Irish Setter Ashby 6 in Aluminum Safety Toe Work Boot - Durable

In this review of the Irish Setter Ashby 6 in Aluminum Safety Toe work boot, the bottom line is simple: these boots are for hands-on workers who want a lighter safety toe without sacrificing protection or resoleable durability. The Ashby earns that recommendation by combining an aluminum safety toe that meets ASTM F2413-18 and F3445-21 standards with a Goodyear welt platform and an HRO-rated rubber-EVA outsole that resists heat, slip, impact, compression and electrical hazards. For crews that value long service life and all-day comfort, this boot stands out.

Key Features

• Aluminum safety toe: Provides a protective layer against site impacts and compression while staying lighter than steel to reduce fatigue.
• ASTM safety ratings: Constructed to meet ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C, EH and ASTM F3445-21 SR standards for impact, compression, slip resistance and electrical hazard protection.
• HRO heat resistant sole: The rubber-EVA Traction Tred outsole resists melting on hot surfaces to at least 475o F, helping on jobs with intermittent heat exposure.
• Goodyear welt construction: Welted soles add water resistance and strength and allow resoling to extend the useful life of the boot.
• Full grain oiled leather: Durable upper material that breaks in and resists wear while retaining a classic moc toe look.
• Removable polyurethane footbed: Adds cushion and makes it easy to replace or fit with a custom orthotic for improved comfort.

Who It's For

The Ashby is best for construction, utility and industrial workers who need certified protection but prefer a lighter toe option and traditional moc toe styling. Its combination of ASTM-rated safety, an HRO outsole and resoleable Goodyear welt makes it suited to tradespeople who plan to keep their boots for seasons and may have them resoled rather than replaced.

Workers who require an extra-wide toe box or who have persistent fit issues should try these on first, since customer feedback on fit is mixed. Also, those who need waterproof certification should look at purpose-built waterproof models, as the welt construction resists water but the product is not specified as fully waterproof.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Certified protection with an aluminum toe that keeps weight down and still meets ASTM standards.
• Comfortable removable polyurethane footbed that supports all-day wear and accepts custom insoles.
• Durable Goodyear welt sole and full grain oiled leather for long service life and the option to resole.
• HRO-rated outsole provides reliable heat and slip resistance for demanding surfaces.

Cons

• Fit is reported as mixed by users, with some finding the toe box narrow; try before committing.
• Some customers have reported sole separation over time, indicating quality can vary by use and care.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Irish Setter Ashby 6 in aluminum safety toe boot is a solid choice for tradespeople who want certified protection in a lighter toe option with a resoleable platform and heat-resistant outsole. It delivers good value when fit is correct and will serve well for those who prioritize durability and comfort over a super-wide toe box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these boots electrically rated?
Yes, they meet electrical hazard (EH) requirements as part of their ASTM F2413-18 rating.

Can the soles be replaced?
Yes, Goodyear welt construction allows the soles to be resoled to extend the boot's service life.

Are they suitable for high-heat surfaces?
The HRO rubber-EVA outsole is heat resistant and tested to resist melting at a minimum of 475o F, suitable for intermittent hot surfaces.