7 Best Welding Boots in 2022 – Reviews and Buyers Guide
Your feet are your body’s foundation and should be well protected. They need to be comfortable and free from pain and blisters. The best welding boots help ensure this is the case. Here is a list of the best welding boots, an essential piece of every welder’s protection equipment.
Quick Answer: Best Welding Work Boots
If you’re too caught up to read the entire review. The best welding work boots are the Timberland Pro Men’s MetGuard Boot. These boots are juxtaposed; with a tough and solid exterior and a soft and comfortable interior. They are everything you’d want in your work boots.
Included is also a buyer’s guide. You are welcome!
Timberland PRO Men’s MetGuard Boot-Best Overall
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Super comfortable | The comfort and safety levels of the boots deteriorate with time (6 months lifespan) |
| Highly breathable | |
| Stylish and fashionable |
Let me start by saying this – these boots are beautiful, and I love them! I have had them for… well, I don’t remember… a few months, 8 maybe, and they are still going strong. There are a few dents here and there, which is expected given the nature of my welding work, but they’re still solid!
Who Is It For?
These are the best overall welding boots on my list. They are your dream welding boots. Their performance is top-tier. They are comfortable and super durable. Their uppers are water-resistant, while soles are tough and resistant to slip and abrasion. They also adhere to the ASTM standards.
Features and Specs
Timberland Pro MetGuard Boots are slightly taller than regular lace-up boots to provide extra protection and support. They are made using durable, waterproof, heat-resistant, full-grain leather.
Their Ever-Guard leather accents are abrasion resistant and come in handy on high-wear surfaces. The boots have a steel toe cap that’s spacious, comfortable, and in line with the ASTM standards.
Timberland adopted the comfort suspension technology to cushion and provide arch support to your feet so that you can comfortably work for prolonged durations without fatigue. Their rubber soles are abrasion and heat resistant.
Their footbed is polyurethane and has antimicrobial features for added comfort, breathability, and odor control. Lastly, the boot has an external metatarsal guard with an asymmetrical design that conforms to the foot’s natural shape. This comes in handy when squatting.
Why Should You Buy It?
These Timberland boots are amazing in both their appearance and performance. They focus on two essential features; comfort and safety. These are the most important factors for all construction workers, leave alone welders.
Shortcomings
Timberland Pro MetGuard Boots have a lifespan of 6 months, and you’ll be lucky if the Kevlar stitching survives to the 8th month. The met guard flap will also likely tear off. The stitching and meta guard coming off don’t just compromise your safety but also the comfort of the boots.
The boots are super comfy and safe when new, no doubt, but this deteriorates superbly after a year. Sad but true.
Dr. Martens Men’s Industry Boot-Most Comfortable
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Quality construction with quality materials | Not true to sizing |
| Highly affordable | Don’t have the leather around the steel toe portion re-enforced |
| Super comfortable | |
| The outsoles are slip and abrasion resistant |
A perfect pit, a perfect balance. One of the most comfortable footwear on my list. I wore the Dr. Martens Work Boots and felt I could walk miles without blisters or discomfort.
Who Is It For?
These boots are unisex and suitable for both men and women. They come in three colour options and a wide range of sizes, from 4 to 15 (16 women). Even better, the boots come at half the price of their competitors! If that’s not a bargain, then I don’t know what is.
If you love the Wellington style of boots, these are a great option to go for.
Features and Specs
When the boots arrive, you may want to apply some condition and mink oil on them. It will protect them and help them maintain their great look.
Inside are padded insoles and AirWave midsoles that are very comfortable. Cambrelle lining and bamboo shanks are used to provide extra arch support and reduce moisture in the boots.
Safety was also a top priority when designing these boots. They come with steel toe caps with Electrical Hazard protection and are also in line with the ASTM standards. Their PVC outsoles are slip and abrasion resistant to help you walk confidently in slippery areas.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are well constructed; their soles are thick, anti-slip, and come with Electrical Hazard protection. Overall, they’re comfortable, well-padded, and with an effective steel toe cap. Plus, they are cheap.
Shortcomings
Dr. Martens Steel Toe Work Boots suffer a fatal flaw that most budget work boots seem to have; they don’t have the leather covering the steel area re-enforced. If you’re going to be on your knees for more than half an hour, you can easily see the steel toe peeping out because the leather wore through.
Also, their sizing is inaccurate. They run at least a size small, so be prepared to order up to a size larger.
Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Boots-Toughest Pick
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fairly priced | The very tight toe box |
| Well padded and very comfortable | |
| Unbelievably durable | |
| It has a metatarsal guard for additional protection |
I have tried different met guard boots from different brands; Caterpillar, Carolina, Timberland, Michelin, and Red Wings. I wanted to give Dr. Martens Ironbridge a shot.
I wore these boots on wet surfaces rich with puddles of water and diluted corrosives. I wasn’t easy on them; I wore them 5 days a week, 12 hours a day, and put them through tons of crouching, walking, and twisting. The boots showed little signs of wear.
Who Is It For?
These are amongst the most comfortable shoes on my list. If you’re tight on budget but still don’t want to compromise on the budget, here is an excellent choice for you. The boots are available in two colour options; black and brown.
Features and Specs
These iconic Dr. Martens boots are made using tough, PVC, air-cushioned soles resistant to alkali, petrol, oil, and fat.
They have a waterproof fabric lining and full-grain leather to wick moisture away. The leather is durable, fire-resistant, waterproof, and highly flexible. Both their uppers and soles are heat-sealed and sewn.
The footwear features safety toe caps and a metatarsal guard for accident protection. They also come with electrical Hazard protection. As for comfort, they are padded and have a Smartmask insole. Their upper is also padded for a snug feel while allowing your feet to breathe.
Why Should You Buy It?
For someone who’s been wearing boots since I was a teenager, I was very impressed with these boots! These boots have been built very solidly and are unbelievably solid.
Their soles are tough and will keep you safe and steady on slippery surfaces. Their leather and fabric lining are water-resistant and wicks away moisture, maintaining the boots functional—worth the purchase.
Shortcomings
An area of improvement with these boots would be with their toe box. They are very tight and can be painful at times. But this is to expect from steel toe caps. It would be great if the manufacturers would make them a little bit spacious.
Irish Setter Wellington Steel Toe Work Boot-Most Durable
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comfortable right out of the box | Poor quality soles |
| A perfect fit | |
| Fully waterproof | |
| Very lightweight | |
| Durable boots |
I’ve had my Irish Setter Wellington Work Boots for 3½ years, an extremely comfortable pair of work boots. They are amongst the few pull-on boots that you can flat-out sprint in.
Who Is It For?
Anyone who wants to buy a work boot and close that chapter should purchase the Irish Setter Wellington Work Boots. Be ready to own this pair for more than three years. They scoop my award for the most durable welding work boots.
Features and Specs
These boots are constructed using full-grain leather—their opening measures 15.5’, giving your feet enough room to breathe. The shaft measures 11.5” from the arch. A steel toe cap is in place to protect your feet from falling objects.
Inside is a moisture-wicking lining that uses anti-microbial treatment to ensure that the boots are always clean, dry, and comfortable.
Why Should You Buy It?
These are the perfect boots for your feet. They are a great fit, and you don’t need to order a size large or short. They require almost no break-in and are comfortable right out of the box. They’re light but not too light that they feel cheap. Their leather is thick and the sole is great. And their waterproofing abilities are superb!
Shortcomings
The soles of these boots aren’t very durable. Some users complained that they started ripping off after only three months. You may consider stitching them when new.
Ariat Sierra Steel Toe Work Boots-Best Cowboy Welding Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Has a U-turn for easy entry into the boot and added longevity | Poor quality eyelets |
| EVA midsoles make the boot comfortable by absorbing shocks | |
| Wide shanks for extra support and reduced foot fatigue |
Howdy Cowboy! Something for the ranch and horse lovers. Ariat is a brand driven by innovation, technology and world-class design. The first company to combine cowboy boots with athletic shoe technology. Quality is non-negotiable with the Ariat Sierra Steel Toe Boot.
Who Is It For?
These boots are built for the hard-working man.
They will provide maximum traction and support on any terrain without compromising comfort. They will complement your cowboy look perfectly.
Features and Specs
The Duratread outsole and lightweight, cushioning EVA midsole make the boot ultimately durable and comfortable. Its rubber sole is slip and oil-resistant and has a 90° heel for added support.
Metatarsal guards and a composite toe cap keep your feet safe. The boot upper is rich leather triple stitched for added durability and water resistance.
A U-turn at the back of the boot enables you to slide your foot in the boot effortlessly. It also prevents the boot from breaking or bending.
Why Should You Buy It?
Arguably the best cowboy welding boot, Ariat Sierra Steel Toe Boots have many exciting and essential features. They’re comfortable and offer excellent support, their soles are tough and slip-resistant, plus they feature a meta guard for extra protection.
Shortcomings
A few users complained about the eyelets of these Ariat boots. They are of poor quality and will come out barely weeks after purchasing the boots. What’s worse is that the warranty doesn’t cover them. So, you’ll have to find a couple of rivets to set them straight.
KEEN Utility -Best Protection
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Very durable | Not fully waterproof, water-resistant |
| Specially designed safety toes for each toe | |
| Super comfortable |
If safety is your top priority, the Keen Utility Milwaukee Work Boots are here to save the day. One look at these boots and you’ll know that they mean business. But don’t let the tough look fool you; the boots are very comfortable.
Who Is It For?
These boots best suit workers exposed to falling objects and other workplace hazards. The safety toes of the boots are the best. They are uniquely designed to fit both toes.
Features and Specs
A unique feature of these boots is that their steel toe is designed specifically for each foot. The toe boxes aren’t straight but shaped to fit the right or left foot. This helps fit the toes comfortably, providing sufficient space to move and wiggle.
The boots have a nylon fabric covering both the toes and heels. They also come with rubber toe coverings to reduce the impact when kicking or striking the boots into an object. The upper of the boots are made using ToughTec leather that is abrasion resistant.
Why Should You Buy It?
One of my personal favourites here! Although slightly expensive, Keen Utility Milwaukee Work Boots are hands down one of the most durable and comfortable work boots on the market. Their ankle support is great, and they are easy to take off. Unlace them, and the boots fall off.
Shortcomings
These boots aren’t fully waterproof but water-resistant. A few users noticed their feet becoming wet barely a month after purchasing them. The boots are perfect for dry environments but awful in wet, water-logged work areas.
Cat Footwear Revolver Pull on Boot-Cheapest Welding Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Very comfortable after breaking in | Narrow steel shanks |
| Come in a simple but practical design | |
| Triple stitching for durability and longevity | |
| Adhere to ASTM standards |
There’s not much when it comes to the design of the Cat Revolver Construction Boots. These are plain, simple-looking boots that are all about performance. Nothing could go wrong with their purchase.
Who Is It For?
If you’re a guy who loves simplicity without much affection for style and fashion, the Cat Revolver Boots are an excellent option. The boots are also the cheapest boots on my list. You don’t have to break your bank to own them.
Features And Specs:
The full-grain leather upper of these boots doesn’t offer the best water resistance, but they make up for this with incredible resistance to heat, spatter and sparks. This makes them one of the best welding boots in their price range.
The threads of the boots are triple stitched for added longevity. Their outsoles are made of heavy-duty rubber in line with the ASTM standards for electrical hazard protection, impact, and traction.
There is a PVC layer between the insole and outsole for penetration protection and extra durability. Inside is also a lining that adds to the comfort of the boots without making them too thick.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots come in a simple yet practical design. They are comfortable after breaking in, which will take about a week. They will adapt to your feet perfectly, and you’ll wear them without feeling uneasy or in pain.
Shortcomings:
I noticed that the steel shank of the boots is way narrow. Although not a biggie, don’t expect the boots to be super comfortable when using tree gaffs or standing on a ladder.
How to Choose the Best Welding Boots
Meta Guard
One unique feature of welding boots is their metatarsal protection. Meta guards provide the boots with a structure that enables them to withstand the harshest conditions. They help them protect the laces and feet. The metatarsals prevent the laces from sparks that could burn them up.
Safety
Safety is a top priority when choosing welding boots. The boots feature safety protection features such as:
- They feature steel or composite toe caps to protect your metatarsal or toe from injury.
- Have arch reinforcement with steel, composite, or fibreglass shanks for protection from hazards and long-standing periods.
- Padding and ankle armour protect your ankles from impacts.
- The boot should extend to the calf for added protection and stability.
- If you’re wearing lace-up boots, cover them with spats or the metatarsal guard for secure protection.
Footwear Construction
The material used to construct a work boot affects its long-term value. There are a few construction tips that you should have in mind.
First, avoid boots with crannies, crooks, eyelets and prominent tongues where the molten metal easily gets stuck. Secondly, always go for welding footwear with Kevlar stitching. Kevlar is not only heat resistant but incredibly durable.
High-quality boots make use of Goodyear welt construction. This leather double stitching between the boot’s sole and upper enhances ruggedness and longevity.
Sole Construction
Sole quality is important in ensuring your safety at work. Thin soles are prone to punctures and wear and tear. Thick soles are the way to go. They will provide you with enhanced cushioning and shock absorption and keep you comfortable.
Slip resistance is also key, especially if your worksite has oily or soapy floors. Slips and falls can cause permanent injuries and fatalities, so it’s important to invest in boots with quality soles. Your sole should provide excellent traction and withstand chemical substances such as acids.
Rubber is the best material for designing soles. It is durable, offers excellent heat and slip resistance and can absorb shocks.
Waterproofing
Puddles of water may characterize your work environment. Water penetrating through your boots and making your socks wet is not only irritating but also harmful. It can also expose you to electrical danger if you have extension cords in the area.
Go for waterproof work boots that enable you to work in wet conditions confidently. Leather is the most preferred material because of its high water resistance. Some boots have leather coated with hydrophobic oil to prevent water from penetrating inside.
Resistance to Heat and Burn
You’ll emit heat during welding projects that can splatter and damage your shoes or cause foot injuries. so the welding boot you settle for must have heat and burn-resistant features.
Most welding work boots are made using premium leathers, heat-resistant uppers, soles, and neoprene to ensure this is the case. A double-density PU rubber outsole also greatly contributes to heat resistance. Kevlar stitching is also added to prevent the heat from transferring to the inside of the boot.
Look for boots that can withstand heat up to 300° Celsius. Most heat-resistant boots are generally heavy, but the added weight is justifiable to prevent damage and injuries to your feet.
Steel Toe Protection
Steel toe protection is a requirement by OSHA to ensure that all employees have their feet sufficiently protected. Caps cover the toe area of the shoe and protect them from falling impacts and objects.
Steel and composite toe caps are the best. Steel toes offer the best protection, while composite toe caps are lighter and more comfortable.
Comfort and Support
You want to return home in the evening and be able to take off your boots without experiencing pain or blisters. When your feet feel good and are in good shape, you’ll be able to perform at your best. A few factors determine how comfortable your boots are.
First is breathability. This is the influx and outflux of air. Breathable shoes prevent sweat and heat from accumulating and maintain your feet’ temperature.
Second is the weight of your boots. The lighter the boots, the better. Heavy boots drain your energy levels, limit your movement and result in fatigue.
Finally, the interior of the boots needs to be well cushioned. This allows blood circulation and the elimination of pressure points in the shoes. It also allows the boot to contour to the shape of the feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boots should you wear for welding?
Welders have their special working boots. These boots are durable, rugged, have top-tier safety features and are in line with the OSHA footwear requirements.
Should I get work boots with laces?
Laces or no laces? That’s the dilemma facing every welder. In full honesty, there is no straightforward answer to this question. Each has numerous advantages and drawbacks, so it’s a matter of personal preference. However, safety should be the top priority. Laces are more prone to burn risks and can cause you to trip and fall over when untied. But they are the best when fastened and tucked in properly. They provide a custom and more comfortable fit.
Pull-on boots also come with their advantages. They have no laces that can get trapped in molten metal, plus they are quick and easy to wear and take off. Also, most of them will cover your ankles and part of your calves.
If you settle for lace-up boots, go for ones with leather boots, preferably with leather laces. These are some of the best. Leather doesn’t easily burn up and can easily adapt to the work environment.
Why Do You Need Proper Welding Boots?
There are several benefits and reasons why you need proper welding shoes. One, welding boots protect you from physical harm. The welding environment puts you at risk of burns, cuts, sprains, electric shocks and lacerations, among others. A good quality welding boot significantly reduces the risk of personal injuries. Secondly, welding boots are comfortable and allow you to work for long hours without experiencing pain, blisters, or discomfort. On top of safety, some of these boots are stylish and will complement your attire. Who said you couldn’t look good while working?
Finally, per the OSHA welding footwear regulation, workers must have protective footwear when working in high-risk areas.
What Are the OSHA Welding Footwear Requirements?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires every employee to have protective footwear when working in areas subjecting them to foot injuries. these are risks brought about by falling objects, slips and trips and electrical hazards, among others. There are numerous consensus standards that foot protection must adhere to. These include the American National Standard for Personal Protection (ANSI Z41-1991) and Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection (ASTM), among others.
Conclusion
I hope I’ve stayed true to my course and provided you with everything you need to know about the best welding boots. When making your purchase, remember that there is no wrong choice. It all depends on personal choice and preference.
Which is your best welding boot from my list?
