Jobs and Works that Need Safety Work Boots

Safety gear is absolutely crucial for many jobs and work projects. But what do we think of when we think about safety gear? We usually picture hard hats, safety goggles, maybe tough gloves. But shoes, boots, and other footwear choices are generally taken for granted as a part of any wardrobe. Having the right foot wear for a hazardous job is essential – if you suffer a severe foot injury, you won’t be able to carry yourself around work at all, and you may suffer lost wages and other associated difficulties.

Choosing the right work boot for the job is imperative. But what things should you consider? It can be overwhelming to select the right boot when shopping online, as there are so many options. Though your personal concerns will vary significantly depending on your needs, here are a few variables to consider when you’re evaluating potential work boots:

Steel Toe or No?

In many work situations, including construction or other high-risk jobs, having boots with steel toes is an essential safety precaution. Steel toes can protect you if a weight is lowered unexpectedly onto your foot. The one case in which steel toes are not recommended are when you are working with horses. If a horse steps on your foot abruptly, the weight combined with the intense pressure (due to the comparatively low surface area of a horse’s hoof), the steel toe is more often than not pressed and bent into your foot. This can cause extensive damage and more pain.

Unless you are working with horses, though, the steel toe will likely serve you well. The steel-toe boot is a staple of construction work and other work that involves dealing with heavy loads (like hauling things, moving furniture, etc.), so you may be wise to invest in something steel-toed before starting this sort of work.

Of course, all kinds of steel toes are not created equal. It can be tough to evaluate a steel toe without having gone through an accident and nobody wants that to be the first time they test the mettle of their work boot. So to make sure the boot you’re considering is worthy of the job you’ll be doing, check out online reviews. While these are not always reliable, remember that virtually all fake reviews are positive, If you see a common trend weaving through negative reviews, then it may be something worth paying attention to. For instance, if most negative reviews of a given boot claim that the steel toe is weak, this may be something worth paying attention to.

See Steel Toe Cap Boots and Non-Safety Boots

Waterproof?

Sometimes, having a waterproof boot is key. If you work int he outdoors when rain and mud are likely (particularly in a cold climate), then a waterproof boot can make the difference between a tolerable workday and a miserable experience. Waterproof boots tend to come at a premium, so if you need one, the extra price is worth it.If you don’t need it, then it’s best to save your money for other features that are more important.

Levels of Arch Support?

If you have high arches, collapsed arches, or anything other than what a shoe company might consider to be a “typical” arch, then it might be wise to examine the arch-support abilities of various work boots. If possible, trying on a set of work boots is a good way to quickly assess the support and comfort available.

In general, a boot that lacks support does not have to be a deal-breaker. Flat-bottomed boots can often be fitted with custom orthotics. These may add an additional expense, but if you find a boot that is perfect except for the fit of the sole, they’re well worth the initial cost.

Cushioning?

Different people have different ideas of what the ideal amount of cushioning is. Some prefer a boot with substantial cushion, and others prefer the bare minimum. In general, when it comes to work boots, a combination of support and cushion is ideal. The exact combination will depend on your personal preferences. If you can try on a pair of boots before purchase, this is the best option. Ordering online can be risky, but picking a vendor with a good return policy can allow you to make a good choice. Alternatively, if the pair you choose is very firm, you may be able to get cushioned insoles to add some padding without compromising support. Generally, cushioned insoles do not need to be custom fitted, so they may be less expensive.

Leather or not?

People who love leather work boots are all-in, and those who prefer synthetic are equally entrenched. However, it’s true that, in general, leather boots will tend to break in and conform to the wearer’s feet. The break-in period can be tough, but you can’t beat a boot that actually molds to your foot shape.

The downside is that leather may be more expensive than faux leather, but it does tend to wear better.

What’s your budget?

Pricing concerns are very real. Only you know your budget. However, if you plan to be in your job for a long time, it’s important to remember that a slightly larger cash outlay for a higher-quality pair of boots will often cost less than buying a cheaper pair and then replacing them when they wear out.

Essentially, a combination of research and a knowledge of your own financial situation can help you choose the best boot for the job. Searching online for information and actual boot inventory will help you along the way.