Top 10 best ironworker boots (Updated Dec. 2021) – Reviews & Buying Guide

Ironworking is considered one of the most dangerous jobs out there – ironworkers are exposed to danger of falling, getting cuts from sharp metals, burns and muscle strain and many more.

So, it is no wonder that the US Labor Department statistics indicated that the injury rate of ironworkers is the highest of all career fields with a fatality rate of 30.3 per 100,000!

One of the most basic safety measures an ironworker can take to protect itself is having the right kind of boot for the work. It is simply a MUST.

Getting the right boot can:

• Safe from being electrocuted at work when using boots that are not conductors of electricity
• Saves your toes and feet from getting crushed as boots have shock absorbing features
• A boot with a tough bottom and a safety toe prevents any cuts or injuries from nails or other sharp objects
• It protects their ankles from being sprained or getting twisted
• It makes it easier to climb on steel or walk without tripping and slipping
• It reduces pressure and fatigue from standing all day long on your feet

These boots should have a mixture of comfort, protection, durability and be slip-resistant. You can look at our buying guide.

So we’ve done an in-depth research of all the boots out there in the market, and compiled this list of the top 10 best ironworkers boots we found.

Let’s start.

What are the best ironworker boots?

Top pick: Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss 6 Inch Steel Safety Toe
Everything an ironworker needs – Tough, comfortable & safe. Meets ANSI safety standards with Abrasion resistant outsoles for traction and comfort Suspension technology.

Runner Up: Thorogood American Heritage 8” Moc Toe
Although it’s a quite expensive boot, these boots are worth every penny. Meets ASTM F3445-21 slip-resistance standards, gives ultimate protection to your feet. “Job-fitted” design with fiberglass shank construction.

Most Durable: Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift Steel Toe Boot
Well made, comfortable and durable. Durability features include: corrosion-resistant brass eyelets, rivets and lace loops; double / triple row stitching on upper for durability. Steel toes offer safety and protection.

Most Comfortable: Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot
Perfect work boot! Light, comfortable and sturdy. Almost all customers mentioned that they are extremely comfortable even after months of usage. Safe for Electrical Hazard – meets ASTM F2413-11 with Heat-Resistant outsole up to 475 Fahrenheit.

Best for Heavy duty work: Wolverine Men’s 8 Inch Loader Steel Toe Boot
Excellent value for money! Time tested Goodyear Welt construction mold to your feet, padded collar so your feet stay cool on hottest days. Comfortable and durable even on the toughest surface.

Most Affordable: Ever Boots Tank Men Work Boots
Although relatively cheap boot, has the quality of a premium boot: Equipped with Goodyear Welt Construction which is the toughest shoe construction ever invented. Break in free with Soft leather and PU Insole provides unparalleled comfort to your feet

Most Popular – Best rating: Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
These boots gets amazing high score on all major e-commerce sites. Gorgeous, handcrafted details, thick, durable leather, tough as nails outer sole and strong hardware. And above all that stylish boots — look great in any outfit!

Water Resistant: Dr. Martens, Men’s Icon 2295 Steel Toe
If you are a fan of Dr.Martens this boots are perfect for you. Offers exceptional stability and durability. DM’s durable air-cushioned sole is resistant to fat, oil, fat, alkali and petrol and safe too, as meets electrical hazards standards.

Best waterproof: Columbia Newton Men’s Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
Very comfortable Lightweight Techlite midsole with Waterproof leather, synthetic and hardware. Super comfortable. And great on snow and ice on winter days. Stylish and great looking as well.

Runner up: Timberland Pro 6 Inch Men’s Boondock Boots
Very comfortable boot and well-made boots, amazing anti fatigue technology, A comfort system designed with shock-absorbing, best for workers who stand long hours on their feet. Contains rubber toe protectors for abrasion-resistant performance.

List Of The Best Ironworker Boots – Detailed Reviews, Buying Guide & FAQ

Here is our full detailed review of each one of the boots that we picked, follwed by a buying guide and a FAQ section.

1. Timberland Pro 6 Inch Pitboss Men’s Boot – View On Amazon

The Timberland Pitboss Pro 6 Men’s boot is the best seller of ironworker’s boots, made with comfort and safety in mind. Technologically made with a comfort suspension, this boot will help you meet all your rigorous site demands all day. This shoe helps in fatigue reduction supporting and cushioning your feet every step.

Invented in 1973, these well-crafted innovative technology boots came to life. It withstands environmental elements like waterproof with its 100% leather that is ANSI safety standards certified and an outer sole for superior traction as well as the padded collar for superior comfort. This Pitboss has a steel toe cover making it tough and safe for a hazardous environment.

This classy shoe meets pride with safety. This soft toed boot has a steel toe that is specially designed to enhance safety as you work improving your performance. Iron work sites have demanding and evolving needs, so do our footwear which is evolved with a technology that provides maximum comfort, performance, and durability. It is made to sustain you all day long with a heel measuring 1.5 and a 5.5 inches shaft from the arch for superior comfort.

Timberland Pro boot stands tall in a rigorous job site like ironworking. With inbuilt electrical hazards protection and a rubber sole that is slip oil resistant, you are assured of safety all day. The 6-inch Timberland boot is designed for comfort and performance as well as styling that has become popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Thorogood American 8 Inch Heritage Boots – View on Amazon

Another reliable and safe boots for ironworkers are the Thorogood American Heritage 8 Boots. It is made to protect your feet from rugged conditions and keep your feet from harm, yet with a stylish look. The boots are made from tobacco rugged tanned gladiator leather, these boots provide you with maximum comfort and protection all day through.

There are many reasons why this boot is preferred by ironworkers, first, it has the right height. The fiberglass shank offers stability and support to your feet as you work. The outsole is Max Wear Wedge which is oil and tan resistant. This means your feet are secure when working in a slippery condition.

Constructed with electric resistant heels and soles, this boot is capable of withstanding shock application up to 18,000 volts for one minute under dry conditions. The footbed is also shock resistant. For comfort, the sock liner is comfy and offers maximum cushioning to your feet. Thorogood American 8 Inch boot is a full-grain leather -tobacco tanned ironworking boot that has a unique color and style.

The Good Year Welt technology construction is an interesting feature that fulfills reliability, comfort, and durability. This means it will take some time for this boot to break! Once you get used to it, it’s a comfortable ironworking boot with toe protection for superior protection as you go on with your day.

3. Caterpillar Men’s 2nd Shift Steel Toe Boot – View on Amazon

Caterpillar is another popular brand with ironworkers due to its unique features. These boots were uniquely engineered to cater to your safety and comfort. The Caterpillar Men’s 2 toe boot is sturdy preventing you from falls and injuries. Much like the Thorogood, the Caterpillar second shift boot steel is 100% leather and highly waterproof.

The outer sole is oil and slip-resistant, this allows you to walk freely in the field with high confidence. This boot has sole treads that are well spaced giving your feet a firm grip on the surface for absolute accident prevention.

The inside of the boot has plush padding for comfort. It is an ankle cut boot with a lacing system with speedy lacing eyelets on the shoe shaft making it easy to fasten and secure your feet firmly. The rubber sole is shock and oil resistant. This means you are safe when you wear the Caterpillar second shift steel boots.

The steel toe is yet another feature that makes this boot ideal for ironworkers. Safety is key and the toe box serves that purpose just right! The steel toe ensures your toes are secure in case of accidental falls to your legs. Also, it protects your toe whenever hit a hard surface as you work.

With a shaft measuring 6 inches from the arch and a heel measuring 1.25, this boot is a symbol of hard-working boots for industries.

4. Irish Setter 83606 6 Inch Men’s Work Boot – View on Amazon

With premium leather material, high heat resistance, safety toe, and resistance to shock and hazards, the Irish Setter 83606 Men’s boots have all the qualities for ironworkers boots. The Irish 6 Men’s boot is trademarked Trout Brook Leather material which is made in the USA and it’s comfortable because of the premium leather.

To reduce hazards, the boot has an electrical hazards protective sole. The heel construction of the Irish Setter boot 83606, is designed to reduce hazards as a result of the contract of the boot outsole with parts that are electrically energized providing a secondary piece of protection.

The Irish Setter 83606 boot has outsoles that are designed to perform under high heat surfaces. The soles are identified as HRO and are high heat resistant and can bear a temperature of 475 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it’s hard for the sole to melt.

Ironworkers are always prone to falling objects. To protect their feet, the Irish Setter 83606 has a safety toe for toe safety and impact reduction. There is enough padding around the toes for extra comfort.

The leather upper has a Moc-toe design making this boot look premium and stylish. The boot is 100%waterprrof. With Good Year Welt Construction Technology, you are assured of durability.

For safety standards, the Irish Setter boot is rated ASTM F 2413-11 for withstanding electrical hazards. This makes it an ideal boot for working in an electrical hazardous environment.

5. Wolverine Men’s 8 Inch Loader Steel Toe Boot – View on Amazon

If you are looking for a wedge boot perfect for iron working, Wolverine 8 Loader is the plug. The upper of this boot is made with premium leather and boasts a Good Year Welt Construction. The Good Year construction makes the boot mold to your feet for a custom fit.

Wolverine 8 Loader boot is lightweight, with a moc-toe boot that keeps your feet stress free and feeling comfortable as they have a lined upper and fatigue-fighting PU wedge sole. The boots are made for the harshest conditions, longer days, and toughest jobs. The wedge sole also shed off debris and dirt.

Combining superior material and top-notch craftmanship, Wolverine 8 inches Loader boots have a steel shank for additional stability and support. The footbed has a smooth lining and is super-cushioned for comfort.

The boot has a soft toe for safety and a lace-up closure for a secure fitting. The craftmanship took styling this boot a level higher by detailing the eyelets with Wolverine.

6. Ever Boots Tank Men Work Boots – View on Amazon

Ironwork involves movement from one place to another to get the job done. The Ever Boots Tank for men is supported by a steel shank which helps alleviate pressure whenever you are coming up or down the stairs. The ‘Tank’ just the name suggests offers powerful traction when you are working on an uneven or slippery surface.

Convenient and comfortable pair of boots, with a PU inside that, offers maximum comfort for long-standing hours the speed hookups make it easy to put on the boots and take them off. The classic design makes this boot a boot for any occasion.

Made of 100%pure leather. The soft leather takes away the pain of breaking into a new pair of boots. You will not have a feeling of taking off your boots as you work. The insole is removable and offers custom cushioning for ultimate support.

The boots are available in different sizing. The width is between regular to wide and for women, the sizes are 2 small sizes down. Women size 9 Ever tanks boots sizes 7.

Any boot with a Good Year Welt Technology construction is durable. The Ever Tank Boots have this technology making it one of the best industrial boots for ironworkers. The rubber outsole is shock resistant and oil resistant delivering stability and support all day.

7. Red Wing Iron Ranger Men’s 6 Inch Boots – View on Amazon

The Red Wing Iron Ranger 6 Inches Boots are made with a stitch down welt Technology construction for durability, this boot is an iconic heavy duty significantly lightweight than most boots in this category. The Red Wing boot breaks easily. The thinner upper layer gives you comfort and easy movement for a comfortable day.

The boot has a uniquely spaced sole pattern, this makes it hard for you to slip and fall when you are working on slippery surfaces or on top of buildings. The oil-resistant sole is detailed with stitching, polish hooks, and a cap toe as well as eyelets for a firm grip on your feet.

The Red Wing Ranger boots are natural leather and can have scuffs at times but they can be removed using a dry cloth. The fit recommendation is available for many customers. The bump toe gives your feet ample space and the double layers toe cap as well as the leather heel pocket gives your feet the right arch to work comfortably all day.

However, during manufacturing, the sole adheres to the plastic last with staples which may penetrate to the insole leaving some small marks. Care instruction- use a brush and warm water to clean the boot of any dirt.

8. Dr. Martens 2295 Men’s Icon Heavy Industry Boots – View on Amazon

Dr. Martens Heavy Duty boots are one of the toughest boots in the market suitable for ironworkers for their sturdiness. With a rich oil and water-resistant leather upper and a Welt Technology construction, Dr. Martens heavy-duty boots protect ironworkers providing maximum safety and protection against accidents and electrical hazards.

This industrious boot features a steel toe cap and this protects the ironworker against contact from an electrical charge or minor accidental falls targeting the toes. The inner part of the shaft of the boot is made of fabric and synthetic, this ensures your feet are cool all day as you move from place to place.

Superbly constructed with the DMS air-conditioned PVC sole and fitted with EVA footbed, this shoe gives your feet absolute comfort which includes the padded ankle support. Dr. Martens is available in a generous extra wide fit.

The air-cushioned sole is highly resistant to shock, oil, and water. The sole pattern is well-spaced offering maximum traction and grip on the surface to avoid slipping.

9. Columbia Newton Men’s Ridge Plus Hiking Boot – View on Amazon

Columbia Men’s Ridge Plus boots is a waterproof hiking boot that is lightweight with a durable midsole for long-lasting comfort and superior cushion. The advanced technology qualifies it as an industrial boot suitable for ironworkers. The boot has an advanced traction rubber sole that is slip-resistant for safety when working on a slippery surface.

With these Columbia Newton Ridge Plus boots, your treacherous days on the job will become stress-free as the boot are full grain waterproof and a mesh boot construction that makes them safe and comfy. The mesh tongue allows maximum breathability to keep your feet cool all day long.

For versatility, the boot has contracting color combinations and the exterior is a soft mesh that portrays and delivers style and class. The adjustable feature is the lace-up design for adjustable and secure fitting.

The boot has a rubber sole, this ensures your feet are safe from electrical hazards as well as slipping from oil and water. The multi terrains traction design matches the formulated compounds and treads for specific movements. The boots grip the surface with maximum force alleviating chances of falling. The dual-zone tread for winter ensures solid firm footing on surfaces with snow or ice.

The shaft measures approximately 5 inches from the arch, the heel is about 1.5 inches and the platform are approximately 0.50 inches, which sums up to a supportive arch.

The Columbia Men’s Ridge Plus boot has responsive support from the supper gripping rubber outsole that is geared to harness over rocks and concrete for miles.

10. Timberland Pro 6 Inch Men’s Boondock Boots – View on Amazon

A boot designed for optimal performance, Timberland 6 Inches Pro Boondocks boots come with a dual-density midsole that protects the feet from shock attributing safety is adhered to. The waterproof boots reinforced with an Ever Guard Leather and a molded rubbers toe protector for protection from abrasions.

Ironworkers often find themselves working on slippery surfaces from oil spillage, therefore, an ironworker requires to have a boot that is high in traction, abrasion, and slip-resistant from oil for maximum productivity.

Additionally, the boot has an anti-fatigue technology which is a system designed to resist shock, and a geometrical technology for returning energy to the feet for all-day comfort and support.

The fiberglass shanks and the rigid external heels cup give you enough structural support to wade through different places in an iron site, actually enjoying walking as the feet are comfy. Sound great! Right?

These Timberland Pro 6 Inches boots have a nonmetallic toes box, met with the highest standards, protecting your toes from accidentals falls of objects like hammers.

The boot has a waterproof membrane and a thermocline 400g insulation. It helps to keep your feet feeling warm and dry if you are working on a wet surface.

The boots also perform well in an area where there is oil spillage, as they are slip-resistant. This allows you to walk freely on a slippery floor without getting worried about falling.

The boot is structured with a Welt Good Year Construction and a cement heel construction for durability and safety in an ironworking site.

7 Key Points to Consider When Buying Ironworkers boots – Buying Guide

Shopping for your favorite brand of chocolate is a walk in the park, but shopping for the best iron boots can be a daunting task if you do not know what factors to look out for in a boot.

Here are factors and qualities to consider when shopping for a boot for an ironworker

1. Safety Toes Protection

Composite or steel toe box offers maximum protection to your feet against accidental falls of items like a hammer. Ironworks boots can withstand an object that is approximately 75 pounds and not hurt your toe in case they fall on you.

2. Oil and Slip Resistant

Ironworkers are exposed to many risks among them falling and slipping as a result of the slippery floor. In this context, you must get a boot that has a resistant to oil outsole as this provides maximum traction required even when working on slippery surfaces to avoid getting hurt.

3. Proper Insulation

Boots that are properly insulated will keep your feet feeling comfortable. Even when you are working in cold environments the feet will feel dry. Insulated ironwork boots provide warmth and protection even in the tough winter days.

4. Shock Resistant

Ironworking involves working with electricity and we know iron is a good conductor of electricity.

So how do you remain safe in such an environment? Ensure the boots you have are resistant to electrical shock as this will offer optimal safety required.

5. Premium Leather Material

It is wise to invest in an expensive ironwork boot rather than to get a cheap boot that will occasionally need replacements. Look for a boot that is 100% pure leather with a rubber sole. Such a boot will last for many years before making another purchase.

6. Certification

Because of the nature of the job, your iron working boot should be certified by the ASTM, the safety regulatory board USA. This means the boot is a quality pick for ironworkers or in a construction site.

7. Lace-up Design

The lace-up design ensures that the boot will grip your feet to the ankle level firmly with no movements inside. This way you feel comfortable and safe you carry on with your work.

Best Iron Boots for Iron Workers – FAQ

Q1: Why do Ironworkers Wear Wedge Boots?

Wedge boots have one piece of rubber that comes from the heel to the toe of the boot. Wedge soles hardly cause strains to certain parts of your body, this makes ironworkers stand for many hours on end without feeling tired. The wedge sole evenly distributes your body weight across your entire foot. The wedge boots because of the design will not accumulate dirt on the sole. This helps to ease an ironworkers movement.

The wedge soles are also oil and heat resistant. The wedge soles are light and thus ensures that an ironworker will hardly get tired as they go about their jobs. Ironworkers prefer wedge sole boots because they have a shaft and steel toe that protects your feet and toes.

Q2: Which Kind of Boots do Iron Workers Wear?

Ironworkers wear the right boots to protect them from dangerous and hazardous situations in their work place. Ironworking is a dangerous job that requires you have the right gear for the job for instance when you are offshore drilling. Also, if the material is leather, the better this ensures it’s waterproof and keeps your feet dry.

For an ironworker to feel comfortable and safe, the boots need to be shock and oil resistant. They require to be fitted with a wedge sole to distribute the weight evenly in the foot. The boot will need to have a lace-up design to tuck the feet in place firmly. The taller the boot, the firmer it is. Take a look at the Thorogood American 8 Inch Heritage boot for instance.

Q3: What Protection Does a Steel Toe Have in an Iron Boot?

It is a steel cap found in the toe box of an iron boot. It protects the toes of the ironworker. It is made to meet a certain requirement of ASTM for foot protection against compression and impact. This means if a shoe has this feature, your toes are protected from accidental falls of items like a hammer.

Q4: Which are the Best Ironworking Boots?

Currently, we have many boots that offer safety and comfort to ironworkers like the Thorogood American Heritage, the Timberland Pro 6 Inches, Red Wing Iron Ranger, and the Caterpillar. The best boot needs to have a lace-up design to the ankle level for superior comfort and stability as you go about the field.

The boot structure should give your feet support and toe protection. The outsole should be resistant to oil and have firm traction to withstand construction sites and grip when you are working on structural buildings.

Lightweight and waterproof are also considerations for the best ironworkers boots and must have an EH rating. As an ironworker, you are exposed to many hazardous situations exposing your feet to the slippery floor which could be cause shock. Also, look for a boot that is well insulated to withstand winter to avoid getting fungal infections resulting from excessive sweating.

Conclusion

The best ironworker boots should give you comfort and safety, No bargain about it. Ironwork fields are risky, if you lack the right boots, you are potentially in danger of accidents like slipping or injuring your toes. Get a boot that will give you maximum traction to eliminate the fear of falling.

 

The waterproof nature will protect your feet in those winter days by keeping your feet warm. If you are looking for the best ironworking boots in the market currently, the above-reviewed picks will come in handy to make your ironworking career bliss.