10 Best Welding Work Boots in 2023

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Azad Asf

Many of us are aware that welding is a hazardous occupation, as the sparks produced by this technique can burn your feet or crush them when heavy materials fall.

As a result, many welders seek protective footwear that might help them in avoiding major injuries.

However, it is difficult to find a welding work boot that is both protective and sturdy, as well as comfortable.

That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to conduct some research and choose ten work boots for welders that are genuinely worth the money.

Let’s get right into it.

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The Best Welding Work Boots

We’ve rounded ten of the best welding work boots out there (both standard and pull on work boots.

Here’s the list:

1. Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Welding Work Boot
2. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Welding Work Boot
3. Timberland PRO 53580 Metguard Welding Work Boots
4. Timberland PRO 40000 Welding Work Boots
5. Wolverine W10318 Cabor Welding Work Boots
6. Justin Boots Men’s Ropers Welding Work Boots
7. Georgia Boot G4432 Welding Work Boots
8. Ariat Men’s Workhog Pull-on H2O Welding Work Boots
9. Carhartt 8″ CMF8720 Welding Work Boots
10. KEEN Utility Louisville 6″ Welding Work Boots

1. Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Welding Work Boot

This Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 welding work boot is definitely on our list of the best welding work boots, thanks to its metatarsal guard that protects the feet from coming into contact with sparks or molten metal, and its steel toe caps that protect the toes from being crushed by heavy falling objects.

You can work with confidence thanks to their oil and slip resistant outsoles, which give better traction on slippery and uneven surfaces prevalent on construction sites.

Also, they feature EVA cushioned footbeds that provide exceptional arch support to keep the feet well rested and calm.

Last but not least, they have a Goodyear Welt construction, which is recognized for its reliability in bonding the materials of the work boots together.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 729 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

2. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Welding Work Boot

These Mt Vernon welding work boots are no exception to Keen Utility’s reputation for producing reliable yet comfortable work boots.

For instance, their metatarsal guard and steel toe caps are vital for protecting the foot from severe injury from sparks or heavy falling objects.

Furthermore, these metguard steel toe boots were manufactured in the United States, which is always wonderful to hear because it means you’re supporting American labor.

Furthermore, they include the “Keen.Dry” waterproofing membrane, which filters all liquids out of the work boots and keeps your feet completely dry when exposed to wet conditions.

Even though they don’t have the best laces, they do have some extremely amazing attributes that are vital for welders, such as oil and slip resistant outsoles that ensure perfect traction.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 270 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

3. Timberland PRO 53580 Metguard Welding Work Boots

These Timberland PRO 53580 welding boots are for you if you’re looking for comfort and protection.

Their metatarsal guards protect the feet from the inevitable sparks of welding and from potential heavy objects being dropped.

Also, they got rubber outsoles that are abrasion, slip and oil-resistant to prevent slips and falls on hard slippery surfaces. These outsoles have been specifically made to withstand contact with hot surfaces which is an important plus for welder.

To keep the toes totally safe, they include steel toe caps and to keep the feet dry when working outdoors, they have waterproof membranes.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 121 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

4. Timberland PRO 40000 Welding Work Boots

The Timberland PRO 40000 welding boot is made of Ever-Guard leather, which resists abrasion from sparks and molten metal, and steel toe caps, which resist compression and impact.

They also have metatarsal guards, which protect the feet from sparks while also protecting the metatarsal bones from any heavy items that may fall accidentally.

Timberland also added slip, heat, oil, and abrasion resistant outsoles to deliver unrivaled traction.

Lastly, I loved how these metguard steel toe boots have single-density open-cell polyurethane footbeds and padded top collars that work together to optimize foot comfort.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 112 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.9 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

5. Wolverine W10318 Cabor Welding Work Boots

If you are a welder searching for a nice pair of pull on work boots, these Wolverine boots are ideal for you then.

They have composite toe caps to provide better toe protection without adding much thickness or weight to the boots, and metatarsal guards to offer additional foot protection.

Their direct-attach design and waterproof leather assure not just endurance, but also that your feet stay dry and warm all day, even in damp weather.

Because you will be on your feet all day as a welder, it is critical that your work boots support you and your feet.

As a result, the boots contain cushioned EPX footbeds that provide greater arch support for welders who spend long periods of time on their feet. 

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 21 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

6. KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia Welding Work Boots

These Keen Utility Philadelphia metguard work boots provide complete foot protection as well as the necessary comfort to deal with lengthy workshifts on standing your feet.

Welders may work confidently since their metatarsal guards and lightweight carbon toe caps protect their feet from heavy things.

I personally liked how these metguard steel toe boots include waterproof membranes that keep the feet dry and sweat-free while also being quite breathable.

And, in terms of ergonomics, the boots feature air-infused midsoles and dual density PolyAer footbeds that fully cushion the base of the feet and keep them completely comfortable.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 60 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

7. Georgia Boot G4432 Welding Work Boots

These Georgia G4432 welding work boots are among the most comfortable on the market.

The boots are made from SPR waterproof leather, which is three times stronger than other leather varieties, meaning that they will keep your feet safe from sparks and molten metal generated when welding.

Furthermore, their oil and slip resistant outsoles provide superior traction on slippery surfaces, which is critical for avoiding serious injury.

The boots provide optimum comfort and reduce foot fatigue thanks to their ComfortCore insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles that fully support the feet. They also lack laces, which is a very useful trait for welders.

Finally, they are entirely lined with breathable moisture-wicking material to keep the feet dry and odor-free.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 38 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.8 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

8. Ariat Men’s Workhog Pull-on H2O Welding Work Boots

These Ariat work boots are seriously good for welders as they have waterproof membranes that keep the feet totally dry, even when the work boots are exposed to exterior liquids.

Their composite toe caps are included to allow welders to do their jobs without worrying about getting their toes crushed by heavy falling objects.

And, to provide traction on slippery surfaces, the boots have the famous Duratread slip and oil resistant outsoles that guarantee perfect traction on surfaces which might be dangerous to walk on otherwise.

Lastly, to avoid foot fatigue, the work boots have EVA midsoles and cushioned footbeds that provide excellent shock absorption and arch support.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 229 reviews in Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.9 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

9. Carhartt 8″ CMF8720 Welding Work Boots

If you’re ready to invest a little extra money, these Carhartt CMF8720 work boots have nonmetallic composite toe caps and internal metatarsal guards to protect your feet and toes from being crushed by heavy falling objects.

Also, if you frequently come into contact with live wires, you’ll appreciate their electrical hazard protection, which shields your feet from up to 18,000 volts.

Their Storm Defender waterproofing membrane is in charge of keeping all liquids out of the work boots, which is a useful feature if you labor in wet conditions.

I didn’t like that it takes around two weeks for them to settle in. However, qualities like their slip and oil resistant outsoles, which provide exceptional traction on slippery surfaces, make up for it.

Comfort-wise, the boots have padded footbeds that cushion the base of the feet for short term and long term comfort.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 266 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

10. KEEN Utility Louisville 6″ Welding Work Boots

These Keen Utility Louisville work boots are designed to be both comfortable and protective while welding.

These welding boots, with their steel toe caps and internal metatarsal guards, provide welders with the assurance that their feet will never be exposed to being burned by sparks or crushed by heavy falling objects.

I also loved how the boots also contain the Keen.dry waterproofing membrane, which keep the feet dry whether accidentally stepping into puddles or working in the rain.

They also include slip and oil resistant outsoles to keep you from slipping and falling on hard concrete surfaces, and they are electrical hazard resistant, which is always a plus for some welders.

Furthermore, the boots feature cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles, which are important qualities for preventing foot fatigue and pain.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 319 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check Price at Amazon.com

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The Best Welding Work Boots Overall

KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Welding Work Boot

I selected these Keen Utility Vernon work boots as the best ones for welders as they come with excellent features, such as:

• Steel toe caps and oil and slip resistant outsoles that prevent welders from getting seriously injured
• Metatarsal guards that totally protect the top part of the feet
• Waterproof membrane that maintains the feet dry as it successfully filters out water

If you’d like to read the full review, you can do so by clicking the button below.

Review

The Most Comfortable Welding Work Boots

KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia Welding Work Boots

I believe these Keen Utility Philadelphia work boots are the most comfortable option of safety footwear for welders thanks to features such as their dual density PolyAer footbeds and air-infused midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption and arch support.

If you’d like to read a bit more about them, you can find the full review by clicking the button below.

Review

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Comparison Table

Product	Outsoles	Safety toe caps	Metatarsal guard
1. Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Welding Work Boot Review	Oil, slip and chemical resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Yes
2. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Welding Work Boot Review	Keen.grip oil and slip resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Yes
3. Timberland PRO 53580 Metguard Welding Work Boots Review	Abrasion, slip and oil resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Yes
4. Timberland PRO 40000 Welding Work Boots Review	Slip, heat, oil and abrasion resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Yes
5. Wolverine W10318 Cabor Welding Work Boots Review	Slip resistant outsoles	Composite safety toe caps	Yes
6. KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia Welding Work Boots Review	Slip resistant outsoles	Carbon toe caps	Yes
7. Georgia Boot G4432 Welding Work Boots Review	Oil resistant dual density outsoles	None	None
8. Ariat Men’s Workhog Pull-on H2O Welding Work Boots Review	Duratread slip and oil resistant outsoles	Composite toe caps	None
9. Carhartt 8″ CMF8720 Welding Work Boots Review	Slip resistant outsoles	Nonmetallic composite toe caps	Yes (Internal metatarsal guard)
10. KEEN Utility Louisville 6″ Welding Work Boots Review	Oil and slip resistant outsoles	Steel toe caps	Yes (internal metatarsal guard)

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Must Have Features of The Best Welding Work Boots

By searching for boots for welders with any of the following features, you’ll have the confidence that you’ll be spending your hard earned money on safety footwear that will actually help you.

Abrasion Resistant Leather

Welders operate with sparks and molten metal on a daily basis, which poses major risks such as getting their feet burned and badly wounded.

This is why I suggest that welders should buy work boots with abrasion resistant leather, as it will operate as a powerful barrier that will not only keep your work boots safe, but will also isolate your feet from the threats listed.

So, if you want to avoid dealing with severe injuries and being out of work for weeks (or even months), choose work boots made of abrasion-resistant leather.

Metatarsal Guards

Dropping heavy objects or tools on your feet or dealing with the sparks generated when welding are frequent risks that welders must deal with.

That’s why I’d say welders should get work boots with metatarsal guards as they will not only provide impact and compression resistance for the top part of your feet (where the heavy object usually fall) but will also prevent the sparks and molten metal from burning your feet.

Don’t get me wrong, they definitely add bulk to the boots and don’t look good at all, but they are efficient in keeping them safe, which is what really counts.

Slip Resistant Outsoles

A slip resistant outsole will come with deep lugs that will dig deep into the surface you’re walking on which is key to achieve maximum traction.

So, if you’re the kind of welter that frequently walks on slippery surfaces, then I’d say getting a work boot with slip resistant outsoles might be a good idea.

I personally like Vibram outsoles as they’re known for not only providing excellent traction, but for also being fairly lightweight.

However, there are other slip resistant outsoles that are really good out there, you just have to look for work boot brands that use them.

Safety Toe Caps

While a welder’s profession includes welding metal parts, they are also at risk of other injuries as w elders frequently get their toes crushed by heavy tools or metal pieces that fall on them.

This is why I believe welders should wear work boots with safety toe caps, as they will isolate the toes while also providing solid impact and compression resistance, ensuring that the toes are completely protected in the event of an accident.

There are numerous types of safety toe caps to pick from (steel toe caps, composite safety toe caps, etc).

I could go on and on about the various safety toe caps. What I want you to remember is that any safety toe cap you choose is fine.

Cushioned Footbeds and Shock Absorbing Midsoles

To ensure that your feet are fully supported and completely comfortable, choose welding work boots with cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles.

Why?

Well, a cushioned footbed will provide excellent padding to the base of the feet which is key to deliver them the comfort needed to tackle long work shifts standing on hard surfaces.

While a shock-absorbing midsole absorbs the shocks caused by standing or walking and returns energy to the feet.

So, if you want to minimize foot tiredness and discomfort, welding work boots with these two qualities may be a good choice.

Reliable Construction

Wouldn’t you like to get the guarantee that your hard earned money will be spent on a pair of work boots that will actually last you for years?

Well, if you want to enjoy that confidence, you most definitely have to get a welding work boots manufactured with a reliable construction.

I’d say there are two construction methods to recommend.

The first is the Goodyear Welt construction, which is recognized for adding ruggedness to the boots by attaching the leather uppers to a welt (strip of leather or other material) and then stitching the welt to the sole, providing a strong and durable bond.

The second is the cement heel structure, which uses a strong adhesive to bond the leather uppers to the outsoles. It is as tough and dependable as the Goodyear Welt construction, yet it is also very flexible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequent questions that popped up when researching for the best boots for welders.

How long should welding work boots last?

A welding work boot, in my opinion, should last at least two years.

You’re going to spend $150 on a pair of work boots; they should last you a few years, right?

Of course, welders are constantly dealing with sparks and molten metal falling on their work boots, putting a lot of strain on the leather uppers and outsoles.

However, if you took your time and bought a good pair of welding work boots, you should expect them to endure at least two years despite being exposed to harsh circumstances, as they will be constructed with features like abrasion resistant leather and outsoles.

Can electricity be transferred through welding work boots?

I believe that you should choose welding work boots with electrical hazard resistance as most welders have to, sooner or later, be exposed to electrical currents.

This is why you’ll find that most of the work boots I recommended in this article can deal with up to 18,000 volts without transferring them to the feet.

However, it’s up to you to find welding work boots with electrical hazard protection.