Choosing the right pair of electrician boots can be difficult but is also one of the most important decisions when it comes to your comfort day to day. Electricians need boots that can handle miles of walking, hours of going up and down ladders, keep their feet comfortable, and overall just withstanding rough wear and tear.
In this guide I’ll be detailing the top 10 boots for electricians, you can rest assured all of these boots will withstand your day-to-day, meet all safety requirements imposed by a job site, and will be comfortable throughout the day.
A big issue for me is comfort. Comfort is the most important aspect for a pair of boots in my opinion. If I have to wear these boots for 10+ hours a day, walking miles and miles, they need to be comfortable.
In this guide I’ll be distill all of my experience, inspections, trying on, and wearing of steel toes to give you the best possible recommendations for work boots. In the below table you can sort the list by weight (how light the boots are), waterproof, estimated price, overall score, and more.
The list was graded based on the following factors:
- Boot weight
- Waterproof
- Electrical hazard rating (all boots on this list are EH rated)
- Comfort
- Outer sole
- Insole
- Quality of materials
- Price
- Protective toe cap
Table of Contents
Recommended Work Boots for Electricians
Extremely Comfortable
Waterproof
Very Durable
Slip and Oil Resistant
Genuine Leather
Great Outersole
Goodyear Welted
Oil and Slip Resistant
Lightweight
Comfortable
Good Budget Laceup
Oil and Slip Resistant
Lightweight
Slip Resistant
Comfortable
Durable
Most Lightweight
Slip Resistant
Genuine Leather
Durable
Genuine Leather
Slip Resistant
Waterproof
Durable
Most Durable Pullon
Slip Resistant
Genuine Leather
Comfortable
Most Lightweight Lace-up
Slip Resistant
Toe Cap
Durable
Durable
Slip Resistant
Genuine Leather
Good Outersole
Best Chelsea
Genuine Leather
Good Outersole
Very Durable
| Boot | Overall Rating | Price | Waterproof | Insole | Outsole | Safety Toe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10/10 |
YES |
BEST |
GREAT |
ALLOY TOE |
||
|
9/10 |
$195.95 |
NO |
GREAT |
GREAT |
STEEL TOE |
|
|
8/10 |
NO |
GOOD |
GOOD |
COMPOSITE TOE |
||
|
8/10 |
$80.95 |
NO |
GOOD |
GOOD |
STEEL TOE |
|
|
8/10 |
$156.95 |
NO |
GOOD |
GOOD |
STEEL TOE |
|
|
7/10 |
$119.95 |
YES |
GOOD |
GOOD |
STEEL TOE |
|
|
7/10 |
NO |
GOOD |
GREAT |
STEEL TOE |
||
|
7/10 |
NO |
OKAY |
GOOD |
STEEL TOE |
||
|
7/10 |
$106.85 |
NO |
OKAY |
GOOD |
STEEL TOE |
|
|
7/10 |
YES |
GOOD |
GOOD |
STEEL TOE |
What Features To Look For in Electrician Work Boots
When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of work boots for electricians, there are a few essential features I like to recommend:
-
EH-Rated Boots – which stands for electrical hazard, is a must-have. It means that the boots have been rigorously tested and certified to safeguard the wearer against electric shocks. As electricians work with live wires and currents, it’s crucial to have boots that offer this kind of protection.
-
Slip-resistant Soles – Electricians often operate in environments where spills and slippery surfaces are commonplace, so having slip-resistant soles is crucial to prevent falls and injuries.
-
Safety Toe Cap – a steel toe, composite toe, or other protective toe cap can prevent toes from getting injured due to heavy objects falling or being dropped in the work area. This feature is dependant on the job sites you work, not all jobs require protective footwear but it is ideal to have a toe cap in case something were to fall. Also, this isn’t an overly noticeable safety feature, you’ll forget you even have a toe cap eventually.
-
Flexible Boots – Electricians regularly move around in confined spaces, climb ladders, and contort themselves into awkward positions. Boots that are excessively stiff or rigid can impede their movement and lead to discomfort. It’s essential to choose boots that provide a good balance of flexibility and support.
-
Good Quality Boots – Top-quality boots are made from durable materials that can handle the wear and tear of everyday use. Investing in high-quality work boots can save money over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
-
Comfort – Electricians may spend extended periods on their feet, and comfortable boots can prevent fatigue and even injuries. It’s a good idea to look for comfortable work boots with features such as cushioned insoles, arch support, and breathable materials to ensure they remain comfortable for extended periods.
-
Waterproof Boots – Waterproof boots and insulated work boots are also useful for electricians who work outdoors or in damp environments, and are essential to keep your feet dry. These boots can keep feet warm and dry, which is crucial for maintaining comfort and avoiding injuries. It would be ideal if these boots were made of waterproof leather but almost all waterproof boots are made with a waterproof liner that provides water protection.
The Timberland Helix 6″ Alloy Toe work boot comes in as the best overall electrician work boots. These boots are tried and true, with their full grain leather, waterproof liner, and amazing insoles you really can’t go wrong picking these boots up working as an electrician. Designed for optimal performance and comfort on the job, these rugged work boots offer the best in Timberland PRO craftsmanship and classic styling. We mix field-tested designs with work-ready materials to build rugged boots guaranteed to get the job done.
Timberland’s mission is to design and deliver the best work boots possible, built to withstand the rigors of work and last a long time. These have been used, tried, and field-tested to withstand the daily grind. They are the perfect combination of comfort, durability, and waterproof protection.
Features
- Leather, Mesh, Rubber
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately ankle-high from arch
- Anti-fatigue Technology polyurethane footbed for shock absorption, energy return, and comfort technology
- Premium full-grain leather with waterproof membrane that will keep your feet dry
- Alloy safety toe
Waterproof – These boots are waterproof out of the box, you don’t have to worry about wet socks ever again. I still recommend using mink oil or Sno-Seal for an added layer of protection and to make the leather last longer.
Outer-sole – Strong rubber outer-sole that is abrasion, slip, oil, and heat resistant. These soles last a good amount of time being made from strong rubber, meaning grating, ladders, cement, and gravel will not have a strong effect on.
Insole – Best in the business. These boots come with my most recommended insole the “Anti-Fatigue” insole. These are the thickest I’ve ever found meaning you will not be walking holes into them anytime soon. This also means you’ll be comfortable throughout your 10 hour days walking miles and miles.
Height – These boots are 6 inches tall, which provides a good amount of ankle support.
Electrical Hazard – These are electrical hazard rated meeting ASTM F2412-11, ASTM F2413-11 and ASTM F2892-11 standards.
Alloy Toe – These boots are made with an Alloy toe, meaning they are a metal toe. So if your toe cap is exposed it will be an extreme safety hazard working as an electrician.
Notable Features
- Best in class innersole
- Timberland Pro Rubber
Outer soles are heat-resistant, durable rubber compound with extra slip, oil and abrasion resistance. - Antimicrobial Odor Control – Treatment to help prevent and control strong odors.
Warranty – 12 month warranty for defective materials or craftsmanship. The warranty does not include typical wear and tear.
You may have seen this one on our list of the best Thorogood work boots for electricians and they are making a reappearance on the overall best work boots for electricians.
Thorogood boots are known for being American-made and with that a very good quality of boot. I’ve worn these boots for over a year and have had good success with them, they were quite tight in the instep of the boot when initially bought. It did loosen up over time but it was uncomfortable for a while. I’d suggest purchasing a wide if you usually don’t purchase a wide and going half size up if you usually wear wide boots.
The leather on these boots is noticeably good even in comparison to other boots you see and feel a difference. also the outer sole is quite strong, mine has shown little wear of the 3 years of abuse going up and down ladders, and walking long distances.
These boots are also unlined. The majority of boots now are made with a fabric liner to make them more comfortable. The downside of this is the liners tear eventually and make it difficult to take boots off.
These boots made with no liner can keep your feet cooler and you don’t have to worry about the liner tearing. You will have to deal with the leather rubbing against your legs but I will say it was not noticeable for me.
Features –
- Premium Leather
- USA Made
- Removable Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed
- Shank made from fiberglass
- MAXWear 90 slip-resistant and durable outsole
- Goodyear welt construction
- Steel Safety Toe
Waterproof – The Thorogood 804-4375 American Heritage steel toe boots is not waterproof. They are entirely made of full grain leather which means you can make turn them into waterproof leather through Sno-Seal or mink oil.
Insole – Very good insole. I say this insole is quite close to the Timberland Anti-Fatigue insole in thickness and comfort. I recommend wearing these boots for a while prior to purchasing a new insole.
Height – The Thorogood 804-4375 American Heritage steel toe boots stand 8 inches tall.
Electrical Hazard – These boots meet ASTM requirements for electrical hazard safety.
Steel Toe – These boots have a steel toe that meets all safety requirements set by OSHA.
Warranty – Thorogood has a 1 year warranty against manufacture defects. This does not included typical wear and tear.
These Carhartt men’s boots are tough, comfortable, and support your feet without costing an arm and a leg. The Carhartt CMF6366 Composite Toe work boots are the perfect intersection between durability, comfort, and price. The boot is excellent and has no issue on dusty sites. It’s comfortable right out of the box and the leather is soft but durable. The overall comfort of the boot is quite good, providing all-day comfort will not be an issue with these. For maximum comfort replace the insole with the Timberland Anti-Fatigue insole, it will provide your feet comfort when the days get long and the job gets tough. The ankle support is moderate, but I wouldn’t call it strong.
I’ve written a more in-depth review of the CMF6366 Steel Toe Boots.
Features
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately Ankle from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1.5″
- Boot opening measures approximately 11″ around
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM F2413-18 EH standards.
- FastDry Technology Lining. FastDry lining wicks away sweat for comfort.
Are the CMF6366 Waterproof? – This boot is not waterproof out of the box but can be easily made waterproof with the use of mink oil or Sno-Seal. This process takes only a small amount of time and can save you plenty of headache down the road.
Outer-sole – These soles are a good solid rubber, slip resistant outsole that is lasts a good amount of time before needing to be replaced. I’ve known electricians to get over 2 years out of these boots when taken care of properly.
Innersole – The insole is removable, and does is a decent inner sole for being standard out of the box. I do recommend to purchase a better insole from your preferred boot store or online. My favorite is the Timberland Anti-Fatigue insole. It is quite thick but is the best one I’ve found.
Boot Height – These Carhartt boots are 6 inches tall, giving good ankle support throughout the day. Having a good length work sock means these boots won’t rub against your legs, otherwise you may get some irritation if wearing ankle socks.
Electrical Hazard Rated – These boots meet ASTM requirements for being electrocution resistant.
Composite Toe – These boots meet ASTM F2413-18 requirements so you’ll be able to wear these boots on any job-site. Being that these boots are composite toe means they do give extra protection against electricity, though steel toes are not much worse as far as safety goes.
Notable Features– FastDry technology wicks sweat away throughout your workday. Think of this material as a workout shirt or compression pants, the FastDry material works in the same way.
Large 11″ boot opening – for those of us with large feet that need a large opening or for those who just want an easy on and off boot these are made with that in mind.
Warranty – Carhartt backs up the quality, craftsmanship, and performance of every product they make. If a product should fail to meet your expectations, we’ll work to make it right through repair, replacement, or credit. Damage from normal wear and tear is covered by a reasonable and transparent warranty.
The CAT Outline steel toe boot is made with premium full-grain leather. The steel-toe provides maximum protection against hazards of the workplace. This boot is equipped with electrical hazard protection and slip resistance, so you can be fully protected while at work. These are some of the lightest weight boots on the market and they also have great flexibility when you’re kneeling on one foot. You can easily fold these boots in half, no stiff soles when you’re kneeling for those low to the ground tasks.
Features –
- ASTM F2413-18 Steel Toe protects against impact and compression
- Electrical Hazard
- Slip Resistant
- Hiker style
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Nylon Mesh Lining
- Microfiber Liner
Waterproof – Non waterproof, but can be made so with Sno-Seal or mink oil
Insole – Not the greatest insole, you’ll probably want to switch this out early on for a thicker one.
Height – 6 inches in height
Electrical Hazard – These boots are electrical hazard rated
Steel Toe – ASTM rated steel toe, will meet all job site requirements.
Warranty – CAT has no time limit on returns on boots that have a manufacture defect. They won’t exchange boots with typical wear and tear.
These Durango Western Steel Toes have the ruggedness and durability to withstand the heavy walking that goes with being an electrician. The square toe boots give extra room in the toe and have an appearance that looks as if these are dress boots instead of work boots.
Being slip on work boots you’ll never have to worry about lacing up your boots in the morning or untying them after a long day. These boots do come with two pull tabs on either side to assist with getting them on and it is recommended to get a half size larger than you normally would as these run a bit small in size.
One of the best features of the boots is how lightweight they are.
They are some of the most lightweight boots on the market and especially so for a slip on boot.
Additionally, these Durango slip ons are made with 100% genuine leather which means they can take a beating of the course of a couple of years.
Features
- Square toe
- Steel shank
- Cushion Flex insole
- 100% real full-grain leather
- Mesh lining
- Oil and slip-resistant, dual-density and abrasion-resistant rubber outsole
- Removable insole
Waterproof – These boots are non-waterproof which means you’ll want to add a waterproofing material such as Sno-Seal if you’re often working in water or in the rain.
Insole – The insole is decent for a western style work boot. You’ll eventually need to replace it as you’ll wear holes into the boot over the course of it’s lifetime. I suggest purchasing a new insole initially for that all-day comfort.
Height – 11 inches tall, these western steel toe boots will stand midway up your shin when wearing them.
Electrical Hazard – These boots are electrical hazard rated so you’ll have no issues meeting OSHA requirements on the job site.
Steel Toe – The safety toe does meet ASTM requirements and is made from genuine steel. As long as the steel toe cap is not exposed at any point you’ll be safe, this goes for any type of safety toe boot as well. Once you can see the safety toe cap, the boots will need to be replaced.
Warranty – 1-year warranty for normal use defective materials or workmanship.
The Irish Setter Ely 6 inch lace up steel toe boots are some of the best to come from RedWing. For those that are unaware Red Wing makes all Irish Setters and these in particular are a great boot for electricians.
These are full-grain leather and waterproof so you can walk all day through any kind of environment without worrying about your feet getting wet. Red Wing has also added a good outer sole to these boots with decent tread, a defined heel, and strong rubber.
When it comes to comfort, Irish Setter boots are one of the few I think you probably don’t need to purchase an insole for immediately and electricians are known to put miles in, this is extremely important.
The insole is quite good, provides a decent amount of cushion and arch support. Those 10 hour days won’t be putting too much of a toll on your feet with these boots.
Features
- ASTM StandardASTM F2413-18, M/I/C, EH – electrical shock rated
- Full Grain Leather
- Waterproof
- Oiled and Waxed
- Height 6-inch
- WaterproofUltraDry™ Waterproofing System
- Removable Polyurethane Insole
- Fiberglass Shank
Waterproof – yes, this Irish Setter is a waterproof work boot out of the box. I’d still use mink oil or Sno-Seal regularly to condition the leather
Insole – Good insole, I don’t think you need to purchase a new insole immediately as these come with a very good one already.
Height – 6 inches tall, wear a decently tall sock when wearing these boots.
Electrical Hazard – The Irish Setter Ely boots meet ASTM standards for being electrical Hazard rated.
Steel Toe – Meeting all ASTM and OSHA requirements for safety toe boots.
Warranty – 6 month defect warranty, you also must return it to the store you bought it from.
Warranty is not applicable to normal wear and tear.
These square-toe Ariat men’s steel toes are some of the best boots for electricians. They’re comfortable, made from high-quality materials, and feel great walking for hours.
They come with a removable footbed / insole that is much nicer than most boots I’ve tried over the years. The slight aeration of the soles helps pull away moisture so that it doesn’t feel like you’re standing in a puddle after sweating throughout the day. The arch support is also decent.
While wearing work socks, the insole material provides a good amount of friction that doesn’t allow the foot to slide or stick while climbing ladders or walking so much that it irritates your feet or is hard to remove the boots after a long day.
The steel toe is hardly noticeable while also meeting all required safety standards. Other western-style boots can have a lip near the steel toe making the boots quite uncomfortable, no such issue here.
Features –
- 100% Durable Leather
- Rubber sole
- Shaft is around 11 inches from the arch
- ASTM F2413-11 M/1/75 C/75 EH rated steel toe for added protection and support.
- Electrical shock rated
- Rubber Durable Outsole
Waterproof – Not waterproof, use sno-seal or mink oil for waterproofing
Insole – Good insole, not entirely necessary to purchase a brand new insole immediately
Height – Around 11 inches tall
Electrical Hazard – Meets all ASTM and OSHA requirements for being electrical hazard rated
Steel Toe – Meets ASTM requirements for safety toe boots
Warranty – 12 month warranty from Ariat that protects against defects in materials or construction. Visit Ariat’s website for more information.
These Wolverine men’s hiking boot-style steel toes are some of the best for electricians. they’re lightweight, made for miles of walking, suede leather, a toe guard with abrasion resistance perfect for challenging environments, and ASTM compliant. These pair of boots combine comfort with lightweight materials that produce as close to tennis shoe work boots as you can get, without wearing tennis shoe work boots. They keep your feet comfortable while also providing lightweight protection.
Features –
- Nubuck sueded leather and
- Mesh lining in the interior for comfort
- Removable insole
- Lightweight nylon shank reduces overall boot weight to help fight fatigue
- Non-conductive materials
- ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated steel toe
- Lightweight cemented construction
Waterproof – These boots are not waterproof and can’t reliably be made waterproof through use of an aftermarket product. The suede does not waterproof well and sno-seal or mink oil will do little other than ruin the material. Also the fabric on the boots will absorb water over time.
Insole – Decent insole, these are hiking style boots which were made for extensive walking. I’d try them out for a while before investing in another insole.
Height – The boots stand 6 inches tall
Electrical Hazard – These boots are ASTM electrical hazard rated
Steel Toe – The Wolverine Hudson is made ASTM and OSHA compliant with a steel toe cap
Outsole – Decent outsole, they are more of a hiking style boot and the sole reflects that. This boots are made for walking but they are slip and oil resistant also.
Warranty – Wolverine has no official warranty program although you can return defective boots if they meet certain criteria.
The Wolverine Harrison Steel Toe Boot is overall a solid pair of boots, made with genuine leather and a good outer-sole.
The soles on these boots are made with their own special recipe for heavy-duty, super-tough, high-grip rubber that’s stronger than normal outer soles and will last you a considerable amount of time as an electrician. The boots are designed with a serious intent to provide comfort and support all day long, and they deliver in a major way.
They’re a perfect boot for electricians and anyone who works on their feet a lot. They’ll last forever if you treat them right and wear them often.
I’ve known those who buy these boots to get up to 5 years out of them along with purchasing them over and over again because of how well they hold up and how comfortable they are.
The only downside is that the laces have been known to break down quickly, by purchasing leather shoe laces as a replacement you should be good to go.
Features
• Premium look thanks to the full grain leather
• Removable cushion insole
• Midsole made from Single density polyurethane great for any industrial environment
• Cement construction
• The nylon shank is lighter than steel, which helps fight fatigue
• ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated steel toe
Waterproof – These full grain leather Wolverine boots are not waterproof after initially purchasing. Because they are made from genuine leather you can easily make them waterproof using Sno-Seal or mink oil.
Insole – Comes with an okay insole. Some people love it some people replace it immediately. I would replace it upon purchase because the insole is going to be the easiest way to make a boot more comfortable. I always suggest the Timberland Anti Fatigue insole as it is best in class.
Height – These boots are 6 inches tall, so you’ll want to wear a decent sized sock to prevent friction between your leg and the boot. The boot does come with fabric on the inside but ankle socks are still a no go.
Electrical Hazard – These boots are “electrical hazard” rated, meaning they meet the requirements of being electrocution resistant.
Steel Toe – The Wolverine Harrison work boots are made with a steel toe meeting all safety requirements that you’ll need to meet as an electrician.
Warranty – Wolverine has no official warranty program although you can return defective boots if they meet certain criteria.
The Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots come in as one of our best work boots for electricians for a handful of reasons. You get an easy on and off without the hassle of laces, they’re low top which helps with keeping your feet cool, full grain leather for durability, and really good outer-sole for miles of walking.
Features –
- 100% Leather
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof PRO construction, meaning the full-grain leather is waterproof and fully insulated, ensuring your feet stay warm and dry
- Rated as ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH – meaning they will protect you from electrical shock
- The Duratread outsole – The outer-sole is both oil and slip resistant
- The extra-comfy insole with 4LR (Four Layer Rebound) technology has maximum cushioning with a higher rebound and added support.
Waterproof – Made to be waterproof out of the box. Can absorb mink oil and Sno-Seal for ongoing conditioning.
Insole – Good insole, I would wear these boots for a month or two to determine if you need a new insole or not.
Height – Ariat Groundbreaker Chelsea Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots stand 6 inches tall
Electrical Hazard – These boots are electrical hazard rated
Steel Toe – These boots are made with an ASTM compliant steel toe safety toe.
Warranty – 1 year warranty for manufacturing defects, this excludes normal wear and tear.
Do Electricians Wear Steel Toe Boots
Yes electricians do wear steel toe boots. It is perfectly safe for electricians to wear steel toe, composite toe, and if permitted, soft toe work boots. The only issue you may run into with steel toe boots is if the toe cap is exposed, it could pose a danger as you then have a conductive surface exposed. As long as your toe cap is not exposed and not in contact with your foot, steel toes are perfectly safe to wear.
Best Brands for electrician work boots
My favorite brands include the following based on my experience selling work boots, talking with countless electricians, and overall dealings with the companies.
- Wolverine
- Thorogood
- Timberland
- CAT
- Carhartt
- Irish Setter
- Ariat
- Double H
- Durango
Why Do Electricians Wear Rubber Soled Boots
Rubber-soled boots add an additional layer of safety as the rubber is non-conductive. Rubber-soled boots also provide slip resistance, and oil resistance, and are overall more durable than other types of soles.
Are Composite Toe Better than Steel toe for electricians
Yes, composite toe boots are better than steel toe boots for electricians. With that said the difference is minimal when comparing the two. Comp toe is better because they are inherently non-conductive while steel, of course, does conduct electricity very well. There are many benefits of composite toe work boots for electricians, of course, you should never have an issue with either as you should not have the safety toe cap exposed.
Why Do Electricians Wear Rubber Soled Boots
Rubber-soled boots add an additional layer of safety as the rubber is non-conductive. Rubber-soled boots also provide slip resistance, and oil resistance, and are overall more durable than other types of soles.
What Are Electrical Hazard Work Boots
Electrical hazard, or EH-rated footwear has been tested to ASTM standards to reduce the risk of electrocution. All boots with the EH on the boot tongue, on the box, or in the boot specifications have been rated to reduce the risks of working around live wires, which is critical for any electrician.