When you’re working in a tile setting, there’s nothing worse than stepping on a loose tile and getting hurt. The last thing you want to do is spend money on a new pair of work boots when your old ones are still functional, but when it comes to safety, it’s worth it.
The best work boots for tile setters are comfortable and sturdy enough to withstand all the abuse that your feet will take when you’re moving around heavy materials all day. But they also need to be flexible enough to allow you to move your toes, so that you can keep your balance while walking across rough surfaces.
We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best work boots for tile setters so that you can find a pair that will give you the protection and function that you need while on the job site.
Before we dive into the details of each boot on the list, let me summarize the top picks!
- Best Overall KEEN Utility Men’s San Jose 6″ Alloy Toe Work Boot
- Runner-up Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot- 7″
- Best Value Golden Fox Work Boots 6″ Men’s Moc Toe Wedge Comfortable Boot for Construction
- Most Lightweight Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots
- Premium Choice Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot
That said, let’s dive in!
Best Overall
KEEN Utility Men’s San Jose 6″ Alloy Toe Work Boot
There are many reasons why the KEEN Utility Men’s San Jose 6″ Alloy Toe Work Boot is the best work boot for tile setters. The shoe is 100% leather, which is a great choice when you’re working with wet floors or other conditions that could cause your shoes to become slippery. The rubber sole helps keep you stable and secure on these surfaces.
These shoes have left and right asymmetrical aluminum alloy safety toes that weigh 35% less than steel toes, which meets or exceeds ASTM F2412 and F2413, M I/75, and C/75 EH Standards. This means that your feet are protected from impact hazards while also having added protection against electrical shock.
The oil- and slip-resistant outsoles make it easy for you to walk across tile without leaving any marks behind—perfect for those who need to move quickly around their work station. The outsoles are also non-marking so as not to leave marks on your floors once you’re done working on them!
And lastly, these shoes come with wedge treads as well as siped outsoles so that they provide maximum traction on slippery surfaces like tile or concrete.
Runner-up
Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot- 7″
The Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot- 7″ is a comfortable ankle-high hunting boot featuring a leather upper, steel support shank, and ultraDry waterproofing system to keep your feet dry while you’re on the job. The moisture-wicking nylon lining helps keep your feet from getting too warm or too cold in all weather conditions.
The Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot- 7″ also has an extra heel design that improves stability when walking on uneven terrain. The boot has a rubber toe cap that protects against scuffs and abrasions from hard surfaces such as concrete floors.
This boot is perfect for all types of weather conditions including rain, snow, mud or water. The steel toe cap protects you from falling objects such as bricks or heavy metal objects. It also offers excellent traction on slippery surfaces such as wet grass or ice so you don’t slip when walking on these surfaces either!
Best Value
Golden Fox Work Boots 6″ Men’s Moc Toe Wedge Comfortable Boot for Construction
The Golden Fox Work Boots 6″ Men’s Moc Toe Wedge Comfortable Boot for Construction are designed specifically to be comfortable and durable, so they’re perfect for any tile work.
These boots are made with durable oil full grain leather that’s water repellent and built to last—you can expect them to soften up with wear. They feature a polyurethane sole, which is comfortable and breathable and provides shock absorption for lower back and legs. The rubber outsole resists oil and chemical erosion; it also has a tread pattern on the wedge sole, so you can easily walk on uneven surfaces like concrete or gravel without slipping.
These boots come with a Goodyear Welt Construction, which means they will last for years of use without falling apart like other work boot brands tend to do after only a few months of wear; this construction also helps provide support for your feet as well as your ankle bone so that you can move around freely while working on different projects throughout any given day.
The boots are insulated with mesh lining, which adds extra warmth when temperatures get chilly outside during winter months; this feature comes in handy if you’re working outdoors during those times when temperatures drop below freezing levels (or even just below 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Most Lightweight
Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots
The Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots is one of the best work boots for tile setters because it’s made in America by dedicated, skilled craftsmen and women. It’s made from durable full-grain leather that’s been oil-tanned in the US, which means it’s going to last you a very long time.
It also has a slip-resistant outsole and meets ASTM F3445-21 standards for slip resistance. The sole is made of Poron Comfort Cushion, which provides ultimate shock absorption when you’re on your feet all day—and there’s an Ultimate Shock Absorption footbed that provides even more comfort.
If you work in construction or maintenance, these boots are the perfect choice. They have a fiberglass shank reinforcement to protect against fatigue, and they’re designed to be comfortable enough to wear all day long. You can also wear them off the job—they look great with jeans or khakis!
Premium Choice
Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot
The Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot is made from 100% leather, which means that it will last you longer than its synthetic counterparts. It also means that it will be more comfortable and easier to break in than other boots.
The boot is made in the United States, which means that it supports American workers and the local economy. It has a man-made sole, so it won’t wear out like leather soles do. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than real leather soles!
The shaft measures approximately 6″ from arch to top of heel, so you’ll have plenty of room for your feet if you have high arches or are just looking for something roomier than normal. The boot opening measures approximately 6″ around, so no matter how wide your calves are (or aren’t), these boots will fit them perfectly.
Finally, this boot features lace-up vamp and contrast-stitched moccasin toe—which means that they’re not only good at keeping your feet warm but they’re also really stylish!
Factors To Consider When Buying Work Boots for Tile Setters
Comfort
Tile setting is a very physical job. Your feet will be on concrete all day, and they’ll need to be comfortable enough to stay in your boots for long periods of time without feeling sore or tired.
It’s important that your boots have good arch support and cushioning under the ball of your foot—the arch support will help keep your foot aligned properly, which can prevent foot pain and injuries like plantar fasciitis.
Cushioning will help absorb shock from walking on hard surfaces throughout the day so that it doesn’t wear down your knees or back as quickly as it would if you were walking around barefoot all day long!
Durability
Your feet take a beating when you’re working on a construction site, so you need a boot that can withstand all of that abuse. You also want something that will last long enough to pay back its initial investment in terms of durability.
Material
Work boots are made of a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic, and composite.
Leather is the most durable and flexible material for work boots, but it’s also the priciest. Synthetic boots are more affordable than leather, but they can be less comfortable and more prone to damage under certain conditions.
Composite boots offer durability and affordability at the expense of some comfortability and flexibility.
Waterproofing
If you’re working in wet conditions or your work involves water in any way (such as tile setting), you’ll want to make sure your boot has waterproofing features built in.
Some boots are completely waterproofed from the inside out; others have waterproofing added on top of their existing construction with an extra layer of material applied over the top layer of material for maximum protection against moisture penetration through cracks or tears that may occur during regular use over time due to repeated exposure to wet environments (e.g., tiling floors).
Fit
You’ll want to make sure that your new boots fit. Most people are surprised to learn that a pair of boots can actually be too big or too small. If they’re too big, they’ll rub against your skin and cause blisters; if they’re too small, they can cause pain and even damage to your feet as well as making it difficult for you to move around while wearing them.
Make sure you try on the boots before buying them so that you know what size will work best for you.
Protection
Work boots for tile setters need to be able to protect your feet from sharp objects, heat, cold and other environmental factors. They should have steel toes or composite toes that can withstand impact from falling objects and keep your feet safe from any falling debris.
Price
Work boots tend to be more expensive than other types of shoes because they have extra features that make them more durable and protective than regular shoes or dress shoes. Work boots will last longer than regular shoes but cost more upfront; however, they can be worn over and over again without having to replace them every time they get worn out (unlike dress shoes).
Best Work Boots for Tile Setters, Final Verdict…
In conclusion, we’ve found that the KEEN Utility Men’s San Jose 6″ Alloy Toe Work Boot is the best choice for tile setters. The sole is designed to be slip-resistant, while the upper is made from leather that will wear down over time. This process creates a natural grip on slippery surfaces like wet concrete or tiles.
The Golden Fox Work Boots 6″ Men’s Moc Toe Wedge Comfortable Boot for Construction is also one of the most economical options on this list. It retails for approximately $120, making it a good choice if you’re looking for something affordable but still want something that will last longer than cheaper alternatives.
If you’re a tile setter, you know how important it is to have the right pair of work boots. Not only do they need to be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of your workday, but they also need to be comfortable, since you’ll be wearing them for up to 12 hours at a time.
Before you go, let me summarize the boots we discussed here!
- Best Overall KEEN Utility Men’s San Jose 6″ Alloy Toe Work Boot
- Runner-up Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot- 7″
- Best Value Golden Fox Work Boots 6″ Men’s Moc Toe Wedge Comfortable Boot for Construction
- Most Lightweight Thorogood American Heritage 6” Moc Toe Work Boots
Premium Choice Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot