When your job requires you to walk on terrains, unload building materials at a construction site, or mine precious resources, what is the last thing you want to do?
We’ll leave you to guess for a moment.
You know that your job means a lot to you and you would never intentionally want to put yourself in a situation where all that determination flies away- even if it’s for a day!
Yes, we’re talking about accidents! Since your job requires you to stay on your feet all day, the last thing you want to do is step on a sharp object and cry out in pain. You might think that your work boots are there to protect your feet at all costs, but how can you be sure of that?
What you need is do is get a pair of the best puncture resistant work boots. Here in this guide, we have reviewed our top favorites that you can check out!
What Are Puncture Resistant Boots?
Having a pair of puncture-resistant work boots is just as equally important as having a pair with safety toes. Imagine you wear your steel-toe work boots for lifting heavy equipment. But, what if you fail to notice an upright-standing nail and then step on it?
Puncture resistant boots have an outsole made of materials that block the penetration of sharp objects, like nails, thorns, and glass. They are usually approved by ASTM so that people can rely on their capabilities.
Wearing such work boots will allow you to walk confidently regardless of the obstructions on the ground that can go unnoticed. And if these work boots also have a safety toe, you will get the best of both worlds!
How To Tell If Boots Are Puncture Resistant?
You can’t assume that work boots are puncture-resistant without diving deep into its construction and checking whether they meet the safety standards. In order to spot a pair of puncture-resistant work boots easily, you will need to keep these things in mind.
Midsole
Puncture proof work boots have a protective midsole embedded in between the insole and the outsole. It can be either made of steel or woven fabric.
- Steel
Steel midsoles are generally used if work boots have a steel toe, adding more weight to the construction. Despite that, steel midsoles will ensure your feet stay protected at factories or construction sites.
This type of midsole is thinner than woven fabric and it isn’t visible when you take out the insole.
Since steel is a metal, metal detectors can go off in highly-secured environments. Also, it is a good conductor of temperature and electricity, so you might want to look for protective elements, like thermal liners in work boots having a steel midsole.
If the midsole is made of stainless steel, it will not rust over time, but if it is made of coated steel, then there’s a high chance of rusting.
- Woven Fabric
Midsoles made of woven fabric, such as Kevlar, are typically added in composite-toe work boots. This makes the boots lightweight, hence reducing foot fatigue.
A woven fabric midsole is typically sewn on the upper of the work boots, so it will be visible when you take out the insole.
Since this type of midsole is non-metal, it won’t cause the metal detector to beep in highly-secured environments. Work boots having a woven fabric midsole is suitable if you’re working at an airport or in an environment involving extreme temperatures.
Compliance With Safety Standards
Work boots with puncture resistant soles must comply with governmental safety standards so that users can always count on them. Here are the different standards that work boots usually pass.
- ASTM
In order for puncture-resistant boots to pass the ASTM standards, the footwear must withstand a 270-pound force without any penetration, show no signs of cracking after being flexed 1.5 million times, and show no signs of corrosion after being exposed to 5 percent saline solution for 24 hours.
- CSA
To get approval from CSA, puncture-resistant boots must withstand a minimum force of 270 pounds. Work boots having a CSA Green Triangle patch indicates that they meet this requirement.
- EN
Work boots that pass the EN ISO 20345 standard have a midsole that withstands a penetration force of 1100 Newton. The midsole can be protected by stainless steel, aluminum, or Kevlar insole.
What Features Should Be Present In Puncture Resistant Boots?
Apart from the puncture-resisting feature, other features also contribute to your safety in various environments.
Chemical Resistance
If you’re handling chemicals in the workplace, you can’t tell when you accidentally spill them on the floor. What’s worse, if these chemicals come into contact with your work boots, they can penetrate through them and burn your skin.
This is the reason why your puncture-resistant work boots should also prevent the penetration of chemicals.
Heat Resistance
If your job requires you to work in an environment where high temperatures are used, you will need to prevent your work boots from melting. Heat-resistant work boots are ideal in this case as they act as a barrier between your feet and the heat source.
Electrical Hazard Rating
If you’re working as an electrician, you will be at a greater risk of electrocution without the right pair of work boots. In order to prevent unwanted situations, you will need to choose work boots that are electrical hazard-rated. These boots contain insulating layers that isolate your feet from electrocution.
Waterproofing
You might think that water-resistant and waterproof boots are the same, but there’s actually a major difference between them.
Water-resistant work boots only repel water that falls on the surface, thus allowing you to walk in wet conditions.
On the other hand, waterproof boots give you full protection against water. So, even if you immerse your feet for long periods, they will remain dry.
Therefore, it is essential that you look for a waterproofing feature in a puncture-resistant work boot.
Slip Resistance
Puncture resistant sole work boots should have an outsole that prevents you from slipping. The outsole is typically made of rubber or TPU, with the latter being more durable and resistant to oil and other liquids.
Top 5 Puncture Resistant Work Boots
Skechers Men’s Burgin-Tarlac Industrial Boot
Since its foundation in 1992, Skechers quickly became a reputable brand for consolidating both style and comfort in its footwear. The Burgin-Turlac industrial boot is a great example.
This pair is constructed of full-grain leather, which is known to be the highest quality leather that offers comfort and lasts for years. For added comfort, these work boots have a memory foam insole. The insole helps relieve pressure from the balls of the foot to eliminate foot pain, absorb shock, and wick away moisture.
If you’re standing on a concrete floor for long hours, you will still find the boots comfortable. The boots have a padded collar and a gusseted tongue that ensure your ankle remains supported.
When it comes to protection, the Burgin-Turlac doesn’t lack the necessary features. It features a steel toe to protect your feet from injuries caused by falling objects. The boot also prevents sharp objects from coming into contact with your feet.
As for the outsole, it is made of rubber, which provides enough traction on slippery surfaces. It is also electrical hazard-rated, so you can keep yourself safe around electrical wires.
Highlighted Features
- Prevents penetration of sharp objects
- You can wear these steel toe puncture resistant boots on slippery surfaces
- The rubber outsole protects your feet from electrocution
- The memory foam insole ensures comfort
- Padded collar and gusseted tongue keep the ankle supported
LARNMERN Steel Toe Safety Boots
Larnmern was born after a manager of an iron ore mine started complaining about accidents that had happened because of the poorly-made footwear worn by his workers. The brand aims in helping people all over the world with its safety footwear, including this pair of work boots.
The upper of the Larnmern steel toe safety boots is constructed of a combination of suede leather and mesh. This construction not only adds durability but also flexibility. So, if you need to walk around a lot, your feet won’t feel heavy.
This pair of puncture resistant steel toe boots offers more protection than you can ever think of. While the steel toe cap protects your feet from injuries caused by impact, the midsole prevents sharp objects from penetrating the skin. These boots also prevent the build-up of static charges in the body.
Additionally, you’ll also be able to keep your feet away from rain and dust particles because of the tongue design.
If your job requires you to walk on slippery surfaces where there’s a risk of injuries, you don’t need to worry because the boots are resistant to oil and slipping.
Considering all the protective features, it will be wrong to assume that these boots compromise comfort. The cotton insole is soft and breathable enough to keep your feet cool all day.
What’s great about these boots is that they have reflective tape in the upper to allow you to work safely in the dark.
Highlighted Features
- Puncture proof steel toe boots prevent impact and penetration of sharp objects
- Prevents the build-up of static electricity
- The outsole prevents you from slipping
- The cotton insole wicks away moisture
- Features reflective tape to help you work safely in the dark
Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Puncture Resistant Work Boot
Timberland is a popular brand around the world because of its range of high-quality, comfortable footwear. The Endurance puncture-resistant work boot is no exception.
Constructed of full-grain leather, the Endurance work boot ensures both comfort and durability. Plus, it has a cement construction that offers greater performance and flexibility. It doesn’t matter how long you need to stand or walk around in the workplace because this boot will always keep the comfort mode turned on.
Apart from that, the polyurethane footbed absorbs shock and cushions your feet with each step.
An embarrassing issue that workers often face is the unpleasant smell coming out of their work boots. Luckily, this boot features an antimicrobial lining that eliminates such odor.
Wherever you go, you can rest assured your feet will remain protected with these boots on. These boots feature a steel toe cap that prevents your toes from being squished by heavy objects, a puncture-resistant plate that prevents nails from piercing through the boots, and a membrane that keeps water away. Also, the boots are electrical hazard-rated to prevent electrocution.
And lastly, the outsole of the Endurance work boots ensures your feet stay firm even on slippery surfaces.
Highlighted Features
- Made of full-grain leather
- Steel toe puncture resistant work boots prevent sharp objects from piercing
- Allows you to walk on slippery surfaces
- Prevents water from getting inside
- The lining eliminates unpleasant odor
ROCKROOSTER Puncture Resistant Boots
Rockrooster is another good brand that offers a range of high-quality and comfortable footwear, including these safety work boots.
Like most work boots in this list, the Rockrooster work boots are made of full-grain leather. They have a Goodyear Welt construction, which means the boots will last longer and also you have the option of repairing the sole when needed.
When it comes to comfort, there’s a Coolmax fiber integrated with the material. It is designed to wick away moisture and keep your feet cool. This technology is beneficial, especially when you’re working outside on a hot sunny day.
Your feet will never get tired as you keep walking or standing for long hours. That’s because the footbed provides adequate cushioning to the heel and the balls of the foot, promotes blood flow, and absorbs shock in every step. Not only that but also the padded collar keeps your ankle supported.
This pair of work boots is available with all types of safety toe- soft toe, composite toe, and steel toe. Depending on the intensity of your job, you have the option of selecting a safety toe accordingly.
Other than that, these boots are resistant to water, chemicals, puncture, as well as electricity. Also, the outsole of these boots is made of PU, so you can walk comfortably on slippery surfaces.
Highlighted Features
- Different safety toe versions are available
- Coolmax fiber keeps the feet cool and dry
- The boots resist penetration of sharp objects
- The footbed absorbs shock
- The PU outsole resists slipping
Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Puncture Resistant Industrial Boot
Here’s another pair of puncture resistant work boots by Timberland, the Boondock industrial boot.
This boot is constructed of genuine leather with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. While the composite safety toe protects your feet and gives a lightweight feel, the rubber toe protector prevents the formation of blisters.
Not only that, but the puncture-resistant plate prevents sharp objects from penetrating the skin. These boots are also capable of protecting your feet when they come into contact with live wires.
Apart from that, the polyurethane insole provides cushioning and absorbs impact so that your feet don’t become exhausted. Regardless of the number of hours you need to stay on your feet, you will be focusing on your work only.
What you’ll like about the outsole, it can withstand temperatures between -20 degrees Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius! So, if you’re working in an environment where high temperature is involved, you won’t feel the heat underfoot. Not only that, but the outsole also ensures you walk safely on slippery surfaces.
Highlighted Features
- Protects the feet from sharp objects
- Provides adequate traction on slippery surfaces
- The footbed absorbs shock and returns energy
- Ensures comfort all day long
- The outsole can withstand high temperatures
What Is The Best Puncture Resistant Work Boots?
The Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Puncture Resistant Industrial Boot is the best puncture resistant work boots. You’ll probably think the same considering comfort, durability, and the level of protection it offers. It is made of genuine leather, ensuring both breathability and water-resistance. The insole is comfortable and the outsole is sturdy.
Conclusion
Wherever you are and whatever you do, your safety comes first. If you’re about to start your day in a challenging environment, the first thing you should do is double-check the features of not only your workwear but also your work boots.
It’s worth noting that you can’t just fall for work boots that claim to protect your feet, only to find them letting the thorn pass through the sole and into your skin. You need to know what it takes to be the best puncture resistant work boots before purchasing a pair.
Considering your safety, we have researched work boots in the market and then selected the ones we think deserve to be mentioned.
