Safety boots are a huge part of your personal protective equipment, and getting a pair that fits and protects you against the surrounding hazards is of utmost importance. That being said, if you’re looking for a brand new pair of safety work boots, there are a couple of important factors to consider, such as the quality and the material they’re made of, their durability, weight, whether they have added protection on the toes, the convenience of putting them on and their lacing system. All of these factors will determine the ideal safety boots for your type of job.
The most important factors to consider when shopping for work boots are the materials they are made of and their quality. Most of today’s work boots are made of a combination of full-grain leather, nylon mesh or waterproof materials. You should pick a material that suits your work needs best. It’s important for the boots to be completely waterproof so that they provide you with the proper protection against all types of liquids. Although you may have to pay a little extra for this type of boots, it’s totally worth it if you work in wet and slippery environments.
Most people, however, opt for full-grain leather boots. This is one of the toughest materials that offer optimum protection from injuries and offer great heel support. However, the downside to full-grain leather boots is that they might be heavy and uncomfortable to wear for extended time periods. Nulon mesh, on the other hand, has a lightweight design, and although it may not be as durable as full-grain leather, it offers great protection, has decent moisture-wicking properties and breathability capabilities.
All of the aforementioned materials are very durable, but you should still look for boots that have a lengthy warranty and positive reviews online. Work boots manufactured by reputable brands are usually more durable than other models. However, you should also expect to pay slightly more for quality and durability. Further, how often you wear boots and in what conditions should also have a significant impact on the model’s life. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and look for relevant information about how to properly maintain and clean them so they serve you for a longer period of time.
Next, you have to consider the lacing system. Generally, you’ll find conventional lace-up, BOA, zip sided, elastic-sided and pull on boots. While there’s no right or wrong answer here, some types of lacing systems have advantages over others. For example, pull on boots are easy to slip on and off with minimum hassle, but you can’t adjust the fit as well as you can with lace-up boots, for example. That being said, if you’re considering pull on boots, you need to get the right size, because there will be no room for adjustment. Pull on boots can also be beneficial for people who need to take off and put on their boots multiple times throughout the day. The BOA lacing system is also pretty convenient, and you can easily put them on and take them off with the turn of a knob.
The safety features of the boots can play a crucial role in your buying decision, especially the safety features around your toes, which are the most fragile part. Safety toes are crucial for many different industries, and some of the most popular types nowadays are aluminium, steel, and composite. Aluminium toes are bulkier than other types, they offer optimum protection but they conduct temperature, so many people don’t prefer them. Composite toes are usually made of either plastic, kevlar or carbon fiber. These boots offer great durability and resistance, and they don’t conduct temperature, making them ideal for daily wear. Lastly, steel toes are the most preferred type since they’re the most durable and ideal for use in all sorts of environments.
Furthermore, if your work involves working on wet and slippery surfaces, you’ll want boots with a slip- and oil-resistant sole to prevent accidents. On the other hand, if you work in construction, you’ll want to consider boots that have a puncture-resistant sole so that you don’t get hurt by nails. Some manufacturers go as far as manufacturing acid-resistant soles so people who work with dangerous chemicals can protect their feet from accidental spills. If your job involves climbing ladders, you’ll need boots with superior heel support. If the work boots don’t offer the right type of support and protective properties, you’ll end up with sore feet, painful knees or hurt feet at the end of the day.
You can find a wide range of work boots online, and not just for men, but women and children as well. It’s important for everyone to wear appropriate foot protection while on the job site in order to avoid serious injuries and hefty fines. The right work boots will not only increase your safety but they will also boost your productivity and comfort while working.
