Welding work is extremely damaging to footwear. The danger of red-hot flames and sparks constantly showering down on the boots, seeking every nook and hole to land in.
And because footwear can be pricey and the flesh on our feet burns quickly, you have to make sure you’re wearing a solid pair of sturdy boots that you can completely rely on while welding.
You may find a variety of options while selecting a footwear for welding work, but out of them, Timberland work boots give you the best value for your money.
Timberland work boots are ideal for welding as it incorporates technical aspects including steel midsole reinforcements, rubber soles that are slip-resistant, and electrical insulation for optimal comfort, protection, and durability.
These boots not only provide excellent insulation and comfort, but many also contain safety-toe features to protect your feet from burns and strain.
Timberland does offer a wide range of work boots that fits your welding needs and also keeps you protected. However, here is a list of features that you should look for in your welding footwear.
Footwear structure
One important factor to consider is the material structure, which might affect the long-term worth of your boot and its efficiency.
The first guideline of welding footwear is to avoid boots with protruding tongues, nooks and crannies where molten metal might go and settle, which might damage your footwear and skin further.
Stitching is an essential part of the design of a work boot. Kevlar thread is not only extremely tough, but it is also heat resistant.
When looking for welding boots, you’ll almost certainly hear about welt construction, which is usually a leather part that fits between the upper and the sole of the boot and is securely bonded with double stitching.
The Goodyear welt structure is extensively utilised in high-end boots to increase durability and toughness which is especially required in welding work.
Footwear with a sole that is directly linked to the top is often lighter, more comfortable, and less expensive. But you certainly have to compromise on quality with these boots as they are not as durable. You may save money in the long run if you choose a product with welt construction.
Check out this Timberland PRO Steel Pointed Boots
- Mid-cut boot with EverGuard waterproof leather upper featuring Goodyear welt construction with Kevlar thread
- Lace front with waterproof Met Guard flap
- Comfort-inspired closed-cell PU footbed with durable cushioning
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsole
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Superior Metatarsal Protection
These work boots are known to provide protection in every direction. With a better met-guard that shields the laces from the dangers of welding sparks.
The metatarsal guard also aids in the protection of your feet’s crucial metatarsal bones against risks such as large things being dropped.
Excellent Outsole
It is pliable, lightweight, and breathable. These boots offer an excellent abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsole to keep you and your feet safe and comfortable.
The soles of these boots have been designed particularly to endure contact with hot surfaces, which is a significant benefit for welders.
Resistance to heat and fire
Heat and spray produced during a welding process might damage your boots and cause burns to your skin. When looking for welding boots, consider heat and burn resistance qualities, just like you would when buying a fireproof welding jacket.
Most boots can endure heat and burns, however welding applications may need a bit additional protection.
Consider alternatives with special neoprene, heat resistant soles, and quality leathers treated with heat resistant ingredients in these cases.
A double density PU or outer rubber sole is another element that substantially contributes footwear heat resistance. For welding jobs, look for a boot that can withstand temperatures of up to 570 degree fahrenheit or greater.
Some heat resistant footwear is normally heavier, but the extra weight is worth it to avoid injury or damage to your shoes.
Check out this Timberland PRO Wellington Boots that has a number of qualities which makes it extremely popular among welders and other construction professionals.
- Color-blocked work boot with mid-high shaft featuring pull-on construction and aggressive tread design
- Color-blocked work boot with mid-high shaft featuring pull-on construction and aggressive tread design
- Color-blocked work boot with mid-high shaft featuring pull-on construction and aggressive tread des
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These welding boots are made of full-grain leather that also provides better water and heat resistance.
Durability of the sole construction
The quality of the sole construction is critical in maintaining your safety while working. The thickness of a sole is especially important since thinner soles are more prone to burns and punctures and ordinary wear and tear than thicker ones.
Since you know welding is a tough job, but you can at least keep yourself comfortable with those thick soles that also offer better shock absorption and cushioning.
In addition to thickness, slip resistance is critical, especially if you operate on locations with oil spills or soapy chemicals on the floor. A sole should be able to endure chemical compounds such as acid as well as heat from molten steel.
Slip and fall incidents, especially when working on elevated platforms, can result in lifelong injuries or even fatalities.
A good sole will help you maintain traction and stay on your feet. Rubber is the greatest material for a non-slip sole since it absorbs shocks and is resistant to heat.
Check out this Timberland PRO MetGuard Boots
- Ankle-high boot with EverGuard waterproof leather upper featuring Goodyear welt construction with Kevlar thread
- Lace front with waterproof MetGuard flap
- Comfort-inspired closed-cell PU footbed with durable cushioning
- Meets ASTM safety standards. Steel Safety Toe-Meets I/75 and C/75 impact and compression ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 safety standards.
- Abrasion, slip, and oil-resistant rubber outsole
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These boots have a leather cushioned top collar and an antimicrobial fabric interior that is designed particularly to protect welders on the job.
The boots feature Ever-Guard leather inserts for abrasion resistance, as well as steel safety toes for greater compression and impact protection.
Waterproofing
Water may be present on the ground or in specific work locations depending on the nature of your employment. For example, if you are welding during a pipeline maintenance or if it has recently rained on your working site, you may come into contact with water.
Stepping in a puddle and feeling the water soak into your boots, getting your socks wet, might ruin your entire day. It can also be hazardous, particularly if there are electrical extension cables that could come into touch with the water.
However, if your footwear is water resistant, you will be able to operate in damp circumstances without even realising it.
The majority of boots are constructed of leather, which is naturally water resistant. Some producers treat the leather with a hydrophobic oil that stops water from seeping in. If your welding work boots do not already have a water-resistant finish, you can apply it yourself.
Check out Timberland PRO insulated and waterproof work boots
- Featuring waterproof leather, seam-sealed construction and Thermolite insulation, these steel-toe waterproof boots keep feet dry and warm, enabling you to focus on the job at hand.
- ANTI-FATIGUE TECHNOLOGY: A comfort system designed with shock-absorbing, geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot to deliver all-day support and comfort.
- Rubber Outsole that is Heat, Slip, Oil and Abrasion Resistant.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Timberland steel-toe welding work boot is well-designed with comfort and safety in mind. It is composed of high-quality leather and has a rubber sole with a steel toe for additional protection.
Furthermore, the work boot complies with ANSI safety regulations. It also includes a long-lasting outsole that is slip-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
FAQs-
Do welders need EH safety rated footwear?
Welders should wear non-conductive footwear, often known as EH boots, which stand for Electrical Hazard boots.
Electrical hazard shoes and boots are purpose-built to protect employees from just about any type of open electrical circuit that is 600 volts or less.
EH footwear is meant to protect against electrical shock, and welders utilise regulated electricity to conduct their work, therefore the two complement each other well.
Can laces in footwear be a liability while welding?
Selecting boots that are easy to put on, comfortable, and safe is critical for a welder. And laced boots are one way for accomplishing this. These boots are believed to provide better support than pull-on boots and are also the most popular choice.
But, the laces might wind up being a problem since the sparks can burn them.
For example, you may obtain a boot with a metatarsal guard that will assist you keep the laces in place while also protecting your foot, which is important.
Choosing work boots without laces, on the other hand, means you’ll have one less thing to worry about because burning laces will no longer be an issue.
Conclusion
There are loads of welding boot options that you will find in the market, however, nothing beats a good and solid timberland work boot when it comes to reliability in tough situations.
In this article, we have provided you with enough information as to why timberland offers the best protection and comfort.