Woodworking is a tough job; this is a fact that carpenters are well aware of.
As part of your job, you are working with heavy machinery and there are electrical and fire hazards that go with it, too. Workplace safety should be given a lot of thought and consideration and carpenters can start off by choosing the right footwear to use on the carpentry site.
Challenges that Carpenters Face On the Job
In order to select the right pair of work boots for carpenters, it is important to identify the challenges that they face while on the job. By identifying these challenges, you will be able to identify the features that you need to look for in the work boots to ensure safety, protection, comfort, and efficiency.
Carpenters typically work more than 40 hours a week and up to 8 hours per day at a time. They spend most of their time on their feet. The working environment also entails a lot of danger as there are plenty of sharp objects, heavy items, or hard surfaces. On top of that, carpenters often work in an outdoor work environment. This exposes them to variable working conditions (mostly extreme weather conditions) on a day to day basis. Needless to say, this is a strenuous work environment that carpenters have to deal with on a regular basis.
Aside from the innate challenges of the carpenter’s work environment, there are many other types of hazards that go with it. There is a lot of imminent danger when you are working with heavy tools and machinery. Carpenters are constantly subjected to risks of injuries and electrical hazards.
Taking precautionary measures and observing safe work practices can be a lifesaver for carpenters. It is also important to wear protective gear at all times once you enter the working site. The right pair of work boots that can withstand the challenges mentioned above is of the essential. You want boots that not only make you comfortable while working but can also withstand the extreme conditions at the job site.
What to Look for in Carpenter Work Boots
To help you find the right pair, there are a few features and characteristics that you need to look for in an ideal work boot. With boots that have the following features, you can enjoy peace of mind while on the job:
Durable and Flexible –
Durability is an obvious factor to consider when shopping for carpenter work boots. It is the most important feature with regards to safety since you will be dealing with heavy machinery and tools. At the same time, you will be standing a lot so you want your boots to offer longevity. Flexibility is also important because you do not want your boots to restrict your movement. It should adapt to your movement instead so you can stay comfortable and be productive at work.
Steel Toe –
This is one of the non-negotiable features when it comes to choosing the best boots for carpenters. This is an industry standard so your toes are protected from heavy objects that could potentially fall on your feet. There are plenty of materials available for safety toes on your boots but steel is the heaviest one and could offer the best protection. You can also find aluminum ones that are equally durable and tough but not as heavy as steel. Composite toes are the lightest ones in the market but they are ideal only for protecting against bumps and impacts.
Puncture Resistance –
Nails and other similar types of debris are part and parcel of your work environment as a carpenter. Make sure to choose a pair of work boots that can protect your feet from accidentally being punctured by any of these hazardous items. Ideally, your work boots must have midsoles that are made of either steel, Kevlar, or aluminum. It is also important to check the soles capacity to handle penetration forces of 1100N or less. You want to ensure that nothing can penetrate through your soles and your feet.
Slip Resistance –
Having items fall on your feet and toes are not the only hazard that you will face in a carpentry site; you will also be dealing with the possibility of slipping or falling. Therefore, find a good pair of work boots that are slip-resistant. This will give you adequate traction against all types of work surfaces so you can get better grip with every step.
Boot Weight –
A lot of carpenters tend to overlook this particular factor when shopping for boots only to regret it later. You want to choose boots that have durable materials that can protect you from falling debris or any other hazards while on the job. But you want to make sure that the weight of the boots won’t slow you down at work.
Breaking In Period –
It is not uncommon for most shoes to have a break-in period when you wear them for the first time. But as a carpenter, you want something that has minimal break-in period so you can optimize its performance at work. The sooner you can break in your shoes, the better able you can perform your work with maximum comfort and support.
On top of the factors that are listed above, there are many other notable factors to look into when you want to get the best work boots for carpenters. Among them are the breathability of materials and the right fit of the shoes. It is also important to consider how contoured the boots are since you will be moving around a lot. While you spend most of your time on your feet, you want your boots to be flexible enough when you have to kneel down or work on the ground. You do not want your boots to constrict your movement whatsoever.
Top 10 Best Work Boots for Carpenters 2020
Get started on shopping for the best work boots for carpenters for 2020. Here is a list of the top footwear choices that are recommended by experts for you to choose from.
1. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe
The Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Steel Toe Work Boots is one of the top-rated models in the market for carpenter use. It is made with 100% leather and designed for lightweight performance. At the same time, it delivers comfort and safety with toughness built-in, as you would expect from a Timberland shoe.
The Pit Boss is everything you aspire from a work boot and more. It is integrated with steel toe construction that meets the ANSI safety standards to give you peace of mind. The steel toe is designed to be roomier than your standard toe box so that you stay comfortable without compromising safety. In addition to the steel toe construction, the soles of these work boots provide excellent traction grip. Even when you are working on slippery surfaces, you can get excellent grip. The rubber outsole also delivers protection against electrical hazards, which is always present as carpenters work with electrical components and machinery.
On top of the protective features of the Pit Boss, comfort is at the forefront of its design. It is equipped with removable sock liners that prevent your feet from blistering. And it is also built for toughness – this work boots is crafted using Timberland’s world class standard of producing waterproof leather boots. It combines advanced shoe engineering, excellent design and premium materials to make this one of the best work boots for carpenters right now.
Pro’s
It is manufactured by a trusted shoe brand – Timberland.
It comes with standard steel toe construction for safety.
It offers optimum comfort and support on the job.
It is equipped with anti-fatigue insoles.
It delivers superior traction even on slippery surfaces.
It offers protection against electrical hazards.
Con’s
It can take a while to break in these work boots.
2. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot
The Irish Setter Men’s Aluminum Toe Work Boot is another model to consider when you are in the market for the best carpenter work boots. It is a mid-priced pair that gets the job done that looks good, too.
This pair is made with Trout Brook Leather, which is crafted exclusively for the Irish Setter brand. Thus, you can expect superb quality and advanced performance that you can depend on for many years. The work boots are also equipped with protective sole and heel construction that can rise up to the demands of the work environment. These features are delivered to offer next-level protection and to reduce hazards on the job. In particular, it gives you peace of mind against electrical hazards.
Aside from protecting you from electrical hazards, these work boots feature outsoles that pass tests on high heat surfaces. Therefore, it can withstand up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit of heat. And as expected, the Irish Setter Aluminum Toe Work Boot is integrated with a safety toe feature. It has satisfied the ASTM F2413-11, I/75C/75 standard so your toes are protected against all kinds of compression and impact at work.
Pro’s
It is constructed with the toughest kind of leather material.
It offers optimum heat resistance.
It comes with high quality safety toe construction using aluminum materials.
It protects against electrical hazards.
It is also waterproof.
Con’s
It is a little snug around the toe area.
3. RedbacK Men’s Safety Bobcat USBOK Dark Brown Elastic Sided Steel Toe Leather Work Boot
Another excellent addition to your choice of work boots for carpenters is the Redback Men’s Safety Bobcat Steel Toe Work Boot. It is reasonably priced at around the $150 range so it is a good investment for carpenters looking for a reliable pair for work. It also packs a variety of features that give you confidence while on the job.
The Redback Steel Toe Work Boot is constructed using premium leather materials. It is made in Australia and boasts of quality that is built to last. The boot itself is constructed with leather that is up to 2.7 mm in thickness. According to the manual, it is also up to 20% stronger than other work boots in the market. Therefore, it can proudly claim that this pair offers beyond the minimum international standard when it comes to safety and protection.
The leather is oil tanned and full chrome that means it does not harden or crack easily. Whether you are standing up or working on the ground, you can expect these boots to hold their shape longer. It also boasts of the Anatomic sole profile that minimizes sagging and gives optimum comfort to your feet in the process. No more foot fatigue, as well as leg and back ache when you are working on site.
Pro’s
It comes with a composite toe so you get the best of both worlds: lightweight and protective.
It is comfortable and provides support to your legs and back.
It comes with a non-existent break-in period.
It is extremely durable.
It is easy to put on and remove.
Con’s
It is Australian-made so sizing can be off; make sure to check the sizing chart thoroughly.
4. Timberland PRO Men’s G48Powerwelt Waterproof 8″ Steel-Toe Boot
Timberland shoes are built with the tradition of excellent craftsmanship and toughness in mind. This is what you can expect from Timberland PRO Men’s Waterproof Steel Toe Boots. It is rated as one of the best work boots in the market for carpenters because it has everything you could ever need to support working all day.
This steel toe boot is constructed using premium leather so you are confident it can withstand any outdoor elements. At the same time, the material makes it waterproof so your feet can stay dry all day long. It is also designed using the Goodyear Welt Cast-Bond technology to provide stability and a durable chemical bond. The choice of soles to use offers slip and abrasion resistance to the pair. And to top it off, it feels extremely comfortable to wear, too!
It is clear that Timberland has set a new standard when it comes to work boots! It is no wonder the brand is considered a leader in the work boot department with its advanced engineering and premium craftsmanship.
Pro’s
It comes with solid construction so the stitches do not come undone very easily.
It is suitable for all kinds of weather – hot or cold.
It is superior in comfort.
It is extremely waterproof.
It offers protection against electrical hazards.
Con’s
It does not breathe well inside the shoe.
5. Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
The Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger Boot is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best work boots for carpenters. It is priced on the higher end of the range but it does so in exchange for premium quality material and construction. This work boot is made with 100% leather materials and is constructed in the US.
The Iron Ranger was named after the hardworking miners in Minnesota; thus, it exemplifies the same quality and resilience you would expect from a miner’s boot. This one in particular features a durable stitch-down welt construction so it can hold its shape and maintain durability for many years. This robust footwear also comes with oil-resistant soles so you won’t have to worry about slipping or falling while on the site. The contrast stitching gives it a stylish appearance but it does not compromise on safety, thanks to its cap toe.
Pro’s
It is manufactured in the US.
It is made from 100% premium leather.
It features double-stitching welt construction for added durability.
It comes with a roomy cap toe for protection from injury.
It is slip and oil resistant.
Con’s
It runs larger than regular shoe sizes.
6. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe
Completing the list of the best work boots for carpenters is the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage Moc Toe. Thorogood has continually evolved over the years in its effort to bring the most reliable and comfortable work boots in the market. The American Heritage Moc Toe is a pure example of that effort as it combines innovation, comfort, and craftsmanship in one model.
Thorogood understands the value of having good work boots to rely on as part of your livelihood so you can get the job done. Not only is this recommended for carpenters but boasts of qualities that make it ideal for electricians, sheet metal workers, fabricators, utility linemen, and more. The tobacco oil-tanned leather material used on the American Heritage Moc Toe gives it a stylish look. But don’t let that fool you because this pair is built to last.
It is constructed with electric shock-resisting soles that can absorb up to 18,000 volts at 60 Hz. It also has excellent resistance to compression and impact; in fact, this pair is designed to withstand up to a 50-lb weight. Meanwhile, it is equipped with a removable and shock-absorbing foot bed so you can get the right amount of cushion you need to last you through each working day.
Pro’s
It comes with a stylish design and color.
It offers protection against electric shock.
It is durable and can provide protection against impact and injuries.
It comes with a shock-absorbing cushion and foot bed.
It has a slip-resistant outsole.
Con’s
The work boots run a bit narrow.