Best Rigger Boots [Updated Guide + 5 Choices + Tips]

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Azad Asf

Riggers are used to dealing with a lot of issues such as…

• Working on their feet for long hours: This puts tremendous stress on feet, knees, and back which creates unbearable pain if they don’t use proper footwear.
• Working with a high risk of injuries: Riggers are used to handling heavy machinery like working platforms, winches and pulleys. Most of these heavy parts can fall and cause riggers all sorts of injuries. Additionally, they are used to walking on slippery surfaces that could make them fall and hurt themselves.
• They frequently have to work outdoors: This demands them to work being exposed to the elements such as cold, snowy, windy, hot, humid and dry weathers which is not only uncomfortable but it could also make them sick.
• They are used to break through pairs of boots really fast: Given that they have a tough job there are only a few options that gather all the features needed for the boots not to break apart and they are pretty tough to find.

Given these issues, riggers need work boots that gather a certain group of durability, protective and comfort features that are really tough to find.

In this article, I’m not only going to tell you what those attributes are, but I will also give you a list of boots that have all these features and I will tell you how they performed for me and why I chose them as the best rigger boots.

List Of The Best Rigger Boots

Given all these issues already mentioned, these are the best rigger boots I personally selected and tested.

1. Timberland Pro Rigmaster Xt Steel-Toe Rigger Boots
2. Timberland Pro Hyperion Xl St Rigger Boots
3. Caterpillar Diagnostic Steel-Toe Rigger Boots
4. Wolverine Overpass Composite Toe Rigger Boots
5. Keen Utility Atlanta Cool Steel Toe Rigger Boots

1) Timberland Pro Rigmaster Xt Steel-Toe Rigger Boots

Comfort

Have you ever had to stand on your feet working for long hours? Well, if you have, then you know the struggle that most riggers are used to…

This is why I loved these Timberland Rigmasters, as they came with a combination of Anti-Fatigue PU midsoles and OrthoLite footbeds which not only cushioned my feet but also provided the shock absorption necessary to let my feet and joints rest… something that’s essential to avoid all sorts of pains.

Moreover, in order to avoid the discomfort and shame that comes with having smelly feet, the guys at Timberland added a mesh lining with antimicrobial treatment.

This feature lets the air flow through the boots, keeping your feet not only safe but also dry and well ventilated.

The boots also came with a selection of convenient features aimed to make the life of riggers much easier.

For instance, they came with “fingergrip” pull-ons and heavy-duty laces with quick release hardware which are aimed to make the experience of putting on and taking off the boots much more pleasant.

I mean, they sound silly, but after two weeks of getting used to them I thought “My god, how could I lived without these things?”

Protective

Well, if there’s something we know is that riggers are in constant contact with heavy machinery. Whether it’s pulleys, winches or working platforms, riggers are in risks of getting their toes crushed.

That’s why I loved how these Timberlands as they came with steel safety toes that meet the highest standards out there. They gave me the guarantee that if something were to fall into my toe box area, everything would be all right.

I mean, it might seem trivial, but giving riggers the guarantee their toes won’t be crushed is a huge advantage. Well done there Timberland!

Riggers are used to walking on slippery surfaces and if you don’t have the proper footwear to deal with these situations things could get heavy for you.

This is why I liked the oil and slip resistant PU outsoles with aggressive treads these Timberland boots came with as they maximized traction when walking on sketchy surfaces during the testing period.

In that way, I was able to avoid the so-dreaded falls and injuries most riggers are worried about!

Most riggers have to work in the outdoors which exposes them to sunny, cold, windy, humid, rainy and snowy weathers…

Yeah, I know, it sucks. However, the right pair of boots can help you solve this problem and change your whole perspective about working outdoors.

In the case of these Timberlands, the boots came with a waterproof membrane with blood-borne pathogen protection which kept my feet dry even when I had to work in contact with water or under the rain.

Durability

No one wants to waste their hard-earned money, right?

Well, that’s what’s happening to most riggers out there given that the majority of boots are manufactured in China following lousy manufacturing methods which makes them fall apart only after a few months of heavy use.

Well, the solution is finding boots from renowned brands, that use quality materials and good construction methods.

Luckily, these Timberland Rigmasters have all those qualities. In fact, they were manufactured following the Goodyear Welt Cast-Bond construction methods while reinforcing the high-wear areas with Ever-Guard leather so the boots would last more.

And let me tell you, they did! And with distinction… after months of heavy testing, the boots would still look good “as-new”.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 286 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.

Check price at Amazon.com

2) Timberland Pro Hyperion Xl St Rigger Boots

Comfort

Riggers are constantly working on their feet for long hours without rest which puts loads of strain to their joints and brings feet, back and knee pain.

The good thing with these Hyperion work boots is that they came with dual-density footbeds and EVA midsoles which created a perfect combination to support my feet, giving them the rest they needed to avoid hurting after working on my feet for almost 10 hours straight.

Furthermore, the boots maintained my feet dry and cool thanks to their mesh lining with anti-odor treatment that let the air flow in my boots freely, so I could work in those hot and sunny days without problems!

And finally, to add to the convenience, these boots came with dual-purpose quick lacing hardware that made the process of putting the boots on and taking them off much more fast and efficient!

I mean, you think it would be stupid but you’d get used to it pretty quickly!

Protective

Have you ever worked with the constant risk of getting your toes crushed by heavy falling objects?

Well, that’s what a rigger is used to on a daily basis given that they work constantly handling heavy machinery, which is why I loved how these Timberland Hyperion boots came with safety toe caps that isolated my toes from any external object that could fall and crush my toes.

I mean, the confidence that working knowing nothing is gonna hurt your toes is the best!

Moreover, riggers are used to working outdoors, being exposed to the elements which can become a real problem, especially if there is rain involved.

Well, the good thing is that these Timberland rigger boots came with a waterproofing membrane that maintained my feet dry and safe from any exterior liquids, even when I had to work while being in contact with water!

Durability

Wasting money, at least for me, is the worst feeling in the world, which is why I hate getting boots that only last a few months.

This is why I loved the Timberland Hyperion Rigger boots given that they came constructed following the Cement Construction method which is known for adding years of durability to boots!

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 620 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.

Check price at Amazon.com

3) Caterpillar Diagnostic Steel-Toe Rigger Boots

Comfort

Have you ever had to stand on your feet for at least 8 hours without rest?

Well, that’s what a rigger is exposed to on a daily basis which prevents their feet and joint from resting which generates all sorts of unbearable pains.

Luckily, these Caterpillar Diagnostic boots came with EVA Gel Inserts that cushioned my feet in every step which let my joints get the rest needed for me to perform great at work.

Additionally, these boots came with a nylon mesh lining that was breathable enough to let the air flow through the boots which maintained them not only dry but also fresh in those days where the sun was up and hitting my face from the morning until late evening.

Protective

Getting work boots with safety toes is essential for riggers… I mean, you don’t want your toes getting crushed by the many heavy tools and machines that you deal with on a daily basis, right?

Well, that’s why I loved the steel toes of these Caterpillar work boots given that they acted isolating my toes from exterior objects that may fall with force, which gave me the confidence to work knowing nothing would ever happen to them.

I mean, it might seem like an overstatement, but you can’t put a price on peace of mind, right?

There’s nothing worse than working under the rain or in really low temperatures where you have to be in constant contact with snow… Well, sadly, that’s what riggers are exposed to on a daily basis given that they work in the outdoors the majority of the time.

That’s why I loved how these Caterpillar boots came with a waterproof membrane and 400gr of insulation which maintained my feet protected against the elements, keeping them dry and warm.

Furthermore, I really appreciated the slip and oil resistant outsoles these Caterpillar boots had as they gave me the traction enough to walk comfortably without any worries of me falling or getting injured.

And, to top things up, the boots came with electrical hazard protection that added an additional layer of safety which is valuable for riggers who have a pretty risky job…

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 938 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4) Wolverine Overpass Composite Toe Rigger Boots

Comfort

When you stand on your feet for more than 2 hours there is a physical need for you to take a rest and sit down or lay down.

Well, riggers don’t have the possibility to do so which is why they end up working 8 to 12 hours straight on their feet with no stop which puts a tremendous strain in their joints and generates feet, back and knee pain.

The good news is that these Wolverine Overpass rigger boots came with Ortholite cushioned footbeds which supported my feet and gave my joints a the much-needed rest and comfort they needed after having worked for 10 hours straight, which is what I often do in the construction site where I work at.

Additionally, these Wolverine boots came manufactured following the Contour Welt construction which is known for making boots flex and bend to adapt to your feet so the break-in time is substantially reduced!

Protective

These Wolverine boots came with great composite toes that protected my feet from getting crushed which is always a nice feature given that riggers are always handling heavy machinery and tools that could, at anytime, fall and crush their feet.

Being exposed to the elements is another hassle that riggers must go through as they are, at least the majority of the time, exposed to having to work outdoors.

That’s why I loved the premium waterproof leather utilized to manufacture these boots as they kept my feet dry and comfy in all working conditions so I could work knowing that there was no rain that could ruin my day!

Finally, the boots came with slip, oil, water, and abrasion resistant outsoles which gave me the traction to walk on those sketchy surfaces always present at every construction site which, in turn, let me avoid falling and injuring myself!

Durability

Have you ever wasted more than a hundred dollars on a pair of work boots and seen them fall apart after only a few months of use?

Well, that happens to me a lot which is why I loved the high-quality materials used in these boots. For instance, they came with premium leather and abrasion resistant toes which gave the boots an additional layer of durability.

I mean, they not only gave the boots a great look but you could tell they made the boots indestructible, even after months and months of heavy use, they still looked good as new!

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 176 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.

Check price at Amazon.com

5) Keen Utility Atlanta Cool Steel Toe Rigger Boots

Comfort

Have you ever had to stand up for long hours while working on construction platforms? Do you know the pain it brings? Well, that’s what most riggers are used to do on a daily basis.

This is why I loved the EVA cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing EVA midsoles included these Keen Utility Atlanta boots came with as they provided me the support necessary to walk without any issues.

Furthermore, these KEEN Utility Atlanta boots came with a mesh lining that let the air run through the inside of the boots keeping my feet fresh and dry.

And finally, to provide better comfort and stabilization, these work boots came with torsional stability shanks.

Protective

If there’s something that riggers have to deal with is managing heavy machines and tools that could, at any moment, fall and crush their feet.

This is why I liked these Keen Utility Atlanta work boots as they came with left and right asymmetrical steel toes that acted as a hard metal housing that kept my toes safe constantly.

Additionally, these boots came with oil and slip resistant non-marking rubber outsoles that were perfect for riggers as they gave me the traction needed to walk on any surface without any issues.

I mean the confidence of knowing that nothing will happen to you at the worksite is unmatched!

Being exposed to rainy, cold and snowy weathers is a common thing for riggers as they usually have to work in the outdoors.

Luckily, these work boots came with a 100% waterproof leather that kept away any liquids, maintaining my feet dry no matter what!

Another protective feature I really appreciated was the electrical hazard protection as, even though it might seem too much, we all like an additional layer of safety. Even more so when it will prevent us from getting electrocuted, right?

Finally, the boots came with a reflective webbing which is always nice to have, especially if you work at a construction site where you could get really hurt if other people are not paying attention.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 1565 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.

Check price at Amazon.com

My Verdict: The Best Rigger Boots…

Keen Utility Atlanta Cool Steel Toe Rigger Boots

Would you like to know why I chose these Keen Utility work boots as the best rigger boots? Then check the button down below!

Review

Quick Comparison Table

How Did I Test The Best Rigger Boots

Given that most people might be curious about how we choose the best rigger boots I’m gonna walk you through the process on how we tested them…

Comfort Test

First, I did a comfort test in which I made sure to test the cushioning and shock absorbing features of the boots to see whether they would support and give rest to my feet after working many hours standing on my feet, which is what most riggers are used to.

Protection Test

Then, I did a protection test where I let fall heavy tools from safe heights to test the boots’ safety toes as riggers are used to working near heavy machinery that might fall at any time…

I also made sure to walk on the many slippery surfaces present at the construction site where I work at to see the traction the boots provided as riggers are used to deal with these same issues.

Finally, I made sure to work outdoors, which is what a good part of riggers do, for many weeks testing the waterproofing and insulation features to see if the boots maintained my feet warm and dry.

Durability Test

In the durability test, I made sure to put the boots being tested to the same beating that riggers are used to put them through, which is a lot, to see whether the boots’ materials held together after months of this type of usage.

If they did, then the boots were deemed as “durable”.

Must-Have Features For The Best Rigger Boots

The best rigger boots must gather a few attributes to address all the issues that riggers have to deal with on a daily basis.

These are the features you should be looking for…

Comfort Features

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

Riggers are used to working long hours on their feet without rest while rigging working platforms, winches and pulleys which are all vital elements of heavy construction projects.

Due to this, they usually end up getting feet, knee and back pain as their muscles don’t get any rest from this tough type of work.

This is why I always recommend riggers to get work boots with cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles as they will reduce the impact that your feet receive while making them you feel as if you were walking on clouds thanks to the cushioning attributes. In turn, the feet will get that so-needed break they need to recover!

Protective Features

Safety Toes

Have you ever got your toes crushed by heavy machinery? No? Well, that’s what most riggers are used to be exposed to given that they usually work handling heavy tools such as working platforms, pulleys and winches.

This is why I always recommend riggers to get work boots with safety steel or composite toes as these will protect your toes from any falling object that might crush your toes!

I mean, it’s always better being safe than sorry, right?

Oil & Slip Resistant Outsoles

If there’s something that riggers have to deal with on a daily basis is with slippery surfaces and the fear of getting injured by falling on these.

This is why getting work boots with slip and oil resistant outsoles is a great idea for riggers as they will give you the traction needed to walk around the construction site without worrying about slipping and falling, much less about getting injured!

It’s crazy what a small little feature can do, right?

Insulation & Waterproofing

Riggers are used to working outdoors which leads them to have to deal with the elements.. hot, cold, snow, and rain are usual for riggers and they can become a huge headache sometimes…

This is why I recommend getting the proper rigger boots with features that can solve all these issues at once.

In other words, getting boots with a good level of insulation and waterproofing is always nice for riggers as they will maintain their feet warm and most importantly, dry, letting them do their job without any worries at their back of their minds.

Durability Features

Good Quality Materials & Construction Methods

The sad thing about current times for most riggers, and for all tradesmen for that matter, is that due to globalization we have to be exposed to lousy Chinese manufactured products that don’t last a lot and make you lose money in the long term, even though they might be irresistibly cheap when you buy them.

Among those products, we can find most work boots being commercialized nowadays.

This is why in order to avoid the frustration that comes from wasting money in low-quality boots, I recommend getting boots with high-quality materials (good quality leather, for instance) that are manufactured following manufacturing methods globally known for adding years of durability to work boots such as the Goodyear or Cement Welt construction methods.

It might seem crazy to go there asking what specific process the manufacturers used to manufacture the boots… but believe me, it’s worth it.

Benefits Of Getting The Right Rigger Boots

There are many benefits related to getting the best rigger boots. These are some of them…

No More Pain After Working On Your Feet For Long Hours

There’s no worst discomfort that feeling the pain of having worked long hours on your feet without being able to rest the whole day.

Sadly, this is what most riggers are exposed to, however, if they choose the right pair of boots they could get the perfect support and cushion needed to give their feet and joints the much-needed rest to eliminate all pain and, at least, not suffer going to work!

Your Feet Will Be Safe From Any Risk Related To Rigging

Riggers are used to the risk of getting injured whether it’s by a falling object that might crush their feet or just falling while walking on slippery surfaces.

The good news is that the best rigger boots discussed in this article have the proper protective features to keep your feet intact and your body free from any injuries!

Sounds like a good deal, huh?

Additionally, these boots will have the proper features to let you adapt to the outdoors and its elements so your feet are maintained warm and dry! Say goodbye to cold and wet feet after a work journey in hard winter day!

Avoid The Frustration Of Having Waster Your Money!

Lastly, riggers, as it happens with many other tradesmen, are exposed to the frustration of seeing how they well-earned money is wasted on lousy work boots that don’t last more than a few months.

Luckily, the list of best rigger boots in this article gives you a broad palette of options to select boots that have quality features that will almost guarantee you with certainty your next boots are going to last for at least 5 years!