Best Welding Boots and Shoes with Steel Toe in 2022

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According to U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, 724 people died in 2013 due to falls, slips and trips and it increases 10% in 2014. So, the importance of welding footwear is unlimited.

A Quick Summary Before the Detailed Review

OSHA Welding Footwear Requirements and Guideline

OSHA guidelines ensure the safety of the workers from potential hazards that may result from electric or rolling equipment, corrosive and hot materials, biohazardous elements, objects that can penetrate or crush. To abide by the guidelines set by OSHA, protective shoes are inclined to comply with the standards of ASTM. 

ASTM Standards

The ASTM standards implement the following rules:

• Toe caps should be used in specific job sites. Protective footwear needs to have a steel toe, composite toe or alloy toe. 
• Work boots have to be compression and impact resistance in accordance with ASTM standards.
• Features like puncture resistance, static dissipation, slip resistance, metatarsal protection and conductive protection should be tested. 

How to Know which Shoes Maintain the ASTM standards

If a pair of shoes are in accordance with the ASTM standards, it will have one of the following markings:

• ASTM 2413-11
• ASTM 2413-18

Who Should Pay for OSHA Footwear?

The cost of purchasing OSHA footwear is required to be paid by welding employers. This rule has been set in motion since 2018 and still ongoing. 

Source: By Standard Number 1910.136 - Foot protection - https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.136

Best Welding Boot 2022 Reviews

1. Caterpillar Men's Welding Work Boot

This footwear is made of 100% genuine leather. They have a sole made of synthetic materials that are designed to be slip-resistant and help prevent back pain caused by standing on your feet for long periods of time. These are rugged work boots crafted from the finest materials and precision stitched.

The shaft of the boots will reach approximately 6 inches above your instep. The boots lace up so you can create a custom fit and be assured that the boot will not slip or rub while you are wearing them. The heel of the boots measures about 1.25 inches.

The upper portion of the boot is in close proximity to your ankles. Extra padding has been incorporated around the upper portion of the boot to protect your ankle.

The outsole of the boots is oil resistant so they stay looking nice for a much longer period of time. They are also designed to help prevent you from being injured if you are exposed to an electrical shock.

The synthetic soles have been designed to be slip-resistant. This is a safety feature that many employers demand you have on your footwear. The slip resistant soles effectively reduce the number of slip and fall related injuries.

Pros

Cons

2. ROCKROOSTER Welding Work Boots for Men

Just because you need steel toe boots to work in does not mean that your boots cannot be fashionable. These pull-on boots look good while providing you with the safety of steel toes, genuine leather, and slip-resistant soles.

These boots are even designed to release any static electricity that accumulates when you are wearing certain materials into the ground so you do not get one of those static shocks.

The boots are slip-resistant to protect you from slip and fall injuries. They are also oil resistant so they stay looking better for longer periods of time and they protect you more when you are walking on slick surfaces.

They have anti-fatigue technology designed into them to help you stay more comfortable while you are working. They allow you to work longer and the anti-fatigue is crafted from memory foam so the cushion does not go flat in the first couple of weeks that you wear the boots.

These boots are ankle style so they do not ride high up on your calf. The opening to the boots are large enough to prevent you from having trouble putting them on, and they will not rub against your leg while you are wearing them.

Pros

Cons

ROCKROOSTER vs. Caterpillar

Though Caterpillar is the synonym of heavy-duty boots the sole of this ROCKROOSTER Work Boots is far sturdy and firmed enough than the Caterpillar. Made of TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) to ensure protection from excessive heat and resistance from slip, oil and water. 

3. Timberland PRO Steel Toe Boots

The shaft of these boots will measure about 8 inches from the top of your arch. They are a lace up boot that allows you to cinch them tightly so they fit your foot perfectly. This feature allows you to be safer from tripping or falling. They have a waterproof Met Guard flap for added protection.

These boots meet or exceed the safety standards established by ASTM. They have rubber outsoles that are designed to be abrasion resistant so they protect your feet from cuts and they will be more durable. The soles are also oil-resistant so you will stand a lesser chance of slipping or falling on a slick floor surface.

The boots are made of waterproof leather and they showcase the Goodyear welt construction. They are stitched with Kevlar thread so even the thread is heat resistant and more likely to hold together for longer periods of time.

The footbed is designed to provide you with extra comfort. The cushion inside the boot is made of durable material so your cushion remains in place protecting the sole of your foot and comforting you from normal aches and pains of the foot.

Pros

Cons

ROCKROOSTER vs. Caterpillar Vs. Timberland

This boot is totally different than the ROCKROOSTER. Unlike the ROCKROOSTER this one is made of 100% leather. If you are a guy having a fascination with leather boots, go for it. 

There are a couple of drawbacks that we noticed in these boots which helped us to rank this item followed by Caterpillar Men's Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot and ROCKROOSTER Welding boot. 

Both Caterpillar and ROCKROOSTER are cheaper than Timberland PRO Steel Toe Boots. 

And, some customers repeatedly report against their quality in recent days. 

4. Thorogood Men's Boot for Welding

These boots are perfect working boots. They are made from 100% pure leather in the U.S.A. They lace up so you get a custom fit that stops you from having twisted ankles, or pain from a boot that slips on your heels.

They have electric shock protection built in them. The soles of the boots are capable of withstanding an electrical shock as great as 18,000 volts RMS, for 1 minute at 60Hz. The soles and heels are designed to help you avoid injury, and so are the steel toes.

The steel toes of these boots will help prevent you from being injured in the event that something is dropped on your foot. These boots are rated to maintain a one-half inch or greater clearance in the event of something being dropped on your foot with a force that equals 75 foot-pounds. They are rated as class 1/75 footwear and meet the general PPE requirements established by most employers.

They have a cushioned insole to help prevent pain and alleviate foot cramps associated with standing for long periods of time. The footbed is shock and impact resistant. The soles are designed to be slip-resistant.

Pros

Cons

Thorogood Vs. Caterpillar Vs. ROCKROOSTER

A great similarity between these 3 items is: STYLISH! CAT Steel Toe introduced this stylish and fashionable work boots first, however, this product looks more attractive and fit for other regular outfit as well. 

5. Thorogood Moc Toe Welding Work Boot

These boots have steel safety toe protection. This is important when you are working around heavy materials. The steel safety toe will prevent you from being injured if you drop a piece of metal on top of your toe. It will also prevent injuries from occurring because you inadvertently kick something.

These are lace up boots so you adjust how tightly they fit on your foot and ankle. The lace up boots provides you with a custom fit that slips on boots cannot provide.

These boots are made from 100% leather so they can withstand the day to day wear and tear that welders put them through. The boots are durable and dependable. They are made in the U.S.A.

The sole of the boot is made from slip resistant materials. The Maxwear 90 slip resistant sole will help you to avoid slip and fall injuries.

Inside the boot, you will find that they have a shock-resistant footbed and cushion insole. The shock-resistant footbed helps to eliminate strain and painful feet. The cushioned insole makes the boots more comfortable to wear for long periods of time when you have to be standing.

Pros

Cons

6. Georgia Boot Men's G4432 Boot

These rugged work boots are made from 100% leather. Leather is a durable material that can withstand high temperatures. Leather footwear can take the punishment of getting wet or being subjected to contact with rough materials.

This pair of boots have a rubber sole. The rubber sole will grip the flooring of the area you are working in and help you to avoid slips and falls. The rubber soles also give the boots some added cushion to help prevent foot pain, knee strain, and aching calf muscles from standing on your feet for long periods of time.

The interior of these boots is fully lined with material that is designed to wick moisture away. Drier feet are less likely to develop skin rashes and fungus related problems. Dry feet do not hurt as badly and they do not have the same odor complications than feet that stay damp inside boots can get.

The shaft of the boot will reach from your mid-calf downwards. This extra tall shaft provides you with increased safety because you are less likely to twist and ankle while wearing tall shaft boots. They also provide extra protection from hot slag that can burn your skin.

Pros

Cons

7. Dr. Martens - Men's Icon Steel Toe Welding Boots

These are pull-on boots with a shaft that reaches about 11 ½ inches from the top of your arch. The pull-on boots eliminate the need for you to sit and lace your boots up, or unlace them before taking them off. They also eliminate the possibility that the shoelaces will become frayed or will break.

These boots are made from 100% genuine leather. The heel measures about 1.5 inches and the opening is about 15 inches around so you will have no trouble sliding your foot into the boots.

The upper portion of the boots is crafted from water-resistant tumbled leather. This leather is not as stiff as some other leathers so it flexes and bends with your leg movements. The soles are air-cushioned to provide you with comfort all day. You can work longer with less back and leg pain, and fewer foot pains.

The welted construction adds stability and durability to the footbed and the rest of the boots. This pair of boots weighs only 7 pounds so the weight of the boots does not stress your legs or add strain to your back.

Pros

Cons

Buying Guide

When you are working you need shoes that fulfill the PPE requirements. You need to protect your feet from possible cuts, bruises, or burns. The shoes you wear will be your line of defense against possible injury.

Choosing the right boots for your needs can be done better if you consider the following things about this type of footwear.

Having Steel Toes

Material Used

The boots will be more durable and last longer if they are made from 100% leather. Leather uppers can withstand high temperatures and they can tolerate the rugged conditions that welders experience while they are working.

Stitching components are important for heavy-duty footwear. Using Kevlar threads ensure the durability and heat resistant as well. 

Sole Construction and Durability

The soles of your boots make contact with the ground you stand on and they can either prevent you from falling or increase your possibility of falling. You want soft soles that grip the surface you are standing on. You also want soles that are oil-resistant, shock resistant, and anti-slip.

Slip-on or Lace-up?

Length of the Boots

The length of the boot shaft may reach just to the top of your ankle on short boots and on tall boots the shaft may extend to an area on your mid-calf. People who have a tendency to twist their ankles often choose the tall boots.

This is basically a personal preference according to what you like and don’t like.

Waterproofing 

For optimum comfort and safety, the welding boots need to be waterproofed. Manufacturers are using water proofing agent like Dr Martens Wonder Balm to ensures your feet dry and keep your boot in a better condition. You may also use Mink oil to make your boot water proof. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What kind of shoes do welders wear?

Welders wear work boots that are made from 100% leather. These boots may have steel toes so they protect the welders’ feet from being injured if a piece of metal were to be dropped on top of them.

The boots are usually made with slip-resistant soles so the welder has more stability. The boots can be tall or short and they can be insulated or un-insulated. The boots may be slip-on or they may have laces to make them fit tighter.

Q. Can you weld in rubber boots?

You could weld in rubber boots but most employers will not approve rubber boots. Rubber boots would provide you with shock resistance but they would not be very good at protection from high levels of heat unless they were made from rubber-like the firefighter boots are.

Rubber boots are something that you would have to have approval from your employer before you bought them. You should also check to see if you can get the rubber boots with steel toes.

Q. Why are steel toe boots uncomfortable?

Many people find the steel toe of these safety shoes uncomfortable because they can feel the reinforced toe and that reinforcement restricts the movement of their toes.

Some people feel the edges of the steel toe where it comes to an end before the top of the foot and they do not like this sensation. The steel toe is more constricting on the toe of the foot and people feel this as painful.

Q. Do you need steel toe boots for welding?

The steel-toed boots are more protection in case of the accidental dropping of materials. Most employers and welding shops require their welding professionals to have steel-toed boots for their own protection. Steel-toed shoes are not mandatory for all welders but they are very useful and protective.

Final Note

If you are looking for tall shaft work boots that are slip-on consider the Georgia Boot G4432. They are 100% leather and have a shaft that reaches mid-calf on most people.

A lot of people prefer lace-up boots over the slip-on boots. If you are looking for good lace-up boots made of 100% leather consider the Caterpillar Men's Work Boot.

Welding boots are an essential part to keep you safe and comfortable while you go about your daily activities.