Whether you are a window cleaner, a painter, or even a roofer, we all want the same type of boot.
We want a good pair of boots for climbing ladders. And when I say a good pair, I mean ones that will keep your feet comfortable all day long.
For that reason, in this post, we are going to look at the top 3 best work boots for climbing ladders.
What are the best work boots for climbing ladders?
Here is a quick preview of what I think are some of the best work boots. Keep reading to learn more about each one.
- Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe
- Timberland Pro Gridworks Moc Toe
- KEEN Utility Davenport
What to look for in a good boot for climbing ladders?
Before we can take a look at some of the best options on the market, let’s first identify what differentiates a good pair from the best pair.
Nowadays, work boots are available in a number of different styles and some of them contain some pretty amazing features. For example, there are boots with steel toes, composite toes, removable insole, thick soles, thin soles, and the list can go on and on.
However with that being said, if I could narrow it down to just one key feature that your boots should have I would say a steel shank.
What is a steel shank? To answer that question let me ask you this, how do your feet feel after standing on a ladder for a long time in just regular tennis shoes? Your arches hurt right?
In order to prevent this from happening many shoe companies have started inserting a steel shank to offer more arch support and reduce the pain from standing on ladders.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some good options that are available on the market today.
You may also enjoy reading: 9 Of My Favorite Boots That Look Like Timberlands But Are Cheaper
Thorogood American Heritage 6 ” Moc Toe
Features:
- Leather upper
- Polyurethane Wedge sole
- Removable Insole
- Fiberglass shank
The first one to add to our list would have to be Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe.
Made with a premium leather upper and a comfortable polyurethane wedge sole these shoes were built to last. The leather is a little softer than others on the market making it easier to break in. In addition, the leather material and the stitching really makes this boot stand out from the rest.
First and foremost what makes these boots great for ladders is the shank. However, this particular pair has a fiberglass shank. This helps to keep them lightweight. This for me personally is an essential feature of a good work boot.
Most of us, when climbing ladders will have to carry a lot of tools with us. The last thing we want is footwear that is only going to wear us down. With that being said, try to find a lightweight option.
Next, let’s talk about the removable insole. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it makes it easier for those that like to buy a separate insole. If that applies to you, simply remove the existing one and add your favorite one. However, with that being said, the one that is included has proven to be very comfortable.
It is important to note that this particular boot does not have steel toes. I thought I would mention an option without steel toes because this is a good option for roofers or window cleaners.
Keep in mind that if you would prefer to have the added protection of a steel toe, these boots are also available with a steel toe as well.
To learn more about the steel toe option, please follow the link here.
Timberland Pro Gridworks Moc Toe
Features:
- Leather and Textiled Upper
- Rubber Soe
- Anti Fatigue Footbed
- Measures 6.5 inches from arch
- Imported
- Steel Shank
Climbing ladders in most cases calls for working outside in the elements. For that reason, we want a boot that is durable, offers good support, but one that is designed to keep our feet dry.
That is exactly what the next one on our list has to offer. It is the Timberland Pro Gridworks Moc Toe.
Made with a high quality leather it offers that durability that we all are looking for in a good boot. In addition, it contains a waterproof membrane ensuring that your feet stay dry all day long. No, this isn’t the boot I would choose to go wading in, but it will definitely keep your feet dry when working in the elements.
Next up, it measures 6.5 inches from the arch. It has all-metal shoelaces holes all the way up to the top. I like this feature in a good boot for ladders because it helps to prevent me from stepping on my laces when I am trying to climb the ladder.
Lastly, it does contain a steel shank giving you that much-needed arch support.
These are soft toe meaning they don’t have a steel toe in them, but once again if you find yourself in a situation that would require a steel toe, it is available.
KEEN Utility Davenport Mid All Leather – Waterproof
Features:
- Leather/Textile Upper
- Rubber Sole
- 6 inches from the arch
- Composite Toes
- Waterproof
- TPU Stability Shank
- Non-marking Sole
To conclude our search, let’s take a look at the KEEN Utility Davenport work boots.
Once again this is another great boot for all types of weather.
It is made with durable leather material and what is called KEEN Dry. Many times when we hear the word waterproof, we might think of boots that don’t breathe.
That is not the case with KEEN dry. This is a breathable membrane they have developed to prevent water from entering your boots, but also allowing vapors to escape, thus keeping your feet dry.
In my opinion, this is essential when working on those warm weather days.
KEEN is also known for their asymmetrical composite toes. What this means is they have created a composite toe specifically designed for your right foot and one designed for your left foot. Why is this important?
It is going to give you the maximum amount of room in your feet making them comfortable to wear all day long.
Lastly for those of us who have to work around slippery surfaces you will be pleased to know that this pair is slip-resistant.
Please share with us your experience, what have you found to be the best work boots for climbing ladders?
