Top 8 Best Shoes for Painters in 2020 – Reviews & Buying Guide

If you are a painter and you do not have the right shoes for the job, your feet will take a beating.  Painters spend 8-10 hours going up and down the ladder and standing on the hard-concrete surface exacting the whole-body weight on the shoes. You probably have heard most painters complain of unending back pains, sore feet. This is because they do not have the right boot that gives them comfort when they are at the job. Once you don’t have the right work shoe, you will notice your feet may develop blisters and this could affect your output. Without the right shoe, your feet lack adequate cushion and support that makes your work easier.

Comfort is key when you are at any manual job. Therefore, a painter requires a good work boot that has a non-slip outer sole as this will protect you from slipping to the ground. The right painting shoe requires to be comfy, the sole needs to bend and it must also be the right fit to prevent you from getting blisters as you will spend most of your time moving about. The outer sole requires to be flexible as this allows you to climb ladders with ease.

Safety is the single most important aspect when you are selecting the right painting boot. The boots must have the right weight and insulated inner-wear. The boots must be resistant to sole punctures from nails dropped on the site.  When it comes to selecting the right painting boots, most paint contractors are torn between walking shoes and work boots. That is why we have compiled this latest guide 2020 to help you purchase the right footwear.

Here are our Top 8 Best Painter Shoes 2020

1. Thorogood American Men Heritage

The boot is constructed with an electric shock resisting heel and sole that withstands application of 18,00 watts, Thorogood has focused on innovation and safety making this boot one of the best work shoes that will get the job done. Performing specialized jobs require specialized boots like the Thorogood Heritage which is built with a removable shock-absorbent footbed cushion on the inside.

Main Features

The construction of this shoe is top-notch. It is made of leather that making it durable, easy to clean, and stylish.  The outsole is made of Max wear single-density polyurethane that makes this boot slip-resistant. With this boot, it is hard to slip and fall and this enables you to perform your duties with ease. These boots are made with a tobacco oil-tanned tobacco leather that will allow your feet to aerate. This iconic boot is engineered to contour comfort as you work.

This ankle-length boot comes with a moccasin toe and a cushioning wedge-like sole. This design enables you to stand for long hours without feeling the weight of your body as the shoe is offering extra support. For maximum comfort, Thorogood has rugged metal eyelets and a clamshell lacing enabling you to adjust to your fit.

The shoe has a removable shock absorption ultimate footbed insole that gives your feet some cushioning they need as you move from one corner to the other.  The boots are available in different sizes and styles ranging from side zip, wellington footwear, and lace to toe designs.

2. Carhartt 6 Inch Composite Men CMF 6366 Boot

What is amazing about Carhartt composite men boot is that the upper is constructed of 100% leather which protects your feet from any kind of pain and discomfort. It has a rugged flex technology which means the rubber bends quite easy allowing you to move from one point to the other.

Main Features

Carhartt footwear has a rubber sole that absorbs traction making it an ideal boot for working in any environment. It is ideal for outdoor and indoor whether you are painting inside a house or just taking strolls in the job site, this boot will keep your feet supported all through.

It is important to note the oil-tanned leather is why we believe so much in this boot since it is resistant to water and paint spills. It is easy to wipe clean in case there are paint spills on your boot.  Apart from protecting your feet from paint spills it also protects your ankle from falling objects.

The outer rubber sole features an amazing traction force that reduces friction on the surface you are standing and this helps you to have a firm grip on the surface or when working on top of a building.

It is good to note the inner of the Carhartt 6 inches composite boot is molded from a soft lining which helps to keep the interaction between the painter’s feet and the shoe gentle and away from blisters. The generously padded collar and a lightweight midsole which gives your feet multiple cushioning for superior comfort.

It has a lace-up design with plus hooking strings to ensure your feet have a tight fit and grip making you feel comfortable all day.

3. Georgia Giant Romeo Men Boot

What is amazing about the Georgia Giant Romeo boot is that the upper is constructed of pure soft leather. Rather than talk the talk, we prefer the boot walk the talk and this boot right here will help you achieve that. The leather makes it easier for painters to clean the paint and oil spills.

Main Features

Painters take pride in building real value with their bare hands. For that, they will need a gear that makes their work easier like the Georgia Giant Romeo boot which is incorporated with a rubber sole that gives maximum traction ability.

The padded tongue gives the upper foot a cushion and enjoys a comfortable fit even if you have a narrow or wide foot. Its light padded collar and pliable upper leather construction and the padded insole are comfortable and durable construction to keep your feet plugging off and ensure the painting job is done perfectly.

A slip-on feature style that has elastic gores and perfectly fitted nylon webbing pull up straps that get you moving with ease. With a successful track record dating back to 1937, this work shoe strives to give thousands of people what their feet are asking for excellent output either on the farm or in a painting job site.

For a very harsh condition on the job site, the Georgia boot is designed with an oil-resistant bumpers guard plus the Good Year welts construction to provide protection and comfort all day. It has the EVA midsole, (the part which is sandwiched between the outer sole and the upper sole) which absorbs shock and gives your feet the desirable cushioning it deserves.

4. Ever Boots Tanks Men

The Tank work shoe boot is perfectly designed with a 2.00 MM premium Nubuck for durability and provides a comfortable fit. The boots have insulated mesh-like lining that aerates your foot and keeps them comfortable for longer working days. With the tough construction of the Goodyear Welt, this boot is a dependable all-around work boot.

Main Features

The toughest shoe construction is the Good year and this makes the ‘Tanks’ Ever Boot durable and it is the perfect choice for contractors, electricians, and all yard jobs. The rubber outsole gives the shoe the maximum stability which enables you to stand and walk on hard terrains and surfaces.

To reduce fatigue, the boot is supported by the steel shank and this is known to reduce pressure when you are climbing the ladders or the stairs. With a tank tread unique pattern, this boot gives dependable traction whenever you are working on an uneven or slippery surface.

After a long working day, you want a boot that is easy to come off your feet.  This boot has perfect speed hooks that enable you to put in and take off and this makes it a classic boot for any occasion.

The PU innersole offers maximum protection and comfort to your feet for long working hours. The soft leather takes the pain of thinking to get another pair of boots, the soft leather is comfy and feels great to the feet and you will not have to remove the boots while you are at your painting job.

The good news is that the Ever Tanks Boots have a range of different sizes from regular to wide.  The oil-resistant quality enhances durability and prevents the leather from deterioration from oil paint for durability. Also, the shaft measures 7 inches approximately from the arch.

5. Danner Men’s Vicious Boots

The Danner Vicious Boots have a rubber sole which allows perfect traction to the painters when working and is crafted with an upper synthetic material that professionally protects the feet from oil spillage and water. The boot is available in brown and orange color and made of 100% pure leather on the upper side to the ankle.

Main Features

An ergonomic fit- This means when the shoe was being manufactured the ergonomic structure of the feet was put into consideration playing attention to the toes. This allows the toes to splay naturally and this allows your heel to lock in its right place. It is designed with a safety composite toe around to maintain a perfect fit.

With a quality arch support feature, the painter enjoys a smooth time when climbing the stairs or the ladder. The upper part of this boot was molded with a full grains leather that is richly oiled which makes it water and chemical proof.

The toe and heel cap are 100% resistant to abrasion making it 100% effective to wear for a longer period. Also, the shoe has a low-profile heel which measures approximately 1.5” and is arched to 90 degrees, and this offers the painter maximum sturdiness and support.

The trail-guards platform is a cool and unique construction that provides support to your feet by integrating the durable TPUs shank that is in the midsole. Besides, the EVA midsole is made to offer to cushion to your feet which makes the Danner Men’s boot one of the perfect boots to give unconventional support.

The boots upper is lined up with a breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX and a strong Vibram rugged outsole for superior traction for both indoor and outdoor activities. The EVA cushioning is dual-density and the inside is fitted together with a shock-absorbent cushion for more underfoot comfort and support.

6. Timberland Pro Boondock Men’s

In case you are looking for professional-looking painting boots that give you class and class, then you have the right pick here. With a perfect rubber sole, the Timberland Pro Men Bondoock will give you a firm traction force that allows you to remain active and powerful. Timberland Pro is designed and reinforced to help you tackle demanding jobs.

The tread aggressive patterns and rugged leather are used in the entire collection to create work boots that deliver on performance and comfort.

Main Features

The Timberland pro men’s wear is made to withstand electrical hazard areas with an oil-slip resistant sole that offers optimal performance safety the entire day. The shoe is built on a focus on performance and work protection as it is also lightweight.

This 6inch boot with a classic design and style has a full-grain pure leather that will ensure the painter’s foot is protected from paint spills and water.  The leather plays a crucial role in protecting the painter’s foot from a falling object. The composite’s safety toe technology was added by Timberland Pro and this makes it a sturdy and protective shoe for superior protection.

The rubber sole makes this Timberland shoe super comfy and lightweight. It has a quality polyurethane layer on the lower side of this shoe insole to add extra cushion which is aided by a padded collar.

The dual-density midsole is all-weather and this is the one that takes the shock which is generated when you are climbing ladders and stairs. To ensure the boot remains intact in the painter’s feet all day, the Timberland is fitted with a professional lace design, that covers the tongue and keeps it in place.

The footbed is a dual-density anti-fatigue that will take all the weight and the pressure of your feet when you are standing on a hunk of hard concrete.

7. Keen Utility Men Work Boot

One of the brands that bring along versatility, comfort, and class all in one is the Keen Utility work shoe. The snug-fitting heel and a spacious intuitive toes box make this shoe stand out as one of a kind. The Keen dry breathable and waterproof membrane helps in keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

Main Features

The Keen Utility work shoe features an asymmetrical toes protective cover that is made to fit the right and left toe protecting the small and the big toe and this complies with the right workplace shoe. The large toe box allows the toes to spread well and breathe out and allow enough room for the toes to flex preventing blisters and pinching.

The non-marking and oil slip-resistant outsole makes this shoe one of the safest to walk in. It has a reflective webbing for visibility and safety and the CleanSport helps to deliver a natural odor.

The molded reinforcement on the shoe toe box will safeguard your feet from mild impacts and unexpected abrasions combining an innovative shape.

The boot has a Nubuck waterproof upper leather that gives your feet protection when oil and paint spill. The TSS which is the (Torsional Stability Shank) gives your midfoot enough support when you are standing on the hard concrete. The dry lex lining footwear has a hydrophilic two-layer zone technology for dryness and comfort.

8. Golden Fox Boots

Did you know fashion also meets durability? Well, with these amazing Golden Fox Boots you will make a statement either on the job site or in casual places. What is more amazing too about the Golden Fox boots is that they have a Goodyear welt technology construction making them super durable. The Golden Fox is one of the common shoes used by most painters since it has a sole that is easy to clean.

Main Features

This boot is constructed with full-grain pure leather on the upper part for superior comfort and stability. The leather also prevents water from leaking into the toes keeping your feet dry.

For reliable and maximum protection, the outsole has a rubber-on and a texon footboard that has a steel shank for superior comfort when you are doing your chores.

It has a Goodyear welt construction which makes this boot one of the strongest and suitable for construction work as it has a denier yarn that is sewn to the welt. This means that even abrasions will not damage this work shoe.

Most painters work in hazardous locations, this shoe is professionally made in such a way that it can absorb an electrical shock. Any painter who works with an airbrush can rest assured this boot is a sure bet when it comes to safety.

The ortholite quality insole also ensures that when you are coming down the stairs or the ladders some shock is absorbed and this protects your feet. The full-grain leather material is an added advantage as this ensures that the painter is protected from chemical and oil spillage in case they happen.

For extra support and comfort, the manufacture paid great detail on the toe box. This ensures that the painters’ toes are protected from anything falling and that the toes have ample space. T An ortholite quality insole is incorporated and this ensures the painter’s feet will rest comfy throughout the day.

The Golden Fox boot has a padded collar that offers comfort and stability. And with a lace design that goes up to almost the end of the boot, this boot is a comfortable pair when you are moving from the stair or climbing to paint the rooftop.

Buyers Guide on How to Choose the Right Painters Shoe

There are many risks that painters encounter each day in their profession. The major complaints are sore feet as a result of standing for long hours, backaches, and blisters caused by improper fitting shoes. Standing for many hours while exacting your body weight on the hard concrete takes a toll on your feet especially if you do not have the right shoe that is cushioned to give your feet the comfort it deserves.

Painters are always on the move and their feet are always on a flex mode and this calls one to have a shoe with a flexible sole. The right shoe also will require to have traction so that one does not fall or slip down. The other reason why a painting professional will need an appropriate boot is that paint and water can spill. Therefore, they will need water and oil resistant shoe that is also easy to clean.  The above shoe options are readily available in the market and a perfect fit for wide and narrow for. It can be hard to settle on one shoe that will fit you perfectly while offering all the Oxford features you are looking for. However, with the above review, you will settle on a pair that will suit your needs.

Let’s delve deeper and find out the nitty-gritty features when you are looking for a painting work shoe.

Comfort

The number one question that a professional painter will ask themselves is “How comfortable is this boot?” To ensure you answer that question right, ensure that you look for the type of shoe that comes with a padded tongue and collar. The sole should be constructed with double density rubber to ensure that the bodyweight will not cause pain to your feet and you carry on your duties.

Look for work shoes that has a padded tongue and ensure the toe box is wide for comfort.  Look for a shoe that has a removable insole as this will allow you to replace it with one that has a better cushion.

Electric Resistant

Painters are often exposed to many hazards when on the job site. And because they are constantly moving from one location to the other, they may encounter serious hazards like electricity. Naked wires may be left open by their colleagues and this poses a danger. Thanks to technology, painters have shifted from using the traditional wall brush and are now using the automatic airbrush which requires electricity.

When they are handling such a device, it exposes them to shock which has serious consequences. If you are a painter and you occasionally make use of the electrical airbrush, it is wise to shop for work boot that has an electric resistant sole as this will be the determinant factor between a good job and a serious injury. One such boot we have reviewed is the Thorogood Toe Boot and the ‘Tank’ Soft Boot for instance.

Build Material

The entire boot needs to have good quality full-grain leather which offers flexibility as well as being paint and water-resistant. The leather material protects your feet in case there is oil spillage or there are falling objects. Having the right boot that is full-grain leather not only shows class but it will be easy to clean and a good example is the Carhatt CMF 6366 which covers your foot to the ankle.

Rugged Flex/ Flexibility

Due to the complexity and the nature of painting, you will require to have a shoe that has 100% rugged flex technology. This means the shoe can flex or bend easily as you will be moving about as you are doing your job. This kind of shoe will help you move with ease and not hold you back. The boots that we have put to test all have rubber soles. The rubber sole acts as traction and this prevents you from sliding.

Out of the boots we have looked at, the Carhatt Composite 6-inch boot is more flexible as it has an additional polyurethane layer that sits perfectly under the shoe insole that aids in sole flexibility while the runner up is the Georgia Giant shoe.

Steel Shank

The steel shank supports the arch of the boot and this helps to reduce fatigue. When you are standing on a hard surface, the feet receive too much pressure from the surface and form the body weight. The arch alleviates too much pressure that is exacted when you are climbing or coming down the stairs.

Safety Features

Every job requires that you have the right gear to do the job as it is required. A good painter shoe that is ASTM rated to deliver high performance on oily and wet surfaces.

How Do you Select the Right Painters Shoe Online?

Getting the right painter shoe online can be a daunting task. With many options in the market and all the vendors promoting their own as the best, it is wise to check to have some know-how of what you are looking for before you make a purchase.

Here are quick pointers to help you

Buy from trusted vendors

Ensure you purchase from trusted manufacturers or a trusted store. Although the name is not a 100% total assurance, it reduces the chance of getting a goofy product.

Read Reviews

Look out for a product that has multiple positive reviews from customers. This way you know that product has been tested by other users. The more the product has many positive reviews the more likely it is a good choice.

Check guarantees and warranty

This is one overlooked factor when people are shopping online. Check if the product has a warranty. You might purchase a shoe only to find it is not the right fit or damaged. It is quite important when you conveniently return it for a replacement.

Conclusion

Currently, there are multiple options in the market to pick from when you are looking for a painter’s shoe. Finding the right boot is not an easy task especially when you have many options. You need to weigh your options and consider which one fits your budget and your needs before placing an order.

Hopefully, this buying guide and the review makes it easy for you to make the right decision. We selected the very best pairs that are available in the market currently. Of course, since the above shoes are the best pick, it might be hard for you to make a conclusive decision. Worry not! Check out the buyer’s guide as this will shed more insight on what to look out for in a painter’s work shoe.