The job of an electrician comes with a lot of dangers. Electricians, oftentimes, have to work in areas that have a lot of loose wires and loose electrical connections.
Besides the obvious electric hazard, other risks need to be considered as well. There might be open circuits, slippery floors, wet cement, or even live wires.
As an electrician, you have to keep all of these factors in mind when buying work gear. Apart from safety, you also need to keep in mind the aspect of comfort. As you will be wearing your work boots for quite a long time, the pair has to be easy on the feet.
If you are looking for the most comfortable work boots for electricians, you have come to the right place. We’ve gathered for you a few of the top work boots that are safe and comfortable as well.
Keep on reading if you want to know more!
Can Electricians Wear Steel Toe Boots?
Steel toe boots pass the ASTM standard electrical hazard protection test. Therefore, you can wear steel-toe boots to work as an electrician with no fear.
Contrary to popular belief, steel toe safety shoes have no relationship with electrical hazard protection. Because the steel is designed to remain inside the exterior material of the boot, it rarely comes in contact with the actual work surface.
The only way that the steel part of a steel toe work boot can become electrically charged, is when it comes in direct contact with the floor. This can sometimes happen when you kneel on your work surface. But, the possibility of any accidents occurring is slim.
To conclude, it is safe for electricians to wear steel toe work boots.
The 7 Best Work Boots For Electricians
Can’t seem to find the perfect pair of electrician work boots? We are here to help you out. Check out our list of the top 7 work boots for electricians to increase your safety at work.
Cat Footwear Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot
Not all high-quality electrician steel toe boots have to be expensive. Nowadays, you can get a lot of protective and well-built work boots on a budget as well.
The first product on our list, from Cat footwear, is a great example of that.
Not only is the boot affordable, but it is also great at keeping you protected against electrical hazards.
Slip-Resistance Sole
The outsole on this boot is made in compliance with the ASTM standards. Therefore, it has the capability of getting a good grip on the floor even if it is wet. The low traction surface makes this pair slip-resistant.
High-Quality Build
Made with full-grain leather, these boots will last you years. The material is so sturdy that it is abrasion-resistant as well.
High EH Rating
This boot can keep you protected against up to 600 volts of electricity under dry conditions. The EH rating on this boot is ASTM f2413-05 1/75 EH.
Pros
- Flexible soles that do not restrict movement
- Comes with ASTM f2413-05 1/75 EH rating
- Full-grain abrasion-resistant leather construction
- Slip-resistant unique synthetic soles
Cons
- Not waterproof enough
Irish Setter Men’s Aluminum Toe Work Boot
Steel toe work boots are safe for electricians to wear. But, if you are uncomfortable wearing steel toe work boots even after knowing so, you should try these Irish setter aluminum toe work boots.
The boots will keep your toes protected, and will last you a long time as well. Made with 100% leather, the exterior screams quality and durability.
Toe Protection
The aluminum toe protection keeps your feet protected against heavy impact. There is no saying what heavy object might fall on your feet when you are working, it is better to be prepared at all times.
Wide Boot Opening
If you have wide feet, this boot with a 14-inch opening will be perfect for you. You won’t have to squeeze your feet inside; you can just slide them in like you do when wearing sandals.
Heat Resistance
Besides being durable and having aluminum door protection, this boot also comes with heat resistant outsole. The outsole will not melt until and unless it is met with a temperature more than 475° f.
Pros
- Wide 14-inch boot opening
- Heat resistant outsoles
- Aluminum toe protective layer
- 6-inch lace-up boots that keep your ankles protected
Cons
- Gets ruined if exposes to too much moisture
Carhartt Men’s Cmf6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot
This model from the Carhartt brand comes with a rubber sole to give you protection against electrical hazards, and sharp objects as well. The shaft measures to your arch from your ankle, protecting your feet from dirt and grime.
The composite safety tool boot is great for wearing on work as an electrician. It also has a fast dry technology that keeps moisture away from the inside of the boot.
Rubber Sole
Rubber soles are great because they are flexible. This means you can move around in them as you like without feeling any restrictions.
The soles on this boot are thick, which gives you piercing protection. It is also great for giving you a better grip when you are climbing up a ladder.
Composite Safety
Composite safety boots are great because they are not metallic. So, if you are worried about wearing steel toe boots to work, you can give these composite safety work boots a try.
This pair was made in compliance with the ATSM F2413-18 standards.
FastDry Lining
The fast dry lining makes sure all the moisture inside the boot is evaporated. This way you can keep your feet dry all day long, and avoid going home with stinky and sweaty feet.
Pros
- Fastdry lining keeps your feet comfortable throughout the day
- Composite toe electrical hazard boots with no metal
- Sturdy and rugged construction for regular wear
- Comes in three different color options
Cons
- Soles and heels might come off with too much exposure to water
Timberland Pro Men’s Helix 6″ Waterproof Safety-Toe Boot
Next on our list, we have a very rugged pair of boots from timberland.
Available in seven different color choices, the boots also come in a wide range of sizes. The brand also caters to customers with wide feet.
Like any other high-quality work boot, the pair comes with waterproof leather construction and a safety toe as well. The electric hazard protection in this boot can keep you safe even if there are open wires around you.
Flexible Sole
The sole of this boot has been constructed out of rubber. This means that the boots will not restrict your movement. Flexible rubber soles are great for the work environment.
Rubber soles are also a vital part of safety features for electrician work boots. Rubber does not let electricity pass through, keeping you safe.
Durable Construction
The construction of this boot is impeccable. Made with premium quality leather, the exterior is waterproof. Even if the boots soak in water for a while, the sole or heels will not come off.
Alloy Safety Toe
Alloy safety toes keep your toes protected in case a heavy object falls on your feet. People who do not like hard steel toe boots will love these alloy ones for sure.
Pros
- Available in 7 different color options
- Special Vibram outsoles
- Alloy safety toes for protection
- Durable leather construction
- Heels and soles do not come off even if boots are exposed to water
Cons
- True to size, but the fitting is a bit tight
Keen Utility Men’s Braddock Mid Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot Industrial
The main objective of a work boot is to protect your feet. Keen Utility has tried and succeeded at making this pair of boots as protective as possible.
This pair from the brand features a unique sole that wraps up and comes to the top of the boots for ultimate protection.
With that, you also get water protection, heel cushions, and many other benefits.
Oil And Slip Resistant Outsole
The outsole of the unit is unique. Not only does it wrap up the sides for more safety, but the soles also come with a unique tread design. This makes the boots slip-resistant.
Heel Cushion
Electricians have to wear their boots for a long time. They usually work long shifts. An added heel cushion makes these boots comfortable for long wear.
So even if you wear the pair for a few hours straight, the boots won’t cause sore feet at the end of the day.
Waterproof
Are you tired of your boot’s soles and heel coming off or detaching? This happens a lot to boots that are not waterproof. Exposure to water loosens the glue and detaches the heels and soles.
You don’t have to worry about that with this pair of boots. The waterproof structure ensures that the boots last a long time without needing any maintenance.
Pros
- Waterproof membrane
- Protective soles that wrap up the sides of the boots
- Heel cushions make the boots comfortable for long wear
- Comes with stability shank
Cons
- Shoe creasing on the sides after a while
ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men
This pair from Rockrooster Is another example of an affordable yet well-performing work boot.
The model comes with three different toe protection options. It is also available in six different colors.
Besides that, the boot features a very unique EH dual density PU outsole. This allows better flexibility and piercing protection as well.
Variety Of Options
Rockrooster has made this model of boots in a lot of different color variations. You have six different color options to choose from.
Besides that, the boots come in composite, soft, and steel toe protection varieties. You can choose the one you like.
Unique Soles
The soles on these boots are made out of a unique EH dual-density PU material. This material allows for better flexibility.
If you have to be on the go at work, wearing these boots will never weigh you down. Besides that, the soles also provide great protection against sharp objects by eliminating chances of piercing through to your feet.
Shock Absorbing Footbed
If you have a problem with sore feet at the end of your workday, you should consider getting this pair of boots.
The pair is very lightweight, and also features a unique shock-absorbing footbed. This footbed does not let your feet feel anything, no matter what you step on.
Your feet will always feel like they are set on soft clouds. With lowered poking and shock, you can come back home relaxed.
Pros
- Features unique shock-absorbing footbed
- EH dual-density PU material soles for better flexibility
- Available in 6 different color variants
- Comes in soft, composite, and also steel toe protective designs
Cons
- Not true to size, sizes run larger than normal boot brands
Thorogood Men’s Composite Safety Toe Boot
These electrician composite toe boots surely won’t disappoint. They are from the brand Thorogood, so you can count on them to be durable and sturdy.
What we love about this pair is the storm-welt construction. Yes, the boots cost a bit more than other pairs in the market, but they will last you ages!
Removable Footbed
Some people like to clean the footbeds of their boots. If you are someone who likes to maintain proper hygiene and give your boots thorough cleaning, this pair will be the perfect option for you.
Because it’s removable, you can take the footbed out and clean it as you like. You can then let the footbed dry separately. Doing this means that the boots are ready to wear pretty quickly.
Cushion Flex Insole
As we have mentioned before, electricians need to wear their work boots for long hours. To solve the problem of sore feet, Thorogood has added a cushion flex insole to their boots.
This gives your feet a soft platform to rest on when you are working, eliminating the chances of your feet hurting at the end of the day.
Gen Flex 2 Outsole
The outsole on this boot is very soft and flexible. It will in no way restrict your movement.
You can do everything; run, jump, and even climb ladders when wearing this boot! The sole is thick and keeps your heels protected, but is very lightweight at the same time.
Pros
- Lightweight Gen Flex 2 outsoles
- Cushion flex insoles keep your feet comfortable
- Footbed can be removed and washed
- Storm welt construction for extra durability
Cons
- It might seem expensive to people with tight budget
What Are The Best Work Boots For Electricians
All of the boots that we have mentioned in our list are one of a kind. They are great for keeping you protected against any electrical hazards.
But, if we were to select just one, out of the seven top options, we would surely go with the Cat footwear men’s threshold waterproof steel door industrial boot.
These boots have it all. It comes with a very unique synthetic sole and is a greater affordable pair.
Made with full-grain leather, the exterior is aberration-resistant. It also meets the safety requirements that electrician work boots should have.
What Is A Pair Of Work Boots For Electricians?
Electrical safety work boots, tile setter work boots, and construction work boots might all seem the same, but in reality, they are not.
Although they come with a lot of similar features, the boots differ in design. A boot that has been made for protection against electrical hazards is constructed out of non-conductive material.
These boots also come with electrical shock-resistant soles and heels to keep you protected. Even the outsole is designed to protect against any secondary electrical shocks.
Electrical safety boots are constructed with materials that can keep you safe in case you accidentally come in contact with any energized electrical circuits.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Buying Work Boots For Electricians
Buying electrical hazard work boots is a bit different from buying regular work boots. There are a few things that you should look for when buying a work boot as an electrician.
Electrical Hazard Rating
You will see that a lot of job sites have a specific electrical hazard protection requirement. This is to comply with OSHA standards.
In general, most work boots need to be able to combat at least 18,000 volts for a minute. The boots should be able to withstand this amount of electricity without conveying any electrical shock to your body.
To stay on the safer side, you should always check for an ASTM label or stamp on the workbook that you are buying. This stamp is like an approval that the boots can keep you protected against electrical hazards.
Puncture Resistance
A high-quality sole is what makes work boots puncture-resistant. Take a good look at the bottom of the boot that you are buying, and check if the sole is made out of rubber.
Rubber soles are designed to protect your feet in case you step on a sharp object. The thicker and sturdier the sole, the more protected you are.
Slip Resistance
Slipping and falling in a work environment that might have open electrical wires Is very dangerous.
That is why the boots that you are going to buy need to have a slip-resistant sole.
Rubber soles are great for keeping you protected against slipping on wet floors. These soles often have a zigzag pattern that allows the water to move through, giving the sole more surface contact with the floor.
Toe Protection
Work boots are incomplete if they don’t have any form of toe protection.
There is a risk of heavy objects falling on your feet when you are in a work environment. When you gear up with toe protective boots, you keep Your feet safe from getting injured.
You can invest in steel, aluminum, or composite material protective boots to keep your toes safe against fractures and bruises.
Comfort
After you have made sure that the boots have all of the qualities above, you need to look for comfort.
Most of the time, electricians have to spend a lot of time at work. This also means that you are going to be wearing your work boots for long hours.
In a scenario as such, workers must invest in comfortable work boots. Get boots that come with soft insoles, are breathable, waterproof, and don’t hurt your feet.
If you have wide feet, buy boots that cater to your foot size and keep them comfortable throughout the day.
Nowadays, you can also get boots that come with anti-fatigue insoles. These can be great for people who get sore feet at the end of a workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Popular Electrician Work Boots Brands?
A few of the most popular brands that make good electrician boots are Irish Setter, Thorogood, and timberland.
They have been in business for quite a long time now, and are very well known for their professionalism, quality, and durability.
Are Steel Toe Boots Safe For Electricians?
Steel toe boots are usually safe for electricians to wear. As long as that steel part does not come in interaction with the floor, you are good to go.
Electricians are advised not to kneel when wearing steel toe work boots as they can sometimes, though very rarely, become charged.
Will Rubber Boots Protect You From Electric Shock?
Yes, rubber boots can keep you protected from getting electric shocks.
Rubber is an insulator. This means that the material does not allow an electrical charge to flow through it. This way, Even if you do touch an open circuit, you won’t get shocked, because the electricity won’t have any way to pass through you to the ground.
Can Electricians Wear Tennis Shoes To Work?
We know tennis shoes are very comfortable to wear. Some workplaces also allow this kind of shoes at work. But, if you are an electrician, you cannot wear these shoes to work.
There are just too many risks involved for you to be allowed to wear a tennis shoe to work. A tennis shoe cannot protect against electrical hazards. These shoes are also very rarely waterproof, and puncture-resistant.
What Makes Boots EH Rated?
A boot is considered to be EH rated if the sole has the capability of withstanding 14,000 volts at 60 Hz for 1 minute straight. There should be no leakage, and the current should not be able to flow through the material given that the situation has taken place in a dry environment.
Conclusion
As an electrician, you need to buy the most protective boots in the market. If the boots that you buy cannot protect you against electrical hazards, you will be exposed to life-threatening accidents.
Luckily, there are a lot of new work boot options available for you in the market. Give our review a thorough read, and select the best work boots for electricians from our list.
Given that we have tried to include something for everyone, and something for every budget, we are sure you will find your perfect pair here.
So take your time, and make the right choice!
Comparison Chart
| Product | Sole Material | Upper Material | Electric Hazard Protection |
| Cat Footwear Men’s Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Industrial Boot | Synthetic | Full Grain Leather | Astm F2413-05 1/75 Eh |
| Irish Setter Men’s 83606 6″ Aluminum Toe Work Boot | Rubber | 100% Leather | Astm F2413-11, M/I/75/C/75 |
| Carhartt Men’s Cmf6366 6 Inch Composite Toe Boot | Rubber | Full Grain Leather | Astm F2413-18 Eh |
| Timberland Pro Men’s Helix 6″ Waterproof Safety-Toe Boot | Rubber | Leather | Electrical Hazard Protection |
| Keen Utility Men’s Braddock Mid Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot Industrial | Rubber | Leather | Astm F2412-17 And F2413-17 I/75 And C/75 Standards |
| Rockrooster Work Boots | Eh Dual Density Pu | Full Grain Leather | Electrical Hazard Protection |
| Thorogood Men’s Gen-Flex2 Series – 6″ Cap Toe, Composite Safety Toe Boot | Rubber | 100% Leather | Astm F2913-11 Satra Test Method Tm144 (Or Mark Ii) |
