip-resistant
Breathable

Considering the best versatile boots that can go well with anything and be used for every occasion, consider the Golden Fox Steel Toe Work Boots. These boots are light and comfortable, reducing foot fatigue and increasing productivity.

Also, the soles are made of polyurethane which can resist very high temperatures; it will protect your feet as you walk, work and stand on hot asphalt surfaces. Likewise, it has a steel shank that provides arch support when walking on uneven grounds while laying molten tar.

Another amazing thing about these boots is that they have a steel toe to protect the toes from impact.

The only letdown is that they don’t have steel toe protection.

Benefits of Wearing Asphalt Boots

Protect your feet from burns 

The outsoles of some of the best asphalt paving work boots are made using nitrile rubber which can withstand temperatures of up to 572°F( one minute contact). Even better, some have thermic insoles made of polyurethane; composed of compounds that can resist temperatures of up to 212°F for 8 hours. 

Worried that hot asphalt might burn your upper foot? Some boots have protective metatarsal guards and steel or composite toes; that can protect your skin from hot tar. In addition, some proper work boots for asphalt are designed with a full gusset tongue made of leather and Kevlar stitches to prevent hot rocks from entering the boots through the laces.

Provide comfort 

Asphalt pavements can be very hard on the feet since they add a lot of pressure and strain from below. The best work boots for asphalt are designed with contoured removable footbeds made of polyurethane and foam cushion; this helps to distribute body weight across the foot.

Some asphalt paving boots have an EVA midsole with PU Strobel padding that doubles up as a shock absorber for extra comfort.

Protects your feet from extreme weather elements 

When it’s extremely hot, asphalt boots with ultra-thin lining act as a cooling system; the cell-like lining lets air in the boots while it wicks out perspiration. The same happens when the temperatures are low; some work boots have thermal insulators that keep your feet warm and no more numb legs or frostbite.

Protect your feet from impact

Asphalt work boots are fitted with ASTM-approved safety toes to comply with work safety standards and prevent injuries. So which safety toe guard is suitable for asphalt paving work boots?  We recommend composite toe guards made with non-conductors of heat; they minimize heat transfer as opposed to steel toe guards, which are high conductors of heat.

Likewise, some have a metatarsal guard at the top of the boots made with urethane. This gel-like substance will become a rock-hard shield if a heavy part from a steamroller accidentally falls on your foot.

Keep your feet dry

The best work boots for asphalt are made with waterproof material like oiled leather. This means the boots can prevent asphalt emulsions, rainwater, and other fluids from seeping into the boots. 

If that doesn’t convince you, some asphalt boots have a membrane that acts as a permeable cell that prevents water from getting in the boots. Additionally, the membrane wicks out humidity and perspiration, leaving your feet dry throughout the day.

Prevents slip-related accidents

Unlike regular work boots, asphalt work safety shoes don’t have lugs to avoid leaving patterns on wet surfaces. Nonetheless, some have minimal tread patterns to offer grip when getting on paving machines; to avoid slip-related injuries.

Prevents penetration

If you’re working in an industrial environment, you will inevitably encounter sharp objects on the ground. However, asphalt boots have thick soles and shanks to prevent sharp objects from puncturing through and causing foot wounds. 

Types of Asphalt Work Boots Sole Constructions 

Vulcanized construction 

Vulcanized sole construction is used to formulate boots that are heat-resistant, waterproof, and durable. To give the soles the best properties, they mold the upper and the outsole together with a soft rubber band, then heat it in an oven.

Cement construction 

This is the most economical asphalt boot sole construction. The sole is attached to the upper part of the boot using adhesive; without securing it with stitches or welt. The advantage of this method is that it makes the boot light, flexible and affordable.

On the flip side, when the sole of the boot starts to fall off, it can’t be repaired; this can be hazardous to the industrial environment since it means more waste.

Goodyear welt construction 

Goodyear welt is considered the gold standard of sole construction because it makes the boot durable and waterproof. Best of all, it gives room for resoling, saving you money with less environmental waste.

This sole construction method uses a strip made of mostly leather. The strip is stitched to run from the upper part of the boot down to the insole. To finish it off, the bottom of the welt is stitched to the outsole.

Opanka construction 

The opanka would be the ideal sole construction if you’re looking for flexible and comfortable soles. The outsole of the boot is hand sewed and double-stitched to the upper of the boot.  

How to Choose the Best Asphalt Work Boots 

Heat resistant sole

Asphalt boots made of nitrile rubber are hands down the best at withstanding heat. The synthetic rubber is engineered to protect your feet from up to 572°F (one minute contact) heat and 300°F for 8 hours. 

Another good option would be to choose boots made of polyurethane compound insoles. It can resist heat up to 212 °F throughout the day, offering sufficient heat protection.

You can consider asphalt boots with a thermal insulator if the first two options don’t suit you. It forms a barrier that protects your feet from high temperatures, which could cause heat blisters.

Flat Outsole

Don’t underestimate the importance of a flat or nearly flat outsole. The flat sole prevents rocks from getting stuck at the bottom; they can be a tripping hazard, especially with the combination of tar. Moreover, flat outsoles with minimal trades don’t leave prints on freshly laid asphalt.

Material

The upper of the asphalt boots should be made of heat-resistant material. Leather is the most preferred material since it can resist heat up to 200°F. To add on, the boots should have a breathable lining.

Safety

When buying asphalt boots choose one with an ASTM-approved composite toe; it safeguards your toe from compression. If you work with steamrollers, you can opt for boots with an internal or external metatarsal guard.

Common Q&A

Conclusion

All the boots we’ve reviewed in this guide can protect your feet from hot asphalt and sharp objects. However, if we had to choose the best overall asphalt boots, we would pick the Cofra Asphalt Safety Boots. This is because they have the highest heat-resistant ratings. Not to mention, they’re comfortable and won’t leave any tread patterns on fresh asphalt.