What are the best waterproof work boots? If you're on time, there's nothing more annoying than wet socks on soaked boots. Not only is it uncomfortable, but in many work environments, wet boots can be a safety hazard.
Whether you work in agriculture or construction, it's important to keep your feet dry, safe, and comfortable by investing in waterproof work boots. With waterproof boots, you can get through the water, oil, gas, and more without having to worry about anything.
In standard boots or shoes, your feet will immediately flood if you step on liquids and cause a number of problems. You can easily slip and fall, get blisters, and much more.
In the long run, your boots will never be the same. They will warp and become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
It's best to avoid these problems altogether with a pair of boots you can rely on. Here are 7 of the best waterproof boots made for wet conditions.
7 of the Best Waterproof Work Boots
1. Timberland PRO Men's 47001 Power Welt Steel Toe Waterproof Boot
These boots are made from a unique material designed to be durable and waterproof. Ever-Guard leather is used on the upper. It is also used to reinforce certain parts of boots for extra protection.
The material is highly resistant to heat, abrasion, and water. The boots use a welt construction for extra protection against moisture. The sole is made of synthetic material and has a tread design that is non-slip and oil resistant.
Inside, the boots have a breathable mesh lining. This helps keep your feet dry from sweat. The boots have a standard 6-inch shaft.
2. Caterpillar Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot for Men
If you're looking for the best support, comfort, and protection, these boots are a good choice. They are specially designed to improve the position and movement of your feet.
This is done by a contoured footbed, shaft supports, shock-absorbing cushions, and much more. The upper is made of waterproof leather that wicks away moisture. It has a standard 6-inch spindle. The bottom of the shoes is made of durable rubber.
The outsole is reinforced to provide support throughout the foot. The connection point between the upper and the soles is also smooth and reinforced to prevent water ingress.
3. Timberland PRO Men's Gridworks 8 "Soft Toe Waterproof Construction & Industrial Boot"
These Timberland boots have unique styling and plenty of safety features to keep you protected. The upper is made of waterproof leather. The toe box has a softer rubber cap for extra moisture protection and comfort.
The shaft of the boots is 8 inches long from the arch. The soles are made of durable rubber and have a built-in lightweight fiberglass shaft for support and stability.
Inside, the boots have a breathable mesh lining that can help speed up the evaporation process of sweat and control odors. There's also dual-density foam and a cushioned insole for all-day comfort.
4. Chippewa 6″ Men's Waterproof Insulated Lace Up Shoe 25203
This pair of boots has multiple layers of protection to keep you dry. On the outside, the upper is made of premium leather. The leather upper is waterproof, durable, and extends up to 15cm from the arch of the foot.
It is bonded with Vibram Cascade synthetic soles with a welt construction for a watertight seal. Beyond that first layer of protection is loot. This boot is completely waterproof.
There is also a waterproof insole and a moisture-wicking liner. The sole has a steel shank for extra support and is designed to be replaceable so you can extend the life of your boots.
5. EVER BOOTS "Ultra Dry" Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots For Men
This option from Ever Boots is made with a variety of waterproof materials. The upper is made of waterproof full-grain leather. Adheres to rubber soles using a direct attachment method.
The two components are hermetically sealed to prevent the ingress of water. In addition, the boots use waterproof laces, stitching, and booties for durable protection. There is also an insulating lining on the inside, making it a perfect choice for winter environments.
Also included is a polyurethane midsole to support your arch and prevent premature fatigue on the job. Overall, the boots are lightweight and flexible to give you total agility.
6. Timberland Flume Waterproof Men's Boots
Timberland's Flume boot line is designed for use in wet and slippery environments. Manufacturers used a sealed seam construction method. There is no gap between the upper and the sole.
The various seams are reinforced and covered for maximum protection against moisture. The upper is made of leather, while the soles are made of rubber. Boots extend about 5 inches from the arch.
The soles have a design that improves grip on various slippery surfaces. To make sure your feet are comfortable, the boots also have a removable insole made of absorbent EVA foam.
7. Waterproof gravel kit 6in. Steel toe work boots
With an ASTM-approved steel toe cap, these boots give you versatile protection against a number of workplace hazards. When it comes to waterproofing, boots have a number of different layers of protection.
The first is a waterproof, full-grain leather upper. The second is an inner waterproof membrane. This membrane offers complete protection against moisture. There is also a mesh lining to wick away sweat.
Also included is a mesh-lined insole for extra comfort and protection against sweat. The sole is made up of two layers. One is a polyurethane coating, while the second is oil-resistant, non-slip rubber.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant
When you go to buy boots, you will probably come across the terms 'waterproof' and 'water-resistant. Manufacturers use them to give you a better idea of the boots' capabilities. The problem is, it's easy to confuse the two.
Waterproof means the boots are completely safe to wear for extended periods of time in wet conditions. You can stand in the water without worrying about it going in. The unique properties that provide this advantage are built directly into the boots during the construction phase.
In contrast, waterproof boots only provide temporary protection. The protection features are more of an afterthought that will wear out over time.
These types of shoes are often sprayed with a waterproof material instead of built-in features. They withstand the occasional splash well, but cannot withstand more extreme environments.
What to Look For in Waterproof Work Boots
To ensure that your feet are truly protected from the water, oil, gas, and other liquids you work with, there are a number of features to consider.
As mentioned above, these features are part of the boot's overall construction and can help ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
Material
One of the first things to consider is the material of the boots. Options like canvas or nylon, while durable, are the worst in terms of water protection. Instead, opt for boots made of rubber or leather.
Rubber offers the most protection. The material is thick, flexible, and quite difficult to penetrate. It is also solid and easy to mold, making it quite easy for manufacturers to create a seamless shoe.
Leather is a natural material that is highly resistant to moisture when treated properly. Manufacturers often apply a wax sealant to prevent moisture from affecting the overall quality of the material.
To ensure that the material remains protected, you should apply wax regularly.
Height
If you have to wade through water for work, you should find work shoes with a fairly high shaft. On standard work boots, the shafts extend a few inches past the ankles.
This is fine if you are only concerned about splashes or rain. However, if you go deeper into the water, you run the risk of water flowing in from above.
To avoid this, opt for shafts that extend well beyond the ankle. Manufacturers often make work boots in mid-high and knee-high models. These options allow you to cross greater depths without worry.
Build
To provide true waterproofing, manufacturers will build boots in a way that completely seals the interior.
One of these methods is called Goodyear welt construction. This is a separate piece of material that runs around the perimeter of the outsole.
Essentially, it covers the seam between the outsole and the top of the boot. This area is usually the first to be affected when you enter the water.
This strip covers the seam and works in conjunction with reinforced stitching, strong adhesives, and even cork to create an airtight seal. Other construction methods include using a sturdy piece of rubber to create a waterproof shell and taped seams.
Membranes and Liners
Waterproof membranes and coatings act as a second layer of protection against water. They prevent moisture from penetrating if the outside of the boot is affected. Membranes are often built into the walls of the boots. The liners are usually removable.
They behave a little differently as they help control sweat. Certain materials can absorb sweat and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Traction
You should always wear boots that adhere well to the surface you are walking on. Boots can be made
non-slip and oil resistant. To achieve this feature, a unique design has been implemented on the underside of the sole.
This design includes lugs to grip the ground and channels to divert water. The end result is better stability and traction while walking.
Over to You
A pair of waterproof boots can make all the difference at work. Ultimately, they will affect your performance, comfort, and safety. A great pair of work boots keep water out to prevent blisters, odors, and more.
You can jump into any damp environment without thinking and leave your work dry and comfortable.