People paving asphalt for hours under the scorching heat, only for the convenience of the citizens deserve gratitude.
Paving asphalt is indeed a challenging job because you’ll need to get all the steps done properly, such as sub-base preparation, soil excavation, and asphalt installation. There are risks of injuries as well because the process requires you to work with hot molten tar.
If you’re already working in the field, have you ever felt uncomfortable on your boots? Or, if you’re just about to take on the job, which pair of boots did you plan to buy?
Considering your safety, you shouldn’t just go for any work boots because you can’t tell when they’ll put you at a greater risk of injuries. But, when you have the best boots for asphalt work, you’ll be free from worries. Check out our review to grab one now!
What's Inside?
- What Features Should Be Considered Before Purchasing Asphalt Work Boots?
- Top 6 Boots For Asphalt Works
- Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots
- Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boots
- Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe Work Boots For Men
- Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 Construction Shoe
- Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Asphalt Work Boots
- Cofra Heat Resistant Asphalt Footwear with Composite Safety Toe
- How To Get Asphalt Off Boots?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: What Boots Should I Buy For Asphalt Paving?
- Comparison Chart
What Features Should Be Considered Before Purchasing Asphalt Work Boots?
Before you purchase boots for asphalt paving, you need to make some considerations so that you don’t regret your purchase. The factors are as follows.
Size
First of all, you will need to choose the size that fits snugly, even if you wear socks. It’s worth noting that you won’t always find a pair that is of the exact size you usually wear.
This is why some brands tell you to go one size up or down your usual size for the perfect fit. There also might be a size chart listing the suitable sizes corresponding to the foot’s length and width, so it is a good idea to take a look at it.
Flat Outsole
Since you’ll be stepping on asphalt, you will want to avoid collecting pebbles and gravel on your boots. Accumulation of such things can not only make you uncomfortable but also trip, which can be dangerous.
Therefore, you will need to ensure that your desired work boots have no shallow treads.
Heat And Abrasion-Resistant Outsole
It is the outsole of your boots that will directly come into contact with the hot asphalt, so it needs to act as a reliable barrier between your foot and the surface.
Outsoles are typically made of rubber or TPU, with the latter material being more capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. It is also highly resistant to abrasion, so your feet will stay protected from injuries caused by sharp objects.
Whichever work boot you choose, make sure the outsole is sturdy enough to protect your feet at all costs.
Gusseted Tongue
Instead of being attached only to the bottom part of the footwear, a gusseted tongue is also attached to the sides.
It is crucial you look for a pair having a gusseted tongue because it will prevent molten tar or other substances from entering through the gaps between the laces.
Safety Toe
The material of the safety toe is just as important as other factors. Usually, when you’re working in a factory that involves the use of very heavy equipment, you wear work boots with a metal safety toe.
But for paving asphalt, you will need to choose composite safety toes, such as fiberglass and Kevlar because they are poor conductors of heat and will also keep your toes from getting squished.
Breathable Lining
Because of the high temperatures involved in paving asphalt, your feet can get sweaty and leave you uncomfortable. To avoid that, you will need to look for work boots that feature a breathable lining to wick away moisture and keep your feet cool.
Top 6 Boots For Asphalt Works
You’re looking for a pair of good boots for asphalt work, aren’t you? If that’s the case, you shouldn’t be looking elsewhere because those boots might not live up to your expectations. And most importantly, you might be at a greater risk of injuries!
Don’t worry about all that because the work boots we have here are bound to give you the utmost protection.
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boots
Starting with the first pair in this list, the Timberland White Ledge ankle boots have you covered for your asphalt paving task.
These boots are actually used in hiking but they can also be used for paving asphalt. They are constructed of full-grain leather, which lasts quite a long time and also resists water. Not only that, but you’ll also keep hot asphalt and debris from getting inside as the tongue is fully gusseted.
Both the insole and the outsole are made of EVA, a material that provides adequate cushioning to your feet and absorbs shock. The material is lightweight as well so you won’t complain about your boots feeling heavy as you take steps!
As for the outsole, it is made of recycled rubber with lugs pointing in different directions. This design ensures good traction to help you walk on both slippery and rough surfaces.
If you’re bored of wearing work boots of a single color, don’t worry because these boots come in four different colors!
Highlighted Features
- Made of full-grain leather
- Gusseted tongue keeps asphalt and debris away
- Multi-directional lugs allow you to walk on different surfaces
- EVA insole and midsole cushions your feet
- The work boots are waterproof
Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boots
As its name suggests, the Stellar military and tactical boot by Under Armour does offer stellar performance.
These boots are constructed of leather with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating to prevent water from rolling and staining the boots. For added protection from water, the upper also consists of nylon of 900 Denier.
Apart from being water-resistant, the Stellar work boot doesn’t compromise on comfort. It is equipped with an Ortholite insole, a type of insole containing Ortholite foam for cushioning your feet, making you feel as if you’re steadily walking on springs. Not only that, but the material is breathable enough to keep your feet cool all the time.
A great advantage of wearing these boots on the work site is that you won’t get to experience foul odor when you take the boots off!
Like the previous work boots, this one also features an EVA midsole that provides additional cushioning to your feet and absorbs shock. There’s a TPU shank as well to provide stability on different surfaces and protection from sharp objects.
Lastly, the rubber outsole doesn’t have many shallow lugs, so you can easily stand on asphalt.
Highlighted Features
- The boots resist water
- Ortholite insole offers comfort
- EVA midsole provides cushioning and absorbs shock
- Eliminates foul odor
- The outsole doesn’t have shallow lugs
Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe Work Boots For Men
If you’re looking for Thorogood asphalt boots, you can take a look at the American Heritage work boots.
These work boots are constructed of full-grain leather that is oil-tanned to make them soft and comfortable to the feet. It also has a Goodyear Storm Welt construction which has the advantage of offering more protection against moisture and wear than Goodyear Welt.
When you wear these boots and pave asphalt for long hours under the sun, you can rest assured you won’t feel uncomfortable. That’s because the Poron insole cushions your feet absorbs shock, and also wicks away moisture to keep your feet cool and dry. Your feet will also remain supported because of the fiberglass shank.
These boots are an excellent choice for paving asphalt because the outsole has wedge construction. If you need to walk on slippery or rough surfaces, including asphalt, you can easily do so without worrying about getting injured. It is durable, slip-resistant, and also electrical hazard-rated.
Although this pair doesn’t have a safety toe, it does have a moc toe that is ideal for protecting your feet in construction sites.
Lastly, there are five color options to choose from for the perfect color combination!
Highlighted Features
- The boots ensure comfort
- Goodyear Storm Welt construction protects against moisture and wear
- The boots are electrical hazard-rated
- Wedge outsole allows you to walk on different surfaces
- Moc toe design protects your toes from injury
Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 Construction Shoe
Another excellent pair of boots worth mentioning is the Carhartt CMF6371 construction shoe.
Like the previous work boots, the CMF6371 is also made of oil-tanned leather that ensures softness and comfort. For additional comfort, the boots are equipped with cushioned insole. Regardless of the number of hours you need to stay at the worksite, your feet won’t be exhausted.
The lining of these work boots is designed to wick away moisture, so your feet will remain cool and dry. This is a must-have feature in asphalt boots because you will be working with hot asphalt. Also, the midsole is made of EVA, so your feet won’t feel heavy while taking each step.
When it comes to protection, these work boots do a great job in protecting your feet against potential hazards. The composite safety toe not only prevents injuries caused by falling objects but also keeps your feet safe when they come into contact with live wires.
Moreover, the boots also offer protection against water, so you can rest assured you don’t have to deal with damaged work boots.
As for the outsole, it is made of flexible rubber that allows you to walk easily on uneven surfaces.
The CMF6371 is available in black and dark brown, so you have more than one option to choose from.
Highlighted Features
- The boots are breathable
- Composite safety toe prevents injuries
- EVA midsole provides cushioning and absorbs shock
- Offers full protection against water
- Allows you to walk easily on rough surfaces
Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Asphalt Work Boots
Here’s another asphalt paving boots by Timberland that you can check out for your protection.
The Boondock industrial boot is constructed of genuine leather with a waterproof membrane for preventing water and snow from entering inside. It also features composite safety toe that doesn’t absorb the heat emitted by hot asphalt and also a puncture-resistant plate to prevent sharp objects from piercing through the boots.
Not only that, but the insole is made of polyurethane to cradle your feet and absorb impact as you walk on the work site. These boots offer comfort all day long so that you can stay focused on your job.
What’s good about the outsole, it is capable of withstanding temperatures between -20 degree Celsius and 250 degree Celsius. So, when you’re paving asphalt, you don’t have to worry about feeling the high heat through your feet. Being heat resistant, the outsole doesn’t compromise on traction as you walk on concrete and other surfaces.
These boots offer two color options- black and brown. You can choose the color that looks good with your workwear!
Highlighted Features
- Prevents water from getting inside
- Composite safety toe protects the feet from injuries
- The insole provides cushioning and absorbs impact
- The outsole can withstand high temperatures
- Allows you to walk on different surfaces
Cofra Heat Resistant Asphalt Footwear with Composite Safety Toe
Designed specifically for asphalt paving, the Cofra asphalt boots allow you to focus on your job without worrying about sufficient protection.
This pair of work boots are made of genuine leather that prevents water from entering inside and also keeps your feet cool. Not only that, but the thermic insole provides enough insulation to keep your feet safe from the effects of extreme temperatures.
That doesn’t end here because the outsole provides an extra layer of protection against heat. It is made of nitrile rubber and is capable of withstanding temperatures for a specified time.
For example, if you stand on the asphalt measuring 212 degrees Fahrenheit, these work boots will withstand the heat for eight hours. And if you stand at 572 degrees Fahrenheit, your feet will be protected for a minute. Not to mention, you will stay firm on any surface without slipping.
What’s more, your feet will stay safe from potential injuries caused by falling objects because these boots feature composite safety toe. Plus, the puncture-resistant plate prevents sharp objects from piercing through the boots.
Highlighted Features
- The outsole can withstand high temperatures
- Prevents water from entering into the boots
- Provides resistance to slipping
- The breathable upper ensures comfort
- Protects the feet from falling objects as well as sharp objects
How To Get Asphalt Off Boots?
When you get asphalt on your work boots, removing it can be pretty challenging. But, it’s still possible as long as you’re willing to put some effort into the removal process. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Use a plastic knife to scrape off the asphalt carefully. Make sure not to gouge the outsole.
2. Once you’ve scraped much of the asphalt, dip a toothbrush into a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid and use it to rub off the remaining asphalt.
3. If the asphalt still remains, spray some WD-40 into the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Use the toothbrush to scrub the area gently.
4. Once you’ve completely removed all the asphalt from your boots, rinse off any WD-40 residue with the soapy water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Keep Asphalt From Sticking To Boots?
Prevention is better than finding a solution to asphalt sticking on objects. In order to prevent asphalt from sticking to your boots, you can spray diesel on the outsole and then stand on the hot asphalt.
What Are The Hazards Involved With Paving?
When you’re paving asphalt, it is essential you know the hazards related to the job, so that you can take precautions accordingly. The hazards involved are high temperatures, hard surfaces, slippery surfaces, sharp objects, and molten tar.
How Should Your Asphalt Boot Fit?
Your new asphalt work boots should fit perfectly, or otherwise, you will feel uncomfortable at the worksite. At the end of the day, you might experience foot or knee pain from wearing the wrong-sized pair.
Since shoe sizes vary from one brand to another, we recommend you visit your local shoe store and see which size from your desired brand fits perfectly. Then you can place an order for your work boots online.
How Do You Ensure Durability Of Asphalt Boots?
Full-grain leather work boots having Goodyear welt construction and high heat resistance outsole are ideal if durability is your concern.
How Do You Maintain Your Asphalt Boots?
After investing in your new work boots, you will need to take proper care of them so that they can serve you well for a long time. Here’s what you need to do.
- Break in your boots until they conform well to your feet
- Moisturize your boots with a leather conditioner to make them soft
- Always dry your boots after wearing
- Always sanitize your boots to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, and thus, odor
- Give your work boots some rest often and use another pair
Final Verdict: What Boots Should I Buy For Asphalt Paving?
Asphalt paving is the type of job that requires maximum protection because you will be dealing with hot substances. Proper footwear that offers resistance to high temperatures might be your objective, but at the same time, you should also look for comfort.
If you’re unsure of which of the boots to pick from the list, we have a recommendation. The Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock is the best boots for asphalt work because it balances both safety and comfort beautifully.
The other boots do a good job too because all of them have gone through enough research before they made it to this list.
Comparison Chart
| Product | Material | Shaft Height (inches) | Heel height (inches) |
| Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot | Full-grain leather | Approximately 4.75 inches | N/A |
| Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot | Leather, nylon | Approximately ankle-high | N/A |
| Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe Work Boots For Men | Full-grain leather | 6 | N/A |
| Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 Construction Shoe | Leather | Approximately ankle-high | Approximately 1.5 inches |
| Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Industrial Boot | Leather | 8 | N/A |
| Cofra Heat Resistant Asphalt Footwear | Leather | N/A | N/A |
