Keeping feet dry is hugely important for those who work outside - particularly in the winter months. Working in wet environments can spell all sorts of comfort and foot health issues: from numbness, itching, blisters, Athlete's foot - even blood vessel impairment and tissue damage - wet feet can do a lot of harm and should always be avoided.
So, in this blog, we’re taking a deep dive into the best waterproof safety boots on the market in order to ensure you avoid wet feet, and get the foot health and safety solution that's right for you.
And while all the styles in this article will keep water out thanks to their waterproof linings, when it comes to waterproof safety boots, there's a lot more to think about depending on your foot health needs and industry-specific safety requirements. So what should you be looking for in a high-performing pair of waterproof boots? By highlighting some of the very best on the market, we'll show you everything you need to know.
Lynx
The Lynx safety boot demonstrates arguably the most important element of a waterproof style (aside from keeping the water out) which is breathability.
The drawback with many waterproof boots is that often, they make feet hot and sweaty. This is because the membrane (which makes the boot waterproof by acting as a barrier between water and the foot) can also act as a barrier which stops air getting in. That’s why some who wear waterproof garments say while they're great at keeping water out, because the fabric isn't always breathable (i.e. air can't get through to the body) the amount of sweat generated means they often end up as damp and soggy as they would have if the rain had got in.
The Lynx uses the Sympatex waterproof membrane, which absorbs sweat and pushes it out by evaporation, keeping the feet cool and moisture-free. Its structure is also designed to swell with the moisture, providing space for fast water vapour transport and evaporation.
The other aspect that makes the Lynx a best selling waterproof style is that it's a seriously sustainable boot. Not only is it a carbon neutral product, even its waterproof lining is eco-friendly: Sympatex is 100% recyclable due to its biodegradable polymer, and furthermore, over 25% of the raw materials used in this membrane are renewable, bio-based materials.
When V12 call the Lynx their most sustainable boot, they're not lying! Check out the men's and True Women's Fit Lynx range here.
Groundworker
Groundworker is by its nature waterproof, because it is an S5 boot. This means it gets its waterproof properties due to its rubber or polymer construction. But Groundworker isn't just waterproof: it's the full comfort package.
Its outsole is temperature-resistant down to - 40° providing outstanding thermal insulation, it's incredibly lightweight thanks to its lighter-than-rubber PU and tear-resistant Neoprene leg, and finally, it has a wide-fitting toecap for comfort.
The Groundworker safety wellington reminds us that waterproof boots should be designed for all-round comfort, and keeping feet warm, blister-free and unburdened by extra weight is just as important as keeping them dry.
Find out more about Groundworker here.
Caiman
Caiman is a best-seller and firm favourite with wearers from sectors as varied as Agriculture, Engineering and Energy because it's such an impressive all-rounder.
Caiman is leather-free so vegan friendly, but maintains an authentic fabric look with its advanced microfibre upper, while its shock-absorbing insole and lighter-than-steel composite toecap and midsole make it a super comfortable product.
But it boasts another big defence against the water. Its innovative IGSTM sole features a non-slip water-dispersing tread, and is lab tested to perform on:
- Kennedy Grating
- Chequer plating
- Scaffold board
A waterproof safety hiker in every sense! Learn more about Caiman here.
Rocky
The Rocky is a perfect example of a boot that keeps feet fully protected from water. It has a sweat-free breathable waterproof lining, and for that extra dash of protection from the H20, Rocky even has a waterproof covered zip.
But the other waterproof design element that Rocky has? A full bellows tongue.
A bellows tongue is when a boot's tongue is extended and attached to each side of the upper. When you bring a bellows tongue of a boot out, you'll see it unfold (like a bellows), which stops water getting in, as there's no gap between the tongue and the sides where the middle and higher eyelets are.
Afterall, a boot is only as waterproof as far as the waterproof membrane inside reaches. You might have the very best waterproof lining, but if you're standing in a trench or working in deep puddles, if the water goes in over the lining through this gap, wet feet are guaranteed. See more of the Rocky here.
Invincible
When it comes to innovation, the Invincible is top of the pile. Its waterproof membrane means wearers' feet stay dry, but what makes this boot truly innovative is ExoGuard®, a patented internal met protection system unlike any on the market.
A carbon strap 200 times stronger than steel safeguards the metatarsals, while beneath, a PU stud network distributes energy transferred from the strap after initial impact. Finally, ExoGuard®’s advanced cushioning material distributes away remaining energy waves from impact with superior shock-absorption.
Along with its advanced ankle protection, a scuff-resistant toe and heel and a water-dispersing grip, it's no surprise that Invincible - available in both men's and True Women's FitTM - was awarded the BSIF Product Innovation Award for PPE at the 2024 Safety & Health Excellence Awards.
See the Invincible and its impressive safety spec here.
WATERPROOF BOOTS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
As these 5 absolutely top-tier safety footwear styles demonstrate, there's more to a waterproof boot than a simple waterproof membrane. Ensure that when you're looking for your safety boot to protect you from the water - depending on the particular conditions and requirements of your role - you consider the importance of:
- A waterproof membrane that's breathable
- Semi or full bellows tongue as a design feature
- A water-dispersing grip (because while wet feet are bad, slipping feet are dangerous)
- Other comfort features including insulation, weight reduction and correct size/fit
- A sustainable and responsibly made membrane, boot and manufacturer
Felling ready to find the right waterproof boot for you? Click below to explore the full V12 Waterproof range.
