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Best Welding Boots

Top 7 Best Welding Boots: Buying Guide + Reviews

Safety should be your first concern when you’re welding on a job site. This is why you must make sure that you’ve got the right footwear that will keep you comfortable and safe as you’re dealing with dangerous machinery.

The best welding boots will protect your feet from impact and fire when you’re welding metals. Finding the right pair that fits you might be a bit challenging. However, I gathered enough information to help you choose the right boots for your upcoming next project. Keep on reading to view my 7 top picks and find out how to pick the best welding boots.

Best Welding Boots in 2020

As a welder, being comfortable and safe should be your number one priority. However, there’s no law against looking good while doing such tough jobs. Here are my top picks that combine both.

Timberland is a well-known name in the world of safety boots. These boots are made of ever-guard waterproof leather and come with a metal guard that protects your feet in case of an impact. The sole is resistant to abrasion and slipping even when you’re working on an oily or wet surface so it’s an excellent choice for welders who work in piping and construction.

These boots are lightweight so they’re comfortable to move around. Your feet won’t ache at the end of the day when you’ve been working for long hours. They’re also flexible enough to match the natural movement of your arch and you can adjust the lace for the most comfortable fit.

With a steel toe, these boots provide maximum protection upon impact. They feature an antimicrobial lining that reduces the risk of infections. The footbed is made of closed-cell polyurethane for better support. These boots are hinged for maximum comfort when you squat which is common when you’re working on the jobsite.

If you’re on a tight budget, these boots won’t work for you because they’re rather expensive. Moreover, the metal guard starts to wear off after a few months which is a bit disappointing given the price of the boots.

Pros

Cons

Carhartt offers these extremely lightweight and flexible boots to keep you comfortable while providing the needed protection when you’re welding. The Rugged Flex technology allows them to move comfortably so they won’t restrict your foot motion while you’re bending or squatting.

The shock-absorbing cement sole is designed to keep you comfortable after standing and walking all day long. These boots will keep your feet protected and look actually good when you decide to take a walk after you’re done welding.

Unlike other models, these welding boots feature a composite toe. It’s lighter than steel but still protects against impact and compression so I recommend them for amateur welders. The boots come with a foam-padded tongue and collar to protect the skin on your feet.

Multiple layers of cushioning are designed to keep your feet comfortable thanks to the lightweight EVA midsole and OrthoLite insole. The full-grain leather is water-resistant and feels soft against your skin. You can adjust the fit of the boots thanks to the easy to tie laces that secure the boots as you move them around.

With a good outsole like the one you find on these boots, you’ll enjoy good traction that resists slipping even when you’re moving on a wet surface. They’re resistant to oil and chemicals. There are heel bumpers to defend against abrasion where you need it the most.

They’re designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable thanks to the Storm Defender technology which is a waterproof membrane that protects your feet from outside moisture. These boots lack some heel support so you might need to add some gel inserts. The stitching on the tongue can cause blisters if you’re not wearing good socks.

Pros

Cons

If you’re not a big fan of long shaft boots, then you should check out these welding boots from Dr. Martens. These boots are suitable for professional welders who spend long hours working on the construction site. They feature an air-cushioned sole and special ankle padding that supports your feet after working for a long day.

The soles are tough to resist slipping. They’re resistant to oil, fat, petrol, and other chemicals to minimize accidents on the jobsite. The sole and the upper section are heat sealed to guarantee the durability of your boots. The outsole connects to a wooden shaft that adds more rigidity to the boots to support your ligaments.

Moreover, the antibacterial insole protects your feet from skin infections which are very common when you wear your boots for long periods. These boots are available in two colors; black and brown and the full-grain leather is water-resistant. There’s a fabric lining to wick moisture so your boots will last for long.

Thanks to the mesh padded collar, there will be no friction between your feet and the leather body of the boots. These boots also feature a steel toe and padded steel metatarsal guard for extra protection.

These are rather expensive boots that suit professional welders more than hobbyists. They run a bit large and lack the comfortable insoles that allow you to stand for long periods without feeling much strain.

Pros

Cons

If you’re not a big fan of lace boots, then you should check out these pull-on boots from Irish Setter. They’re made of full-grain leather which is durable enough to withstand the challenging conditions on the jobsite.

They’re very easy to put on with a long shaft that measures 11.5 inches. The shaft offers maximum protection and supports your feet while standing for long periods. There’s also a steel toe that guards your feet in case of an impact or compression.

With a 15.5 inch opening, you can easily put on your boots. The opening also allows your feet to breathe comfortably, which is an excellent option when you’re working in hot weather. The sole measures 1.5 inches with cement construction at the front to provide more flexibility.

Because they’re heat resistant up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, these are perfect boots for welding and working around the jobsite. They’re also designed to resist electric hazards for maximum safety.

Ultra-dry construction combines the waterproof leather with the moisture-wicking lining. This will keep your feet dry and guarantee that boots will last for long. The boots feature non-marking outsoles that resist slipping and are chemical and abrasion-resistant.

A little break-in period is required at the beginning as the boots can feel a little stiff. Ordering the right size online can be a bit tricky since you can’t adjust the fit because they don’t have laces.

Pros

Cons

For those on a tight budget, these welding boots represent a good option since they’re suitable for working in your workshop and will also look good when you go out. They’re very lightweight so they’re comfortable to wear all day long while providing the needed protection.

These boots are made of 100% leather and feature a rubber sole that provides good traction on various surfaces. They’re designed to protect you from electrical hazards. The arch measures 5.25 inches to protect your ankle after standing for long periods.

If you have wide feet, you’ll enjoy these boots because they’re available in normal and wide fits. You can choose between black and brown leather to match your work outfit. Because of the laces, you can adjust the boots for the most comfortable fit.

For maximum protection, these waterproof boots come with a steel toe that guards your feet from compression and impact. They’re also designed to provide a secondary level of protection against an electric hazard.

A breaking-in period is needed as these boots tend to feel a bit hard. There’s a small batch of memory foam on the ankle, but the sole and toes lack the needed foam support.

Pros

Cons

If you’re looking for practical pull-on boots, then you should take a look at this pair from Caterpillar. They’re made of high-quality full-grain leather and come with dual pull-on handles that show off the logo. They feature Goodyear welt construction that guarantees that the boots will last for long.

Added breathability is guaranteed thanks to the mesh lining which improves the airflow inside the boots. The circumference measures 14 inches so they’re easy to put on. The midsole is made of rubber for better shock absorption and the taibrelle and PU footbed provides underfoot support that keeps your feet comfortable after standing for a whole day.

These boots have a steel shank for more support and puncture resistance so I recommend them for welders who work on the construction site. However, they won’t feel that comfortable if you squat or go up ladders.

There’s a steel toe that provides excellent protection against heavy objects and the outsole is resistant to electricity and slipping. It provides good traction on wet and oily surfaces. The heel height is 1 ¾ inches for more support especially when you stand for long periods.

The boots are available in wide sizes but they generally run large, so you need to check out the size chart carefully before you make a purchase. They’re not waterproof so they won’t suit you if you work in wet conditions.

Pros

Cons

This is another budget-friendly choice for welders who don’t want to break the bank. Ever Boots offers these industrial safety boots with a steel toe to protect your feet against compression and impact while working on the jobsite. I recommend them for amateur welders and hobbyists as they’re quite reliable given their affordable price.

These boots come with a steel shank for extra support and the outsole protects against an electric hazard up to 18,000 volts for up to 1 minute. The footing is stable thanks to the PU midsole and the oil and slip-resistant outsoles. Unlike other work boots, these don’t need a break-in period because they’re extremely comfortable.

They run half a size larger than other boots so you need to pay attention. The multilayer outsole provides shock absorption properties to keep your feet comfortable till the end of the day. These boots are flexible enough so you can bend your feet while squatting.

If you’re a professional welder, I don’t recommend these boots as they’re not designed for heavy-duty use. The eyelets might come off the boots with repeated use. You need to wear thick socks to protect your skin as the steel toe might rub against your skin.

Pros

Cons

The Verdict

Whether you’re an amateur or professional welder, it’s extremely important to invest in a durable pair of boots that keep your feet comfortable and protected. I chose Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ Metguard Steel-Toe Boot as the best welding boots.

They’re designed to keep your feet dry and feature oil and abrasion-resistant outsoles for maximum safety. The comfortable footbed will support your feet till the end of the day and they’re extremely lightweight so they won’t cause any discomfort.

There are other options available on the market to suit all welders. Whether you’re a fan of lace-up or pull-on boots, you’ll find the right pair to suit your needs.

Why Do you Need to Buy the Best Welding Boots?

Welding metals is a must when you’re working in the construction or piping business. Some people also love to do their maintenance jobs at home or on the farm without paying for a professional.

Whether you’re a professional or DIY enthusiast, you need protective and comfortable boots so you can finish your job in the best quality. Here are a few reasons why you need to buy the best welding boots.

  • Welding boots will protect your feet from impact in case a heavy object accidentally drops.
  • These boots will help you stay stable without slipping. They provide good traction on all surfaces.
  • Being subject to fire is common when you’re welding. The welding boots guarantee that your feet won’t be subject to burns.
  • Standing for long periods and walking around the job site is inevitable when you’re welding. This is why you need to buy comfortable boots that support your feet and ankle to minimize discomfort at the end of the day.
  • According to OSHA requirements, every employer is required to ensure that all employees are wearing protective footwear when they’re working on the job site. Failure to comply with such rules increases the risk of foot injuries.


For these reasons, it’s very important to make sure that you’ve chosen the right welding boots. Flimsy boots won’t provide much protection and can actually cause a serious injury if you slip while working with your welder.

Who Needs to Buy the Best Welding Boots?

Amateur, as well as professional welders, need to invest in good welding boots. Your ordinary boots or sneakers might be extremely comfortable but they’re not designed to withstand the harsh conditions that you’re likely to encounter when you’re welding.

This is why it’s extremely important to invest in high-quality welding boots that provide the needed comfort and protection. They will protect your feet from different kinds of hazards and keep your feet supported until the end of the day.

Welding boots should support your arch and heel to protect your muscles and ligaments from the strain. However, they’re not restricted to the job site so you can definitely wear your boots while having a drink after work hours. Welding boots should be on your shopping list in the following cases.

  • If you’re an amateur welder, you should invest in good welding boots. They will keep your feet comfortable all day long.
  • Farmers do a lot of welding. You need to make sure that you have protective boots while you’re fixing the fence and other structures on your farm.
  • If you work in piping, you should have protective welding boots. They will keep your feet dry and protect you against electric hazards as the spatter hits the floor.
  • Construction workers usually do a lot of welding. Welding boots should be complying with safety regulations to protect you against accidents.
  • If you work in car repair then you need to invest in good welding boots. Automobile repair requires a lot of welding work and your boots should be designed to provide the needed protection.
  • If you work in the harbor or like to fix your boat, then you’ll probably be spending a lot of time paying attention to the part that needs to be welded. Investing in good welding boots is a must.

How to Choose the Best Welding Boots

When your safety is on the stake, you want to make sure that you’ve picked the best welding boots. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur welder, there are a few factors that you need to take into consideration.

Laces or Pull-On

When you’re shopping for welding boots, you have two options; either to pick a lace-up design or a pull-on design. Each one of them comes with some pros and cons.

Lace boots offer some kind of flexibility because you can adjust the fit. The laces should have a metatarsal guard to protect the boots from splattering.

On the other hand, pull-on boots might not work for everyone. They provide better protection, especially with a steel shank that guards your feet and legs against sharp objects. Slip-on or pull-on boots are very fast to put on and take off. However, spending a long time in pull-on boots might not be the best idea as they’re difficult to adjust.

Lace boots are generally more comfortable and provide better stability. They’re suitable for people who spend a lot of people standing and working. If you need maximum protection, then you might want to try pull-on boots instead.

Waterproof

Waterproof leather is a good feature, especially if you’re working in wet conditions. If you’re working in the piping business, you need durable welding boots that can withstand water. Waterproof boots also work if it has recently rained on the constriction website.

Boots that don’t come with waterproofing features are extremely uncomfortable to wear if you step into the water. The water will soak your socks and make your feet smelly by the end of the day. If you’re working in your workshop, you might get away with welding boots that don’t have a waterproof feature.

Safety Toe

Most welding boots have a safety toe to protect your feet from impact and compression. Accidents happen on the worksite and you need durable boots that protect your toes in case something heavy accidentally falls and hits your feet.

Steel toes are extremely popular as they provide the best protection against heavyweight objects. They might add a little more weight to your boots but they won’t deprive you of moving freely.

If you’re looking for extremely lightweight welding boots, then you should consider composite toes. These are lighter than steel and still provide adequate protection against impact and compression.

Both toes are compliant with worksite safety regulations so you can pick any of them if you’re a professional welder. However, if you’re working on a construction site or in a professional workshop, steel toes will provide better protection. Amateur welders might feel more comfortable wearing boots that have composite toes.

Padding and Support

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, you’re likely to wear your welding boots for long periods. The midsole should be made of rubber or foam that provides good shock absorption.

The insole should have some padding to provide comfort. A breathable lining will provide better airflow to keep your feet dry in hot weather. You also need antimicrobial lining to protect your feet from skin infections.

Having a steel shank is a must if you work on a construction site where your boots are subject to puncture because you deal with sharp objects. However, a steel shank will make it difficult to squat and bend wearing these boots.

Electric Hazard

Having to deal with electricity is a must when you’re welding. Welding sparks will occasionally hit the floor and you need protective boots that dissipate electricity. If you’re working on a metal surface, then you might be subject to electrical hazards. Your boots should provide that kind of protection.

Outsole

The job of the outsole is to provide good traction on all types of surfaces. Having an oil and slip-resistant outsole will protect you while working on various surfaces. This will minimize accidents and keep you stable when you’re focusing on a serious job like welding.

Some boots are designed to be abrasion and chemical-resistant. These will be more durable and probably more expensive. You should think about your needs and job site conditions and choose something that suits your requirements.