A work boot is a safety wear that protects feet from different injuries. A work boot must have non-skid soles, leather uppers, oil resistance, and impact compression resistance ratings of 75. If you work in large warehouses, hard-hitting construction jobs, fast-paced service, healthcare jobs, ranching jobs, long-day farms, or in a hazardous environment like oil & gas you should wear work boots. Because work boots provide the assistance you need to get the job done to safety, regulatory, and your own personal standards. There are different types of work boots such as waterproof work boots, steel toe work boots, soft toe work boots, slip-resistance work boots, and more. Every type of work boot is designed to help you stay comfortable and supported on your feet however and wherever you work. Depending on your work type you should choose the proper work boots.
Though finding the proper work boots are simple but not as simple as you think. There is some groundwork that you should do before choosing proper work boots. Here are some tips for purchasing the best work boots:-
1. Safety
Safety is non-negotiable and also the most critical aspect of a work boot. So choosing the right work boot can save your toe or even your life. There are mainly two types of work boots such as – Steel toe and Composite toe. Both types of work boots are ideal for different jobs. Here is a brief rundown of some safety features:
- Steel Toe – If you work in the construction industries, lumber, or carpentry then steel toe work boots are ideal for you. Because in these works you have a high chance to get injuries due to falling objects, slips ad falls, burns, and punctures. Steel toe boots can prevent these types of injuries.
- Composite Toe: Composite toe boots are made of carbon fiber, plastic, or Kevlar. These boots are incredibly ideal for those who work outdoors for a long time. Composite toe boots are great for the workplace that uses metal detectors because they do not trigger metal detectors.
2. Good Fit
Finding the boots that fit the property is very difficult. But you must purchase work boots that fit properly. Otherwise, it can affect your comfort and flexibility and may result in painful blisters as well. You should follow some tips to find good-fit work boots. These are:
- Make sure your boots are not overly tight or loose
- Wear the same type of socks that you wear while working
- Check if the boot flexes at the ball of your foot or not
- Check whether the boots are comfortable or not by walking a few steps
3. Construction Material
The durability, comfort, and flexibility of your boots depend on the material used to construct the boot. Leather, rubber, nylon, and plastic are mainly used to make work boots and each type of material has its own advantages. You must determine which materials suit your work applications and environment best.
Leather is the most common material for work boots. Leather work boots are looks beautiful and also provide a high level of durability, flexibility, and protection. Rubber work boots are ideal for the workplace that have the risk of electric shock. On the other hand, if you have a tighter budget, then you can choose plastic work boots. But plastic work boots will not provide enough protection from harsh environments.
4. Sole
Choosing the right sole is very important when you purchase work boots. Slip resistance sole is great for all applications. So you should purchase work boots with slip resistance. The sole of work boots is mainly made from rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. You should choose the right sole work boots according to your job.
5. Comfort
Your work boots should be comfortable. Otherwise, your productivity & health will be negatively affected. So you should purchase the most comfortable work boots for your feet.
