How to Choose the Best Rigger Safety Boots

September 16, 2022
by Mike Johnson

Choose the Best Rigger Safety Boots

Rigger safety boots are an essential piece of gear. Not only do they help keep your feet safe while you're working, but they also protect them from the hazards of working at height daily. Working at height is a risky job and can involve working with rigging points, ladders and scaffolding.

Your footwear needs to be able to cope with being in these awkward places regularly and with the specific hazards associated with this kind of work. Working boots are often made from tough materials such as rubber or leather. They'll have steel-toe caps for protection against falling objects, which must meet European standards EN20345.

They'll often have steel or metal reinforcement in other areas for further safety. They should also feature non-slip soles to prevent slipping on wet or oily surfaces and give you better traction in general. These are just some of the most important considerations when choosing the right rigger boots for your job. Read on to discover more about what makes these boots great for this line of work.

What to Look for When Shopping for Rigger Boots

Although the circumstances in which you'll get a chance to wear your rigger boots will vary, the essential fit of a pair is always important. Ideally, you want to be able to walk long distances in your boots without feeling any discomfort. The overall fit of your boots can make a big difference in how comfortable you are throughout the day. If you're planning to wear your boots for long periods, having a well-ventilated pair is a must.

Site work can be pretty sweaty, so you don't want to wear a pair that makes the situation worse by trapping your sweat inside. And what about the type of shoelaces you have? If they're too long, they can cause issues with the type of work you're doing. A good pair of rigger boots should come with laces that are the right length for the job.

How to Find the Best Rigger Boots

As you search for the best rigger boots for your needs, it's a good idea to draw up a list of what you're looking for in a pair. This will be a useful guide to help you narrow down your search.

Rigging Boot Materials

One of the first things to consider when choosing the right rigger boots is the type of materials they're made from. You'll probably want to look for a pair that has a combination of rubber and leather. Rubber is used for the soles of the boots, as well as an area around the ankles where additional support is needed. It has several benefits, including its ability to be highly resistant to oils and other liquids. Riggers boots made from leather are often lower in the ankle area, which makes them suitable for climbing. In addition, they tend to be more comfortable and lightweight than other types of boots. Riggers boots made from synthetics like nylon can also be a good choice. They tend to be pretty durable and are often reasonably priced.

Sturdiness and Grip

Another thing to look for when you're choosing rigger boots is how sturdy they are. You want your boots to last and be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. If you're using your boots for work at height, you'll need something that's comfortable and stable enough to protect you against falling objects. You'll find that some boots have rubber panels in key places that help to protect you from falling objects. Some are even designed to protect against electrical hazards. You'll also want to make sure that your boot's tread pattern gives you plenty of grip. Finally, you want your rigger boots to be able to hold onto the surfaces you're standing on, whether that be a boat, roof or scaffolding.

Falling Objects Protection

Falling objects such as rocks, bricks or tools are one of the biggest hazards you'll face as a rigging worker. This is why having the right safety gear, like fall protection devices and hard-wearing boots is crucial. Rigging boots often feature rubber panels that can help to protect you against these falling objects. If you're choosing a pair of boots with this in mind, be sure to check the level of protection they offer. Most falling objects protection ratings go up to a certain level of impact.

Slip Resistance

If you work in particularly slippery or oily areas, you'll want to look for a pair of rigger boots with good slip resistance. You can find out more about a boot's slip resistance rating by reading the product information on the manufacturer's website. Riggers boots made from rubber often have good slip resistance. There are also some synthetic materials with good slip resistance too, including synthetic leather and synthetic suede.

Ankle Support and Foot Protection

It's also important to consider the ankle support your rigger boots provide. If you have weak ankles or foot problems like bunions, you'll want to choose a pair of boots with plenty of support. You can check out reviews and product descriptions to learn more about each pair of boots and what they offer. It's also important to ensure that your riggers boots provide ample foot protection. You want to ensure that your feet are well-protected from falling objects, sharp objects, electrical hazards or other hazards. Depending on your work type, you may want to look for a pair of boots reinforced in certain areas.

Conclusion - How to Choose the Best Rigger Safety Boots

Rigging boots are an essential piece of equipment for anyone working in this industry. They're made from a combination of materials that are designed to last and provide plenty of protection against falling objects, oil or liquids. In addition, they come in a wide range of styles and sizes, so you can be sure to find a pair that fits your needs and is comfortable to wear. And with so many options available, there's no reason not to try them.

Active Wear stock a wide range of Rigger Boots, see our site for more information.