Industry Guides

Best Rigger Boots: Which Pair is Right for You?

28th September 2026

Rigger boots are a practical choice for construction, groundworks, agriculture, utilities, manufacturing and other demanding jobs where you need reliable foot protection, easy pull-on access and a boot that can handle tough working conditions.

But not all rigger boots are built for the same environment. So, how do you know what pair is right for you? Read our guide to help you make the right choice.

What Makes a Good Rigger Boot?

A good rigger boot should combine protection with the comfort needed for long shifts. We recommend you look for features such as:

A suitable safety rating for the risks in your workplace
Protective toe cap
Puncture-resistant midsole
Slip-resistant outsole
Good ankle coverage and support
Pull tubs for quick fitting and removal
Cushioning and energy absorption to reduce foot fatigue

Leather, composite or PVC?

Leather rigger boots

Leather remains a popular choice because it offers a good balance of durability, flexibility and comfort. Quality leather can withstand regular abrasion and generally becomes more comfortable as it breaks in.

The important distinction is water resistant versus waterproof. A leather upper is described as water resistant and can help prevent water penetration, but it should not automatically be treated as a fully waterproof boot. For example the Portwest FW29 Steel Leather Rigger Boot has a water-resistant upper.

Composite rigger boots

Composite construction is particularly useful where a metal-free or non-metallic boot is required. Composite or fibreglass toe caps can also reduce weight compared with traditional steel designs.

For example the Portwest FC16 Compositelite Indiana Rigger Boot has a 100% non-metallic construction, fibreglass toe cap, composite anti-penetration midsole and a 300°C heat-resistant outsole.

PVC/nitrile rigger boots

PVC and nitrile are worth considering when water, mud or chemical exposure is a major concern. They are easier to clean and can provide a more comprehensive barrier against wet conditions than a standard leather upper.

The Portwest FW75 Neptune Rigger Boot uses PVC/nitrile for both the upper and sole and is specified as 100% waterproof.

Steel vs Composite Toe Caps

Both steel and composite toe caps are designed to provide impact and compression protection when certified to the appropriate footwear standard. The choice is largely about the working environment.

Steel toe caps

Traditional and widely used
Robust protection
Suitable for many general industrial and construction applications
Can be preferable where metal protection is not an issue

Composite toe caps

Non-metallic
Useful where metal detection or non-magnetic footwear is required
Often a good option when keeping footwear weight down is important
Composite materials do not conduct cold and heat in the same way as steel

Whichever you choose, check the complete boot certification, rather than choosing purely based on the toe-cap material.

What Safety Rating Should You Look For?

For UK workplaces, look for footwear certified to EN ISO 20345 and select the rating according to the hazards identified in your workplace risk assessment.

For many construction and industrial applications, S3/S3S footwear is a useful starting point because it combines toe protection with additional protection such as penetration resistance. However, the required specification depends on the job.

For consistently wet environments, a waterproof polymer boot such as the Portwest FW75 Steel PVC Rigger Boot may be more appropriate. Its S5 classification combines safety-toe and penetration protection with the characteristics required for this type of footwear.

Always check your employer’s PPE requirements and the individual product’s current certification before purchasing.

Which Rigger Boots Suit Your Working Conditions?

Construction and general site work:

A leather S3 rigger boot such as the Portwest FW29 Steel Leather Rigger Boot, offers a practical balance of protection, durability and comfort, with a traditional combination of leather construction and steel protection.

Cold-weather work:

The Portwest FC16 Composite Leather Rigger Boot uses composite protection and is the option to consider where non-metallic safety footwear is required.

Wet and muddy environments:

The Portwest FW75 PVC Rigger Boot is the waterproof PVC/nitrile option in the range and carries an S5 FO CI rating.

Lower-specification/general work:

An S1P model, such as the Portwest FW13 Steel Action Leather Rigger Boot offers a simpler safety specification for workplaces where S1P footwear meets the required risk assessment.

Buy Your Rigger Boots

Ready to find the right pair? Explore our range of Portwest rigger boots and choose the specification that suits your working environment.

Portwest Composite Leather Rigger Boot S3S HRO FO SR

PW_FC16

£69.91 £69.91

Portwest Steel Leather Winter Rigger Boot S3L SC HRO CI SR

PW_FD07

£54.16 £54.16

Portwest Steel Action Leather Rigger Boot S3 CI SRC

PW_FT13

£43.75 £43.75

Our pick

Portwest Steel Leather Rigger Boot S3 SR

PW_FW29

£43.66 £43.66

Invest in your team's footwear and pick the right boot today. Want customised workwear to go with your rigger boots, view our products here.

FAQ's

Are rigger boots waterproof?

Not all rigger boots are waterproof. Leather models may provide water resistance, but this shouldn’t be confused with a fully waterproof boot.

Can I get my rigger boots customised?

We do not offer customisation, such as embroidery or printing, on our safety footwear. This is a deliberate decision to ensure the structural integrity of the boot remains uncompromised. Altering the leather upper or the protective membranes could potentially invalidate the safety certification, and we believe that your personal safety is far more important than a logo on your toe.

What colours do rigger boots come in?

Our selection of rigger boots come in brown, tan and black to ensure there’s a pair for all your team's requirements.

How do I know what size boot to order?

Each of our products has a size guide to assist you when choosing which size rigger boot to order, or you can contact our team to give you guidance.

What safety rating should I look for?

It depends on the hazards involved in your job. Our range includes S1P, S3, S3L, S3S and S5 options, so there are different specifications for different working conditions.

Check your workplace risk assessment and PPE requirements before choosing.

Are composite toe caps better than steel?

Neither is automatically the right choice for every worker. Steel is a traditional choice for safety footwear, while composite provides a non-metallic alternative. If your workplace requires metal-free footwear, composite is the obvious specification to look for.

How do I choose the right rigger boots?

Start with the hazards, then consider the safety rating, waterproofing, material, temperature, grip and comfort needed.

Here at MyWorkwear, we have been proud suppliers of personalised workwear since 1976.

To see how we can provide the perfect workwear for your team to keep them looking professional and performing at their best, please click the button below.