Apart from your hard hat and construction-grade overalls, your work boots are vital additions to your daily uniform. Not only do they enable you to walk through your work area, but they can also protect you from nasty injuries such as a falling pipe or a descending chunk of steel.
Choosing the Right Work Boots
Choosing the right work boot for you can be very tricky, especially with the many models and makes out there. You need to make sure that you’ve purchased the right footwear so that you will feel protected and comfortable while at work. It will also make your workday much easier.
Although there are numerous factors that go into making the right work boot for each type of job that needs one, selecting what meets your needs best isn’t complicated at all. In this article, we have listed four main factors that you need to consider to do just that.
1. Safety
Whether you need electrical-resistant work boots for working in a power plant or composite toe construction shoe for masonry, every workplace has its own hazards. Safety is a must. It’s actually the most vital aspect of any work boot. Thereby, choosing the right pair can protect you from injuries, or even save your life. No one actually knows tomorrow. So, it really pays to be prepared with the right gear for your job.
However, with the numerous variety of protective features, it can really be a headache for you to decide what you need and what you don’t need. Here is a list of some important safety features:
– Steel Toe – If you work in the constructive industries, lumber, or carpentry, a pair of work shoes with steel toes is a must. Boots with safety steel toes are a great idea since they can protect you from serious foot injuries.
– Composite Toe – A composite safety toe is made of Kevlar,, plastic or carbon fiber, and are good for people who spend a lot of time working outdoors. They are usually better than steel safety toes since they aren’t detected by metal detectors.
2. Support
Another factor to consider when choosing work boors is support. Support in a work shoe is determined by several elements that work together to make your feet comfortable. When selecting a work shoe, consider the shank, insole, midsole, outsole, and puncture plates since they all contribute to ensuring sturdy support for your feet.
If you have experience blistering or discomfort with your work boots, you may want to consider changing your boots’ insoles. It’s also important to remember that midsoles are an important part of any work shoe and can make a big difference in your shoe’s overall support.
3. Comfort, Flexibility, and Fit
If you spend about twelve hours/day working on your feet, you do without a doubt need comfort work shoes.
Maximizing comfort of your work boots can greatly improve your overall job performance by keeping your mind distraction-free and uplifting your spirit.
You also need to consider the fit. Look for any hot spots or pinching since they are some uncomfortable areas that aren’t likely to diminish over time.
Lastly, most work shoes are made of leather; a material that gives them flexibility. Leather work boots are recommended as they conform to your feet by repeated use. To maximize your work boots’ flexibility, you need to consider moisturizing them regularly with a conditioner.
4. Waterproofing and Insulation
Walking around at your workplace with waterlogged boots or boots with frozen toes can be very uncomfortable. That is the main reason why you need to weatherproof your boots to increase their comfort. Moisture also attracts and facilitates the growth of bacteria, and if you’re always on your feet wearing wet shoes, it can be a big threat. Thus investing in quality waterproof work shoes will keep you warm and
safe.
Insulated work shoes, on the other hand, can make working on the outdoors much bearable, and are a must especially if you work in the cold or snowy climatic regions.
So, the next time you go shopping for the best work boot, keep in mind the above features and you’ll be skipping your way to injury-free life at your workplace. Remember that your safety is much more important than your job and it’s important to ensure you have safety gear every time you are working.