Electricians are always putting their lives at risk when they scale the poles to correct faults in power lines. A miscalculation or slip can be catastrophic. However, they reduce this risk by wearing safety clothing, and especially shoes.
The best lineman boots are not all about fashion or appearing like an earnest worker. They are about giving you sufficient support and protection to your feet as you work with electricity.
Various factors make one type of lineman boot better than others, and it includes ruggedness. Yes, there are numerous boots that you can use as lineman boots but can never replicate what the best lineman boots can achieve – they are the fake lineman boots.
In our search for the best lineman boots, we considered several factors such as sturdiness and built to protect you from instances of electrical shocks, fires, and heat. Another important factor we looked into was comfort. A lineman boot without the necessary comfort features will not provide the required protection from slips, and heat.
The much comfortable you are up there determines your concentration, and thus efficiency.
Pole hanging demands a lot from your feet and without the necessary padding, and breathability, your feet can comfortably give. As a result, the footwear should have the most robust material, as well as, the outsole.
Another significant consideration about lineman boots is versatility. You should be able to use them in other outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
The selection was not an easy one, but we pulled it off, nevertheless – you have to love us for it.
After the careful examination, we list the boots numerically, with the first one scoring highly on all the categories. The last on the list has the lowest score among the ten, but that does not mean that it is poor quality. It makes the cut among the best ten for an excellent reason.
Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
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Sturdy, Durable, Comfortable, Protection
Several features make Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger our top lineman boots, even our top choice. Among them are leather materials. It is not every day that you get full natural leather boots and so it is something worth the applause. But what’s the big deal with having leather? – You may ask. The shank is steel and the insole, pure leather.
Well, natural leather is quite durable in comparison to its synthetic material counterparts. It is also relatively breathable and flexible. We were able to confirm this, and true to these qualities, the boots were genuinely comfortable – of course not the comfort you get from sneakers.
Linemen need all the comfort they can get from their shoes. That is what the cork midsole does in this boot.
Good Quality
There is something about boots made in the US, and among them is quality. The US has pretty high manufacturing standards and nothing best highlights this fact than Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot. Holding the boot on your hands will tell you that what you have on your hands is a top quality product. But as they say, you don’t judge a book by its cover.
Regardless, the level of satisfaction from red wing iron ranger reviews is nothing short of impressive. Most of them regard it as a boot that lasts forever, a quality that any workman would appreciate. Whether you are just starting out or you are looking for a suitable replacement boot, this is footwear worth every bit of consideration.
It has oil resistant sole and durable stitch, making it ideal as a lineman boot. Other features like the eyelets, cap toe, contrast stitching, and polish hooks add a bit of durability, appeal, and functionality.
Shortcomings
We cannot give the red wing lineman boots full marks, even though it is our top choice, because of a few issues we noted. Well, we cannot say the boot is among the most appealing. And even though workers are not after something attractive but rather, sturdy to provide sufficient protection, it is always a good thing if your boot looks good.
We are not saying that these lineman boots with steel shanks are ugly, but there’s always some room for improvement, even if a little one. The price is also on the high side, but for a good reason. Good quality comes at a cost.
Carolina Mens 16″ Domestic Linesman Boot
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Carolina lineman boots are a real marvel to behold. The boot has most of the features that you would want in a decent pair as you go up the pole. In other words, it is a boot that inspires confidence among the electricians, and hence among the best lineman boots, you will find on the market.
Durable, comfortable, Protection
At first glance, the intricate stitching and other features will tell you that this is no ordinary low-quality boot. It is something for the professionals, people who know what they are doing.
Carolina 16 inch lineman boots have a rubber sole that provides the necessary cushion to your feet as you stand for long doing the repairs. The full-leather upper is long enough to cover most of your leg and provide the required protection.
The rubber outsole provides sufficient flexibility and grip when going up the pole. It also has a lineman shank for additional protection for your feet. The insole is poron permafresh to keep bacteria, as well as odor at bay. Typically, ordinary boots have this problem.
And to safeguard you from electrical hazards, the boots feature shock-blocking protection. You are therefore safe as you go up the poles to fix the lights and benefit the neighborhood.
The boot has deep treads that provide the necessary grip and safety. We loved the grip the pair offered and made the shoe worth a try.
Weight
You would expect such a boot to weigh significantly, but that’s not the case. Well, we might not refer to it as a lightweight, but it is something with the right weight for use in various professions, in the construction industry and, of course, linemen.
Shortcomings
Unlike most other boots that you would comfortably wear to the party, these aren’t like that. They are not entirely what we would refer to as multifunctional boots. But we are all different. Some users say that they love them as dancing boots.
They do not also have a steel toe, a typical feature of many other workmen boots on the market. But that does not mean they are not sufficiently robust to protect your feet. , they are among the best in that regard. So, would we take the boot? Yes! A big yes!
La Sportiva Men’s Makalu Mountaineering Boot
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Some linemen would love la Sportiva lineman boots based on various factors, among them, appeal, multifunction, and, of course, ruggedness. But what puts this boot into our top three? Let’s find out.
Rugged, Durable and Comfortable
All the features on la Sportiva Makalu boot indicate high-level durability, and that is what these are all about. The material is leather, durable, as well as, comfortable. Wearing this boot will feel a reasonable level of comfort, which is quite unlike other boots you find. To be honest, these don’t take a lot of time to ease into your feet.
The leather upper is water-repellent and quite breathable – a feature that we also love. Linemen need a boot that keeps their feet dry whether it’s from moisture or sweat.
The full synthetic sole is another decent source of comfort. The outsole is Vibram, rugged and with a sufficient amount of treads. They have a good grip.
These are lineman boots with a steel shank that you can use with a crampon or without – a good option for linemen. The D-Ring lacing is another feature that we love as it makes the shoe quite fitting, reducing the friction on your feet.
Multifunctional
Many people these days are turning to boots as their preferred casual footwear. However, certain boots are ideal for this purpose while there are others not so perfect. Well, La Sportiva Men’s Makalu Mountaineering Boot is on the side of a perfect boot to wear on any occasion.
The boot can be your ideal outdoor accessory for such activities as hunting, camping, and hiking. You can as well wear it to your friends’ parties. Naturally, it is an attractive boot, ideal for every occasion – you can also agree.
Shortcomings
The boots seem like they are only for mountain climbing and are a bit warm for that purpose. That means they can be a bit uncomfortable for linemen that like breathable boots. However, these are fantastic boots, worth the money.
Adtec Men’s 9-inch Logger Boot
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Adtec Men’s 9-inch Logger Boot is another good option for linemen. The boot is quite attractive, and it is among the few, genuinely multifunctional footwear. Even linemen deserve such versatile boots – yes they do.
Rugged, Comfortable
As a lineman, you want a water-resistant boot to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Well, the highly-oiled leather on the boots will keep water off it thus keep your feet dry. You will find traces of oil on it, but that should not worry you.
A rubber sole is both durable and flexible. However, the outsole on this shoe does not seem thick enough to support and protect your feet against an extended period of standing.
We always find laces to be an indispensable feature on a lineman boot. The boot has this feature and which makes it quite fitting. It also provides an excellent footing when on a ladder.
Multifunction
What you will first notice on laying your eyes on the boot is its smooth surface. It is not all for show but the boot is quite soft which we may attribute to deep oiling intended to make the boot water resistant, but that’s beside the point.
We find the boot to be quite versatile; the type that you wear to any occasion including the dance, hiking, and camping. But it is not the best if you are doing a significant amount of walking or trekking. It seems like something that would give you blisters.
User Satisfaction
In a careful study of ad tec boots reviews, we find the majority of users are so far happy with them. With almost 300 customer reviews and over 4.0/5 rating, you can see that there’s something that is making users love the boot.
The price is favorable, and any beginner lineman can comfortably afford it. We are not saying the boot is for novices; we are trying to indicate its affordability. Professional linemen can as well use it as a second boot.
Shortcomings
There are a good number of users that say the boots fall apart after using for some time – not ideal. Others say they don’t come with a steel toe, which is essential for those that work in the construction industry.
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Round Toe, MAXWear Wedge Safety Toe Boot
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When you are looking for a reliable boot to wear to work and off-the-clock, then Thorogood is something we can refer to as reliable. But can you take our word for it? Let’s go into the deep end of Thorogood boots review.
Rugged and Durable
What separates the boot from others includes the electrical hazard rating, missing in most boots we reviewed. The heels and soles can withstand as much as 18000 volts, making it ideal for electricians and others working with power lines.
The boots are by union workers in the United States, who know what a right working boot entails. It is, therefore, a boot that you can rely on, any day as a beginner or pro.
They feature a full-grain leather to provide the necessary durability. It is not appropriate to buy a pair that only lasts a short time – it would be unwise.
Comfortable
The oil-tanned leather is breathable, and your feet will feel comfortable, no matter the weather you are in. It has a dual-density insole that absorbs shock well enough when you are up to the pole. For additional foot support, the boot comes with a fiberglass shank.
The boots are lace-up, which means you can adjust and make them fitting, and reduce any movement in the process.
Multifunction
We find the boot to be quite stylish, and worth wearing on any occasion. A large number of buyers are not workers in the construction industry or power company, which underscores their appeal to many people.
Shortcomings
And even though this is a boot that we can refer to as among the best, and worth the top five spot, it, however, falls short on some issues. For starters, it does not come with a steel toe, a standard feature in workmen boots. However, that does not make the boot any less ideal for linemen, especially provided that it has a decent Electric Hazard rating.
Georgia Boot Men’s Loggers G7313 Work Boot
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Georgia Boot is a brand that you can trust to deliver. As such, this worker boot stands tall based on durability, and comfort. Let’s look at some of the other features and determine what it’s all about. Is it worth the investment?
Rugged and Durable
Like other boots in this review, Georgia Boot is entirely leather material, providing a reasonable level of breathability and durability. It is a boot that will give you a decent amount of service. Georgia Boot is a company that stands behind their product.
To that effect, the boot comes with a one-year warranty to protect you against defects and other issues. Interestingly, the warranty also covers against leakage. That means if your shoes were to leak, you would get a replacement – quite an assurance, don’t you agree?
Every new version is better and more durable than its predecessor which highlights the brand’s commitment to quality improvement.
Comfortable
The leather material is breathable, and the rubber sole is a joy to walk in. It is water resistant, and you would not need to worry about wet and uncomfortable boots after light showers. However, you will need a few days to break in after purchase.
The rubber sole reduces the stress on your feet, thereby making the movement more manageable for you. It has a soft footbed which makes it comfortable to stand in for a long time. This might be considered as one of the comfortable lineman boots out there.
Protection and Safety
Every feature on this boot shouts ‘safety at work’ in every sense. The deep-treaded outsole protects against slips and injury from falls. They also come with steel toes which safeguard your toes and provide sufficient support.
Georgia boots give you a good grip, whether you are walking on wet surfaces or climbing poles – something that all linemen need.
Shortcomings
Unfortunately for the lineman boots, they do not have any insulation. The shoes may also take some time to break in – not very ideal. Some users also say that they don’t last a long time.
Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Moc Toe, MAXWear 90 Safety Toe Boot
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There are good reasons why Thorogood boots are among the best – they consistently emerge at the top. The features on this boot are worth recognition and are what makes it ideal as a lineman boot. As a built in the USA boot, you cannot expect anything less of a quality boot in every sense.
Rugged, Durable, Safety
The boot is pure leather upper that provides sufficient ruggedness and durability. You will also find a fiberglass shank, Goodyear welt and slip-resistant outsole, all designed to provide optimal durability and feet protection.
The oiled full grain leather provides high-level water resistance, keeping your feet dry through all conditions. An important feature on this boot, and which any lineman needs is the Electric Hazard protection. You can never be too careful when it comes to working with electricity, and you never know when you are stepping on live wires.
Comfort
The good thing about the leather in this shoe is breathability. It is breathable in every sense, providing sufficient comfort you require to perform your duties satisfactorily. The source of this comfort is probably from the thin leather. Other comparable boots such as Hoffman and Halls are about two times thicker – you can feel the difference in comfort.
The footbed is a source of ultimate shock absorption, protecting your feet from hard objects and falls. Working with heights has its dangers, and it is necessary to wear the appropriate footwear for protection.
There’s also sufficient toe room, typically better than your average boot. The feature is a source of additional comfort as it allows a proper circulation of air. You can, therefore, flex and move your toes as is necessary. No need to remove the shoes for that.
Shortcomings
Typically, the price of these boots is on the high side. However, it is pricey for an excellent reason, quality, and durable construction. Some unsatisfied customers state that the boot has an uncomfortable arch.
Men’s Carolina® 8″ Steel Toe Loggers Boot CA9821
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As a specialized lineman boot, Men’s Carolina® 8″ Steel Toe Loggers Boot has all the necessary features to provide the required protection, as well as, comfort. It is a shoe worth the investment if you are a beginner or a veteran lineman. Out of the box, the shoes are quite appealing, and something tells you right away that you are dealing with a right boot.
But you can never judge a book by its cover. The boots are ideal for other works such as in the construction industry among others. So why should you choose this boot?
Ruggedness, Durability, and Protection
When it comes to a rugged shoe, this is a pair that you can rely on. The upper is durable polished leather for durability and waterproofing – it is among the fully waterproof boots that you will find.
Lineman will be glad to know that the boot features an electrical hazard rating. That translates to adequate protection when dealing with electrical works.
Other features that we found excellent include a steel shank and steel toe. These provide the necessary foot protection and support you require as you work. The drag outsole has sufficient treads to prevent slips and other possible hazards that are as a result of a weak grip.
Comfort
For starters, you will notice that the boot is 8 inches tall and hence capable of providing the necessary protection from the weather. The calfskin leather upper is waterproof, and no droplet of water will find its way to your feet – a good thing.
Linemen and other workers that sometimes are working in outdoor environments can find themselves wet after light rains. It is at such a time that a waterproof boot proves a valuable possession. It also has a cambrelle lining, adding comfort to the boot. The EVA insole provides sufficient shock absorption while the steel toe makes the boot stable.
Shortcomings
Well guys, the only thing that we could find wrong about this boot, is its price. It is not easy on the pocket, to put it frankly. But to look on the bright side, you would not expect such a good quality boot to cost pennies, would you?
White’s Boots Men’s 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot
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If you are looking for a high-quality boot, then we consider White’s Boots Men’s 400VLTT Smoke Jumper Lace-To-Toe Boot as among the very top. At first glance, this is a boot that looks impressive. It is appealing, and anyone will not mind spending an extra dollar to acquire it. But is it worth the hype? What is it about this boot that is quite attractive? Let’s see in the following white’s boots reviews.
Durable, Rugged and Protection
The Vibram sole and leather upper are the two primary features that make this boot rugged and durable to go a long time without the need to replace. The boot is among the few that are fire resistant – a good thing, especially for those working with electricity.
Vibram sole has sufficient treads to make the boot slip-resistant. Having a good grip is one of the best things that you can get from a decent quality boot. The sufficiently rugged sole will protect your feet from the fire quite nicely.
Comfort
The boot might seem too rugged and even too hard for the feet, but nothing could be further from the truth. No doubt that you will need time to ease into it but it is a comfortable boot. They are waterproof and meet the requirements to provide excellent protection to your feet.
The patented design for arch support provides your feet with the necessary support to your feet so that you are comfortable whether standing or walking. It may seem quite ordinary at first, but this is no everyday boot.
And to make the boot genuinely comfortable, it comes with soft innersole that comfortably molds to the shape of your foot. The feature reduces movement and provides shock absorption. As a result, you feel comfortable as you move from one place to the other. There’s no friction or rubbing to the feet.
Shortcomings
As with other comparable boots, this is quite rugged, and you cannot expect it to be comfortable right off the box. It will take some time to feel comfortable, and which may be long for some people – from white’s smoke jumper boots reviews; users point this out. It does not also have a steel toe; something that some people will find unpalatable.
HOFFMAN BOOTS Men’s 10″ Composite Toe Dri-Line
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No one needs to tell you that Hoffman boots are among the top brands and you would not mind having a pair from them. In other words, the boots have everything that you need in a shoe you can consider ideal for linemen.
Durability and Safety
Hoffman lineman boots, like meindl lineman boots, is a product in a class of its own. Rugged and durable, these are the kind of boots that professional workers require.
The upper is durable leather that will quickly take the abuse of everyday use. It is a boot that will go for years without signs of stress. The shoes also have a water-resistant liner to keep your feet dry.
It has a composite toe that keeps your feet comfortable and safe from falling objects. Believe me; it would be hard for some tool to reach your toes. Linemen need a shoe that will make climbing quite easy for them. Hoffman boasts a double-steel shank for support when scaling that pole.
Comfortable
These might not be light. They are heavy boots, but that does not mean they are not comfortable. The leather upper is quite flexible and breathable. Unlike some of the boots you find on the market, these will not make you hot and sweaty.
Shortcomings
The boots are a bit heavy and may take some time before you can feel comfortable in them. On a serious note, you will need to oil these boots to get the best out of them, and, of course, achieve some flexibility. Furthermore, the price is not what you can refer to as favorable. It will require a significant amount of your savings, but that is what good quality is all about.
What are the lineman boots?
It is not all footwear that you can use in power line repairs where you need to climb and hang for some time as you fix them. Lineman boots are the right kind of footwear with the right features to make pole climbing and hanging easier. They have a sturdy material and sturdy outsole to support your entire body as you hang trying to figure out what is wrong with the part of the grid.
Why you need the Lineman Boots
Technology is now part of everyone’s life. It is difficult to imagine without the little pleasures that the technological devices bring. We need a constant supply of power in our homes to make life a little bit more comfortable by powering these devices.
The work that power line workers do is at the top of the list as the most important. However, we forget the risk they face every time they scale that pole to remove the dead animals, or other debris that caused a short circuit.
In a list of among the riskiest professions, utility line work is at the top. Around 50 servicemen in 100,000 lose their lives in the line of work. Countless others suffer from mechanical trauma, electrical burns and lose their limbs.
The utility line service fatalities exceed those of firefighters and law enforcement jobs. Linemen may not get the necessary credit, but they are among the most important as they keep everything running in the right manner.
As a lineman, it is vital to have the right equipment and protective clothing to avoid the associated risks. That means a helmet, appropriate clothes and, of course, shoes. However, linemen require specialized shoes to help them climb the poles and stay up until they complete whatever they are doing.
The linemen deserve shoes with sufficient traction to avoid accidental slips and durable material with the capacity to resist fires and electrical shock.
The lineman boots have all the necessary features including a sturdy and full outsole for sufficient support. They are also comfortable enough to allow linemen to concentrate on what they are doing.
The right boots may not be in the list of things that starting electricians will have. However, lineman boots are essential and should be at the top of the list – don’t you think so?
What to Look for when Purchasing the Best Lineman Boots
- Waterproof: The ideal lineman boots are water resistant to keep your feet dry no matter the weather easily. Water inside the boots would affect your comfort and cause infections – have you ever tried concentrating with wet shoes?
Most boots will indicate whether they are waterproof or not. However, something that may give you a good idea is the polished surface. Polished leather and heavily-oiled materials will keep water out of your feet quite well.
Make sure, so waterproofing is not at the expense of breathability.
- EH Rating: EH rating is probably one of the most vital factors to consider when selecting lineman boots. The majority of the lineman boots come with Electrical Hazard rating indicating the level of protection the footwear can provide against heat, electrical shock, and fire.
If the boots do not have the rating, enquire from the vendor. But that is if you are after some shoes to work with electrical poles. You know some of us are only after boots to look and feel stylish, and if that is the case, then the EH rating is not necessary.
- Outsoles: Lineman boots deserve outsoles, worth their salt. That means ruggedness, flexibility and sufficiently comprehensive to provide stability as you head up there. They also need the best treads to prevent slips and slides as you scale the slippery pole.
Common outsole materials include polyurethane, rubber, and Vibram. Regardless, the ideal lineman boots outsole should be oil-resistant and non-slip.
- Shanks: While lineman boots with steel shank are not an absolute necessity, having them on your pair adds some protection to the upper leg. We can never be too careful when it comes to working on poles, and with electricity and lineman boots with steel, the shank is preferable.
- Durability: Lineman boots are not worth pocket change. They are a bit expensive based on the material and other features such EH rating. When choosing the ideal lineman boots, make sure the material is durable. There’s no use buying a pair now and then. It is exhausting and expensive in the long run.
Even then, be careful not to buy a boot that over-focuses on durability but is inflexible and uncomfortable. Durability goes hand in hand with flexibility and comfort. Don’t ever forget that, ever.
- Material: The ideal material for lineman boots is natural leather. Mostly, the material balances comfort and durability better than most synthetics. However, if you are looking for lineman boots that focuses on more comfort, then synthetic materials such as Vibram, Cordura Cuff, and partial leather are good choices.
- Comfort: Comfort is critical when it comes to lineman boots or any other footwear for that matter. Durability in the absence of comfort is like currency without any value. In other words, no one will purchase boots based on durability alone. The main point of focus usually is the comfort.
But what makes a comfortable boot? Well, the insole, usually made from polyurethane, Ruby Dri Lex lining, soft padding and air cushion midsole is sufficient. Flexibility, as well as, breathability are other factors that determine how comfortable a boot will be.
- The Price: As a lineman, you’ll need durable boots that are flexible, as well as, comfortable. Well, having all these qualities in one will cost you money. The thing is, the cheapest boots are not among the best. Avoid the cheap lineman boots.
Professional linemen can afford a decent pair to last them a good time, and quality will thus come ahead of price. However, if you are a novice, you can exercise some amount of flexibility in that regard. There is no need for spend all your savings on a piece of footwear and spend the next few weeks trying to get by.
Concluding Remarks
Every lineman needs some good feet protection. The best lineman boots have the right features to not only protect your feet from injury but also make climbing effortless. They are comfortable, providing sufficient air circulation and shock absorption.
Ideally, you should go with the boot that comes with an excellent electrical hazard rating. As you are aware, an electrical shock is the primary source of risk for linemen, and they must have sufficient protection against it.
All the above-listed boots are worth every penny, whether a beginner or an experienced lineman. And depending on your needs and budget, these boots are worth consideration, if you care about your safety. Typically, your safety should come ahead of your other needs.
Here is the three best choices by our experts if you would like to check again:
- Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 6″ Emperor Toe Boot
- Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
- Adtec Men’s 9-inch Logger Boot
Happy Purchasing!
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