Plumbers are a hardworking bunch, and they need hardworking gear to keep up with them. When you’re replacing faucets and repairing boilers, you don’t want to have to worry about your equipment failing you, and that equipment includes what you are wearing.
Finding a good pair of workboots isn’t especially difficult, but finding a good pair of workboots that are nicely tailored to the plumbing trade is a little trickier. It’s not enough to be durable, you need boots that are waterproof, and have excellent grip for those slippy surfaces you sometimes find yourself on. Of course, durable is essential, especially in the toe area, as all the kneeling an average plumber does in the line of duty tends to wear the toe out especially.
There’s a lot to think about, but don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the best work boots for plumbers for your convenience. Read on to see what we chose.
1. Irish Setter Men’s Ely Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot
Irish Setter has a robust range of workboots, and the Ely Waterproof 6″ boot is one entry in that range they can be proud of. The boot upper is made from full-grain leather, making it both extremely durable and somewhat stylish. That upper is attached to a PU V-Grip outsole for excellent grip on smooth surfaces, as well as resistance to abrasion, gas, and oil.
Moving up to the midsole, you will find plenty of support, which should be considered essential for any work boot. This combines nicely with the added heel and ankle protection. It won’t stop you from twisting your ankle, but it will keep you safe from a reasonably heavy knock around that area. The composite toe cap meets safety standards, and the sole is rated to protect against electrical hazards.
Pros
- Durable full-grain leather upper
- Rated for electrical hazards
- Oil, gas, and abrasion-resistant sole
Cons
- Grip not ideal on extremely slippery surfaces
2. Wolverine Men’s W02053 DuraShock-M
A surprisingly stylish piece of footwear for tough workboot, the Durashock-M is made from 100% leather upper and can be purchased in typical tan brown or dark brown. The sole is made from rubber, with Durashock shock absorbing compression pads molded into the outsole to reduce the stress on your feet and joints when moving around. There is a nylon shank for added stability without adding too much weight. The souls are grippy, even on wet surfaces, which is obviously a plus for any boot that will be used for plumbing work.
Inside the boot, you will find a removable cushion footbed. The boot is fully unlined, which may be a turn off for some, but the leather does provide a good deal of insulation as well as protection from knocks and sharp objects. The Durashock-M offers plenty of ankle protection, and sports some very rugged laces.
Pros
- 100% leather upper is both durable and stylish
- Rubber sole is good on wet surfaces
- Plenty of ankle protection
- Removable cushion footbed
Cons
- The boot is not lined
3. KEEN Utility – Men’s Coburg 8″ (Steel Toe) Waterproof Work Boot
The KEEN Utility Men’s Coburg Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot is the perfect pair for plumbers on the job. This work boot is designed with a safety steel toe feature so you have confidence when on the job site so you can get the job done. At the same time, the boot itself is designed with a durable construction so it can last no matter how tough the work environment is. It is American made so the quality is guaranteed.
The quality of the construction is matched with the quality of the materials used. The Keen Coburg 8-inch Waterproof Work Boot is made with leather and a synthetic sole. The choice of material makes it ideal for plumbers to wear on the job because it helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable, even when you spend hours wearing it. It is also made with the proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane known as KEEN Dry. This type of material ensures that vapor is released from inside your shoes without allowing water in, even if you work on wet surfaces.
In addition to being waterproof, the work boot is built with heel guard protection. This makes this pair resilient enough to withstand bumps and scrapes, which makes it ideal for plumbers and other tough work environments. The TPU shank offers midfoot support so you can stay comfortable even when you are wearing the pair for hours. Another patented feature for this work boot is the hydrophobic/hydrophilic 2-zone comfort technology. This conscious construction approach makes this pair ideal for various industries, not just for plumbing, as it continually pushes the boundary of how work boots should be.
Pro’s
- It is designed for comfort and support.
- It is ideal for plumbers because of its waterproof construction.
- It is integrated with adequate safety and protective features.
- It is built with slip-resistant soles.
- It is made in the US using premium materials.
Con’s
- It is not as durable as other work boots in the market.
4. Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot
The Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot is another recommended model for plumbers to use on the work site. It is made with 100% leather and is designed with a waterproof construction to ensure that you can do your work as a plumber.
Timberland is a brand that has been around for decades and has manufactured some of the best work boots in the market. This reputation alone is enough to give you more confidence about the quality and craftsmanship of this work boot.
This is a soft-toe boot but for plumbers it is not an issue because the premium waterproof leather ensures abrasion resistance. The waterproof quality guarantees that you won’t have to worry about your feet getting wet while you work. Your feet will stay comfortable and dry so you can focus on work that needs to get done.
Other essential features of this work boot include a dual purpose top hardware, rubber toe protector, Goodyear welt construction, and a dual-density shock absorbing technology.
When working as a plumber, what you wear on your feet is as important as the work tools you use. Since every work situation is different, you need a pair of work boots that can adapt to the changing needs of your work. With the Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot, you can expect comfort, durability and performance all at once. You won’t have to worry when you have to work all day since you have a pair of boots that can cope with your needs.
Pro’s
- It is designed with superior construction for the most demanding work environments.
- It comes with built-in comfort technologies.
- It is equipped with workplace hazard protection.
- It is designed with the comfort of a work boot but with the performance of a hiking boot.
Con’s
- It can take a while to break in but is very comfortable after that.
5. Thorogood Men’s GEN-FLEX 6-Inch Lace-Toe Composite Work Boot
Another recommended pair of work boots for plumbers is the Thorogood Men’s GEN-FLEX 6-Inch Lace-Toe Composite Work Boot. This is the go-to option for plumbers and for workers across various industries. This is a lightweight and slip-resistant work boot that delivers comfort and superior performance that can withstand any challenge at work.
The primary feature of this composite work boot is that it has complied with the ASTM F2913-11 SATRA Test Method TM144 (or Mark II). This is the industry criteria when it comes to slip resistance. This is an important feature for plumbers as you might be dealing with wet and slippery surfaces as part of your work. You need the reassurance that your choice of footwear is capable of providing you protection against all types of surfaces.
It is also designed with a composite safety toe that delivers the same level of protection as a steel toe. However, you get the benefit of a corrosion-resistant and non-metallic toe protection. It also weighs less so you can stay comfortable even when wearing this work boot all day long. Another key feature of the Thorogood composite work boot is the electric-shock resisting soles and heels. This makes this work boot a versatile one for use for a variety of purposes, including electricians or similar hazards at work. Aside from your own protection, the use of non-metallic hardware on the shoes guarantees that you won’t scratch any surfaces you are working with.
On top of the aforementioned features, you will appreciate the lightweight construction of this work boot. It ensures comfort of the user in mind so you won’t have to sacrifice that in order to enjoy superior performance.
Pro’s
- It meets industry standards for safety and performance.
- It is lightweight and is made of non-abrasive materials.
- It has electric shock-resistant soles and heels.
- It is built with a superior yet lightweight safety toe cap.
Con’s
- It is not as waterproof as other boots on this list.
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