Plumbing Work Boots: Top 5 Unsurpassed Waterproof Non Slip Safety Shoes

If you are looking for some great new plumbing work boots that not only protect your feet but also ensure you are comfortable during your work, look no further. The best work boots for plumbers are not only waterproof and non slip. Read on for all features you should have in your safety shoes.

Updated June 2022 by Tony Bleak

plumbing work boots

Getting the right safety plumber shoes is important to protect you from plumbing workplace hazards. Although you see these tasks as mundane they still carry risks you need to be aware of and proactively protect yourself from. 

In a Hurry? The Top Pick:

Caterpillar Revolver, Read more to find out why

Plumbing Waterproof Non Slip

Comparison Table

WaterproofSafety ToeFeatures
SR Max Duluth
Plumbing Work Boot
YesSoft
6 inch boot
Oil-, & Slip resistant
Cement construction
View
Caterpillar Revolver
Pull-On Boot
YesSteel11 inch boot
EH safety rated
Slip resistant
Welt construction
ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75
View
Wolverine Cabor
Plumbers Boot
YesComposite
6 inch boot
EH safety rated
Nylon Shank
Slip resistant
ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75
View
Timberland PRO
Hyperion
YesAlloy6 inch boot
ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75
EH safety rated
Fiberglass shank
Vibram outsole
slip, oil & abrasion resistant
View
Irish Setter Work BootNoSoft6 inch boot
Made in USA
Abrasion- Oil- Heat- &
Slip-resistant
EH safety rated
Welt construction
View

Plumber Boots Key Features 

In plumbing work, you operate in tight spaces and twist into uncomfortable positions. But at least your feet can be comfortable. Let’s look at the criteria for the best boots for plumbers.

Non slip Outsole

As you will likely encounter a puddle or two during your work day, it’s best to be prepared. Either slip resistant or non slip outsoles are a good feature to have in a work boot. This way you’ll be able to focus on your work, without being on high alert and constantly side stepping slippery surfaces. 

Ideally the outsole is also oil and chemical resistant. As a plumber, your work envirnment is diverse and you might very well encounter oily spills when doing a job in a mechanics workshop.

Stay sure footed and safe with non slip plumber shoes. Non slip boots will reduce common types of accidents such as slips trips and falls. 

Style: Lace up vs slip on 

This is a big deciding factor for self employed plumbers who visit customer houses. When you do work in a residential property you need to be aware of working cleanly and not tracking dirt into your customers homes. 

Taking your work shoes off before entering a house is the easiest way to ensure cleanliness and keep the client happy by not walking dirt through the house. Since you might have to do this repeatedly, pull on or slip on boots are very convenient and fast to get on and off.

Outsole Lugs

If you prefer lace up work boots, it’s useful to select a pair that don’t collect little stones, mud and other debrit. A large shallow and simplidied tread with low profile lugs would do the job. 

Waterproof 

There will be liquid in your job. And more often than not, water, oil, chemicals or other liquids, will get on your boots. 

Make sure you do your own waterproofing for your boots on a regular basis. You should do your own boot waterproofing even if the manufacturer states it’s a waterproof boot. Waterproofing doesn’t last forever. Re-apply as needed.

Waterproofing will protect your boots from damage, helping them last longer.

Besides protecting your boots from damage, the waterproofing also protects your feet from getting wet, causing bacteria and fungus growth. 

Safety Toe

Although it is optional to have a safety toe boot as a plumber, it is advisable. You will at one point or another be handling a heavy object that could crush your foot given half the chance. 

If you don’t want to carry the extra weight of steel toes, opt for composite or alloy safety toe caps. They are much more lightweight and comfortable but still protect your toes.

Comfort: Arch and Ankle support

Make sure you have comfortable boots that you are happy to wear for long hours. Being on your feet for most of the day means that the more padding the better. This is especially the case if you are working or walking on hard floors most of the time. 

Insoles with anti fatigue features will be appreciated and avoid aching pains, not only in your feet but also throughout your body.

Ankle collar padding is not to be overlooked. By wearing a taller boot, your ankle is provided additional support. 

The 5 Best Plumbing Work Boots

SR Max Duluth Work Boot

These are suitable for icy winter conditions and walking in the snow. But not deep snow as they are only 6 inches in height. Customers include people who work in freezers, fast food, security and wet and slippery dishwasher environments. 

Customer impression: Insoles can be replaced with better ones.

PROS

  • 6 inch boot
  • Waterproof 
  • Cement construction
  • Removable PU insole
  • Slip resistant rubber outsole
  • Oil Resistant

CONS

  • Soft toe 
  • Sizing is not reliable with only 70% of customers reporting they fit as expected
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Caterpillar Men’s Revolver Pull-On Steel-Toe Boot

These slip on boots are great for plumbers as well construction workers as they come with a steel toe protection, EH safety rating and have a steel shank for extra support.

Customer impressions: toe box has good amount of space. Although multiple customers recommend ordering true to size, only 71% of customers reported correct sizing. 

PROS

  • 11 inches
  • Full grain leather
  • EH rated
  • ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75
  • Leighteight at 2lbs 6 oz
  • Goodyear welt construction
  • Steel toe 
  • Slip resistant outsole
  • Slip on style

CONS

  • Insoles are thin with no arch support 
  • Medium break in time
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Wolverine Men’s Cabor Waterproof 6-Inch Work Boot

These boots have all the safety features you’d want in a work boot for plumbing.

Customer impression: Quality control needs to be more on the ball. The safety toe is a repeated failing point. Sizing runs true to size according to 84% of customers. The tongue of the boot doesn’t always lie flat and ends bunched up and pressing against your foot in an uncomfortable way.   

PROS

  • 6 inch boot
  • Anti Fatigue Footbed
  • Shock absorbing compression pads inside the outsole
  • Nylon shank
  • ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75
  • EH safety rated
  • Composite toe
  • Slip-resistant rubber lug outsole
  • waterproof

CONS

  • Quality control issues with soles and safety toe caps
  • Medium break in period
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion Waterproof Work Boot

This is an excellent boot. It is extra comfortable thanks to the anti fatigue technology, shock absorption, dual density footbed, shank and PowerFit comfort system providing support where your foot needs and appreciates it most.

Customer impression: 85% of customers are pleased with the fit being true to size. The lightweight alloy toe are great but the extreme comfort and minimal break in period are the most appreciated. They are also warm enough for wearing out in cold snowy weather. The toe box is slightly narrow so if you like a roomy toe box, this is not for you.

PROS

  • 6 inch boot
  • Waterproof
  • Alloy safety toe 
  • ASTM F2413-11 I/75 and C/75
  • EH safety rated
  • Cement construction
  • Fiberglass shank
  • Lightweight at 1.85 pounds
  • Vibram® outsole
  • anti-fatigue technology
  • slip, oil, and abrasion resistant 
  • Very lightweight at 1.15 lbs
  • Flexible 

CONS

  • Slightly narrow toe box
  • No insoles
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Irish Setter Men’s 6″ 83605 Work Boot

These plumber boots are part of the Red Wing family and have won the hearts of many. It has excellent safety features, except for the safety toe. If you do not handle heavy objects, you will want to give this boot a try. But make sure to waterproof it yourself. This can be done along with the usual leather care.

Customer impression: 81% report they run true to size and are extra comfortable. Even plantar fasciitis sufferers found pain relief with these boots. Most did not need a break in period. It’s close to a zero drop style but there are better options if you’re in the minimalist search.

PROS

  • 6 inch boot
  • Wedge flat sole
  • Abrasion- Oil- Heat- and Slip-resistant
  • EH safety rated
  • welt construction
  • Removable Polyurethane footbed
  • Most lightweight boot at 1 lbs

CONS

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Conclusion

All of these plumbing work boots are in a reasonable price range and have excellent safety qualities for any plumber job. If you don’t need a safety toe, the Irish Setter is one of the best boots for plumbers without a doubt. And the go to for some women as well as a solid safety shoe.

However if you’d like a safety toe, the Timberland has you covered

Although electricity is not the main part of your job, it might come across your way as some customers have reported close calls and were lucky to have been wearing EH safety rated plumber boots. It’s definitely a nice extra safety to have.

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