Most people don’t even realize it, but painters need protective footwear, too. Although it seems like a relatively safe job, it brings plenty of risks you want to avoid. Because of that, it’s important to find painters’ shoes that can keep you comfortable and protected throughout the day.
Only painters know how difficult it can be to spend your days on your feet, especially when you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes. Don’t even get us started on the risk of slipping on paint and injuring yourself if your footwear isn’t slip-resistant.
We get it, it’s not easy spending a lot of money on shoes only to see them covered in paint after one use. Still, we recommend investing in a pair of good-quality footwear that will last you for a long time, provide you with a good grip on slippery surfaces, and bring you plenty of stability when climbing the ladder.
After all, if you end up hurting yourself, the fact that your shoes are covered in paint will become the least of your worries… Whether you’re a full-time or a part-time painter, protective footwear is a must. Don’t worry about the way they look!
If you’re not sure how to pick the right shoes for you, you’ve come to the right place. Together, we’ll through some things you should look for in your next pair, and what are some of the best painter’s shoes you can find on the market today.
What are some things to look for when looking for a pair of painter’s shoes?
Not every type of protective footwear can work well for this type of work. When choosing the right shoes for you, there are quite a few things you need to consider. Some special features can make a huge difference in the way you perform, and can even save you from serious injuries.
First of all, you need to make sure you pay attention to the cushioning. Since you spend most of your day on your feet, you’ll need good arch support that will reduce pain and discomfort.
Your job requires you to work with paint and a lot of chemicals, and some of them can be pretty toxic. Because of that, your next pair of shoes should be chemically resistant and durable. That way, you’ll avoid the paint ruining your shoes or even getting to your skin.
Before you make a purchase, you first need to try them on and see how flexible they are. Because most protective footwear is designed for heavy work, it’s important that you pay attention to flexibility, as it will give you plenty of freedom to move up and down the ladder.
Since you’ll be working on slippery surfaces most of the time, there’s a high risk of you slipping on paint. Good traction and grip are among the most important features of painter’s shoes, so make sure you go for rubber or any kind of non-slip outsoles.
Best shoes for painters you can find on the market today
Now that we know what are some main features you should look for in your next pair of protective footwear, we’ll go through models that are designed to provide you with exactly what you need. Listed below are some of the best painter’s shoes you can find, so let’s pick your new work buddies!
1. Thorogood Men’s 814-4200 American Heritage Moc Toe Boots
We get it, sometimes you need to feel good about the way you look even when you’re covered in paint head-to-toe. If you’d like to keep your feet protected but still keep a dose of style, Thorogood Men’s 814-4200 is exactly what you’re looking for.
These boots represent the perfect balance between comfort and style, and they cover most of the requirements you need in a pair of painter’s shoes. What makes them a good choice for this type of work is their oil-tanned leather, which will reduce the risk of slipping, and is relatively easy to repair.
With their amazing Poron 4000 cushioning, foot fatigue will become a thing of the past. Their incredible comfort is one of the main reasons why these boots are so loved among painters. On top of that, their rubber yet flexible sole is great for slippery surfaces, while allowing you to climb your ladders easily.
2. Carhartt Six-inch Wedge Sole Work Boot
Carhartt Six-inch Wedge Sole work boots are a very popular choice when it comes to high-quality painter’s shoes, and for a good reason. Although they’re a bit pricey, these are one of the most durable shoes you can find.
On top of their impressive durability, their Cushion Comfort insoles provide plenty of support and comfiness that will get you through your workday with ease. They’re made of 100% leather, which makes them pretty easy to clean and take care of.
Since their outsoles are made of rubber, you’ll feel a lot safer while doing your work knowing you’re not at risk of falling with every step you take. On top of being waterproof, they’re also super breathable, ensuring your feet stay dry even when they’re covered in paint.
3. Danner Men’s Vicious 4.5 Inch Non-Metallic Toe Work Boots
Designed with good arch support and plenty of space for your feet to move around, Danner Men’s Vicious work boots are probably the most comfortable model on our list. Because of that, they come with quite a big price tag – but we promise they’re worth the money!
Danner takes pride in the full-grain leather they’ve used when designing these work boots, as it’ll provide you with incredible durability while ensuring that water and paint can’t get in. Still, they’re highly breathable, so your feet will stay dry even if you have generally sweaty feet.
Since they provide your feet with plenty of space to move around, they’ll make it easier for you when it’s time to move around heavy buckets of paint. Plus, their oil and slip-resistant outsole comes with a 90° heel, making it easy for you to climb your ladder and reach all those annoying nooks and crannies.
4. Timberland Boondock Pro Work Boots
Another amazing pair of waterproof footwear that will not disappoint you if you choose to go for them. Timberland Boondock Pro boots are designed with both waterproof leather and membrane, ensuring that no paint or water comes inside.
On top of that, their composite safety toe will keep your feet protected from heavy buckets of paint falling and injuring your foot. These amazing lightweight boots will allow you to move around freely, whether it’s climbing your ladder or painting any kind of hard-to-reach surface.
What makes them such a great choice for painters is their slip, oil, heat, and abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles. No matter the surface you’re walking on, you’ll know your Timberland Boondocks are keeping you safe thanks to their incredible grip and traction.
If comfort is one of your biggest concerns – don’t worry. Boondock’s design reduces foot fatigue, ensuring the muscles on your feet are comfortable the whole day. They also come with plenty of space for your feet to move around while still providing good stability, making them a great choice for people with wide feet.
5. Timberland PRO Men’s Pitboss Steel-Toe Boots
Another Timberland model on the list – are we surprised? The brand is known worldwide for producing one of the best-quality work footwear you can find, and their PRO Men’s Pitboss model is no different.
We get it, buying a new pair of protective footwear can be quite an investment. Considering the amazing features this model offers, it’s definitely worth every penny. Not only is it equipped with highly comfortable cushioning, but it also comes with a padded collar for ultimate comfort and protection.
On top of that, its rugged nubuck leather will protect your feet from paint and chemicals, and it will be pretty easy to maintain. In case you’re often exposed to electricity, they come with electrical hazard protection that will keep you safe in all kinds of working conditions.
Their non-marking rubber outsole is oil, abrasion, and slip-resistant, while their steel safety toe will protect your feet from heavy impact. Because of these features, however, they might seem heavy until your feet get used to them. Still, their protection, comfort, and stability make them a great choice for this kind of labor.
Conclusion
Although it might seem like a pretty difficult task, choosing your next pair of painter’s shoes isn’t that hard when you know what you’re looking for. We recommend putting them on before making a purchase, instead ordering them online and hoping for the best.
That’s mainly because you want your shoes to be comfortable enough to wear all day long. Plus, since you’ll be climbing up and down the ladder, you want your next pair to provide you with a good grip and some room for your feet to move around.
A waterproof model would be an ideal choice, as it will keep your feet dry even when the shoes are covered in paint. And, of course, always look for slip-resistant outsoles that will reduce the risk of falling and injury.
