Carpentry can be a tough line of work. You spend the majority of the day on your feet, bent over, and working hard. That is why it is important to find work boots that are comfortable and supportive, that will help you stay focused on your work.
But it’s not only that.
There are also hazards to working in carpentry. You are constantly surrounded by sharp tools and heavy objects, which can cause injury. That is why it is important to get a work boot that has a solid toe to protect you from injury. Simialir to other blue collar workers such as delivery drivers or mail carriers safety and protection are the highest priority when choosing a shoe.
There’s also the issue of paint, stain, and other liquids on the floor that can cause you to slip. With a work boot that has good traction, you can avoid slipping and falling, both of which can cause serious injuries.
You know what to look for in the best work boots for carpenters, but there are so many options out there to choose from. Not sure where to begin your search for the best work boots for carpenters? Thankfully, we’ve done all the hard work for you! From KEEN to Timberland, we looked at the best of the best and created a list of the best work boots for carpenters.
Top 5 Best Work Boots for Carpenters 2022
Let’s do a quick summary of the top 10 if you’re in a hurry. Following that you can read a comprehensive and detailed review for each of the selected shoes
1. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe
2. Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6 Inch Waterproof Soft Toe Work Shoe
3. EVER BOOTS”Tank” Men’s Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Boots
4. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6″ Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot
5. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot
So here comes the in-depth reviews, Buying guide and Frequently Asked Quesions
Let’s Start!
1. Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel-Toe – View On Amazon
I think these boots, taking into accounts the benefits they offer (and the few drwabacks they have) are the the best choice for carpenters currently.
Let’s explain why.
In my opinion they are safer compared to other models – they have a great outsole that can protect you from nails, broken glass and other common dangers in a carpenter’s day.
And they come with steel toe cap, so you should not worry of failing objects that may hurt your feet.
When I talk about safety I mean also about reducing the chance of slipping and falling and getting injured, and this boot delivers!
As we mentioned before this model offers excellence level of safety, as it meets the ANSI safety standards for both slip and oil resistance with a great traction grip – something not many other boots offer.
Timberland tried to make this boot extra comfortable and they succeeded! Their cushioning system is simply amazing. They claim to have a 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology that really works. This reduces the fatigue on your legs, feet, and lower back. This is essential for carpenters that spend all day on their feet.
One problem we found though, is that (in our opinion), the boots fell much heavier than claimed by Timberland. The steel toe cap, leather and the outsole accumulate to a weight of around 2 pounds in my experience.
My Experience: While it is not lightweight as Timberland claim, it is not an issue for either. I got used to it after a week or so, and I felt extremely comfortable wearing them..
Last to mention, the boots are very stylish and good looking (in my eyes) they also preserve that look for a long period of time – 10 months and even more. The shoes are not only stylish but also very supportive with built-in arch support for your feet – very important requirement for a carpenter!
Summarizing the overall benefits and drawbacks these shoes offer, In my opinion they are one of the best boots for carpenters, if not the best one. Love them!
- Exteremly comofrtable with their 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology
- Steel toe cap makes it safe from falling objects
- ANSI certified for slip and oil-resistance
- Provides great traction to reduce slips and falls
- Stylish boots which can last for years
- Although timberalnd claims they are lightweight, we think they seem to be a bit heavy – around 2 pounds.
2. Wolverine Men’s Floorhand 6 Inch Waterproof Soft Toe Work Shoe – View On Amazon
We researched countless boots that promise to be waterproof, but we were not impressed.
Except for this one.
They’re the only shoes that kept my feet warm and dry even in rainy and coldest days of winter with tons of ice outside.
I personally think the safety features on these shoes is top notch. The steel toe is ASTM rated, and it offers electric hazard protection for your feet in case something goes wrong (like if you step onto some power lines).
Plus, the outsole has good grip when walking or running over water with its lugged design which helps reduce slipping while also preventing muddy runoff from getting inside thanks to deep grooves cut into each individual tooth by experts who know what they’re doing!
These shoes are cut slightly higher than usual, but there’s a generous amount of cushioning around the ankles – that makes them comfortable and cozy with eyelets allow plenty for lacing customization.
What I didn’t like about this boot, is that it started falling apart after 10 months. Wolverine promised it can hold up to 3 to 10 years – not in my case! I worked very hard in these months, but I still expect it to last much longer than that.
Still, in my opinion they deserve to be in the top 10 boots for carpenters, especially if you work in cold weather.
- The only boot that is really waterproof
- Very wide toe box – great feeling for your feet
- The removable cushion footbeds enable you to insert custom orthotics
- Lightweight construction
- Excellent Grip and great traction – slip resisitant
- They didn’t last long enough, only 10 months – not as promised
3. EVER BOOTS”Tank” Men’s Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Work Boots – View On Amazon
If you are working in toughest conditions (for example in construction sites, or in factory) you need a tough boot, with top protection.
And ever boots are the best choice for you.
It has excellent toe protection (although not steel toe shoe), that can help you avoid falling objects and getting injured, and the protection they offer is much better than other brands that have steel toe protection.
More than that, safety wise, the sole is stitched, so it offers excellent grip and traction in wet environments, which is perfect for your safety.
Comfort wise, they are great! In our testing they feel very comfortable, and the steel shank reduce the foot fatigue. I tried them for two weeks, and besides the first hours of usage, they felt great – no complaints!
One final advice: It is best to toss the original insoles that come with this boot! Get another high-quality ones, this will give much more in the long run. You should invest in quality insoles, so that may add up another 20$. We think it’s worth the price!
- Well-built with solid toe protection to reduce injury
- Stylish design that can be used for work and casual wear
- Shoelace tabs make it easy to adjust shoes for a comfortable fit
- Rubber sole and Goodyear welt construction makes these shoes durable with great traction
- They are not the most durable boots – SVV insole starts to break down
4. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6″ Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot – View On Amazon
One quality we look for in a work boots, admit it or not is style. We want good looking shoes that will keep their look over them, and this is exactly what keen Pittsburgh offers.
These boots are simply beautiful.
But of course, we wouldn’t list this shoe if it was about style only. These boots are made from high quality materials that will last for long, and features that not many other boots will offer.
One of these features is meatal lace hooks for locking your shoelaces. Seems like a simple feature but it can make a lot of difference to electricians, carpenters who can stumble over and get injured.
The great thing about the KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh 6″ Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot is that it offers electric shock resistance. With electrical hazard-rated outsoles, this provides great traction and added protection from electrical circuits and hazards.
Overall, despite the drawbacks we mentioned we think its definately one of the best shoes around!
- Great for tough conditions
- Locking metal lace hooks great for heavy duty workers
- Steel toes for added protection and reduced risk of injury
- Ability to serve as a work boot or sports shoe
- Soles are not as durable as other brands of work boots for carpenters
5. Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot – View On Amazon
Irish setters have 60 years legacy and reputation of creating top notch outdoor shoes and boots and being a leader in the industry.
And their Aluminum toe work boot lives up to the expectations.
When it comes to carpentry work, their steel boot is one of the best boots in the industry.
Well, let’s start.
These work boots are 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
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, it 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.
But we found a few problems too.
Second, they are no suitable for people with wide feet – they are not wider than a normal size and may cause your feet to ache.
Not recommended for people with wide feet!
- 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.
- It is a little snug around the toe area.
- Not good for people with wide feet
Buying Guide – 6 Points to Look for in when searching for the Best Work Boots for Carpenters
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.
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.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Best Work Boots for Carpenters – Frequently Asked Questions
If you are going to buy the best work boots for carpenters it is important to know what to look for. Not all shoes are created equal and there are some shoes that are better than others when it comes to long days on your feet. If you want to reduce your risk of injury or fatigue, keep reading to learn what to keep an eye out for when selecting the top work boots for carpenters!
What should you look for in quality work boots for carpenters?
There are many features that make a work boot “the best work boot for carpenters” and we are here to break down that list for you. When you are looking for a great pair of work boots, look for boots that:
- Are in your budget range
- Are Comfortable with shock absorption to reduce fatigue
- Offer the right toe protection – steel/composite toe for protection vs. soft toe for flexibility and comfort
- Have a mesh liner to provide temperature control
- Feature a rubber outsole for slip-resistance
- Have leather construction for durability
- Have electric resistance if your job requires it
- Fit your style preference
- Are lightweight to reduce fatigue
What are the best brands for carpenter work boots?
There are many great brands that come to mind when you are talking about the best work boots for carpenters. These brands include Timberland, Keen Utility, Carhartt, Wolverine, Ever Boot, and Golden Fox. Other top brands for the best work boots for carpenters include Caterpillar, Redback, Irish Setter, and Thorogood American Heritage.
Where can you buy the best work boots for carpenters?
There are many places that you can buy work boots for carpenters. While you can find these types of work boots in department stores, the best place is often online retailers. Purchasing work boots for carpenters from Amazon is often a great option because you can find great deals, get boots delivered quickly, and returns are easy to make!
Do carpenters need to have steel toe boots?
Steel toes are not required for carpenters. However, some carpenters like to have steel toes because it provides added protection when they are lifting heavy things. Others prefer soft toe moots because it allows them more flexibility and comfort.
How long do work boots for carpenters last?
How long the best work boots for carpenters really depends on the construction of them. Quality work boots will last a while, especially if you maintain them well. With careful cleaning and care, you can keep your work boots looking and feeling great. Be sure to wipe your boots clean but avoid using bleach or strong detergents that can damage the material. You can also use silica gel packets to wick moisture from the boots. Overall, if you care for boots well, you should be able to get at least a year out of them, if not more.