Best Welding Boot Reviews 2024 – Our Top Picks
When it comes to welding safety, many of us think about how much our hand, face eyesight, and body need protection, but all too often, we forget or tend to overlook our feet.
See, while welding, there're several hazards that you're bound to come across, including splatter, falling objects, electrical current, and more, but having a good solid pair of boots will protect you from these welding hazards.
After thorough market research, we found out that Caterpillar Men’s revolver was the best welding boot in the market.
Our Top Pick
CaterpillarMen’s revolver
The Caterpillar Men's revolver boots is not only one of the budget-friendly boots in our list but also one of the most reliable and quality boots on offer.
You can always count on this footwear to serve you for a more extended period, a feature that is enhanced by it being 100% leather constructed, making it a solid boot.
Moreover, the full-grain leather upper part of the boot ensures it stays water and fireproof even in the toughest of working conditions.
In particular, we love the design used to construct the boot which includes a dual-pull up zone that prevents the boot from wearing out quickly.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table and Runners Up
In the article below, we shall be looking at the top 10 welding boots in the market.
For comparison purposes, however, we've compiled all the boots, including their features and prices, in a tabular form.
This way, you'll have a glimpse of each of the models, make a quick comparison between the models, and quickly spot a model that you think might fit your needs.
Image | Product Name | Features | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Men's Revolver | Upper: Leather | $$ | |
 | Dr. Martens - Men's Icon 2295 | Upper: Leather | $$$ | |
 | Ariat Men's Sierra Wide Square Steel Toe Work Boot | Upper: Leather | $$$ | |
 | Irish Setter Men’s 83906 Wellington Steel Toe Work Boots | Upper: Leather | $$$ | |
 | Dr. Martens - Men's Ironbridge Met Guard Boots | Upper: Leather | $$$ | |
 | Timberland PRO Men’s Powerwelt Wellington Boot | Upper: leather | $$$$ | |
 | Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 Welding Work Boots | Upper: leather | $$$ | |
 | Caterpillar Assault Workboot | Upper: leather | $$$ | |
 | Timberland PRO 40000 Welding Boots | Upper: leather | $$$ | |
 | Rocky Duty Men’s Modern Paramount | Upper: leather | $$$ |
Top 10: Best Welding Boots
Sure a pair of boots might not necessarily be high on your list of priorities regarding welding accessories, buy still, for serious and professional welders, a good pair of welding boots is essential.
This is particularly true if you're doing overhead welding, where anything that falls can burn whatever you're wearing.
Typically, quality boots should do a great job of guarding your feet while welding. Above all, they should keep you comfortable.
However, choosing a quality pair of welding boots seems to be a Herculean task, and many welders, both professionals, and newbies, always find it challenging to select a pair that will fit their welding needs.
Fortunately, there's no need to beat about it because we've already researched for you, and in the review guide below, we shall present you to the top 10 of our favorite welding boots in the market.
1. Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel-Toe Boot
If you’re in search of a welding boot that will give guard your shin better than a high-top bot, you need to consider Caterpillar Men’s Revolver.
A pull-up steel-toe boot, this boot is constructed from 100% leather, giving you the durability and sturdiness that regular shoes can't provide.
Quick Summary
Design-wise, this pull up boot incorporates a dual-pull zone that lets you equalize the pressure when putting the boots on, and this helps to prevent premature wear.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Full-Grain Leather
The uppers of these pull-up boots feature full-grain leather that is both fire and water-resistant.
This way, users will not have to worry about getting soaked wet while working or even worry about the heat emanating from the welding arc.
The protective structure of this shoe is further underlined by Goodyear welt construction that makes the shoe quires sturdy and reliably durable.
Feet Safety
Contrary to many of the lace-up welding boots within its category, these welding boots lack metatarsal guards, but instead, it comes with steel toe caps that we find quite handy in protecting the lower parts of the feet from falling objects.
Comfort & Firm Footing
From the word go, it’ evident that this welding boot is designed with comfort in mind.
For instance, the outsole on this unit is slip-resistant PVC, while the midsole is rubberized, giving you the best of both worlds on firm footing as well as shock absorption.
The PVC midsole has shock-absorbing properties and will ensure that you stay extra comfort throughout the day. At the same time, slip-resistant material on the outsole means you'll no longer have to worry slipping or even falling when working on the oily and slippery floors.
Generally, the firm footing will put an end to aches after work, and your calves are adequately supported for comfy wear.
Breathability
While welding, temperatures can rise quite drastically to uncomfortable levels, but with the Caterpillar, there’s no need to worry about the heat, thanks to the internal nylon mesh lining that will increase breathability, and free flow of air in the boot.
Support
A major gripe with pull-on work boots is the lack of adequate feet support, which can consequently result in accidents or even contribute to a workday ailment.
Fortunately, Caterpillar comes with a variety of features that boost the support function, including a steel shank, arc support, and boot support, and collectively, these features will leave you feeling great even at the end of a long workday.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
2. Dr. Martens - Men's Icon 2295
Meticulous work has gone into designing this elegant industrial steel toe boots.
Also known as the Icon Industrial bot, Icon 229 means business thanks to the robust construction that makes it perfect even for those involved in heavy construction and engineering works.
Quick Summary
Like the Caterpillar, we've described above, Icon 2295, a Goodyear-welted product uses PVC for the welt, and this makes the outsole of this product durable. If the reviews are anything to go by, it's not going to break or wear any time soon.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Size
Generally, most of the users I included did not have a problem with the size as these welding boots run true to size.
However, despite the spot-on fit, I boot slightly narrow, but I guess it because of my large calve, but everything considered Icon 2295 is within the "tolerance" levels even for those with the abnormal feet.
Break-in time
One of the major gripes with new pull-on boots is that they're a bear to break in, but the Icon 2295 seemed slightly less rough on the typical pain points.
While you're certainly going to feel a bend on the ankle for the first few days, which is to be expected, you won't notice any exceptional rubbing beyond the ankles, which we attributed to the incredible fit.
Upper
Sporting a premium leather construction, you can expect this welding boot to last you for a lifetime.
According to the users, the leather construction on these boots did not wear, and more importantly, it offered the much-needed protection against the smelting welding heat as well as external elements such as sparks and splatter.
It's also worth mentioning that this welding boot is created for some of the worst weather, and the weather-resistant capability will provide you with protection against soaking wet.
Air-Cushioned and Slip-Resistant Soles
Contrast to a majority of the welding boots, Icon 2295 comes with synthetic sole construction that provides additional shock-absorbing quality.
While we admit that rubber soles are far superior and durable, the cushioning effect of the synthetic sole seems to outweigh this problem and users had no issues with the comfort of the shoes, even after wearing it for extended periods.
The outer soles are further optimized for slip resistance, a feature that most of the industrial workers just can't do without. The sole provides much-needed protection, especially on the wet and slippery surfaces.
Durable Design
It’s not a doubt that leather is the most durable and probably the epitome of the welding boot material.
Icon 2295, however, takes this durability to a whole new level, thanks to the Z welt-stitching, a process that is synonymous with a majority of Dr. Marten’s Industrial boot.
For instance, rather than gluing the upper and the outsole, the manufacturer has sewn these components together, making the overall construction and feel of this welding boot stronger and reliable.
Comfort
Comfort seems to be the primary driving force for the construction of Icon 2295, as this unit comes with a variety of safety-promoting features.
For starters, we love the padded ankle support that keeps will let you say goodbye to the ankle bruises. In contrast, the proprietary Cosmo Cambrelle Moisture Wicking Lining will keep away the sweat and stench breath that comes with wearing boots for a continuous period.
Feet Protection
Though this welding boot seems to focus on comfort, it does not skimp on protection either, and we love that it comes with ANSI-rated protective steel toe and is OSHA-approved for compression and impact resistance.
The same can also be said for electrical hazard resistance as it comes with additional insulation that will prevent any instance of accidental contact against electrical charge from the ground.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
3. Ariat Men’s Sierra Wide Square Steel Toe Work Boot
The Ariat boot is tailored for the workman who likes to shuffle from wet, muddy, or oily surfaces as it's built with slip-resistant and waterproof capabilities.
Quick Summary
Above all, it's a comfortable welding boot, and we've found nothing wrong with this pair of boots; it keeps our feet protected from the hot welding fireball and is tough enough to keep our feet intact should something heavy fall on them.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Aesthetics
I know those aesthetics are probably the least of the features that a welder should look at while selecting a pair of welding boots, but I have to admit that I was tempted to purchase these boots because of the beauty. In any case, we have had some reviewers claiming that they even use the boots in their ranches.
Upper
A premium work boot, Ariat’s upper is constructed from 100% leather, which is durable and long-lasting.
More importantly, they're reliable and will protect your feet from all the welding hazards, including splatter, sparks, and even fire.
What we loved most about the upper construction is the presence of a breathable mesh lining that will keep your feet from getting smelly and, at the same time, allow the free flow of air inside the boot.
Sole
Like a majority of the premium model, Ariat sports a rubber sole, which we found quite durable and long-lasting compared to the synthetic material.
Additionally, the rubberized sole offered a cushion-like experience and will provide the cushioning and support your feet needs from making direct contact with the ground.
Further, the sole is designed to promote oil and slip resistance, meaning that users can confidently wear these boots even on the oily and slippery grounds without risky slipping or falling.
Safety
Safety is a paramount factor to consider when selecting a welding boot, and Ariat has done an incredible job of promoting the overall safety aspect of the users.
For starters, this welding boot is designed with ATS Advanced Torque Stability, a proprietary technology that delivers support as well as overall stability.
Besides, it's also worth noting that the overall design construction of the Ariat Boot meets the ASTM safety standards.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
4. Irish Setter Men’s 83906 Wellington Steel Toe Work Boots
Irish Setter is yet another incredible pull-on type of work boot that will guarantee the ultimate protection when welding.
Like a majority of the welding boots on this list, Irish Setter is built with comfort and support as the cornerstone.
Quick Summary
These boots will keep your feet secure and safe, thanks to the welt construction, alongside the steel toe feature.
We loved that the sole and heel are similarly protective to the electrical hazards, and this helps to bolster the overall safety.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design
From the word go, you'll get impressed by the exceptional look and decent construction of this welding boot.
This boot comes with a classic look alongside excellent features, including full-grain leather, textile upper, and electrical hazard protection.
We found this welding boot quite ideal for the medium to extreme heavy duty work.
Sporting a leather upper, these boots are quite comfortable out of the box, and more importantly, they're protective, durable, and light-weight.
These boots are so pragmatic that some of the users found an alternative to their uses, including jungle hunting, cattle herding, farming, climbing ladders, and plumbing.
Comfort
I found the soft premium leather construction quite supple, yet durable, for the ultimate fit and support.
In particular, the addition of 1.5” heel with proprietary STABLEFLEX technology increases the flexibility on the forefoot with a stable platform in the heel.
However, we were concerned that this boot lacked insulation, but surprisingly, they breathed well. And if you're worried about your feet odors, you'll be pleased to know that this welding boot comes with an anti-odor mechanism, and they're easy to clean.
Another gripe we found with the design on this welding boot is that it usually takes a long time to break-in, but fortunately, they fit well, though they're a tad wide, this should not be a reason to bother you.
Safety
Irish Setter is the true definition of a safety welding boot; this boot comes with a slew of security protection features that will keep the users protected in their welding experience.
For starters, the upper leather construction is water, chemical, and spill-proof. The proprietary UltraDry technology combines moisture management with waterproof properties for long-lasting and dry performance.
Further, the rubber sole on this shoe hold up great, are slip resistance and are specifically designed to work tough on the rugged terrains, including snow, water, mud, or even cement.
Users were also pleased by the toe box safety that protected them against the heavy falling or dropped objects. However, unlike a majority of the boots, the toe box on this model is constructed from the soft composite toe as opposed to the steel toe, but even so, it still provided the safety for our toes.
Finally, this welding boot meets ASTM electrical hazard protection, and so, you shouldn’t have an issue coming into contact with the electrically energized parts.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
5. Dr. Martens - Men's Ironbridge Met Guard Heavy Industry Boots
Dr. Martens is one of the premium models on our list, and its constructed entirely of cowhide leather for the ultimate strength, durability, and performance.
Quick Summary
However, the sole is synthetic, and though not as durable as the rubber sole, it we love that incredible cushioning that it offered.
Altogether, this model is water-safe and impenetrable to a majority of the liquids including water, oil, fats, and antacids
A versatile model, Dr. Martens, is available in two hues, dark and teak.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Safety
The metatarsal watch manifests the height of safety performance on this model alongside an ASTM-endorsed steel toe that will protect your feet and shield them against the falling or dropped items.
Safety is further bolstered by the presence of full-grain, oil-tanned calfskin upper that are designed to protect your feet from water, moisture, oil, and even the welding heat.
The leather upper is further designed to offer the ultimate comfort, and we were pleased by the breathable mesh lining that promotes breathability as well as the free flow of air.
Sturdy Grip
Though I prefer rubber soles, I have to admit I was impressed by the stun retaining PVC soles that came alongside a slip-safe tread and non-stamping oil. This construction was essential to keeping the entire welding experience eel enduring and stable.
In particular, I found the air padded outsoles quite the handy alternative to the rubber soles and ideal for users who love the foundry boots or welding footwear.
Other notable developments on this welding boot include welting that keeps the PVC outsole anchored to the calfskin uppers for comfort and durability.
Water Resistance
To avoid forced entry of water and moisture, the manufacturer has fitted this boot with a dampness wicking lining, alongside cushioned foot-bets, and combined, these features will provide your feet with a lot of solaces, especially if you'll be spending long days in moist and damp conditions.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
6. Timberland PRO Men’s Powerwelt Wellington Boot
The Timberland PRO Men's powerwelt Wellington boot is well designed to provide the maximum comfort possible when working. The Timberland PRO Ever –guard material used in its construction adds to the water and heat resistance properties of this footwear, making it a favorite among construction workers and welders.
Quick Summary
Generally, the Timberland PRO stands out because of its light-weight features and firm Goodyear welt building.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Durable
The Timberlands wellington incorporates a spacious front with a polyurethane foam bed, which is friction resistant. The single-density outer sole also serves to add to the slip-resistant properties of the footwear.
Breathability
The boot features an ergonomic design comprising of a climate control technology to prevent moisture from building up, ensuring that your feet’s temperature is maintained at all times by allowing free circulation of air.
Sole
Like the majority of the welding boots in our review, the Timberland Wellington spots a single density outer rubber sole, which is slip-resistant and serves to add to the durability of these boots. The polyurethane foam bed also enhances the firm cushion and balance your feet require when in direct contact with the ground when working.
Heat and water-resistant
As we pointed out earlier, this welding boot footwear is constructed with premium full leather grain leather that is enclosed with the Timberland PRO Ever –Guard to increase its water and heat resistance capabilities. This feature will prove to be beneficial, especially for welders exposed to excessive temperatures and moisturized surroundings.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
7. Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 Welding Work Boots
For those who are not looking to weld for an extended period, the Iron Ground Breaker is one of your top choice picks. They are a reliable option that will ensure your feet safe, and we recommend them.
Quick Summary
This boot is one of the budget-friendly welding boots on our list. With a metatarsal guard and a steel toe cap, you don’t need to worry about injuries resulting from falling objects while working.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Safety
The boots are designed with a 1.5" heel and an outer rubber sole made with Goodyear construction that is chemical and slip resistance, which reduces chances of injury occurrence. Moreover, you will not have to worry about foot injuries as the metatarsal guard, and the steel toe cap will prevent injuries resulting from falling objects when working.
Durable
We especially liked the various features that enhance the lifespan of this boot. First, it is build using the Kevlar stitching technique to help them last for an extended period. The full-grain leather construction makes the boots to be stronger compared to boots that have their leathers buffed. The slip and chemical resistant properties of the outsole further increase the lifespan of these footwear.
Comfort
For starters, the boot comes with removable insoles and sponge rubber heel wedges. Additionally, the outsole is also slip resistance, ensuring that you will have a comfy and firm footing whenever you be wearing them.
Budget-friendly
For those who will not be welding frequently, this is one of the boot for you due to it's a relatively low price compared to the more seasonal welding boots in our list. By picking this footwear, you are not only getting a small priced boot, but also a reliable boot that will serve its purpose.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
8. Caterpillar Assault Workboot
This Caterpillar Assault boot is built with a traditional ankle-high boot and supportive to wear and feels extra secure. The Climasphere lining and insole of this footwear means you are free to wear them throughout the day.
Quick Summary
Unlike other caterpillar models, the Caterpillar Assault work boot comes with the Climasphere lining, which helps to keep your feet more comfortable and dry and dry in all conditions.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Safety
When it comes to safety, the Caterpillar Assault has gone to extended lengths to ensure you are protected from any feet injuries
First, the ASTM- approved metatarsal guard is designed to protect your feet from impact and compression.
The rubber soles on the boot are slip resistance, further strengthening the safety feature of this boot.
Laces
The metal laces employed at the front of each boot enhance the feeling of being secure with no need to worry about them slipping or working themselves out.
Upper body
Like most of the other caterpillar designs, the upper part is constructed with full-grain leather making it perfect water and heat resistant footwear suitable to wear even in the most extreme temperatures.
The breathable lining also ensures the free circulation of air, ensuring your feet feel comfortable in any temperature.
Durable
The caterpillar Assault boot is built by double-stitching the leather, making it sturdy footwear that can withstand the harshest of workplaces. The met guards are also made to be puncture-resistant, ensuring the boots will serve you for a more extended period.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
9. Timberland PRO 40000 Welding Boots
This boot resembles the Timberland 53530, except they have a 6" shaft instead of 8" suitable for those who prefer ankle-high boots. Like other boots by Timberlands, the boot is built using the Asymmetrical shield design to follow the natural shape of the foot, allowing you to wear for an extended duration.
Quick Summary
Despite a large amount of steel used in its construction, the Timberland PRO 4000 is surprisingly light-weight and easy to wear.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design
Like most footwear from Timberland, this footwear is constructed using the Asymmetrical shield design, which follows the natural shape of the foot with a lined footbed cradle to ensure you will be wearing the boot for a longer time.
Sole
The sole of this footwear is built using synthetic material with a rubber outsole that is heat, slip, and abrasive resistant. And if you need something firm, then this is your boot, as evident by its stiffness feature of the sole.
Durable
The Timberland PRO 4000 boots are incredibly long-lasting and should serve you well for extended periods of welding. The Ever guard leather used in its construction is one of the best abrasion-resistant leather you can encounter. Besides, the stitching is Kevlar knitted to protect the boot against sparks.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
10. Rocky Duty Men’s Modern Paramount.
These boots are much taller than most of the boots that we have featured in this review. At 10” tall, they offer protection to both the bottom areas of the legs and the feet, which is an added advantage when it comes to the safety of your feet.
Quick Summary
Despite the boot not offering the same quality level as the past, they are still a reliable pair of footwear when it comes to ensuring safety for your feet, ankle, and the lower parts of the legs.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Attractive Design
The boot has a smart look, which is achieved when you polish the water-resistant full-grain leather uppers.
Comfort
The premium leather construction is specifically designed to achieve maximum fit and support whenever wearing these footwear. Also, the presence of the contoured cushioned footbed enables the boot to be super comfortable even when working for more extended periods.
Height
At 10 inches tall, the Rocky Duty is significantly taller than many boots in the market, making it a perfect pair of safe boots when working in any surrounding.
Despite their height, these boots are comfortable to wear and take off with side zips located on each boot.
Durable
The full-grain leather resistant used to build these boots serves to increase protection, resilience, and strength of this footwear, making it withstand the harsh conditions of welding for extended periods.
The rubber sole serves to increase the durability of the boots, unlike synthetic singles, which are prone to tear and wear.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Welding Boots Buyers Guide - Factors to Consider
Perhaps you are wondering about which factors to consider when purchasing a proper welding boot. First, ensure you go for a welding boot with an excellent quality stitch, a supportive insole, and a durable upper body. In terms of what constitutes the best welding boot, we have prepared a brief informative buyer’s guide to help you on your next purchase trip.
Build material
The build material is perhaps the most crucial factor when choosing a welding boot. Always ensure to choose a durable non-conductive material such as artificial leather.
The purpose of selecting a non-conductive material is to avoid accidents from exposure to the electrical environment associated with welding activities.
Non-conductive welding boots reduces the possibility of electrical shock when exposed to an open circuit.
Metatarsal Guard
The metatarsal guard feature helps the boot to endure the roughest of wear and also safeguards your bootlaces along with your feet.
The metatarsal guard design is reliable, especially for welders handling heavy objects which are prone to falling.
Sole
Any must-have welder boots with soles that are resistant to pierce and cuts. As a welder, it is almost inevitable that you will be handling sharp metals.
For this reason, you should ensure the footwear you are buying has fortified flexible metal soles to prevent sharp objects from cutting through the boots.
Comfort
The best welding boots are those that you feel comfortable wherever you get to wear them, especially if you are welding thought the day.
A comfortable welding boot will help in retaining or increase your productivity.
The comfort aspect constitutes the weight of the footwear, the inner soles, and the feel of the surrounding material touching your feet.
Always aim to purchase high quality light boots with soft inner material. The soles should provide excellent arch support and, at the same time, being smooth to prevent getting blisters and aching feet after wearing them.
Durability
Just like many other professional severe welders, you should choose a welding boot that is going to serve you for an extended period. Select a welding boot that can endure the extremes of welding in any working environment.
A double- stitching pair of boots perhaps has a riveted construction to withstand sharp metals piercing and extreme heat for a longer time before they wear out.
Safety toes
There are three types of safety toes protectors when it comes to welding boots, i.e., composite, steel, and aluminum safety toe protectors.
Composite toe footwear is made from carbon fibers, plastic, or Kevlar. The thick protector is less heavy and protects your feet from injuries.
The steel toe cap is the most effective when it comes to conducting temperatures. They are also the standard protection unit. The latest new age steel toe caps are more fitting and offer more comfort.
Aluminum toe caps are commonly installed in light-weight welding boots and are the most popular safety toe caps thanks in large part to the high-level comfort satisfaction they offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best welding boot is not only about safety, but also strive to find a pair that offers maximum comfort. With this in mind, the Caterpillar Men’s revolver is our best pick, serving us with great durability, comfort and safety features at a budget-friendly price. We hope this review will significantly help you in making a more informed purchasing decision on your next welding boot hunting trip.
