July 30

Best Work Boots For Asphalt Paving

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Asphalt paving is a dangerous and exhausting job that requires working with molten tar at temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 

When the driveway in front of my house got damaged, I planned to DIY the road on my own with the help of my husband. I had all the tools needed to complete the task, except the right pair of shoes. 

And since working on molten tar can be potentially dangerous, I decided to purchase a rugged pair of work boots. But, with a plethora of options available on the market, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack. So, I conducted my own research and took suggestions from my husband to finally find an ideal match. 

If you’re in a similar situation, this review-based guide is for you. Here, I’m Stacy Smith reviewing the five best work boots for asphalt paving to help you get one for yourself. 

So, continue reading! 

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ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men, Soft Toe Waterproof Safety Working Shoes(AP360-soft, 10-BRN)
Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots for Men - Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Wedge Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Tobacco Oil-tanned - 7 D US
Carhartt Ground Force 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Boot - Durable Slip-Resistant Outsole with Rubber Heel, Composite Safety Toe, and Insite Footbed, Red Brown - 8M
Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots, 10, Black
ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men, Soft Toe Waterproof Safety Working Shoes(AP360-soft, 10-BRN)
Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots for Men - Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Wedge Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Tobacco Oil-tanned - 7 D US
Carhartt Ground Force 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Boot - Durable Slip-Resistant Outsole with Rubber Heel, Composite Safety Toe, and Insite Footbed, Red Brown - 8M
Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots, 10, Black
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ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men, Soft Toe Waterproof Safety Working Shoes(AP360-soft, 10-BRN)
ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men, Soft Toe Waterproof Safety Working Shoes(AP360-soft, 10-BRN)
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Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots for Men - Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Wedge Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Tobacco Oil-tanned - 7 D US
Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots for Men - Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Wedge Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Tobacco Oil-tanned - 7 D US
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Carhartt Ground Force 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Boot - Durable Slip-Resistant Outsole with Rubber Heel, Composite Safety Toe, and Insite Footbed, Red Brown - 8M
Carhartt Ground Force 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Boot - Durable Slip-Resistant Outsole with Rubber Heel, Composite Safety Toe, and Insite Footbed, Red Brown - 8M
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Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots, 10, Black
Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots, 10, Black
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Top 5 Work Boots For Asphalt Paving Reviews

1. Timberland PRO Athletic Work Shoes

Timberland PRO Athletic Work Shoes

Be it comfort, safety, or construction, each aspect of the Timberland PRO athletic work shoes ensures them a spot at the top of my work boot choices. These shoes are specially engineered to support the feet of people who spend their entire day working on construction projects. 

Product Highlights

Timberland PRO athletic shoes are made with a focus on work-ready protection and lightweight performance. Their aggressive tread patterns and rugged leather deliver the performance and comfort of a hiking boot. And the cement and full-grain leather construction drives a sustained level of flexibility and ruggedness while adding to the comfort. 

Apart from that, each boot comes with several incredible safety features. Its slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant outsoles give the confidence to walk on the pavement with superior traction and protect your feet from getting in contact with blazing hot paving materials. Moreover, the abrasion-resistant rubber and safety steel toes offer your toes an additional layer of protection. 

I also have to mention its exclusive Anti-fatigue technology comfort system that absorbs shock and reflects to the feet in the form of added stamina and strength. 

What's There To Like About It?

Completing the asphalt driveway under the blazing sun wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have Timberland PRO athletic shoes as my work companion. These work boots, being made of crafty leather material, are designed to deliver ultimate comfort all day long. The rugged and durable construction helped them protect my feet from boiling tar. 

In addition, the antimicrobial lining kept my feet fresh and odor-free even after wearing the boots all day. 

What's There Not To Like About It?

The sole limitation I found with this product is its premium pricing. It costs a bit more than all the other boots on my list, which can be disconcerting for many. However, with its features, I feel it delivers value for money, and you can’t compromise on safety a bit when working with hot asphalt tar. 

Pros and Cons of Timberland PRO Athletic Work Shoes

Pros

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Keeps feet fresh and odor-free
  • Shockproof
  • Comes with several safety features

Cons

  • Bit costly

2. ROCKROOSTER Work Boots

ROCKROOSTER Work Boots

Safety is the sole priority of asphalt workers, and the ROCKROOSTER Work Boots, with their composite safety caps, dual density footbeds, and others, don’t compromise on it a bit. In fact, the brand has infused comfort with safety, making it a popular choice amongst modern workers. 

Product Highlights

ROCKROOSTER Work Boots, with their top-quality full-grain leather design, take the safety of workers to the next level. Your feet remain dry and protected from outside hazards because of their composite caps and waterproof membrane. At the same time, the leather material keeps your entire feet safe from molten tar or other external elements. 

With respect to comfort, this work boot doesn’t disappoint a bit. For one, it boasts dual-density footbeds which cushion your feet when you walk on rough roads. And secondly, its padded collars deliver advanced ankle support and resist most foot fatigue. 

Not only that, but cleaning the tough tar or anything from the shoes doesn’t feel like much of a task. Use a leather cleaner to wipe away the dirt and once the boots are dried, condition them with mink oil and keep them to rest for some time. Then, polish the boot with the same cleaner to get a clean and shiny finish. 

What's There To Like About It?

I gave this pair to my husband, who was overjoyed when he used it. According to him, this was one of the best pairs of shoes he has worn until now. The padded collars and dual-density footbeds take the comfort of the boots to a whole new level, so apart from being work shoes, they also became his hiking shoes. 

And I don’t have to worry about him walking on molten hot tar in the blazing sun, thanks to the safety features this boot incorporates. 

What's There Not To Like About It?

The only downside to the boot is that working in it for an extended period can cause your feet to stink. Its preceding product, the Timberland PRO Athletic Work Shoes, comes with an antimicrobial lining that this shoe lacks, thereby pushing it to the second position on the list. 

Pros and Cons of ROCKROOSTER Work Boots

Pros

  • Superior comfort
  • Best-in-class safety features
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to wash

Cons

  • Wearing it longer can make your feet smelly

3. Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots

Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots

If you’re in search of a comfortable pair that offers exceptional safety, then the Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots are a great choice. The slip-resistant outsole provides maximum traction on oily and wet surfaces and loose gravel. 

Product Highlights

When selecting an ideal boot to work on asphalt paving, ensure that the footwear has useful safety features. In this context, Thorogood shoes come with safety steel toes and slip-resistant outsoles. The safety steel toes protect your toes from external agents, while the slip-resistant outsoles keep you standing even on slippery surfaces. 

Apart from that, the work boots are made of top-quality leather, based on the Goodyear Storm Welt construction that makes them long-lasting. 

In terms of comfort, features like Poron 4000 cushioning act as shock-absorbing footbeds for workers working on rough surfaces all day long. Furthermore, the fiberglass shank construction makes the boots flexible and provides the necessary support needed by the feet to maintain shape under heavy duress. 

What's There To Like About It?

With so many safety features included, this work boot by Thorogood has become one of the most desirable choices for asphalt workers. Irrespective of the external environment, my feet stay safe encased in a uniquely-designed shoe with many safety layers. Plus, its cotton drill vamp lining keeps my feet fresh for a long time when working under the blazing sun. 

Thanks to its high-quality leather construction, I have been using it for quite a few years without much wear or damage. 

What's There Not To Like About It?

The shoe might be a bit narrow at the top, and it caused my feet to swell when I wore it for the entire day. This wasn’t the case with the ROCKROOSTER Work Boots featuring dual-density footbeds, which is why these boots are positioned lower on the list. 

Pros and Cons of Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots

Pros

  • Protects feet from heavy tools
  • Made of superior quality leather
  • Slip-resistant
  • Cotton drill vamp lining keeps feet fresh

Cons

  • Bit narrow on the sides
Thorogood American Heritage 6” Steel Toe Work Boots for Men - Full-Grain Leather with Moc Toe, Slip-Resistant Wedge Outsole, and Comfort Insole; EH Rated, Tobacco Oil-tanned - 7 D US
  • AMERICAN MADE with USA and globally sourced components by the skilled craftsmen and women at Thorogood’s US plants
  • DURABLE FULL-GRAIN LEATHER BOOTS in Thorogood’s moc toe work boot design are both comfortable and hold up to punishing jobs. Available in Tobacco (804-4200), Trail Crazyhorse (804-4575), and Midnight Black (804-6201)
  • STEEL TOE BOOTS FOR MEN protect your feet from on-site impact and compression hazards while the design keeps them light and flexible, making American Heritage some of the best safety toe boots for men with dangerous jobs. Meets ASTM F2413-18 safety toe standards

4. Carhartt Ground Force Work Boots

Carhartt Ground Force Work Boots

The next option on my list is the Carhartt Ground Force Work Boots, which takes the comfort to a new level by adding additional foam layers. You'll be able to work comfortably for long hours, thanks to the brand’s timeless engineering and innovation. 

Product Highlights

Working on an asphalt pavement requires a protective pair of shoes, which Carhartt work boots offer. Made of AX Suede cover material, these boots minimize the risks of foot slip by almost 30%. Now you can walk on molten tar without the fear of falling. Plus, secondary protection is provided by the boot against incidental contact with up to 18,000 volts of electrical shock. 

The brand has placed utmost importance on the comfort of these boots. These are created from 3D scans of nearly 120,000 feet for delivering unmatched foam, comfort, and fit. With several foam layers, the boots offer rebound and compression abilities that keep your feet comfortable and relaxed during prolonged use. 

Moreover, a breathable and waterproof membrane called “storm defender” keeps your feet cool by promoting air circulation. 

What's There To Like About It?

Comfort is the best feature of this work boot, and its two-foam layered footbeds deliver an incredibly comfortable wearing experience. One of my neighbors wears these boots, and he claims his feet don't get tired even after working all day or trekking through the roughest terrain. 

Also, in terms of safety, the pair meets the electrical hazard rating ASTM 2413-11 EH, so you are safe from any electrical shocks. 

What's There Not To Like About It?

The limitation of this shoe is that you can’t walk directly on the molten tar, and blisters might come up under your feet. This is why it’s ranked below the Thorogood American Heritage Steel Toe Work Boots that keep your feet safe from any external conditions. 

Pros and Cons of Carhartt Ground Force Work Boots

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Water-resistant
  • Shock-resistant
  • Minimizes risks of foot slip

Cons

  • Blisters come up when walking on hot tar
Carhartt Ground Force 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Boot - Durable Slip-Resistant Outsole with Rubber Heel, Composite Safety Toe, and Insite Footbed, Red Brown - 8M
  • STAY DRY, STAY FOCUSED - Built with Storm Defender technology, these composite toe boots for men keep moisture out while letting heat escape, so your feet stay cool, dry, and ready to move.
  • SUPPORT THAT WORKS OVERTIME - Featuring Insite footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles, these composite work boots deliver all-day comfort, stability, and arch support that lasts from clock-in to clock-out.
  • RELIABLE GRIP - A tough Ground Force rubber outsole resists oil, chemicals, and slips, giving men’s industrial construction boots the traction and flexibility needed to take on the toughest worksites.

5. Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots

Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots

As I’ve reached almost the end of my list, I present to you the high-quality Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots. Designed with worker safety in mind, you can wear this shoe anywhere, regardless of the hot surface. 

Product Highlights

To deal with the safety issues of workers walking on hot molten tar, Cofra work boots come with slip-resistant outsoles and chemical-resistant leather made of PU/Nitrile. The combination of both features allows the boots to withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. It makes them a viable companion for workers in the paving industry, especially when they’re working under the blazing sun. 

Furthermore, these boots come with composite safety toes, so your toes are safe from any significant impacts. In other words, paving workers can confidently move around heavy machinery and tools without fear of having their toes crushed. 

What’s more, the cushioned insoles offer perfect cushioning to the feet of paving workers, and their feet don’t get fatigued after a long day of work. 

What's There To Like About It?

These work boots offer everything an asphalt paver expects from them. Be it superior protection from hot molten tar or keeping the feet relaxed, the pair offers it all. Thanks to its polyurethane construction, I can confidently walk on the hot tar without having to worry about burning my feet or getting blisters. 

Plus, it eliminates foot and joint pain problems at the end of a long workday on the road. The shoes deliver perfect cushioning, so your feet stay relaxed and comfortable. 

What's There Not To Like About It?

There’s no protection against electrical shocks, which can be catastrophic for a worker. Plus, the boots are not waterproof, putting them at the bottom of my list, below the Carhartt Ground Force Work Boots, which offers both. 

Pros and Cons of Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots

Pros

  • Slip-resistant outsoles
  • Safety toes
  • Cushioned insoles
  • Withstand high temperatures

Cons

  • Not electrical-resistant
  • Isn’t waterproof
Cofra 82020-CU0.W10 New Asphalt EH PR Safety Boots, 10, Black
  • BREATHABLE, WEATHERPROOF UPPER - Durable leather upper offers water resistance and breathability for all day comfort
  • ASPHALT READY - Desinged to protect against freshly laid asphalt, keeping your feet protected from extreme heat
  • HEAT DEFENDER RUBBER SOLE- Polyurethane/nitrile rubber sole resistant up to +572 °F (1 minute contact)

Buyers Guide

Now that you’ve gone through the reviews of the best work boots for asphalt paving, were you able to choose one? Maybe not! 

Selecting an ideal work boot that meets every need of an asphalt paver isn’t as easy as it seems. And, a range of factors needs to be considered before purchasing a pair. For your convenience, I have put together a list of these factors and discussed each in detail. 

So, let’s check them out! 

1. Flat Outsoles

Hot pavement in the blazing sun is something all asphalt pavers handle regularly. But, if something tough passes through it while hot, it leaves imprints and may affect the quality of the finished work. 

Therefore, I advise purchasing work boots with flat, non-marking outsoles that are also slip-resistant. This way, it minimizes the risk of leaving imprints on newly constructed pavement, and you can experience minimum injuries and maximum traction. 

2. Abrasion And Heat-Resistant Outsoles

Paving workers working on a new asphalt driveway spend the majority of their time dealing with abrasive materials like molten tar. These can reach a temperature up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to burn through your work boots and potentially your feet, which can be very painful. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to get yourself work boots that feature abrasion and heat-resistant outsoles to remain safe while working with hot molten tar. 

3. Composite Safety Toes

If you’re looking to DIY the asphalt driveway or an asphalt paver, your work boots must have composite safety toes. These are not only durable but also heat-resistant. In other words, wearing these boots would protect your feet from hot molten tar and heavy equipment. 

After all, asphalt paving requires heavy-duty equipment like steam rollers, asphalt pavers, and others, and the danger of them falling or going over your feet is very high. 

4.  Full Gusset Tongue

Full gusset tongue is the tongue of the boot that is directly attached to the upper portion along with the opening where the laces run. Having a work boot with a full gusset tongue is essential, especially for asphalt workers. 

Imagine - you’re paving a road under the blazing sun when a bit of molten tar suddenly comes flying at your feet. Wouldn’t you want a work boot that fully covers your feet rather than a pair that keeps a portion exposed? 

5. Protection Against Elements

It’s unfortunate if your expensive work boot gets damaged after using them only a few times. Sadly, asphalt workers have to deal with this issue more frequently while working outdoors, as they are exposed to snow, rain, high winds, and the hot sun. These situations require one to wear footwear with specific attributes that may help them stay safe. 

I’d recommend you go for work boots with insulation and waterproof features. This will ensure that no debris, liquid, or snow enters the boots and gets in touch with your feet. 

6. Shock-Absorbing Midsoles And Footbeds

I had to stand on the firm pavement for almost the entire day while working on my asphalt pavement. It put a lot of stress on my joints and feet, resulting in feet, knee, and lower-back pain, which was a harrowing experience. 

That’s when my husband recommended I go for boots with comfortable midsoles and footbeds. The presence of these features eases the shock generated while walking the entire day on hard asphalt and substantially minimizes the fatigue of the feet and joints. 

7. Breathable Linings

This is another critical aspect you should consider when purchasing work boots for asphalt paving. There’s nothing worse than working under the hot sun with hot molten tar underneath your feet and beside you while wearing thick leather boots. It’s like your feet are dipped constantly in molten-hot lava. 

To ensure comfort, I recommend wearing shoes with breathable linings that allow fresh air to enter your feet and keep them cool. This will help your feet relax a bit while moving through a molten tar. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the importance of specialized work boots for asphalt workers?

Paving an asphalt road poses a variety of risks that aren’t there when working elsewhere. These are: 

  • Working on hot molten tar can seriously burn the skin
  • Walking on hot and rigid asphalt pavement can place strain on joints
  • Being exposed to rain, wind, and other outdoor conditions

Workers need boots with special features to deal with the mentioned issues. 

Q2. What are the risks associated with asphalt paving?

As already mentioned, asphalt paving exposes workers to several hazards. These are dangerous and heavy machinery falling over or crushing your feet, sharp objects piercing through outsoles and injuring your feet, and feet burning from exposure to hot molten tar. 

Apart from that, working on hard asphalt for 10-12 hours strains the feet and joints, leading to foot and knee pain. 

Q3. How to clean asphalt and tar off the boots?

It’s a bit of a cumbersome process, and you need the following materials: 

  • WD-40
  • Soapy water
  • Plastic knife
  • Old toothbrush

First, keep the boots in a freezer overnight to freeze the tar and become easier to remove. After 10-12 hours, remove them from the freezer and gently scrape off the tar with a plastic knife. Then after, soak an old toothbrush in soap and warm water and brush the tar away. 

Once the frozen tar is washed away, it only leaves tougher tar and asphalt specs behind. Spray the WD-40 all over the boots and keep it to rest for a few minutes. Use the soaked toothbrush and plastic knife to get rid of the remaining tar. 

My Final Recommendation

On that note, it’s time to wrap my guide on the best work boots for asphalt paving

But before I close the curtains, I’d like to mention some of my favorites. My top recommendation would be the Timberland PRO Athletic Work Shoes, which comes with everything an asphalt paver seeks for. Be it superior protection against hot tar and external elements, comfort, or breathable lining, the pair has all. 

But if you are looking for a similar option that comes with a bit more style options, then the ROCKROOSTER Work Boots would be your best option. 

With that, I’d wrap up this guide. I hope my recommendations and guide help you select an ideal work boot for yourself. 

Adios! 


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