Let’s talk about your feet. More specifically, what you’re putting on them before stepping into a muddy water well site or a frozen Canadian drill pad.

We get it—when you’re balancing a tight budget and a long PPE list, those $80 rubber boots from the corner supply store seem like a win. But before you lace up (or slide in), let’s have a real conversation: Are they really doing their job when you’re knee-deep in drilling mud or dodging a spinning auger? Yes, most rubber boots will keep your socks from soaking—at first. They’ll even survive a few weeks on-site. But drilling isn't gentle. It's cold, wet, heavy-duty work. 

When your “waterproof” boots crack in the cold, lose traction in clay, or let your toes freeze off mid-winter, that discount deal turns into an expensive mistake.

Here's what OSHA says about boots:

With all the heavy gear, rolling rigs, sharp scrap, and the occasional electrical hazard lurking around, one misstep can cost more than just your footing.

Depending on the hazards at your site, you’ll need the right kind of safety footwear. Steel-toe and composite-toe boots are the usual suspects, each offering solid impact and compression protection. That’s a must—OSHA says your boots need to hold up against dropping tools and crush risks.

OSHA leans on the ASTM F2413 standard to back this up—it sets the bar for how safety footwear should perform against impacts, compression, and more.

So when you’re shopping for boots, keep an eye out for that stamp and keep these things in mind: Protect your toes! Steel, composite, or even aluminum-toe boots all get the job done, depending on what you prefer.

Working near live wires or dealing with potential static discharge? Then you’ll want electrically insulated boots.  Got sharp stuff like nails or scrap metal lying around? Go for puncture-resistant soles. And if your site’s more slip ‘n slide than solid ground, traction is everything—look for slip-resistant soles. And if chemicals are part of the equation, get something that can handle corrosive materials.

Remember, paying more for boots isn’t just about logos, swag, and color choices. 

Here’s what you’re actually buying:

• Warmth: Premium boots like Baffin and Dunlop are designed for sub-zero temps. We’re talking -40°C insulation. When you're out on a Canadian rig in February, that’s not a luxury—it’s survival.
  
  
• Traction: Cheaper boots slip. Better boots grip. High-end soles are built for slick clay, frozen ground, and oily pads. They’ll keep you upright when the rest of the site looks like a skating rink.
  
  
• Comfort: Good boots cushion your feet, support your arches, and don’t chew up your heels. Less foot fatigue means more focus and fewer mistakes.
  
  
• Durability: A cheap pair might last two months. A quality pair can go two years. That’s fewer replacements, less waste, and more savings in the long run.

There’s a time and place for an $80 boot. Maybe you’re doing a quick site visit or helping on a low-risk job. Maybe you're just starting out and testing the waters. If it gets you through your first week—great. But don’t expect miracles when the weather turns or the mud thickens.

Boots are an investment. Let’s do the math: One $80 pair that lasts 2 months = $480/year. One $200 pair that lasts 2+ years = smarter spending. Add in better comfort, fewer slips, and not needing to wring out your socks in the lunch trailer? Priceless.

Budget-Friendly Boot Brands

These work in a pinch for short-term or light-duty tasks, especially in mild weather:

• Servus – Inexpensive and basic, decent for light mud and site visits.

• Tingley – Affordable with solid waterproofing, but limited durability and warmth.

• Dunlop Value Line – Lighter-duty options still better than most budget boots.

Premium Boot Brands 

Built for the brutal realities of fieldwork—mud, cold, sharp objects, and 12-hour shifts:

• Baffin – Cold-rated to -40°C, supportive, and designed for true Canadian winters.

• Dunlop (Purofort) – Shock-absorbing, durable, and incredibly grippy. A drilling favorite.

• Muck Boot Company – Great for mixed terrain, farm-to-field workers love them.

• Xtratuf – Originally for fishermen, now gaining traction with drillers in wet zones.

Pro Tip: Boot fit matters. Always try them on with your actual work socks. And don’t forget to check the temperature and slip ratings—they’re not all built equal.

Put Yourself in My Boots: A Field Story

A story by Rachel Bourne

What does a good pair of boots look and feel like?

As a woman in construction, walking into a PPE store is always frustrating, to say the least. The women’s boots are either bright pink, poorly sized, or just not functional for the work we do. Since I wear a men’s size 11, I skipped the women’s section altogether and went straight for the men's boots when I first started in the industry. Everyone talked about laced leather boots, so that’s the route I took—until I spent my first day on a track rig in the middle of a muddy field in early May.

That’s when I learned laced leather boots weren’t going to cut it. I needed proper rubber boots. But when I went back to the PPE store, I realized those boots come with a steep price tag. Earning a helper’s wage, I decided to go cheap for my first pair. I figured, with all the mud, they wouldn’t last long anyway.

Big mistake.

Out on site, I had zero traction. I was slipping, sinking, and constantly getting stuck. I spent more time digging myself out than moving cuttings for my driller. Honestly, it felt like I was working barefoot. After about two months of struggling, the boots started getting holes, and suddenly I was collecting surface water samples with soaked feet.

Eventually, I asked around for advice. People recommended a few solid brands, and that’s how I discovered Baffin and Dunlop—total game changers. Sure, I paid around $150 more, but the difference was immediate. Walking through the same mucky conditions felt like walking on clouds. I've had my Dunlops for two years now, and they're still in excellent condition.

Beyond comfort, the impact has been financial and environmental. I’m not constantly replacing boots, which saves money and reduces waste. Better quality means less production and fewer discarded pairs in landfills. And when new crew members start out, one of the first things I tell them is: “Invest in a good pair of rubber boots—it will change your life.”

Lastly, warmth! With the cheap boots, I genuinely thought I was going to lose my toes in the middle of a Canadian winter. Baffin and Dunlop offer protection down to -40°C, and that makes a massive difference when you're working outdoors all day.

Bottom line: If your feet aren’t working, you aren’t either. In drilling, you need boots that do more than just exist—they need to perform. The good ones protect you, save you money, and frankly, keep you sane.

Spend the extra cash. Your toes will thank you. So will your back, your wallet, and every crewmember who doesn’t have to pull you out of the mud.