What Boots Should I Buy for Asphalt Paving?

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Heat, long hours of stressful work, and more heat- sums up an average day of a paving worker. So, you may be wondering how to prepare for the next day at work.

Also, questions like- how can I stay safe from the heat? Or, what boots should I buy for asphalt paving? It’s only natural to get confused among all these questions.

Heat resistance, flat outsole, materials, comfort features, and safety standards are among the many things you need to consider while buying the best asphalt work boots.

This article is a hands-on guide to help you decide what’s best for you. Here, I will talk about how I tested some of the best work boots for asphalt paving. Also, you can learn about the advantages of wearing these boots and how to choose the one best suited for you.

How Did I Identify The Best Boots For Asphalt Work?

Before I go any further, let’s talk about how I tested some good boots for asphalt work. So, I picked up some of the best ones available in the market and put them into direct use. Here are some of the key factors I took into consideration.

Testing heat resistance

Paving work requires close contact with abrasive substances that can burn through cheap boots and result in serious injuries. So, I put the shoes to test in extreme heat conditions daily. I also put some hot asphalt on top of the leather boots to see how rugged they are.

Overall durability test

Most high-quality work boots for asphalt paving come with highly durable full-grain leather. The welting, stitching, and rubber outsoles are also a considerable part of a boot’s durability features. I had the shoes contact hot materials and heavy impacts throughout the testing process to see if they can maintain their shape.

Is it comfortable enough?

When working for prolonged hours, comfort is a must. Comfort features cushioned insoles, breathable lining, insulation, and water-resistant uppers, etc. Rubber outsole is also a vital part of asphalt paving shoes. I was paying close attention to every detail every single day to see if the boots feel comfortable.

Can it keep my feet safe?

Asphalt workers constantly deal with hot asphalt and other abrasive paving materials. To see how well these boots perform as PPE, I put some hot asphalt on each boot. Keeping feet safe from cold, dust, and mud was also my concern as well. Lastly, I tested the safety toes and outer soles using a hammer, nails, and other sharp objects.

What Boots Should I Buy for Asphalt Paving?

Here’s a list of features every boot for asphalt work must-have.

Heat and Abrasion Resistance

Molten tar reaches a maximum of around 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit while paving. However, workers mostly walk over a hot surface of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Some asphalt boots feature polyurethane thermal insoles that resist  212°F heat for 8 hours. However, some nitrile rubber insulation has a heat resistance of over 500°F.

Flat Outsoles

A flat sole provides quite a few advantages. Unlike raised heel, flat outsole doesn’t leave any mark behind in soft and fresh asphalt. Besides, the shallow tread patterns do not get clogged with asphalt, pebbles, stones, and tar.

In addition, a wedged sole is also preferable for asphalt work as they are comfortable, durable, and provide better elevation than a flat sole.

Safety Standards

According to OSHA, the employer shall ensure protective footwear for the employees when working in areas with a danger of foot injuries. In this context, asphalt work boots should have steel or composite safety toes, high-quality leather (full-grain), full-gusset tongue, puncture-resistant outsoles, etc.

Electric hazard protection is also another important safety measure you have to keep in mind.

Footbed and Midsole

A comfortable footbed can reduce work stress and prevent foot fatigue. Again, polyurethane compound is an excellent choice for this job.

Also, the midsole must provide decent insulation and impact resistance. Both these, combined with a rugged rubber outsole, provide an excellent layer of protection to prevent any type of foot problems such as hot feet syndrome.

Proper Fit and Comfort

A perfect fit is not just related to good comfort; it is also a safety and health concern. Loosely fitted boots will result in blisters, and a tight or small toe box is the prime culprit for hammertoe.

Breathability and Construction

Moisture-wicking is an essential part of work boots, especially for asphalt paving. You have to choose a boot that doesn’t make your feet all sweaty and uncomfortable. So, pick a boot that offers breathable lining.

Again, good construction help in this process as well as durability. Goodyear welt construction provides excellent breathability, comfort, and cushioning for arch support.

Advantages of Wearing Asphalt Paving Work Boots

Keeping your feet safe from heat is the primary function of asphalt boots. But what are the other benefits of wearing these shoes?

In addition, asphalt paving boots-

• Provide protection from electrical hazards, dust, mud, and other chemical components.
• Have slip and abrasion-resistant rubber soles that provide excellent traction.
• Features metal plates, steel shank, safety toes for additional protection. These features keep your feet safe from nails, broken glass, and heavy impacts.
• Have breathable linings that allow air to travel in and out of the boot. This feature keeps your feet dry and cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Work boots are a long-term safety and health investment. So, it’s better to have all your questions answered before buying the best boots for asphalt paving.

How to remove tar from my asphalt work boots?

To remove tar from work boots, Firstly scrape off the loose tar and soften the remaining asphalt using tar remover. Then, clean the boots using hot water and detergent and add some leather conditioner to maintain the shine.

How do I prevent my boots from wearing off?

Proper maintenance is the way to go! Thoroughly clean your work boots after each day of use and add conditioner to preserve the leather quality.

What are the best brands for asphalt boots?

Red Wing, Carhartt, Thorogood, and timberland asphalt boots are some of the best American brands. However, Italian-made Cofra asphalt boots are quite famous for their excellent heat resistance.

What are the hazards involved with paving?

Extreme heat (up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit) is the most prominent hazard involved with asphalt paving. Other safety issues include heavy machinery, sharp objects, electrical hazards, etc.

What type of sole is best for paving?

A flat outsole is best because it’s comfortable to wear for 8 to 10 hours straight. Besides, the flat outsole doesn’t leave any trace on newly poured tar, and it’s easier to clean tar pebbles from a flat surface.

Conclusion

Choosing the best work boot for asphalt is not that hard if you follow the proper guideline. But, maintenance is a whole different story. Detergent and tar remover reduces the moisture from leather boots, and this affects durability. So, you have to use leather condition after each wash.

In addition, cleaning your feet with antibacterial soap can reduce the chances of any feet problems. With proper care for both your feet and footwear, there is no doubt that a pair of asphalt boots will keep you safe and comfortable.