Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of welted boot construction?

Because of their reinforced build, welted boots are built to take a beating and they provide a higher degree of stabilization for your foot and ankle which makes navigating uneven footing much easier. And because of the mechanical bond created in the welting process, a Goodyear welt has best-in-class waterproofing, plus a resoleable design that allows you to replace the outsole to extend the overall life of the boot.

What types of jobs are welted boots best for?

When it comes to a welted boot, think uneven terrain and unpredictable conditions. A welted boot is incredibly durable by nature and is best suited for heavy-duty jobs. To name a few specific trades who would benefit from a welted boot: road workers, commercial builders, pipefitting and welding, resource extraction, railroad, linemen, and waste workers.

What is a welted or Goodyear welted boot?

A Goodyear welted work boot features an additional midsole layer that’s built into the boot to create torsional rigidity for additional stability and durability. This welt is formed by connecting the upper part of a shoe to the midsole of the shoe in a three step process: stapling the upper to the insole, stitching the upper to the insole, and then stitching the upper and the midsole together. This physical entanglement of fibers creates a very strong mechanical bond between the two main parts of the shoe, and provides a very durable build with a high degree of waterproofness. It also allows the outsole of the boot to be replaced—or “resoled”—after extended periods of hard use.