Having a pair of boots that will keep your feet safe when you’re welding, will provide comfort when wearing them for long hours, and will last you years is something that we all want! Below are our recommendations for some of our favorite welding work boots that do all of those things.
If you already know whether you want slip on boots or boots with a metatarsal guard, quick jump to the sections via one of the links below.
Contents
Should I get work boots with laces?
There are pros and cons with lace up welding boots and you have to decide if they’re right for you or if you’d prefer slip on welding boots.
Over the years I’ve seen welders walking around with burnt laces. It’s crucial that if you’re welding you don’t have normal laces that are exposed. Some people will use either raw hide laces or Kevlar laces. Out of these, the kevlar laces are my preferred choice because they offer the same flexibility as a normal pair of laces.
The only problem with having these exposed laces is that you can sometimes still get spatter in your boot. The last thing you want is molten metal burning through your foot whilst you struggle to get your boot off.
If you’re going to buy lace up welding boots then you need to get a pair with a metatarsal guard. These boots have a protective covering over the laces to protect your feet and your boots from damage.
If you really want to avoid any dangers which may arise from have boots with laces, then slip on boots are the perfect choice.
Slip on boots are quick to take on and off (handy if you get a bit piece of hot spatter on them). You also never have to worry about replacing laces or getting dust in your socks.
If you’re going to be wearing your boots for extended periods, you’ll need them to fit comfortably and provide good ankle support. Lace up boots are the best choice for this. Lace-up boots can easily be adjusted to fit comfortably around your foot and have the perfect level of tightness. Slip on boots tend to not offer the same level of comfort or stability. If you’re in cold conditions then lace ups can be warmer because of the snug fit.
Should I get work boots with steel toe caps?
I hear people asking this question, but there really is no reason at all not to wear steel toe boots. Most welding shops require this anyway, but there’s no point in taking the risk. Heavy objects falling on your toes when you’re welding or working in the garage is not a myth! Steel toe capped boots are more expensive, but it’s better than having broken toes. All of the boots in our recommendations below include toe caps for maximum protection.
Welding Boots Comparison Chart
See our full comparison chart below of our favorite welding boots available on the market today. We've included boots with metatarsal guards, and slip on boots. Below the table we have also written full reviews for each pair of boots.| Welding Boots | Features | More |
|---|---|---|
 |  Best met guardName: Carolina Footwear #505 Outsole: Vibram Toe Cap: Steel Material: Briar Pitstop Leather | |
 | Name: Timberland 53530 Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Ever-Guard Leather | |
 | Name: Dr. Martens Ironbridge Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather | |
 | Name: Timberland 40000 Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather | |
 | Name: Iron Age Men's Ground Breaker Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather | |
 | Best pull on Name: Irish Setter Men’s 83906 Steel Toe Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather | |
 | Name: Ariat Men's Sierra Wide Square Steel Toe Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather | |
 | Name: Dr. Martens Icon Industrial Strength Outsole: Synthetic Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather | |
 | Name: Caterpillar Revolver Pull On Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather |
Best welding boots with metatarsal guard
1. Carolina INT HI Steel Toe
🥇 Best Overall
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Outsole: Vibram Toe Cap: Steel Material: Briar Pitstop Leather |
Carolina Shoe Company offers a range of welding boots with metatarsal guards and these industrial strength steel toe boots are the best of the bunch. Made in the USA to the highest specifications, they are built to hold up to heavy wear and tear whilst still ensuring comfort.
They have Vibram oil and heat resistant outsoles. Vibram is a more durable material than rubber and market-leading in terms of boot soles. The laces are made from leather for flame resistance, the stitching is fire resistant Kevlar Welt Construction, and the upper leather is Briar Pitstop premium durable full grain leather. Basically, it’s put together with the best materials you can buy.
These have 8 inch high ankle support but also come with lower 6 inch ankle support depending on what you prefer. Up the ankle there’s also a steel shank for extra support and stability and at the top there’s a padded collar for extra comfort. Overall, they’re our top pick for an all round quality welders boot.
2. Timberland 53530 Welding Boots
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Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Ever-Guard Leather |
The Timberland 53530 is a great quality boot that is taller than the usual ankle-high lace-up boots, to help provide extra support. Timblerland have set out to ensure three important criteria is met – comfort, durability, and safety. They’re sure to keep you safe with a waterproof steel metatarsal guard, steel toe cap, steel shank and design that adheres to ASTM safety standards for compression resistance and impact. If anything falls on your feet this will definitely give you some of the best protection possible, “protection in every direction” is Timberland’s mantra. The only surprise is that they’re not actually that heavy. In addition to this, there is a rubber outsole that is abrasion, slip, and oil resistant to stop you from taking a tumble.
These are comfortable boots and they have a hinged metatarsal guard to ensure flexibility isn’t restricted and have an asymmetrical shield design which allows the boot to follow the natural shape of your foot. There’s also a decent amount of breathability.
For durability, Timberland have used Kevlar stitching to protect from sparks, and they are made with heat and abrasion resistant Ever-Guard Leather, which is a lot more durable than normal leather. Overall these are a pair of boots that are sure to your feet safe and serve you a long time, they’re also comfortable enough to wear for long periods.
3. Dr. Martens Ironbridge Welding Boots
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Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather |
This boot from Dr Martens is one of the most comfortable welding boots around that is sure to keep your feet safe. They’ve become really popular with welders recently and are available in classic black and a stylish brown color.
The most important thing in any work boots is that they keep you safe, and these will do that. They have a steel toe cap, padded steel metatarsal guard and reinforced shank. If something falls on your boot these will give you great protection. They have a soft rubber outsole which is slip resistant and oil resistant with a non-skid tread to keep you steady on your feet. Dr Martens also provide electric hazard protection to keep you secure against any open electric circuits.
The boots are made to last and are built from full-grain leather, which is waterproof, durable, fire-resistant and also gives you flexibility in the boots. You can see the leather is attached with double stitching to keeps everything firmly in place and the upper and lower sole are heat-sealed together.
Comfort is one of the best things about these boots and there’s a number of features that helps you to wear them for long periods without discomfort. Inside the boot is a moisture wicking fabric lining that reduces any sweat in the boot. There is also padded ankle support and a comfy Smartmask insole that really helps when welding for long periods. This is also removable if you want a little more breathing space in hot conditions. The upper of the boot is also well padded which gives it a snug feel, but still gives your feet room to breath.
Overall it’s easy to see why these are becoming more popular, they’re a top quality boot and they’re available at a cheaper price than Timberlands which makes them an attractive purchase.
4. Timberland PRO 40000 Welding Boots
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Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Ever-Guard Leather |
These Timberland 40000s are a really comfortable and sturdy boot. These boots are similar to the Timberland 53530 in their design, but have a 6″ shaft instead of 8″ for people who prefer ankle-high boots. Your feet and toes will be protected from falling objects with a hinged metatarsal guard and a steel toe cap. The sole is made from synthetic material and has a rubber outsole that’s ridged and slip, heat, oil and abrasion resistant. The sole is also quite stiff, which is perfect if you want something that’s solid. At the back of the boot is a nice 1.5” heel and it has a steel shaft that measures 6″ from the arch for extra support. The only surprising thing is that despite all this steel they’re surprisingly light and aren’t an effort to wear.
Timberland aim to provide comfort and they use the Asymmetric shield design to follow the natural shape of the foot with a contoured footbed cradle to enable you to wear them for longer periods.
These boots are seriously durable and should last you a long time when you’re welding. They are made from Ever-Guard leather which is some of the best abrasion resistant leather around. Also, the stitching is flame-resistant Kevlar to protect further against sparks. These are a solid pair of boots.
5. Iron Age Men’s Ground Breaker IA5016 Welding Work Boots
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Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Upper: Full Grain Leather |
These boots are the more budget option for anyone who won’t be welding frequently or for extended periods. They don’t offer the same levels of comfort as the other boots, but are still a reliable option that will keep your feet safe and I don’t hesitate recommending them.
With a steel toe cap and metatarsal guard they’ll offer you protection from injuries cause by falling objects. If you’re in an environment where something could fall on your feet or toes then these are well suited to help protect you. There is a 1.5″ heel and rubber outsole that is made with Goodyear Welt construction that is oil, slip and chemical resistant to provide durability and further prevent injury.
These are durable boots are use Kevlar stitching to help them last longer. If sparks are going to be flying over your feet then Kevlar stitching won’t burn so it will keep them in good condition. The boots are also made from full grain leather, which is stronger than leather that has been buffed. To provide comfort there are removable insoles and and sponge rubber heel wedge.
Overall these are reliable and affordable work boots that are a great choice for welders but without some of the features of the other boots with metatarsal guards.
Best Pull-On Welding Boots
1. Irish Setter Men’s 83906 Wellington Steel Toe Work Boot
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Sole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Waterproof Leather |
Irish Setter are are a great brand for any outdoor enthusiasts, they craft their boots down by the Mississippi River and they’ve created a fine work boot that’s well suited for welders.
These pull on boots are made from quality full-grain leather. The shaft measures 11.5 inches from the arch and there’s a steel toe cap to provide protection for your toes. The boot opening measures approximately 15.5″ around so should give your feet room to breath without being too loose.
The sole is designed with welt construction in the 1.5″ heel for stability and cement construction in the forefoot for extra flexibility. The soles are also heat resistant to 475º Fahrenheit and are have Electrical Hazard protection.
The boots are sure to stay dry as they have waterproof leather and moisture wicking lining. The lining also uses anti-microbial treatment, all which helps to ensure they remain dry, clean, and have lasting comfort.
2. Ariat Men’s Sierra Wide Square Steel Toe Work Welding Boots
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Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather |
These Ariat boots with western style stitch detail are one of my favorite pairs that were specifically designed for welders and construction workers. They’re made from premium full-grain leather with a six-row stitch pattern which makes them a durable pair of boots. Ariat have a huge range of boots with different patterns, so even if you don’t like the look of these, it’s worth having a browse if you see any that you like.
They’re well known for their quality and comfort and these make the mark for both of these. They have mesh lining and a moisture wicked footbed for comfort and to reduce moisture. The footbed is also gel cushioned for shock absorption to take the pressure off your feet. The shaft measures approximately 10″ from arch and is composite and forked which adds stability whilst being lightweight.
These will also help keep you safe with an ASTM F2413-11 M/I/75 C/75 EH rated roomy steel toe. I like the 90-degree heel and the outsole is duratread oil and slip resistant give you grip. The sole is also electrical hazard-rated for protection. They are made with Goodyear Welt system for durability. With this process the fabric, linings and soles were stitched together in a single process. Following this, the outsoles were stitched to the bottom of the Welt, so if you wear out the soles over time they can be easily re-soled and your boots will last for many years. Also the space between the inner and outer soles have been filled with a sythetic cork compound to help them mould to the shape of your feet for extra comfort. These stylish boots will give the all the comfort and protection you need for a long day in the workshop.
3. Dr. Martens Icon Industrial Strength Welding Work Boots
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Outsole: PVC Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather |
These are a reliable pair of work boots by Dr Martens that are available in a number of different colors and are popular with welders across the country. They’re a really sleek pair of boots, and they do the job!
One of the things Dr Martens are so good at is providing boots you can wear for hours on end without feeling any discomfort, and these boots are right up there. Inside the boots are the signature comfortable Air Wave midsoles and padded insoles which provide high levels of comfort. Extra arch support is provided from bamboo shanks and Cambrelle lining is used to reduce moisture inside the boots. These boots have a reputation for being a slightly smaller fitting that what you might be used to, so it’s worth buying a size up (you can always return them!).
But these boots aren’t just about comfort and style, they have great safety features to protect out from injury. They have steel toes that meet ASTM standands and they meet the electrical hazard requirements. The outsoles as PVC and slip resistant, and resistant to oil, fat and petrol so you will get grip on a range of terrains. These boots are designed to be worked in!
4. Caterpillar Revolver Pull On Welding Work Boots
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Outsole: Rubber Toe Cap: Steel Material: Full Grain Leather |
Caterpillar have made a simple design work boot that’s comfortable and good value for money. They’re made from full-grain leather uppers with triple-stitched seams for increased durability. There’s cushioning insoles and some useful finger loops to make sliding the on and off really easy. The boots feel lightweight, flexible and comfortable with shock-absorbing PVC midsoles whilst still offering protection for your toes with a steel toe cap. The boots also have non-slip rubber outsoles to keep you on your feet. These don’t offer the same features as some other boots but will serve you well and are great value for money.
Other considerations
Hopefully this guide has helped you find the most suitable pair of welding boots for your needs. Below I’ve attached a few final things to think about.
Waterproofing
If your boots aren’t waterproof and you’d like them to be, you can always add a coating to them to keep your feet dry and keep your boots in good condition. Usually the boot manufacturer will supply a proofing agent, such as the Dr Martens Wonder Balm, but you can use other things such as Mink Oil.
Kevlar Laces
Lots of welders fly through laces, so if you want a solid investment you should look at buying some Kevlar boot laces. Kevlar is an extremely heat resistant material that will last you a long time.
Comfort
If you’re spending long periods on your feet on in the workshop, you need your feet to be comfortable. It’s hard to concentrate and perform your best work if you’re not comfortable. Safety boots don’t have to be heavy and uncomfortable, there’s plenty of safe and comfortable boots out there.
Price
We’ve tried to offer a range of prices in our recommendations, but we haven’t included any really cheap welding work boots. If you’re looking at $30 boots, the chances are they’ll be uncomfortable, will have substandard protection, and will fall apart within a couple of months. A good pair of welding boots could last you years if you look after them!
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