For a plumber, finding the right work boot is very important. They will have specific footwear requirements and face various kinds of hazards, so in this blog, we’ll recommend a series of boots that provide long-lasting safety and comfort for plumbers, as well as offer some tips to make sure wearers aren't over-speccing, which could save money and a lot of hassle.
Where there’s plumbing, water is not usually far away. However, if you’re working mostly indoors and only encounter occasional and light amounts of water, we recommend a water-resistant boot, rather than opting for a waterproof style.
If a boot is waterproof, it will have a specialised membrane so water won’t be able to penetrate. While good waterproof membranes will allow air to pass through, they won’t be as breathable as a water-resistant boot. A good feature for those in the right environment; however, it can be hindering in the wrong environment.
V1920 Octane keeps feet dry and protected during short-term moisture exposure.
Because plumbers spend a lot of time kneeling, the toe area of their boots are in frequent contact with the ground or floor. This can wear away the material at the toe end of their boots quickly, so we strongly recommend a boot that has a durable scuff cap, which will extend the life of the boot.
V1940 Torque's durability makes it perfect for plumbers kneeling for prolonged periods.
Because so much of a plumber’s time will be spent working whilst kneeling, it’s also important their footwear is flexible. Due to this, some prefer a safety trainer rather than a boot, as there is less over the ankle material which wearers can find more comfortable.
V1910 Boost is a flexible style allowing the wearer to work in comfort in any position.
Plumbers will often have to walk across wet floors, particularly if they’re fixing a leak, so that’s why a sole – or more-specifically an outsole – that provides excellent grip is crucial.
But if you’re working indoors for most of the time, there’s not much value in having a chunky, wide sole with deep tread on your boot made for outdoor terrain. Instead, we recommend a sole designed to keep the wearer firm-footed and slip-free on smooth, slippery man-made surfaces.
Within the V12 range, the right sole unit would be the IGS. Inspired by tyre technology and developed by working with experts in safety testing and tyre technology, this sole unit features:
Find out more about the IGS here.
So, hopefully it’s clear from reading this that the right boot for a plumber is about what you need – and what you don’t. As always, the right safety style will depend on the required specification, but to conclude, we recommend safety footwear that provide:
Finally, to ensure that over-specification does not occur, ask yourself if it’s necessary to have waterproof boots with wider or chunkier outdoor grip. In this line of work, they could be nice-to-haves, but possibly not necessary.
Seen any safety boots you like? Head to the V12 range to discover our strong, durable and comfortable safety boots and trainers.