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 waterproof boots, and have excellent grip for those slippy surfaces you sometimes find yourself on. Of course, durability 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. and without further a due
What are the Best Work Boots for Plumbers?
1. Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 Construction Work Boot
2. Wolverine Men’s Loader 6″ Soft Toe Wedge Work Boot
3. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Side Zip Sneaker
4. Danner Men’s Trakwelt NMT Work Boot
5. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men
6. Irish Setter Men’s Ely Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot
7. Wolverine Men’s W02053 DuraShock-M
8. KEEN Utility – Men’s Coburg 8″ (Steel Toe) Waterproof Work Boot
9. Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot
10. Thorogood Men’s GEN-FLEX Composite Work Boot
Top 10 Best Work Boots for Plumbers in 2021 – Detailed Reviews & Buying Guide
1. Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 Construction Work Boot – View On Amazon
Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe) meets ASTM F2413-18 EH standards.
Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection.
Cushion Comfort Insole
Carhartt is a name that is well known in the work boots industry. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 was chosen as our top pick for plumbers!
Made with 100% leather material, these dark brown boots are made with synthetic soles and are designed to be waterproof (an essential feature for plumbers). With this on, you are ready to do some serious work.
The 6-inch work boot features the Rugged Flex technology innovated by the brand. Thus, it can withstand even the toughest work conditions that plumbers have to go through. The heel measures 1.75 inches, which is just the perfect height to protect your feet from the elements.
The upper part of the boots is also made of premium leather. Every pair comes with a composite steel toe to deliver extra protection to your feet while on the worksite. The steel toe construction not only meets but exceeds ASTM 2413-11 standards. On the other hand, the cement construction gives it added durability even when you wear it every day and under tough conditions. You can get extra support and durability with the addition of rubber heels and toes. It also comes with a lace-up closure that ensures a tight fit.
The dual-density OrthoLite insole ensures maximum comfort for the wearer. Meanwhile, the patented WorkFlex rubber outsole can handle all kinds of working environments, which gives you more confidence when you wear it for any plumbing job.
- It is extremely comfortable to wear.
- It is made of premium leather materials.
- It is waterproof.
- It comes with a steel toe for protection.
- Its eyelet closure is built in such a way that the laces do not get damaged easily.
- It is affordable for its quality.
- It runs a tad larger.
2. Wolverine Men’s Loader 6″ Soft Toe Wedge Work Boot – View On Amazon
Removable full-cushioned footbed
Unlined with padded collar so your feet stay cool
Genuine full-grain leather upper
The Wolverine Men’s Loaded Work Boot is built to be lightweight yet durable. It is a moc-toe boot so it is designed to keep your feet comfortable. Thus, it is the ideal choice for plumbers so that your feet can withstand long hours of work. It is also built with fatigue-fighting reinforcement technology along with an unlined upper.
The Wolverine Men’s Loaded Work Boot is built with Goodyear welt construction. This enables the shoes to be molded to your feet to give the impression of a custom fit. This ensures you can stay comfortable with its use no matter what your foot size may be. But knowing the Wolverine brand, it can withstand the toughest jobs and the hardest working conditions.
It is made with a genuine full-grain leather upper material that is durable and superior in quality. It also comes with a removable full-cushioned footbed so it can absorb the impact of your step, especially when walking through rough surfaces. The PU wedge outsole makes it easy to get rid of dirt and debris after every use.
- It is designed with a solid construction.
- It is made of superior materials.
- It comes with a comfortable foot bed.
- It is made with a durable outsole.
- It is designed by a trusted brand – Wolverine.
- It is a little wide.
3. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Side Zip Sneaker – View On Amazon
Molded EVA midsole with reinforced TPU shank
Quick-dry minimalist design with polishable toe
If you are in the market for the best work boots for plumbers in 2020, you might want to consider the Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Side Zip Sneaker. First and foremost, it is one of the most stylish-looking pairs on this list. Under Armour is a brand that is best associated with sports and athletic performances, but they have done a superb job with the design and manufacture of this work boot.
The upper material is made with a blend of fabric and leather material. This combination of materials makes it light and soft so you can focus on doing your job while this shoe takes care of your feet. The soles are made of leather materials to make them waterproof. In addition to that, the UA Storm gear comes with a DWR finish that can repel water while keeping the shoe highly breathable.
The use of a medial size zipper facilitates ease of entry. This makes it easy to put on and take off after work. The quick-dry design is a lifesaver especially since you are most likely to encounter wet conditions as a plumber. The molded EVA midsole provides added support and protection to your feet.
- It is lightweight and comfortable.
- It is made with durable and breathable materials.
- It offers good support for feet.
- It is water-repellant.
- It comes with a stylish design.
- It lacks the steel toe feature.
4. Danner Men’s Trakwelt NMT Work Boot – View On Amazon
Toe Shield protects leather for added durability
Meets or exceeds ASTM standards
The work boot is tall in design so that your ankles are protected while you do your work. It measures approximately 8 inches from the arch. And speaking of protection, the Danner Dry waterproof protection provides the added assurance you need. This is crucial because there are plenty of safety hazards on the worksite. Finally, the Trakwelt NMT Work Boot also comes with a toe shield. It provides added durability to the shoe and keeps your toes safe from any falling debris.
The overall design of the work boot meets the ASTM standards for occupational safety. Thus, you need no better partner to do your job because this is one of the best work boots for plumbers in 2020.
- It is designed for durability.
- It keeps your feet comfortable for several hours.
- It comes with a toe shield.
- It is oil- and slip-resistant.
- It is waterproof.
- It is lightweight.
- It is non-insulated.
5. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men – View On Amazon
Lightweight & Abrasion-resistant Outsole
Enhanced Toe Support
180-day warranty
Rock Rooster is a brand that was established in Australia in the 1980s. Since then, this brand has been associated with the design and manufacture of quality work boots. Plumbers who are in search of quality footwear can depend on the Rock Rooster Work Boots for Men to deliver.
Despite being affordable, the Rock Rooster Work Boots for Men is equipped with advanced technological features that make it stand out. It boasts of the Coolmax technology on the fabric material, which wicks away excess moisture so you can keep your feet dry and cool. This technology makes wearing these work boots comfortable in all kinds of weather conditions. At the same time, the materials also boast of the PORON Xrd support that keeps the shoe comfortable, lightweight, and highly breathable.
The anti-static technology on the Rock Rooster Work Boots for Men is another feature that is designed to improve the safety of plumbers in the workplace. It keeps you safe from any electric static, especially when working on wet surfaces.
The memory foam insole delivers comfort to your feet by providing support to the arch of your feet. Meanwhile, this work boot is equipped with slip-resistant features. The outsole provides excellent grip even on low traction surfaces.
- It offers great traction.
- It protects against electric shock.
- It is made with lightweight and breathable fabric.
- It offers great insulation.
- It is well built.
- It delivers superior comfort and support.
- Many customers have cited sizing issues.
6. Irish Setter Men’s Ely Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Work Boot – View On Amazon
Durable – last longer than other boots
Manmade sole
Waterproof
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.
- Durable full-grain leather upper
- Rated for electrical hazards
- Oil, gas, and abrasion-resistant sole
- Grip not ideal on extremely slippery surfaces
7. Wolverine Men’s W02053 DuraShock-M – View On Amazon
Wolverine durashock direct attached comfort outsole
Removable full cushion footbed
Nylon shank
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 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.
- 100% leather upper is both durable and stylish
- Rubber sole is good on wet surfaces
- Plenty of ankle protection
- Removable cushion footbed
- The boot is not lined
8. KEEN Utility – Men’s Coburg 8″ (Steel Toe) Waterproof Work Boot – View On Amazon
Uniquely anatomically correct steel,
Composite toe designs provide a roomier toe box
Features KEEN.Heel,integrated heel guard for protection from bumps and scrapes
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.
- 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.
- It is not as durable as other work boots in the market.
9. Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot – View On Amazon
The Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot is another recommended model for plumbers to use on the worksite. It is made with 100% leather and is designed with 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 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.
- 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.
- It can take a while to break in but is very comfortable after that.
10. Thorogood Men’s GEN-FLEX 6-Inch Lace-Toe Composite Work Boot – View On Amazon
Goodyear storm welt construction
Toe Protection: Composite Safety Toe
Removable single-density polyurethane footbed
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 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 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 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 the comfort of the user in mind so you won’t have to sacrifice that to enjoy superior performance.
- 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.
- It is not as waterproof as other boots on this list.
Buying guide – What to look for when looking for the best work boots for plumbers?
When working as a plumber, you must be aware that there are plenty of potential safety hazards at the worksite. Choosing the right pair of boots can minimize the risks involved while you perform your job. Among the risks you might encounter at work include electric shock, uneven ground, sharp objects on the floor, and exposure to extreme conditions (heat or cold). It is, therefore, important to look closely into the features offered by your chosen work boots to mitigate the risks of the work environment and enable you to perform your job while letting your shoes take care of the rest.
Below is a list of the essential features you must consider when shopping for work boots for plumbers.
Quality Construction
This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying any kind of work boots, especially for plumbers. A well-constructed pair of work boots can handle any situation and even the harshest working conditions. Take particular attention to the assembly of the boot. This can determine how safe it is to use at the plumbing site and how well it can protect your feet.
Work boots with cement construction are considered by experts as one of the best in this category. You can also choose ones made with the patented Goodyear welt construction. The type of construction will determine how durable the shoes are and if they can sustain some type of damage or impact.
Waterproof
This is one of the essential factors you must look for in a work boot for plumbers. You will most likely be working on wet (oftentimes, flooded) surfaces. Wearing a pair of work boots that can keep your feet dry by preventing water from being absorbed into your shoes is crucial. It will help keep your feet warm and dry, while also protecting them against infection. It is also worth pointing out that wearing wet shoes is extremely uncomfortable and you would not want that!
Safety Toes
Aside from protecting your feet against wet surfaces, you should also look for work boots that can protect your toes. As a plumber, you will be working with a variety of tools and some of them are extremely dangerous if they accidentally fall on your toes. The safety toe cap is the best way to protect your feet from heavy objects or machinery that you work with on the site. Ideally, choose ones made from steel or composite materials.
Soles
When shopping for work boots for plumbers, you will find them in a variety of sole types. Some are made with rubber while others are constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane. Moreover, you can also find ones made with EVA midsoles.
Rubber is considered the best material if you are looking for slip resistance. This is highly important when you are walking on wet surfaces. Thermoplastic polyurethane soles are also a good option since they offer resistance against oil, chemicals, and other substances. This type of sole also does not split easily. But if you want midsoles that provide an extra bit of comfort, the EVA midsoles are a great choice for that.
Comfort and Fit
These two factors go hand in hand when you are shopping for new work boots, not just for plumbers. Since you will most likely be spending your entire day wearing these shoes, they must provide an adequate amount of comfort and support.
Fit is a critical factor that can determine how comfortable your new work boots are. The perfect fit is neither too snug nor too loose. It should feel effortless when you put them on and when you are walking in them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of sole for plumbers?
Simple soles are the most common type used by plumbers since they are sleek and do not collect a lot of dirt in them. If you want something more durable, go for the double soles. But since they are double in the layer, expect them to be a bit heavier and stiffer. If you want better durability and resilience, go for the triple soles.
Is it safe to oil boots during the break-in period?
No. Experts advise against doing this because it can feel uncomfortable and could fit sloppy. The best way to do it is to be patient with it until your foot can mold the shoe into the ideal shape and fit. Just give it time and it will feel right after a few uses.
How do you clean work boots for plumbers?
This is a legitimate concern as many plumbers work in environments that can put a lot of wear and tear on the boots. When cleaning, always take off the laces first and remove visible debris or dirt. You can wipe it clean with a clean rag or towel.
Is arch support important for work boots for plumbers?
Yes. Boots that offer adequate arch support can minimize pain in your feet, which is likely if you wear them all day and for long hours. Work boots with proper support can also prevent plantar fasciitis.
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