Even though blacksmithing doesn’t usually involve your feet, it is important to wear proper boots to protect them from injuries.
Besides impact protection, you’ll also need to protect yourself against sparks and other hot fragments. You don’t want anything catching fire!
Here is a list of all the products mentioned below (click for quick navigation):
- 🏆 Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Work Boots [Top Choice]
- đź’Ž Red Wing Heritage Men’s Iron Range Vibram Boots [Premium Choice]
- đź’° Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Boots [Best Overall]
- Chippewa Men’s Rugged Handcrafted Work Boots
- Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof Boots
While most industrial-grade construction work boots will do the trick, there are some specific features that are more suitable to blacksmiths.
Another point is it’s a good idea to have a different set of boots for each activity, such as one for the workshop, one for welding, and one for outdoors.
Top Boots For Blacksmithing
Now that you have a general idea of what to look for when buying blacksmith boots, let’s take a look at some of my recommended ones.
#1 Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss Work Boots
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Timberland is another well-known shoe company and they have a wide range of work boots. Unlike Red Wing Heritage, Timberland boots are a bit more budget-friendly and offer most of the same features. These are another pair of boots that you can get messy without feeling bad about it.
These boots, Timberland PRO Pit Boss, are perfect for blacksmiths because they not only are made from leather but they also have steel toes.
They also use a unique system called Comfort Suspension which cushions the impact of each step, thus reducing foot pain.
These rugged and durable boots are definitely worth checking out. Since the sole is thick and has a good grip, these boots are also great for hiking and other outdoor activities. I also love the style!
#2 Red Wing Heritage Men’s Iron Range Vibram Boots
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You don’t have to go far to find a blacksmith that recommends Red Wing Heritage boots. The brand took inspiration from miners in Minnesota, and they claim the quality is as tough as the miners.
The great thing about Red Wing shoes is they look great, with small hand-crafted details, and very thick leather. The quality is superb.
These particular ones are made entirely from leather, even the interior is made from soft leather, which adapts to the size of your foot. It’s got a reinforced cap toe, not steel, but still very durable, and the sole is rubber.
While a bit on the pricey side, most people recommend Red Wing boots because not only are they extremely durable but you can also have them repaired and serviced. These boots are probably not the best for forge work, but they’re very comfortable.
Overall, almost any pair of leather boots from Red Wing are worth checking out. Bear in mind, Red Wing is a high-end brand, so you can expect the prices to match. Well worth the investment.
P.S. There’s another pair, the Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith Vibram boot, that are almost identical to these.
#3 Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Boots
(*Amazon Affiliate Link)
While not a particularly famous brand, the Caterpillar Men’s second shift boots are great for people that don’t have the budget for the popular brands.
These boots are classified more as construction boots, but blacksmiths will benefit from the features too.
They’re made from 100% leather and extremely durable. The steel toe provides extra protection from impacts, and the leather protects against heat and sparks. They have a breathable insole and mesh lining that helps keep your feet comfortable.
Overall, I wouldn’t say these are the best blacksmith boots, but they’re budget-friendly. If you’re just looking for some basic protection and you don’t mind something cheaper that won’t make you feel guilty for beating it up, then these are a good choice.
#4 Chippewa Men’s Rugged Handcrafted Work Boots
(*Amazon Affiliate Link)
Chippewa is another good workboot brand, they design all kinds of boots for various activities. Most of their workboots are suitable for blacksmiths.
This particular pair, the Chippewa Men’s rugged handcrafted workboots offer great traction, stability, and comfort.
Once again, a lace-up pair, made completely from leather, with a Vibram, slip-resistant, outsole. While these don’t have steel toes, the toes are fitted with a sturdy material, which provides enough protection for your toes. These are mid-range boots.
One thing people love about these is that they’re very light and breathable, making them comfortable for longterm use. And they look good too!
#5 Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof Boots
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If Red Wings are out of your budget, these are another pair of budget-friendly boots. While the materials used are similar to our other recommendations (mostly leather) these have one feature that those other boots don’t have.
These are laceless, which are preferred when operating machinery or dealing with hot sparks. In some cases, sparks can burn the laces on boots, which can lead to other problems.
These boots avoid those problems altogether by being completely laceless, it’s basically a slide-on boot. Similar to rubber garden boots, except made from leather, and much more esthetically pleasing.
This model is made from 100% leather, has a rubber sole, waterproof, and a strong steel toe. On top of that, it’s rated as slip-resistant, so you can use these in all kinds of environments
All in all, a decent pair of budget-friendly laceless boots!
What to Look for In Blacksmith Boots:
Here are some of the things to keep an eye out for when looking for a pair of blacksmith boots:
1. Steel Toes
When it comes to blacksmith boots, if your work involves a lot of heavy chunks, you’ll want to look for boots with steel toes. These will protect your toes from impacts, such as when a heavy piece of metal slips out of your hands.
It’s always best to have proper steel-toed boots for these situations. Once again, most work boots do have steel toes, but it’s an important feature to double-check. It’s not a requirement but definitely a nice-to-have.
2. Leather is Ideal
Most blacksmiths agree that leather is the best material for blacksmith boots. The reason for that is leather is durable, tough, and relatively flame-proof.
Since most blacksmiths have to work around very high temperatures, leather boots, and other leather safety equipment, can be a lifesaver.
3. Comfortable Fit
While not exactly a feature, you’ll want to choose leather ones that are a comfortable fit because you’ll probably be standing for long periods of time.
It can take some time to properly break in a set of new boots, so don’t worry about it. But you do want to make sure that you’re comfortable, the interior is not too tight, and everything fits nicely.
4. Keep an Eye on the Brand
When it comes to choosing a pair of blacksmith boots, there are a few brands that you should consider: Red Wing Heritage, Timberland, and Chippewa. Those brands are well-known for designing high-quality shoes that can last a lifetime.
Most people agree that spending a bit extra on a quality brand that will last is a good idea. On the other hand, if your work involves a lot of grime, dust, and other dirt, it might be worthwhile to buy several pairs of cheaper ones.
Can You Wash Leather Boots?
Generally, it’s not a good idea to wash leather boots because the leather can become stuff and other parts, such as the tongue or sole, can come undone when tumbling in a washing machine.
To clean a leather boot, you’ll want to place some leather boot cleaner on a rag and gently rub the dirty parts of the shoe until it’s clean. If you take good care of leather boots, they can last you for a very long time, and you can use them for other non-blacksmith related activities too.
Conclusion:
To summarize, the best blacksmith boots are relative to your individual style choices and needs, but the ones mentioned above have great reviews from both outdoor enthusiasts and blacksmiths alike. Either way, a good pair of leather boots is always worth it.
Remember, most reputable leather boot brands will provide excellent warranties, and even free repairs and other shoe-care.
You can even have the boot custom-fitted, which is highly recommended. Hopefully, we helped narrow down the search for the best boots for blacksmithing!
Cheers, tools owners!
