Safety boots have a long and storied history, dating back to the 17th century when factory owners made boots from wood to help their workers not obtain foot-based injury whilst on the job. However, thankfully for everyone, safety boots have evolved plenty since the days of the 17th century and nowadays, safety boots are chock with features to make life easier for the wearer – and safety trainers are now a thing, for those who still need protection, but can sacrifice weight and surface area coverage.
Most safety boots are built to an industry standard, with several of the following features:
- Steel toes are most common among all safety boots, as they are often a requirement made by either the labor laws of the land or the insurance companies of the company that’s hiring the workers. Safety first, always! Some steel-toe boots have the steel plate on the inside, others on the outside – this is more of a fashion statement than anything.
- Waterproofing is another common theme among safety boots and while not standard across the board, it is very useful if you work in any kind of wet environment, a waterproof pair of safety boots is a necessity. You could also buy a waterproofing spray, but if you have the extra cash, it’s better to get the pre-treated boots.
- Laces can be a real pain and a potential tripping hazard. A decent pair of safety boots will have no-tie laces or be made in a slip-on fashion – such as Blundstones’ safety boots are.
- High-top safety boots are in the industry standard, as manufacturers are going for maximum protection over the largest surface area. Having high-top boots also works well for those who work with long trousers that can ‘clip-in’ to the boot.
Best Overall Safety Boots
If you’re looking to purchase a new pair of safety boots, these boots are your best bet – they’re the cream of the crop and if you’ve got the cash, they’re definitely worth it.
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Steel Blue Southern Cross Wheat
These safety boots from Steel Blue combine the higher top with a side zip function, as well as velcro and lacing to make sure that the boots stay put! However, you could swap the lacing with no-tie laces fairly easily. Beyond that, Steel Blue’s Southern Cross has been tested to be heat resistant and anti-slip. Their internal steel toe makes them a firm favorite among workers from all industries.
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L. Bean Men’s 6-Inch
This uniquely designed boot is made for the gardeners among us. The waterproof exterior and high-top finish, along with terrific waterproofing and the six inches of lift, make the L.L. Bean the top choice among gardeners.
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Hazproof HAZMAT Boot
For those working with hazardous materials, there’s no other boot that even comes close to the Hazproof HAZMAT. Waterproof, shock-proof, made of anti-corrosive material, steel-toed, and with a reinforced heel, these boots are an absolute must if you do the dangerous dirty work of HAZMAT disposal.
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RockRooster Boots
Boots made by RockRooster are perfect for electricians, as they use special non-conductive material in their boots, to ensure that you don’t get a shock from a loose wire or unseen water when working with electrical currents.
Regardless of what your profession is, if it’s dangerous enough to cause serious injury to your feet and/or body, you need a good pair of safety boots. Make sure you consider those on our list seriously and pick the right one for you.
