Work boots are extremely important as they are a part of the safety equipment in every fieldwork. Whether you are a civil engineer, electrician, fireman, or police officer, it is essential to have safety boots on to prevent any kind of fatal foot injuries that can occur during the work shift. However, there are various things that you should know while buying these shoes as they are directly proportional to your safety. That’s why we have noted down these factors that would help you make a wise purchase.
What Are the Various Factors You Should Look for In Work Boots?
Material
While looking for work boots, you need to inspect the type of material used for its construction. Most manufacturers use leather, rubber, or nylon for the designing process that makes for a sturdy outer covering and protects you from maximum foot injuries. However, the type of material you should select completely depends on your work preferences. While leather boots are highly durable and waterproof, they don’t work properly in slippery areas. In such conditions, a pair of rubber boots would do the work.
Height
Both short and tall boots have their own applications and should be selected as per your work site. For example, if you work in flood areas or in deep woods, then a pair of tall boots are perfect for you. It would protect your feet from snake and insect bites. But, you cannot use these shoes if you work in the fire department. That’s because tall boots slow you down, and you need to be quick on your feet to rescue the people in the affected areas. In such cases, you need a pair of sturdy short boots that will help you to move swiftly.
Weight
Work boots are meant to make your move swift and clear and not hold you back. It is extremely important to check the weight of the shoes before buying them as it can affect your work greatly. Some of the most famous work boots have heavy construction due to which their weight increases. Heavy boots were highly preferred years ago as they ensured safety and durability. But, nowadays, the requirements have changed, and people go for light boots. Due to this, manufacturers use materials that keep the shoe sturdy and lightweight.
Waterproof
Work boots should be waterproof so that you don’t get your legs all soaked up while working in wet areas. If you work in damp areas, then it is highly essential to have waterproof shoes to prevent water from clogging up your foot and blocking your movement. Besides, waterproof shoes make it possible to walk underwater comfortably. But, most of them are not breathable and do not let out moisture that can make your feet hot and sweaty.
What Are The Type Of Constructions Used For Making Work Shoes?
Cement Construction
The boots with cement construction have the soles stuck or cemented to the upper part of the shoe. Due to this, the soles do not break easily and provide you with more flexibility. However, the soles are irreplaceable, and once they wear out, you have to discard the shoes.
Stitched Down Construction
In this type of construction, both the inner and upper soles of the shoes are stitched with the help of a leather strip. Due to this, you can easily replace the soles once they wear out and reuse the work boots again. Besides, this type of construction allows you to customize the boots as per your requirements.
What Types Of Toe Protections Are Used In Work Boots?
Aluminum Toes
Aluminum toes are highly preferred as toe covers in work boots. They are thicker than steel, lightweight, sturdy, and provide good protection to your toes. Besides, they don’t get cold when the temperature drops and keep your feet warm.
Composite Toe
Composite toe protection is built with a variety of materials. You can get plastic, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and other types of materials used in its construction. They are cheaper, easy to customize, and remain unaffected by the surrounding temperatures. Besides, these toe covers are perfect for people who are working in metal-free zones.
Steel Toes
Steel toes were quite famous in the past decade as they used to provide superb protection against any kind of injury. However, steel covers can get extremely cold when the temperature drops and result in frozen feet as well. Another reason why steel toes are not used now is their weight. They are heavy and make it difficult to move quickly in wet areas.
How To Take Care Of Work Boots?
People use work boots most of the time, due to which it is important to take proper care of them. Here are some tips that you can use to increase the lifespan of your work shoes and use the most out of them.
Dry Your Boots Regularly
If you work in wet areas, then there are high chances that your boots will get damaged within a month or two if you don’t dry them. After your work shift is over, take your shoes off and dry them with the help of a blower or keep them under the fan. Drying not only helps in removing moisture but also prevents your boots from smelling and fungus infestation.
Clean Your Boots Once A Week
Make it a habit to clean your boots properly with lukewarm water and liquid detergent on your day off so that mud and other waste materials do not form a layer on the soles. You can also use salt water and other reliable mixtures for cleaning your shoes.
Change Your Soles Regularly
If you continue wearing worn-out soles, it would not only result in foot pain but also allow water to enter the shoe and damage it. Hence, make sure to replace the soles once in a while.
Work Boot FAQ's
Q: What are the various types of soles available for work boots?
A: Currently, there are two types of soles used for the manufacturing of work boots: Thermo Polyurethane outsoles and rubber outsoles. These two soles are resistant to abrasion and chemicals. Besides, they have good durability and don’t wear out easily.
Q: How to find boots of perfect size?
A: While buying work boots, make sure to try them out. Your big toe should reach the front of the shoes easily. While walking on the boots, your heel should not come out of the shoe; else, it can cause bad shoe bites.
Q: Should I wear socks with my work boots?
A: Yes, you should wear socks while using work shoes to prevent cuts and shoe bites. Besides, socks help in getting a comfortable fitting.