8 Best Work Boots for Electricians in 2022
Around 40,000 people are electrocuted in the workplace every year. Out of these, at least 400 lost their lives. These accidents are preventable. Don’t be a statistic; you can save a life with the right electrical work boot.
Quick Answer: Best Work Boots for Electricians
My best electrician work boots are the Skechers Burgin-Tarlac Boot. Comfort was a huge consideration in this decision. On top of being EH-Certified, these are the most comfortable boots on my list.
Unlike other reviews, the products on my list all come with electrical hazard protection. This is a basic requirement for all electrician boots. Here are the top 8 best work boots for electricians.
Skechers Men’s Burgin Tarlac Industrial Boot-Most Comfortable
| Pros: | Cons: |
| The most comfortable electric work boot | A bit painful during the break-in period |
| Tough and very durable | |
| Accurate sizing |
I have tried every brand of work boot over the years, from the cheap Caterpillar Second Shift to the $300+ Red Wing Super Sole Boots. And I can comfortably declare that the Skechers Men’s Burgin-Tarlac is undoubtedly the most comfortable pair of boots I have worn, hands down!
Who Is It For?
Comfort and longevity; if these are your two top features in a work boot, the Skechers Burgin-Tarlac are your boots. My friend claimed her pair lasted 12 years. I’ve only had mine for a couple of months, 12 hours a day, but I can already see them going that long.
Features and Specs
The upper of these boots are made using 100% leather. This means that the boots are tough, durable, and water-resistant. They can take in anything that comes their way.
Their interior consists of a shock-absorbing EVAC midsole and a soft fabric boot lining. All these are in place for comfort purposes. The collar and tongue are padded, and so is the Gusset tongue front. The boots will absorb all shock directed to the feet as you walk.
The boots are EH certified as per the ASTM safety standards. Their rubber soles are both oil and slip-resistant. They have deep lugs to keep you even on slippery surfaces. There is also a pull tab to assist you in wearing and taking off the boots easily.
Why Should You Buy It?
Everyone has different tastes, but for me, these boots are perfect. I ordered my sneaker size, and they were spot on! You can always ask for an exchange or wear them with thicker socks if they don’t fit well.
They fit and feel perfect, and their comfort level is unbelievable. They are springy and very light for a steel-toe boot. I wish I were making this all up!
Shortcomings
These boots have a break-in period, which can be hectic for some. You’ll be in pain during this period and may even acquire blisters. I highly recommend wearing the boots with thick socks and exchanging them with other pairs during this period.
Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Work Boot-Best Premium Quality
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comfortable right out of the box | Not durable, 6 months lifespan |
| Tough and solid boot | |
| Fairly priced |
These are Timberlands; enough said! No need to emphasize their quality. They look good, fit well, and are comfortable to wear without a real break-in period. What more could you ask for?
Who Is It For?
As their name suggests, these boots are for those who endure everything to provide for their families. They are for the hard-working man who goes through the crap in the workplace. These are your go-to work boots if you experience all sorts of abuse and are exposed to many risks.
Features and Specs
Timberland PRO Endurance Boots are made of pure premium leather. The material makes them comfortable, flexible, and water-resistant.
The rubber soles are abrasion, oil, slip, and water-resistant. They are also EH certified and adhere to the ASTM safety standards. Thanks to the anti-fatigue technology, the boots absorb all the shocks directed to the feet. A fiberglass shank is also present for ankle support.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are comfortable and fit as expected right out of the box. They have a unique lacing system that secures the boots snugly. Their soles have excellent traction and are water-resistant. Their pricing is relatively fair.
Shortcomings
The comfort of these boots comes with a penalty; zero durability. They have a 6 months lifespan, which is pretty low for Timberland. The soles will become loose, the inner lining will wear out, and its waterproofing will fail. The boots are a great purchase for light work only.
Keen Utility Men’s Braddock Work Boot-Most Durable
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comfortable right out of the box | Soles are a bit slippery |
| Great arch support | |
| Tough leather construction | |
| Relatively light |
I’m not a huge Keen Utility fan (sadly). I have nothing against the brand, but I feel that most of their shoes look weird and unprofessional. Well, not these. They are not the best-looking boots, but they’re not ugly either. I even wear them to hiking on weekends!
Who Is It For?
These boots scoop my award for the most durable electrician boots. They are excellent for workers who want to buy shoes and close the chapter. 8 months with this pair, and after exposing them to lots of abuse, they still show no sign of wear.
Features and Specs
One of the few steel-toed boots on this review, Keen Utility Braddock Boots mean business regarding safety. Their steel toe cap offers maximum protection from all falling material. They are asymmetrical for a better fit and a more spacious toe box.
The boots are made using nubuck leather that is not only tough and durable but also waterproof. It does an incredible job of ensuring that your feet are always dry. The interior is well padded and cushioned for comfort, focusing on the heel area.
The boots come with a 1-year warranty. Contact the manufacturer in case of defects within this period for a replacement or full refund.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are comfortable right out of the box and get even better with time. They are spacious in the toe box and offer great arch support. They are light, and their leather construction makes them tough. In other words, they are perfect, almost.
Shortcomings
My only gripe with these boots is with the soles. They are not slip-resistant, or I didn’t feel like they were. They are grippy on concrete but not on the ice. But to be fair, not many work boots are. I wouldn’t recommend them for slippery surfaces.
Carhartt Men’s 6″ Energy Black Industrial Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| EH certified | Not waterproof as advertised |
| Wide and light composite toe | |
| Made using oil-tanned leather |
Honest value for an honest dollar. That’s Carhartt’s motto. True to their words, you get what you pay for with the Carhartt Energy Black Industrial Boot. These boots help you end your day as strong as you started.
Who Is It For?
This is a heavy-duty work boot designed for a heavy-duty man. They have the best composite toes. If you want a work boot that offers top-notch toe protection without being heavy and narrow, the Carhartt Work Boots are a decent choice.
Features and Specs
Get comfortable in these boots, thanks to their padded collar and tongue. The extra padding comes in handy when you kneel, move up and down ladders and crawl through small spaces. An Ortholite insole adds to the cushioning while fighting odor and fatigue.
I like the composite safety toe of the boot. It’s lighter than metal and also slow to conduct cold and heat. And, of course, it adheres to the ASTM standards. It is also wide and provides lots of toe space.
Speaking of ASTM, the boot is EH-certified with slip and heat-resistant soles to keep you up and going.
Why Should You Buy It?
This is a work boot with all the comfort and safety features you need. Its grip is excellent, and the soles are chemical, oil, and slip-resistant for perfect traction. It has a steel shank to support the boots and arches.
Shortcomings
The Carhartt Energy Black Industrial Boot isn’t waterproof as advertised. One month after purchasing the boots, they started leaking water. They are perfect but only if you work in a dry environment.
ROCKROOSTER Electrician Work Boots
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comfortable right out of the box; no break-in period | Poor breathability |
| Designed wide to fit people with large feet | |
| Slip and oil-resistant outsoles |
Here is a slip-on electrician work boot for those who hate everything about laces. Who said you couldn’t kill it at work? For the non-slip and Chelsea boots fans, here is a combo of both.
Who Is It For?
Anyone in a hurry or those who simply hate laces will love the Rockrooster boots. They are made wide to fit men with large feet. They are also stylish, and you can wear them for hiking casual occasions.
Features and Specs
The Rockrooster Boots boast two features; comfort and safety– the two most important features in an electrician work boot. They feature dual-density footbeds that absorb shock directed to the feet as you walk and reduce the risk of injuries.
They are also cushioned to minimize pressure and make walking comfortable. Their COOLMAX fiber technology makes the boots breathable and wicks away moisture keeping your feet dry. The boots come with a 6-month warranty as proof of durability.
Why Should You Buy It?
I love these boots for their abrasion resistance and lightness. Also, their soles are durable. They are strong yet flexible, a subtle combination. Plus, they don’t have a break-in period. Enjoy their comfort right out of the box.
Shortcomings
The breathability of these boots is poor. Its lining does a terrible job of wicking away moisture to the outside, leaving your feet sweaty and smelly. There is room for improvement here.
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Work Boots
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Quality construction | Inaccurate sizing |
| Very comfortable | Long break-in period |
| Goodyear welt construction for added durability | |
| Electrical hazard (EH) protection |
It’s made in America by Americans and for the American people. If this isn’t the American dream, I don’t know what is. The Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Work Boots are here to save the day.
Who Is It For?
These boots have an 8-inch shaft. They are great for those looking for that extra protection and support on the foot’s upper region. If you climb ladders, drop heavy objects a lot, and are always on your knees, the Thorogood American Heritage is an excellent option to settle for.
Features and Specs
These boots come with a dual-density outsole that is very durable and provides extra support and comfort regardless of the terrain. It has shock-absorbing footbeds and Poron insoles that will cradle your feet and leave you comfortable.
The boots adhere to the ASTM standards for impact, compression, and electrical hazards. It features fiberglass shanks and rubber soles that can withstand up to 18,000 volts. Goodyear welt construction is added to make the boots super durable.
Why Should You Buy It?
You get what you pay for with these boots. They are very comfortable, and the quality is impeccable. They have a long break-in period (around 10 days), but it’s worth the wait.
Shortcomings
These boots have unquestionable quality but questionable sizing. They run long and narrow. I recommend ordering a full size down and one size wider than what you are used to.
Thorogood Men’s GEN-flex2 Series Work Boots
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Excellent grip and traction | Not durable, six months lifespan |
| Spacious and efficient composite toe | |
| Comfortable and shock absorbent |
Another product from Thorogood; is proof of how good the brand is. The Thorogood Gen-Flex is a distant cousin to the American Heritage with more differences than similarities. But one thing is common between the two—their quality is unquestionable!
Who Is It For?
It’s not every day that you meet a 7-inch boot. It’s either or 8. Well, if you want something high (but not too high), just high enough to cover your calf, the Thorogood Gen-Flex is yours to take. It offers protection while still offering you enough space and freedom to maneuver.
Features And Specs:
Made using full-grain leather and rubber sole, it didn’t surprise me how tough and rugged these boots were. If you’re torn between a 6-inch or 8-inch shaft, why not go for this middle-of-the-road 7-inch shaft boot? It rises to the ankle, not too high, but just enough to protect the calf.
An outstanding feature of the boot is its removable footbed made of high-density polyurethane cushions and perfectly conforms to your feet. The boot uses the VGS 300 tech to absorb shock absorption. It doesn’t compress with time and can withstand up to 300 pounds of pressure.
The boot features a composite toe that doesn’t have any metal or conduct electricity. The safety toe cap will keep your feet warm during cold periods.
Why Should You Buy It?
The grip and traction of these boots are excellent. Their soles are thick, grippy, flexible, and oil and slip-resistant. Plus, you can re-sole them.
Shortcomings:
When I ordered these boots, they looked great, were lightweight, fit fine, and looked tough. But they only LOOKED tough; they weren’t.
Just like Timberland Endurance, the quality of these boots comes at the expense of their durability. Six months in, and the boots will begin to wear. The stitching will become loose, the soles will wear out, and the waterproof ability will greatly decrease. Slightly disappointing.
Danner Vicious NMG Work Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fairly priced | Failed waterproofing after four months |
| 1-year warranty | |
| Tough and lightweight |
Put aside the great price of these boots, and you still have a nice fit, great style, longevity, and incredible comfort. I decided to try out the Danner Vicious Boots since my old Georgia was falling apart. So far, I’m more than impressed.
Who Is It For?
Probably the first thing to notice with these boots is their Gore-tex leather. The waterproof membrane is present to prevent all liquids from penetrating the boots and keep you dry 24/7. This makes the boot perfect for wet working environments. Workplaces marred with water, mud, and chemicals.
Features And Specs:
One of my favorite features of these boots is that they have no real break-in period. They are comfortable right out of the box—no burns or blisters due to stiffness and no need to wear thick socks. The toe area is also spacious to assist with comfort.
The composite toe is great. It doesn’t set off metal detectors and doesn’t transmit cold or heat, either. The boots are also EH protected as per the ASTM standards. Safety first! In a hurry? No worries. The speed lace-up system will help you tie your boots in no time.
Why Should You Buy It?
The comfort of these boots is amazing, the fit is perfect, and the insulation will keep you warm. The padding inside is nice. I love how lightweight the boots are, and I feel their price tag is reasonable. Amazing grip in the snow, too!
Shortcomings
The waterproofing properties of these boots are great, but only for the first three to four months. Water penetrates through the laces, not the soles, not the tongue. Plus, it’s difficult to notice this unless you take off the boots.
Luckily, the boots come with a 365-day warranty. If this happens to you, feel free to contact the manufacturer.
Features to Look for In the Best Work Boots for Electricians
Electrical Hazard Protection
Electrical hazard protection is a top priority when picking a work boot for electricians. They should be able to withstand up to 18,000V in a dry setting. Composite toes are the best for these boots, although steel toes also function equally well.
Construction Quality
How well the various components of your boots are put together affects the comfort and longevity of the shoes. Manufacturers use different construction techniques to improve comfort and durability and lower production costs.
The Goodyear welt construction is among the popular techniques and is praised for its longevity. It involves attaching a leather strip to the upper and insoles and sewn to create a strong bond. The soles can be repaired and re-attached if they get damaged.
Slip and Puncture Resistance
Take a close look at the soles of your boots. Can they keep you safe when you step on a nail or wet surface? Quality work boots are made using thick soles from Vibram or rubber to keep you stable. They are made thick to withstand nails, broken glasses, and other sharp objects on the worksite.
Manufacturers incorporate a thin composite or metal plate between the layers of the soles to prevent any object from reaching your feet. The heels of the boots should be at least 0.75 inches high with a 45° angle if you’re looking to climb poles and ladders a lot. These will help improve your grip on the rungs.
Shaft: 6 Inch VS. 8 Inch
Finding trouble choosing between the 6-inch and 8-inch shaft? To be fair, both are incredible, and it’s a matter of personal preference. 8-inch boots are your go-to choice when you frequently experience ankle sprains or simply want extra support since they rise above the ankles.
They also come in handy when you work in a wet, outdoor environment marred with mud, slush, and puddles. The boots will protect your feet from all that dirt. 6-inch boots, on the other hand, are light and easy to take off. Trust me, the 2-inch make a huge difference in weight.
Which one should you go for? You know best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of boots should an electrician wear?
The best work boot for an electrician provides maximum safety, protection, and comfort to the feet. It should also be lightweight, water and chemical-resistant, and provide excellent traction, especially on slippery surfaces.
But above all, the best electrician work boot should be EH certified. It should protect you from up to 18,000 volts.
What are EH-rated boots and how do they work?
Since electricians are in constant danger of electrocution, our boots should be EH-certified with cement construction and lining soles that conduct electricity. Such boots can withstand up to 18,000 volts of electricity.
Are steel toe boots safe for electricians?
The toe is a sensitive part of your feet, so it’s important to protect it. Toe protection protects the toes from heavy falling objects. The toe cap found in your boot should abide by the ASTM safety standards.
There are three different types of safety toes, each designed for different circumstances. Let your purchase be based on this.
Alloy Toe
Alloy toe is made of aluminum and is 30%-50% lighter than composite and steel toes. It provides a lot of space but will set off metal detectors.
Composite Toe
The composite toe is lighter than the steel toe and is both non-magnetic and non-metallic. It doesn’t conduct heat and cold quickly and, unlike the alloy toe, doesn’t set off metal detectors.
Steel Toe
Steel toe provides the best protection against compression and impact. It features an inner sole for puncture protection. Like the alloy toe, the steel toe also sets off metal detectors.
Conclusion
If you’re an electrician, these work boots are extremely important for you; I cannot emphasize this. They protect you from electrocution and keep your feet comfortable and dry throughout the day.
Remember, a quality work boot is tough, comfortable, and fitted with the necessary safety features. Whatever you do, don’t wear sneakers to work.
