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Does your job involve construction or working on slippery surfaces? Many people fall victim to workplace foot injuries due to wearing an improper kind of shoes. It’s common for workers to twist their ankles, crush their toes, or sprain their muscles while wearing boots that provide no protection.
The right choice of work shoes is affected by a multitude of crucial factors, such as the footwear material, size, safety features, and convenience. These are the main factors to consider when looking for the right pair.
Material
The inceptive factor to take into account when purchasing work boots is the material, which has a direct impact on their durability, as well as your productiveness on the job. Nowadays, most long-lasting models are made from leather, nylon mesh, or waterproof material. Read more about the uses, properties, and types of nylon mesh.
Moreover, leather is undoubtedly the most commonly chosen material by workers, owing to its breathability, moisture-absorbing properties, and long lifespan. This material provides incredible heel support and protection against foot injuries. Calfskin, pigskin, and goatskin are some of the most frequently used leather variants.
Nylon mesh is also known for its amazing breathability, thus keeping workers’ feet sweat-free throughout the entire working day. Although this material isn’t as long-lasting as leather, it’s particularly beneficial for its lightweight nature and protective qualities.
Ultimately, the waterproofing material has become amazingly popular among workers of different professions, especially the ones working in wet and slippery environments. It prevents any amount of water from entering the boots, thus keeping your feet warm and dry. Most models come with rubber soles, as rubber is known for its anti-slippery properties.
Fit
Size is another indispensable factor to consider when buying work boots, as these shoes are supposed to fit perfectly in order not to affect your job performance. The boots are supposed to be neither too tight nor too big for the wearer to move comfortably.
Furthermore, tight shoes are known to cause discomfort and blisters, whereas big shoes pose no restrictions in terms of moving your foot, hence making the walking process more difficult. Most of the work footwear models, such as the tank brown work boots, come in a wide range of sizes to fit workers of various occupations. It’s paramount for the model you purchase to provide enough room for your toes in order to prevent pinching and blisters.
Additionally, socks are believed to play an important role in the way in which work boots fit one’s feet. Keep in mind that wearing thermal socks provides a completely different fit than using compression socks. The former are much thicker than the latter, thus making your shoes seem tighter. Most workers prefer wearing bamboo compression socks owing to their anti-bacterial properties and the ability to increase blood flow.
Safety toes
Safety toes are an important factor when purchasing work boots for workers whose jobs are considered hazardous. Buyers have the opportunity to choose between aluminum, composite, and steel toes, each of them providing a different level of protection.
Aluminum toes are perhaps the least preferred variant among buyers due to their thermal conductivity and bulkiness. In contrast, composite toes don’t conduct temperature, hence being suitable for various types of workers. These are made from a combination of Kevlar, plastic, and carbon fiber, all of which provide remarkable durability.
Nevertheless, steel toes are unquestionably the most popular variant in the market. Their long-lasting nature makes them appropriate for working in a variety of hazardous environments.
Convenience
The right pair of work boots is supposed to provide the wearer with maximal convenience, mainly depending on its occupation. The sole is of key importance when looking for convenient shoes, as it plays a major role in preventing accidents. Therefore, people whose job involves working on slippery surfaces are advised to purchase slip-resistant shoes with rubber outsoles.
Construction workers are recommended to buy shoes with puncture-resistant soles to prevent injuries when stepping on a nail. Individuals working with chemicals would benefit from wearing shoes with acid-resistant soles.
Moreover, people whose jobs involve climbing ladders should purchase boots with incredible heel support. These models minimize the chances of experiencing painful and sore feet upon coming home from work.
Waterproofing and insulation
Workers who spend most of their time outdoors, even in the harshest winter temperatures, should consider purchasing waterproof boots with proper insulation. Wearing such boots would prevent your feet from getting wet and your toes from freezing, hence providing you with the necessary comfort. You’ll also prevent foot infections caused by bacteria, which are known to thrive in moist conditions. Additionally, insulation is a must for individuals working in snowy regions.
Final thoughts
The model you buy should be of the right size and material. Foot comfort is of essential importance!