Why Do Ironworkers Wear Wedge Boots?

Ironworkers are the biggest risk-takers. They work with metal rods made of iron and they even work in construction sites. Since metalworkers climb to higher levels to make things easier for us, they need to wear protective apparel like wedge boots. 

So, let’s take a look at why wedge boots are perfect for ironworkers. 

But before that, we need to know what wedge boots are.

What are wedge boots?

Wedge boots are ironworkers’ companions for hard surfaces. Wedge boots have wedge-shaped padding which causes them to be slightly raised in the heel area. Wedge boots provide stability for metalworkers, and wedge boots are often worn by construction workers as well. The way that the wedge boots are designed speaks volumes about their durability. The wedge boots are designed using the Goodyear Welt construction which makes them long-lasting. The outsoles of the boots are slip, oil, and heat resistant. Therefore, they are ideal for the job of ironworkers. Overall, these all-rounder boots make the job of all ironworkers very easy. Wedge boots are perfect for metalworkers, carpenters, farmers, bricklayers, and even those who work in road construction.

The unrivaled grip of the wedge boots:

The outer soles of the wedge boots are made from a special material that is resistant to slipping. Whenever the wearer has to tread slippery or wet terrain, the slip-resistant outsoles will ensure that the wearer does not fall over. Ironworkers need durable shoes made from the highest quality material because their work is very demanding. The outsoles are made from polyurethane which is very good at preventing slips in the workplace. The durable polyurethane outsoles make sure that the ironworkers can easily work without worrying about heat and oil. Thus, it saves the wearers from falling or tripping when they are walking on the beams while making high rise buildings. 

Different brands have different designs, and hence the grip or traction of wedge boots from different brands is not the same. Wedge boots do not have lugs or any tread patterns. Although wedge boots provide solid traction on hard surfaces, the traction is still much less compared to heeled boots. Nevertheless, wedge boots provide amazing traction or grip in non-outdoor environments. Therefore, the wedge boots are a fantastic choice for ironworkers. However, keep in mind that there are some drawbacks. 

Wedge boots provide protection:

Ironworkers are exposed to a great deal of danger at their workplace. They are at risk of falling, getting burnt, or they could even cut themselves. The easiest way to fight these problems is to wear protective shoes or apparel such as wedge boots.

Wedge boots provide added safety due to the built-in safety features. Heeled boots do not provide as much protection as wedge boots. The ironworkers are at a greater risk of stepping on electrical live wires all the time. The wedge boots are made in such a way that they do not conduct electricity and even if the ironworker steps on a live wire, the person would not be electrocuted because the unique boots are shock-resistant. The shock-absorbing properties of the wedge boots make them unique.

The boots are also designed to absorb the excess electricity, in case anyone steps on a live wire. The wedge boots also come with steel toes, which means that it protects the feet of the workers from any falling objects. The wedge boots also provide toe and ankle protection. The wedge boots are designed with safety toe caps that prevent falling objects from hurting the feet. The wedge boots also reach above the ankles to prevent ironworkers from twisting their feet. These specially designed boots even prevent injuries due to cuts and burns. 


Wedge boots provide utmost comfort:

Ironworkers are very versatile and they need to spend most of their time working on the land. Hence, they need something comfortable for walking. The boots specially designed for ironworkers have fiberglass shanks which ensure optimum arch support to prevent foot fatigue. The greater surface area that is exposed to the ground helps to reduce the pressure. The main advantage is that there is a larger surface area in contact with the ground. There is a gap between the sole under the front of the foot and that of the heel. This creates a slightly raised platform and hence they are called wedge boots. However, there is no gap underneath the arch of the boots. Hence, the greater surface area of the boot sole is in contact with the surface.  

Since direct contact is maintained between the outsole and the ground, it does not create any pressure on the feet of the ironworkers. This ensures the utmost comfort for the ironworkers as they work for long hours. This is because the unique boots help to distribute the weight and pressure evenly.

Ironworkers need to step on hard surfaces, but luckily for them, the wedge boots have shock-absorbing properties that ensure that the feet do not get shocked when the feet come in contact with the hard, cold surfaces. Since ironworkers also need to work in the heat, their shoes need to be dry. The wedge boots have a cotton interior to absorb the excess sweat and keep the feet dry all the time. Wedge boots are also much lighter in weight compared to heeled boots.

Typically, wedged boots provide better comfort because the sole spans the entire length of the boot. On the other hand, heeled boots have two pressure points only, which causes foot fatigue. Although a typical heeled work boot will provide traction and grip, it is not ideal for ironworkers.

Wedge boots are waterproof:

A major bonus point of the wedge boots is that they are waterproof. Waterproof wedge boots ensure that water or other particles do not come into contact with the feet, because it would make the wearer feel uncomfortable. If water and dust come into contact, it creates a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria. Therefore, it is important to wear waterproof wedge boots to prevent bacterial infection and to make the overall experience comfortable.


The wedge boots are also very durable as they are made from full-grain leather, polyurethane, and even fiberglass shanks. The top part of the wedge boots is made from full-grain leather and the soles of these boots are made from polyurethane. The boots even have a shock-absorbing midsole and composite shanks. It is also easy to clean the wedge boots because they do not pick up dirt and debris from the ground. As a result, these wedge boots are not high-maintenance. These add to the durability and long life of the product. Every part of the boot is made from high-quality materials. There is no compromise in the quality and hence it ensures durability. The wedge boots are not just durable, they are electrical-hazard rated.  It is important to note that although wedge boots are durable, they are not as durable as heeled boots. But, with that being said, good wedge boots will last an ironworker for around 4 to 8 months.

Final words:

In conclusion, wedge boots are a perfect pick for ironworkers. Since ironworkers need to work on high surfaces or even high-rise buildings, these boots are perfect for them. The wedge boots are comfortable, durable, insulated, waterproof, and well-cushioned. Since wedge boots have all the properties that a good boot requires, they are also ASTM (American Standard Test Methods for foot protection) certified. These are some of the best boots suited for the job of ironworkers because they are versatile and come with added safety features. So, now you know why ironworkers prefer wedge boots over any other boots. We hope that you enjoyed reading our article, and if you did, then don’t forget to get your wedge boots soon!