Waterproof Rubber Boot Key Terms

Understand terms related to types of rubber work boots

There is a type of work boot for nearly every sort of job. Even if you look only at rubber boots, you'll find a variety of styles, materials and features to choose from. Knowing what sort of waterproof rubber work boot you need is largely a matter of knowing what sort of work you're doing. Do you need flexibility? Or is chemical resistance more important? Do you need a high boot or a low boot? Do you require something you can slip over your boot or shoe? Or do you need something you can wear all on its own?

Once you've determined these things and know the name of the sort of boot that meets your requirements, shopping will be much easier. So with that in mind, here are some commonly seen terms related to types of waterproof rubber boots.

Nitril

Nitril is a type of synthetic rubber used when boots need to be resistant to fuel, oil and other chemicals. They are more resistant than natural rubber, but not as flexible.

Overboot

An overboot is any rubber boot designed to slip over other footwear. Sometimes overboots fasten in place, and sometimes they require no fasteners.

PAC boot

A PAC boot is a cold-resistant shoe with a soft interior. Typically, PAC boots have insulation. They often have a removable liner that you can remove to dry separately.

Hip boots

Hip boots are those that literally reach the hip line. They work well for wading in mud and water and may have insulation.

Neoprene

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is more resistant to abrasions, chemicals and water than natural rubber. Although neoprene is not as stretchy and buoyant as natural rubber, it is more so than nitril.

Safety toe

Safety toe boots, also known as steel toe or steel capped boots, add a measure of protection to the footwear by including some sort of reinforcement to the toe. Typically, this means manufacturers add steel to the toe, but they may use other materials.

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