A painter's choice of footwear can be a make or break point for their overall health. For any tradesperson who works on their feet, the choice of footwear becomes a major factor for job performance and safety over time. Work shoes offer greater freedom around the ankles and are much lighter than traditional work boots. This freedom becomes crucial when painters bend or squat throughout the day. Work shoes for painters don’t need to sacrifice safety either, with a range of safety and steel toe options available.
Looking for the best tool for painters?
Low on time? Skip ahead!
- Best steel toe: Furuian Steel Toe Shoes
- Most comfortable: Skechers Men's Running Shoes
- Lightest safety toe: Black Hammer Lightweight Safety Trainers
- Best price: SPIEZ Lightweight Safety Trainers
- Best overall: SALOMON's Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe
1. Best steel toe: Furuian Steel Toe Shoes
Why painters love Furuian Steel Toe Shoes
Worn by 1 in 100 workers across America, Puritan Steel Toe Shoes have built a reputation for their reliable, affordable support. While slightly heavier than regular trainers, they’re ready to wear straight from the box and offer a more cushioned and lighter option compared to steel-toe boots. Furthermore, they are slip-resistant and can protect against loads of up to 500 pounds!
Pros:
- Ready to wear, no break-in required.
- Lightweight and comfortable for long hours.
- Slip-resistant for added safety.
Cons:
- Not available in wide widths.
- Limited colour options.
- Some users may require additional insoles.
2. Most comfortable: Skechers Men's Running Shoes
Why painters love Skechers Running Shoes
Skechers Men's Running Shoes memory foam insoles offer exceptional cushioning, making them ideal for extended periods of standing and walking. These might not just be the most comfortable shoes to wear to work, they might be the most comfortable shoes - period. Described as ‘like walking on clouds’ the Sketchers range is favoured by painters for providing exceptional comfort and support - perfect for those working on their feet on tough surfaces.
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort with memory foam insoles.
- Suitable for long hours of walking and standing.
- Comes from a reputable brand.
Cons:
- Not intended for heavy-duty work.
- Limited support for challenging terrain.
- Limited colour options.
3. Lightest safety toe: Black Hammer Lightweight Safety Trainers
Why painters love Black Hammer Safety Trainers
Black Hammer Lightweight Safety Trainers offer steel toe protection while maintaining an impressively lightweight design. Their adjustable pull-tie laces save time compared to tie laces — useful when dashing in and out of a home. With Kevlar midsole protection to protect the soles from punctures and higher ankle supports, Black Hammer’s trainers are designed to protect your feet all day long.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended work periods.
- Steel toe protection ensures safety.
- Adjustable pull-tie laces for a secure fit.
Cons:
- Limited size options.
- May require extra adjustments for a perfect fit.
- Rubber laces may be less durable than traditional ones.
5. Best price: SPIEZ Lightweight Safety Trainers
Why painters love SPIEZ Safety Trainers
Voted some of the best-looking safety-toed shoes available, SPIEZ Unisex Lightweight Safety Trainers are also the cheapest option on this list (at the time of writing). Their cushioned insole provides extra comfort while their machine washable fly woven fabric helps to keep your feet dry and odour-free. They also offer puncture-proof insoles for additional safety.
Pros:
- Comfort with cushioned insoles.
- Breathable and odour-free.
- Steel toe and puncture-proof insoles provide protection.
Cons:
- Limited style options.
- May not be suitable for heavy construction work.
- Less durable long-term than other options.
5. Best overall: SALOMON's Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe
Why painters love Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail running shoes
With an aggressive grip and stability, these shoes are the ultimate choice for those seeking a perfect blend of durability, flexibility, and traction. The exterior, made from Gore-TEX, is built to resist water, punctures and scuffing. What sets these shoes apart is their exceptional traction, providing a reliable grip on various surfaces, and ensuring stability and safety even in slippery or unstable conditions.
Pros:
- Excellent grip and stability.
- Water resistant.
- High-quality and reputable brand.
Cons:
- Not intended for heavy-duty work.
- Limited insulation for extreme weather.
- Higher price point.
