Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf
What’s the biggest risk that welders must deal with? Getting their toes burned by molten metal or sparks or even crushed by heavy falling objects.
This is why welding boots with steel toe caps and metatarsal protectors are strongly recommended.
However, there is one issue: the work boot market is saturated with low-quality options.
That’s where your Work Boots Guru team comes in. You deserve to know what are the best steel toe welding boots and we’re here to help you.
Best Steel Toe Welding Boots
To keep your feet safe and comfortable while working as a welder, you’ll need protective and comfortable steel toe work boots.
The following are the best steel toe welding work boots that I reviewed and personally selected:
- KEEN Utility Mt Vernon Steel Toe Welding Boots
- WOLVERINE Blade LX Steel Toe Welding Boots
- Timberland PRO 53530 8″ Steel Toe Welding Boots
- KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Steel Toe Welding Boots
- Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Steel Toe Welding Boots
- MICHELIN Sledge Metatarsal Steel Toe Welding Boots
- Carhartt Waterproof Steel Toe Welding Boots
- Carhartt 8″ Metatarsal Guard CMF8720 Steel Toe Welding Boots
- Timberland PRO 40000 MetGuard 6″ Steel Toe Welding Boots
- Ariat Workhog WST Metguard H2O Steel Toe Welding Boots
1. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Oil and slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
The best welding work boot should be as protective as it is comfortable. Enter the Keen Utility Mt Vernon work boots.
These water resistant work boots’ steel toe caps are essential to keep the toes safe from gettin crushed by heavy falling objects that welders could accidentally drop.
They include oil and slide resistant outsoles, making them an excellent alternative for welders searching for work boots that will give them excellent traction on slippery surfaces commonly found on construction sites.
I liked how their internal metatarsal shields kept the top of my feet secure thanks to their compression and impact resistance, which offsets minor drawbacks like the work boots’ longer break in time.
Finally, the boots include cushioned footbeds that make walking all day on hard terrains at least bearable.
Pros
- Steel toe caps that provide total toe protection
- Oil and slip resistant outsoles to guarantee traction on slippery surfaces
- Electrical hazard resistance
- Internal metatarsal guard that delivers top foot protection
- Manufactured with water resistant leather
Cons
- They take about a week to break in
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 305 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.
2. WOLVERINE Blade LX Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Rubber slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
We know we can rely on Wolverine for safe and comfortable work boots like these Blade XL metguard steel toe boots.
Their steel toe caps and oil and slip resistant outsoles provide welders with total confidence as they provide excellent toe protection and traction on uneven and slippery surfaces.
Want even more protection? Then you’ll appreciate the metatarsal guard, which protects the top of the feet from heavy falling tools and sparks or molten metal caused by welding.
Aside from the fact that the metatarsal guard is a little painful for the first few weeks, there aren’t many drawbacks to the work boot.
Finally, these work boots feature cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles that give exceptional arch support while returning energy to the feet, keeping them comfortable and fatigue-free.
Pros
- EPX cushioned footbeds to prevent foot fatigue
- Steel toe caps that provide compression and impact resistance
- Rubber slip resistant outsoles that prevent slips and falls on hard surfaces
- Breathable waterproof membrane
- Shock absorbing midsoles that return energy to the feet
- Metatarsal guard
Cons
- The metguard is a bit uncomfortable
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 244 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.
3. Timberland PRO 53530 8″ Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
No article about welding work boots is complete without mentioning the Timberland Pro 53530 work boots.
The amazing protection of these work boots resides in their metatarsal guards and steel toe caps that keep both the toes and top of the feet totally safe from falling objects.
The boots are made of EverGuard waterproof leather, which not only looks amazing but also keeps all liquids out of the work boots, which is crucial if you’re the type of welder who works outdoors in rainy situations.
To prevent slips and falls on hard surfaces (such as concrete), these welding boots have oil and slip resistant outsoles with deep lugs that give good traction on slippery terrains.
Regarding comfort, they got closed-cell PU footbeds that cushion the base of the feet to prevent foot sorenees and fatigue.
Pros
- Made with EverGuard waterproof leather to keep the feet dry when exposed to wet conditions
- Met Guard flap for added foot protection
- Closed-cell PU footbeds that cushion the feet in every step
- Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles
Cons
- Met guard digs into above my foot when squatting
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 8 reviews on 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.
4. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: KEEN.Grip oil and slip-resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
Bear with us while we add these Keen Utility Vernon welding work boots to the list.
Despite their appearance, they are exceptionally protective welding boots, thanks to features such as steel toe caps that protect the toes from being crushed by heavy falling objects.
Its protective metatarsal guard helps welders to perform their duties without fear of being burned by sparks or molten metals.
Other features, such as waterproof membranes and oil and slip resistant outsoles, were critical in keeping my feet dry and safe when walking on slippery surfaces.
Finally, the cushioned footbeds of the work boots ensure plenty of comfort by providing exceptional arch support and keeping the feet fully relaxed.
Pros
- Manufactured in America
- Steel toe caps that keep the toes safe from getting the toes crushed by heavy objects
- Metatarsal guard for added top foot protection
- KEEN.Dry proprietary waterproof membrane that filters out water while maintaining the feet dry
- KEEN.Grip oil and slip-resistant outsoles that guarantee traction
Cons
- The laces are a bit bad
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 270 reviews on 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.
5. Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Oil, slip and chemical resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
These Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 work boots are a touch on the pricey side, but they are quite protective and comfortable.
Their metatarsal guards are one of the nicest qualities these work boots have to offer, as they give good protection for the top region of the feet, which is the most vulnerable for welders.
They are also noted for their steel toe caps and oil, slip, and chemical resistant outsoles, which protect welders from major injury.
I must admit that the fit was a little loose when I first tried them, but that was quickly fixed by switching to a smaller size.
In terms of comfort, they have EVA cushioned footbeds, which are vital features for welders who walk all day on hard floors because they absorb shocks and pad the base of the feet.
They also have moisture-wicking linings that wick away moisture, keeping the feet dry when exposed to hot summer weather.
Pros
- External met guard protects the metatarsal bone from getting injured by heavy falling tools
- Moisture wicking lining
- Steel toe caps that prevents heavy tools from injuring the toes
- Oil, slip and chemical resistant outsoles
- EVA fully cushioned footbeds
- Electrical hazard protection
- Goodyear Welt construction and kevlar stitching for maximum durability
Cons
- It fits a bit loose
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 730 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.
6. MICHELIN Sledge Metatarsal Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Dual density slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
Even though welding is a highly rewarding trade, there are risks you must deal with on a daily basis.
That’s why you’ll need a metguard steel toe boot with excellent protective and ergonomic features, like the Michelin Sledge welding boots.
Steel toe caps are required to keep the toes completely safe, and metatarsal guards do the same for the top portion of the feet.
During the week, it’s a workhorse of a work boot, and the fact that the boots are made in America makes them even better.
In terms of comfort, the boots have shock-absorbing midsoles, which are important features that make walking or standing for extended periods of time on hard and uneven surfaces manageable.
Pros
- Manufactured in America
- Electrical hazard resistance
- Metatarsal guard keeps the foot safe from objects being accidentally dropped
- Dual density slip resistant outsoles
- Shock absorbing midsoles
- Full grain leather
Cons
- They’re a bit narrow
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 96 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.
7. Carhartt Waterproof Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Dual density PU oil, chemical and slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
These Carhartt welding work boots combine safety and durability with features like steel toe caps for total toe protection and metatarsal guards for excellent impact and compression resistance on the top of the foot.
These abrasion resistant leather work boots have oil, chemical, and slip resistant outsoles that provide excellent protection when walking on slippery surfaces.
They are a bit hard to break in, but extremely protective features like their Storm Defender waterproofing membrane and electrical hazard protection make up for it.
In terms of comfort, these welding boots have cushioned insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles that keep the feet well rested and relaxed.
Pros
- Steel toe caps that provide superior toe protection to avoid nasty toe injuries
- Dual density PU oil, chemical and slip resistant outsoles
- Electrical hazard resistance provides protection to up to 18,000 volts
- Manufactured with abrasion resistant leather and nylon
- Storm Defender waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry
- FastDry wicking lining that wicks moisture to prevent sweaty feet
- Cushioned insoles and shock absorbing midsoles
Cons
- Foot skin got sore for the first few weeks (while breaking them in)
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 3,208 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.
8. Carhartt 8″ Metatarsal Guard CMF8720 Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
These Carhartt CMF8720 boots are extremely protective for welders because they contain metatarsal guards, which ensure that welders will not suffer from terrible foot injuries because they give good protection for the top area of the feet.
To make things even more protective, the boots have oil and slip resistant outsoles coupled with steel toe caps which keep the toes totally safe and provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces.
They have a number of great comfort features, such as cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles, which I always look for in work boots because they return energy to the feet and reduce impact when walking on hard grounds.
Pros
- Lightweight composite safety toe caps
- Poron XRD internal metatarsal guard for added impact and compression protection
- Up to 18,000 volts of electrical hazard protection
- Carhartt’s waterproof membrane that maintains the feet dry when they’re exposed to wet conditions
- Cushioned footbeds and shock absorbing midsoles that prevent foot fatigue
- Reflective material for high visibility in low light settings
Cons
- Two blisters during the breaking period
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.
9. Timberland PRO 40000 MetGuard 6″ Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Heat, oil and slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
Timberland’s metguard 40000 work boots keep welders’ feet completely safe thanks to their steel toe caps, which prevent toes from being crushed due to their impact and compression resistance.
They allow welders to weld with complete confidence since their metatarsal guards keep the upper half of their feet completely safe.
They also have heat, oil, and slip resistant outsoles that, thanks to the extra traction, allow welders to walk confidently on slick areas.
The boots are equipped with anti-fatigue footbeds that cushion the base of the feet for optimum comfort.
Pros
- Anti fatigue footbeds that cushion the feet
- Abrasion resistant Ever-Guard leather
- Metatarsal guard and steel toe cap provide added foot and toe protection
- Electrical hazard protection
- Heat, oil and slip resistant outsoles
- Breathable mesh lining that wicks moisture and prevents sweat and odor
- Goodyear welt construction
Cons
- No cons over here
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 2 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.
10. Ariat Workhog WST Metguard H2O Steel Toe Welding Boots
Features
- Outsoles: Wear, oil and slip resistant outsoles
- Safety toe caps: Steel toe caps
- Metatarsal guard: Yes
There is no better choice for rugged work boots that will protect your feet from the hazards of welding than these Ariat Workhog work boots.
Ariat knows a thing or two about work boots and welding, which is why these work boots feature metatarsal guards and steel toe caps to prevent major injuries.
Furthermore, I love how their oil and slip resistant outsoles provide outstanding traction, allowing me to confidently walk on slippery areas.
Their waterproof structure is an important aspect for welders who frequently operate outdoors and must, at some point, work in wet conditions.
To guarantee durability, these work boots come manufactured with the globally-known Goodyear Welt construction that adds years of durability.
Pros
- Metatarsal guard provides excellent top foot protection
- Waterproof construction that keeps all liquids out
- U-turn entry system to put on and take off effortlessly
- Wear, oil and slip resistant outsoles
- Electrical hazard protection
- Goodyear Welt construction for enhanced durability
Cons
- They’re a little bit expensive
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 156 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.
What Are The Best Steel Toe Welding Boots Overall?
Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Steel Toe Welding Boots
When you weld for a living, it’s a good idea to look for a pair of work boots that are both protective and comfortable.
In that context, I believe the Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 work boots are the best steel toe welding boots available.
Their metatarsal guards, for example, offer great protection for the upper half of the feet, which is commonly exposed when welding.
They also have steel toe covers, which keep the toes completely safe.
If you want to read the entire review, simply click the button down below.
What Are The Most Comfortable Steel Toe Welding Boots?
Carhartt Waterproof Steel Toe Welding Boots
If you get these Carhartt steel toe welding boots you’re going to get (in my opinion) the most comfortable pair of steel toe welding boots your money can buy.
Why?
Their two density Pu outsoles provide not only outstanding footing but also an added level of comfort, ensuring that welders will never have to worry with foot fatigue again.
Furthermore, cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles are added to reduce the shocks generated when walking or standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces.
If you’re interested, you can read the full review by clicking the button below.
Table Comparison
| Product | Outsoles | Safety toe caps | Metatarsal guard |
1. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon Steel Toe Welding Boots | Oil and slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
2. WOLVERINE Blade LX Steel Toe Welding Boots | Rubber slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
3. Timberland PRO 53530 8″ Steel Toe Welding Boots | Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
4. KEEN Utility Mt Vernon 6″ Steel Toe Welding Boots | KEEN.Grip oil and slip-resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
5. Iron Age Ground Breaker IA5016 Steel Toe Welding Boots | Oil, slip and chemical resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
6. MICHELIN Sledge Metatarsal Steel Toe Welding Boots | Dual density slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
7. Carhartt Waterproof Steel Toe Welding Boots | Dual density PU oil, chemical and slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
8. Carhartt 8″ Metatarsal Guard CMF8720 Steel Toe Welding Boots | Slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
9. Timberland PRO 40000 MetGuard 6″ Steel Toe Welding Boots | Heat, oil and slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
10. Ariat Workhog WST Metguard H2O Steel Toe Welding Boots | Wear, oil and slip resistant outsoles | Steel toe caps | Yes |
Must Have Features of the Best Steel Toe Welding Boots
While I already gave you the list of the best steel toe welding boots you can get, I understand that there are some of you already that wanna do the work themselves and test some work boots.
That’s why I made the following list of features I believe all steel toe welding work boots must have.
Abrasion Resistant Leather
Welding is a dangerous trade in which you put metal parts together for a living by welding.
Sparks are continuously flying around your body as you weld, sometimes landing right in the toe area of your foot.
This is why I recommend that most welders opt for work boots made of abrasion resistant leather, as this material will withstand not only sparks but also molten metal without allowing it to reach your feet.
Steel Toe Caps
The entire purpose of getting a pair of safety work boots is to ensure that nothing awful occurs to you. Or, at the very least, lowering the likelihood of that happening.
Welders must search for additional elements in their footwear, one of which is steel toe caps.
These are safety toe caps that give superior impact and compression resistance to the work boot’s toe box area, preventing falling objects from crushing the feet.
Unfortunately, toe injuries are common among welders, which is why investing in steel toe work boots is a good option.
Metatarsal Guards
We know it sounds basic, but if you work as a welder, you’ll require work boots with metatarsal guards.
Metatarsal guards, which are often made of durable materials (such as leather and Kevlar), are placed just above the foot and provide good protection.
Welders require them since they frequently work with sparks, molten metal, and large objects that could be dropped at any time.
I know, I know, there is a big downside with metatarsal guards as they’re known to be a bit bulky and unergonomic.
Nonetheless, I feel they are necessary since they will protect your feet from significant damage, especially if you are a welder.
Slip Resistant Outsoles
Welders are constantly on the move, either outdoors or on slippery surfaces.
Having said that, I believe it is critical that they wear welding boots with slip-resistant outsoles and deep lugs for optimum traction on these surfaces.
Slip resistant outsoles can provide welders with complete confidence when walking on slippery terrains, significantly increasing productivity.
Who wouldn’t want to go to work without the risk of falling and being gravely injured? Right?
Cushioned Footbeds and Shock Absorbing Midsoles
The pinnacle of any work boot is one that is designed with ergonomic features to eliminate the dread of wearing a big and bulky work boot.
What exactly are these ergonomic features?
For one thing, padded footbeds. These will give good cushioning for the base of the feet, which is vital while walking all day on hard surfaces.
Also, I feel shock-absorbing midsoles are vital for welders since they absorb hits and restore energy to the feet, sparing them from foot tiredness and soreness.
Reliable Construction Methods
You’d be surprised how often welders overlook this aspect of their work boots.
The methods of construction are what hold all of the materials of the work boots together.
As a result, a dependable construction method will be critical for the durability of work boots.
If you get work boots that are poorly constructed, it is extremely likely that they will not last more than a few months.
So, if you don’t want to be extremely frustrated for wasting hundreds of dollars on a bad pair of work boots, I’d recommend getting work boots made with either the Goodyear Welt or the Cement Heel construction methods as they are known for their reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you get a bit more info about the best welding steel toe boots, I decided to answer the most frequent questions regarding this topic.
How durable are steel toe work boots for welders?
The best steel toe work boots for welders, in my opinion, should last at least two years.
Steel toe welding work boots are well-known for their numerous safety features. However, there isn’t much information about how long they last.
Unfortunately, most welding boots do not last more than a year because they are regularly exposed to sparks and molten metal released during welding.
However, if you take your time (like I did) and look for welding boots with features like abrasion resistant leather, metatarsal guards, and solid construction methods, you’ll see that these will last you at least two years since they are tailored to the unique demands of welders.
Can you get electrocuted wearing steel toe welding work boots?
It depends. If a given welding boot doesn’t have electrical hazard resistance, then you can get electrocuted.
If they have electrical hazard resistance, you will be partially protected from being electrocuted depending on the number of volts it resists.
By the way, the majority of the work boots I reviewed in this article are resistant to electrical hazards (most of them can manage up to 18,000 volts).
This was on purpose as I know that most welders are, sooner or later, exposed to working surrounded by live wires.
Why are steel toe caps important in welding work boots?
The riskier the trade, the more safety features you must add to your work boots.
Knowing this unwritten rule, we can infer that welders should wear work boots with plenty of safety features.
Steel toe caps, in my opinion, are a vital feature for welders since they can protect the toes from being crushed by heavy tools falling.
I mean, welders work surrounded by heavy metal parts and tools, which is why a steel toe caps could save them from getting their toes seriously injured.
