What are the Best Electrical Work Boots in 2022?

Electrical Work Boots Review

Electricians need a good pair of shoes since they are always on the field irrespective of the season, and to take care of them in these harsh conditions, they need a solid and robust pair of shoes that will keep them safe from all the external factors.

RankPictureModelRatingShop
#1Timberland PRO Men's Endurance Boots ReviewTimberland PRO Men's Endurance Boots9.7/10Check Price
#2Carhartt Men's CMF6366 Boots ReviewCarhartt Men's CMF6366 Boots9.6/10Check Price
#3Timberland PRO Boots ReviewTimberland PRO Boots9.5/10Check Price
#4Ariat Men's Overdrive XTR Boots ReviewAriat Men's Overdrive XTR Boots9.3/10Check Price
#5Wolverine Men's Tarmac Work Boot ReviewWolverine Men's Tarmac Work Boot9.2/10Check Price

Buying a pair of shoes seems like an easy task in normal conditions, but if you are an electrician, you have to look into few factors apart from the general fit and comfort level. These shoes need to be adequately insulated and don’t conduct electricity.

They need to buy a well-thought-out boot that stays with them for years. Keeping their needs in mind, we have come up with a list of the best electrical work boots for their job.

Winner: Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Boots

Timberland PRO Men's Endurance Boots Review

Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Boots are our winner of the best electrical work boots. This well-known brand takes extreme care in maintaining the quality of its products.

These electrical hazard-rated work boots are a perfect choice for your sporty and hardworking lifestyle. Let us look at a few of the drawbacks and benefits of understanding this product in its entirety.

  • Manufacturer: Timberland PRO
  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Weight: 2.1 Pounds
  • Imported/Domestic: Imported

Benefits

  • Timberland PRO Men’s Endurance Boots are built with 100% leather, making them the most long-lasting and robust boots you can buy. These shoes won’t feel harsh on your feet either.
  • These electrical safety boots have a heavy-duty puncture-resistant plate for flexible underfoot protection. The tough rubber makes the shoes strong and provides defense from pointy tools lying around.
  • These Timberlands have a high ankle design that provides comfort, protection, and warmth to your feet in all seasons. The high ankle design makes one feel extra protected and tucked.
  • The outsole of these shoes is abrasion, oil, and slip-resistant. Your chances of falling and slipping on smooth or oily surfaces go down considerably.
  • The company has two shades, one brown and the other is briar. These neutral shades are a perfect match for your everyday use. The color helps in hiding extra dirty boots for months.
  • The product is 100% safe to wear while doing electrical works as it provides electrical hazard protection. In case you step on a leaky current or live wire, the boot has the power to protect you from electrocution.
  • A firm and strong fiberglass shank adds excellent structural support to your feet.
  • The boot has a steel toe feature for ultra protection and snug fit. As you will be working with heavy machinery, this shoe feature will help save your feet from mishaps because of its metal casing.
  • The anti-fatigue technology promises to keep your feet happy and comfortable. The technology absorbs shock and returns energy even if you work long hours; the boots won’t tire out your legs.
  • The mesh anti-microbial lining will keep the feet comfortable and odor-free. The boot has ample air circulation, keeping the feet dry and odor-free, providing you maximum comfort every day.

Drawbacks

  • The lace eyelets aren’t the most robust feature of this boot. After several months the lace eyelets start coming out, ruining the look of the shoes.
  • Few people are unhappy with the sole of these boots, which gets ripped apart from the boot’s body pretty quickly.
  • The boot is extra heavy than other boots available in the market. This drawback might be an issue for people who wish to own a pair that is light on their feet.

Extra Features

The company gives out a 30-day comfort guarantee with each pair. In case you aren’t satisfied with the product’s comfort, you can claim for a return with no questions asked from their side.

Buying Advice

We recommend that you buy this pair if you are okay with the heavyweight as this model is a bit heavy. The shoes are incredibly comfortable but lack durability.

Read the full review here.

Runner-up: Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 Boots

Carhartt Men's CMF6366 Boots Review

Our runner-up model for this list is the Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 Boots. These composite toe electrical safety boots are robust and lightweight at the same time. Let’s read the drawbacks and pros to help you choose this product as your perfect pair.

  • Manufacturer: Carhartt
  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole material: Rubber sole
  • Weight: 2.06 Pounds
  • Imported/Domestic: Imported

Benefits

  • Carhartt guarantees that their shoes are made with 100% genuine leather for max comfort and long-lasting use.
  • The base has a firm rubber sole to protect you from external elements. The shock-absorbing nature of this boot won’t bring extra pressure on your feet while working in rough terrains. Strong enough to work in hard places and comfy enough to wear even for a regular walk.
  • Carhartt Men’s CMF6366 Boots’ rugged flex technology moves and stretches with you throughout your day. You will feel that the pair walks with you and doesn’t hold you back.
  • The cement construction outsole will make your shoes last longer than regular shoes available on the market.
  • These electrical work boots have a well-constructed design that allows you to wear them casually or for work.
  • The boot has a generously padded tongue and collar. You are never compromising on your comfort with its lightweight EVA midsole steel shank and Orthalite insole. These multiple layers will keep your feet happy and comfortable.
  • The boot has a non-metallic composite safety toe. This safety toe meets the ASTM F2413-18 standards to keep your feet safe.
  • This CMF6366 model will protect you from electrical circuits of 18 volts or less in dry conditions. The shoes will provide comfort while adding a safety net.
  • The Fast Dry Tech Lining wicks away your sweat quickly to make sure your feet stay dry and non-sweaty.

Drawbacks

  • The shoes are not entirely waterproof as few of its customers noticed that the water seeps in during heavy rainfall.
  • The company has some issues with quality control because people who use it for ten years have witnessed a quality difference in their recent purchases.

Extra Features

The company offers two versions of the same boot for extra comfort. You have the option to select from a toe-safety feature or without a toe-safety element depending on your line of work and other specific requirements.

Buying Advice

You can consider buying this product if your work doesn’t involve being around water. If you purchase this product, we suggest that you wait for a while to break in the shoes.

The break-in process might take some time, but you will have a comfortable pair of shoes for years once that happens.

Read our full review here.

Alternative: Timberland PRO Boots

Timberland PRO Boots Review

Timberland PRO Boots are our best alternative boots from the list. These boots will last longer and provide the desired protection. You should consider reading the benefits and drawbacks to decide if these shoes fit the bill or not.

  • Manufacturer: Timberland PRO
  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole material: Rubber sole
  • Weight: 1.56 Pounds
  • Imported/Domestic: Imported

Benefits

  • These 100% leather boots are sturdy and provide ultra comfort while wearing the shoes.
  • The Timberland PRO Boots are breathable and have an intelligent water-wicking lining that evaporates the moisture quickly and keeps your feet dry for the whole day.
  • Timberland uses a unique Ortholite footbed with Dryz Intellitemp X-Static technology for moisture management and temperature regulation.
  • The boot has a slip-resistant outsole that keeps you safe even on slippery or bumpy roads.
  • These boots are very lightweight than the rest of their competitor brands that provide the same features.
  • The shoes give you electrical hazard protection from open circuits and other electrical hazards.
  • A rigid composite safety toe protects the user from any unwanted workplace injury by providing a safety shield.
  • These shoes provide good traction on roof and ground surfaces. You can work without worrying about tumbling down the roof.

Drawbacks

  • These boots have plastic eyelets that are not durable in the long run.
  • The customers have shown dissatisfaction as the rubber sole cracks after several uses rendering it useless as a work boot.

Extra Features

You have the choice of buying these same shoes with exact features but with additional metal grommets and speed eyelets.

Buying Advice

These boots will serve you great as spring or summer wear. Consider investing in a water repellent treatment to waterproof your shoes for long-lasting use.

Read the full review

Alternative: Ariat Men’s Overdrive XTR Boots

Ariat Men's Overdrive XTR Boots Review

Ariat Men’s Overdrive XTR Boots are excellent heavy-duty work footwear for an inner cowboy in you. Let us look at some of the cons, benefits, and buying advice to understand the features of this product.

  • Manufacturer: Ariat Work
  • Material: 100% Waterproof Leather
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Weight: 3 Pounds
  • Imported/Domestic: Imported

Benefits

  • Ariat provides a guaranteed leather shoe that is 100% waterproof. This shoe will keep your feet secure during all seasons, especially the monsoon.
  • The sole has a thick reinforced rubber material to make this boot more robust.
  • Ariat Men’s Overdrive XTR Boots have advanced torque stability. The body is lightweight, giving you the option of wearing it casually.
  • This boot comes with a supportive composite shank and forked design that balances and gives proper body alignment.
  • Molded TPU wear guards the heel and toe of your feet. Any external pressure or force won’t injure the heel and toe because of the guards.
  • These shoes are packed with the power of oil and slip resistance; the Duratread outsole keeps you safe and provides excellent traction.
  • Their unique, innovative ATS technology helps relieve foot fatigue. You can work non-stop without feeling the need to stop.
  • Ariat Men’s Overdrive XTR Boots’ well-made mesh lining allows the air to circulate, resulting in a well-ventilated boot that keeps the feet cool.    

Drawbacks

  • You will notice that these boots take a long time to break-in. You might have to tolerate pain and a few bruises till the time your new boots get broken down.
  • These boots have an extensive top, which might not be a suitable design for everyone. If you like cowboy boot design, then these might be just the right choice for you.

Extra Features

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any specific extra feature worth mentioning.

Buying Advice

These boots are a perfect match if you want a boot that stays warm during the cold. With a pair of regular socks, you won’t notice cold, plus the non-steel composite toe won’t freeze the toes. See our full Ariat Overdrive XTR boot review here.

Alternative: Wolverine Men’s Tarmac Work Boot

Wolverine Men's Tarmac Work Boot Review

Wolverine Men’s Tarmac Work Boot is the last alternative that genuinely spoke to us. This boot has an excellent matte finish that makes this boot look more defined. Let us look at its benefits and drawbacks to calculate whether the looks match the specs or not.

  • Manufacturer: Wolverine
  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Weight: 1.8 Pounds
  • Imported/Domestic: Imported

Benefits

  • This Wolverine Men’s Tarmac Work Boot is 100% leather for heavy-duty work and workers.
  • This American brand promises to make boots with superior-high-quality materials specializing in electrical safety boots.
  • The waterproof construction with a full-grain leather upper promises to keep your feet dry even in the dampest or wet place.
  • The removable cushioned footbed lightly molds to your feet for a superior grip and comfort.
  • Ultra-light EVA midsole keeps the weight of your shoe light and suitable for daily work.
  • Its fatigue-fighting nylon shank provides excellent comfort for the entire day.
  • The shoe embeds an ASTM F2413-18 rated composite toe for extra protection. The composite toe is an excellent addition as steel can sometimes be uncomfortable and freeze in winters.

Drawbacks

  • People aren’t entirely happy with the limited padding and cushioning this product provides. They can improve a lot when it comes to padding.
  • As the boots are highly packed, your feet will surely get sweaty at the end of the day.

Extra Features

The boot has high visibility reflective wrap for your safety. This feature enables you to work at night without worrying about any potential harm. These reflectors are extremely visible even from a long distance.

Buying Advice

These shoes are an ideal choice if you want winter boots. They are excellent in trapping the heat and keeping your feet warm in extreme conditions. Read our full Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot review here.

Electrical Work Boots Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Do electricians have to wear steel-toed boots?

electrician boots

The answer depends on your employer’s notice and job requirements. OSHA has made it precisely clear that you are safe as long as the conductive portion is not exposed outside the shoe or the shoe doesn’t come in contact with the working floor.

If you are not sure about the steel- toe, we recommend that you check whether the purchased shoe is ASTM approved or not. An ASTM-approved shoe will have no chance of electrocuting or causing any minor or significant damage.

People mostly choose steel-toe boots when they work in extra dangerous worksites. These metal casings protect their fingers and feet if something falls on their foot. These boots are a little heavy because of the metal but people like the weight as it balances their stance for few jobs.

If you are still on the fence with the metallic toe, we recommend buying a composite toe boot. The non-conductive toe is made of reinforced plastic, fiber, and sturdy polymers.

What PPE should electricians wear?

Working with electricity is not a simple or easy job, and your safety should not be taken for granted. Personal Protective Equipment works as the last line of safety in an emergency.

Most electricians avoid wearing the proper attire, resulting in many unwanted workplace accidents. The below list prepares you with all the necessary PPE.

Hard hat/ helmet

Helmets or hard hats are a must if you venture out and work in an open space. There are always chances of big debris or tools falling from the sky onto your head, and during such times, having a helmet will surely save your life.

You can skip wearing it when working indoors with lesser safety hazards. Sometimes, even indoors possess safety issues if the home/ building has multiple floors, etc., you need to access the situation and decide on wearing.

Goggles for eye protection

An electrician should never skip out on eye protection, primarily if they work with hazardous liquids like mineral oils. These goggles should always adorn the face while washing the critical internal parts of oil circuit breakers.

Rubber or leather gloves

gloves for electrician

You must wear rubber or leather gloves when performing switching operations and energized works. The gloves need to be insulated and pass the American Society for Testing and Minerals (ASTM) guidelines.

Hearing protectors

Electricians can opt out of hearing protectors if the worksite isn’t deafening. These are primarily used to help the electricians concentrate while working in extremely loud and noisy areas.

Safety footwear

The footwear should be durable, heavy-duty, and must have a steel or composite toe for added protection. All the shoes mentioned above are entirely electrical-rated safety boots.

Arc flash protection hood

This protection hood saves your face from Arc flash accidents as they can be very severe. You have to make sure that the entire face is covered and safe.

Flame resistant protective clothing

Flame-resistant clothing is essential as a live wire can prove harmful within one second. These types of clothing are prepared to wick off the fire. You have significantly lesser chances of burning with this protective clothing.

Are 8 or 6-inch boots better?

Both 8 and 6-inch boots are the most standard and highly rated shoes in the electrical field. We will try to shed light on both the shoes. We recommend that you buy 6-inch boots for everyday use, but ultimately, it is your choice as you will be the one wearing them.

Making sure that you are comfortable is the key. However, before buying a shoe, make sure to go ahead and check your company’s uniform regulations for any specific requirement.

6-inch boots

6-inch boots provide excellent ankle support for bumpy roads and uneven terrains. They are suitable for wearing long hours as an 8 inch might make your feet suffocated. These boots have mighty flexibility and support. Most electricians prefer using 6-inch boots for everyday work.

8-inch boots

These boots are a little higher than the 6-inch boots for extra protection. The extra inches save you from brutal weather. These are pretty sturdy but do not provide excellent air ventilation.

Do electricians work long hours?

electricians work

The work hours usually depend on the type of work you do. If you work for a firm, they might have a fixed hour plus overtime policies.

If you directly work for an institution, building, residential areas, then you might have the opportunity to choose your hours. Most electricians work 40-50+ hours per week, depending on the work load.

A few even reach 80+ hours, and during such times, it becomes imperative that you have a good quality boot that supports your feet. Most electrical jobs require a person to stand or crawl in uneven terrains to get to the electrical lines or wires.

A correct shoe can make working under such conditions a breeze. Your feet won’t feel tired, and you will have zero issues working while standing. We highly recommend that you buy a shoe that is robust so that it can stay with you for years. A good investment in the starting can make a lot of difference.

Conclusion

That was our list of the best electrical work boots wherein we scoured the internet to present you with the best shoes for your job.

Always make sure to get your shoes from a trusted brand. These brands know what they are doing, so their boots always work for your line of work. We highly recommend changing your shoes each year for your feet’ wellness.

Shoes older than one year start to lose their cushioning and protection power. The shoe might even start peeling, so you must discard the shoes after one year for your safety.

Always clean leather boots with a water-based cleaning agent and a nylon brush. Investing in a shoe odor remover spray isn’t a bad option, especially during hot seasons.