Specialty Welding boots may sound like something that is easy to overlook when it comes to establishing your welding accessory list, am I right?
The truth is, just about every professional welder knows how important a solid pair of welding boots truly is. Just ask any welder who has had to weld overhead, I can almost guarantee you when they speak in saying that they were or were almost burned, it’s from experience, not hearsay. This is where having one of the best welding boots comes into play. You need to have something that can withstand the heat, stay durable, and not reduce your efficiency on the job.
A couple of key things you need to make sure your choice boot has:
- A metatarsal guard – protects the top of your foot and laces
- Steel toe cap – protects against any bump you may encounter
Below are the boots to be reviewed
| Product Name | Customer Reviews | Editor Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Martens Men's Ironbridge MG ST | Preferred | |
| Timberland PRO Men's 53580 | Great Protection | |
| Rocky Duty Men's Modern Paraboot | Affordable | |
| Caterpillar Mens Assault Work Boot | Heavy Duty |
Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge MG ST Met Guard
Extremely tough and rugged, these are sure to last. They have specifically been built with a tough sole to prevent slippage in damp working conditions. The Dr. Martens MG ST is built with double stitching and heavy duty laces and lace eyelets. Shall we go on?
The uppers on these boots are water resistant and built of full grain leather designed to withstand the elements that mother earth gives us. Expect a nice bit of ankle padding and a removable insole designed to provide that extra comfort that you wouldn’t expect. A steel toe guard rounds out the list of awesomeness about this particular welding boot.
Pros
- Excellent non-skid tread
- Lightweight vs other steel-toe boots
Cons
- The sole can be soft
- Consider adding to gain arch support
Timberland PRO Men’s 53530 Metguard Steel Toe Boot
Developed specifically for welders, this Timberland 53530 as a fantastic metatarsal guard that provides exceptional protection. Designed to conform to the wearer’s natural foot shape, they’re much more comfortable than what you’d expect from a welding boot. Waterproof and high-quality kevlar stitching help to round out the fantastic characteristics of this boot. Roomy steel toe caps help keep your toes safe in a violent and dangerous work environment, and rubber sole makes this great for working in wet and oily workspaces.
These boots are a bit heavier than others on the market, but it’s because they’re designed to be so durable. A downside to these boots is that users have reported of the backstitching slowly coming apart, causing them to have a shorter lifespan than some are hoping to achieve for the price.
Pros
- Immediately comfortable
- Full-coverage protection
Cons
- A little heavy
- Can be sized slightly narrow
Rocky Duty Men’s Modern Paraboot
This surprisingly fashionable pair of hardened leather boots is made to protect. They have a patent leather cap toe that will prevent splatters from harming your foot as well as an all leather design. Their long 10” design is meant to fully cover the leg and provide a level of full-coverage of sorts. The EVA footbed will also ensure that the foot is incredibly comfortable during any o your welding activities. Considering the fact that you will likely spend a great deal of your time welding on your feet, this can be a great help. The rubber lugged outsole is also helpful for allowing you to maintain your grip during work.
Pros
- Padded footbed
- Knee-high coverage
Cons
- Not very supportive
- Order half a size down
Caterpillar Men’s Assault Work Boot
The assault 6 in steel toe is designed to provide full coverage for your forefoot during work; these boots are meant to provide excess security for those who work the more hazardous jobs. They feature CAT’s climasphere inner lining and insole, making them another incredibly comfortable option for those who use them. Also, the slip-resistant outsole of these boots gives adequate grip – a feature that will definitely come in handy during work. These are a great option for those individuals who require a bit more durability from their boots.
Pros
- Heat resistant
- Durable
Cons
- Ample room between sole and toe
- Outer steel tongue damages some