The best work boots for electricians are hard to find with so many options available on the market. However, knowing what to look for in a pair of work boots can make the search much easier.
Electricians need boots that provide protection from electrical hazards, have slip-resistant soles and insulation, and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the top work boots that meet these essential safety and comfort requirements, as well as highlighting their unique features.
We will also be providing tips on how to choose the best electrician work boots based on their specific needs and work environment.
Whether you are a seasoned electrician or just starting out, this guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right work boots for the job.
The Best Work Boots For Electricians – Comparison Table
What are the best work boots for electricians is one of the commonly asked questions and for that, we’ve created this insightful table for our readers to compare the features and end up with the best work boots according to their needs.
The 10 Best Boots For Electricians [Our Top Picks]
There are many good work boots for electricians but only some of them managed to land in our list. Here are the 10 best boots for electricians:
1. Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 Composite Toe Boots
For electricians who need both protection from electric shocks and safety from falling objects, the Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 boots with composite toes are great. They include an oil, slip, and chemical-resistant rubber outsole, which offers protection and is essential for improving traction while you walk.
These Carhartt boots have an additional feature of EH rating. It will shield you from electrocution as you go about your day working close to potentially dangerous elements like burning wires.
Being comfortable when wearing your boots is essential for electricians because they spend a lot of time standing. These Carhartt boots provide excellent comfort, earning a spot among the top work boots for electricians thanks to features like an EVA midsole that delivers five levels of cushioning.
Last but not least, Carhartt Men’s boots shine in terms of durability. These safety boots provide all electricians with the durability they require, making their investment worthwhile, thanks to its cement structure and premium rubber outsole.
Key Features:
- ASTM F2413-18 standard
- Five layers of cushioning
- EVA midsole with PU OrthoLite® and PU strobe pad
- Additional durability with the cement construction rubber outsole
- Chemical, oil, and slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Long-lasting
- Keeps worker’s feet warm in cold areas
- Provides great value for the price
- ANSI approved
- Stylish and light
- Not waterproof
- Not CSA approved
Customer Reviews:
There are 3,944 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 with 71% falling in the 5-star ratings, 14% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 14% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for these work boots is positive.
2. Thorogood Men’s Composite Safety Toe Gen Flex 804-4445 Work Boots
The Thorogood caught our eye because of its fantastic features. Despite the fact that most protective footwear promote both comfort and protection, we’ve always found it difficult to locate a product that doesn’t sacrifice one for the other.
You can use Thorogood’s boots for a long time in industrial environments and you’ll still be as good as new.
These boots also offer the Gen Flex II that provides safety from slipping while working.
Due to their protective design and manufacture, some protective boots may feel fairly stiff and hefty. But overall, they’re flexible.
While still experiencing solid support around heels and ankles, the wearer will feel incredibly mobile. The EVA Cushion and the removable footbed are very dry, snug, and comfortable.
Lastly, even after a long day of work, the Compression Molded Eva keeps the sense of a freshly awakened heel. That could be a slight exaggeration, but it actually does keep your level of exhaustion under control.
Key Features:
- Special EVA for comfort and Polyurethane Removable Footbed
- Full-Grain Oiled Leather Upper
- Flexible Anti-Roll Bar Heel Support
- 18,000 volt Standard electric shock resistance for security
- Durable Goodyear Storm Welt Construction
- Quality Spacer Mesh lining material
- Rubber sole
- 100% leather
- Composite safety toe
- Waterproof
- Not for hot areas
Customer Reviews:
There are 242 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.1 out of 5 with 64% falling in the 5-star ratings, 12% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 23% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
3. Timberland PRO Titan Composite Safety-Toe Work Boots
Wearing a proper pair of work boots could mean the difference between surviving a hazardous situation and becoming a victim of one.
The Timberland electrical hazard boots could be the perfect pair to protect the electrician’s body from scorching wires and aid in the body’s natural ability to dispel static electricity.
Timberland is one of the top brands in the shoe manufacturing sector. They are successful because they can create shoes that satisfy the needs of the wearer.
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that these PRO Titan boots by Timberland are among the best for electricians. This is mostly due to the ideal balance of support and comfort they offer.
These boots do an excellent job of demonstrating the comfort required to work for extended hours as an electrician thanks to features like the PowerFit comfort system that incorporates a padded collar.
Key Features:
- Antimicrobial Odor Control
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Moisture-wicking, breathable lining
- Composite Safety Toe
- Leather boot with a lace-up front and a cushioned collar that has the PowerFit comfort system’s TiTAN safety toe.
- REBOTL™ Material
- 100% Leather
- 30-day Comfort Guarantee
- Metal Detector Friendly
- Mutilation Free
- Not waterproof
Customer Reviews:
There are 498 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 with 69% falling in the 5-star ratings, 17% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 13% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
4. Ariat Men’s Overdrive XTR Pull-on H2O Composite Toe Work Boots
A composite toe that’s non-metallic is an excellent feature for electricians. If you’re used to working close to wires, there won’t be any problems with this type of safety toe because it has a higher electrical resistance than metallic safety toes.
Additionally, composite safety toes are lighter, which ultimately results in a more comfortable boot structure overall.
Waterproof leather is one of a work boot’s most important properties. Your feet are protected by boots all day long, but if water gets inside, things go really bad.
If you don’t choose a waterproof work boot, the primary disadvantages you must accept are getting a cold, developing blisters, and having your boot’s durability decrease.
The nicest part about these Ariat boots is that full–grain leather is used to make an impenetrable barrier that ensures your foot won’t get wet even in the harshest weather.
Finally, the most worn-out areas—the heel, toe, and side—are protected with ex-guards. With the help of this feature, your boot will be protected and have a longer lifespan.
Key Features:
- ExGuards™ protection on the toe, heel, and side
- Waterproof Pro
- To lessen foot fatigue, ATS MAX offers improved side-to-side stability.
- Duratread™ outsole that resists oil and slipping
- All foot shapes can enter and exit with ease thanks to the patented U-turn® flexible panel
- To lessen foot strain, ATS Max Technology offers an additional level of torsional stability.
- 100% Waterproof Leather
- Rubber Sole
- Ariat U-Turn Technology for easy entry and exit of all foot shapes
- Non-Metallic Composite Safety Toe for extra protection and durability in the worst work conditions
- Not suitable for summers
Customer Reviews:
There are 297 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 with 66% falling in the 5-star ratings, 15% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 19% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
5. Wolverine Men’s Tarmac Work Boots
Wolverine’s work boots are all made to withstand the harshest conditions while giving their wearers the most security possible.
The new Wolverine Men’s Tarmac Work Boot provides the ideal balance of security and comfort. They protect your feet from physical damage and have a premium safety composite toe that is impervious to electric threats and does not conduct cold or heat.
The significance of this feature for all electricians cannot be overstated.
Additionally, the boot’s outstanding waterproof design will keep your feet dry. It is made of waterproof leather and features specific membranes that stop water from penetrating your feet, preventing blisters and colds.
This means no matter what terrain or weather you’re working in, your feet will always be dry.
These Tarmac boots by Wolverine also have a high-visibility luminous covering for electricians who work in low lights or at night time.
You may be seen from a distance thanks to stripes that reflect, which are designed to be visible in the dark. Which, in our opinion, is a fairly nice feature for electricians who perform outdoor work.
Key Features:
- Very lightweight
- Rubber sole
- Offers Nylon shank that fights fatigue
- Full cushion insole (Removable)
- Non-metallic
- Luminous midsole wrap with high visibility
- Always keeps feet dry
- 100% Waterproof
- Security-friendly
- Pricey boots for electricians
Customer Reviews:
There are 666 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 with 70% falling in the 5-star ratings, 12% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 18% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
6. Red Wing Super Sole 8″ Boots
Electricians love the Red Wing brand of work boots. The comfort and quality are excellent. Yes, you will have to pay additional money. But the comfort and durability make this a handsome purchase.
Made of two different urethane densities. The outer layer offers strong resistance to abrasion as well as resistance to gas, chemicals, and oil. Low density inside core provides padded support.
Moving on to the premium leather, it is produced in Red Wing, Minnesota, and is of unmatched quality and durability.
Keep large falling objects away from your toes. These Red Wing Super Sole boots comply with current safety regulations thanks to protective steel reinforcement in the toe area.
Between the heel and the balls of your feet on the bottom of your foot is a fiberglass shank that provides support and comfort for your arches. Additionally, it provides safety and lessens danger from any underneath-projecting sharp items.
Key Features:
- Two-layer soles made from two urethane densities
- High-quality leather made in Red Wing, Minnesota
- Comes in insulated and uninsulated versions
- Waterproof
- Steel Toe and Fiberglass Shank for maximum protection
- Comes with a soft inner sole
- Steel shank available
- Steel toe available
- You can re-soil it if needed
- Gore-Tex Waterproof Leather
- Doesn’t cover the safety toes
- A little bit on the pricier side
Customer Reviews:
There are 1796 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 with 79% falling in the 5-star ratings, 11% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 10% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
7. Danner Vicious 8″ NMT Work Boots
The Danner Vicious is best for you if you’re an electrician with weak ankles. Since these work boots are 8 inches tall, it goes over your ankles.
Your ankles will stay in position for the duration of your shift once the laces on the iron hooks are fully tightened, decreasing the possibility of sprinkled ankles.
These boots were built by Danner using Gore-Tex and a composite toe, which makes them incredibly lightweight and comfy.
They sport a low profile 90-degree heel and an oil-resistant Vibram Vicious outsole, which increases safety when worn on incline surfaces.
Additionally, the nylon shank of these Danner boots offers support and underfoot safety, which is important if you have to work on ladders or unlevel surfaces.
Key Features:
- Speed Lace System to get a tight fit from one tug
- Gore-Tex membrane used to make the boots lighter and waterproof
- 8” height works out for great ankle support
- Security-friendly (Doesn’t set off metal detectors)
- Comes with composite toe
- Nylon shank
- Waterproof work boots
- Composite toe
- All ASTM Standards are met
- Vibram Outsole
- No covering is present over the composite toe
Customer Reviews:
There are 293 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 with 68% falling in the 5-star ratings, 18% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 14% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
8. Irish Setter 6″ Crosby Boot
The Irish Setter Crosby boot pretty much fulfills every need for a work boot for an electrician. It is a division of Red Wing Shoe Company. This particular line is named for Red Mike, a genuine Irish Setter.
The Armatech technology protective covering over the safety toe is this work boot’s most impressive feature. You can anticipate that it will lengthen the boot’s lifespan even if placed in high-wear regions.
Key Features:
- Armatech technology protective covering over safety toe
- Waterproof leather
- Puncture resistant
- Wearable when working on the roof thanks to its heat resistance feature
- Meets the compression and impact requirements of ASTM F2413-11 and I/75C/75
- Electrical Hazard Protection
- Gore-Tex standard used for waterproofing the boots
- Comes with composite toe with an extraordinary protective covering
- Abrasion, Heat, Chemical, and Slip Resistance
- EVA Midsole
- Non insulated boots
Customer Reviews:
There are 116 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 with 63% falling in the 5-star ratings, 17% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 20% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
9. Keen Utility Men’s Troy 6″ KBF Boots
The Keen Utility Troy 6-inch boot is a great option for electricians searching for a pair of boots that can perform almost anything they require.
With a nylon shank and carbon fiber toe, these EH-rated boots are lightweight for long days on the job site. They are waterproof, which is a huge perk for certain customers.
The Keen Utility Troy boots have non-marking soles that are slip- and oil-resistant and a leather upper for durability.
When wet, the moisture-wicking lining inside the boot dries fast and contributes to comfort. A pillow-top cushioned dual-density polyurethane footbed is also included.
Key Features:
- Breathable membrane liner to keep feet dry and fresh all-day
- Provide traction, oil resistance, and safety from electrical dangers
- Additional cushioning at the heel for extra comfort
- Complies with ASTM impact and compression requirements
- Carbon fiber safety toe
- Nylon shank
- Waterproof
- Lightweight work boots
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Non insulated boots
Customer Reviews:
There are 384 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.2 out of 5 with 67% falling in the 5-star ratings, 14% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 19% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
10. RockRooster Woodland Work Boots for Men
RockRooster’s Woodland work boots are a good option for electricians who desire stability and durability from a work boot but don’t want to wear a safety toe.
To keep the feet dry and to encourage airflow, these boots for electricians have a waterproof construction and breathable membrane.
Electricians may wear the Woodland boot in a variety of circumstances thanks to its rubber outsole, which is resistant to heat, chemicals, acids, and oils.
The rubber heel and toe will aid with stability and shield you from scrapes. Despite the fact that RockRooster makes no mention of the shank material, these boots are EH-approved, so electricians who prefer soft-toe work boots need not be concerned.
Key Features:
- Rubber toe and heel for protection
- EH-rated work boots
- All-day comfort with a soft toe
- Waterproof
- Breathable work boots
- No shank material
Customer Reviews:
There are 2044 reviews on Amazon.com. These boots have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 with 67% falling in the 5-star ratings, 15% falling in the 4-star ratings, and 14% falling in the 3, 2, and 1-star ratings.
Overall, the review for this pair of work boots is positive.
Types of Work Boots for Electricians
You must decide which boot is best for your work industry. Companies occasionally demand a particular type of work footwear. However, some companies don’t.
The work boot you are wearing should, above all else, be evaluated by the American Society of Testing and Materials to make sure it can actually provide the wearer with the necessary protection against electrocution.
The EH-rated shoes are so reliable that they can even shield you against 600 volts and more.
Here are some of the work boots that an Electrician should buy:
1. Composite Toe Electrician Work Boots
Work boots come in a variety of varieties. However, composite-toe electrical hazard boots would be the best work boots for electricians.
Such a pair complies with the same CSA safety standards as the steel toe pair and is made of a variety of non-metal materials, including Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, and fiberglass.
And because this work boot is non-conductive, it provides maximum protection to the wearer’s foot.
But should electricians wear steel-toe boots? Let’s find out in the next heading.
2. Steel Toe Electrician Work Boots
People often ask “Are steel toe boots safe for electricians” and the answer is yes, they are.
The steel toe boots for electricians are one of the well-liked options for workers who operate in sensitive environments.
The maximized protection from these work boots doesn’t let heavy falling objects harm your feet.
However, these pairs of work boots are not a good fit for protection against electricity as steel is a conductor.
3. Alloy Toe Electrician Work Boots
The Alloy toe electrician work boots are preferred by wearers who don’t like to carry much weight on their feet.
Alloy toe is thinner and lighter than steel toe. However, these pair are a little on the pricier side and they are also known as an electricity conductor.
Features to Look for in the Best Work Boots for Electricians
While we have described many features in the above-mentioned list of electrician work boots, these are the most important features you should be looking for in your electrician work boots:
1. EH Protection
EH Protection or Electrical Hazard Protection work boots means that the footwear offers non-conductive electrical shock-resistant heels and soles.
When the weather is bad, there is a higher likelihood that something tragic will occur. The possibility of electrocution from an exposed cable is increased by elements such as rain, humidity, and water.
In that scenario, EH-rated work boots will keep you protected.
2. Safety Toes
Safety toes are of 3 types; composite toe, steel toe, and alloy toe and it is what protects electricians from getting electrocuted while working.
Safety toe covers all your toes and is placed in the front of your work footwear.
Nonetheless, whatever type of safety toe is used in your work boot, make sure it meets the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Material) standard.
3. Waterproof
No matter how dry the climate is where you work, you’ll eventually encounter a wet day. A good pair of waterproof boots can prevent you from dodging puddles even if your job is entirely indoors.
Waterproof is a common adjective used in work boot descriptions. However, it’s not always the case. Many people confuse waterproof with being water-resistant or water-repellent.
So make sure your boots are completely waterproof as wet feet for more than eight hours are among the most uncomfortable things.
How We Chose the Best Work Boots for Electricians
It took a lot of work to compile a list of the top electrician work boots. Before we could even begin to look at boots, we had to come up with the elements we felt were most crucial, drawing on our years of experience in the trades and our knowledge of work boots.
After identifying the attributes we needed, we thoroughly researched a variety of products to create a list of the top safety shoes for electricians that satisfied our requirements.
To make sure we were only recommending the best quality and value, we then looked into each pair, comparing features and costs. The boots that didn’t provide enough value were thrown to the side, and the boots that did were given a spot on this list based on their merits.
FAQs
What are the most comfortable work boots for electricians?
Thorogood Men’s Composite Safety Toe Gen Flex 804-4445 are the most comfortable work boots for electricians because of its special EVA cushion flex for comfort.
Are steel-toe boots good for electricians?
Yes, steel-toe boots are good for electricians as it doesn’t let heavy falling objects harm the electrician’s feet. But as steel is a conductor of electricity, some electricians prefer composite toe work boots.
However, OSHA does not generally consider it hazardous for electrical tradesmen to wear steel-toe shoes as long as the conductive portion of the shoe is not in contact with the worker’s foot.
Are Red Wing boots good for electricians?
Yes, Red Wing boots are a favorite among electricians. The Redwing electrician boots offer top-notch quality and comfort. They are more on the pricier side but the durability and comfort they offer make your purchase a no-brainer.
Does OSHA allow steel-toe shoes?
Yes, OSHA allows steel-toe shoes to electricians as long as the conductive portion of the shoe is not in contact with the worker’s foot.
In a recently passed ruling in the construction industry, OSHA stated that steel-toed shoes should be worn by workers at all times where a hazard of heavy falling objects exists.
Are composite toe boots safe for electricians?
Yes, composite-toe boots are safe for electricians. In fact, they are the safest work boots for electricians that offer EH protection.
However, any type of material toe (composite, steel, or alloy toe) is safe as long as it meets the ASTM safety toe standard.
Is composite or carbon toe better?
A carbon toe is better than a composite toe because a carbon fiber safety toe is lighter and more protective than a composite toe. That’s solely because carbon fiber is produced utilizing more advanced technology.
How do you tell if boots are electrically rated?
You can tell if boots are electrically rated by searching for the “EH” sign which should be clearly visible on the ASTM label. The only boots that come with safety toes receive this designation.
Moreover, Shoes with an EH rating are meant to serve as a backup method of defense against accidentally stepping on live electrical wires.
Will rubber boots protect from electric shock?
Yes, rubber boots or gloves can protect you from electric shocks. However, it’s only applicable if you’re wearing 100% pure rubber with no holes or tears.
Do I need EH-rated boots?
Yes, you need EH-rated boots as it is required to wear heavy-duty leather shoes or boots when working in situations where an arc flash hazard exists with incident energy levels above 4 calories/cm2.
However, it is not required by NFPA 70E to wear EH-rated footwear for shock protection.
Conclusion
The best work boots for electricians should have a durable and slip-resistant sole, provide ample insulation and electrical hazard protection, and have a comfortable fit for all-day wear.
Popular options include the Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 Composite Toe Boots, the Thorogood Men’s Composite Safety Toe Gen Flex 804-4445 Work Boots, and the Timberland PRO TiTAN Composite Safety-Toe Work Boots
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