10 Best Work Boots For Plumbers

Working as a plumber means you have to deal with various dangerous situations every single day. First, you work in wet and slippery conditions. Next, a prolonged stay in a dump environment could lead to fungal infection. 

Besides these water elements, you could get seriously injured from the instruments you use for different plumbing works, as anytime the heavily weighted tools could slip from your hand and fall on your feet. 

So, having waterproof footwear won’t be worthy enough to ensure your safety and best possible performance at work. You need something special meant for the plumbers. 

Best Work Boots For Plumbers

However, I have already sorted this woe for you. In this article, you’ll find the best work boots for plumbers ahead, including a comprehensive buying guide. Keep scrolling and get yours now.

LIST OF THE BEST WORK BOOTS FOR PLUMBERS

No.

Product Name

IMAGE

RATINGS

1

Cat Footwear Second Shift

Cat Footwear Second Shift - Best Boots For Plumbers

2

Timberland PRO Boondock

Timberland PRO Boondock - Best Waterproof Boots For Plumbers

3

WOLVERINE Overpass

WOLVERINE Overpass - Best Lightweight Plumbing Boots

4

Carhartt Wedge

Carhartt Wedge - Best Soft Toe Work Boot For Plumbers

5

WOLVERINE Floorhand

WOLVERINE Floorhand - Best Cushioned Plumbing Boot

10 BEST WORK BOOTS FOR PLUMBERS

1. CAT FOOTWEAR SECOND SHIFT - BEST BOOTS FOR PLUMBERS

Features

  • Material: 100% leather
  • Platform: Almost 0.75”
  • Boot opening: Almost 10.5”
  • Shaft: Approximately 6” from arch
  • Insole: Breathable, Climasphere cushioned
  • Steel toe and removable PU sock liner

Choosing the ideal boots for plumbers is a bit tricky. The shoes must be waterproof, slip-resistant, comfortable, and durable. The Cat work boots have fulfilled all those conditions.

The removable Climasphere insoles absorb impacts with uttermost efficiency and provide excellent support to the ankle joint and arches. They help the plumbers to maintain proper balance while walking through inclined surfaces or on flat grounds.

The shoes are breathable and well-cushioned around the feet, so you can expect maximum comfort from the leather construction. The top-grain Nukback leather upper has made them exceptionally long-lasting, and even water, mud, and chemicals can not affect the material.

They are more breathable and softer when compared to shoes with synthetic upper. These uppers need almost no maintenance so that the specks of dirt on them can easily be washed out with only a single brush stroke.

The steel toe prevents all possible injuries caused by slips, burns, or dropping weighty tools on feet. The outsole is safe enough to prevent punctures by sharp instruments. The electrical hazard protection secures the plumber from getting shocked in dry conditions.

In addition to all the previously mentioned features, good tractions rendered by rubber outsoles and PU sock liner have made these shoes a reliable workmate for the plumbers.

PROS

  • Easy to clean
  • Anti-skid
  • Soft cushioning comfort
  • Affordable
  • Moisture wicking breathability

CONS

  • Quality is a little poor

2. TIMBERLAND PRO BOONDOCK - BEST WATERPROOF BOOTS FOR PLUMBERS

Features

  • Shaft: Approximately 6.5” from arch
  • Material: 100% leather
  • Boot opening: Almost 10.5” around
  • Toe: Asymmetrical composite
  • Footbed: PU, anti-fatigue technology
  • Outsole: TPU lugs, slip, heat, oil-resistant

I often do small to medium plumbing work for my home; when needed with the guidance of online tutorial videos. While exploring this field, I possessed KEEN and Thorogood work boots before these Timberland shoes.

But, from my experience, I can assure you no shoes can beat these Timberland shoes considering their excellent traction properties and unbelievable long-lasting features.

The rubber toe protectors and Ever-Guard leather material in shoes are so impressive that they will last for years without tearing even after eight hours of heavy usage per day.

The TPU outsoles with deep lugs exhibit superb resistance to most chemicals and oils. The tactical geometry of outsoles renders incomparable grips while walking through uneven surfaces and secures feet from slipping accidentally. The unbearable heat and abrasion-resistance power are the extra add-ons of these shoes.

These plumber shoes come with composite safety toes and are the best option for cold outdoor workplaces. By providing absolute insulation and proper fittings, these asymmetrical toes balance the temperature of the feet in chilled and sweaty environments. 

Moreover, these toes make the shoes almost thirty percent lighter than the steel toe shoes. This feature, along with anti-fatigue technology, reduces the plumbers’ leg fatigue while working for long hours.

In conclusion, these men’s shoes, with their perfect fittings, good tractions, unapparelled comfortability, and excellent durability, have thrown a hard-to-beat challenge to the all-other boots for plumbers.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Render perfect fit
  • Sturdy enough to sustain in difficult situations
  • Slip, abrasion, heat, and oil-resistant
  • Breathable material

CONS

  • High on budget

3. WOLVERINE OVERPASS - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PLUMBING BOOTS

Features

  • Midsole: PU cushioned
  • Outsole: PU and dual compound rubber
  • Footbed: Detachable in nature, OrthoLite cushioned
  • Lining: Mesh, moisture wicking
  • Shaft: approximately 5” from arch
  • Material: 100% leather and textile

One of the prime criteria for being a successful professional in any field is to feel the utmost comfort while working. It holds equally true for a plumber while choosing shoes compatible with the demand of your job.

Additionally, they ought to be waterproof, durable, and comfortable. The plumbers’ shoes must have anti-skid soles to protect their feet against uneven and slippery floors. The production house of Wolverine follows the same for their plumbing boots series.

The shoes from the American brand come with PU and dual compound rubber outsoles that prevent ‘slip and fall’ while working on hazardous surfaces. Besides that, these outsoles protect the feet against exposure to high temperatures or chemicals. These highly robust outsoles grip the ground and provide excellent support while working.

The OrthoLite cushioned footbeds get compressed 5% less when compared to other footbeds over a lifetime. Thus, they provide long-lasting cushioning comfort.

Moreover, these highly breathable footbeds allow air to flow within the shoes and render a cold environment for the feet. The unique open cell structure of these footbeds, along with moisture-wicking mesh lining, controls the moisture balance of the feet and prevents them from sweating.

The shoes come with supportive and lasting PU midsoles that absorb shock efficiently. For their durable yet lightweight property, these shoes have engraved their successful name in the catalog of best work boots for plumbers.

PROS

  • Excellent comfortability
  • Shock resisting outsoles with good grips
  • Lightweight
  • Water, chemical and slip-resistant
  • Moisture controlling feature

CONS

  • Not acid resistant

4. CARHARTT WEDGE - BEST SOFT TOE WORK BOOT FOR PLUMBERS

Features

  • Material: 100% leather
  • Boot opening: Almost 10.5” around
  • Shaft: Approximately ankle from arch
  • Insole: PU with foam cushion
  • Outsole: Rubber (dual density)
  • Storm Defender technology with Fast Dry lining

From a plumber’s viewpoint, safety features are the most precious considerations while purchasing a pair of shoes, especially, when you are dealing continuously with threatening chemicals, heavy instruments, and electrical hazards. No worry! The footwear of Carhartt is well-renowned for its safety features.

The shoes come with dual-density rubber soles; that transfer pressures away from high-collision areas and absorb shock efficiently. They also insulate the feet and provide the ideal environment for the plumbers irrespective of cold and hot weather. Good grips are one of the best features of these rubber outsole shoes.

PU midsoles, with foam cushion, provide superior, long-lasting supports during break-free working hours. These soft midsoles, with highly elastic and excellent bending resistant features, reinforce perfect cushioning for the hard-working feet.

These men’s shoes come with storm defender technology; that keeps your feet dry all day. It blocks the liquid molecule from getting inside the shoes but allows the air molecule to come in or out; rather, it enables better airflow inside.

Moreover, the lining is designed with Fast DRY technology that upgrades its moisture-balancing performance and lengthens the lives of the shoes. Thus, being waterproof yet breathable, these plumbing shoes are ideal for rainy, outdoor working days in the long run.

PROS

  • Built to last
  • Water, chemical and slip-resistant
  • Good tractions
  • Highly breathable
  • Provide cushion-like comfort

CONS

  • Little bit expensive

5. WOLVERINE FLOORHAND - BEST CUSHIONED PLUMBING BOOT

Features

  • Material: 100% leather
  • Upper: Waterproof, full-grain leather
  • Midsole: Rubber
  • Footbed: cushioned, removable
  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Shaft: Approximately 6” from arch

If you are searching for durable plumber boots at a pocket-friendly price, these Wolverine shoes must be the best choice for you.

These men’s shoes come with a removable, full-cushioned footbed and rubber midsoles that absorb impacts and render all-day comfort by molding to feet.

The full-grain leather upper of these shoes has escalated their lifespans and provided them with a decent appearance simultaneously.

These waterproof shoes are the perfect options for plumbers working in a wet environment. The leather material of the shoes has made them also chemical resistant.

So, the pipe fitters, working with potassium hydroxide, thioglycolic acid, sulfuric acid, or many more chemicals, remain safe by wearing these shoes. To add extra comfort, the mesh lining wicks the moisture away from the feet and keeps them cool while working hot outdoors.

The rubber outsoles provide slip-resistant movements and secure feet from accidental slips. They reinforce unbeatable tractions and enhance the ability to work in any landscape irrespective of its roughness.

To summarize, the sturdy rubber outsoles, the nylon shank, cushioned footbeds, and full grain leather material have made these shoes one of the best boots for plumbers.

PROS

  • Breathable cushioned comfort
  • Worthy to buy
  • Good grips
  • Slip-resistant
  • Water and chemical-resistant

CONS

  • Durability is poor

6. KEEN UTILITY LANSING - BEST STEEL TOE WATERPROOF WORK BOOT FOR PLUMBING

Features

  • Boot opening: Almost 12”
  • Shaft: Approximately 5.5” from arch
  • Upper: Mesh and water-resistant leather
  • EH-rated and steel safety toe
  • Midsole: Compression molded EVA
  • Outsole: Rubber, slip, and oil-resistant

Keen has established their proficiency in the market of producing ideal safety shoes for the workers. Especially, for those who handle dangerous chemicals and work on slippery surfaces or uneven terrains continuously at their job sites.

This pair of Keen work shoes is one of the best among them and suitable for plumbers. No matter how difficult the job is, these shoes will never let you give up.

The uniqueness of the shoes lies in their steel toes that are asymmetrically designed. Each toe cap has been molded either right or left to render proper fittings. Thus, these plumbers' boots fit better and provide more comfortability when compared to the shoes having usual standard-shaped toe caps.

Moreover, these toes can withstand high impacts and protect feet from injuries caused by the sudden fall of heavy instruments on them in workplaces.

The compression-molded EVA midsoles with a moisture-wicking lining provide optimum comfort and an odorless environment to the feet during break-free work hours. The PU footbed renders superior arch supports.

With aggressive rubber outsoles, waterproof leather upper, and KEEN.DRY technology, these imported shoes are bliss for all plumber classes.

PROS

  • Waterproof
  • The little break in time
  • Improved comfort
  • Good grips with perfect tread patterns
  • Oil and chemical-resistant

CONS

  • Don’t last long

7. TIMBERLAND WEDGE - BEST HIGH-TOP PLUMBING BOOT

Features

  • Heel: Almost 1”
  • Shaft: Approximately 6.5” from arch
  • Midsole: EVA
  • Material: Full-grain leather
  • Outsole: slip, oil, abrasion, and heat-resistant rubber
  • Electrical hazard protection

Working as a plumber is pretty challenging since they have to deal with treacherous conditions. Flexibility, for that reason, is another must-have feature of plumbing shoes.

Many plumbers also work as gas fitters. They often have to walk to the roofs of residential apartments. So, their boots should have superior traction. Dealing with chemicals in plumbing work has emphasized the essentiality of having chemical-resistant shoes.

These all properties come together in the Timberland PRO wedge shoe. The full-grain leather material of the shoe is rich, thick, and exceptionally supple. With the oil-tanned top-graded leather construction, the shoes look elegant.

The EVA midsoles and cushioned insoles emphasize optimum comfort and support to the arch, whereas the medium-rise shaft provides good ankle support. The wedge design with arch support makes the shoes comfier than typical boots. They provide ideal fittings for flat feet.

In addition to those, the heat, oil, and chemical-resistant outsoles, electric hazard protection, moisture wicking lining, and odor control property have made these shoes a strong competitor to other plumber shoes in the market.

PROS

  • Unparalleled comfort
  • Slip, oil, heat, and chemical-resistant
  • Supportive
  • Worthy to buy
  • Good grips

CONS

  • Bulky

8. WOLVERINE WEDGE - HEAVY DUTY PLUMBING BOOTS

Features

  • Outsole: PU, wedge
  • Shaft: Approximately 6” from arch
  • Upper: Full-grain leather
  • Footbed: Cushioned, Removable
  • Padded collar
  • Toe: mock toe

Whenever you desire to have timeless craftsmanship, superior quality, and upgraded performance tactically blended in a single shoe, these Wolverine Loder shoes come into the scenario.

These men’s shoes come with highly elastic and wedge PU outsoles. They have larger contact surface areas and hence are more flexible, stable, supportive, and comfortable than other conventional shoes. They provide excellent tractions, unbeatable shock absorption performance, and anti-skid movements on wet terrains. The flat-designed soles don’t pick up mud or debris and are easy to clean.

Furthermore, the unlined padded collar prevents the feet from slipping inside and enhances the ankle support to render stable walking.

Lastly, the detachable footbed of these plumbing boots reinforces perfect cushioning for the hard-working feet.

Additionally, the roomy moc toe of these plumber's shoes is compression and puncture-resistant. They secure the feet from injuries caused by the falling of heavy objects on them on heavy-duty worksites.

The moc toes also provide better comfortability, insulation, and arch support than round or plain toe shoes. Hence, these shoes are the ideal companions for outdoor plumbers.

PROS

  • Easy to maintain
  • Provide flexible movements
  • Ample support and comfortable
  • Allows custom fittings
  • Good insulation

CONS

  • Poor lasting quality

9. SUADEX - SAFETY BOOTS FOR PLUMBING

Features

  • Outsole: Rubber
  • Lining: Moisture-wicking mesh
  • Midsole: Bulletproof Kevlar
  • Steel toe cap
  • Speed lace hook
  • Breathable mesh design

‘Indestructible yet inexpensive’ is the appropriate phrase to describe these SUADEX shoes.

The bulletproof Kevlar midsoles of these men’s shoes have made them sturdy enough to puncture by sharp objects and protect the feet from getting hurt accidentally in the workplace.

These plumbing shoes come with a steel toe cap that helps protect feet against loads of pressure and hereby secure them from injuries caused by falling of heavy tools.

The mesh lining of these construction boots has an appreciable capacity to wick moisture away from feet. Besides, the upper mesh design is perforated with pores and allows air to flow within the interior of the shoes. These two features work together to provide a breathable yet dry and warm environment to the feet of the plumbers while working in wet or cold outdoors for long.

PROS

  • Fully protective
  • Inexpensive
  • Comfy to wear

CONS

  • Short lifetime

10. KEEN UTILITY CINCINNATI - ODOR PROTECTED PLUMBING BOOTS

Features

  • Outsole: Non-marking rubber, slip, and oil-resistant
  • Boot opening: Almost 12” around
  • Shaft: Approximately 5.5” from arch
  • Cleansport NXT Technology
  • Upper: Barnyard-resistant leather
  • Midsole: PU cushioned

KEEN Utility has come up with an unbelievable job fitting shoes for plumbers. These plumbing boots have patented outsoles that are slip and oil-resistant and provide good traction on slippery working surfaces.

The soft textured PU midsoles absorb the impacts efficiently and render perfect cushioning for long-standing feet. Moreover, they block the water and chemicals from entering the shoes and keep the feet secure.

The Cleansport NXT Technology, a probiotic technology, fights against odor and keeps the feet healthy during prolonged working hours.

The Barnyard-resistant leather upper of the shoes resists acids and chemicals in workspaces.

In short, the EH-rated sole, removable cushioned insoles, and KEEN Dry waterproof technology secure plumbers’ feet from all possible plumbing work hazards making these boots one of the best work boots for plumbers.

PROS

  • Highly comfortable
  • Wide toe box
  • A short break in time

CONS

  • Little bit expensive

BUYER’S GUIDE - WORK BOOTS FOR PLUMBERS

Comfort Features


When you fix drains and install water heaters, you have to work on hard surfaces, and as a result, you may get tired and achy feet at the end of the day. Look for shoes with a cushioned footbed and padded collar to ensure the best comfort.


Water Resistance


As a plumber, all potential hazards revolve around the presence of water, so it’s obvious, that the chosen shoes should be 100% waterproof. Some cheaply priced footwear with a below-average waterproofing technology suffocates the feet and could make you highly uncomfortable. Hence, your feet start sweating, which could also lead to fungal infections.


So, you must ensure the waterproof membrane of the shoe only blocks water, not the air. A pair of shoes with breathable waterproofing technology could help you give your best at work.

Non-Slip Outsole


Choose only the boots whose outsoles offer the best possible grip on the super slippery surfaces to prevent all possible accidental falls and serious injuries from slippage.

Sole


At your work, you have to walk on sticky and dirty surfaces, as well as you work inside the client’s home or office. You may notice most patterned soles pile up dirt and debris inside the grippy areas, but you need to ensure the sole of your chosen shoes doesn’t hold the mud and dirt for long.

Durability 


Water, mud, and chemical liquids, required for plumbing work constantly challenge the durability of the upper materials. Hence, the quality full-grain leather construction could come into play and win over others.

FAQ

1. What are the most popular plumber work boots brands?

Danner is famous for offering durability, Timberland provides various safety-toe designs, and similarly, the Keen Utility brand shines in comfort features.

2. Do plumbers need steel toe boots?

You may work with several heavy-weight water pipes and plumbing machinery at work. Even a metal water tap is weighty enough to hurt your feet if you slip it out of your hands by chance. So, the steel toe plumber boots are much more preferable for plumbing works.

3. What are the characteristics of a good plumber’s shoes?

A pair of shoes with breathable waterproofing technology, anti-slip outsoles, and safety toes would be the best boots for plumbers. In addition to that, make sure the shoes are highly durable from the exterior and comfortable on the interior.

CONCLUSION


Before writing a single line about the recommended shoes, I’ve tried and tested every single claim of the manufacturing brands. Luckily, I’m that I found these shoes highly comfortable, look stunning, and worth every penny; hopefully, you’ll have the same experience too. If not, or if you find something better during your research, share your experience with us by commenting below.

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