When working on your feet or constantly traveling to collect scrap metal, work on contractor jobs, home improvement, construction, or demolition, it’s crucial to have the proper boots. For example, when we discussed the importance of buying a good bed and work boots, we wanted to explore some of the best boots for a scrapper.
Finding The Right Work Boot
With the thousands of scrappers we communicate with regularly, we researched to find the best boots for them to use. Not only considering comfort but also safety, cost, and durability. We will be looking at a few of our favorite boots for working in scrap metal recycling settings, and we will rate them based on their various characteristics. Below, you will see our ratings of these different work boots based on some essential things to look for when buying your next pair.
Timberland is a more popular brand with a long history of quality work boots. The Timberland Men’s Pro Titan Safety Toe Work Boot is perfect for an everyday scrapper or scrap yard team member. With comfort and safety in mind, it will be easy to break these boots. Below are some of the top features of this boot. Its higher ankle support protects from any metal or material you may be walking around. Also, the lightweight cushioning is perfect for comfort.
- Polyurethane midsole provides lightweight, durable cushioning.
- Padded collar for comfort.
- Soft leather to minimize break-in time.
- Moisture-channeling spacer mesh comfort lining with antimicrobial treatment keeps the foot dry and comfortable.
- TiTAN® alloy safety toe for lightweight protection and roomy fit.
- Timberland PRO rubber outsole is abrasion-, slip- and oil-resistant.
Investing in some Wolverine Men’s Work Boots may be a good idea if you want to feel like a superhero with your work boots on. If you need waterproofing for your work boot due to muddy, wet, or snowy conditions, these are perfect for your everyday use. Also, a composite toe adds some safety to your feet so you can work longer in safe conditions. With the 6″ size, this boot is comfortable and easy to wear. Also, the cushion in the footbed will be lightweight but very supportive.
- 6″ Work Boot
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper with ArmorTek™ guard
- Wolverine MultiShox® full-cushion footbed
- Lightweight PU midsole
Known for building their equipment and machinery for the construction and demolition industries, Caterpillar knows something about working on your feet. With the Caterpillar Threshold Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot, knowing your feet are safe while scrapping will be peace of mind. Breaking these new boots in with the leather upper shoe will be much easier before you go to your next big job. Also, with the steel toe, it will be a protective layer that you hopefully never have to rely on.
- ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 Steel Toe
- Slip Resistant
- SuperWelt Construction
- Full Grain Leather Upper
Reebok Men’s Trainex Composite Toe 6″ Work Boot
No, these aren’t meant for basketball or walking; these Reebok work boots are perfect with comfort and safety in mind when scrapping. With these Reebok Train Composite Toe Boots, the safety toe keeps you safe from electrical shock and temperature absorption. Also, with the sole being oil, slip, and chemical resistant, these work boots are good for getting the dirty jobs done. Being a sports company, Reebok creates these boots with comfort in mind first.
- Athletic Sport Boots
- Composite Toe
- Slip Resistant
- Abrasion Resistant
- Oil Resistant
- Chemical Resistant
- Flexible Sole Construction
These Iron Age work boots might make you feel like Iron Man! With a larger 6″ height, these boots will be a bit stiffer but protect more of your lower leg. A composite toe will decrease their weight compared to a steel toe boot. Also, the leather upper section will be softer and easier to break in. These Iron Age Men’s Hauler Work Boots also have waterproofing, which is perfect for those weather-soaked days.
- 6″ Plain Toe Waterproof Work Boot
- Composite Toe
- Full grain leather Upper
- Moisture Wicking Nylon Mesh with Waterproof Bootie
- Abrasion Resistant
- Chemical Resistant
Extra Boot Tips & Suggestions
Breaking In Your Work Boots
Unlike sneakers, which you can buy and walk out of the store, work boots are much different when using them for the first time. Because many of them have leather and thicker soles, it’s essential to break in your work boots before your first day on the job. That can be grueling if you are on your feet for 6-12 hours daily. Putting new boots on your feet and those long hours can lead to blisters and more foot pain than you wanted.
Wear your new work boots around your house for a few hours before wearing them for a full day of scrapping. When you are on your feet all day, you want to make sure that your work boots are formed to your feet. The new soles and cushioning footbeds in work boots can mold to the shape of your feet to help provide comfort and support during your day.
Don’t Cheap Out On Boots
As we’ve mentioned, when you buy work boots that you use for scrapping daily, it’s essential to have quality boots. Yes, it is easy to roll up to your local superstore and buy $30 work boots, but they won’t last long and can cause problems. Instead,, research and learn about the types of safety features and other features they have so you know what you are investing in. The worst thing you can do is buy cheap boots or use sneakers and have an accident happen when hauling metal.
Get New Boots Every Year
Taking care of your feet is essential if you are scrapping full-time or have a relatable job requiring you to be on your feet all day. Working 40-75 hour long weeks puts a toll on your body, feet, and boots. If the soles of your boots are starting to look worn out, it’s too late. You should have already bought new ones. So continue to check the bottom of your boots, when it’s getting close to another year since you purchased them. When you buy boots a bit before you NEED them, this is a perfect time to break them in before using them full-time.
