10 Best Work Boots for Plumbers in 2023

As a plumber, having a sturdy and comfortable pair of work boots is essential for protecting your feet and staying safe on the job. Plumbers often work in wet, slippery conditions and need boots with excellent traction and waterproofing.

The right work boots can also provide critical arch support, impact protection, and durability to withstand the rigorous demands of plumbing work. Poorly fitted or inadequate work boots can lead to injuries and accidents.

This article will outline the top 10 best work boots for plumbers in 2023. I evaluated dozens of work boot models and brands based on critical factors like safety features, comfort, durability, and value.

This list includes both affordable and premium work boot options to suit different budgets and preferences. With the right pair of work boots, plumbers can perform their best while staying injury-free.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Work Boots for Plumbing

When selecting work boots for plumbing jobs, there are several important factors to take into account:

1. Traction – The soles need to provide excellent grip on wet and slippery surfaces like concrete, tile, and metal. Look for deep lugs, an oil-resistant outsole, and materials like Vibram that provide superior traction.
2. Waterproofing – Plumbers often work in wet conditions so the boots should be 100% waterproof to keep feet dry. Opt for waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex.
3. Safety Toes – Steel or composite toe caps protect the feet from falling objects on the job site. Look for ASTM-rated protective toes.
4. Comfort – Cushioning, arch support, and a roomy toe box provide all-day comfort for long hours on your feet. Leather and removable footbeds are ideal.
5. Durability – The upper material and soles should withstand job site hazards and heavy use on rough terrain over time. Go for full-grain leather or Cordura nylon.
6. Fit – Proper sizing and a snug but comfortable fit help prevent blisters and foot fatigue. Consider having your feet sized and try boots on with orthotic inserts.

Prioritizing these factors will ensure you choose footwear that combines safety, comfort, and lasting performance on plumbing jobs. Checking plumber’s forum recommendations is also a good way to learn about boots optimized for the trade.

Our Recommendation for Best Work Boots for Plumbers

1. Red Wing Heritage Men’s Iron Ranger Boot

The Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger is a tried and true American workwear classic. Its distinctive leather look and construction make it perfect for plumbers seeking optimal traction, support, and durability on the job site.

Key Features

1. Vibram outsole for grip on slippery surfaces.
2. Full-grain leather upper is water-resistant.
3. Padded collar for comfort.
4. Goodyear welt construction.
5. Optional safety toe.

Benefits

1. Its high-quality materials offer plumbers essential safety and performance. The Vibram outsole grabs wet and oily floors, while the durable leather upper shrugs off the water.
2. Inside, the leather footbed supports your arch and conforms to your foot over time.
3. The Iron Ranger also absorbs shock, thanks to its layered cork midsole.
4. Despite its toughness, it doesn’t skimp on comfort with its well-cushioned collar.
5. While an investment, this boot is built to last years of daily abuse on plumbing jobs.

Cons

The main drawback of this boot is the break-in period. The stiff leather needs significant wear before it softens up and stretches. Expect painful feet for the first 1-2 weeks. But once broken in, the Iron Ranger becomes incredibly comfortable with customized, moldable arch support.

The Iron Ranger boot earns an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. It retails for approximately $379.56.

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2. KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Plumbing Work Boot

The KEEN Utility Pittsburgh is a sturdy work boot designed to provide comfort, protection, and support for people who work on their feet all day. It’s a great option for plumbers needing a durable boot to handle tough job site conditions.

This 6-inch lace-up boot features KEEN’s signature toe protection along with a steel safety toe to shield feet from impact and compression.

The oil-resistant, non-slip rubber outsole has lugs for excellent traction on slippery surfaces. A padded collar and breathable mesh lining add comfort.

Key Features

1. Steel safety toe.
2. KEEN.GRIP oil-resistant, non-slip rubber outsole.
3. Padded collar and tongue.
4. Breathable mesh lining.
5. Meets ASTM industry standards.

Pros

1. Excellent grip and traction.
2. Protective steel toe cap.
3. Comfort features like a padded collar.
4. Breathable mesh lining prevents overheating.
5. Durable construction for tough conditions.

Cons

1. Runs narrow, with limited wide sizes.
2. Lack of arch support noted by some users.
3. Leather scuffs easily.
4. On the heavier side.

The KEEN Pittsburgh provides a sturdy option combining safety, comfort, and durability for plumbers between $114 – $156.97 and has a 4.4-star rating by 3k buyers. Those needing an extra roomy toe box may want to size up. But for average-width feet, it’s a solid-performing steel toe work boot.

3. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe Boot

The Thorogood American Heritage provides a durable, comfortable option for plumbers needing a supportive work boot. It combines classic moccasin-toe style with modern protective features.

This leather boot contains a Vibram “wedge” outsole for shock absorption and slip resistance. The moc-toe design provides roomy comfort, while the dual-density insole offers support. A fiberglass shank gives structural stability.

Key Features

1. Oil-tanned leather upper.
2. Vibram slip-resistant outsole.
3. Removable dual-density insole.
4. Fiberglass shank for support.
5. Moc toe roomy design.

Pros

1. Excellent traction control in the outsole.
2. Supportive yet comfortable cushioned insole.
3. Roomy moc-toe provides space for feet.
4. The durable leather upper stands up to use.
5. Stable construction with fiberglass shank.

Cons

1. Sizing can run large.
2. Break-in period as leather stretches.
3. The toe may be prone to scuffs/abrasions.
4. Lacks a safety toe option.

With a competitive price between $242.22 to $251.82, the Thorogood American Heritage boot offers a roomy, supportive option for plumbers focused on comfort and traction rather than protective features.

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4. Wolverine Floorhand Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boot

The Wolverine Floorhand work boot provides durable protection and support with its waterproof leather construction and steel safety toe. It’s designed for comfort during long hours on your feet.

This 6-inch work boot features a waterproof full-grain leather upper to keep feet dry. It has a removable OrthoLite cushioned insole for arch support and a lightweight yet slip-resistant rubber outsole. The steel toe meets ASTM safety standards.

Key Features

1. Waterproof full-grain leather upper.
2. Steel safety toe meets ASTM standards.
3. Slip-resistant rubber outsole.
4. Removable OrthoLite cushioned insole.
5. Meets EH safety standards.

Pros

1. Waterproof protection.
2. Supportive cushioned insole.
3. Excellent traction from the lugged outsole.
4. Steel toe protection.
5. Extremely comfortable fit.

Cons

1. Runs narrow.
2. They limited slip resistance on oily surfaces.
3. The insole lacks support for some.
4. Leather scuffs over time.

With an affordable price between $66.97 – $69.99, the Wolverine Floorhand provides a waterproof, comfortable option for plumbers needing the protection of a steel-toe boot for the job site.

5. Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Steel Toe Boot

The Timberland PRO Pit Boss boot provides plumbers with a durable and stable option designed to meet the demands of being on your feet all day.

This 6-inch leather ankle boot contains an anti-fatigue midsole and steel toe protection. The rubber lug outsole gives reliable traction on wet floors, while the padded collar enhances comfort and support.

Key Features

1. The anti-fatigue midsole absorbs shock.
2. Steel toe meets safety standards.
3. Slip-resistant rubber lug outsole.
4. Padded collar for ankle support.

Pros

1. Excellent shock absorption and energy return.
2. Protective steel toe for compressor/pipe impacts.
3. Superior wet surface traction is essential for plumbers.
4. Comfort features like a padded collar and roomy toe box.

Cons

1. It runs large, dropping a half-size is recommended.
2. Leather lacks breathability in hot weather.
3. The toe may be prone to scuffs and abrasions.

Priced competitively between $101.04 – and $104.99, the Timberland PRO Pit Boss provides plumbers with a stable, comfortable work boot with essential safety protections. The fatigue-fighting midsole makes it ideal for all-day wear.

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6. Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Boot

The Caterpillar Second Shift is a rugged work boot built to provide plumbers with durable protection and slip-resistant traction on the job site.

This 6-inch leather work boot has a pliable full-grain leather upper along with a steel toe that meets safety standards. The slip-resistant rubber outsole grips wet and oily surfaces – essential for preventing slips and falls.

Key Features

1. Steel toe for impact protection.
2. Slip-resistant rubber outsole.
3. Durable full-grain leather upper.
4. Removable sock liner for cushioning.

Pros

1. Excellent traction and stability on slippery floors.
2. Protective steel toe guard.
3. Durable leather stands up to heavy use.
4. Comfortable for long hours on your feet.

Cons

1. Runs narrow, sizing up is recommended.
2. Lacks advanced comfort features.
3. Leather requires a break-in period.

With a budget-friendly price range between $61.28 – $87.95 and having 4.7-star rating by more than 17k users on Amazon, the Caterpillar Second Shift offers plumbers a basic but well-constructed work boot focused on safety and traction.

7. Timberland PRO Men’s Direct Attach 6” Soft Toe Boot

The Timberland PRO Direct Attach provides a lightweight, athletic option for plumbers needing the flexibility to access tight spaces.

This low-cut work boot features a direct-attach seamless construction and flexible synthetic upper for unrestricted mobility. The contoured open-cell PU footbed offers arch support and shock absorption. The rubber outsole is slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant.

Key Features

1. Direct-attach seamless flexible upper.
2. Contoured PU footbed for support.
3. Lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning.
4. Slip and oil-resistant rubber outsole.

Pros

1. Flexible mobility to access tight plumbing spaces.
2. Arch support and cushioning for comfort.
3. Slip resistance for wet surfaces.
4. Athletic style in a work boot.

Cons

1. Lacks safety toe protection.
2. Less ankle stability and support.
3. Not waterproof.

With an affordable $154.95 price tag, the Timberland Direct Attach boot provides plumbers with a flexible, low-cut option offering comfort and traction without the bulk of traditional work boots.

8. Wolverine Overpass 6″ Composite Toe Boot

The Wolverine Overpass Composite Toe boot provides a waterproof, athletic option for plumbers needing safety and flexibility.

This 6-inch boot features a durable yet lightweight composite safety toe along with a waterproof leather upper. The slip-resistant rubber outsole and anti-fatigue footbed offer traction and comfort.

Key Features

1. Composite safety toe.
2. Waterproof leather upper.
3. Anti-fatigue footbed.
4. Slip-resistant rubber outsole.

Pros

1. Lightweight composite toe for safety.
2. Waterproof protection.
3. Comfort technologies reduce fatigue.
4. Slip resistance is essential for plumbers.

Cons

1. Runs narrow.
2. Less ankle support due to low height.
3. The toe may be prone to abrasion.

Priced ranges between $115.13 – $160.05 and it has a 4.4-star rating by 10k users, the Wolverine Overpass Composite Toe supplies plumbers with a durable, waterproof boot focused on safety, flexibility, and fatigue reduction.

9. Irish Setter Ely Steel Toe Boots for Plumbers

The Irish Setter Ely Steel Toe boot provides sturdy protection in a waterproof, lightweight package.

This 6-inch work boot contains a strong yet flexible steel toe cap. It features a waterproof leather and textile upper to block moisture. The rubber sole is engineered for traction, abrasion, and slip resistance.

Key Features

1. Strong and flexible steel toe cap.
2. Waterproof leather/textile upper.
3. Slip-resistant rubber outsole.
4. Moisture-wicking nylon lining.

Pros

1. Protective steel toe meets safety standards.
2. Waterproof materials block moisture.
3. Traction and stability on slippery surfaces.
4. Lightweight for athletic comfort.

Cons

1. Less ankle support from a low height.
2. Runs narrow in the toe area.
3. Minimal cushioning features.

With an affordable $140 price tag and a 4.4-star rating, the Irish Setter Ely supplies plumbers with a sturdy steel-toe option focused on waterproofing, comfort, and slip resistance for the job site.

10. Timberland PRO Rigmaster 8″ Steel Toe Boot

The Timberland PRO Rigmaster offers plumbers a durable, supportive option at a lower price.

This 8-inch steel toe work boot features a waterproof leather upper and anti-fatigue midsole for comfort. The rubber lug outsole provides slip resistance on wet surfaces. A fiberglass shank lends support.

Key Features

1. Steel safety toe.
2. Waterproof leather upper.
3. Anti-fatigue midsole.
4. Slip-resistant rubber outsole.
5. Fiberglass shank for support.

Pros

1. Steel toe protection.
2. Waterproof protection from elements.
3. Slip resistance for traction.
4. Comfort technologies reduce fatigue.

Cons

1. It runs large, dropping a half-size suggested.
2. Basic comfort features.
3. Leather requires a break-in.

Between $133.90 – $190.00, the Timberland PRO Rigmaster supplies plumbers with a protective, supportive work boot with key safety features at a more affordable price point.

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Here is a comparison table for the 10 best work boots for plumbers:

Khalifa

Hi, I’m Khalifa – the chief editor of this site. I have always been fascinated by the versatility and style of boots. As a blogger, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise on all things boots – from the latest trends to work boots. Whether you’re a seasoned boot aficionado or just starting out, I hope my blog will inspire and inform you on your own boot journey.