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Get yourself a quality pair of lineman boots, boots that are designed with you in mind and made by companies who understand that your job can be tough on your feet. These boots have many features like leather uppers, waterproofing to keep your feet dry when working outdoors in wet weather conditions, and steel shanks for climbing.
They come as insulated or non-insulated depending on what you need during the winter months or summer months respectively. And they last a long time!
Lineman boots are a staple in the job of a lineman. It is not uncommon for linemen to wear their boots for up to 12+ hours at time. The last thing you want is your feet going numb, back pain, or wet socks. One way to help prevent this from happening is by investing in the best lineman boot available.
I’ve been a lineman for the past 5 years and have tried out a few boots in the process. I’ve written this lineman boot review to cover some of my favorite lineman boots currently available on the market.
Best Overall:
Wesco Highliner
Wesco, based out of Oregon, has been making trusted and reputable lineman boots for years. Their 155 step-by-step process delivers an exceptional boot that demonstrates what durability is about. The Highliner lineman boot from Wesco is a must have for those who work as lineman due to its numerous features that make it safer and more comfortable than other lineman boots.
It has a safety lace and steel shanks which gives you better support when climbing poles. Other features include PU leather which makes the boots waterproof and perfect for lineman who often walk through rain or wet ground conditions. I’m telling you this waterproof boot is top notch and so important when you work in the early mornings while the grass is still wet from overnight dew or when you have to work in the rain….
The slim profile of the Wesco Highliner lineman work boot makes it lightweight but still tough enough to withstand all day use on your feet. It’s an all leather lineman boot which makes it durable. These lineman work boots are one of the best lineman boots for lineman, hands down.
Best Budget:
Carolina Linesman 10 CA904
Carolina lineman boots are an affordable lineman boot that don’t compromise quality. This is the boot I have the most familiarity with on this list. It is definitely a durable boot. I’ve owned these boots for years and not 1 thing has ever failed me besides a boot lace or 2.
This Carolina Linesman 10 boot comes with the SCUBALINER waterproofing system, however it does fall short in comparison to the Wesco boot mentioned above and some of the others on the list. I have had days where my feet were a bit damp and uncomfortable, such as in the early mornings when the high grass is still wet. But in most water scenarios the SCUBALINER system holds up well. The heavy duty steel shank makes climbing poles comfortable.
This boot is lightweight and a good fit on your feet. They have a sleek slim profile which makes them easy to wear all day long without feeling fatigued. I’ve been wearing lineman boots for 5 years and these are some of the best boots for the money that I have tried- hands down!
Best Runner Up:
Hoffman 10″ Powerline Plain Toe
For over 15 years lineman have been raving about the lineman boot from Hoffman called the Powerline. This lineman boot is a standard within lineman and has been for years. The 10″ plain toe lineman boots are lightweight, comfortable, and durable.
With a leather upper it protects against wet weather conditions. An oil-resistant outsole provides slip resistance in any terrain or working condition outdoors where lineman work. The lineman powerline boots come with a cushioned interior and padded tongue to keep your feet as comfortable as possible, reducing fatigue on those 12 hour days up in the air. They also have the steel shanks for comfortable climbing.
One aspect lineman love about these boots is the flexible mid-sole which leads to a quick break in time. There’s not much worse than buying a new pair of boots and then having to suffer through the discomfort of the break in time. With the Hoffman 10″ Powerline boots that is not an issue.
Best Under ($275):
Ariat Powerline H20 Pull-On
The pull on/slip on lineman boots are popular for lineman due to the quick break-in, lightweight durability, and non existent laces. The Ariat lineman work boot is a hot item right now and many lineman believe it’s one of the best boots for lineman. With pull on ease, this lineman leather work boot comes with 400g Thinsulate Ultra insulation which provides warmth and protection on cold job sites.
These boots will keep your feet warm in even the coldest conditions, and they are also waterproof thanks to the full-grain leather upper. This pull-on lineman boot comes in a rubber and leather outsole which provides traction and slip resistance.
What do lineman love most about this boot?- the snug fit. It’s hard to find a pull-on boot that fits really well on your feet and these Ariat Powerline boots are a favorite for that reason. If you want a boot you can pull-on quickly, fits well, keeps your feet warm and dry, PLUS doesn’t cost $500 this lineman boot is a great choice.
Best Lineman Boot for Winter
Hoffman Lineman Felt Pac
This boot is designed to protect you from the harshest of working conditions that lineman work through- ice, snow, frozen lineman poles, etc. The Hoffman lineman boots are not 100% waterproof but they are designed to keep your feet dry during all types of wet weather. This lineman boot comes with a felt lining which provides warmth and insulation when you need it on those bone chilling days. You’ll feel like you have put on an electric pair of socks when you pull these lineman boots on in the winter time.
Made in Kellogg, Idaho and hand crafted for the past 30 years, these guys know how to make a winter boot that you can work in all day. They even have dual shanks so you can climb. The Hoffman Lineman Felt Pac is a lineman boot for winter that won’t disappoint.
Best Slip On Lineman Boot:
Hall’s 626 12 Pull On Brown Lineman Boot
Much like the Ariat Powerline pull on boot mentioned above, the Hall’s 626 is quite popular because of the slip on aspect, quick break-in time, comfortable all day wear, and lightweight durability. They can be used to climb and lineman don’t have to worry about laces or eyelets that have come undone during work. The 626 comes with a unique 3 rib pole climber shank that allows lineman to climb without discomfort.
The boot comes with a rubber outsole which provides slip resistance in any lineman situation you are working through. If you’ve been thinking of getting a pull on lineman work boot the Hall’s 626 lineman boot is a great boot to start with.
Finals Words
The lineman boots above won’t disappoint- these are some of our favorite lineman boots on the market today. No lineman should be without a great pair of lineman boots.It can be difficult to make the decision on which lineman boot is best for each lineman. Take into consideration what features are most important to you or what you are looking for in lineman boots before making your final decision.
The most common aspect lineman love about these particular boots is they come with quick break-in times, comfortable all day wear, lightweight durability, plus don’t cost $500! If you’re looking for an affordable yet quality work boot to get through those long days hanging off poles and tromping through the woods then this list is just what you need.
Looking for a new climbing belt? Check out our article discussing the the most comfortable climbing belts- The 6 Most Comfortable Lineman Belts.