No doubt welding seems really interesting but it has its own consequences, especially on the footwears. With continuous downpouring of red sparks and slags you never know when you end up hurting your feet.
Cheap and flimsy boots cannot guard your feet while you are welding since they lack essential features and that’s where steel toe boots walk in.
Commercially speaking, the welders do need steel to boot and in fact it is mandatory at most workplaces to wear protective boots while welding. The boots are sturdy yet comfortable.
Not just this, these are hardly affected by the temperature and meet all the safety standards. The best part is, they completely cover your feet giving them the utmost protection.
This article is all about the use of steel toe boots while welding and what makes them appropriate. We also have included a few steel toe boots which you can really look forward to if you want to protect your feet from the sparks.
What kinds of boots are best for welding?
First of all, your welding shoes must meet proper safety standards. Next, there are some certain features to look out for while purchasing a pair of steel toe boots for welding. Always choose slip ons rather than lace up boots.
While laced boots are comfortable and give you proper ankle support, they might invite accidents by catching the fire through their laces easily. Moreover, they might be a bit troublesome since you have to tie up our laces every now and then.
Material is the next thing that needs to be considered. We all know how sturdy leather is and that is why it can be the material of your choice.
While you weld, the sparks and slags slip on the surface failing to get trapped in the boots. Not just this, sharp objects on the floor can also injure you and these can be avoided by wearing high quality leather boots.
Are steel toes better than composite toes for welding?
We all know that composite toe boots feel much lighter than steel toe boots but in my opinion, if we particularly talk about welding, steel toe boots are better than composite toe boots.
Though there is not much difference in terms of safety standards, infact composite toe meets the same ASTM standards as their steel toe variant but the composite toe cannot compete with their counterparts.
Furthermore, the composite toe tends to deteriorate over a period of time or when you subject them to continuous impacts or compression.
Steel toe boots are less bulbous and they still pass ASTM safety toe tests. They have got more strength and are more durable and that is why it is suggested to choose steel toe boots above composite toe boots.
Best steel toe boots for welding
1.) Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ MetGuard Steel-Toe Boot
- Mid-cut boot with EverGuard waterproof leather upper featuring Goodyear welt construction with Kevlar thread
- Lace front with waterproof Met Guard flap
- Comfort-inspired closed-cell PU footbed with durable cushioning
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsole
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Timberland Pro steel toe boots are great in quality and run higher than your normal ankle high lace up boots. That is the particular reason these boots help in giving you extra support. These boots are designed to meet three important criterias that is comfort, durability and safety.
Enhanced with a steel metatarsal guard, steel toe cap and steel shank, the boots meet all the ASTM safety standards making them ideal for welding.
You can expect some best possible protection after wearing them and they work great against compression resistance and impact.
The boots give full flexibility to your feet, thanks to inbuilt hinged metatarsal guard. Moreover, after wearing them your feet can easily breathe as there is sufficient flow of air all throughout the day.
Talking about durability, Timberland has used Kevlar stitching so that your feet can be protected from sparks, heat and abrasion.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon2.) Dr. Martens, Men’s Ironbridge Met Guard Heavy Industry Boots
- Rich, water resistant tumbled leather uppers
- Steel toe cap, slip resistant sole and rigid steel metatarsal guard
- Welted construction foot bed offers exceptional stability and durability
- Additional insulation to protect against accidental contact with an electrical charge
- The iconic Dr. Martens classic PVC air-cushioned sole is resistant to oil, fat, petrol and alkali
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These pairs of Doc Martens are probably the most comfortable welding boots which not only give snugly comfort but also ensure that your feet are totally safe.
Available in black and a very stylish brown color, the boots have a steel toe cap, padded steel metatarsal guard and a reinforced shank.
Additionally, the boots have a soft rubber outsole which is slip resistant and even oil resistant. Not just this, they have even got non-skin tread so that you don’t slip and your feet remain steady.
Furthermore, Doc Martens have got electric hazard protection to keep your feet secure against sparks and open electric circuits.
The boots are designed to last longer as they are built from full grain leather which is waterproof, durable and resistant to fire. The double stitching in the boots helps in maintaining everything at place.
Known for their comfort, these boots have got moisture wicking fabric lining that helps in reducing sweat in the boot.
Interestingly, the comfy Smartmask insole helps in protecting your feet while you are welding. The upper of the boot is well padded giving you a snug feel.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon3.) Irish Setter Men’s Wellington Steel Toe Work Boot
- Steel Toe
- Water proof
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast then I am sure you must have heard of this brand. These boots are well suited for welders. Made of full grain leather, the shaft measures 11.5 inches and has a steel toe cap to give complete protection to your toes.
The opening of the boots measure approx 15.5” which is enough to give enough room to your feet and makes them able to breathe properly without being too loose.
If we look at the sole then it is designed with welt construction in the 1.5” inch heel which provides stability. The cement construction in the forefoot offers increased flexibility.
The soles are also heat resistant and give electric hazard protection which make them suitable for welding.
Check Price and Reviews on AmazonWhat are the pros and cons of wearing steel toe boots while welding?
While steel toe caps remain one of the most popular choices while welding, it takes into account that it has got some positives and negatives. Let’s have a look at both of them individually.
Pros:
√ Steel toes are solid
√ The boots are cheaper, thanks to steel which is a pervasive material.
√ Provides top notch protection since it is one of the most resistant materials.
√ You are less likely to get injured if you are having steel as a hard toe cap.
Cons:
⊗ Steel toe boots are particularly heavy
⊗ These are not the most comfortable gear available in the market.
⊗ The boots can get heavy at times.
⊗ Steel is obviously not the best conductor of electricity so the boots are not meant for places with electric hazards.
Final Verdict
Welding boots need to be sturdy, protective and yet comfortable. I hope through this article you have understood that steel toe boots meet all the welding needs and that you can definitely wear them while carrying out the welding task.
However, it is not always essential to wear steel toe boots while welding. There are other alternatives like composite toe boots with certain differences. Afterall, in the end the choice is all yours. Keep safe and happy welding!
