If you’ve ever thought that your feet are killing you from standing all day, you know how important it is to take care of your feet. Work boots not only help prevent accidents, but they provide added support so you can stay on your feet longer without tiring yourself out.
One of the most common mistakes workers make is not knowing how to choose the right safety boots. Whether it’s just looking at the price or buying the wrong size, this can ultimately lead to health problems and unnecessary discomfort that affects job performance.
So choosing the right work shoes becomes a necessity to avoid complications. The idea is that you can be comfortable without sacrificing the protection you need according to the type of activity you perform. This type of boots is mainly used in jobs that require spending long periods of time on your feet such as in factories, farms, and similar trades.
When choosing your next work boots, it is important that you take into account some data to consider:
- Since they are made of hard materials, they require some time to adapt to the foot. It is common for them to bother you a little at first.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Department of Labor agree that employers should ensure that their employees wear safety footwear as needed.
- Always choose boots based first on protection, then comfort, and finally style. It is also not advisable to look only at price.
How to choose work boots?
Next, we will be learning what are the features you should consider in a work boot, as well as what are its benefits. This way you will be able to choose your next work boots and stay protected during your working day.
Selecting the right work boots can be the difference between being comfortable and not holding your feet at the end of the day. Among the complications that can arise from not wearing the right boots are also the appearance of fungus, back and knee pain, infections, among others.
For this reason, it is recommended that you pay attention to these characteristics:
- Safety
The level of protection needed in a chemical factory is different from that of construction. Each industry has its own requirements. The type of footwear you need will depend primarily on this factor. Remember that safety comes first when choosing.
However, at the most basic level, there is one feature in common: toe reinforcement of either steel or synthetic materials. This will protect you from some of the most common workplace accidents such as falling heavy objects and cuts.
- Support
To reduce fatigue it is necessary that the boot has a stable structure that provides stability. Likewise, the inside of the boots must also be considered. A midsole capable of absorbing the impact of walking and an inner sole made of soft material for a lighter tread will help you avoid fatigue.
- Comfort and flexibility
Although the main thing to consider before buying work boots is the safety they offer, comfort is a key factor. On average, workers spend 12 hours a day in footwear. That’s why it’s important that the inside of the boot is comfortable.
Likewise, it is essential to choose the right size for your foot. If the boot hits your toes or heel, it can cause blisters and other discomfort. In the case of leather boots, the material is flexible to adjust to the shape of the foot and adapt over time.
- Insulation and waterproof material
Walking with wet feet is one of the most uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations at work. It is also a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to foot infections or fungus. That is why it is important that the boot is waterproof to prevent water from entering during the day.
It is not enough for the material to be resistant to water and humidity, but the boot must be constructed in such a way as to keep the foot dry.
As for insulation, there are two types: against electricity and against the cold. Depending on the type of work you do, you will need one or the other. The first one avoids electric shocks to reduce the risk of electrocution. While the second is ideal for those who work outdoors.
- Traction
One of the ways in which work boots are able to prevent falls is thanks to the material of their soles. The grip on different types of surfaces is essential to avoid slips and accidents. The sole should be made of rubber or other synthetic materials such as TPU.
Work boots will allow you to climb ladders or work in the field with total safety and peace of mind.
Tips for wearing work boots
Boots should fit snugly to do their job, but not tight. In addition, if you work in cold climates, it is advisable to leave half a size to wear with safety socks. It is also important to allow a few days for the material of the boots to adapt to the foot.
If possible, it is advisable to have two or more pairs of boots and rotate them. This will increase the durability of the boots, as well as their effectiveness. It is not advisable to have only one pair and wear them until they break.
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