Footwear keeps you protected. The feet take most of the body’s force, so it is important to always have good footwear for your feet. In the workplace that involves much physical activity such as in construction and manufacturing, most disabling injuries involve feet. These include sprains, twisted ankles, crushed toes, and lacerations. People who are wearing the wrong kind of footwear are more vulnerable to falling victim to workplace injuries. Many brands of boots have now come up with amazing features that can enhance protection when you work. All you need is to have the proper knowledge on what to look for and select the features that are best suited for you. You can also see Most Comfortable Work Boots from other sources.
The following are just some tips when buying the best men’s work boots:
- Know Where You Are Going To Use The Work Boots For
There are a sea of manufacturers and terminologies that are involved in work boot footwear, and it can be confusing. Aside from style, you need your boots to be highly practical. You have to do your research first and identify your needs. Do not just look for comfort; more importantly, look for safety features because these will help you protect your feet while you work. Always ask your foreman or HR manager if there are safety equipment that you are required to use for your project, and this includes work boots. The standard safety for work boots has been established by the American National Standard Institute or ANSI. It is important to know what suits you and what suits your employer as well, so you will come up with the best selection.
- Choose Boots with Safety Toes
The workplace of construction workers and factory workers are always just a little bit hazardous, especially for appendages like toes. Some of the most prevalent workplace injuries involve crushed toes. There are at least three safety toes that you can choose for your particular job requirement:
- Steel Toes
Steel toes are traditionally the most utilized safety toes used by manufacturers. Steel is heavy and compact, and ideal for use as a safety toe. Many industry brands now use steel toes in their boots, and they have devised to make it comfortable and easy to fit into the toe. They use an asymmetrical design to further help contour the foot shape and toes. This method reduces the bulk and weight of the footwear without sacrificing safety.
- Aluminum Toes
Aluminum toes are a great alternative if you are looking for a more lightweight option. Aluminum is lighter than steel but thicker. They also conform to ANSI standards.
- Composite Toes
Composite toes are great for workers who need to work in a metal-free environment. Aluminum and steel are both metals. Composite toes are made up of carbon fiber, plastic, or Kevlar. They are also lighter than steel but are rather bulky. They form a hefty silhouette on the footwear. Like aluminum and steel, they comply with ANSI standards.
- Look For Shoes With Metatarsal Guards That Protect The Upper Foot
Metatarsal guards protect the upper foot up to the toes from compression injuries. Metatarsal guards are required for people working in construction, and welders who often deal with falling embers. These guards are often made of aluminum, steel, and lightweight composites. The metatarsal is often a site of injury because it protrudes beyond the body line, so it should have extra protection.
- Look For Manufacturers That Offer Next-Level Protection
Some materials are often applied to shoes to make them more durable and offer extra protection. For example, some brands have used tough-tec leather to protect the upper foot. There are also options for people who work near flames since there are fire-resistant materials used in boots. Kevlar is the material manufacturers use for their fire-resistant laces and welding wear.
- Look For Durable Soles
There are many manufacturers that offer outsoles that are long-wearing, slip-resistant, and protective.
- Rubber Outsole
This refers to the entire bottom of the boot. Rubber is a good material because it is abrasion, oil, and slip-resistant. Rubber offers great protection in construction and manufacturing situations, and is ideal for rough terrains. It also provides friction for both wet and dry surfaces.
- TPU Outsole
Outsoles can also be made from a material called Thermo Poly Urethane or TPU. It is long-wearing and chemical-resistant, as well as being oil and abrasion-proof. TPU is tough and won’t split easily, and is a more lightweight option compared to rubber.
- EVA Midsole
The midsole should likewise be protected since it dispenses weight and provides stability for the foot. Comfort is what you should look for in a midsole, and an EVA or ethylene-vinyl acetate is a material much like foam and cushions the foot. It is lightweight and flexible, providing comfort for the foot in each step.
- How to Choose the Ideal Roofing Safety Shoes
Construction workers with roofing activities should look to buy safety shoes with wedge soles. These flat outsoles offer the greatest amount of traction and therefore stability on any surface and is especially critical when balancing high up on a roof. When buying boots for roofing work you also want to check for range of movement and flexibility. The more flexibility you have, the higher your comfort levels on a slanted roof. This means you want short boots that don’t go over your ankle. The best roofing safety footwear prioritises non slip soles and range of motion over other features such as waterproofing, met guards and safety toes. Lastly, lace up shoes will give you a tighter, more secure fit compared to pull on boots that are slightly more loose around part of your foot. This added feeling of stability and security is appreciated by most roofers.
Final Thoughts
The best work boots should protect the feet of the worker, as well as provide cushioning and comfort. Workers will be on their feet all day, and their feet can get easily fatigued. Added to that is the possibility of figuring in an accident. Select the work boots that are best for your particular type of occupation, as well as your individual needs.
