Best Ironworker Boots [Review & Step by Step Guide]

Ironworking is a top 10 most dangerous jobs, according to the Bureau of Labour statistics. It exposes you to unique workplace risks and hazards that can leave you bed-ridden, and in extreme cases, without a limb or even loss of life.

It is possible to lessen these risks by practicing the recommended safety measures and wearing the right protective clothing and equipment. Among the most important is the ironworker boots that help keep you on your feet when working, while also providing the necessary safety and security to your feet.

That said, you will need the best ironworker boots with particular features for comfort, safety, and security. To help you choose the most appropriate ironworker boots for you, we went out of our way to test a few of the best sellers on the market. We found Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Round Toe to be one of the best, and our undisputed top choice.

The superb structure and robust construction make this particular brand ideal for iron working. The same applies to our second choice, Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 8″ Boot.

So if you are trying to figure out whether the two pairs are worth the top position, the following write-up says more. Specifically, the curated list contains 5 boots that we consider among the best. Check them out!

Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Round Toe

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The unmatched quality of Thorogood ironworker boots is one reason why they are our top Choice. On the side of aesthetics, it doesn’t look so bad, and you can comfortably wear the boat your favorite occasions. Well, it might seem over the board for some people, but we are all different.

But what about the quality?

One word that describes quality is the USA. We can proudly say that the work boot is top-quality based on the fact that it is manufactured in the US. Typically, the manufacturing standards in the United States are some of the best, and you can expect a durable and comfortable work boot.

The features that highlight exceptional quality include the 100% leather, rubber outsole, and fiberglass shank. You will also find the removable shock-absorbent footbed to be quite functional for metal workers.

A slip-resistant outsole keeps you on your feet when working on the metal structures to prevent injuries.

What we like

• The quality and aesthetics are quite appealing
• 100% leather and rubber outsole for efficiency and durability
• A slip resistant outsole
• Attractive and durable Goodyear welt construction

What we don’t like

• There are a few complaints regarding the quality of the work boot
• It is a bit expensive

Red Wing Heritage Men’s Moc 8″ Boot

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Another USA made work boot; red wing ironworker boots make it to our top 5 list effortlessly. It is a boot that gives Thorogood men’s boot a run for their money. The boot can easily be our top choice, except for a few things.

The Goodyear welt construction that uses a leather material together with a flexible rubber outsole makes the boot one of the best. It is comfortable to wear and use in a variety of workplaces, including iron working.

Apart from durable materials, the eyelets are hardware nickel to ensure optimal durability for the boot. But is the boot comfortable? Does it take time to break in?

Well, it may take time to break in, but red wing 8-inch boots are comfortable with a shock absorbent footbed and good airflow.

What we like

• Goodyear welt construction with the leather material and flexible rubber outsole
• The work boots are durable for iron working
• It is comfortable with a shock absorbent footbed
• Are flexible and slip resistant rubber outsole
• Lace-up design for the best fit

What we don’t like

• The outsole is not very durable
• it will take time to break in

Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe, MAXwear Wedge Safety Toe Boot

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You have to admit that the tobacco oil-tanned color is adorable. It makes Thorogood 6-inch moc toe, versatile, and you can use it in a variety of workplaces. Well, you may not use it in place of dress shoes, but the boots are perfect for manual or technical work.

And as you would expect from the USA made Thorogood men’s boot brand, the quality of this wedge safety toe boot is at the top.

The MAXwear Wedge sole is from the flexible and durable polyurethane material. The safety boot also has a steel toe to protect your feet from the hard falling objects.

What we like

• The safety toe boot has an attractive design
• Top quality work boot
• Steel toe safeguard your feet from falling objects
• A shock-absorption footbed that provides adequate comfort when working

What we don’t like

• It may not be appropriate for the wide feet

Danner Men’s Bull Run 8-Inch BRN Cristy Work Boot

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The brown Danner ironworker boots are one of the toughest on the market, and the most appropriate for metalworks. We find the work boot to be quite tough with 100% leather and awake synthetic outsole.

The 8.5-inch shaft from the arch is something that we love. It provides adequate protection to the foot and ankle, and you can work efficiently because you are confident. The sturdy leather material on Danner Men’s Bull Run 8-Inch indicates seriousness in construction, and efficiency.

You have to admit the lace-up design on the banner bull run 8 looks quite good, but most importantly, helps achieve a good fit. It is, therefore, possible to be comfortable as you work on a project.

What we like

• Sturdy leather material that provides adequate protection
• It has a lace-up design for a proper fit
• A thick synthetic outsole that provides shock absorption

What we don’t like

• Will take some time to break in
• It may not hold up like other top brands

Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Moc Toe

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The non-safety toe Thorogood men’s is robust and protective to your feet. It may not have a steel toe, but the material is as tough as they come. It can prevent falling objects from reaching your toes, and doing some damage that you may not like.

The quality of the thorogood american heritage 8 is outstanding, and you can expect it to serve you for years, and that is a good thing. Another feature that ensures your safety is the slip resistant outsole. Also, the fiberglass shank plays an essential role in your safety and protection when working.

The cushioned insole provides adequate shock absorption and comfort to stand for a long time. Metalworking is not like a desk job, and you will need to stand for a long time when working.

What we like

• Non Safety toe Thorogood men’s with a robust upper  material
• A slip-resistant outsole and fiberglass shank so that you are on your feet when working
• Cushion insole that provides shock absorption

What we don’t like

• The outsole may not be long lasting
• Does not have steel toe

Choosing the best ironworker boots

Shopping for your favorite brand of yogurt or chocolate is what you can call a walk in the park. You already know the flavor and the cost. Your only task is to pick it from the local store.

When it comes to ironworker boots, choosing is not as simple, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Consider the following characteristics.

• Safety Toe:
  A composite toe or a steel toe is a must have featured in work boots for iron working. The future protect your fingers and the foot from getting smashed by the tools or even the heavy iron you are working on.
• Fitting and Right-Sizing:
  The right fit is critical for safety and to prevent injuries. If the boot is too tight, it can deform the bones, and cause joint pains. This situation can lead to accidents and pains.
  
  A loose-fitting shoe is also no-good as can cause blisters and injuries to the skin of your feet. Such a shoe is also a risk hazard as you cannot maintain a good grip while up there fixing the roof.
• Adequate insulation:
  There are several times that you will be up on the roof or somewhere high, fixing the steelworks or doing any other task. Up there can get cold, and it is always good to have footwear with good insulation.
  
  The primary task of the insulating material is to conserve heat and protect your feet from the morning chill. You are safe when you continuously don’t have to find ways to keep your feet warm.
• Traction:
  As mentioned above, you may be working with heights, and you need to be sure of your footing. A shoe without traction exposes you to risks of falling and getting significant injuries that can leave you bedridden for a long time. The shoe for iron working should have a deep tread so that you have a good grip wherever you are working.

Concluding Remarks

The best ironworker boots should be something like Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Round Toe. In the end, you want shoes that contribute to your safety and that of others at the workplace. The best among the ironworker boots contains an adequate amount of insulation, steel toe or composite toe, and enough traction.

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