Lineman boots typically are rugged work boots that are usually 10″ tall, though sometimes they are as tall as 16″ or as short as 8″.

The majority of them are made for men, but there are also women’s styles. Most are made from leather, dyed black or brown, usually with a polished exterior but sometimes featuring a Nubuck split leather surface. Most models come in lightweight or insulated versions and with steel toes as an option. There are a few Kevlar models on the market that are designed to give extra protection when used around chain saws or similarly dangerous tools or conditions. Most are waterproof, but claims to that effect must be taken with a grain of salt because as the boots wear out, the resistance to water invasion very likely will become less effective.

Some boots are marketed specifically for use such as pole climbing, but this is mostly marketing hype. By definition lineman boots have a heel to accommodate pole climbing irons, a stiff mid sole and adequate protection against tree bark, and the climbing iron straps.

The soles of most boots are made of Vaibram, but the soles of some winterized models are covered with metal calks, which are specialized spikes for walking on ice. The calks are replaceable.

Warmth is vital and luckily they come in a variety of configurations designed to deal with extreme low temperatures and minimal activity. Thinsulate is the most common insulating technology because it also works under warm, but not hot, conditions to wick perspiration away from the skin. It allows the boot to breathe. One of its best features is, as the name suggests, its thinness. Gor-tex boots are mainly effective when wicking away perspiration is the wearer’s main concern. When working in sub zero temperatures and snow and ice, some boots add inner wool or felt sock for added insulation.

For years the stiffness of the sole of many boots was accomplished by a steel shank and this is still the case. However, lineman boots may require compliance with a variety of government regulations, such as EH (Electrical Hazard), or NFPA 70E, both targeted at workers who come into contact with electrical equipment. The shanks on these boots may be made of non-conductive materials. It pays to check the boot’s rating labels.

There are a number of good makers in the market. Among the oldest manufacturers is Red Wing Shoes, which started in 1905, and Hoffman Boots in business since 1926.