Buying Work Boots – Choosing the Best Work Boots for Men

Whether you’re looking to buy your first pair of work boots or trying to find a better option, it’s important to select your work boots based on your occupation. With nearly 24% of workplace accidents resulting in ankle, feet, or knee injuries, it’s clear that choosing the best work boots to protect your feet can save a lot of pain, time, and money.

Some of the most common work-related injuries are:

• Punctures to the soles of feet from workplace debris
• Crushed or broken toes and feet from falling objects and moving vehicles
• Cuts or severed toes from saws and unguarded machinery
• Ankle issues from sprains or fractures due to slips and falls
• Shocks and burns from chemicals, fire, explosive material, or contact with electricity

Whether you face some or all of these hazards in your job, selecting the right pair of work boots will let you get to work with confidence and peace of mind.

Work Boots for Electricians

There are a few factors you need to pay attention to when selecting your boots. If you’re new to the trade, familiarize yourself with the ASTM and OSHA codes for protection. The “EH” code on work boots stands for “electrical hazard” protection and although a safety toe isn’t required, it’s not uncommon for accidents to happen on the job site. A steel toe isn’t considered a safety hazard, as long as the steel isn’t exposed on the outside of the work boot or in contact with the foot on the inside. Basically, the OSHA is trying to prevent an electrical circuit from completing to the ground and leaving you a little crispy. Our boots are designed to be slip-resistant, shock-absorbing, and shock proof up to 18,000 volts! Here are our most popular work boots for electricians:

• American Heritage Moc Toe Wedge
• American Heritage Waterproof 8″ Composite Toe Work Boot
• American Heritage Crazyhorse Maxwear 8″ Wedge

Boots for Plumbers

Plumbers are often dealing with wet working environments and sometimes with abrasive chemicals, so choosing a waterproof, non-slip work boot makes sense. Our Maxwear wedge outsoles provide super traction on slippery surfaces while the Goodyear storm welt construction means your boots will last for years before needing re-soling. The 8″ height on some of these, and the added safety toes, provide extra support and ankle protection from the pipes you drop or the sewer water you might have to stand in.

• The 1957 Series Briar Pitstop Waterproof 8″ Moc Toe Wedge
• Iron River Series – Waterproof Safety Toe – 6″ Crazyhorse – 90º Heel
• The V-Series Crazyhorse 8″ Waterproof Composite Toe Boot
• American Heritage Waterproof Composite Toe 8″ Wedge

Work Boots for Welders

 

Work boots might not be on top of your list when it comes to welding tools and accessories, but they’re a must, especially if you’re welding overhead with potential burning debris falling down on you. Street shoes won’t protect your feet, and definitely won’t last as long as high-quality work boots. When selecting work boots for jobs that involve welding, look for these features:

• A safety toe to save those little toes from falling metal pieces
• A higher leather upper of 8″ or more to protect against welding embers falling in your boots
• Pull-on boots if your employer allows it (burnt up laces that snap mid-day are no fun)
• Consider a shield or foot guard to protect your laces and your boots
• An EH or non-conductive work boot to protect you from any open electrical circuits

Here are some great options for welders:

• 1957 Series Briar Pitstop Waterproof 8″ Moc Toe Wedge

Work Boots for Roofers

When you’re working in high, precarious places, distraction is danger. So, for roofing work, comfort and safety go hand-in-hand. Look for boots that have a strong sole, a cushioned footbed, and padding around your ankles – and most importantly, try your boots on for the perfect fit! You’ll want to make sure you have an anti-slip, protective work boot that has a heel for better traction on ladders or other precarious balancing situations you find yourself in. If you work in a region with cold winters, like we do, you’ll also want a boot with good insulation. Check out some of our best work boots for roofers:

• American Heritage 8” Crazyhorse Steel Toe Maxwear 90 Wedge
• Infinity FD Series 8″ Waterproof Composite Toe
• Gen-Flex2 Series 8″ Composite Toe Side-zip Wellington

Work Boots for Concrete Workers

As a concrete worker, you need work boots that give your feet protection while providing comfort and cushion for those long days outdoors on uneven ground. Choose a work boot can handle rugged terrain and wide temperature ranges, while standing up to all sorts of abuse. Safety toe boots are typically preferred in this line of work. While no boot lasts forever, concrete work can be especially wearing, even on a well-crafted boot, so don’t forget that you can get extra mileage out of your pair by sending them in to us for re-soling. Here’s some pairs we’d recommend:

• American Heritage – Waterproof – 8″ Tobacco Composite Safety Toe – Round Toe
• Crosstrex Series – Waterproof – 6″ Black Safety Toe Hiker
• 1957 Series Waterproof Steel Moc Toe Wedge
• American Heritage Crazyhorse 8″ Steel Toe Maxwear90s Boots

Work Boots for Carpenters

As a carpenter, you’ll be spending long hours on your feet and you’ll regret choosing anything other than a durable work boot with a strong sole and comfortable cushion insole. Our recommendation: The wedge work boot. The wedge sole disperses weight evenly across the boot so whether you’re framing or building elegant furniture, you’ll have a stable, anti-fatigue boot to rely on. Our soles are specifically designed to protect your feet from punctures and shocks. For ultimate comfort, the latest Infinity FD Series boots have revolutionary technology that will make them the most comfortable work boots you’ve ever owned.

• American Heritage 6″ Soft Toe Maxwear Wedge
• American Heritage 8″ Steel Moc Toe Wedge Boots
• Infinity FD Series 6″ Studhorse Waterproof Composite Safety Toe

Best Work Boots for Construction

 

If you work construction, you don’t need us to tell you that a building site has its fair share of dangers. Working with concrete, scaffolding, and heavy machinery, as part of a team specialized in a wide variety of trades, the safety of yourself and your co-workers should always be the number one priority. For your boots, a steel or composite safety toe will probably be required, and a boot that’s not designed for comfort and support will leave you sore at the end of the day. Check out some of our highest rated work boots for both comfort and protection:

• American Heritage 8” Crazyhorse Safety Toe Moc Toe Maxwear Wedge
• Infinity FD Series 8” Studhorse Insulated Waterproof Composite Toe Boots
• American Union Series 6” Waterproof Work Boots

Best Work Boots for Contractors

Contractors’ and subcontractors’ roles will vary from project to project, but in general, the main responsibilities will be in project planning and construction site management. You’ll deal with everything from legal documents and budgeting to monitoring construction work and resolving safety issues on the work site. That’s why a pair of work boots should look as good as they perform. Check out some of our classic styles for quality workmanship, making these boots some of our favorite work boots for contractors:

• American Heritage 6″ Maxwear Moc Toe Wedge
• American Heritage 8″ Crazyhorse Maxwear 90 Moc Toe Boots
• 1957 Series 6″ Crazyhorse Waterproof Work Boot

Do you work in a trade we haven’t mentioned? You can always reach out to us with questions on how to select the best work boot for the job or find a local retailer to find your perfect fit.