Hey there. Welcome to our best work boots for electricians round-up review for 2022 (updated for 2023).
In A Rush?!
Overall, The Best Pair Of
Work Boots For Electricians
We’ve put together a list of the top 12 most popular work boots models for commercial and residential electricians and our #1 recommendation based on what we’ve found in our research is the Thorogood American Heritage boot.
What's Inside?
- Overall, The Best Pair Of Work Boots For Electricians
- These are the top 12 best work boots for electricians
- The Most Comfortable Boots For Electricians
- Made In The US Work Boots
- Low Budget Work Boots For Electricians
- Lightweight Alloy Toe Cap Work Boots
- Great For Electricians With Weak Ankles
- Comfy Slip-On Work Boots For Electricians
- Great Steel Toe Safety Boots For Electricians
- Insulated Work Boots For Cold Winters
- Insulated Work Boots For Cold Winters
- Wellington Work Boots For Electricians
- Western Style Work Boots For Electricians
- Tactical Boots For Electricians
- Reviews of the best work boots for electricians
- All You Need To Know About Buying Work Boots For Electricians
- How can you tell if a pair of work boots are electrical hazard rated or not?
- Features to look for in a good pair of electrician’s work boots
- Are composite toe work boots better than steel toe work boots for electrical work?
- Are steel toe work boots safe for electrical work?
- Should you choose composite toe vs steel toe for electrical work?
- What’s the best place to buy work boots for electricians?
- Last words on these great electrical hazard rated safety boots
- Top Quality Work Boots For Electricians
To bring you this article we’ve researched 33 websites, looked at 38 work boots brands and models, read 190 reviews and customer feedback for a total amount of 60 hours.
In this article, you’ll learn about which are some of the newest and most rated electricians’ work boots. Also, we’ll have a look at what are some of the most important features you should look that when buying boots for electrical work, and much more…
…so keep reading. There’s a lot of good info in here!
You can jump straight into the work boots for electricians reviews section or go to the buyer’s guide first (if you’re new to this type of boots).
These are the top 12 best work boots for electricians
Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which electricians’ work boots we’ve included in our round-up.
1. Thorogood Heritage
- EH rated
- 100% leather
- Steel toe
The Most Comfortable
Boots For Electricians
2. Red Wing Classic
- Wedge sole
- 100% leather
- Soft toe
Made In The US Work Boots
3. Skechers Burgin
- EH rated
- Leather
- Steel toe
Low Budget Work Boots
For Electricians
4. KEEN San Jose
- EH rated
- 100% leather
- Alloy toe
Lightweight Alloy Toe
Cap Work Boots
5. Danner Vicious
- EH rated
- 100% leather
- Composite toe
Great For Electricians
With Weak Ankles
6. Wolverine Romeo
- Great traction
- 100% leather
- Soft toe
Comfy Slip-On Work
Boots For Electricians
7. Timberland Pit Boss
- Steel shank
- 100% leather
- Steel toe
Great Steel Toe Safety
Boots For Electricians
8. Terra Crossbow
- Waterproof
- Leather + synthetic
- Composite toe
Insulated Work Boots
For Cold Winters
9. Carhartt CMF6366
- EH rated
- Leather
- Composite toe
Insulated Work Boots
For Cold Winters
10. Caterpillar Revolver
- EH rated
- Leather
- Steel toe
Wellington Work Boots
For Electricians
11. Ariat Workhog
- EH rated
- Leather + textile
- Square toe
Western Style Work
Boots For Electricians
12. 5.11 A.T.A.C.
- Flexible
- Leather + textile
- Composite toe
Tactical Boots For Electricians
Reviews of the best work boots for electricians
Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these electrical hazard-rated work boots we’ve included in today’s round-up.
1. Thorogood American Heritage
Most Comfortable For Electricians
This American Heritage work boot is one of the most comfortable work boots you can buy anywhere online or at a local store.
These work boots come with a wedge sole which makes the boots extremely lightweight compared to rubber or other types of soles.
Be careful though, if you work a lot on wet surfaces wedge sole might not be the best option for you as it provides very little grip. It’s great for dry concrete surfaces though.
And it’s tougher than the rubber and that will extend the lifespan of these boots.
Another feature that makes these bad boys long-lasting work boots is the triple stitching and the Goodyear welt construction.
For once, the triple stitching will keep the various leather pieces in place for a longer period of time. And the Goodyear welt not only helps prevent water from coming into your boots but also makes these boots easy to resole.
The upper of the boot is made with premium leather (durable tobacco or black) and it looks very stylish. If you go out for a drink with your electrician colleagues, no one will know that these are work boots.
PROS
- Electrical hazard rated
- Steel toe cap
- Fiberglass shank
- Removable footbed
CONS
- Not the best option if you work a lot on wet surfaces or on ladders
- If you want to know more about Thorogood’s boots check out this page: Thorogood work boots reviews where we go more in-depth into this brand alone.
- Also, read my full review of these Thorogood 804-4200 moc toe work boots
- Additionally learn more about what goes into these boots here: Thorogood moc toe boots cut in half
Thorogood 804-4200 moc toe review on YouTube
2. Red Wing Classic Moc Toe
American Made Work Boots
For Electricians
If you’re an electrician after an American-made work boot…this is it! These classic Red Wing work boots come with a wedge sole.
Just like the Thorogoods, these Classic 6” moc toe boots are super light but be aware that they won’t provide a good grip on wet floors.
If you’re one of those guys that like to look good even at work, these boots look very stylish. And one of the things that differentiate this Red Wing from all the other boots in this round-up is that it comes in 12 different colors (on Amazon)
So no matter the style and color you like, there’s one that can fit your taste.
If you’re doing electrical work on a construction site do not buy these boots as you won’t be allowed to work since they don’t have a safety toe. It’s perfect for residential electricians though. These boots are better for construction sites.
One thing that’s very common with Red Wing work boots is that they’re a bit rough to break in since the leather used is high quality and thick.
Although this makes the boot more durable it also means there will be a period of breaking in.
So make sure you buy this boot in advance before throwing away the old ones. You’ll have to alternate between both boots until the Red Wing becomes comfortable to wear for the whole shift (which might take a couple of weeks).
PROS
- Made in the USA – Top quality
- Thick and durable leather
- Lightweight
- Lots of models available online
CONS
- It takes a while to break-in
3. Skechers Burgin-Tarlac
Cheapest Work Boots For Electricians
If you’re an electrician on a low budget or you’re still an electrician apprentice and you don’t have the budget for a more expensive pair of boots, check out these work boots from Skechers.
It comes with all the features that other boots for electricians have, but for less money. Yes, the quality is not top-notch, but hey, I guess you’ll understand why.
These Skechers boots have steel toe cap protection so you can work on construction sites and other industries that require you to have safety toe boots.
The sole is made out of rubber which makes these boots have a better grip on wet surfaces.
It’s also electric hazard rated so you’ll get a decent work boot for little money. They’re not waterproof but if you apply some good mink oil on them you’ll be able to make them water repellent.
PROS
- Steel toe cap protection
- Anti-slip rubber outsole
- Water-resistant
- Electrical hazard rated
CONS
- Not waterproof
4. KEEN Utility San Jose
Electricians’ Work Boots
With Alloy Toe Cap
Another good-looking work boot for electricians. These Keen work boots are one of the lightest work boots they have on their catalog due to using an alloy toe cap instead of the typical steel cap and their air-injected midsole.
The Keen San Jose is a water-resistant boot. Although you can walk through a little bit of water and keep your feet dry, keep in mind that these works are not waterproof.
Water-resistant and waterproof are not the same thing (even though product descriptions are mixing these terms). These work boots are waterproof if you’re curious to know.
If your feet sweat, Keen has an interesting probiotic-based technology called CleansportNXT which helps to break down odor in sweat. This will avoid your feet getting stinky.
This Keen boot also comes with a nylon shank which is helpful for midfoot support. Not as strong as a steel shank but that’s one more reason why this boot is so lightweight.
PROS
- Anti-odor technology
- Water-resistant
- Light safety toe cap
- Electrical hazard rated
CONS
- Great looking, very comfortable but depending on what type of work environment you’re in, they might not be the most durable work boots for an electrician
5. Danner Vicious
Best For Ankle Support
If you’re an electrician with weak ankles you have to check out these Danner work boots. The Danner Vicious goes over your ankles since it’s an 8inch tall work boot.
Once you tighten the laces on the iron hooks all the way up, your ankles will stay in place for the whole duration of your shift reducing the chances of sprinkled ankles.
The majority of the users are praising how comfortable and lightweight these Danner work boots are. This is because Danner used Gore-Tex in the construction of the boot and also they went for a composite toe cap instead of a steel toe one.
They have an oil-resistant Vibram Vicous outsole with a low profile 90 degrees heel which adds safety when used on steep terrains.
And the nylon shank in these Danner boots provides stability and underfoot protection, especially if you have to work on ladders or rough terrains.
PROS
- Nylon shank
- Electrical hazard rated
- Gore-tex used to make the boot lighter
- Composite toe
CONS
- Not waterproof
6. Wolverine I-90 Romeo
Slip-on Work Boots For Electricians
The best thing about these Wolverine Romeo work boots is that they allow you to get in and out of them fast and easy. No laces to fiddle with, no need to bend to untie them, etc.
They look amazing, they are practical, and also very comfortable. The Wolverine Romeo features EPX anti-fatigue technology which can help you fight fatigue by conserving and returning the energy, absorbing the impact as you step on the floor.
Have you seen the outsoles on these boots?
Man, they look rugged. And they are. The I-90 Romeo features a highly abrasion-resistant TPU outsole that lasts 3x longer than other boots and is resistant to splitting, chemicals, and oils.
Did you know that these boots have been named after the I-90 (Interstate 90) which is the longest highway in the USA? That’s where the name came for and it’s meant to symbolize that these boots are made to last long hours and many miles.
It’s packed with features such as the breathable waterproof membrane with moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep your feet dry. Also, it comes with a nylon shank for extra stability and protection on the bottom of your foot.
PROS
- No laces
- Removable footbed
- Nylon shank
- Slip-resistant high abrasion outsole
CONS
- Non-safety toe cap
7. Timberland Pit Boss
Electrician work boots
with steel toe cap
What can I say about these excellent Timberland PRO work boots that you don’t already know? I’ve had the Timberland Pit Boss myself and it lasted me somewhere close to 2 years.
Even though I do construction work, it was light duty just as you will do as an electrician.
They are a bit heavy and it’s going to take a few days to get used to them but once you do … you’ll love them.
One of the best footbeds I’ve had in any work boot. The footbed is hard and it comes with a steel shank as well. Making the bridge between the heel and the forefoot very rigid and that’s what you need if you want support and stability.
There are many benefits to that. One of them is that it won’t allow your feet arches to collapse as you walk and that avoids foot pain, foot fatigue and even prevent foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or even flat feet.
The upper is made out of good-quality leather. It’s not waterproof but I’ve used mink oil to make them water repellent. It worked really well on this boot.
Very good work boots overall, especially if you’re an electrician that is required to wear steel toe boots.
- Read my full review of the Timberlands Pit Boss Steel Toe here if you want to find out more about these boots.
PROS
- Steel toe cap
- Steel shank
- Comfortable footbed
- Anti slippery outsole
CONS
- A bit heavy and it will take you a few days to get used to them
8. Terra Crossbow
Insulated Work Boots For Electricians
Some people bought these Terra work boots to work in the Arctic at -30 degrees so these boots are heavily insulated.
This makes them very bulky though. I don’t know what type of environment an electrician would need insulated work boots but if you do … go for these ones!
These Terra boots are 10” high, so they are even higher than the Danner mentioned above.
They are also lightweight since there’s no metal in them. Instead, this boot is constructed with TERRA Firma-Flex metal-free technology which is exclusive to TERRA. This combines super-weaved high tensile fabric and resilient polymer compounds to create rugged but flexible boots.
These are waterproof safety boots, so whether you work in snow or rain these Terra Crossbow boots will keep your feet dry.
If you’re looking for something less heavy-duty that will still keep your feet warm in the cold days, check out these other insulated work boots..
PROS
- Heavily insulated
- Waterproof
- Superior traction
- Metal-free
CONS
- Way too bulky for a regular electrician job (unless you work in some heavy snowy parts of the world)
9. Carhartt CMF6366
Electrical Hazard Protection
Up To 18000V
Yes, you’ve heard (read) it right. According to the manufacturer, this Carhartt bad boy can protect you against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18000 volts or less when the conditions are dry.
If this is not a good work boot for electricians then I don’t know what is…
They’re not only great as EH-rated boots but also this Carhartt model is designed to keep your feet safe without compromising on flexible comfort and support.
So whether you need protection for your toes or for the whole body when exposed to live electricity, these Carhart work boots have you covered.
Composite toe cap, EH rated, slip-resistant outsole … it has it all. Great work boot for electricians.
In terms of style and how it looks, not my favorite work boot. Just saying! There are better looking models from this brand that you can find here: Carhartt Work Boots Reviews: Are they any good?
PROS
- Oil & slip-resistant outsole
- Composite safety toe
- Electrical hazard rated
CONS
- If this is important to you, they’re made overseas (like the majority of the boots nowadays)
10. Caterpillar Revolver
Pull-on Work Boots For Electricians
This Caterpillar Revolver looks like a simple Wellington boot. Don’t let that fool you. The upper is made of high-quality water-resistant thick leather.
These pull-on work boots are great for electricians working outdoors maybe pulling cable or doing the electricals in the basement of a new or an old building.
They have great deep lugs that will provide good grip and traction when needed, especially if you work in open trenches or similar environments.
Also, if you’re an electrician project manager that visits a site that’s muddy these are going to be helpful since you can put your pants inside the boot and keep the dirt off your nice jeans or an elegant suit.
Keep in mind that the higher the boots are, usually the more you’ll sweat so these Caterpillar are not the best work boots for summertime.
The last thing I like about these is that you can hop in/off of them very quickly making them very practical.
PROS
- Steel toe cap protection
- EH rated
- Deep lugs for extra traction
- Good year welt construction
CONS
- You’ll sweat a lot in them in hot weather
11. Ariat Workhog
Cowboy Style Work Boots
For Electricians
Now, if you’re an electrician with a western-style taste, these work boots from Ariat are made for you. They’re not only stylish but they’re electrical hazard rated also which is the most important feature to look for in a work boot for an electrician.
The Ariat Workhog features a wide square toe box that makes it very comfortable to wear not only for electricians with wide feet but also for those with a narrower foot that likes to wear thick socks when it gets colder.
Another feature that adds comfort to these boots is the Cusioningh EVA midsole and Duratread outsole. The ATS Max platform provides you with torsional stability reducing foot fatigue.
This also helps you have a proper alignment of your body.
The upper is made out of good quality leather and features a western-inspired design that adds some character to these work boots.
If your job requires you to have safety toe work boots you’ll be pleased to know that these boots come with a soft toe and also are available with a composite toe.
The models might differ though!
PROS
- The outsole is oil and slip-resistant
- Wide toe box
- Available with soft toe & safety toe cap
- They have character
- EH rated
CONS
- Not very breathable
12. 5.11 A.T.A.C
Tactical Boots For Electricians
These 5.11 A.T.A.C. work boots are loved by many electricians who prefer tactical work boots for their job instead of your typical work boots.
It’s easy to understand why!
First, many of you will have to kneel and crawl when doing any electric installations, and the last thing you want is a boot that’s rigid. These ones are totally the opposite.
They’re very flexible work boots made of a mix of leather and nylon. This not only allows you to bend with ease when needed but also makes the boots very light compared to others in this round-up that are made 100% of leather.
Oh, I almost forgot the Achilles flex zone detail which again provides better maneuverability when you have to bend.
Yes, just like all the other boots for electricians included here these 5.11 tactical boots are EH rated as well. And they’re ASTM and CSA approved.
So no matter if you’re doing residential or commercial electrical jobs you’ll be safe in these boots and also you won’t be told off by the safety manager for not wearing safety boots up to the standard.
Did you realize that these have size zippers?
Yes, they come with a side zipper which, in my opinion, adds yet another reason to love these boots. I prefer to unzip my boots rather than untie them. Easier and faster, more practical!
PROS
- Lightweight
- Composite toe protection
- Electrical hazard rated
- Side zipper
CONS
- The zipper might break earlier than the boots which means you’ll either have to fit a new zip or buy new boots. No other major complaints about these boots though.
All You Need To Know About Buying Work Boots For Electricians
Let’s answer some of the most common questions you’ll have when you’re out there looking for your next pair of boots for your work.
How can you tell if a pair of work boots are electrical hazard rated or not?
It should be mentioned in the description of the work boot you want to buy. If you can’t see it mentioned have a look at the images that the seller provides about the boots.
You might see the third sign from the graphic below. The white rectangle with the Omega letter in it.
Also, if you already bought your work boots thinking they’ll be good for your electrician job but now you’re not sure, one last place to look is on the interior of the tongue or somewhere inside the boot.
There should be a label stating what standards your boots meet. Something like this:
Lastly, send a message to the seller asking if the boots you want to buy are EH rated. You’ll lose a day or two but you’ll save yourself some disappointments.
Features to look for in a good pair of electrician’s work boots
We’ve mentioned a lot of features throughout this article but below I’ll the most important for you as an electrician.
1. Electrical hazard rated
Did I say this is the most important feature in a pair of work boots for electricians already?
Well, let me say one more time.
Being an electrician is one of the most dangerous jobs that I know of. We have a lot of briefings on the construction sites I work on about how dangerous electricity is and how easy it is to get killed by it.
And the chances of something fatal happening increases when the weather conditions are not favorable. Things like rain, humidity, water increase the risk of getting electrocuted by an exposed cable.
So make sure you do whatever you can to protect yourself at work and buying electrical hazard-rated work boots is the first step.
2. Non-metal parts
Some steel toe work boots are rated as electrical hazard boots and they pass all the tests but having any steel in your boot will add an extra level of risk.
Go for composite toe cap protection and also if possible make sure the boot you’re buying has a fiberglass shank instead of steel. For the same reasons as in the case of the toe cap.
Metal is a good electricity conductor and if any exposed cable somehow touches your steel toe cap, only God knows what could happen.
3. Shank support
Most electricians I know work on their feet all day. I rarely see an electrician working seated. You’re on ladders, podiums, scaffolds, etc all day long.
That’s why a shank will provide you with more support, more stability to your feet and less pain as well, especially when you have to stand on step ladders a lot.
But remember, it’s preferable a nylon or fiberglass shank instead of a steel toe one. The steel toe will be better for support…but when working with electricity, the less steel you have contact with, the better.
4. Anti slippery outsole
You have a wide variety of outsole on the market today.
I prefer the rubber outsoles especially if I’m working indoors as you mostly will as an electrician.
That’s because rubber has a better grip than other materials such as boots made with a wedge sole for example.
Wedge soles are more durable but they are very poor when you work on wet surfaces. So be aware of that as well.
5. Waterproof
Many work boots will say waterproof in their product description. But that’s not always true. Many confuse water-resistant or water repellent with waterproof.
Again, if you work mostly indoors you’ll be just fine with any water-resistant work bots. It’s a different story if you have to work outdoors.
It’s good to know your feet will stay dry if you have any water near your work area but I don’t think this feature is a must (for most electricians anyway).
6. Insulation (if you’re working in cold conditions)
Just like waterproofing, insulation is not really necessary for most electricians. I mean, if it’s really cold you’ll be fine with a thicker pair of wool socks.
But if you work outdoors in heavy snowing areas then insulation is a good feature to have.
Are composite toe work boots better than steel toe work boots for electrical work?
Yes, actually composite toe work boots are better than steel toe work boots in a few aspects.
We’ve said this already a few times but if you can choose a pair of work boots that have no metal in them, it’s best for you as an electrician.
Also, the composite toe work boots are lighter than the steel toe and any electrician that walks a lot will appreciate less weight to carry around.
Are steel toe work boots safe for electrical work?
Yes, steel toe work boots are safe for electricians. Just make sure the boot passed or exceeded the ASTM tests. If it did, it should show on the label of your boot.
Should you choose composite toe vs steel toe for electrical work?
Most electricians I’ve talked to, don’t care that much about which type of toe protection they have as long as they have some protection.
They’re looking more for comfort and the style of the boot and how it looks rather than what type of toe cap the boots have.
What work boots are safe for electricians? (For those who want to buy this as a gift)
If you want to buy a gift for your electrician friend, husband, or wife scroll up and check out again all the boots for electricians I’ve reviewed above.
I’ve selected them carefully not only based on my experience but also by asking electricians I know what boots they like and why they like them.
What’s the best place to buy work boots for electricians?
You can buy your favorite pair of work boots for electrical work at your local store but I believe the best place to buy work boots is at the online stores.
For the simple reason that you can access lots of brands and models from the comfort of your home. Plus the delivery, many times is free.
Here are a few stores you might be familiar with:
- Amazon
- Payless
- Sears
- Walmart
Last words on these great electrical hazard rated safety boots
I’m sure there are other boots I didn’t include in this round-up review article and that you’d love to see them here.
But for the sake of keeping this list short and actually helpful, I decided to leave it at the top 12 boots for electricians.
Not all electricians work in the same environment!
For that reason each one of you will need different features to protect you from different dangers at work. You can’t go wrong with any of the boots selected in this article. Just make sure you pick one that fits your purpose.
Top Quality Work Boots
For Electricians
Team Members Working On This Page
Victor Adrian – Editor And Webmaster
Construction Professional, driver, crane operator, cleaner, head chef … these are just some of the jobs I did in the past. Working in all these different environments taught me that having good footwear to protect your feet from different dangers at work IS PARAMOUNT for any worker! On this website, I aim to share all my knowledge and personal experience in dealing with different footwear and foot care issues, and hopefully, you can get something out of it. Enjoy!
Jessica Flynn – Writer And Researcher
Love technology, going to the beach, take care of my body, and writing (amongst other things). You’ll see my face around here a little bit since I’m responsible for part of the research and writing of some of the articles you’re reading on BestForMyFeet.com. I hope you’ll find our content helpful and enjoyable! See you around, thanks for reading!