There's a reason veteran carpenters are called journeymen. Being on your feet all day is tough work — not to mention lifting, moving, crafting, and carrying. Take care of your feet with the best pair of shoes and they'll take care of you in return.
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Safety first!
Every carpenter will have different health & safety requirements depending on their day-to-day. If you're working with heavy timber or on construction sites, you might need the protection of a steel toe. If it's light work with a lot of walking, comfort will be key.
Looking for boots? Check out the Best Boots for Carpenters!
Best shoes for carpenters:
- 1. Best all-rounder: Merrel Moab Shoes
- 2. Highly recommended: Red Wing Shoes
- 3. Best waterproof shoe: Oboz Bridger
- 4. Best for wide feet: Keen
- 5. Best aesthetic: Timberlands & CAT
What should a carpenter look for in a pair of shoes?
Everybody's feet are different — at the end of the day, only you can decide on the best fit for you. If you find that running shoes work best for you, then great! That being said, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Size - Sizes vary, but comfort should be #1. Check whether the manufacturer recommends sizing up or down depending on how each pair will wear.
- Safety - Individual risk levels depend on the type of work you do. Find the balance between adequate protection and comfort.
- Breathability - If you're wearing your shoes all day, you gotta let those puppies breathe.
- Durability & dexterity - Think about what surfaces you'll be navigating regularly. Are you working mostly inside or outside? What surfaces will you need to grip to?
- Water resistance - If you work outside, some level of water resistance will go a long way.
1. Best all-rounder for carpenters: Merrel Moab Shoes
A hiking shoe can be the perfect fit for your average carpenter. You get a balance between protection and comfort, with all the support you need for all-day wear. Seasoned carpenters swear by the Merrel Moab.
Why carpenters love Merrel:
- The range of styles and colours for both men & women, along with waterproof options, make Merrel perfect for the versatile carpenter.
2. Highly recommended for carpenters: Red Wing Shoes
Red Wing Shoes has earned a solid reputation in work footwear with a commitment to quality that goes back generations. These shoes are meticulously crafted, with extra protection options like a safety toe if that's what you need.
Why carpenters love Red Wing Shoes:
- Red Wing Shoes offer the perfect arch and ankle support to keep carpenters comfortable all day long. Slip-resistant soles reduce risk and a variety of styles and waterproof options are also available.
3. Best waterproof shoe for carpenters: Oboz Bridger
Back to hiking shoes for a second — because when it comes to waterproof footwear, the Oboz Bridger stands out. These shoes are built to keep your feet firm & dry, even in wet and challenging conditions. The Bridger features a waterproof membrane to seal out moisture while still allowing your feet to breathe, wicking away sweat and dampness.
Why carpenters love Oboz:
- Their durable materials can withstand the demands of carpentry work, providing long-lasting performance in any environment.
4. Best for wide feet: Keen
If you've got wide feet, you can't go past Keen — a brand well-known for roomy toe boxes and generous widths. Their designs balance comfort and safety, with options for aluminium, steel, or carbon fibre toe protection. With a huge range of styles, carpenters with wider feet won't take one wrong step with Keen.
Why carpenters love Keen:
- Keen have a reputation for quality and a commitment to delivering comfortable work footwear for all foot types. They also do a lot of good for people and the planet, with a promise to be more than just shoemakers.
5. Best aesthetic choice: Timberlands or CAT (Caterpillar)
Admittedly, many of the shoes listed above aren't the most aesthetically pleasing. The best carpenter's shoes value function over form, for sure. But there are some great options out there for those who like to put a little effort into their onsite outfit. Timberlands offer some classics that will never go out of style, and CAT are coming up with some slick kicks too.
Why carpenters love Timberlands:
- Timberland is known for producing robust and long-lasting footwear. Many of their casual shoes offer composite toe caps, making them a great-looking and safe choice for carpenters
Check out the Timberland boots!
Why carpenters love CAT:
- CAT offers a uniquely wide range of styles and designs, allowing carpenters to find footwear that not only meets their work requirements but also aligns with their personal style preferences. Their range for women in particular is unparalleled.
Looking for some more gear? Check out these lists:
- Tools for carpenters
- Tools for builders
- Tool belts for carpenters
- Best carpenters' squares
- Best construction workwear
- Best hammers for builders & carpenters
- Best boots for carpenters
- Best watches for carpenters
6. See how Tradify fits your carpentry business
How would you like to kick your feet up more often? Tradify users can cut 10+ hours/week on business admin and office work. That means less time buried in a pile of paperwork and more time on the tools — or taking a much-needed break.
To name just a few of Tradify’s features, the app can help with:
- Creating and sending invoices.
- Managing enquiries.
- Creating and sending quotes & estimates.
- Building a business website in minutes.
No credit card required. No contracts.
Or pop over to one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.
