For all electricians in the trade, safety is paramount. Whether that’s the tools they use or the clothes they wear, everything is influential to an electrician’s health and well-being on the job.
When it comes to foot protection, there are definitely standards that need to be met to keep yourself protected while working. In this guide, we’ll look at the foot protection standards that lie behind the best safety boots for electricians in this modern working environment.
Top Picks for Electricians
When it comes to the best safety boots for electricians, there are some top brands worth looking out for and that are recommended by many electricians up and down the country. Here are a few to consider:
- Red Wing – Provide extra depth and a lightweight feel with the composite King Toe.
- Brunt – Very reputable for comfort, with EH options and value for money.
- Thorogood – Useful for its comfort and longevity, with many users getting years of use out of them.
- Keen – Electricians enjoy this brand for its electric-certified boots.
- Wolverine – Many of the brand’s shoes offer comfort and a satisfaction guarantee for its customers.
- Carolina – A great value alternative that offers similar functionality and design to its competitors.
- Steel Blue – Known for its anti-static properties and EH ratings.
Durability and Longevity
For durability and longevity, you should be looking for high-quality, full-grain leather. This is a durable material and, with proper care, is going to last you for years and years.
Soles that are made from dual-density PU and nitrile rubber will often provide excellent durability and are resistant to abrasion.
Comfort and Support
The right comfort and support are important when it comes to providing the best safety boots for electricians. Look out for features like anti-fatigue footbeds. This can be helpful for a job that often requires you to be on the move all the time.
Padded collars and tongues, as well as arch support, all help to reduce fatigue during those longer shifts that often occur.
Electrical Hazard Protection
Electrical hazard protection is imperative with any piece of clothing an electrician wears. Anything and everything that provides additional layers of protection from harm is key.
EH footwear is constructed with shock-resistant and non-conductive soles and heels. They provide the secondary protection needed against accidental contact with any live electrical currents.
The key American standard that specifies performance for protective footwear is ASTM F2413. Look out for this when shopping around for boots. EH-rated boots should be capable of withstanding 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute with no leakage or current flow.
Ensure the outer surface of the sole and heel is made out of non-conductive materials, as this can compromise the insulation.
Most safety boots have a protective toe cap, usually made out of steel or composite. It’s the non-metallic toe caps that are often preferred by electricians as they don’t transmit cold/heat or set off metal detectors.
Style and Design Options
Boots will come in a variety of styles from traditional lace-ups to side-zip designs. Options will range from standard boot height to higher options for more ankle support, where required. It’s good to explore them all in order to see which styles and height best suit your requirements.
While they may not be the most stylish of footwear, there are now plenty of boot brands on the market that are making them, in general, more interesting to shop for.
Considerations for Fit
It’s important to consider the fit of the boot, especially if you’re going to be wearing them all day, every day. It’s beneficial to your comfort and well-being that they fit exactly to your feet’ needs.
Finding the right fit, therefore, is often a personal process. Some brands offer wide-fit options, and others have detailed sizing charts to ensure a proper fit is achieved.
It’s worth trying on different styles in order to find the right one that you like best.
Budget-Friendly Choices
While quality safety boots can often be an investment, they don’t need to cost you an absolute fortune. In fact, there are a number of reliable options that exist and all across various price points.
From budget-friendly options to splurges, you’ll be able to find a safety boot that’s right for you. This won’t include brands like Brunt but many smaller alternatives do the job.
Maintaining Your Safety Boots
Finally, in order to maintain your safety boots so they last for years, regularly inspect them for any damage. Make sure you’re keeping them dry and in the right environment as humidity and dampness can compromise their protective wualitties. Treat the leather where you can, so it can help to extend its lifespan.
