Today we will be looking at work boots. Yes, work boots! Those clunky, heavy Wellingtons you see in the old movies are still an actual thing. Well, they no longer are as heavy and clunky as the ones in the movies.
The work boots made today are created with lightweight material that does not cause fatigue or back pain.
The boots made for the working man or woman of nowadays is meant to keep their feet protected without the excess heat and heavy weight of older models.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for HVAC Work Boots
- OUR TOP PICK: Timberland PRO Pitboss 6" Soft-Toe Boot
- RUNNER-UP: Red Wing Iron Ranger 6" Boot
- BEST STEEL TOE: Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Comparison of the Best HVAC Work Boots
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What to Look For in a Work Boots
Before buying any boots, there are a few things you should consider if you are an HVAC technician.
Durability
The first thing is durability you must be able to wear the boot for a long time. One of the requirements for strength is having a hard outer sole and a soft inner sole.AC Buyer Guides
Weight
The second thing to tick off the list is the weight of the boot. A lightweight boot is often the best as the technician will be on his feet most of the time. It also allows him or her to be agile.
Heat Resistance
Heat resistance in another critical factor if you are an HVAC technician. The proximity to a cooling system that doesn’t work puts you at risk of more heat.
Shock Resistance
Shock resistance would also be an added advantage when you consider buying boots.
Comfort
Another key factor to consider is inner cushioning is important for comfort. In the life of any technician comfort is key to making them the best at their job.
If you find yourself working while seated, you might still be wondering why not wear your old tennis shoes. The short answer is: placing yourself in harm’s way is unacceptable. The purpose of work boots is not to rip you off of a couple of hundred dollars. It is to have you safe in case of any hazard at the workplace.
There are several reasons why a person would need a work boot.
- Protection from falling items.
- Prevents fatigue.
- Prevents harm from an electrical fault.
- Protects the technician or worker from burns by excess heat.
- Work boots stop the entry of dangerous items causing punctures.
- The work boots are also made to prevent slips and falls.
From some of the points listed above, we believe you have already imagined a few scenarios where such incidents could occur. If you or your loved one works in such environments where they may be in harm’s way then buying good boots is necessary.
Below are some high quality work boots that most HVAC technicians have favored in the past and have served them well.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before making an investment, it is necessary that you consider some aspects before making your purchase. As you read through this guide, you will start to wonder what points are important for this analysis. To answer your query, we’ve listed below the things that are important to consider:
Durability
If what you’re wearing to help protect your feet don’t last long, then it is utterly useless.
Heaviness
For a safety shoe to be comfortable to wear, it is also essential that it is not very heavy. Otherwise, it will weigh your foot down and cause aches and pains, which is certainly not what you would want.
Resistance
The footwear should be both electricity and heat resistant to allow you to work in hazardous environments safely. This ensures prevention of electric shocks and burns and even a potential threat to your life.
Anti-rip
If the shoes you’ve bought rip easily, there remains no purpose to them. To help protect your feet from bruises and deep cuts, it is key that the shoes you invest in are made of good quality material that won’t easily rip or tear.
Comfort
Any accessory you wear should be comfortable. And the same goes for shoes. A comfortable shoe will allow you to work comfortably in your work environment whilst protecting you and your feet from harm.
Review of the Best HVAC Work Boots
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about work boots, let’s take a look at your top picks of the year.
Best Overall
Timberland PRO Pitboss 6″ Soft-Toe Boot
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather, Rubber sole
Shaft Height: 6″
Heel Height: 1.25″
Safety Features: Built with Goodyear Welt Construction, Nylon Shock-Diffusion Plate, PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology
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Review
Timberland PRO men’s Pitboss shoes are made of 100% leather and are import quality. The rubber sole promotes electrical resistance and flexibility. The shaft measures a whopping 6’’ from the arch, and the platform is approximately 0.75 inches to allow excellent grip and control. Moreover, the soft toe does not hurt your toes as you walk. The footwear meets the ANSI safety standards and is extremely durable, comfortable, and tough.
The shoes are slip and abrasion resistant, which ensures maximum traction. The comfort suspension technology ensures that it is possible to wear these work shoes 24/7 without damage to your feet. Also, it helps reduce foot fatigue and supports and cushions the arch. The roomier toe box allows the toes to be free and comfortable.
Meanwhile, the removable, open-cell polyurethane footbed that has been treated to prevent microbial activity promises odor control. Moreover, the lightweight nylon shock diffusion plate provides additional support and rigidity.
Bottom Line
Regardless of the few complaints against quality control and sizing, these shoes, however, are a great investment. They offer a variety of features for a good price that makes for a great investment. Moreover, they protect your feet like no other.
Pros
A good investment for the price as it is equipped with a bundle of features
Open cell polyurethane footbed is not only removable but also prevents bad odor
A spacious toe box allows the toes to feel free and reduces fatigue caused by walking
Rubber sole increases traction and prevents the wearer from slipping on wet surfaces and prevents conduction of electricity and risk of electric shock
Cons
Rubs the ankle, making it uncomfortable to wear for some people
Incorrect sizing as one shoe has been reported to be a different size than the other
Has poor quality parts which break off such as the rivets for the eyelets have been reported to have just tumbled off
Runner-up
Red Wing Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather
Shaft Height: 6.5″
Heel Height: 1″
Safety Features: Bump toe, Double layer leather toe cap and leather heel pocket
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Review
Red Wing men’s Iron Ranger is a 6-inch leather boot that has a nitrile cork sole. The shaft measures approximately 6 inches from the arch and the heel measures almost an inch. Moreover, a 0.5-inch platform provides additional support and grip. The boot opening measures 12 inches and features a steel shank.
The Goodyear welt construction and triple stitch quality promise durability and flexibility. The bump toe incorporated into the design allows more room for your toes, increases not only comfort but also prevents toe injuries by friction. It also features the double layer toe cap and leather heel pocket. The 48 inches Taslan lace allows the shoes to fit on a variety of different foot sizes. The shoes are available in both brown and black as per your preference.
Bottom Line
These are a good pair of shoes for a fair amount of money. The nitrile cork sole promises durability and protection. All in all, they are good looking shoes that are available in 2 colors with 48-inch Taslan laces to allow almost anyone to wear them easily.
Pros
Affordable as they offer what they can for a fair piece
Literally, an Iron Ranger with 48-inch Taslan laces to allow the shoe to mold into any foot shape
Good looking shoes that are durable and robust due to the nitrile cork sole and leather body that is both available in black and brown
Cons
Poor cutting and stitching has been reported by a few customers
Old cork sole has been detected by some buyers instead of the promised nitrile cork sole
Best Steel Toe
Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather, Synthetic sole
Shaft Height: 6″
Heel Height: 1.25″
Safety Features: Steel toe with padded ankle and oil-resistant outsole
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Review
Caterpillar men’s second shift steel toe safety footwear is made of 100% leather and has a rubber sole that acts as an insulator to electricity, making it a useful tool for those who work with electrical equipment. The steel toe protects your toes from injury. Moreover, the shoes are slip resistant, and the traction they offer, make it easy to walk on wet, slippery surfaces.
The hexagonal shaped grommets with speed lacing make wearing the shoes easier. The Nubuck leather lining increases breathability and comfort and prevents the shoes from giving off a musty odor. A stainless-steel shank adds extra support and elongates shoe life. The removable PU sock liner promises comfort and allergen-free shoe insides.
The shoes promise longevity and can be easily used to walk on concrete, wood, stones, dirt, and anything else you can think of.
Bottom Line
The shoes with the best steel toe and those that are extremely robust and durable. They have been reported to last a couple of years without any problems. Moreover, the mesh lining and PU sock liner prevent bad smells, odor, and buildup of bacteria.
Pros
The Nubuck leather mesh makes the shoes even more breathable and flexible
Extremely robust and durable, making them extremely suited for daily wear and tear
PU sock liner allows you to easily remove the insole and place it in sunlight to kill bacteria and bad odor
Affordable as they have all the best features paired up together for a great price. They last many years making up for all the amount you invest in them
Cons
Not waterproof and water seeps through
Rubber sole isn’t stuck properly and can come apart
Leather quality not up to the mark, shoe body gets worn out easily
Best Budget
Skechers Verdict Men’s Boot
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather, Rubber sole
Shaft Height: 5″
Heel Height: 1.5″
Safety Features: Padded tongue and collar, cushioned insole, and heavy-duty lugged outsole
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Review
Skecher’s men’s Verdict shoes have a 100% leather body and rubber soles. The rubber soles act as insulators to prevent the conduction of electricity and therefore, risk of an electric shock to people working under such environments. The shaft measures approximately 5 inches from the arch whereas the platform roughly measures 0.75 inches.
The lace-up front ensures easy wear and allows the shoe to fit onto any kind of foot shape. Moreover, the padded collar brings about extra comfort and prevents foot fatigue and pressure to the ankles. The synthetic lug outsole adds extra flexibility and durability. The heel is 1 inch in height.
Bottom Line
These are the most budget-friendly shoes that are not only suited for light working environments but are also suited for daily wear. Perfect for bikers and people with wide feet, the padded collar adds extra comfort. However, too many logos and the fact that they are not as waterproof as they promise is a huge con. Moreover, although good for work environments, they are not very suited for heavy duty work.
Pros
Extra wide option allows people with wider feet to wear these shoes with ease
Also, suited for daily wear as they provide comfort and protection. Perfect for even bikers
Budget friendly as they offer what they promise at a fair and cheaper price compared to what most other shoes offer
Sturdy shoes as they allow you to move about freely and easily in your work environment without bearing any injuries
Cons
Too many logos spoil the beauty of the shoes
Not waterproof as water seeps through the shoes
Not suitable for heavy-duty work as soles are not tough enough
Carhartt CMF6366 6” Composite Toe Boot
Specifications
Materials: Rubber sole
Shaft Height: 6″
Heel Height: 1.5″
Safety Features: Strobel comfort cushioning, Dual-density footbed with OrthoLite top layer, Composite Safety Toe
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Review
Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 is a composite toe boot featuring a leather body and rubber soles. The rubber used for the soles acts as a non-conductor of electricity and prevents the risk of an electrical shock to the wearer in his/her work environment. The rugged flex technology used to design the shoes ensures easy movement and stretching and thereby, foot comfort as you keep walking throughout the day. It also prevents excessive foot fatigue.
The cement rugged flex outsole makes this footwear extremely durable and robust. This allows the shoes to work as a perfect gear for working environments or even casual, everyday wear. The generously padded tongue and collar provide extra comfort and cushioning. The EVA midsole and OrthoLite insole provide extra cushioning to your feet. The string tie boot laces allow ease of wear, sturdiness and also allow the shoes to fit onto any foot shape.
The shoes are also anti-slip, oil, and chemical resistant, which makes it easy for anyone to protect their feet under heavy work environments.
Bottom Line
These are a great buy as the shoes offer what they promise. Except for a few problems reported by some people, the shoes have otherwise, proven to be very lightweight and comfortable. They are also durable and can withstand most hazardous environments. Moreover, the extra padding and cushioning allow you to feel like you’re walking on air whilst protecting your feet.
Pros
Prevents extra pressure on your feet
A good buy as they offer what they promise for a decent price
Prevents callous on toes as they are extremely comfortable and light
Tried and tested under extreme conditions, the boots fulfill their promise of durability, longevity, sturdiness, and strength
Cons
Composite toe causes bleeding for some users
Cushion support flattens out after some time for a few people
Soles come off and crack causing the shoes to no longer remain waterproof
Wolverine Floorhand 6” Waterproof Steel Toe Work Shoe
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather, Synthetic sole
Shaft Height: 6″
Heel Height: 1.5″
Safety Features: Waterproof full-grain leather with a removable full-cushion footbed, rubber outsole
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Review
Wolverine Floorhand work shoes are made of 100% leather and are import quality shoes that have a steel toe for added toe protection. The full-grain leather body promises to be as waterproof as possible, allowing your feet to remain dry and clean whilst also preventing bad odor that rises from the insides of the shoes due to dampness.
The shaft measures approximately 6 inches from the arch. The shoes have a synthetic sole, rubber outsole and a cushioned footbed for extra durability, comfort, and strength. The rubber outsole not only prevents the risk of an electric shock to the wearer, but it also provides extra traction so that the wearer can easily move about in slippery places without falling.
Bottom Line
These shoes do exactly what they promise except that they are not as long-lasting or durable. If that doesn’t bother you too much, then you can invest in these shoes that are not only classy but comfortable as well. They provide you the protection you need as long as they are holding up.
Pros
The full-grain leather body protects your feet perfectly and makes the shoes waterproof
The shoes can be easily worn in snowy areas without worrying about your feet getting cold and wet
Fulfill the promise of comfort and are a great fit making it an easy buy for those that worry about these issues
Suited for everyday use as these shoes are stylish and classy and the brown color blends in well with your outfits
Cons
Poor sewing causes rips and tears for some wearers
Soles wear down very soon making them not the most durable model
Best for the Money
EVER BOOTS “Tank” Soft Toe Work Boots
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather, Rubber sole
Shaft Height: 7″
Heel Height: 1″
Safety Features: Nubuck with reinforced stitches, a soft toe, and a padded collar, rubber sole
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Review
These soft toe work shoes flash a 100% leather body and rubber soles. The shaft measures a whopping 7 inches from the arch. The Goodyear welt construction offers extra durability for working under industrial conditions. Moreover, the comfort cushion insole adds comfort and reduces fatigue and pressure on your feet.
The soles are also removable so that you can place them in sunlight to kill bacteria and germs and thereby, prevent bad odor. The footwear is also slip resistant as the rubber sole provides extra traction to allow you to walk easily on wet and slippery surfaces. The top full grain Nubuck leather not only increases flexibility, but it also adds style and strength. The speedy hooks built into the design make wearing the shoes even easier.
Bottom Line
Although durable and long-lasting, these shoes have reportedly fallen apart in some cases. Not only this, the cheap rate of these shoes makes them a great investment for the features they offer. And, if you’re not too worried about longevity, a cheap pair of shoes that don’t last for years is certainly not a bad thing. Moreover, the Nubuck leather body and Goodyear welt construction are definitely a plus.
Pros
Excellent customer service allows you to settle any problems that may arise very easily
Affordable as they offer a whole lot for a tiny investment. They look both great and are durable
The Goodyear welt construction makes the shoes stiff and sturdy but flexible and comfortable and prevents aches and bruises
Cons
Soles have reportedly fallen off and come unstuck
Size is smaller than what is mentioned which may be bothersome for some buyers
Georgia Boot Georgia Romeo GR500
Specifications
Materials: 100% Leather, Polyurethane sole
Shaft Height: 5″
Heel Height: 1.5″
Safety Features: Side goring insets and dual pull loops, Good Year welt construction, steel shank, EVA midsole, Mesh covered cushion footbed, Round toe shape
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Review
Georgia Giant High Romeo GR500 work shoes are the classiest possible safety footwear that you will find. These 100% leather shoes are import quality and have been paired up with synthetic soles. The shaft measures approximately 5 inches from the arch; the heel measures 1.25 inches, whereas the platform is about 0.5 inches.
These boots are ankle high and do not feature laces. The side goring insets and dual pull loops make wearing the shoe easier and help you get a better grip. Also, these features allow the shoe to stay latched onto your feet.
In addition, the full-grain leather and Goodyear welt construction promise sturdiness and strength. These also make the shoes flexible, durable, and waterproof. The EVA midsole adds both comfort and minimizes bad odor. Meanwhile, the mesh covered and cushioned footbed makes your feet feel like they are walking on air. The round toe shape allows the shoes to fit snugly and comfortably on any foot shape.
Bottom Line
Apart from a few people reporting sizing and leather staining issues, these shoes work very well for most. They have been applauded for their stylish look and the fact that they work perfectly as casual wear. Great for those that hate laces.
Pros
The round toe adjusts wide feet easily and provides comfort to those with bigger feet
Perfect for those that hate tying laces as they are equipped with side goring insets and dual pull loops
Rich brown chocolate color that goes well with most outfits and makes the shoes suitable for everyday wear
Cons
Not your cheapest buy
Too snug and difficult to pull off for some people
Uneven staining of leather makes the shoes look patchy
Types of Work Boots Explained
There are shoes suited for all kinds of jobs, and there are various kinds equipped with the right features to protect you from various safety hazards. If you’re wondering what these various types are and what they have to offer, then you’ve landed at the right place. Let us look at some of the various types available in the market:
Electricity Resistant
Shoes that are electricity resistant are what you need if you have a job that involves high voltage and loose wires. Footwear that does not conduct electricity when you walk about or accidentally step on wires is what you require to prevent the risk of an electric shock. Therefore, a model made out of rubber or other insulators is exactly what your feet need.
Anti-inflammatory
These shoes are equipped with the exact opposite of those which are electricity-resistant. Moving about builds up static electricity in the body, which could lead to an explosion or flames when you come in contact with a combustible object. To prevent this, material that helps conduct and disperse this electricity is used to make these shoes.
Anti-rip
Shoes that won’t easily tear or split open and allow your feet to get hurt around spinning blades and chainsaws are needed when you work in such an environment. This footwear is made out of extremely tough materials.
Molten metal
Shoes that won’t burn when in contact with molten metals or hot objects are another type that helps protect your feet in similar work environments.
Conclusion
We hope this buyer’s guide has helped you choose the perfect pair of boots. Be sure to review our top picks again if you’re still on the fence as to which ones you should go with.
