Safety at work is something people take seriously, especially in construction, manufacturing, and similar industries. Electricians, for example, or those who climb poles to fix power lines, are required to wear protective gear, especially boots, because those can mean the difference between life and death.
A pair of the right fit boot can protect the feet from electrical shocks, heat, and fire. Climbing and hanging on poles the entire day means much pressure put on the feet.
Since hooks are unavoidable, these boots sport the resilient leather and durable outsoles that can withstand many hours, days, months, and years of hard work.
Considering all the factors, most of the manufactures designed lineman boots with soft padding, soft footbed, waterproof and rugged, thus suitable for camping and mountaineering.
If you are wondering, what are the best lineman boots for pole climbing or steel towers? La Sportiva Men’s Makalu Mountaineering Boot come out highly recommend due to the overall design and comfort it offers.
The buying guide section below will help you make the best choice when shopping for top graded boots that are worth the money.
Best Lineman Boots
At a sneak peek, all seems to be great, but all they are not equally useful for everyone; each pair has its unique features, pros, and cons.
In the following section below, we will dig down on each pair and brands and discover them. Let’s begin with La Sportiva Mountaineering boots.
1. La Sportiva Men’s Makalu Mountaineering Boot
The La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot is a high-end boot made for extreme working environments.
The plushy interior bears a MtnFlex insole, an SBR Aircushion midsole, as well as a Honeycomb heel grid for maximum comfort.
The lining contributes as well to a comfortable interior by wicking moisture away from the feet.
This boot possesses remarkable features that contribute to its durability. First, the leather covering has a robust exterior that can take blows for years without breaking apart.
The Idro-Perwanger leather repels water thus keeping the boot dry for longevity. Despite being impenetrable, this boot still manages to allow some air into the feet for breathability.
For easy use, La Sportiva Mountaineering Boot comes with locking D-rings and steel roller ball eyelets that make tensioning the laces a breeze.
The boot stands out due to the following features:
- Leather crafted
- D-ring and EZ Rollerball lacing
- Synthetic sole
- Full steel shank
- Protective Vibram rand
- MtnFlex insole
- Stitch-down welt construction
Pros:
- Top-quality elements like Idro-Perwanger for better functionality
- Extremely comfortable thanks to the soft fabric linings
- Able to wick moisture away
- Durable design for hard jobs and mountaineering
- Top-grade hooks and laces
- Aggressive treads for better traction
Cons:
- It has a narrow shape and hence not good for those with wide feet
- Boot runs small so choose a half-size bigger than your usual shoe size
- Not waterproof
Primarily designed for firefighters, the safeguard heat protecting boot puts up a tough competition against some of the great models in this review. Two things that set it apart from the rest are the D-ring and EZ Rollerball lacing and MtnFlex insole.
A few things that could be considered setbacks include the absence of steel-toe protection and narrow design.
2. Wesco Highliner 16″ Work Boot Black 9716100
These lineman boots allow you to climb to new heights with ease. Lineman, arborists, utility workers, electricians, and tree service companies have relied on the quality and safety provided by these sixteen-inch climbing boots for years.
From the composite toe to full leather protection, everything about these boots’ spells safety. Full welt construction makes these lineman boots durable under all extreme conditions. These boots meet and exceed all electrical and safety standards previously set forth.
Full-grain leather construction with a removable false tongue combines classic styling with the protection that is needed when working at great heights.
Lightweight composite toe and vibram® mini-lug sole offer greater climbing ability with less strain on legs and ankles.
Slightly arched steel shank provides for a higher level of comfort with the most support offered in any lineman climbing boot. Additional leather half slip allows more support for arches while climbing. One-inch heels, hard toes, and heavy steel shank make an excellent boot even better.
Pros
- Oil tanned leather for superior protection in all weather conditions.
- Recessed metal breastplates protect your feet during all climbs.
- Sweat-resistant composition keeps your feet dry in high-temperature conditions.
- Side leather patches prevent wearing and tearing of uppers.
- Accented heavy white stitching is durable and long lasting.
Cons
- Laces are too long. Keep getting caught on climbing gear.
- Removing miles of laces and inserting zippers might be a better option.
- These boots are very expensive.
Take a moment a review other alternatives offered for lineman boots that follow below.
3. Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot
The design of Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot keeps in mind the harsh demands of electrical work through an abrasion-resistant outsole and a comfortable insole to keep one going for hours.
These lineman boots with steel shank are top-quality boot features full-grain leather, and when coupled with Goodyear welt construction, it can withstand many days of hard duty.
Its waterproofing ability is outstanding for the first six months or so before the material starts to give in. Other remarkable features of this boot include the steel-toe technology, steel shanks, and slip-resistant outsoles.
Dubbed as America’s hardest working boot, this pair, unlike most shoes, come with a 1-year warranty. However, the warranty is limited to covering manufacturing flaws, poor artistry, or defective material.
Defects that are not covered by the warranty include holes, punctures, burn marks, abrasions, and cuts evident from exterior cause or poor handling.
You might be like more details about excellent logger boots to increase safety and comfort for feet.
The Georgia Boot’s overarching features include:
- Made of leather
- Rear pull loop
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof
- Logo patch on the tongue
- Steel-toe protection
- Lace-up closure
Pros:
- True to size
- Comes with a1-year warranty
- Top-notch quality
- Waterproof and comfortable
- Attractive style and looks
- Reasonable weight
Cons:
- Poor lace hook
- Narrow, hence not suitable for those with wide feet
In comparison to others, the Georgia Work Boot does put up a good fight especially by having the steel-toe technology. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to the quality of the Red Wing premium boots reviewed below.
4. Chippewa Men’s 9″ Waterproof Logger Boot
As a lineman who climbs poles daily, you need the best boots that can handle the strain of being in suspension mode for some time.
One right choice is the Chippewa Men’s 9″ Waterproof Insulated Steel-Toe EH Logger Boot. Feel free to check out more insulated work boots from this post.
It is a full-grain leather boot with a high heel that easily allows hooking during electrical works.
Besides the durable leather, this pair also sports a waterproof Texon insole for comfort, a synthetic sole, Goodyear welt construction, steel-toe protection, as well as Vibram Tacoma logger.
What all this means is that the boot provides maximum security against accidents incurred in high-risk work environments.
Chippewa is partially waterproof since the membranous lining is breathable to avoid overheating as well as excessive sweating.
However, although this boot is of the toughest quality, continuous hooking on poles will result in some damage and lace fraying.
The Boot stands out because of the following features:
- Made of leather
- Waterproof Texon 460 insole
- Goodyear leather welt construction
- Synthetic sole
- Ruby Dri Lex 2000 lining
- Several color options
Pros:
- Has 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation for greater warmth and protection
- Dri-lex is porous and provides faster moisture elimination
- Chip-A-Tex provides a waterproof membrane to lock out water
- Vibram Tacoma Logger Outsole design enhances braking, kicking off, stability, traction, oil resistance, slip resistance, and good abrasion
- Lightweight and provides proper support
Cons:
- Laces start to fray after some time and would need replacement
- Uncomfortable during the first few days as the boot expands
Like others in this review, Chippewa does have many features that make it comfortable, flexible, and durable. Price is competitive compared to its closest competitors like the La Sportiva Karakorum.
5. Danner Men’s Quarry USA 8-Inch Alloy Toe Work Boot
Danner Men’s Quarry is a great-looking boot featuring full-grain leather all round, a Vibram Quarry outsole, as well as an upgraded midsole.
The quality is decent, and the design is undeniably pleasing to the eye.
One of the many things you are likely to appreciate about this boot is the stitch down construction. This construction allows the boot to expand, thus providing a wider platform for better stability.
The lining also features breathable GORE-TEX technology to minimize heat accumulation.
You probably won’t be walking while atop poles fixing wires but this boot’s rugged, Vibram Quarry-enhanced outsole sports serious treads for maximum tractions.
This boot guarantees your stability on slippery and wet surfaces.
Here are the key features of the Danner Men’s work boot:
- Full grain leather
- Vibram sole
- Breathable GORE-TEX lining
- 100% waterproof
- Alloy steel-toe protection
- Fiberglass shank
- Tough shock-resistant soles
- Triple-stitching
Pros:
- Alloy steel-toe protection meets electrical hazard standards
- A classic design that provides superior protection
- Rugged design for a secure fit
- Triple-stitched for long-lasting performance
- 100% waterproof and breathable
- Vibram Quarry outsole is non-slip and oil-resistant for superb traction
- Satisfactory heel height and high-quality lacing
Cons:
- Higher price than average
- Soles wear out fast according to some customers
From the triple stitching, GORE-TEX technology, and stitch down construction, it’s evident that this boot is a reliable product that delivers on its promises, like other Danner boots reviewed in this post. Being a full-grain leather and 100% waterproof, this is Red Wing’s toughest competitor in this guide.
6. La Sportiva Men’s Karakorum Hiking Shoe
With Vibram rubber, Perwanger Roughout leather, and polyurethane sole, the La Sportiva Men’s Karakorum Hiking Shoe is undoubtedly built to withstand chunks of ice, desert rocks, and any tough material that standard boots can’t handle.
While this boot can be worn any day, no one would disagree if you say that this boot was created purely for the harshest conditions given its rugged appearance.
One of the best features of La Sportiva Karakorum is the multi-directional 3D flex hinge that restores stability in case one stumbles.
Treads in other boots typically end with the flat surface of the boot but for this one, the treads go all the way to the heels, and they are massive, which means surefire traction.
On the inner side, this boot has a polyurethane Aircushion midsole for breathability as well as an anti-torsion plate that keeps ice, snow, and other debris out.
The Cordura cuff is responsible for drying the boot faster. The internal mechanism of this boot ensures your feet receive maximum protection and soothing comfort all over the day.
The La Sportiva Karakorum model is known for the following features:
- Polyurethane sole
- Perwanger Roughout Leather and Vibram rubber
- SBR Aircushion midsole
- Cordura cuff
- Dry-Best liner
- Vibram Color outsole
Pros:
- Able to wick out moisture
- Absorbs shock
- Provides full protection and prevents stumbling
- Great treads for maximum traction
- Top-quality leather for longevity
- Vibram Quarry outsole is non-slip and oil-resistant for superb traction
- Can withstand harsh forms of abuse
- SBR air cushion makes the boot more convenient to wear
Cons:
- Stiff until broken in
- Pricier than average
The Karakorum flat feet boot had natural leather all round; its quality and price would certainly measure up to that of the Red Wing.
However, it still packs so many functional features that make it a worthy competitor of the 10 best lineman boots discussed in this article.
7. Adtec Men’s 9-Inch Logger Boot
If you are looking for a simple, inexpensive, but good-looking lineman boot, try out Adtec Men’s 9-Inch Logger Boot.
This leather-crafted footwear doesn’t have many bells and whistles but can keep one safe in hazardous working environments.
The leather making up this boot is deeply oiled to make it water-resistant. The inner side, however, is not that plush as there are no linings or soft pads to soothe the foot.
The boot sports a rugged rubber sole which is slightly heeled and has treads to ensure little to no sliding on wet surfaces.
The most common colors you are likely to find are black and brown. The Adtec Men’s 9-Inch Logger Boot differs quite a lot from the other boots in this review.
The Adtec Logger Boot is known for the following features:
- Rubber sole
- Full-grain leather
- Deeply-oiled leather
- Available in black and brown colors
Pros:
- Deeply-oiled leather for water resistance
- Budget-friendly
- Lasts longer than ordinary work boots
- Simple but elegant design
- Better foot protection than an ordinary shoe
Cons:
- No steel-toe protection
- No comfort-enhancing technology
- Poor quality insole
There is no steel-toe protection, Cordura cuff, moisture-wicking ability, Vibram Color outsole, or the toughest leather like Perwanger Roughout.
As such, it is one of the cheapest lineman boots on the market today. If you buy this pair, make sure to upgrade it’s inside with an insole and wear with a thick pair of socks.
8. Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
If you want a lineman boot that can protect you and still look good, the Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot is the pair to grab.
From the exterior appearance, you can quickly tell that this full-grain leather boot is a masterpiece made by the best technologies today.
The leather covering is natural and of premium quality. Some details like high polish eyelets, hooks, and contrast stitching have been added to give it a beautiful finish.
The biggest issue with this boot is that it runs large. Therefore, if you intend to buy it, go for one that measures a half-size less than your usual shoe size.
The Red Wing’s natural leather lies on a Nitrile Cork sole which is oil-resistant. However, the sole doesn’t have the aggressive treads you would expect for boots in this line of work.
The insole provides a comfortable interior although at times the staples used in attaching it to the plastic can push up the leather, slightly resulting in a small bump. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it becomes slightly uncomfortable.
Read more in-depth Red Wing Iron Ranger review from this post.
Some of the dominant features of this boot include:
- Full-grain natural leather
- Nitrile Cork sole
- Leather heel pocket
- Bump toe
- Full steel shank
- Taslan lace
- Stitch-down welt construction
- Available in four colors: Black Harness, Amber Harness, Hawthorne Muleskinner, and Brown
Pros:
- Made from premium quality leather that will last for years
- Vintage-style design
- Versatile, all-weather boot
- Natural leather preserves the comfort
- Several color options to choose from
Cons:
- Not true to size so be cautious when you make the order
- The outsole could use some treads
This vintage-style boot differs from the other lineman boots in this review in some ways. As it made from full-grain natural leather with a bump toe designed for toe movement, things like a protective Vibram rubber sole included in the lists.
But, MtnFlex insole are not available although they are of little consequence.
9. Carolina Linesman 10 Inch Waterproof Composite
These lineman boots are an institution designed around safety and comfort in premiere lineman boots. Worn and trusted by thousands of linemen and women across the country, these boots have a superior reputation for protection and durability known to many.
These boots offer a piece of mind that is assured and warranted. Electrical hazard incorporated into these boots reflects a commitment to the men and women who answer the call when the power goes out.
Meeting all ASTM ratings, the non-conductive composite toe of these boots protects your feet from falling objects and crushing injuries. Cork harness leather uppers are very comfortable and strong with a higher proven durability factor for EH (Electrical Hazard) boots.
Built with durable and rugged welt construction in combination to the one-piece Vibram Austin rubber soles, these boots will protect your feet when climbing poles, rooftops or steep inclines. The Gambrell lining has exceptional moisture-wicking capabilities with breathable characteristics.
Pros
- Removable AG7™ Polyurethane footbed for adjustable comfort.
- Heavy-duty steel right and left linesman shank for excellent support.
- Waterproof SCUBALINER keeps feet drier.
- The specially designed outsole protects from shocks, open currents, and penetrations.
- Increased strength throughout the foundation for a superior fit.
Cons
- Lace eyelets at the top of boot broke after a few times.
- The waterproof lining does not work. Feet get hot and sweaty.
- These boots require long break-in time.
Ask a neighbor, friend, or colleague about these boots. They probably already own a pair.
10. Irish Setter Men’s 83810 8″ Steel-Toe Work Boot
These rugged and reliable lineman boots will get you through the toughest of conditions with ease. Comfort is assured with waterproofing protection and an aggressive outsole that is slip resistant on all surfaces.
Built by a manufacturer with over 100 years- experience in the footwear industry, these precision crafted lineman’s boots are made to last regardless where worn. Featuring the best in comfort, Thinsulate insulation keeps your feet warm in cold temperatures and dry in extreme heat.
Goodyear welt construction is only the beginning in experiencing one of the premier lineman boots available today. Removable footbed combined with a supportive steel shank supports your feet while climbing reducing shocks from pole spikes.
Durable leather upper is both comfortable and reliable, keeping your feet feeling relaxed and ready to take on the next reported power outage. King Toe® technology gives your toes forty-four percent more wiggle room for yet additional comfort not offered on competitor’s boots.
Pros
- Direct attach construction withstands rough work conditions.
- Removable polyurethane footbed for the best fit.
- Endurance cross wire outsole is heat, slip, and oil resistant.
- Steel toe meets and exceeds ASTM EH standards.
- The lightweight eight-inch design offers better mobility.
Cons
- Towering heel takes a lot of getting used to.
- Leather is too soft and easy to split showing abrasions and scuffs.
- Quality of this manufacturer seems to be slipping badly.
Linemen and women need protection from not only the elements but from other potential life-threatening hazards. Always wear the appropriate footwear required.
What to Look For When Buying Lineman Boots?
There are many lineman boots on the market today, and each will possibly tout itself as the best option for you. However, while some pairs do turn out to be perfect for electrical works, many others will disappoint.
If you want to avoid a bad experience, this is the section to read. Let’s have a look at some of the main things to keep in mind when shopping for the best pole and tower climbing boots.
EH Protection
In the electrical industry, one wrong move could mean serious injury, even life-threating. So, always look for something that guarantees a reasonable level of safety protection standards (read source).
Lineman boots offer varying levels of protection against electrical hazards (EH) like shocks, heat, as well as fire. The easiest way to find out about this is by checking the EH ratings. You should ask the merchant about the boot’s EH rating if it is not found anywhere.
Waterproof
Buying a boot that can keep out water ensures that your foot is protected from unwanted infections. Similarly, wearing drenched boots is not only uncomfortable, but the material will start to lose its strength no matter how tough it is.
To know if a boot repels water, read the product description page. Typically, the pair with the most hardened natural leather or a heavily-oiled one is capable of keeping water out. Whatever you choose, make sure not to compromise breathability. Danner Acadia Waterproof Boot is an excellent example of work boots which incorporated both waterproof and breathability features.
Quality Outsoles
Always look out for the best quality outsoles. The right selection should be rugged, rigid, non-slip and oil-resistant and possess aggressive treads for proper traction.
It’s also imperative that they be wide for better stability — most of the boots in this review made of rubber, polyurethane, and Vibram Quarry.
Extra Durable
Durability goes hand in hand with the nature of material making up a boot. If you want a pair that lasts longer (durable and last long one), you’ll have to spend more on the toughest material of a boot.
Comfort and flexibility are also essential features without both that durable quality would be meaningless, as you surely won’t choose boots that hurt your feet.
Shanks
Shanks may not be necessary for some boot designs, but considering the hazardous nature of the electrical job, the upper leg could use some protection. They are always a welcome bonus that adds efficiency to boots.
Comfort
Virtually every boot in the shoe market is using comfort as its main selling point. Here is the reason why? No matter how high the quality, if the boots are not comfortable to wear, no one will use it.
For instance, if the pair you bought has a hard insole or insides, you will be forced to take it off from time to time; otherwise, you suffer from foot pain.
Now if you want to know what exactly underpins comfort? A good quality insole made from MtnFlex, polyurethane Aircushion midsole, soft padding, or Ruby Dri Lex lining. The breathability feature also carries much weight with regards to comfort.
Material
The material making up a boot can decide its quality, comfort level, and longevity. If you are looking for a boot that will last for years, go for natural leather. This material has a way of balancing quality and comfort.
Partial leather and a mixture of synthetic material may not last long, but you can count on such a boot when in need of top-notch comfort. Some of the most preferred material you’ll come across in lineman boots include Cordura cuff, polyurethane Air cushion, SBR Aircushion, Vibram, and Perwanger Roughout.
In Conclusion:
For anyone who is in the electrical installation or a similar career, a perfect pair of lineman work boots are essential. This article reviews some of the best lineman boots available in the market today.
Note that most of the models discussed are functional, durable, and comfortable. Some boots have great designs as well, making them suitable even for non-work related events.
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