Many podiatrists will argue that your comfort and, in turn, overall sense of well-being, begins with your feet, as well as whichever types of footwear you choose to wear.
As a construction worker, you know the validity of these opinions all too well. If you have the wrong type of footwear, you’ll be very uncomfortable after a short period of time on the job, regardless of how comfortable your other outerwear is.
Comfort begins and ends with your footwear selection, period. To remain as comfortable as possible on your jobsite, even if you need to work overtime, you must consider the following benefits of work boots. Furthermore, you should ensure that whichever boots you decide to purchase will offer you these key positives.
Why Buy Work Boots?
Again, when it comes to work boots and footwear in general, comfort is the name of the game. Your feet must remain dry and warm (yet not overly warm either). Your boots should also be soft so that they can be worn for long shifts. And they must enhance your safety.
Work boots—if they’re well-built and well-designed—will be easy to put on. They’ll stay on for long durations without any slippage too (thus decreasing the odds of blisters). Additionally, they’ll have comfortable linings that are breathable, ensuring you can wear them during the peak of the summer, as well as in the midst of winter, especially if you have to wear thick socks on the job.
They should also be durable, enabling them to be worn for several months, if not years, as long as they’re properly maintained. Their high durability will be associated, in particular, with their insoles, midsoles and outsoles, along with the materials they’re comprised of. Aside from providing high durability, work boots’ insoles, midsoles and outsoles should offer protection too, whether they’re guarding you from abrasions, electrical shocks or extreme weather. The higher the quality, the safer your feet will be, regardless of the terrain you have to walk on.
With each of these key benefits in mind—again, comfort, dryness, softness, breathability, durability and protection—IronPros advises you to conduct your own research about the following five work boots and determine which one is the best fit for you and your personal needs and preferences.
BRUNT 6-in., Ryng Composite Toe Boot
BRUNT 6-in., Ryng Composite Toe Boot.
This waterproof boot features a sleek, modern design without compromising performance on the jobsite. Available in various sizes from 7 to 14, the work boot is equipped with a solid composite toe for protection and is electrical hazard rated for utility or electrical applications. This 6-in. boot is also slip and oil resistant thanks to a heavy-duty rubber sole. Featuring cement construction, the Ryng boot is highly recommended for enduring long shifts at the worksite, due to its lightweight design. A removable insert enables individuals to adjust the size of the boot from a regular fit (DD) to a relaxed fit (EE).
Best Features: Lightweight design, waterproof and durable composite toe protection
Price: $139 – Buy work boots on BRUNT
Carhartt 6-in., Waterproof Wedge Work Boots
Carhartt 6-in., Waterproof Wedge Work Boots.
Featuring foam cushion insoles, these work boots, which are comprised of 100% leather, are not only comfortable, but they’ll also offer you long-term support as you wear them for hours on end. In fact, your foot fatigue will be minimal, regardless of how long your shift is. Aside from their insoles, the boots have breathable, waterproof Storm Defender membranes too, which enable your feet to remain dry in most weather conditions. And, since they allow air flow and circulation to be high, you’ll remain comfortable as temperatures rise this spring and summer. Additionally, the boots are durable, as they have rubber outsoles with Goodyear welt constructions.
Best Features: Rubber outsoles with Goodyear welt constructions; Storm Defender membranes
Price: $114.21 - $149.98 – Buy work boots on Amazon.com
Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Work Boots
Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Work Boots.
Available in two colors, brown and black, these work boots will ensure you’ll remain safe on the job in a variety of ways. First, they provide electrical hazard protection (according to the ASTM F2413-18 standard) to guard you from the potential injuries associated with open circuits of up to 600 volts in dry conditions. In addition, they have slip-resistant outsoles that will decrease the likelihood of you falling and slipping and, in turn, injuring yourself. Furthermore, they have steel toes that will protect you from compressions and impacts, thereby meeting the ASTM F2413-18 standard. And, finally, they have abrasion-resistant leather uppers, leading to further protection.
Best Features: Electrical hazard protection; slip-resistant outsoles
Price: $109.95 – Buy work boots on Amazon.com
Irish Setter 83605 Ashby 6-in. Leather Work Boots
Irish Setter 83605 Ashby 6-in. Leather Work Boots.
Due to their heat-resistant, rubber-ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) outsoles, these boots won’t melt, even if you have to walk on hot surfaces—of up to 475℉—on the job. Additionally, since they have electrical hazard protective soles and heel constructions, you’ll have high protection from hazards like electrically energized parts. Comprised of 100% full grain leather, known as “Trout Brook Leather” and featured only in Irish Setter boots, as they’re handcrafted by the S.B. Foot Tanning Company, the boots also have non-woven nylon linings. To ensure long-term usage, the boots should be wiped or sprayed with lukewarm water after you wear them, prior to being air-dried.
Best Features: Electrical hazard protective soles; heat-resistant, rubber-EVA outsoles
Price: $94.97 – Buy work boots on Amazon.com
Wolverine Overpass CarbonMAX Boots
Wolverine Overpass CarbonMAX Boots.
This summer, you’ll remain cool whenever you wear these boots—even during your long shifts—as they feature moisture-wicking mesh linings. Not to mention, you’ll also stay dry, due to their waterproof leather compositions. And you’ll maintain your comfort and safety, as a result of their polyurethane midsoles and abrasion-resistant toes, respectively. Available in two colors (dark coffee and summer brown), the boots have dual compound rubber and polyurethane outsoles too, which will grip the ground and decrease your odds of falling as you work in wet conditions. Featuring OrthoLite cushioning footbeds that will mold to your feet, the construction boots are available in sizes 7 to 14.
Best Features: Abrasion-resistant toes; moisture-wicking mesh linings
Price: $122.40 - $149.95 – Buy work boots on Amazon.com
Other Work Boots to Consider:
Ever Boots Ultra Dry Waterproof Boots, $89.99
Golden Fox 6-in. Moc Toe Wedge Pro Work Boots, $129.90
KEEN Lansing Mid Waterproof Boots, $138.57 - $142.84
Skechers Sergeants-Verdict Waterproof Boots, $63.70 - $85.00
Thorogood American Heritage 6-in. Tobacco Moc Toe Work Boots, $199.00 - $199.96
Things to Know about Work Boots
How can I properly maintain my work boots?
Generally, you should clean them with soap and water and then allow them to air-dry. Don’t forget to clean the laces from time to time, too. You may also want to spray a protectant on them regularly, particularly a waterproofer. And you can apply a leather protecting cream on them, at least once every season.
How often should I replace my work boots?
It really depends on how well you maintain them. If you take care of them properly, you’ll be able to wear a majority of work boots for several months (if not years at times). Of course, if they become uncomfortable due to overuse (even if they’re well maintained), replace them as soon as possible. Don’t forget that comfort is key.
What are the most popular types of work boots?
Steel toe, composite and alloy toe boots are typically purchased more often than other options. Steel toe boots tend to protect construction workers the most, while composite boots are lighter and often known for their warmth. Meanwhile, alloy toe boots are even lighter than composite boots, as they’re also quite thin and, consequently, not bulky, leading workers to purchase them for summer work.
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