Ironworking is a hazardous job that requires the right type of footwear to protect you from potential injuries. With so many different types of ironworker boots on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are best for your needs.
That’s why we have put together this guide featuring our top three picks for ironworker boots that offer superior protection and comfort while tackling tough jobs.
We’ll discuss the features and benefits of each boot, so you can make an informed decision about what kind of safety gear will work best for your situation. Let’s get started!
Ironworker Boots Quick Guide
- Best Overall: Irish Setter Men’s Aluminum Toe Work Boot⇣ Jump to Review
- Best On Amazon: Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots for Men⇣ Jump to Review
- Best Affordable: Irish Setter Men’s 6″ Work Boot⇣ Jump to Review
Features To Look For In Ironworker Boots
Material
When it comes to selecting the perfect ironworker boots, make sure you prioritize quality leather. Low-cost materials won’t stand up over time and can’t offer the optimal comfort and support that premium leather does. Invest in durability to ensure a reliable shoe for long days on the job.
Zippers
Work boots with an intuitive zipper mechanism not only add mobility and ease of movement to your workday but also offer superior ankle support.
This is especially helpful for those who manage multiple projects simultaneously – zipping around has never been easier.
Cushioned Footbeds
Ironworkers are no strangers to long days on their feet, often standing for 10 hours continuously with no breaks. This can take its toll on your body in the form of aches and pains. To make life a lot easier, it is highly advised to invest in boots that have cushioning footbeds.
Shock Absorbing Midsoles
Investing in boots that contain shock-absorbing midsoles can significantly decrease the odds of discomfort, as it will reduce any undue strain on your feet.
Safety Toes
With heavy tools and machinery circulating in a construction site, ironworkers must arm themselves with reliable safety toe work boots to protect their toes from any accidental falling objects that could cause immense damage.
Searching for the perfect pair of ironworker boots is essential as they will provide you with much-needed stability and security while on the job.
Waterproofing & Insulation
Ironworkers must brave the elements of nature while working outdoors, so it is important they are well-equipped to handle these conditions. My best advice for ironworkers in this situation is to purchase boots that have both insulation and waterproofing capabilities – not only will your feet be dry but also warm on those cold winter days.
Slip & Oil Resistant Outsoles
Ironworkers bravely work on construction sites, where surfaces may be exceptionally slippery putting them at risk of falling and being injured.
With this in mind, it is essential that they are equipped with the right gear – slip-resistant and oil-proof outsoles to ensure solid footing while traversing these hazardous locations. It’s a simple way for ironworks to protect themselves from any potential dangers as they go about their day.
Low Heels
Investing in work boots with low heels, rather than high ones, is an exceptional idea for ironworkers as these offer far greater stability when operating in tight spaces at immense heights. Having the assurance that nothing can go wrong while working under such conditions is invaluable and will provide a great deal of peace of mind.
Abrasion Resistant Construction
Ironworkers are often exposed to dangerous sparks which can burn through their boots – making abrasion-resistant material a must in order to keep you, and your investment, safe. Not only will these materials help protect you from burns but they’ll also ensure that your boots stay in pristine condition for longer.
Best Ironworker Boots Reviewed In This Guide
1. Irish Setter Men’s Aluminum Toe Work Boot
- Meets ASTM Safety Standards: This leather work boot features an aluminum safety toe and an HRO-designed rubber-EVA Traction Tred outsole, ensuring resistance to heat, slips, impacts, compressions, and electrical hazards, meeting ASTM F2413-18, M/I/C, EH, and ASTM F3445-21, SR safety standards.
- Aluminum Safety Toe: Provides an additional protective layer of defense against various hazards commonly encountered at worksites.
- Comfortable & Durable: Constructed with oiled full-grain leather for exceptional durability, this boot includes a removable polyurethane footbed for long-lasting comfort and performance throughout the day.
- Resoleable Platform: Utilizing Goodyear Welt sole construction, this boot is fortified against water intrusion and enhanced for strength and durability. It allows for easy resoling, extending the boot’s lifespan.
- Heat Resistant Sole: The HRO-designed sole undergoes rigorous testing to withstand high-heat surfaces, ensuring heat resistance and preventing melting at temperatures of at least 475º Fahrenheit.
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The Irish Setter Men’s Aluminum Toe Work Boot is a durable and comfortable choice for all kinds of tough work. It is handcrafted by the S.B. Foot Tanning Company using leather that has been specially crafted exclusively for the Irish Setter brand.
Protection from electrical hazards comes courtesy of an Electrical Hazard protective sole construction while heat-resistant outsoles provide a reliable grip on high-heat surfaces with melting resistance up to 475°F (HRO).
Additionally, it meets ASTM F2413-11, I/75C/75 standards for impact and compression offering protection against heavy falling or dropped objects as well as vehicles in motion – perfect for ironworkers who require safety toe footwear at their job sites.
2. Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots for Men
- AMERICAN MADE: Crafted with USA and globally sourced components by skilled craftsmen and women at Thorogood’s US plants.
- DURABLE OIL-TANNED FULL-GRAIN LEATHER: Features comfortable moc toe design suitable for punishing jobs, available in multiple color options.
- MAXWEAR WEDGE TRACTION OUTSOLE: Offers better flexibility than other work boot outsoles, absorbing impacts and meeting ASTM F3445-21 slip-resistance standards.
- EH RESISTANCE: Meets ASTM F2892-18 electrical hazard resistance safety standards.
- REMOVABLE ULTIMATE SHOCK ABSORPTION FOOTBED: Utilizes dual-density polyurethane to absorb impacts and manage moisture for exceptional comfort.
- GOODYEAR STORM WELT CONSTRUCTION: Provides superior wear resistance and moisture seal between upper and midsole, ensuring durability and reliability.
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Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots for Men offer superior wear resistance and comfort. Crafted with USA and globally sourced components by skilled craftsmen, these boots feature a MAXWEAR WEDGE Slip-Resistant Outsole.
It absorbs impacts to protect your feet and ankles while being slip resistant on flat, wet, or oily surfaces and loose gravel. The REMOVABLE Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed uses dual-density polyurethane concentrated under heel and ball strike zones to absorb impacts, wick away moisture, and keep you comfortable all day long.
Goodyear Storm Welt Construction ensures lasting dependability against heavy duress while the Fiberglass Shank Construction keeps them durable enough to maintain shape up top. With a “job-fitted” design for outdoor industrial applications especially ironworkers.
3. Irish Setter Men’s 6″ Work Boot
- Meets Safety Standards: This leather soft toe work boot is engineered with an HRO-designed rubber-EVA Traction Tred outsole, ensuring resistance to heat, slips, and electrical hazards to comply with ASTM F2892-18, EH, and ASTM F3445-21, SR safety standards.
- Soft Toe Protection: The soft toe design offers a protective barrier against various hazards typically encountered at worksites.
- Comfortable & Long-lasting: Crafted from oiled full-grain leather for exceptional durability, this boot features a removable polyurethane footbed that delivers enduring comfort and performance throughout the day.
- Resoleable Construction: Utilizing Goodyear Welt sole construction, this boot is fortified against water penetration while enhancing overall strength and durability. This construction method also enables the boot to be resoled, extending its lifespan.
- Heat Resistant Sole: The HRO-designed outsoles undergo rigorous testing to withstand high-heat surfaces, ensuring heat resistance and preventing melting at temperatures as low as 475º Fahrenheit.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The Irish Setter Men’s 6″ Work Boot is a tough and reliable choice for ironworkers. Made with 100% leather and rubber sole, it delivers superior performance in even the toughest conditions.
The boots feature a heat-resistant outsole that can withstand temperatures up to 475 Fahrenheit, making them perfect for hot work environments. Plus, they offer electrical hazard protection that meets ASTM F2413-11 safety standards for added peace of mind.
This rugged yet comfortable boot features a lace-up design and non-woven nylon lining to complete its look. Put your trust in these high-performance boots from Irish Setter when you’re ready to get the job done.
Common Questions About Ironworker Boots
What is good about ironworker boots?
- Avoid knee and foot pain: When you need to stand on your feet an entire day, having the right ironworker boots can make all the difference. These boots should have ergonomic features that will allow your knees and joints to be comfortable throughout long days of work.
- Avoid injuries: With any of the boots outlined in this article, you can go to work with confidence, knowing that your toes are protected from all potential impacts by heavy tools. In addition, their traction will keep you steady on even slippery surfaces so there’s no risk of slipping and injuring yourself.
- Dry feet: You can trust that your feet will remain warm and dry during those cold winter months when you have to work outdoors, as the boots are both waterproofed and insulated.
Why are Ironworker boots flat?
When working in the risky and hazardous environment of an ironworker, protection for your feet should be paramount.
Heeled boots are a major no-no as their bigger heels can easily lead to accidental slipping or tripping – especially when you’re walking on beams or working at great heights.
To ensure maximum safety and traction, invest in wedge-soled workboots or flat-soled ones instead; after all, nothing is more important than ensuring that not only do you stay safe but also get the job done right.
What are the recommended brands for ironworker boots?
Seeking the most reliable ironworker boots? Look no further than brands like Red Wing, Thorogood, Timberland, Dakota, Georgia, and J.B. Goodhue for superior quality footwear.
Other noteworthy labels that produce a remarkable range of ironworking boots include Irish Setter, Viberg, Stompers, and Danner – all renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship.
How to pick the best ironworker boot size?
The size and fit of your work boots are essential to consider when purchasing. If the boot is too large or small for you, it can be quite uncomfortable after a period of time.
To ensure that you have the correct sizing, determining the dimensions of your feet ahead of time is key; this can be done with ease at home or in-store by expert staff members. Once equipped with accurate measurements, selecting a pair crafted perfectly for your feet will guarantee long-lasting comfort.
Video Best Boots For Ironworking
Not sure about choosing ironworker boots? Watch the video below to learn more about what it takes to make a suitable pair of ironworker boots.
Final Thoughts
Ironworker boots are a crucial piece of safety equipment for those who work in the construction industry. Not only do they protect your feet from potential hazards, but the right pair can also provide superior comfort and support throughout long days on-site.
With so many styles and features to choose from, it’s important that you select an ironworker boot with the best combination of protection, durability, and fit for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out in the industry, investing in quality ironworker boots is one of the most important steps toward staying safe while working hard.
