We teamed up with the Irish Setter crew at Red Wing to research the best work boots for electricians. Around electrical work, your requirements are different than those of a framer or carpenter. Not only do your boots need to be comfortable all day, but they also need to be comfortable in all conditions and avoid acting as electrical conductors for your body.
RedWing Exos Lite
We love RedWing boots, but the Exos Lite represents one of their lightest boots ever. In our book – light boots make for comfortable boots. Combine that with the BOA fastening system and you've got a pair of boots that can be slipped on and off quickly. When we reviewed the RedWing 4216 boot with the BOA system, we immediately fell in love with it. We're glad those fasteners didn't stay on the snowboarders who made them famous!
Our favorite EXOS Lite model has to be the Style 2453. It features a lightweight aluminum safety toe and Red Wing waterproofing. You also get a Vibram Extreme Lite sole that meets all safety class standards. At around $240, these boots are well worth the money. They should have at least a year's worth of use — that's the maximum we recommend pros wear the boot every day before replacing it.
Best Work Boots for Electricians on a Budget
Irish Setter Crosby Work Boot
The Irish Setter Crosby Work Boot finds a nice middle ground as an all-rounder's boot. If you'll be on soft or unpredictable ground all day, you can find more stable boots, or if you'll be on concrete all day, you can find softer boots. Our team loves to tie them up when they know they have some for their day.
At $170, they're somewhere between cheap boots that lack comfort and durability and fancy boots that cost over $250. Even the styles are versatile enough to fit just about anyone.
Key Components of the Best Work Boots for Electricians
Safety factor
If you're new to the electrical trade, familiarize yourself with the "EH" logo on your work boots. This is ASTM's "Electrical Hazard" protection specification, and it's a must-have feature for any boot you're considering.
OSHA requires electricians, linemen, and similar tradesmen who work around live electrical lines to wear safety shoes. While some cleats also have an EH rating, you have to be sure. If you mostly work indoors, we actually prefer both.
Not all EH-rated shoes are recommended in all situations, so please be aware of your particular needs and regulations. Also, some believe that any leather shoe automatically qualifies for an EH class. That's not true at all.
comfort is important
We've run a few miles in a couple of boots that fit perfectly. For example, the Irish Setter Ashby and Keen Utility Cincinnati boots give you a comfortable wedge heel option. We love that you can wear boots like these all day without really feeling them.
Wedge boots usually have a soft toe or safety toe, which is important. OSHA does not currently require the use of safety toes for electrical work, but your employer or the terms of your contract may.
Our resident electrician, Ben Parker, is known for wearing some clothing on his boots, some of them over the toe. Eventually, they wear down enough that the safety toe is exposed. Other times, accidents can nick the leather even though your feet are protected by safety toes. Either way, non-metallic safety toe caps are a good choice, just in case. However, OSHA does not consider steel toes to pose a shock hazard.
Determine height and traction
As a runner, I prefer to wear low-cut, lightweight boots as much as possible. But when the work requires climbing, rough or loose terrain, and varying levels of humidity, I need more support. Upgrading to a 6-inch boot is part of it, but it's deeper than that.
Premium work boots are built from the ground up with a durable, non-slip tread that provides excellent traction and won't stick to mud. You'll also want a pair of boots with torsion control — a shank in the midsole that helps resist front-to-back twisting on unstable ground.
Let's make a quick note of those wedge boots that I fell in love with for their comfort. They are great for hard, clean surfaces like concrete and asphalt. However, they have a shallower tread pattern, tend to stick to dirt more easily, and are less suitable for climbing. They are not the best choice for different job site conditions. If you plan to own a pair (and I hope you do!), pay special attention to the circumstances in which you'll wear them.
Did we mention comfort is king?
Whether buying your first race car or a pair of high-quality work boots, if they're uncomfortable, you won't be using them. We say that some boots are "lighter to wear than they are," meaning they absorb enough impact throughout the day that our legs and feet don't feel fatigued by the end of the day.
It starts with proper fit. I am 12-1/2 and no one wears that size with work boots. Normally, I wear a size 13, but occasionally I have to switch to a size 12. It is easily available in stores. If you order online, be sure to check the return policy. Some companies give you 30 days to replace them. Some will even cover shipping costs if you buy directly from them. Better to spend the next 6 or 12 months replacing boots that fit better than hating your boots!
There are many other things to see. The flexible boot features a shock-absorbing midsole and premium insole to give you proper arch support for your comfort. If your feet aren't "normal" (what the hell is a normal foot?), the key to comfort may be as simple as swapping out the insole for an orthopedic insole that fits your foot better.
Look for waterproof, breathable work boots. They wick sweat and moisture from the inside while repelling moisture on the outside. They won't keep your feet completely dry if you sweat a lot (guilt!), but they're pretty good at keeping your feet at a manageable and comfortable level.
Don't be afraid to ask about comfort technology. Despite their catchy name, they are a real improvement over standard boot construction.
Electricians Should Buy Quality Work Boots
When you're choosing the best work boots for an electrician, if you've ticked all the boxes above, you stand a good chance of getting a quality pair of boots. However, consider the quality of the build itself. Check how well the material is stitched together. Look for double and triple seams for the best build.
Also, consider how the shoe is put together. Consolidation is the most flexible and least durable glue. The direct attachment uses an injection system that creates a bond between the upper and lower parts. Welts are the strongest of all connections, but are generally less flexible.
The combination of all these ideas and how you prioritize your boots based on their price should be the deciding factor. Buying a good pair of boots is fine – just make sure you understand what you're getting and that it's suitable for your day job as an electrician.
Hope this guide helps you buy the best boots. In the end, you want boots that fit comfortably, stay within your budget, and are durable. In this case, two out of three is simply not good enough.