10 Best Work Boots for Asphalt Work | 2023 Guide

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Azad Asf

There are many issues asphalt workers deal with daily regarding their footwear, such as:

• Working on their feet for long hours (8 to 10 hours straight on average) without proper footwear which puts stress on their feet, back, and joints
• Handling hot and dangerous substances (like hot molten tar) that could ruin their boots and burn their feet
• Working outdoors exposed to the elements without proper feet protection
• Seeing their expensive pair of work boots destroyed after a couple of months of regular use

All these issues ask asphalt workers to have proper work boots with features that guarantee safety, comfort, and durability. Luckily, I took the time to research and test various pairs of boots to arrive at a list of the best work boots for asphalt work.

List of The Best Boots for Asphalt Work

After extensive research, this is the list of the best boots for asphalt work I arrived at:

• 1. Timberland Pro Gridworks 8″ Alloy Safety-Toe Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 2. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Wedge Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 3. COFRA Leather Work Boots – US Road Threadless Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 4. Timberland Pro Men’s 47019 Titan 8″ Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 5. Timberland Pro Men’s 52562 Endurance 6″ Pr Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 6. Timberland PRO Wedge Sole Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 7. Oliver 55 Series Leather Puncture-Resistant Metatarsal Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 8. Danner Bull Run 6” Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 9. Carhartt 6″ Energy CME6355 Work Boots for Asphalt Workers
• 10. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

1. Timberland Pro Gridworks 8″ Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Manufactured with slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant flat outsoles, these Timberland Gridworks boots offer perfect traction and protection when handling hot molten tar.

To keep things even safer, the boots have top-quality leather with a waterproof membrane responsible for maintaining the feet dry and fresh when exposed to exterior liquids.

I like to recommend work boots that aren’t only protective but also comfortable, and these Timberland boots are no exception.

I mean, they have great features such as their anti-fatigue technology systems that guarantee superior comfort thanks to a shock-absorbing and geometrical technology that’s responsible for releasing the tension that travels directly to the feet when walking on hard surfaces (such as concrete).

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 60 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.4 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Wedge Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

The best way to make sure one is getting the best work boot for asphalt work is by choosing footwear with proper safety features.

In that context, these Thorogood work boots come with:

• Safety steel toes that keep the toes protected during the workday
• Nonmarking slip and oil resistant outsoles that allow workers to confidently walk all day on hot pavement

Moreover, the boots are manufactured in the U.S.A. with top quality leather based on a Goodyear Storm Welt construction which assures excellent durability.

These Thorogood boots surpassed my expectations in terms of comfort.

I mean, they possess awesome features such as shock-absorbing footbeds with the so-called “Poron 4000” cushioning. These insoles allow paving workers to stand on hard pavement for most of the workday without suffering any physical consequences.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 4,387 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

3. COFRA Leather Work Boots – US Road Treadless Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

A huge issue for asphalt workers is being in constant contact with hot molten tar, a substance known for its abrasiveness and high temperatures.

To solve this issue, these Cofra paving boots come manufactured with chemical resisting leather and slip-resistant outsoles made of PU/nitrile. Both features, in combination, allow the boots to resist up to +572 °F. This, of course, becomes essential when working in the paving industry, especially when doing it under the blazing sun.

Additionally, the work boots have composite safety toes which provide superior impact resistance for the toes. In other words, they allow paving workers to work surrounded by heavy tools that could crush their toes if they feel in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I don’t know any asphalt worker who doesn’t struggle with joint and foot pain at the end of a long workday on the road.

Luckily, these Cofra work boots have attributes that directly target that issue. Their cushioned insoles, for instance, provide perfect cushioning for walking on hard surfaces (i.e. hot pavement) for most of the workday.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 3 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.3 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4. Timberland Pro Men’s 47019 Titan 8″ Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Standing on hard surfaces for 8 to 10 hours is a very common reality for a paving worker.

This is why I appreciate when work boots such as these Timberlands 47019 come with features such as:

• Oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant outsoles which are perfect for working in constant contact with abrasive paving materials such as hot molten tar
• Alloy safety toes that provide toe impact resistance without adding much weight or bulkiness to the boots
• Insulation material and waterproofing membranes keep the feet dry and warm when working outdoors exposed to the elements (i.e. rain, snow, etc…)

Comfort-wise the boots perform very well too.

In fact, they come with PU midsoles that provide solid shock absorption for walking all day on pavement and moisture-wicking air mesh linings that keep the feet cool and fresh when doing asphalt work under the hot sun.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 130 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. Timberland Pro Men’s 52562 Endurance 6″ Pr Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Would you like to do your asphalt work without suffering the consequences of handling hot tar under the blazing sun? Well, then getting these Timberland 52562 might be a great idea as they came with an antimicrobial lining specially designed to keep the feet fresh and fight odors.

Moreover, the boots come with incredible reliable safety features such as:

• oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant outsoles that not only give the confidence to walk with superior traction on any pavement surface but also protect the feet from coming into contact with abrasive paving materials
• safety steel toes and abrasion-resistant rubber toes provide an additional layer of protection for the toes
• electrical hazard protection

The boots were very comfortable during the testing period too. This was possible thanks to the use of full-grain leather and a Cement construction which deliver a sustained level of ruggedness and flexibility.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are more than 641 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

6. Timberland PRO Wedge Sole Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Having the guarantee one can pave roads without getting burned with hot molten tar or suffering the extreme heat is vital for asphalt workers.

Luckily, these Timberland wedge boots come with attributes engineered to deal with these issues, such as:

• slip and oil resistant outsoles that withstand abrasions
• full-grain leather which protects the feet from outside threats
• electrical hazard protection

In terms of comfort, the boots come with open-cell PU footbeds and padded top collars that, in combination, make the experience of using the work boots much more comfortable.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 1,845 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.3 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

7. Oliver 55 Series Leather Puncture-Resistant Metatarsal Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Safety features are essential for asphalt work boots due to the risks involved with this line of work.  Fortunately, these Oliver 55 work boots come with enough of these attributes so paving workers can do their jobs with superior confidence.

I mean, they have:

• Safety steel caps which keep the toes unharmed during the workday thanks to their reliable impact resistance
• Abrasion and oil resisting outsoles that stand up to 572°F which make the boots suitable for handling hot molten paving materials (i.e. hot molten tar)
• Chemical resisting leather which is perfect for working with abrasive paving substances
• Metatarsal guards for added toe protection

Last but not least, these work boots are manufactured in America, which is always a good sign of quality and durability.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 4 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

8. Danner Bull Run 6” Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

I hate getting work boots without enough safety features for asphalt workers.

Fortunately, these Danner Bull work boots come with protective features such as:

• Electrical hazard protection
• Nonmarking outsoles that are also oil and slip-resistant which allows for perfect traction on sketchy surfaces like wet pavement
• Oiled, thick full-grain leather that protects the feet from external threats

To make things a bit more comfortable for paving workers, these boots also come with Ortholite footbeds responsible for easing the pressure resulted from standing all day on hard surfaces.

Durability-wise, the boots are made in the USA which is a stamp of quality for most of us. Also, the boots are manufactured with a stitch-down construction which explains the boots’ ruggedness and sturdiness.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 570 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.3 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

9. Carhartt 6″ Energy CME6355 Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Nothing will make a paving worker feel safer than wearing a pair of protective work boots.

In that context, these Carhartt boots come with strong safety features like their composite safety toes that provide almost perfect impact resistance. As a result, these brands of workers can work without fearing getting their toes getting crushed by heavy tools.

Moreover, the boots have:

• “Ground force” rubber outsoles with oil, slip, and chemical resisting capabilities, that make them ideal for working in contact with abrasive substances like molten hot tar
• Electrical hazard rating
• Abrasion-resistant rubber heels that, coupled with the formerly mentioned outsoles, allow asphalt workers to do their jobs confidently that they won’t get injured when handling hazardous paving materials

Finally, if we look at the comfort features, things get even better. I mean, they come with two-foam-layered footbeds and EVA midsoles which work together to provide a much more comfortable experience when using these Carhartt boots.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 499 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

10. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

Safety is the first priority for asphalt workers. I mean, who wouldn’t prioritize this when dealing with hot molten tar is part of their job?

Well, the good news is that these ROCKROOSTER boots provide a nice level of security thanks to:

• Composite safety caps that maintain the toes isolated from external threats
• Waterproof membrane that keeps the feet dry even when exposed to liquids
• Top-quality full-grain leather that protects the feet from the elements

In terms of comfort, these work boots surpassed my expectations too.

I mean, they come with dual density footbeds that cushion the feet in every step taken on tough roads. The padded collars are also essential for making the experience of wearing the boots much more comfortable.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 2,126 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.1 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

What are the best work boots for asphalt work overall?

Timberland Pro Men’s 52562 Endurance 6″ Pr Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

With features such as:

• Oil and slip-resistant outsoles that withstand abrasions coming from hot molten tar and other similar paving substances
• Safety steel toes that offer total impact resistance
• Abrasion-resistant double toe protection

these Timberland 52562 work boots stand apart from the rest in terms of the level of safety they offer. For these reasons and many more, I’ve decided to list them as the best work boots for asphalt work overall.

If you’d like to know a bit more about them, please click the button down below to read the complete review.

Review

What are the most comfortable work boots for asphalt work?

Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Wedge Work Boots for Asphalt Workers

If you’re looking for the most comfortable pair of asphalt work boots, then looking at these Thorogood American Heritage boots might be a great idea.

I mean, they have:

• Safety steel toes that provide superior toe protection
• Nonmarking outsoles with slip and oil resistant attributes
• Removable dual-density footbeds built with the so-called “Poron 4000” cushioning that provides perfect cushioning on hard surfaces

All these features do not begin to cover why I chose these Thorogood boots as the most comfortable asphalt work boots. If you’d like to know more click the button down below to read the full review.

Review

Quick Comparison Table

How Did I Test The Best Boots For Asphalt Work?

There’s a lot of curiosity about how we test and choose work boots. This is why I decided to explain step-by-step my process of choosing the best boots for asphalt work.

Comfort Test

Given that asphalt workers are used to standing on hard pavement for long hours (8 to 10 hours shifts sometimes) I made sure to stress test each work boot according to these strict guidelines.

Additionally, paving workers constantly handle hot and dangerous substances (like hot pavement) which is why I tested each boot’s breathability features by paying close attention to how sweaty my feet were when working with these materials.

Protection Test

Asphalt workers have to deal with dangerously hot materials that could harm their feet if they came into contact with them. This is why I made sure to put a bit of hot pavement on each work boot to see if they were rugged enough to protect my feet.

Also, I analyzed how they performed in cold, hot, snowy, dusty, and humid conditions. If the boots maintained my feet dry and comfy, then they were selected for the durability test.

Durability Test

As explained, asphalt workers are exposed to abrasive materials (like hot pavement or other chemicals) that could ruin their work boots.

So, to test the boots’ durability features, I made sure to put them into contact with these substances over and over again throughout the testing period. The idea was to see if they maintained their shape and were not perforated.

Those work boots that performed the best in all 3 tests were selected to be reviewed for this article.

Must-Have Features of The Best Asphalt Work Boots

There’s a list of certain features work boots must have to be considered as the best asphalt work boots. This is the list:

Flat outsoles

Hot pavement is a material paving workers must handle regularly. Sadly, due to its malleable nature, it’s very easy to make marks on it which could put the quality of the finished job at risk.

Thus, I’d recommend getting work boots with slip-resistant non-marking flat outsoles. This way, one can work knowing the chances of leaving marks on the cooling pavement are gonna be minimal, plus you’ll enjoy maximum traction and nasty injuries as a result.

Heat and abrasion-resistant outsoles

Paving workers spend most of their days dealing with abrasive substances such as molten tar. These substances cannot only burn through unprepared work boots but also could seriously injure them.

That’s why I think getting work boots with heat and abrasion-resistant outsoles is the best way to prevent the hot molten tar from burning through the outsoles and coming into contact with the feet.

Composite safety toes

A good idea might be getting work boots with composite safety toes as these not only are very sturdy but also don’t conduct heat. This is essential when handling molten tar as it’ll keep the feet isolated from hot temperatures and also protected from getting the toes crushed.

In fact, I think asphalt workers might reap additional benefits from these safety toe caps as they frequently handle heavy machinery (i.e. steamrollers) which could put their toes in danger if not managed properly.

Full gusset tongue

It might sound a bit too simplistic. But, getting work boots with full gusset tongues is a great idea for asphalt workers.

I mean, think about this. If a spec of hot molten tar went flying into your feet, wouldn’t you prefer to be using a pair of rugged work boots with full gusset tongues that properly cover your feet?

Well, there you go.

Protection against the elements

There isn’t a worse feeling than seeing your expensive pair of work boots get ruined after a few months of regular use. Sadly, this is a problem most asphalt workers deal with as they frequently work outdoors while exposed to:

• Rain
• Snow
• Hot sun
• High winds

This situation requires their footwear to have specific attributes very hard to find in the same pair of work boots.

In that context, I recommend my fellow asphalt workers to get boots with waterproofing and insulation attributes. The idea here is to get the guarantee that no liquids, debris, or snow will be able to enter the boots and get in contact with the feet.

Shock absorbing footbeds and midsoles

Most paving workers I know suffer the same problem, they stand for the better part of their 10-hour work shifts on hard pavement. This, of course, puts tremendous stress on their feet and joints, usually leading to:

• Lower-back pain
• Feet pain
• Knee pain

Getting work boots with ergonomic footbeds and midsoles might be a great idea to solve these issues. These features are responsible for easing the shock generated by walking all day on asphalt which substantially reduces the chances of overworking the joints. Thus, one can work standing all day on hard surfaces without serious repercussions.

Breathable linings

There isn’t a worse feeling than working under the blazing sun next to molten hot tar while using thick leather work boots. I mean, it’s like having your feet constantly dipped in hot lava.

The best solution for this is getting work boots with proper breathable linings. These liners are responsible for allowing fresh air to easily travel through the inside of the boots which reduces the feet’ temperature. As a result, one can work with molten tar while keeping their feet cool and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s a lot of curiosity regarding the footwear asphalt workers should use. This is my attempt to answer most of these common questions.

What is an asphalt work boot?

An asphalt work boots is a type of footwear that gathers certain attributes specifically designed for paving. These features are:

• Non-marking flat outsoles that provide perfect traction when paving roads and leave no marks behind
• Heat and abrasion-resistant outsoles that allow workers to handle hot molten tar without ruining the work boots
• Safety toes
• Abrasion-resistant leather that allows the user to work with abrasive paving chemicals with no risks

Do asphalt workers need special work boots?

Sure. Paving workers are vulnerable to a wide range of precise risks difficult to find in other industries, such as:

• Dealing with hot molten tar and pebbles which could seriously burn the skin or ruin the boots
• Walking all day on the hot pavement which puts a lot of strain on the joints
• Working outdoors while exposed to the elements

Due to this, asphalt workers require boots with certain features that solve all the issues previously mentioned.

What are the hazards involved with paving?

As mentioned, there are a certain variety of hazards asphalt workers are exposed to at their jobs. These are:

• Dangerous machinery: Asphalt workers are used to dealing with heavy machinery (i.e. steamrollers) that are very dangerous for the feet. This is why I recommend getting work boots with safety toes
• Underfoot punctures: When doing paving, one frequently deals with abrasive substances and sharp objects. These could, at any time, pierce through the outsoles and injure the feet
• Extreme heat (hot molten tar): Hot molten tar is essential for paving. Thus, being exposed to its extremely hot temperatures is a must for all paving workers. This material isn’t only hot but also seriously caustic which is why I recommend abrasive resistant features as a must-have for the best work boots for paving
• Hard pavement: This is another big one for asphalt workers as most of them are required to work 10 to 12 hours standing on the hot pavement under the blazing sun. This not only gets really hot but also puts a lot of pressure on their joints usually leading to back knee and foot pain

How to clean tar and asphalt off your work boots?

Well, I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit tedious to do, but it’s definitely possible.

These are the materials you’re gonna need:

• WD40
• a plastic knife
• a recipient with soapy water
• an old toothbrush

This is the process to follow to clean tar and asphalt off the work boots:

1. Put the work boots in the freezer (yes, the freezer) and let them freeze overnight. This will help the tar to freeze making it easier to be removed
2. After 10 to 12 hours, take the boots off the freezer and gently scrape the tar off with the plastic knife
3. Then, soak the toothbrush in the soapy water and brush the work boots where the tar is located
4. After making sure most of the frozen tar is gone, leaving only the tougher specs of asphalt and tar, abundantly spray the boots with WD40. This will make sure the tar is well lubricated to be easily removed
5. Leave the boots to rest for 15 minutes
6. Take the plastic knife and the toothbrush soaked in soapy water again and gently remove the rest of the tar and asphalt
7. Done!

How do asphalt workers treat hot feet?

If there’s something we all know is that working all day under the blazing sun while handling hot molten tar sucks. I mean, paving workers are more than used to suffering hot flashes, hot feet, and similar consequences.

In that context, these are the most common methodologies asphalt workers follow to try to deal with these issues:

• Making sure to choose work boots with breathable linings to keep the feet cool and fresh
• Frequently changing work boots to allow fresh air to hit the feet
• Taking constant short-breaks. Making sure to take off the boots during these and letting their buddies know they’ll need to be covered
• Changing socks often to air out the feet and the work boots’ insides
• Using moisture-wicking socks to maintain the feet fresh and free of nasty odors

Pro-tip: If you deal with frequent and painful hot flashes or don’t feel good physically while paving, then consulting with a doctor is your best bet. Solving your health issues with a new pair of work boots is not gonna work. Ask a doctor, trust me.

Benefits of Getting The Right Boots For Asphalt Work

There are clear benefits related to getting any of the best work boots for asphalt work depicted in this article. These are the most common ones:

Comfort

There is nothing worse than feeling your feet hurting after being 8 to 10 hours standing on hard pavement, right? Well sadly, that’s what an asphalt worker is used to.

This is why I selected boots with enough cushioning and shock absorption features as these are essential to release the stress that walking all day on hard surfaces put on the feet and joints.

Protection

Are you used to working near hot molten tar? Sucks, right?

I mean, it not only makes you sweat a lot but also is very dangerous as it could easily burn your skin.

The good news is that with the best boots for asphalt work laid down in this article you’ll find boots that will safeguard your feet from getting into contact with these abrasive substances.

And liquids? Yeah, liquids are a pain in the you-know-what too. Asphalt workers are used to dealing with lots of chemical products and other liquids which very easily could:

• wet feet and socks
• or even provoke serious chemical burns

Luckily, the asphalt work boots reviewed in this article have waterproofing features to maintain the feet dry and protected from these issues.

Convenience & Comfort

If there’s something very frustrating in life is spending hundreds of dollars on work boots that don’t meet your expectations, right?

Asphalt workers have to deal with these problems very frequently as it’s very challenging to find work boots able to:

• adapt to weather alterations
• provide comfort features
• and be protective all at the same time

Regarding that, I think I managed to make a list of paving work boots able to deal with all these issues by providing the adaptability an asphalt worker needs daily.