10 Best Oil Rigger Work Boots in 2023

If you buy through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no extra cost for you. Learn More

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

Finding the best work boots for oil riggers is not an easy task. In fact, it’s pretty difficult, as most of these boots:

  • Lack comfort and ergonomic features to let oil riggers tackle their long workdays without discomfort
  • Are manufactured with low-quality materials which break apart a few months after being bought
  • Don’t have enough safety features to let oil riggers work without the fear of getting seriously injured

My ambition with this article is to save you time and give you the list of the best oil rigger work boots that hit all the pain points oil riggers have.

10 Best Oil Rigger Work Boots

After extensively testing many work boots, this is the list of the best oil rigger work boots I arrived at:

  1. Timberland Pro 8″ Boondock Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots
  2. Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square H2O Steel Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots
  3. Timberland Pro 8″ Rigmaster Steel-Toe Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots
  4. Thorogood American Heritage 8″ Safety Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots
  5. Danner Quarry USA 8″ Alloy Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots
  6. Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Oil Rigger Work Boots
  7. Chippewa Waterproof Insulated Steel Toe EH 73050 Oil Rigger Work Boots
  8. Irish Setter Mesabi Steel Toe 83834 Oil Rigger Work Boots
  9. Georgia Steel Toe Waterproof 400G Insulated Oil Rigger Work Boots
  10. Chippewa 73101 Lace-To-Toe Logger Oil Rigger Work Boots

1. Timberland Pro 8″ Boondock Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Composite safety toes
  • Outsole: Dual-Density PU and TPU outsoles
  • Waterproofing: Timberland waterproof membrane 

Oil riggers are used to walk around the oilfield for 10 to 12 hours with little to no breaks. This, of course, brings all sorts of issues for them.

These Timberland Boondock boots come with dual density PU and TPU outsoles which provide superior traction on rocky and muddy surfaces commonly found at oilfields, preventing the oil rigger from slipping and getting seriously injured.

Moreover, the boots have padded top collars and dual-purpose top hardware making the experience of using the boots more convenient and comfortable as they provided great fit and superior cushioning.

Luckily, the boots are manufactured with composite toe caps which protect the toes from getting crushed by heavy tools that are all over oilfields most of the time.

Additionally, the boots have waterproof membranes and abrasion-resistant toe protectors that give the oil rigger that “additional” layer of protection to keep their feet dry and safe from chemical burns.

There’s no better feeling for an oil rigger than knowing their hard-earned money was invested on work boots that ACTUALLY last, right?

Well, regarding these Timberland Boondock boots they come manufactured following a combination of the Goodyear Welt and Cement Heel construction methods which add years of durability to the boots.

Pros

  • Waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids
  • Abrasion-resistant toe protector is perfect for oil riggers that work exposed to caustic chemicals
  • Ever-guard leather heel protectors improve the durability
  • Slip-resistant PU and TPU outsoles with aggressive lugs provide perfect traction on uneven surfaces commonly found in oilfields
  • Composite safety toes for maximum toe protection
  • Combination of Goodyear Welt + Cement Heel construction improves the sturdiness of the boots
  • Padded top collars make the experience of using the boots much more comfortable

Cons

  • They are a bit heavy (but that’s expected from a work boot with these many features)

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 759 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2. Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square H2O Steel Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Safety steel toes
  • Outsole: Oil and slip-resistant Duratread outsoles
  • Waterproofing: “Waterproof Pro” construction

Safety toes are vital for oil riggers as they usually work surrounded by heavy tools and machine parts.

In that context, these Ariat boots come with:

  • steel toes that provide a metal housing covering the toes to isolate them from any heavy falling objects that could squash them
  • oil and slip-resistant outsoles which give perfect traction to walk on uneven surfaces so oil riggers can work without any worries
  • waterproof membranes which maintain the feet dry at all times even when chemical substances reach the boots

No one wants to see their work boots fall apart after only a couple of months right?

Luckily, these Ariat boots perform really well in this area thanks to their four-row stitch pattern that stitches the materials together in such a way that is really, really hard to break apart.

Pros

  • Breathable mesh lining keeps feet fresh and cool when exposed to humid conditions
  • Cushioned insoles provide extra cushioning for all-day support
  • Oil and slip-resistant Duratread outsoles provide perfect traction on uneven surfaces
  • Full-grain leather with rugged 900 denier nylon shaft protects the feet from getting in contact with chemicals commonly found in oilfields
  • “Waterproof Pro” construction keeps the feet isolated from exterior liquids and other abrasive substances
  • Safety steel toes deliver excellent compression and impact resistance
  • The boots are electrical hazard resistant

Cons

  • Break in takes a while

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 780 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 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 8″ Rigmaster Steel-Toe Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Steel safety toes
  • Outsole: Oil and slip-resistant outsoles
  • Waterproofing: Waterproof membrane

Working all day at the oilfield is exactly as it sounds, the worst. Due to this, oil riggers need footwear with comfort features.

These Timberland Rigmaster boots come with great ergonomic features such as:

  • conical PU midsoles and OrthoLite footbeds which give the joints the rest they need to recover
  • padded top collars and “fingertip” pull-ons which make using the boots a more comfortable experience
  • antimicrobial mesh linings that keep the feet fresh and dry when in hot and humid conditions

In terms of protection, the boots have steel safety toes that provide a solid layer of safety needed to keep the toes completely isolated from any heavy objects that may fall at the oilfield.

Walking on slippery surfaces is a hassle most oil riggers have to face daily.

Regarding that, these Timberland boots come with non-marking, oil, and slip-resistant midsoles which are lightweight and give enough traction to walk on rocky and uneven surfaces confidently.

Their waterproof membranes are responsible for keeping the feet dry when working in contact with liquids such as water and oil.

Last but not least, the use of reinforced leather and a Goodyear Welt Cast-Bond construction make these boots almost indestructible. This is perfect for oil riggers as they regularly beat the life out of their work boots (due to the nature of their jobs).

Pros

  • Waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry during the workday
  • Heavy-duty laces that never break
  • High wear areas of the boots are reinforced with ever-guard leather
  • Goodyear welt cast-bond construction for superior durability
  • Nonmarking PU outsoles with oil and slip-resistant capabilities that provide excellent grip on uneven surfaces
  • Steel safety toes that meet the best quality standards
  • Electric hazard resistance
  • Ortholite footbeds provide superior cushioning on rocky surfaces
  • Ergonomic design
  • Conical PU midsoles with anti-fatigue technology provide superior shock absorption

Cons

  • They feel a bit bulky at first

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,213 reviews on 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. Thorogood American Heritage 8″ Safety Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Safety steel toes
  • Outsole: MAXWear Wedge slip-resistant outsoles
  • Waterproofing: Waterproof leather

Being comfortable throughout the day isn’t only great for avoiding pain and discomfort, but for coming back from work in a good mood.

For that, these Thorogood boots come with features such as their Poron comfort cushion footbeds which provide superior shock-absorbing attributes to ease the impact that walking on hard surfaces all day long generates.

In terms of protection, the boots have safety toe caps that keep the toes safe from getting crushed by heavy tools that may fall at the oilfield.

Footwear traction is essential for oil riggers as they have to walk on uneven and slippery surfaces all the time.

This is why I like their oil and slip-resistant outsoles which deliver perfect grip to walk on slippery surfaces without worries of slipping and getting injured.

Durability-wise, the boots have a Goodyear Welt construction method which means the boots’ components were stitched together in such a way that no oil rigger would be able to break them apart, no matter what.

Pros

  • Waterproof leather
  • American made
  • Rubber MAXWear slip-resistant outsoles are great for slippery surfaces
  • Poron comfort cushion footbeds
  • Fiberglass shanks for superior boot stability
  • Safety steel toes

Cons

  • They lack a solid waterproofing membrane

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,640 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5. Danner Quarry USA 8″ Alloy Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Safety alloy toes
  • Outsole: Vibram quarry outsoles with slip-resistant capabilities
  • Waterproofing: Waterproof membrane and breathable Gore-tex lining

These Danner Quarry USA boots come with Quarry midsoles which have solid shock absorption attributes that let oil riggers walk on uneven surfaces found at the oilfields.

In terms of protection, these boots give oil riggers a solid sense of safety thanks to their alloy safety toes that exceed the ASTM standards. These act as hard housings that keep the toes isolated from external impacts that could injure the toes.

Additionally, the boots secure traction on slippery and uneven oilfield areas thanks to their oil and slip outsoles which have non-linear lug patterns that provide superior traction and help to release debris to prevent slips.

To make things even better in terms of protection, these Danner boots came with electrical hazard protection and a waterproof membrane which might seem too much, but for oil riggers are adequate as we are constantly working with electrical stuff and we frequently come into contact with external liquids.

The best way to know if you are making the right decision when spending your hard-earned money on a pair of boots is by checking the materials used and construction methods followed to manufacture the boots. And that is exactly what I did. Luckily, the boots came with a triple-stitching process and were made in the U.S.A. which is more than a guarantee in terms of durability in my book!

Pros

  • Full-grain leather protects the feet from exterior substances normally found at an oilfield
  • Gore-tex waterproof lining keeps the feet dry and free-of-odors when exposed to exterior liquids
  • Stitchdown construction guarantees superior durability
  • Oil and slip-resistant rubber Vibram outsoles with deep lug pattern provide superior traction on uneven surfaces
  • Alloy safety toes keep the toes safe during the working day
  • Electrical hazard resistant
  • Made in the USA
  • Quarry midsoles offer superior shock absorption to ease the impact generated by walking on hard and rocky surfaces
  • Vibram insoles

Cons

  • They run wide

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 447 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

6. Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Composite safety toes
  • Outsole: Rugged Flex rubber outsoles with slip-resistant capabilities
  • Waterproofing: Storm Defender waterproof membrane

The level of exposure an oil rigger deals with daily is unbelievable.

This is why I love how these Carhartt work boots that come with:

  • 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation which is globally known for having the best technology to keep the feet warm when working exposed to harsh winter temperatures
  • “Storm Defender” waterproofing membrane is responsible for maintaining the feet dry when in contact with exterior liquids such as water and other chemicals
  • Electrical hazard resistance
  • Rugged Flex outsoles that aren’t only flexible but also have slip-resistant capabilities as they’re manufactured with rubber which is a naturally grippy material

Regarding their comfort features, these Carhartt boots have the two most important features oil rigger boots should have to be considered comfortable (at least in my eyes): cushioned insoles and EVA midsoles.

Both of these features provide a perfect combination of ergonomic attributes that transform walking on hard and uneven surfaces all day into a very comfortable experience.

Pros

  • Thinsulate insulation (400 grams) maintains the feet warm when exposed to low winter temperatures at the oilfield
  • Storm Defender waterproofing membrane keeps the feet dry if the boots come in contact with liquids (i.e. water or non-abrasive chemicals)
  • Electrical hazard resistance (up to 18,000 volts)
  • Rugged Flex outsoles provide solid traction for walking on uneven surfaces frequently found at oilfields
  • Composite safety toe caps offer perfect toe protection
  • EVA midsoles deliver superior shock absorption
  • Cushioned insoles are great for supporting the feet, even when walking on rocky surfaces all day

Cons

  • Not as breathable as I’d want them to be (due to the solid insulation layer)

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1,011 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

7. Chippewa Waterproof Insulated Steel Toe EH 73050 Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Safety steel toes
  • Outsole: Vibram outsoles with aggressive lug patterns
  • Waterproofing: Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane

Protection is a top priority for oil riggers who are used to facing high risks at the oilfield.

Due to this, these Chippewa work boots come with safety toe caps that totally shield the toes with a steel cover keeping them safe from getting crushed by heavy tools falling.

Moreover, the work boots have 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a Chip-A-Tex waterproofing membrane. Both of these, in combination, maintain the feet warm and dry when oil riggers must work outdoors exposed to harsh winter temperatures.

Their Vibram outsoles provide excellent traction to walk on the uneven and muddy surfaces oil riggers find at oilfields. This is all possible thanks to their deep lug patterns that dig deep in the surface providing perfect grip.

Regarding their comfort features, these work boots come with 4 iron rubber / 6 iron robus combination midsoles that provide superb shock absorption. This allows oil riggers to walk on rocky surfaces without ending their workdays in deep foot pain.

Pros

  • 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation maintains the feet warm during harsh winters
  • Safety steel toe caps protect the toes from external threats
  • Chip-A-Tex waterproofing membrane maintains the feet dry when the boots are exposed to liquids
  • Vibram outsoles with deep lugs offer excellent traction on slippery surfaces preventing oil riggers from slipping and getting seriously injured
  • Breathable Nylex lining keeps the feet fresh and wicks away moisture
  • 4 iron rubber / 6 iron robus combination midsoles cushion the feet when walking on rocky and hard surfaces

Cons

  • They’re a bit bulky

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 191 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.7 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

8. Irish Setter Mesabi Steel Toe 83834 Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Steel safety toes
  • Outsole: “Stars and Bars” outsoles
  • Waterproofing: “UltraDry” waterproof membrane

One of the biggest issues for oil riggers is having to walk on muddy and uneven surfaces doing their best to avoid unwanted slips and falls.

This is why I selected these Irish Setter work boots as they come with the so-called “Stars and Bars” outsoles with deep lugs. Thanks to these, the boots provide perfect traction on those difficult surfaces to traverse for oil riggers.

Moreover, the boots have:

  • Electrical hazard protection that is perfect for oilfield workers that work near live wires
  • Safety steel toes that offer solid compression and impact resistance to the toes
  • “Ultra-dry” waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry when in contact with exterior chemicals and other liquids

In terms of comfort, the boots come with EVA footbeds with superior cushioning that make walking on rocky surfaces at the oilfield a walk in the park.

Pros

  • Safety steel toes provide excellent toe protection
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Ultra-dry waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry no matter what
  • EVA footbeds cushion the feet in every step taken at the oilfield
  • “Stars and Bars” outsoles with deep lugs offer perfect traction on muddy and uneven surfaces
  • Goodyear Welt construction enhances durability

Cons

  • They take about two weeks to break in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 544 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

9. Georgia Steel Toe Waterproof 400G Insulated Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Steel safety toes
  • Outsole: Abrasion-resistant “Georgia logger” outsoles
  • Waterproofing: Georgia waterproof system

Non-safety boots are a big no-no for oil riggers. I mean, there’re hundreds of risks an oil rigger faces at an oilfield. Due to this, they must get boots with as many protective attributes as possible.

In that context, these Georgia work boots come with superior safety features that give oil riggers the peace of mind to work efficiently.

For once, they come with abrasion-resistant outsoles with deep lugs that dig deep into the surfaces to offer the best traction possible. This allows the worker to avoid nasty injures provoked by slips and falls.

Moreover, the boots have 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a Georgia waterproof membrane which maintains the oilfield workers’ feet dry and warm when working outdoors on harsh winter days.

Last but not least, the boots come with safety steel toes included to provide superior toe protection.

Pros

  • “Georgia Logger” abrasion-resistant outsoles deliver solid traction on uneven surfaces thanks to aggressive lug patterns
  • 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation keeps the feet warm when exposed to low temperatures
  • Electrical hazard protection
  • Georgia waterproof system prevent liquids from entering the boots
  • Safety steel toes
  • Steel shanks provide superior boot stability

Cons

  • They’re stiff for about three weeks before breaking in

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 30 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.2 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

10. Chippewa 73101 Lace-To-Toe Logger Oil Rigger Work Boots

Features

  • Safety Toe: Steel safety toes
  • Outsole: Vibram one-piece yellow plug logger outsoles with deep lugs
  • Waterproofing: Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane

I like to say that all the oilfield boots I review are very protective.

These Chippewa boots are no exception as they come with Vibram outsoles with aggressive lug patterns that prevent oil riggers from slipping and falling when walking on muddy and uneven surfaces at the oilfield.

To make things even more protective, the boots have:

  • Safety steel toes that completely cover the toes, preventing heavy falling tools from crushing them
  • Chip-A-Tex waterproof membranes that keep the feet dry when exposed to liquids

In terms of comfort, the boots surpassed my expectations. I mean, they have shock-absorbing midsoles and Texon footbeds. Together, they provide perfect cushioning which, as we all know, is essential for walking on rocky surfaces at oilfields.

Pros

  • Vibram outsoles with aggressive lug patterns provide perfect traction on slippery surfaces
  • Safety steel toes allow oil riggers to work efficiently without thinking about their toes getting crushed by heavy tools falling into their toes
  • Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane impedes liquids and chemicals from touching your skin
  • Texon insoles offer great cushioning to the base of the feet
  • Shock absorbing midsoles

Cons

  • The laces can be improved (you may have to replace them after a few months or so)

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 195 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work boots are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

What are the Best Work Boots for Oil Riggers Overall?

Timberland Pro 8″ Rigmaster Steel-Toe Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots

I’ve selected these Timberland Rigmaster boots as the best for oil riggers due to the following features:

  • Steel toe caps that keep oil riggers safe from suffering nasty injuries
  • Oil and slip-resistant outsoles that provide perfect traction on uneven surfaces normally found at oilfields
  • Waterproofing membrane that keeps the feet dry when oil riggers work outdoors exposed to exterior liquids
  • Ortholite footbeds that cushion the feet when walking on hard surfaces

If you’d like to read the entire review and get more information about these, please click the button down below.

Review

What are the Most Comfortable Work Boots for Oil Riggers?

Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Oil Rigger Work Boots

I believe these Carhartt Ruggedflex to be the most comfortable work boots an oil rigger can get, mainly due to their:

  • EVA midsoles that prevent impacts generated by walking on rocky surfaces at the oilfield from being transferred to the feet and joints
  • Rugged flex outsoles that aren’t only slip-resistant but also very flexible and comfortable
  • Insoles that cushion and support the feet during the workday
  • Safety steel toes that protect the toes with a steel cover to prevent heavy tools from crushing the toes if they fall into the toe area

Review

Comparison Table

NameSafety ToesOutsolesWaterproofing

1. Timberland Pro 8" Boondock Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots


Composite safety toesDual-Density PU and TPU outsolesTimberland waterproof membrane

2. Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square H2O Steel Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots


Safety steel toesOil and slip-resistant Duratread outsoles"Waterproof Pro" construction

3. Timberland Pro 8" Rigmaster Steel-Toe Waterproof Oil Rigger Work Boots


Steel safety toesOil and slip resistant outsolesWaterproof membrane

4. Thorogood American Heritage 8" Safety Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots


Safety steel toesMAXWear Wedge slip-resistant outsolesWaterproof leather

5. Danner Quarry USA 8" Alloy Toe Oil Rigger Work Boots


Safety alloy toesVibram quarry outsoles with slip-resistant capabilitiesWaterproof and breathable Gore-tex lining

6. Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Oil Rigger Work Boots


Composite safety toesRugged Flex rubber outsoles with slip-resistant capabilitiesStorm Defender waterproof membrane

7. Chippewa Waterproof Insulated Steel Toe EH 73050 Oil Rigger Work Boots


Safety steel toesVibram outsoles with aggressive lug patternsChip-A-Tex waterproof membrane

8. Irish Setter Mesabi Steel Toe 83834 Oil Rigger Work Boots


Steel safety toes“Stars and Bars” outsoles“UltraDry” waterproof membrane

9. Georgia Steel Toe Waterproof 400G Insulated Oil Rigger Work Boots


Steel safety toesAbrasion-resistant “Georgia logger” outsolesGeorgia waterproof system

10. Chippewa Men’s 73101 Lace-To-Toe Logger Oil Rigger Work Boots


Steel safety toesVibram one-piece yellow plug logger outsoles with deep lugsChip-A-Tex waterproof membrane

Must-Have Features of the Best Oilfield Work Boots

The best oil rigger work boots must have a specific combination of features to be considered “the best” for oilfield work.

Safety Toe Caps

A huge issue for oil workers is what I call their “feet safety”. Given the nature of their work, these workers are constantly surrounded by heavy tools and machinery that could fall at any time crushing their toes.

For that reason, I think the best work boots for oil riggers must have safety toe caps. These caps are metallic (and sometimes nonmetallic) covers that act as hard barriers delivering solid impact and compression resistance to protect the toes from getting squashed if heavy elements fell in the toe box area.

Getting more specific, I’d recommend oil riggers to get boots with any of the following safety caps:

  • Steel toe caps: These are a bit heavier than the rest but also are the most protective of them all. By far the most popular option of oil riggers
  • Composite toe caps: As these are nonmetallic toe caps, their weight is much lighter than the rest and they still offer solid toe protection. A big benefit of these caps is that they don’t conduct electricity which is perfect for oil riggers that work exposed to unsafe electric currents. However, they don’t deliver the level of protection steel toe caps offer
  • Aluminum toe caps: The main attraction of these toe caps is that they weigh at least 50% less than steel caps providing similar protection. They can be more expensive, so be careful about that
  • Alloy toe caps: Similar to aluminum, these safety caps offer similar protection to their steel toe counterparts in a much lighter form factor. Again, work boots manufactured with these safety toe caps can get a bit pricier

High Shafts & Rugged Uppers

The best way to reduce the chances of your feet getting in contact with abrasive exterior substances is getting oilfield boots with features such as:

  • High shafts: I’d say 8-inch work boots (and above) are your best bet here. The idea is to cover as much skin as possible to make it impossible for exterior substances to touch and burn the flesh. That way, you’ll be safe from chemical burns and other serious injuries
  • Rugged uppers: Work boots with abrasive resistant leather uppers make sense for oil riggers as any flying speck of chemical liquid goes directly to the superior part of the oil rigger’s boots, meaning the uppers. So, if you got work boots manufactured with abrasive resistant leather uppers you’ll enjoy the mind-freeing peace of knowing that none of these dangerous substances will touch your skin
    • Pro-tip: In 90% of cases, I’d say leather uppers will work as they protect oil riggers from most chemical spills. However, if you work with calcium chloride then I’d say you go for rubber boots as this chemical substance is known for ruining and shrinking leather

Slip & Oil Resistant Outsoles

Walking on rocky and muddy surfaces is something that oil riggers do daily.

To walk confidently on these areas, oilfield workers should get boots with slip and oil-resistant outsoles as these will provide traction to walk on these areas without the anxiety of thinking they might slip and get injured at any moment.

There’re various materials outsoles can be made from:

  • EVA outsoles: Ethylene-vinyl acetate is a material known for its softness and flexibility, which makes EVA outsoles one of the most comfortable options of outsoles currently. However, as time passes, EVA outsoles tend to compress due to the softness of the material which makes it not the best option for oil riggers who spend most of their workdays on their feet
  • TPU outsoles: Thermoplastic polyurethane outsoles are a more solid option for oilfield workers due to their high density. These soles are oil and chemical resistant which makes them perfect for using them at the oilfield where chemical spills are more than common
  • Rubber outsoles: By far the best option for oilfield workers, rubber outsoles have a traction power that is hard to find in other outsoles due to the rubber’s inherently-strong gripping capabilities

Now that we know that the best work boots for oil riggers must have either rubber or TPU outsoles we can discuss what outsole design is best.

Given that an oilfield is covered with mud and rocks that make the surface rocky and uneven, the best oilfield boots should have outsoles with aggressive and deep lugs. These lugs should be responsible for digging in the mud giving the oil rigger the best possible traction out there, preventing slips and serious injuries.

You can forget about wedge work boots as these are the worst for uneven and rugged terrains due to their lack of deep lugs.

Weather Resistance

Being exposed to extreme conditions is a common thing for an oil rigger. Snow, rain, wind are all conditions to which they’re exposed as they work in the outdoors. Due to this, I’d say the best oilfield boots must be prepared to deal with these conditions.

For that, these boots should be:

  • Waterproofed: Oil riggers should get work boots with reliable waterproof membranes to make sure their feet won’t get wet when exposed to exterior liquids and other substances
  • Insulated: Getting work boots with at least 200 grams of insulation material is perfect for oil riggers who can be exposed to some seriously low temperatures during winter times

Electrical Hazard Resistance

There are all sorts of flammable chemicals at an oilfield. In that context, one would do as much as possible to prevent igniting an explosion, right?

To avoid this an oil rigger must get work boots with electrical hazard resistance to dissipate the static electricity that the body generated due to its movement. That way, oil riggers will avoid accidentally provoking an explosion.

Top-Quality Construction Methods

Regarding what type of construction I’d recommend for a work boot, I’d say go for work boots with a Welt construction is the best idea for an oil rigger.

Why?

Well, the Welt construction is known for being more resilient than the rest as they bind a leather welt strip with the outsoles, midsoles, and leather uppers of the boots using a double-stitch reinforcement that makes unraveling the threads almost impossible.

Moreover, the boots can be easily resoled by taking out and replacing the outsoles and the welt strip that attaches the soles with the rest of the boot’s structure.

In other words, work boots manufactured with the Welt construction are perfect for oil riggers who are used to beating the life out of their footwear (which is basically every oil rigger out there!)

Shock Absorbing Midsoles & Cushioned Footbeds

Oil riggers work on their feet on hard surfaces for long hours without rest. To make things easier, they should get the most comfortable work boots they can get their hands on, which is pretty difficult knowing the awful footwear that’s currently being marketed by brands.

As a rule, I’d say there are two features oilfield workers should look for in their footwear:

  • Shock absorbing midsoles: Work boots with shock-absorbing midsoles will guarantee oil riggers that all impact coming from walking on rocky surfaces is gonna be absorbed by the midsoles. That way, the impact won’t be directed to the feet and knees which will, in turn, avoid unbearable short and long-term knee and back pain
  • Cushioned footbeds: The footbeds are what go between the base of the feet and the work boot itself. By getting work boots with cushioned insoles (or footbeds) the oilfield worker will have the padding needed to walk all day on hard surfaces without feeling any pain at all

How Did I Test The Best Oil Rigger Work Boots?

There are specific tests I developed to arrive at the list of the best oil rigger work boots, let me share them with you.

Comfort Test

The first test I did was a comfort test in which I made sure to stay on my feet for long hours to see if the boots had proper shock absorbing and comfortable attributes to help me be not only comfortable but also highly productive.

Protection Test

As to testing the boots’ protection features, I made sure to let heavy tools fall from safe heights to check if the safety toe caps protected my toes from getting squashed.

Additionally, I would walk on slippery surfaces at the oilfield to see if the boots had outsoles that let me walk without slipping, falling, and getting seriously injured.

Durability Test

In terms of durability, I would beat each pair of work boots for many weeks before stopping and taking a good look at their state.

I did this to see if the boots were manufactured with top-quality materials and good construction methods that guaranteed years of durability.

3 Biggest Benefits of The Best Oil Rigger Work Boots

Let’s talk about the benefits of choosing any of the best work boots for oil riggers reviewed in this article.

Getting Your Energy Back

Oil riggers must deal with all sorts of pains that come from standing all day on hard surfaces at the oilfield.

Luckily, the best oil rigger boots come with comfort features that allow their joints and muscles to rest, preventing:

  • back pain
  • knee pain
  • foot pain

This, of course, is much less mentally draining than dealing with heavy and bulky boots that are very uncomfortable to use. So, if you’re an oil rigger looking to boost your productivity the answer might be on your footwear.

Peace of Knowing Your Toes Won’t Get Squashed

It’s not unusual to see heavy tools unsafely laying around an oilfield. Sadly, these tools could fall at any time crushing the oil rigger’s toes.

The good news is that good quality oil rigger boots have safety attributes to keep their toes safe from getting crushed if any of these heavy elements were to fall on their toe area.

Avoid Slipping and Getting Seriously Injured

Another huge issue for oil riggers are slippery surfaces on which they can easily slip and get injured if they use the wrong boots.

Luckily, the best oilfield boots have features to achieve maximum traction to let them stroll around these tricky areas without worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most frequent questions about the best oilfield boots and my humble attempt to answer them.

What are oil rigger work boots?

The one thing that separates oilfield boots from the rest is that they’re made for keeping the oil rigger safe when working at the oilfield.

To do this, these work boots offer:

  • Perfect traction on muddy, slippery, and uneven surfaces (commonly found at oilfields)
  • Total toe protection for preventing nasty injuries (i.e. safety toe caps)

Why do oil riggers need boots?

Well, you may already know this, but oilfields are pretty dangerous places to work at.

I mean, in any oilfield you’ll find:

  • Uneven and rocky surfaces which are very hard to go through
  • Heavy machinery and tools laying around unsafely which could fall at any moment
  • Chemical substances both abrasive and bad for health

In that context, oil riggers need footwear with certain features that help them travel through the dangerous risks that oilfields present.

Do oil riggers wear steel toe work boots?

Most definitely they do.

As explained before, there are all sorts of heavy machinery parts and tools that unsafely lay around at oilfields. Sadly, there’s a huge risk of them falling by an accidental movement which could end up crashing the toes of other oil riggers.

Luckily,

What is the difference between oil-resistant work boots and slip-resistant work boots?

When one refers to oil-resistant work boots it’s referring to boots made with leather uppers resistant to oily substances. So, when it happens that oil gets in contact with the boots, these don’t break or shrink.

On the other hand, slip-resistant work boots are boots manufactured with rubber outsoles with deep lugs that dig to the surface to provide the best traction possible and avoid unwanted falls.

As you may already know, it’s my opinion that the best oilfield boots must be both oil-resistant and slip-resistant as both attributes are essential to work safety at an oilfield.

How to break in oil rigger boots?

The first step is to ensure the boots you bought are the right size. Generally, there should be about a thumb of space between your heel and the back of the boot. If there isn’t, just go ahead and return them.

Then, apply a light layer of leather conditioner as it’s not only the best way to keep your boots looking fresh, but it will also help the leather to slowly shape to the contour of the feet.

Third, use the boots for two to three weeks while wearing two pairs of socks. This will push the boots to shape to the contour of your feet faster.

Can you wear oil rigger boots on-site?

This is a very usual question and the answer is both yes and no.

In most cases, you should be able to as oilfield boots have protection features that let oil riggers work on-site with maximum protection.

However, I do recommend checking with employers as many firms require certain protection stamps in their employee’s safety footwear. I mean, you better be sure before dropping hundreds of dollars in

How can I make my work boots oil-resistant?

If you’ve already got a pair of work boots and you realize they aren’t oil-resistant, there’s still something that you can do to prevent wasting hundreds of dollars on another pair of oilfield work boots.

My best advice would be to get a good-quality tub of liquid mink oil. It doesn’t cost you more than 10 bucks and applying it is pretty simple.

You just get your work boots clean, take a clean cloth and use it to apply a light layer of liquid mink oil. Massage it well into the leather. Let the oil work for about an hour, and then remove the excess oil with another clean cloth and that’s it. You now have oil-resistant leather work boots!

Disclaimer: You might have to do this once every one or two months to make sure the oil-resistant capabilities of your boots are still there.

Author: Joe Strong

1 thought on “10 Best Oil Rigger Work Boots in 2023”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.