Best Boots for Welding - Buyer's Guide
When people think about sparks flying or welding spatter going everywhere, they usually picture it hitting their upper body, hands, and arms. These are the closest to the welder, after all, and are the most likely to get hit. However, it’s also possible for sparks, spatter or debris to fly down in the direction of your feet as well. Let’s take a look at what features make a boot good for welding in our Best Welding Boots buyer’s guide.
What to Look for in a Great Pair of Welding Boots
There’s several factors that go into the design and construction of a good welding boot. Typical work boots may check a few of the boxes but may not offer complete protection in the environment most welders will be working in.
Depending on what else you do in your workshop, you may also have sharp objects lying around, tripping hazards on the floor and other heavy objects which could fall and give your feet a really bad day. A good boot is a key safety component of any welder’s kit.
Heat Resistance
When looking for welding boots, the most important thing is their heat resistance. You want boots that won’t catch fire or let the heat from falling spatter through to your foot. While many boots can provide some heat resistance, welding boots are designed to stop the heat completely, at least long enough for you to get to safety.
Sole material and construction
A good welding boot should have slip-resistant soles. These soles may be made from rubber or other synthetic materials designed to resist oil and give you better traction. You don’t want to slip while working with a welder, plasma cutter or cutting torch. These soles should also be heat resistant.
Boot material and construction
The construction of the boot is also important. High quality boots will be made of high quality leather that’s both strong yet pliable enough to flex and move with your feet. They should have full-sized tongues along with guards for the eyelets and laces. The laces can also be a hazard and shouldn’t be any longer than is necessary to lace up the boots. In addition, water proofing is important (think about ‘field’ conditions) and the boot should be equipped with steel toe reinforcement for added protection.
Comfort
Finally, we have overall comfort. Given that you might be standing or moving in them for long durations, a good welding boot should have plenty of support and of course be comfortable. Some have added materials or treatments to deal with moisture and bacteria as well.
Now that you know what to look for, here are a few of the top welding boots out there for you to consider.
Timberland PRO 53530
Timberland makes a number of great boots, and their Pro 53530 offering is great for welders and others who need protective footgear. These boots feature a steel toe, metatarsal shield and feature waterproof leather and membranes. Heat resistance is outstanding thanks to the use of DuPont Kevlar Aramid thread. The rubber soles are also heat resistant along with slip, oil and abrasion resistant. These lightweight boots are comfortable to wear too, utilizing Timberlands Pro 24/7 Comfort Suspension. They meet ASTM standards for safety, and are rated for Electrical Hazard Protection. The all-black design is stylish, too.
Pros:
- Durable construction and comfortable to wear.
- Tremendous heat resistance.
- Metatarsal shields.
Cons:
- Not very flexible.
- High price.
Dr. Martens - Men's Ironbridge Met Guard
Dr. Martens or “Doc Martens” are another great brand of shoe and their boots are no exception. Their Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard boot is an excellent choice for welders. The leather used in the boot is resistant to water and oil, while the sole is a synthetic material designed to prevent slipping. The metatarsal guard is comfortable while also providing protection. The steel toe cap keeps your feet safe in the event of accidents as well. These dark leather boots look great and are very comfortable. The Smartmask insole helps promote blood circulation so your feet don’t ache. Doc Marten also makes a version that’s electrical hazard protection rated as well.
Pros:
- Outstanding protection.
- Metatarsal shields.
- Good weight.
Cons:
- Toe box is a little too tight prior to break-in.
- Some quality issues reported.
Timberland PRO 40000
The Timberland PRO 40000 steel toe boot is made from leather and features a synthetic metatarsal guard and soles. These boots are waterproof, impact resistant, and flame resistant, making them a good purchase for welders. They’re durable, too, and will last for quite some time. The soles are resistant to oil to help protect against slip and fall injuries. The 40000’s ankle-high design makes them lighter than comparable boots, reducing fatigue allowing for all-day wear. They’re also very comfortable, something you don’t always get with work boots.
Pros:
- Comfortable and durable.
- Light weight compared to other options.
Cons:
- Less protection than full height boots.
- Limited heat resistance.
Iron Age Men's Ground Breaker IA5016
One of the most durable welding boots out there is the Ground Breaker IA5016 by Iron Age. The boot is 100 percent leather and makes use of Kevlar stitching and Goodyear welt construction to improve its durability and protection. The boot also includes a steel toe cap, synthetic non-slip soles, electrical hazard insulation, and a metatarsal guard. This makes the IA5016 fully compliant with safety regulations such as ASTM-F-2413. The removable footbed provides great comfort and support while the spongey rubber heel wedge helps with all-day wear.
Pros:
- Great protection and durability.
- Moisture wicking nylon mesh.
- Great price.
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as other options.
- Sizing runs very big.
Rhino Metatarsal Work Boot
Rhino didn’t design their metatarsal work boots specifically for welders, but they do meet all of the needs a welder has for footwear at a very reasonable price. These boots are oil-resistant, durable, and will hold up well in the wet conditions. The natural rubber soles are oil and slip resistant and provide good comfort. Additional protection comes from the metatarsal shield and steel toe caps, plus these boots do meet electrical hazard safety guidelines.
Pros:
- Good range of protection.
- Great price.
Cons:
- Heat resistance not disclosed.
- Heavy.
Conclusion
Never neglect your feet in a welding or construction environment. Accidents from falling objects are common and recovery times for broken feet are long. The options on our list will provide you with great protection and comfort for long hours at the job site or just an afternoon in the garage.
