Do you know most foot injuries in the workplace are a result of not wearing quality and protective work shoes? Well, if you want to be safe while working, invest in quality equipment that will guard you against frequent avoidable incidences. If you work in the welding sector, you should ensure you have the best welding boots with indispensable features like steel toe top, fire resistance, and comfortable enough.
Before you buy any welding boot consider some essential factors, quality is always the king, the price follows and finally reviews from the users. It is wise to add up some bucks to get quality than trading your healthy cheap boots.
What Is Welding And Types Of Welding?
Welding is a system of joining metal parts, shaping, melting, and molding metals into desired sizes and shapes for use. Welding has been with us for hundreds of years, and many changes have transformed the industries. There are various methods of welding, as discussed below, and the method one uses depends on the welder’s intention.
MIG (Metal Inert Gas ). This method welding, also known as gas metal arc, involves joining metal parts by use of cathode current. During the process, the gas is used along the wire terminal to heat the two metal parts. The process is suitable for treated steel or mellow steel.
Shielded Metal Arc. Also known as bend welding. It is the most common welding technique where an electric stick uses current to shape-round metal parts to be joined.
Flux Cored Arc. Abbreviated as FCAW is a welding technique, just like the above-discussed methods, although it is unique in that it uses cylindrical wire that is coiled and protecting gas is injected continuously depending on the filler.
TIG. Written as Tungsten Inert Gas in full, uses tungsten cathode in the welding process. The process is used where high precision and accurate cutting or connection is need
Features of Best Welding Boots
There are some features that best welding boots must-have. Firstly, synthetic materials of any kind should not be in welding boots. When some burns, they release toxic smoke, and the fused plastic also can stick on the skin causing more harm. Since the welder may be exposed to high power electric current some times over 600v, the welding boots should be non-conductive. They should be stiff to hold shocks since objects or gas tank may fall on your foot. For safety, welding boots should have steel toe or steel cap that covers behold the toe.
Since the welder may, by mistake, step on sharp objects or molten metals, the footwear should be both cut and heat resistant for safety. Moreover, welding boots must fit well and comfortably because the welder spends most of the time standing.
What kind of boots do you need for welding?
Do you want to know the type of boots best for welding? Well, you need to wear slip-on boots, avoid lace-up, because the laces usually burn so frequently affecting your comfort. Since comfort is the key, you would not wish to keep lacing anytime you hear the snap, laces unlace due to high temperatures or burn. However, some shields protect laces if you must have them.
The materials making you’re your slip-on boots should be nothing than leather. Leather wins because it has no gaps, just smooth nothing to trap hot metal balls that could cause damages. So buy boots which made from top quality leathers to be safe from any perils that you may encounter while welding, from falling metal pieces, sharp objects, red-hot sparks, and more.
10 Best Welding Boots
1. Dr. Martens Ironbridge Met Guard – Best Boots for Welders
Dr smartens brand is the standing king in the welding industry. With this boot, you have nothing to worry about; they ensure you are safe from slippage. Due to their sturdy sole that can withstand any surface including oiled covered. Their upper part is made of full-grain leather that protects the user from moistures that would cause electrical hazards.
These super boots feature waterproof uppers and comfortable and cushioned insole that ensure you can work diligently without any interruptions. They come with a thick layered removable insole that adds to their flexibility. They are supportive and will provide you do not get excess heat reaching you from the welding arc.
PROS
- They are rugged to work anywhere
- They have a strong, sturdy sole that is slip-resistant
- Their uppers have full-grain leather hence waterproof
- They have removable insoles.
- They are cut resistance.
CONS
- They have size limitations
- They cannot withstand too hot substances.
2. Timberland PRO Men’s 53530 – Best Work Boots for Welders
Are you looking for ideal boots for welding? Timberlands pro has all the qualities you would ever want. The boots are favorite to so many welders and are attracting a significant buzz online. They are comfortable shoes with sufficient cushioning on the footbed. The boots are not only durable, but they have qualities like heat resistance that guarantees user safety.
They are both oil and resistance, which makes them good in the work area. They feature a metal guard that protects the lacing from heat and hit by the objects that could cause the loosening of the lacing. The meta guard and the steel cup further protects the user from the falling substances that could harm. The boots are impressive, and they offer comfort enough such that the user can have them on all day without having to face troubles of any kind.
PROS
- Strong, stiff leather
- Slip resistance rubber outsole
- outsole resists both heat and oil.
- Footbed made of polyurethane
- Protective meta guard
- Waterproof uppers
CONS
- Metaguard not strongly attached
- Easy to wear out laces
3. Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 – Best Boots for Welding
Iron age is among the most famous best work boots for welders. Their success stories and qualities have won them great favors in the market place. If you are a welder who values your health, the iron age will never compromise your safety for whatever reason. There designed and slippage on any surface, including oily. They are made of 100% leather, which makes them sure thing to protect the user from any bit of stray heat from the arc.
These shoes come with some additions that further boost comfort and protection to the user. They have a slip-resistant synthetic sole, steel toe cap, and metatarsal shield as many would fancy. When working with Iron Age boots, you have no reason to worry about getting shocked or electrocution as they are designed with electric shock insulators.
PROS
- Features comfortable synthetic sole
- Have steel toe for more protection
- They are affordable
- Made of durable leather material
- They are heat resistance
- Have size variety, including women’s sizes.
CONS
- Their comfort is not the best as can be improved
- They are not fit for people with knee complication
4. Rockrooster – Best Steel Toe Boots for Welding
These shoes are site-specific in that they are favorite to many workers who operate in wet regions. The designers emphasize more on water resistivity; hence the users who work in sites like shipyard or pipeline construction industries need to have them for safety. They are shoes with super comfort that you can trust. What makes them unique is that apart from having steel toe. And full-grain leathered, they have soles made of rubber that makes them slip resistance.
To keep the user safe, they have a static control feature that protects the user from possible static electricity. Rockrooster boots are ideal for working within wet environments; they also have PORON material that features micro ban technology, easy to dry, and temperature control additions.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Have contoured and comfortable footbed
- micro ban technology facilitated by PORON
- 100% or full-grain leather
- Easy to dry
CONS
- They have sizes issues
- A bit heavier than typical boots
5. Ever Boots- Men’s Insulated – Best Welding Work Boots
EVER BOOTS are precious boots that are known as the world across for their ability to withstand and work in most environments. Like most quality, they must have a slip-resistance outsole. Such shoes, you can work with them on many surfaces, including the oily, muddy, and wet regions without worrying about slippage. Therefore, that will help you stay safe when working in hazardous environments.
Moreover, these mens welding boots have insoles well cushioned to offer more comfort while at work. in addition to protecting you from possible abrasion. If you are looking for the perfect boots in your welding workshop, EVER BOOTS can make all the difference. And kind enough they come with at least 3 months guarantee.
PROS
- Features rubber sole that is non-slip
- They are water resistance
- Can work in oily or muddy conditions
- They are cushioned for comfort
- They are durable
CONS
- They do not come with met guard
- They are not easy to wear
6. Dr. Martens Men’s Icon 2295 – Good Boots for Welding
Dr. Martens brand is still here and making more designs that are impressing the world. They only work to produce the top quality product the world has ever seen. Most workers in the industry and especially in the fabrication industry, appreciate the work the brand is doing to ensure their safety. These boots are not only ant slip, but they also protect the user from conventional static electricity while at work. What makes these shoe ideal for working in wet and oily surfaces is their outsole made of rubber material that holds the ground firm.
They are very comfortable to wear in that their insole is made of cushioning material, including the footbed. Many users prefer these boots because they come with an antibacterial smart mask that guarantees your foot will not have a bad smell.
PROS
- They are made of 100% full-grain leather
- Sufficiently cushioned soles
- Have antibacterial smart mask hence no lousy smell
- Heat resistance
- Have steel toe cap
CONS
- Soles wear out easily
- The air circulation can be improved
7. Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On – Best Welder Boots
The caterpillar brand creates long-lasting good welding boots that are top in terms of quality. The best thing with Revolver is that they are not made with laces, but they are slip-on for fast wearing and saves from perils that may arise from laces untying while working. They feature a rubber outsole that helps to gripe the ground hence resisting slippage.
These shoes are completely breathable due to the nylon mesh lining on their designs. The manufacturer created them with logic to protect the user and minimize common accidents as much as possible. They further have metal toe cap and insulation materials to protect the user from possible electric shocks.
PROS
- Sturdy construction design
- Features top-quality materials
- Meets all OSHA requirements
- Has steel toe
- Comfy with polyurethane footbed for more support
CONS
- There are size issues hard to get large sizes
- Those with large foot calves have a problem to wear
8. SAFETOE M8356B – Most Comfortable Welding Boots
Like many other steel toe welder boots, SAFETOE brand has brought forth ideal footwear welders with a passion for making heights safely. These boots are great welders’ equipment made of 100% genuine leather that is soft and durable. They are from quality, elegant materials that make them authentically breathable to ensure the user is completely protected from foot diseases.
They are construction safe boots that are ant nail, ant-cut, and heat resistance footwear. The cushioning on the inside makes them fit and comfortable. They have rubber ant slip sole and oil-resistant too.
PROS
- Ant nail and ant cut.
- Cushioned, hence comfortable
- Elegant look
- Slip-resistant
- Heat resistance
CONS
- They are a bit expensive
- They have laces, thus have safety issues
9. GW Men’s 1606ST – Best Steel Toe Boots
These steel toe welding work boots have received recognition across the globe for being perfect ant slip shoes. This kind of boots that will never disappoint at whatever circumstances. They have been put to various tests by approving independent bodies to ensure that the qualities preached holds and all tests passed. They still perform even when subjected to oily and slippery surfaces; with their soft genuine rubber outsole, they stand out capable.
They work in wet conditions like ship sites, and their heat resistance ability makes the durable pieces of stuff. The GW is made from genuine leather materials that will never retain any moisture whatsoever. They protect the user from possible falling substances in the work station.
PROS
- Affordable
- They feature genuine leather hence durable
- They are ant slippage
- Their leather material is water resistance
- They protect the user from possible electrical shocks.
CONS
- The steel toe is not cushioned enough and can cause bruises
- Some users complain the boot wears out sooner than advertised
10. Harley-Davidson Men’s Jake – Good Boots for Welding
The fact that this great welding boot ends our list does not mean it is lowest in quality no. It could be the most excellent boot than most boots discussed above. Harley Davidson brand created this boot as really outstanding with excellent features that will guarantee true comfort and protection to the user. The premium leather made boot is heat and oil resistance, the factor that makes the shoe favorite to many welders around the world.
The rubber outsole is good for walking on the muddy or oily environment. The good thing with these boots is that they a bit light compared to other typical best welding boots.
PROS
- They have mat guard for added protection
- Sufficiently cushioned for more comfort
- Their rubber outsole is both oil and slip resistance
- The resit heat
- They are stiff to protect from falling sharp objects
CONS
- They are pricey
- Their look is not enticing
Criteria to Follow before Buying Best Welding Boots
The following are factors you should check to be sure the quality of the boots you are buying meets your expectations before purchasing them.
Heat-resistance. If you want to have the best out of your welding shoes, invest in those which can withstand heats. The ideal shoes should be fireproof to protect the user’s heat that could radiate heat inside. They should b made from heat resistance materials
The material forming the boots. Material making the best welding boots should be good and strong enough to support the user for a long time. The material must also be resistant to cut and heat. The material, however, should not be expensive for the user to afford.
Lacing options. If the shoes have laces or not, in both cases, there are benefits and perils of each. If boots have exposed laces, there are chances that they can cause a burn, or they can cause tripping and falling if untied. The laced shoes can hold fit the shoes. However, shoes with no lace are best in that they are easy to wear due to the slip-on feature.
Waterproof. Sometimes you may be working on ship site or pipeline construction, and if the shoes allow water in, you could suffer bacterial infections or smelly foots
Comfort and support. Best welding boots must have proper cushioning to offer comfort enough because the user will have them on the whole day.
Steel toe and durability. Steel shoes protect the user from being hit by falling objects, and also the boots should easy to wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Laces or no laces, which are the best work boots for welding?
In both cases, there have some advantages and disadvantages. Laces help the user to have the boots tightly fit on foot.
No lace boots with slip-on are best because they are easy to wear. The no lace, the user has no reason to fear the burn on the laces that could hurt him. Also, the laces may untie, causing the tripping and falling.
Q. Should welding boots always have steel toe caps?
No, but steel toe works to improve the safety of the user by protecting him from the weights of the falling objects.
Q. Do welders need non-conductive boots?
Yes, welders need shoes that do not conduct heat. Conductive shoes will lead to burn due to excessive temperatures and also cause electric shocks.
Q. Which are the best work boots for welders?
The best work boots for welders need to have the qualities mentioned above, and also on the top 10 list in this article, we have discussed the best boots for welding.
List of 10 Best Work Boots for Welders
Conclusion
This review of the best welding boots will guide you at length that you would need to have a safe working. The shoes bear the quality anyone would want to have raged from slip resistance to protection from electric shock. With the right equipment, you should not consider price as health should take priority.