Workplace hazard is a term that electricians are very familiar with. They are exposed to hazardous situations whenever they work because of the nature of their job. It is, therefore, important that they wear proper personal protective equipment so as to prevent potential accidents.
Proper safety starts from the ground up. As an electrician, it is imperative that the appropriate footwear is worn before any electrical job is done. It could be the difference between life and death. Many people make the mistake of selecting the first work boots they come across without doing proper research on its suitability to electrical work.
So you might be asking, what type of footwear protects you from chemicals and provides extra traction on slippery floors?
We have put together the best work boots for electricians to help you make an educated decision the next time you want to purchase a pair of boots.
However, if you don’t have the time to scroll to the end, then check out our top recommended boot Timberland PRO Men’s.
Best Work Boots for Electricians
1. Timberland PRO Men’s Direct Attach Six-inch Soft-Toe Boot
Timberland is an established and well-respected footwear manufacturer that has been in the industry for over a century. They did not stay relevant this long by making inferior products.
The Timberland PRO Men’s Direct Attach Six-inch Soft-Toe Boot is another quality footwear they have in the market. It comes in two variations: the steel-toe and the soft-toe.
The soft-toe boot is light enough to use anywhere. It is an all-rounder work boot that offers you safety without sacrificing style and comfort. The collar is well padded to keep your feet comfortable.
The boot is water- and slip-resistant, so it is suitable for use even in wet areas. The full leather body makes it a perfect insulator and makes it good as electrician’s boots in the market today.
Pros
- Full-grain leather makes it lightweight.
- Waterproof and slip-resistant outsole for extra shelter in risky areas.
- It is a good insulator, so it protects against electrical hazards.
- The boot comes in different colors (Wheat Nubuck, Brown, After Dark, Black, Dark Brown).
- Padded collar for comfort.
- It has a steel safety toe for protection.
Cons
- Some users have complained that the sole falls apart easily.
- It is a bit on the pricey side.
- It is not very suited for tough environments.
The Timberland PRO is a lace-up boot with hexagonal eyelets. The rubber sole offers good traction, making the boot suitable for use on slippery surfaces. The 6-inch shaft improves the stability of the boot and prevents you from accidentally tripping and falling.
It may not be the most durable boot in the market, but it is right up there when it comes to style and the safety it offers.
Bonus: The anti-microbial treatment on the mesh lining removes any odor.
2. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Caterpillar has been in the boot-making industry for about a century, so it is not surprising that they have one of the best electrician boots on the market today. Since its release about a decade ago, the Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift boot still remains at the top in terms of quality.
This durable work boot will last you for years. It requires a break-in period of about one week for your feet to get used to the boot. After this, you can use it for as long as you want without worrying about blisters.
It is made entirely of leather, making it suitable for electricians. It is also water- and slip-resistant, so you can use it even on wet surfaces.
Pros
- This boot is highly affordable.
- The boot is water- and slip-resistant.
- It comes in four colors (Black, Tan, Dark Brown, Honey).
- It has a steel toe for protection.
- The boot comes with a one-year limited warranty.
- This boot is known to last long.
Cons
- The boot is not fully waterproof.
- Some users have expressed discomfort with the steel toe.
- It does not have great shock absorption.
The insole is well contoured though it is a little thin. One drawback to using this boot is that its shock absorption is not as great as some other boots. The rubber sole has great traction, though, so you can work safely on slippery surfaces.
The Caterpillar Second Shift boot is highly rated for its durability, comfort, and safety. Also, it does not lose in style so that you can wear it well even with a pair of jeans.
Bonus: It has an extra eyelet at the top, making it pretty easy to pull the boot on and off.
3. Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6-inch Composite Toe Boot
Carhartt has been manufacturing top-of-the-line footwear since 1889. Their products are known for their durability and high quality.
The Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 6-inch Composite Toe Boot is one of their products that has a composite toe that offers protection against falling objects. It is made of leather, which protects you from electrical shock.
The EVA midsole of this boot delivers layers of cushioning not found in most other work boots. It is oil- and slip-resistant and is also resistant to chemicals, so you do not have to worry about chemical spills while working. Suffice to say, and it is one of the best safety boots for electricians today.
Pros
- EVA midsole and OrthoLite insole give you multiple layers of cushioning for all-day comfort.
- It is resistant to chemicals.
- The boot is also slipped- and oil-resistant.
- It has a composite toe that protects against falling objects.
- Full leather body means it offers protection against electrical shocks.
- The rubber sole is great at absorbing shocks.
Cons
- The sides may start peeling off after a few months of use.
- The stiff heel makes ankles uncomfortable.
- Not suitable for use in extremely cold weather.
The Carhartt men’s boot has metal eyelets and string tie laces that are sturdy and strong, keeping your boot intact. One drawback to using this boot is the fact that it only comes in brown oil-tanned leather color.
This boot has a rubber sole that offers great traction, making it suitable for use on slippery surfaces. It also has great shock absorption, which is one of the advantages of using this Carhartt boot. The high rating on Amazon is a testament to its quality.
Bonus: It has a unique rugged flex technology that makes it stretch with your feet throughout the day, making for comfortable wear despite the long hours of use.
4. Skechers for Work Men’s Workshire Condor Work Boot
Skechers is one of the leading manufacturers of footwear around today. They develop, market, and design footwear that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. If you are looking to get a work boot that will fit right into any construction site, you should consider the Skechers Workshire Condor boot.
It is a full leather boot that comes in three different colors, giving you a chance to choose depending on your preference. It protects electricians against electrical hazards while providing comfort with its lightweight midsole that absorbs shock. It is resistant to slips and features metal eyelets.
The padded collar and tongue make this boot a comfortable pair to wear. It does a great job providing safety as well as comfort for electricians.
Pros
- It provides protection against electrocution.
- The boot is slip-resistant.
- There is no break-in time needed so you can start using it comfortably right away.
- It is very affordable.
- The boot comes in two different colors (Black, Brown).
Cons
- The boot is a little wide in the foot.
- It is heavier than most other work boots.
- The color starts to peel off after a few months.
The rubber soles offer traction, so, you do not have to worry about slip hazards. The shaft measures about 5.25” from the arch and the heels are 1.5″ high. It is a highly rated boot on Amazon. This is understandable especially when you consider that it offers great features at such an affordable price.
If you are looking for a boot that offers safety in your electrical job, the Skechers Workshire Condor boot is a great choice.
Bonus: It has a memory foam insole that improves the comfort the longer you use the boot.
5. Irish Setter Men’s Ely 6″ 83607 Work Boot
Working as an electrician can sometimes be very stressful; that’s the nature of the job. The type of work boots you wear can contribute to making your day even more stressful, or conversely, relaxing.
As an electrician, it is important to get a pair of boots that offer comfort while providing protection against electrical incidents. The Irish Setter Ely 83607 work boot is a popular choice among electricians.
This boot is very flexible and can be used in any working environment. It is made from leather and meets the ASTM F2892 electrical hazard safety standard.
The fact that it comes in only brown color may be a drawback for users that like their boots in any other color. It is not waterproof, though it is slip-resistant.
Pros
- The boot offers protection against electrical shocks.
- Very comfortable to use in any environment.
- The synthetic outsoles are slip-resistant and ensure electrical hazard protection.
- Upper leather & Synthetic outsole makes it very lightweight.
- It is an affordable boot.
- It is a tough and durable work boot.
Cons
- It makes your feet sweaty when used in hot weather.
- Some users have complained about the side seam coming apart after a few months of use.
- The boot does not have multiple color options.
- It is not waterproof.
This boot has a synthetic sole that has good traction. The soft toe keeps your toes comfortable throughout the day. If you are looking to get a good budget boot, you should consider getting the Irish Setter work boot.
Big fan of the brand Irish Setter? Check out our top 5 Irish Setter Boots review here!
Bonus: It has a non-marking V-grip outsole made from dual-density polyurethane.
6. Timberland PRO Men’s 6-inch Boondock Composite-Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Timberland is one boot manufacturer that does not need an introduction. They have made their name in the industry for years. Their PRO Men’s 6-inch Boondock Composite-Toe Waterproof Work Boot is one of their highest-rated footwear products.
The boot provides insulation against electrocution, and its waterproof sole keeps you dry and warm even in wet environments. When it comes to electrical hazards, the boot satisfies all OSHA requirements.
It has a composite safety toe that protects you against falling objects. Its extra padded collar provides comfort, and it does not need a break-in period, so you can start using it comfortably straight out of the box.
This boot comes a little wide, making it difficult to use by narrow-footed people. This is nothing that a good pair of thick socks and tight laces cannot fix, though.
Pros
- It is a waterproof boot.
- It has deep grooves on the outer sole that provide great traction.
- The boot offers full protection from electrocution.
- Composite safety toe that protects the feet against falling objects.
- The outsole is oil-resistant and waterproof.
- This boot offers great comfort and is quite durable.
Cons
- This boot is a little heavier than most other work boots.
- It is on the pricey side.
- The boot comes a little wide.
At 6.5 inches, the shaft is slightly higher than the usual 6-inch boot. The boot comes with a synthetic sole. The outsole is oil-resistant as well as good at absorbing shock. It comes only in brown oil distressed color.
The Timberland Boondock Composite boot is a little expensive, but it is definitely worth the extra dough. It is one of the most highly-rated boots on Amazon, which is to be expected given what this boot has to offer.
Bonus: This boot comes with a fiberglass shank that improves its strength and sturdiness the longer it is used.
7. Dr. Martens Men’s spate Electrical Hazard Waterproof Steel Toe 8-Eye Boot
The importance of safe and comfortable working boots cannot be overemphasized, especially if you are an electrician. The various hazards you are exposed to require you to take proper safety precautions.
Owning a boot like the Dr. Martens spate boot is a must when you are in such a high-risk job.
This boot offers you perfect protection against electric shock as well as against slips and falling objects. The leather uppers are covered with a waterproof membrane and a wicking lining that keeps your feet dry. The padded tongue and collar offer your feet comfort.
It has a safety toe cap that protects your feet from falling objects. Considering all these features, it is not surprising that Dr. Martens boot ranks as one of the best boots for electricians.
Pros
- It has a safety toe cap that protects against the impact of falling objects.
- This boot is completely waterproof.
- It offers protection from electrocution.
- The high traction sole reduces the risk of falls and slips.
- Breathe right wicking lining keeps your feet dry all day.
- It is a pretty lightweight boot.
Cons
- The rubber toe starts to peel off after a few months of use.
- The boot is not very suited for work in winter.
- The stitching on the rubber comes off after a short while.
The Dr. Martens men’s spate boot has a removable footbed that gives your feet extra cushioning. The full leather body is made from breathable materials, allowing your feet to breathe.
You can use this boot for as long as you wish without the discomfort you feel from using some other boots. This is a high-performance work boot, and its glowing Amazon reviews are evidence of its great performance.
Bonus: The rubber sole is heat resistant. It can withstand heat up to about 300 degrees for 60 seconds.
What to Look Out for When Buying Boots for Electricians
Getting a pair of boots for electricians is a whole lot different from getting one for anybody else. Special attention needs to be paid to some features, especially the safety ones. The following features are what separate boots suitable for electricians and those that are not.
Protection
Protection is the number one priority when it comes to boots deemed fit for use by electricians. The boot has to be made from non-conductive materials, and it should be an electrical hazard (EH)-rated footwear.
Apart from protection from electrical shocks, you should look to get a boot that will protect you against slips and falls as well as falling objects. This is important because electricians work in sites with a lot of slippery surfaces and potential falling objects.
Outsoles and Heel
The outsoles and heel of a boot also contribute to the level of safety it can offer. You should look for boots with slip-resistant outsoles and a heel that will offer you a good grip. In fact, this is sometimes what separates the best work boots for electricians from the rest.
Go for boots with a heel that is up to 0.75 inches long and a bevel that is at least 45 degrees. If you are going to be working in a place with sharp objects, it is reasonable that you go for a boot with a puncture-resistant sole.
Durability
It is important that you go for a durable work boot. No one wants to keep spending money buying work boots every few months. The more durable your boot is, the longer it will last, and you can save up on some cash.
A durable boot will do a better job protecting you than one that is not durable, too, so make sure you do enough research on that boot you want to get.
Anti-Static Footwear
Working in an environment with static electricity around can be dangerous without the right boot. If you are going to work in such environments, you should get a suitable pair of work boots.
These boots allow the dissipation of static electricity along the inner lining, through the sole, and straight to the ground. You should know, though, that these boots will be of no help when it comes to high voltage exposure.
Insoles and Comfort
A comfortable boot makes your work much easier. You do not have to worry about an itch or pain in your feet, and you can concentrate fully on your work. Comfort is often sacrificed as most people just go for the boot that will do the job. The comfort the insoles offer should be on your priority list when selecting a pair of work boots for electricians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I know if a boot is EH-rated?
A. Manufacturer’s place labels inside boots indicating if they are EH-rated or not. While this label is stitched on some boots, other boots get it stamped on them. These labels carry the standards that the boots satisfy. An “EH” at the third line of the rating will tell you if the boot is EH-rated.
Q. Are steel-toe boots safe for use by electricians?
A. Most people know that steel conducts electricity. So how come some steel toe boots are recommended for electrical work? Well, do not panic. As long as the steel part of the boot does not touch your feet, you are good to go.
Insulating materials like leather or rubber are usually used to cover the steel and prevent it from touching your feet. So steel toe boots are quite safe.
Q. Composite-toe or steel-toe, which one is best for me?
A. Most people ask this question whenever they are trying to get a pair of work boots. Both kinds of boots offer protection for the feet, so which one is the better choice?
Composite toe work boots and steel toe work boots both offer protection for your feet against falling objects, but they differ in the amount of impact they can take. Composite-toe boots are built from materials like plastics or Kevlar. This makes the boot lighter, but it cannot withstand very heavy objects falling on them.
Steel-toe boots are made from steel, so they can withstand and much more impact. The trade-off, though, is the added weight you have to carry around.
You can make your choice depending on where you will be using them. If your boot is going to be exposed to a lot of falling objects, it is smart to go for the steel-toe boots. If not, you can choose composite-toe boots.
For the more details composite toe vs. steel toe in-depth discussion.
Conclusion
Safety and comfort are two important things an electrician must consider when getting a pair of work boots. An electrician is exposed to workplace hazards like live wires, slippery floors, falling objects, and sharp objects on the ground.
While making your decision to select a pair of boots for your work, you should consider all the hazards you will be exposed to. This way, you are sure of picking the right boot for your job.
Electrical accidents often lead to fatalities, so never compromise on your safety. Go all out if you have to so as to get the pair of boots that will protect you fully from all the hazards you are exposed to in your job. Your health and even your life may depend on it!
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