Searching for the best HVAC boots for field technicians is an important task for newly qualified HVAC field techs and veteran field technicians. When selecting a good quality boot there are a couple of ideas that need to be taken into consideration.
The reason is quite obvious, HVAC field technicians work in a variety of conditions, such as indoors without climate control and outdoors in any type of weather condition. Furthermore, HVAC field techs often work on rooftops and in small, cramped spaces which put additional stress and pressure on the foot.
It is therefore very important to get the right HVAC boot in order to protect your foot from extreme weather conditions, sharp implements and foot pressure.
What does HVAC mean? And Who Are HVAC Technicians?
What does HVAC mean? HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. People who work in this industry provide heating and cooling services to new buildings at the required industry standard for construction.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning field technicians, better known as HVAC field techs. HVAC technicians work in many types of buildings, including residential and commercial, installing, repairing and maintaining HVAC systems.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC technicians are in high demand. This is as a result of the increased demand for new homes and buildings with climate-controlled systems (www.bls.gov).
There is a prediction, by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, that jobs for HVAC mechanics and installers will increase by 13% from 2018 to 2028.
Why an HVAC Boot is needed?
As said before working in this industry puts a lot of pressure on the foot and suffering for foot pain will hinder you doing a good job and may even cause you to hate your dream job. Sore feet will surely cause you to not perform at your best.
The good this is, a great pair of HVAC boot will go a long way to protect your feet from pressure injury, extreme weather conditions, sharp implements lying around, and also from the stain on the feet caused from standing on your feet for most of the day. Your job heavily relies on your feet therefore you have to look after it.
What to Look for in a Great Pair of HVAC Boots
In this article, we’ve created a list of the things you need to look for in a great HVAC boot. We’ve also thrown in some recommendations for specific models of footwear.
1. Arch Support To Relax The Plantar Tendon
The job entails a lot of standing. Standing for an excessive period of time put pressure on the plantar tendon. Which leads to foot pain. A boot with arch support is a good choice to combat this problem.
Arch support ensures that the arch of the foot is supported, drop arch is just too painful. If the boot does not have enough support you may put an arch support in your boot.
These can be purchased on amazon easily. The one I like is the PCSsole Orthotic Arch Support Shoe Inserts, it is quite cheap also.
2. Comes with Cushioned Insoles For Heel Protection
Boots with cushioned insoles give the sensation as if you are walking on air. It’s such a lovely feeling when you walk in these boots since the cushion minimises the shocks of walking all day on your feet.
You put a gel insole in your boot if it is not included in the boot from day one. A cheap insole can be purchased on Amazon. Dr marten’s gel insole is a good one.
3. Be Water Proof or Water Resistance
As part of the job of a field technician, you are working outside in extreme conditions. There will be rainy days, snowy days, muddy and damp days, therefore, it is necessary for you to get an HVAC boot that is waterproof or at least water-resistant.
You do not want moisture in the boot while you are working. It will only injure your feet.
4. Breathable Liner To Wich Away Moisture
A good pair of HVAC boot for field techs should have a breathable liner. A breathable liner to wick sweat and moisture away from your foot keeping it nice and dry.
As a result of working all day in this boot, having a breathable line is definitely a must-have feature.
5. Deep Tread On The Outsole Of The Boot
You will be working on the roof of buildings, in areas of the building with moisture on the floor, therefore having a boot that grips are important.
In other words, the outsole of the boot should tread dept deep enough to give you an excellent grip. The last thing you want to do is to slip and injure yourself.
Additionally, the outsole should be thick enough to protect against punctures by sharp objects lying around on the worksite.
6. Built With Insulated Rubber To Protect Against Electrical Shocks
The role of an HVAC tech requires that you work with live current. This has the potential to seriously injure or kill you. Especially since the environment can have moisture on the floor.
You, therefore, want a boot that as insulated rubber outer sole that meets ASTM specifications for electrical hazards. Seeking a boot that comes with rubber outer lining is definitely a must.
7. Get HVAC Boots That Is Properly Sized For Your Feet
HVAC boots that are too could potentially pinch your toes or the back of your feet cause ulcers to develop. With an ulcer on your feet, it will cause to gait improperly.
Improper gaiting will cause misalignment of the joints and therefore joint pain, especially in the knees and lower back. Make sure the boot is not squeezing your toes or foot.
Get boots with enough wiggle room for the toes. If the boot is not as comfortable as it should be, read the article on how to make steel toe boots more comfortable.
8. Get Steel Toe Boots To Protect Toes
Since you will be lifting or carrying heavy toots and equipment it is maybe necessary for you to get a boot that offers protection of the toes.
A steel-toed will protect your toes from heavy objects accidentally falling on your toes. These boots will sometimes include a steel plate that will protect the boot from sharp objects puncturing it and damaging your feet.
9. Get high top HVAC boots
The job involves you walking on uneven surfaces, whether it be on the roof of buildings, on in crevices, therefore, a high top boot will offer good ankle support.
Your job is critical and a sprained ankle is the last thing you want on the job. A high top boot is also good to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures.
The Best HVAC Boots For Field Technicians
It is important to get a good quality HVAC boot that is fit for purpose. Based on my investigation the most popular brand for field technicians include Carhartt, Caterpillar, Dr. Martens, Georgia, Red Wing, Thorogood, Timberland and Wolverine.
Always choose a good quality boot for work. A pair of high-quality work boots will last for many years especially when cared for properly. Based on questioning a few HVAC technicians the boot that they most recommend include:
- Wolverine Men’s Steel Toe Raider Boot
- Dr. Martens – Men’s Icon 7B10 Safety Toe 7 Eye Boot
- Timberland PRO Direct Attach 6″ Steel Safety Toe Waterproof Insulated Boot
- Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
- Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boot
- Carhartt Men’s Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot
- Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Moc Toe – Safety Toe
Conclusion
I hope you find the article useful in helping you to choose an HVAC boot that is fit for purpose. Get a good quality boot in order to protect your feet.
You get only one pair of legs after all. Even though you bought the best pair of boot, it is important that your care for them so that they last a long time.
You can ask your firm which pair they recommend that you buy. Remember that some of the links in the article are affiliate links and the site may get a commission for recommending products.
