Garages can be perilous places, there’s no doubt. Aside from the possible slipping hazards, fuel spills and large four-wheeled machines willing the knock of an unsuspecting knee, there’s usually an abundance of heavy equipment lying around, too. From walls to worktops, we like to keep our tools in sight and within reach, but this proclivity tempts the unfortunate fate of foot injury by falling metal.
Such a cartoonish eventuality may seem improbable, but in truth, the danger is real and present when working around a garage. While a falling hammer or stubbed toe likely won’t kill you, it could leave you incapacitated, taking you out of your automotive haven for an undetermined period of time – a ghoulish prospect at best. Protect yourself and prepare for the worst with a set of sturdy work boots.
If you’re willing to protect your clothes with a set of overalls while working on your car, then your feet should be subject to the same consideration. A set of reinforced work boots will provide a layer of protection against the perils of a falling hammer or screwdriver while keeping your toes safe from other hazards already on the floor.
Features to look out for
Steel toe – Many work boots still boast a steel toe cap in the product description. While they may not necessarily be manufactured from steel anymore, a reinforced toe cap will offer supreme protection from falling objects. Other materials used include aluminium and thermoplastic polyurethane.
Steel midsole – Along with a steel toe cap, some work boots may also feature a steel midsole to protect from objects piercing the boots from below.
Fit – When considering your new work boots, we recommend checking with the manufacturer as to the size accuracy of its range, as many boots are wider fitting to accommodate thicker socks. It would also be worth considering the weight of the boot as the extra reinforcement can pile on the kilograms.
Here are our favourite work boots to help get you started.
Blackrock Work Boots
Price: £11.85 | VIEW OFFER
Solid boots, solid choice. This set from Blackrock is styled in classic combat black leather for a smart yet practical set of work footwear. This set features a steel toe cap capable of withstanding impacts of up to 200 joules – equivalent to 20kg – or a number of power tools – dropped from a height of one metre.
As well as the steel toe, these boots sport a steel midsole to protect against piercing objects below. However, we like these boots most for the dual-density PU sole as it’s fuel oil resistant and therefore won’t retain grease or stain – perfect for around the garage. For under £12, these boots are great value for money.
Pros:
• Steel toe and midsole for dual protection
• Grease-resistant sole – perfect for messy garages
Cons:
• Lacking in ankle protection
DeWalt Work Boots
Price: £43.50 | VIEW OFFER
Styled in classic builder’s yellow, these boots from DeWalt couple form and function in one sleek product. Featuring a steel cap toe for reinforced protection, the nubuck top grain upper material is long-lasting and resistant to heat while still light enough for easy free movement. The brass facings are rust and corrosion resistant with TPU heel support for better rear protection.
If this is a pair you could see yourself in all day, you’ll walk in comfort thanks to the dual-density sole manufactured in odour-reducing, moisture-wicking material.
Pros:
• Stylish boots
• Long-lasting outer material
Cons:
• Expensive
Black Hammer Work Boots
Price: £33.99 | VIEW OFFER
As Black Hammer declares, these boots are built with safety in mind. Robust and versatile, these boots are metal free to save weight, aiding in maneuveurability and reducing foot fatigue over the course of the day. Instead, these boots sport a heavy-duty protective composite in the toe cap, capable of withstanding high impact. The anti-slip sole is oil-resistant with a puncture-proof midsole to protect against anything permeating in from below.
Pros:
• High-quality materials
• Very light
Cons:
• Orange might not go with your outfit
Caterpillar Work Boots
Price: £55.95 | VIEW OFFER
Caterpillar is a brand name synonymous with quality worksite products, with almost 100 years of storied history to its name.
Like the DeWalt boots, these boots from Caterpillar are finished in a slick one tone nubuck material that’s long-lasting and robust. We especially like these boots for the great full ankle protection they offer and the range of colours they can be configured in, including black, brown and honey.
Pros:
• Stylish in a range of colours
Cons:
• Can be very expensive
Apache Work Boots
Price: £57.95 | VIEW OFFER
If you want to go the full G.I. in your garage, you could invest in this set of combat safety boots from Apache. Unique to this example on our list, the safeguarding on these boots extends beyond the ankle and up the shin, protecting you not just from falling objects but car bumpers and other low-riding objects, too.
The thermoplastic polyurethane heel guard of these boots offers anti-scuff protection with a Waterproof and breathable inner lining.
Pros:
• Great protection extending beyond the ankle
• High-quality materials
Cons:
• Possibly overkill for your garage
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