Welcome to our best work boots for working with wet concrete review round-up for 2022 (updated for 2024).
To bring you this article we’ve researched 45 websites, looked at 27 work boots brands and models, read 98 reviews and customer feedback for each make of boot that made the cut, as well as a few who did not.
Overall we’ve spent over 50 hours of our time looking into all of these work boots for pouring concrete to bring you the most important information for each boot.
In this article, you’ll learn about which are some of the newest and most comfortable work boots for concrete pouring and concrete finishing. We will also flag up what accessories are available that are a must-buy for workers in this industry.
Finally, we will make comparisons between brands, and discuss important things to consider before buying your work boots for concrete pouring. (and much more).
So keep reading. There’s a lot of good info in here…
Compare these 9 best pouring concrete work boots
Here’s a quick comparison table if you’re curious about which work boots we’ve included in our round-up.
Reviews of the top 9 best pull-on work boots for pouring concrete
Alright, let’s jump into some detailed reviews of each one of these concrete work boots we’ve included in today’s round-up.
We’ll start with the best rated …
1. Dunlop Explorer
The Dunlop Explorer Thermo is a full safety boot that will keep your feet warm and dry in any weather and protect you from the dangers of wet concrete.
The upper of the boot is made from PUROFORT, which is a bolder, more resilient type of rubber that has many different advantages when compared to PVC.
It’s 40% more flexible than PVC which prevents your feet from being restrained in their natural movements, preventing the development of long-term foot pains and conditions.
PUROFORT offers all of the chemical resistance as well as increased flexibility over regular flexible plasticized vinyl due to its advanced molecular structure making it incredibly tough for any workplace environment.
This unique design guarantees comfort throughout long hours of pouring and finishing concrete.
One final feature that makes these pull-on work boots excellent for pouring concrete is the Vibrio outsole. Which is SRC rated for good traction on both wet and dry surfaces and has been designed to provide perfect grip whether you are walking or standing.
2. TREDS Super Though
If you’re happy with old-fashioned rubber for your job, then these Treds super tough work boots are an ideal choice for you.
Treds Super Tough 17″ Rubber Overshoes are ideal for keeping you dry and warm in the wettest of conditions.
TREDS stretch overshoes have a large 17-inch opening to fit over your shoes or boots, with a rubberized sole that grips well on wet surfaces.
The soft rubber lining keeps your feet warm and dry while the non-slip tread pattern gives you sure footing on slippery terrain. The outsole is also puncture-resistant, meaning you can work in confidence when nails or glass and other sharp objects are present in your work area.
The boots utilize 100% natural latex for a fit that is natural, comfortable, and pulls on and off with ease.
They are also true to size, so no need to worry about buying your boots in a size that is too large or too small.
3. Servus
If you’re really on a budget, look no further than the Servus work boot which comes in at under $30. This makes them a bargain for concrete workers looking for PVC work boots on the cheap.
Shaped like a Wellington boot, the Polyvinyl Chloride makes the boot resistant to water, mud, and agricultural chemicals so it is perfect for outdoor workers in that sector as well as concrete workers.
The pull-on style makes it easier to put on and take off, no need to mess around with laces that might get stuck or muddied by concrete.
One more amazing feature of these work boots is the lightweight internal cushioning that will absorb the shock and instability that comes from working on wet concrete.
And finally, the outsole of this work boot is suited for ASTM F2413-11 EH, so this work boot will protect you from any electrical hazards you may be worried about.
4. Honeywell
The Servus by Honeywell is designed to provide comfort to workers who do long shifts. The outsole is formulated for tough, long-wearing support. And it is reinforced at critical stress points for maximal comfort.
The durable, injection molded PVC upper features Triple Density Technology (TDT) that resists degradation from many harsh chemicals.
This chemical resistance makes them an ideal choice for workers who operate in the construction industry as well as industries like manufacturing, warehousing, chemical maintenance and food processing.
A contour cushion insole provides arch and heel support, and is removable, washable and replaceable. A thick, wide steel shank supports the arch; an open pattern outsole self-cleans liquid and debris with every step.
The outsole is formulated for tough, long-wearing support. And it is reinforced at critical stress points for maximal comfort.
Customers who have purchased this product love the excellent price point that these boots come in at, as well as the durability and quality materials that contribute to these work boots being an excellent purchase for yourself or your workers.
5. CLC Custom Leathercraft
These CLC Custom Leathercraft work boots pull up over your socks to give you a genuine waterproof experience.
This black men’s rain boot has a PVC polyblend injection-molded construction that is seamless and 100% waterproof but flexible for greater comfort.
It resists degradation from agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, and animal waste, as well as, of course, the heavily alkaline properties that you find in wet concrete!
These amazing bad boys also offer Comfort Technology, featuring a unique scalloped top-line for easy flexing; meaning your work boots will not constrict your movements in a way that is uncomfortable.
There is also a guide along the shaft which allows for customized height, and these work boots will be reinforced at critical stress points for longer wear.
So you can buy these rain boots confident that they will be sturdy enough for the job and they will endure the long working day you have ahead of you.
6. Galeton Repel
Galeton’s 11578-13 Repel boots are constructed of durable PVC that is waterproof and breathable. These boots have a rubber outsole for traction and protection from wear and tear.
They feature an EVA midsole to provide cushioning and comfort.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a foam material that is commonly used in place of breaking-in leather and other hard materials.
EVA foam is significantly more lightweight than the alternative foams, with less cellular structure, so it’s usually more “bouncy” as well as being less costly to produce and environmentally friendly.
Midsoles made from EVA are so amazingly comfortable because they take advantage of a phenomenon called the secondary elastic response (SER). When you compress an EVA foam as it’s applied to the ground, its thickness and weight drops.
This compression increases the contact area with the ground, which in turn reduces shear stresses at this point on your foot. Shear stresses act like sharp blades that gradually grind away bone and cartilage over time.
By spreading out these forceful impacts, a soft material like EVA foam lessens the harmful effects of everyday walking and running on joints and bones.
Finally, these work boots also feature a rubber lug outsole for additional traction. So you can be stable, as well as comfortable when working with concrete in these work boots.
7. Tingley Pilot
If you need a work boot with a steel toe cap then the best choice is the Tingley.
The steel toe meets the requisite ASTM standards, meaning they will protect you from falling objects or sharp objects that could potentially cause injury.
It is also the ideal boot for those who work in extreme weather conditions and need to be protected from the elements.
The upper material on this boot has been designed to stay supple in cold temperatures, making walking easier.
However, while these work boots are incredibly flexible, they do not compromise on sturdiness. Customers who bought this product love how strong they are and how they stand up to the most rigorous exertions.
8. Bekina Steplite
Do not forget that when you are working on concrete, slip resistance is essential.
This is where the Bekina PAN3P Steplite EasyGrip S4 comes into its own.
The Bekina Steplite EasyGrip S4 is a work boot that combines the performance of an athletic shoe with the safety of a work boot.
The NEOTANE rubber from which these work boots are constructed are 40% more flexible than PVC or Rubber, with a commensurate high thermal insulation value.
These boots also have a mesh lining for breathability, and anti-static properties to prevent static electricity buildup when you are working with sensitive electronic equipment.
9. Beaffin Enduro
For workers who have to pour concrete, impact absorption is crucial.
This is where the final pair of work boots in our roundup comes in, the Baffin Men’s Enduro PT Rain Boot.
The gel flex fatigue resistant midsole that comes with these work boots helps absorb shock as your foot moves up and down.
The Baffin Men’s Enduro PT Rain Boot is a lightweight and flexible boot that offers you superior comfort and durability.
The Enduro PT has an upper made from synthetic materials with a rubberized toe guard for added protection against scuffing.
A padded collar provides additional comfort, while the tongue is gusseted to help keep out debris.
And a durable rubber sole provides excellent traction, while you are moving up and down.
What are the dangers when working with wet concrete?
Wet concrete can have a very slippery surface, and this slipperiness makes it hard to protect yourself from injury.
For this reason also, working on wet concrete places a terrible strain on your knees.
There are also some eye issues that can arise with unprotected contact with cement, particularly certain types of dust and the materials used in mixing concrete such as silica sand.
The worst issue is itchy eyes!
If you make unprotected contact with exposed concrete or wet-dry mix during construction or demolition work, wear safety goggles and maybe even a face shield right away.
Also worth mentioning is the explosive nature of some curing compounds when mixed together.
Once you’re finished with mixing the dry ingredients for your own batch, resist the urge to touch any dry mix that’s already been mixed as it may contain nitrates.
Why must you wear work boots when pouring concrete?
When it comes to protecting your feet against “shoring” which is the process of concrete seeping through your shoes, smart shoes or trainers are completely useless.
If wet concrete comes into contact with your socks and with your feet, then the alkaline concrete will irritate your skin.
You could end up with blisters around your feet and underneath your toes, leading to painful infections and permanent scarring. Be sure you use gloves for protection too!
In the long-run, this can cause a variety of foot issues from bunions, fungi to scars.
If the concrete is hot, it could also burn your feet.
Finally, work boots are also a must for wet concrete to prevent you from slipping! Your work boots when working with wet concrete must have a slip-resistant outsole, ideally with a varied tread pattern thread.
What kind of boots do concrete workers wear?
There are several features that are essential for the work boots that concrete workers wear.
One such feature is lightweight materials- these are crucial for easing up the stress placed on the knees by working all day on concrete.
To prevent the shock of walking on wet concrete being absorbed by your knees, cushioned footbeds in the work boots are essential.
Pull-on and pull-off work boots are an absolute must for this sector, having laces get caked in wet concrete will mean that they will not work, and the dust will get stuck in the eyelets so you can’t even replace the laces.
That said, you need to buy pull-on boots that are correctly fitted to prevent wet concrete from seeping into your socks
Finally, work boots for concrete workers need slip-resistant outsoles so that workers don’t fall over.
For these reasons, PVC, rubber, or a variant of these materials, tends to be the boot of choice for professionals who work in the profession of pouring and finishing concrete.
Can you use rain boots to pour concrete?
Yes, it is possible to wear rain boots when pouring concrete. They’re not work boots designed to wear on construction sites, but most of them are resistant to most chemicals.
Just make sure you read the product description first!
Do you need toe protection when pouring concrete?
If you’re working with pouring concrete, then you are almost certainly working with heavy tools that will necessitate a safety toe, preferably a steel one.
However, there is nothing in wet concrete itself that requires toe protection, and so many of the work boots in this roundup have soft-toe or composite toe caps.
Where can you buy work boots for construction professionals?
- Amazon
- Payless
- Sears
- Walmart
- Target
What size should you get?
Generally according to both the manufacturers and those writing reviews of these work boots; they are true to size.
So if you are a size nine, buy size nine concrete work boots.
Some reviewers have found that the work boots can be slightly bigger than expected, and that a good remedy for this is to tuck your overalls into your socks.
Related safety gear you might need for working with wet concrete
- Waterproof alkali-resistant gloves
- Disposable Protective coverall
- Eye and respiratory protection
Conclusion: So which is the best work boot for concrete pouring?
We’ve given you the information to make an informed decision about which boot is best for your needs. Now it’s up to you!
If you’re still not sure, we recommend going with Dunlop Explorer Thermo Full Safety Boots as they are designed specifically for working in concrete and other wet environments.
Feel free to check out the other brands too. Remember that in this round-up we’ve included only the top brands and models. So you can’t really go wrong with any!
