Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Joe Strong
Pipefitters are constantly exposed to many issues which made their work lives difficult, such as…
- Working on their feet for long hours without having rests: Pipefitters are used to working in repairing mechanical piping systems for long hours standing on their feet without rests. This puts tremendous amounts of stress in their joints and leads to all sorts of pains that are unbearable to deal with.
- Working around heavy materials: A pipefitter is used to handle heavy machinery and tools to work in the pipings. This increases the risk of some of these tools falling and crushing their feet or hurting their bodies in some way which is a huge pain…
- Walking on slippery surfaces: Given their line of work, pipefitters are used to walking on sketchy and slippery surfaces which could injure them if they don’t have enough traction with their boots.
- Being exposed to abrasions: Pipefitters are used to welding, which generates sparks, and are also exposed to other types of abrasions that not only could ruin their boots but could also injure them putting them out of work temporarily.
Due to all this, pipefitters need a certain type of work boots that have specific comfort, protection and durability features that are tough to find all at once.
My ambition with this article is not only giving you those features, so you know what to look for, but also share with you a list with what I think are the best boots for pipefitters based on my experience and knowledge.
List Of The Best Boots For Pipefitters
There are a lot of issues that pipefitters have to deal with and if they want to have at least a chance to solve these, they should get work boots with particular features.
In order to help you, I made a list with the best boots for pipefitters which were carefully selected taking into consideration the must-have features later discussed in this article. Here’s the list:
- Wolverine Steel Toe Raider Pipefitters Boots
- Timberland Pro 95567 Endurance Pr 8″ Pipefitters Boots
- Keen Utility Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Pipefitters Boots
- Keen Utility Detroit 8″ Steel Toe Pipefitters Boots
- Timberland Pro 8″ Rigmaster Xt Steel-Toe Pipefitters Boot
1) Wolverine Steel Toe Raider Pipefitters Boots
Comfort
It’s always nice to maintain your feet fresh and dry, right? Even on those hot days where you have to weld at the construction site…
Well, these Wolverine boots came with a breathable mesh lining that helped me in maintaining my feet dry and smelling nice as they let the air run freely through the boots, even on those days when I had to weld!
Protective
Getting work boots with the proper safety features to keep your toes safe from getting crushed by heavy falling objects is essential for all pipefitters…
That’s why I loved these Wolverine Raider boots as they came with the so-called “essential features” such as the safety steel toes which kept my toes intact even on those days where I would accidentally drop a heavy tool on my toe area!
Durability
In terms of durability, these Wolverine work boots came manufactured following the Contour Welt construction method and using a top-quality full grain leather which guaranteed me that my money had been well spent on a pair of work boots that were going to last for years!
Features and Specifications
- Safety Steel Toes
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Breathable Ck Mesh Lining
- Flexible, Athletic Contour Welt Construction Moves With You
- Removable, Full-Cushion Wolverine Multishox Insole For All-Day Comfort And Support
- Lightweight Pu Midsole
- Reliable Grip From Slip, Oil, And Abrasion-Resistant Multishox Lugged Rubber Outsole
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 421 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
2) Timberland Pro 95567 Endurance Pr 8″ Pipefitters Boots
Comfort
Having proper comfort features is essential. Especially for those days when you have to work all day on your feet with no rests while repairing mechanical piping systems.
Luckily, these Timberland 95567 work boots came with these “essentials” as they came with PU midsoles and cushioned footbeds that cushioned my feet and provided me with awesome shock absorption when strolling around the construction site.
Moreover, these Timberland boots came with Multishox insoles and PU midsoles that cushioned my feet and made me feel as if I was walking on clouds!
Protective
In terms of protection, these Timberland boots came with safety steel toes which were perfect for maintaining my toes safe from any heavy objects or tools that might fall at the construction site, which is a risk most pipefitters are used to dealing with, right?
Moreover, the boots came with slip, oil, and heat resistant outsoles which gave me the traction necessary to walk on slippery surfaces with the confidence that I would not fall no matter what!
I mean, it might seem like an overstatement, but the peace-of-mind that this feature gives you is great!
It’s always nice to have an “extra layer” of protection which is why I loved the puncture resistant underfoot protection that came with these boots as it gave me the guarantee that no matter where I decided to set my foot on, nothing could have happened to me!
When you are used to welding at the construction site, like most pipefitters are used to, you start to appreciate work boots with features that protect you a bit more from the sparks that welding generates, right?
Well, that’s why I loved these Timberland boots as they had 8-inch shafts that protected my ankles from the sparkles and abrasions that come from being a pipefitter.
Durability
Have you ever seen your work boots being destroyed after only a couple months of use? That’s what most pipefitters are used to deal with as their job is so hard and particular.
Well, the good news is that these boots came manufactured with a premium full-grain leather that let me avoid that frustration all together!
Features and Specifications
- Premium Full-Grain Leather For Durability
- Timberland Pro Rubber Outsole Is Slip-, Oil- And Heat-Resistant And Features Ladder Lock Outsole Radius
- Steel Safety Toe Shaped On Titan Last For Protection And A Roomy Fit
- Anti-Fatigue Technology With Conical Geometry In The Polyurethane Midsole Reduces Shock And Returns Energy To The Foot
- Mesh Lining With Antimicrobial Treatment For Odor Control And Comfort
- Fibreglass Shank For Structural Support
- Steel-Flex Puncture-Resistant Plate For Flexible Underfoot Protection
- Contoured Single-Density Open-Cell Polyurethane Footbed With Antimicrobial Cover For Breathable Comfort And Odor Control
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 312 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
3) Keen Utility Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Pipefitters Boots
Comfort
Working on your feet for long hours, sometimes 8 to 12 hours, with no rest is what most pipefitters have to deal with on a daily basis which makes getting boots with the right comfort features really important.
That’s why I loved these Keen Utility Milwaukee boots as they made things much easier with features such as they dual-density EVA footbeds that cushioned my feet throughout those 8 to 12 hours shifts!
I mean, they really did change my life!
Moreover, these boots came with locking metal hooks and lacing eyelets that made the experience of using the boots much better!
Protective
In terms of protection, these boots came with safety steel toes which were perfect for giving me the confidence that no heavy falling object, like a tool, could crush my toes.
It’s definitely a nice guarantee to have, right?
Walking on slippery surfaces, falling and getting injured is a risk pipefitters know that could happen at any time.
I, being the nice fellow that I am, was very happy and impressed to see that these Keen Utility Milwaukee boots came with oil and slip resistant outsoles as these would give pipefitters the so-needed traction to walk on any surface without any worries!
To conclude the review of these awesome boots I could tell you that they came with waterproof protection which was really nice as you always want that “added layer” of protection that at first hand might seem “too much” but comes in really handy when you have to work outdoors or in contact with water!
Features and Specifications
- Keen Milwaukee Steel Toe Hiker Have A Waterproof Full Grain Leather Upper
- Contoured Heel Lock
- Oil And Slip Resistant Non-Marking Rubber Outsole
- Locking Metal Hooks And Lacing Eyelets
- Tpu Stability Shank
- Steel Toe Meets Astm F2412-11 And F2413-11 I/75 C/75 Eh Standards
- Removable Dual Density Eva Footbed
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 594 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.0 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
4) Keen Utility Detroit 8″ Steel Toe Pipefitters Boots
Comfort
If you are a pipe fitter or have ever talked to one, you’d know the importance that comfort has for them. This is why I loved how these Keen Utility work boots as they came with metatomical footbeds and EVA midsoles which cushioned my feet in every step providing me that much-needed comfort.
To make things even more comfortable, these work boots came with textile breathability which kept my feet fresh and dry at all times.
Protective
Being a pipefitter means having to deal with huge risks such as the possibility of getting your toes crushed by falling heavy tools or other machinery.
This is why I loved these Keen work boots as they came with steel toes which gave me the feeling of safety necessary to work without any fears.
Moreover, these Keen Utility work boots came with 8-inch shafts which gave me the additional protection needed for my ankles and feet.
It’s definitely worth having that “extra” layer of protection, believe me… Especially when most of your work revolves around welding.
Finally, these boots protected my feet from getting wet as they came with a waterproofing membrane that kept my feet dry even when I had to work in contact with water!
Features and Specifications
- Waterproof Nubuck And Textile Upper
- A Waterproof, Breathable Keen.Dry Membrane
- Padded Tongue And Collar
- Back Pull Loop
- Approx. 8” Boot Shaft Height
- Compression-Molded Eva Midsole
- Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Textile For Breathability
- The Metatomical Footbed And Eva Midsole Offer Foot-Cradling Comfort
- Astm-Rated Protection From Electrical Hazards And Anatomically Shaped Left And Right Steel Toes
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 125 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.2 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
5) Timberland Pro 8″ Rigmaster Xt Steel-Toe Pipefitters Boot
Comfort
If there’s something pipefitters are used to is working on their feet all day long without rest, which is why I made sure to find really comfortable boots…
And I did, as these Timberland Rigmaster work boots came with countered Ortholite footbeds and PU midsoles that cushioned my feet in every step giving my joints the rest needed to avoid all pains.
It’s also nice to have some additional features that make your life easier, right? Well, in that regard, these Timberland work boots came with great comfort features such as their Agion antimicrobial treatment that let the air flow and maintain my feet fresh and dry throughout those heavy and humid days.
To top off comfort features, these boots came with foam padded collars which made the experience of using these Timberland Rigmaster boots much more comfortable.
Protective
It’s always nice to feel you’re protected, especially when you’re working as a pipefitter which is why I loved the steel toes these Timberland boots had as they secured my toes from getting crushed which is prone to happen when you’re working in constant contact with heavy tools.
Moreover, these boots came with oil and slip resistant outsoles with aggressive thread patterns that delivered me the traction needed to walk on any surface without any fear of slipping and injuring myself.
And as if it wasn’t enough, the boots maintained my feet dried and comfy all day round as they came with a water impermeable membrane that isolated my feet from any external liquids.
Durability
Earning your money is hard, but it’s much harder for pipefitters which is why they’ll want to avoid the frustration of seeing their 200-hundred dollar work boots getting destroyed only after a few months of use.
This is why I liked the use of Ever-Guard leather to reinforce those sections of the boots which are the most used.
Additionally, the boots were manufactured following the Goodyear Welt Cast-Bond construction method which is globally-known for adding years of durability to any pair of boots.
This combination of features really did lots for these boots as they ended up being a really good pair of work boots.
Features and Specifications
- Waterproof Full-Grain Leather Upper With Waterproof Membrane To Keep Your Feet Dry.
- High-Wear Areas Are Reinforced With Ever-Guard Leather To Enhance Durability In Rugged Work Site.
- Water-Impermeable Membrane Keeps Feet Drier And Delivers Superior Waterproof Protection. Also Provides Blood-Borne Pathogen Protection.
- Features The Powerfit Comfort System Uses A Combination Of Ergonomically-Designed Elements At Key Zones To Supply Movement And Provide Critical Support Delivering Maximum Comfort All Day Long.
- Heavy-Duty Laces With Quick-Release Hardware For Easy On/Off.
- Goodyear Welt Cast-Bond Construction For A Durable Mechanical And Chemical Bond.
- Anti-Fatigue Technology With Conical Pu Midsole Geometry.
- Steel Shank.
- Nonmarking Pu Outsole Is Lightweight Yet Rugged With Excellent Oil And Slip Resistance.
- Aggressive Tread Design Featuring Triangular Lock Lugs For Maximum Traction.
- Foam-Padded Collar And Tongue.
- Mesh Lining With Agion Antimicrobial Treatment.
- Contoured, Single-Density Ortholite Footbed.
- Steel Safety Toe Meets I/75 And C/75 Impact And Compression Astm F2412-11 And F2413-11, Eh Safety Standards.
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 193 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 3.9 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
My Verdict: The Best Boots For Pipefitters…
Timberland Pro 95567 Endurance Pr 8″ Pipefitters Boots
Would you like to know why I chose these Timberland PRO 95567 Endurance Pr 8″ boots as the best boots for pipefitters? Click the button down below then!
Quick Comparison Table
| Comfort | Protection | Durability | |
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1) Wolverine Steel Toe Raider Pipefitters Boots  |
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2) Timberland Pro 95567 Endurance Pr 8″ Pipefitters Boots  |
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3) Keen Utility Milwaukee 6″ Steel Toe Pipefitters Boots  |
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4) Keen Utility Detroit 8″ Steel Toe Pipefitters Boots  |
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5) Timberland Pro 8″ Rigmaster Xt Steel-Toe Pipefitters Boot  |
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How Did I Test The Best Boots For Pipefitters
Comfort Test
A big problem for pipefitters is having to work on their feet which leads them to need boots with special attributes that will support their feet and give their joints a much-needed rest.
That’s why I made sure to monitor the comfort features on each boot and see how they performed in those work days where I had to work for long hours without any type of rest while standing on my feet.
Protection Test
The other tests I did were based on the preventive needs that pipefitters have, given that they are used to work in really dangerous places.
That’s why I made sure to test the boots’ safety toes by letting heavy tools fall from safe heights to replicate a risk that many pipefitters are used to dealing with.
Additionally, I monitored how the boots’ materials reacted to the sparks from the welding, which is one of the main tasks for pipefitters, to see if they had enough abrasive-resistant qualities to keep my feet safe from getting burned.
Also, I made sure to walk on slippery surfaces to see whether the boots had attributes good enough to provide the necessary traction to not fall while walking on those areas.
Durability Test
An essential test I did in order to find the best boots for pipefitters was the one to test the boots’ durability.
Most work boots nowadays are made with low-quality materials and following really bad construction methods, so when it came time to test the durability, I made sure to monitor to the state of each boot after months of heavy use which let me have a good idea on which boots were worth their money and which were not.
Must-Have Features For The Best Boots For Pipefitters
There are a lot of specific attributes a pair of work boots must gather in order to be considered the best boots for pipefitters.
In order to save you time, I’m gonna share those features with you next…
Comfort Features
Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles
Most pipefitters have to stand on their feet for long hours while repairing piping systems which doesn’t give any rest to their feet, back and knees.
This generates all sorts of pains that will make your workday unbearable.
This is why I recommend getting work boots with cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles as these will give pipefitters the comfort attributes they need to give their joints a much-needed rest!
Preventive & Protection Features
Safety Toes
Pipefitters are used to working with welding instruments, piping systems, etc… all heavy machinery that if it felt on your toes, it would crush them!
The good news is that there are many work boots with safety toes that will protect your toes by placing hard housing between your toes and the exterior so that these remain untouched in case heavy tools fell into them.
Slip & Oil Resistant Outsoles
Most pipefitters work in construction places where there are many tools and liquids that make some surfaces really slippery. This makes them prone to slipping, falling and injuring themselves which is why I always recommend getting work boots with slip and oil resistant outsoles.
These outsoles will give the pipefitter the traction they need to walk around the piping systems without fearing the injuries that come with falling at the construction site!
Abrasive Resistant Materials
If there’s something I hate about work boots is when they break after only a few months of use. I mean the frustration that comes with wasting money is unbearable!
My advice is getting work boots made with abrasive resistant materials as they will deal nicely with the sparks that come from welding and other corrosive materials that are usually around the workplace of a pipefitter.
I mean, there is no better feeling than walking around the construction site knowing that nothing is gonna ruin your boots, right?
High Shafts
There are many risks that pipefitters have to deal with on a daily basis. One of them is having their ankles and knees exposed to sparks and falling object that could hurt them.
The good news is that you can get work boots with high shafts ( of around 8 inches) to solve this issue as these will protect a bigger part of your lower limbs so nothing gets to you!
I mean, 8-inch boots might be priced a little bit higher, but the feeling of confidence that you have because of that bit more of protection is incomparable!
Durability Features
Good Quality Materials & Construction Methods
Have you ever lost money in something? Well, we all have, and we all know how bad it feels which is why I hate wasting money on cheap work boots.
This is why I always recommend pipefitters, who have one of the most demanding jobs out there, to get work boots manufactured with high-quality materials tailored for the needs of pipefitters but also that are manufactured following reliable construction methods (like Goodyear Welt or Cement Construction methods) as this will add years of durability to any pair of boots for pipefitters.
Of course, these will reduce your selection and increase the difficulty to find the best boots for pipefitters, but the feeling that you get knowing your money was well spent is great!
Benefits Of Getting The Right Boots For Pipefitters
Better Comfort When Standing On Your Feet All Day
Pipefitters are used to having to stand on their feet for long hours without breaks, which leads them to suffer from all sorts of pains.
Luckily, if you get one of the pairs of boots reviewed in this article you will get enough cushioning and shock absorbing features to avoid all sorts of pains and actually enjoy your workday.
Perfect Protection For A Pipefitter
Pipefitters are exposed to getting their toes crushed or getting injured for walking on slippery surfaces and falling.
Luckily, with the best boots for pipefitters reviewed in this article, you will get enough protection and traction to avoid these huge headaches.
I mean, I don’t know about you, but it seems like a nice deal to me!
Avoid Losing Money On Low-Quality Boots
The last test I did was regarding the durability of the boots.
No one wants to buy work boots that last only a few months which is why I closely monitored how the boots performed under the tough usage a pipefitter would need. If they performed good, I then deemed then as ‘durable’ and recommended them in this article!
