Safety Toes
Best EH-Rated Work Boots
Six EH-rated boots, and an honest account of what the rating does not do.
Disclosure: product links on this page go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which boots we recommend or the order they appear in — here is the full disclosure.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Toe & rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  KEEN Utility Detroit XT Carbon-Fiber Toe Work Boot Carbon-fiber toe on the Detroit XT platform: the same impact and compression rating with a lighter, non-conductive cap. | Non-metallic throughout the toe | Carbon-fiber safety toe, non-metallicMeets ASTM F2412-17 and F2413-17 M I/75 C/75, EH; carbon safety toes save about 15% weight over steel, per KEEN | |
| 2 | Carhartt Ground Force Waterproof 6" Composite Toe Work Boot A waterproof composite toe with a heat-rated outsole and an APMA-accepted footbed — the pick when arch support is the deciding factor. | EH plus a named slip rating | Composite safety toe — lightweight, non-metallic, non-conductiveComposite safety toe meeting ASTM F2413-24 EH; outsole meets ASTM F3445-24 SR | |
| 3 | Wolverine Overpass CarbonMAX 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Boot A waterproof CarbonMAX composite toe on a flexible dual-compound outsole — the Overpass is built to move with the foot rather than brace it. | EH with flex | CarbonMAX composite safety toe, non-metallicASTM F2413 M/I/C EH rated composite toe | |
| 4 |  Thorogood American Heritage 6" Moc Toe Safety Toe MAXWear Wedge (804-4200) A Goodyear-welted, USA-built wedge with a steel toe and an EH rating — the default answer for anyone who stands on a flat hard floor and wants a boot that can be resoled. | EH in a resoleable boot | Steel safety toe, moc toe shapeASTM F2413-18, EH | |
| 5 |  Carolina Spruce 8" Steel Toe Waterproof Logger A waterproof 8-inch logger with a triple-bar steel shank — the stiff underfoot platform that ladder rungs and pole work actually need. | EH for climbing work | Steel safety toe capMeets or exceeds ASTM F2413-18 for compression and impact; electrical hazard protection tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60Hz for one minute without leakage | |
| 6 |  BRUNT The Perkins Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot The Perkins swaps the Marin's profile for a defined 90-degree heel — the version to buy if you spend the day on ladders, scaffolding or roof edges. | EH with a 90° heel | Composite safety toe, non-metallicComposite safety toe with electrical hazard (EH) protection; slip- and oil-resistant |
Tap a row to jump to that boot's full write-up. The price column goes straight to Amazon.
What the EH designation actually certifies
The EH code on an ASTM F2413 label means the footwear's outsole and heel are made with electrically insulating properties, tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute with no current flow or leakage above 1.0 milliampere, under dry conditions. Carolina publishes that test condition in full on its own product pages, which is worth more than a hangtag that just says “EH rated”.
Read the qualifiers, because they carry the weight. Dry conditions. Outsole and heel. The boot is not tested wet, it is not tested with a nail through the sole, and it is not tested after two years of abrasion. The rating describes a boot as manufactured, in a lab.
EH, SD and Cd are three different things
| Code | What it does | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| EH | Insulates the wearer from ground; tested at 18,000 V, 60 Hz, one minute, dry | Electricians, linemen, anyone near live circuits |
| SD (static dissipative) | Bleeds static charge away at a controlled rate; ASTM lists SD10, SD35 and SD100 levels | Electronics assembly, cleanrooms, anywhere a static discharge damages the work |
| Cd (conductive) | Dissipates static rapidly by conducting it to ground — the opposite of EH | Explosives and munitions handling, some chemical plants |
These are not interchangeable and one actively cancels another: conductive footwear is the opposite of electrical-hazard footwear. Never wear Cd boots near live circuits, and never substitute EH where the site specifies SD.
Does the toe cap matter for EH?
Not to the test. EH is a property of the outsole and heel, so a steel-toe boot can be EH-rated and many are — the Thorogood 804-4200 and Carolina Spruce on this list both are. Many electricians still prefer a non-metallic cap on principle, and that preference is reasonable even though the rating does not require it.
What is worth checking is the whole boot: a steel shank is also metal in contact with your foot. If you want no metal at all, look for a non-metallic cap and a non-metallic or fiberglass shank stated on the spec sheet.
What to look for
- The EH code on the actual designation line, not just the word on a hangtag.
- Outsole depth and condition. EH lives in the outsole; a worn outsole is a worn rating.
- A slip designation as well. Electrical work happens on ladders and in wet basements; ASTM F3445 SR is the named test.
- A 90° heel if you are on rungs — BRUNT's Perkins and Danner's Quarry both publish one.
- No exposed metal hardware where it could bridge a circuit, if your work takes you that close.
The picks in full
Illustrative category photo — not this model#1 — Non-metallic throughout the toe
KEEN Utility Detroit XT Carbon-Fiber Toe Work Boot
Carbon-fiber toe on the Detroit XT platform: the same impact and compression rating with a lighter, non-conductive cap.
Published specifications
- Toe
- Carbon-fiber safety toe, non-metallic
- Safety rating
- Meets ASTM F2412-17 and F2413-17 M I/75 C/75, EH; carbon safety toes save about 15% weight over steel, per KEEN
- Upper
- Leather upper with the KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane
- Outsole
- Oil- and slip-resistant outsole with siping for wet grip
- Midsole / shank
- KEEN.ReGEN cushioning midsole
- Construction
- Not published as a welt construction
- Waterproof
- Waterproof — KEEN.DRY membrane
- Insulation
- Not insulated
Specifications read from KEEN Utility Detroit XT collection specifications on 2026-09-27. We have not worn this boot.
What works
- Same 75 ft-lb impact rating as steel at lower weight
- Non-metallic cap does not conduct cold or set off detectors
- KEEN states the weight saving as a figure rather than a vibe
What doesn't
- Costs more than the steel-toe version of the same boot
- A composite or carbon cap that takes a heavy hit must be retired, not just inspected
- Not resoleable
Who this is wrong for
Jobs with repeated heavy impact on the toe box. Steel handles repeat strikes better; a non-metallic cap is a one-serious-hit component.
Sizing
Same Detroit XT last as the steel-toe version, so size the same. If you are moving from a steel toe, expect the cap to feel slightly higher-volume.
Illustrative category photo — not this model#2 — EH plus a named slip rating
Carhartt Ground Force Waterproof 6" Composite Toe Work Boot
A waterproof composite toe with a heat-rated outsole and an APMA-accepted footbed — the pick when arch support is the deciding factor.
Published specifications
- Toe
- Composite safety toe — lightweight, non-metallic, non-conductive
- Safety rating
- Composite safety toe meeting ASTM F2413-24 EH; outsole meets ASTM F3445-24 SR
- Upper
- Leather upper with Storm Defender waterproof breathable protection and FastDry lining
- Outsole
- Oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber lug outsole with a defined heel and ladder-lock grooves; heat-resistant to 300°C / 572°F
- Midsole / shank
- Carhartt LWD midsole with a nylon shank
- Construction
- Not published as a welt construction
- Waterproof
- Waterproof — Storm Defender
- Insulation
- Not insulated in this model
Specifications read from Carhartt product page (Ground Force waterproof 6" composite toe) on 2026-09-27. We have not worn this boot.
What works
- Both an EH and an SR designation, each against a named ASTM standard
- APMA acceptance is third-party, not marketing
- Ladder-lock grooves are a specific feature for a specific job
What doesn't
- Not resoleable
- Lug outsole tracks debris onto finished floors
- No published weight
Who this is wrong for
Finished-floor work. A deep lug outsole carries grit into rooms you are being paid not to damage.
Sizing
Carhartt's Ground Force last is fairly generous. If you plan to use your own orthotic, pull the INSITE footbed out first — the two together will crowd the boot.
Illustrative category photo — not this model#3 — EH with flex
Wolverine Overpass CarbonMAX 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Boot
A waterproof CarbonMAX composite toe on a flexible dual-compound outsole — the Overpass is built to move with the foot rather than brace it.
Published specifications
- Toe
- CarbonMAX composite safety toe, non-metallic
- Safety rating
- ASTM F2413 M/I/C EH rated composite toe
- Upper
- Premium waterproof leather with an abrasion-resistant toe
- Outsole
- Dual-compound rubber and PU outsole
- Midsole / shank
- Advanced comfort PU midsole with a nylon shank
- Construction
- Not published as a welt construction
- Waterproof
- Waterproof leather upper
- Insulation
- Not insulated
Specifications read from Wolverine product page (Overpass CarbonMAX 6") on 2026-09-27. We have not worn this boot.
What works
- Genuinely flexible for a safety-toe boot
- Waterproof leather rather than a membrane-only claim
- Removable footbed, so an orthotic actually fits
What doesn't
- A nylon shank is not a climbing shank
- PU midsoles eventually crumble with age and disuse
- Not resoleable
Who this is wrong for
Pole and ladder work. A flexible boot with a nylon shank is the wrong platform for standing on a rung all day.
Sizing
The Overpass runs close to true. Because the footbed is removable, fit it with your orthotic in place if you use one — swapping later changes the fit by a half size in feel.
Illustrative category photo — not this model#4 — EH in a resoleable boot
Thorogood American Heritage 6" Moc Toe Safety Toe MAXWear Wedge (804-4200)
A Goodyear-welted, USA-built wedge with a steel toe and an EH rating — the default answer for anyone who stands on a flat hard floor and wants a boot that can be resoled.
Published specifications
- Toe
- Steel safety toe, moc toe shape
- Safety rating
- ASTM F2413-18, EH
- Upper
- Tobacco full-grain American leather, unlined
- Outsole
- MAXWear Wedge slip-resistant outsole
- Midsole / shank
- Rubber midsole with composite shank
- Construction
- Goodyear storm welt
- Waterproof
- Not waterproof
- Insulation
- Not insulated
- Widths
- D and EE, sizes 7-14 in both widths
- Weight
- Not published on the manufacturer page
- Made in
- Made in USA with USA and globally sourced components
Specifications read from Thorogood product page (804-4200) on 2026-09-27. We have not worn this boot.
What works
- Goodyear storm welt is a resoleable construction, not a disposable one
- Flat wedge spreads load evenly on concrete instead of concentrating it under a heel
- Unlined upper breaks in to the foot rather than around a liner
- EE width is stocked across the whole size run, not just the middle
What doesn't
- Not waterproof and not insulated — the unlined upper soaks
- A flat wedge gives up bite on mud, gravel and ladder rungs
- Manufacturer publishes no weight figure, so weight comparisons are guesswork
Who this is wrong for
Anyone working outdoors on soft or uneven ground, or in standing water. The wedge has no lugs to bite and the unlined upper is not waterproof.
Sizing
Thorogood's moc-toe last is widely reported to run large; owner reviews consistently suggest going a half size down from a measured Brannock length. D and EE are both stocked, so take the width rather than sizing up for room.
Illustrative category photo — not this model#5 — EH for climbing work
Carolina Spruce 8" Steel Toe Waterproof Logger
A waterproof 8-inch logger with a triple-bar steel shank — the stiff underfoot platform that ladder rungs and pole work actually need.
Published specifications
- Toe
- Steel safety toe cap
- Safety rating
- Meets or exceeds ASTM F2413-18 for compression and impact; electrical hazard protection tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60Hz for one minute without leakage
- Upper
- Leather upper with the SCUBALINER waterproof lining
- Outsole
- Oil- and slip-resisting rubber logger outsole
- Midsole / shank
- Triple-bar steel shank with a Pillow Cushion footbed
- Construction
- Not published as a welt construction on this page
- Waterproof
- Waterproof — SCUBALINER
- Insulation
- Not insulated in this model; Carolina lists an insulated version
- Widths
- Carolina lists logger widths up to 4E on some models
Specifications read from Carolina Shoe product page (Spruce 8" steel toe waterproof logger) on 2026-09-27. We have not worn this boot.
What works
- States the EH test conditions, which most brands summarize away
- The triple-bar shank is the real reason to buy a logger
- Waterproof at a working price
What doesn't
- A rigid shank is punishing on flat concrete
- Heavy
- Steel shank and steel toe: fully metallic underfoot
Who this is wrong for
Warehouse and flat-floor work. A logger's stiffness is a feature on a rung and a liability on level ground.
Sizing
Loggers fit tighter through the arch because the shank does not flex. Fit it laced fully and stand on a step edge before you commit.
Illustrative category photo — not this model#6 — EH with a 90° heel
BRUNT The Perkins Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot
The Perkins swaps the Marin's profile for a defined 90-degree heel — the version to buy if you spend the day on ladders, scaffolding or roof edges.
Published specifications
- Toe
- Composite safety toe, non-metallic
- Safety rating
- Composite safety toe with electrical hazard (EH) protection; slip- and oil-resistant
- Upper
- Waterproof leather upper
- Outsole
- BRUNT rubber outsole with a 90° heel — high-heat resistant to 572°F / 300°C
- Midsole / shank
- BRUNT polyurethane (PU) midsole
- Construction
- Not published as a welt construction on this model
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Insulation
- Not insulated
- Widths
- SWITCH-FIT adjustable between regular (D) and relaxed (EE)
Specifications read from BRUNT Workwear product page (The Perkins waterproof comp toe) on 2026-09-27. We have not worn this boot.
What works
- The 90° heel breast is the single most useful feature for climbing work
- Same width-adjustment system as the Marin
- Non-metallic toe, so no cold conduction
What doesn't
- A defined heel is less comfortable than a wedge on flat concrete
- Full ASTM designation string is not published on the page
- Not resoleable
Who this is wrong for
Flat-floor trades. If your day is spent on level concrete, the heel breast concentrates load where a wedge would spread it.
Sizing
Same last and SWITCH-FIT system as the Marin, so size the same. Check heel hold specifically — a defined heel makes heel lift more noticeable.
Frequently asked questions
EH rated work boots meaning?
EH stands for electrical hazard. Under ASTM F2413 it means the boot's outsole and heel are built with electrically insulating properties and have been tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute with no current flow or leakage above 1.0 milliampere, in dry conditions. It is secondary protection against accidental contact with energized circuits.
Are steel toe boots an electrical hazard?
The cap is not what the EH test measures — EH is a property of the outsole and heel, and plenty of EH-rated boots have steel caps. Many electricians still choose a non-metallic cap as a matter of principle, and if you want no metal near the foot at all you also need to check the shank.
Do EH boots wear out?
The rating does, yes. EH protection lives in the outsole and heel, so it degrades as the tread wears, when the sole is wet or contaminated, and if anything conductive gets embedded in the tread. Inspect the outsole regularly and replace the boots on tread condition rather than on how the uppers look.
Are EH boots enough protection for live electrical work?
No. EH footwear reduces the risk from accidental contact and is explicitly secondary protection. It does not replace de-energizing and lockout/tagout, insulating gloves, mats or arc-rated protection. Follow your employer's electrical safety program; the boots are the last line, not the plan.
What kind of boots do lineman wear?
Purpose-built climbing boots: a tall shaft, usually 10 to 16 inches, for spur-strap stability, a stiff steel shank so the boot does not roll on a narrow rung, a 90-degree logger heel breast for hook bite, and an ASTM F2413 safety toe with an EH rating. Makers in this class — Nicks, Hoffman, Wesco, White's — run factory rebuild programs.
Sources
- ASTM F2413 safety footwear ratings explained — The 18,000-volt / 60 Hz / one-minute EH test condition, stated in full
- Carolina Shoe — electrical hazard test conditions — A manufacturer stating the EH test in full: 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute without leakage
- ASTM F2413 protective footwear standard — technical summary — Label format, the mandatory I and C designations, and each optional code
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 — Foot protection — The federal rule itself: when protective footwear is required, and which consensus standards it accepts
Read next
Best Work Boots for Electricians
The trade page, with the requirements an electrician's boot has to meet.
Best Work Boots for Linemen
Climbing boots are a different animal — shaft, shank and heel geometry.
ASTM F2413 Explained
Every code on the label, including SD and Cd, and what each one tests.
Best Composite Toe Work Boots
If you want no metal near the foot at all.