Choosing Safety Footwear

Depending on your job, your work boots could make or break you.  Hazards in the workplace will vary, but knowing what you should be looking for in work boots will go a long way to helping you.  If you are unsure about what you should be looking for, there are some tips that you can use to find the perfect safety work footwear.

 The Safety

Every workplace will have their own hazards and you might need composite toe work boots for masonry or electrical-resistant work shoes for a power plant.  Safety is not something that you should compromise on and this is the most critical aspect of your work boot.  Choosing the right boot can save your toes or your life.
The problem that many people face is the fact that there are a variety of safety features on offer.  This makes it hard to determine what is necessary and what would be excessive for your job.  Knowing what the common safety features in footwear are will help you determine which ones you need.
Steel toes are best if you work in the carpentry, lumber or construction industry.  Safety for your toes in these workplaces is a must.  This is due to the fact that steel toe boots can prevent serious foot injuries that come from falling objects.
Composite toes are made with carbon fiber, Kevlar or plastic and are ideal for those who spend a lot of time working outside.  They are better than steel toe boots because they will not trigger any metal detectors that you might work with.

 The Support

The support in your work boot will determine how comfortable your foot is while you wear the shoes.  When looking at the support you will need to consider the insole, shank, midsole, outsole and puncture plate.  All of these aspects of the boot will combine to create the sturdy support that you might need.
If you suffer from blistering and discomfort, you should look at upgrading the insole of your boot.  The midsole will be responsible for the overall support and you should never neglect this when you look at boots.  If you want all this, check out these Caterpillar work boots.
 The Comfort, Flexibility, And Fit
If you are going to be spending 12 hours each day on your feet, you need to have the most comfortable work boots that you can find.  When you maximize your comfort, you are going to improve your job performance.  This is due to the fact that you will not be distracted by your discomfort and feel better throughout the day.
While comfort is important, the fit of the boot should also be taken into account.  You need to look for any pinching or hot sports as they will become uncomfortable.  They are also unlikely to diminish over time.
The flexibility of the boot will also need to be looked at particularly since most work boots are made with leather.  Leather boors will start to conform to your foot as you wear them, but there will be an initial break-in phase.  If you want to maximize the flexibility of your leather boots, you need to keep them moisturized with a leather conditioner.

 The Insulation And Waterproofing

If you have to walk around in waterlogged boots, you will not be having fun, but you do not want frozen toes either.  This is why you need to look at the weatherproofing of your boots before you buy them.  Rainwater is heaven for bacteria and if your feet are always in wet shoes, you could be in serious trouble.  Quality waterproof boots will not only keep your feet dry and warm, they will also be safe.
Insulated work boots will make working outside easier and more bearable.  They are a necessity if you are going to be working outside during the winter months, particularly if you are in a snow-prone area.

The Traction

To remain steady, you need to look at the traction your boots provide.  A great pair of work boots will have a solid grip and good traction.  Approximately a third of all construction worker injuries are a result of falls, trips, and slips.
There are a lot of different outsoles on the market offering different traction levels.  High-performance rubber outsoles will be ideal for rugged worksite terrain and for gripping ladders.  If you work in the chemical industry or on an oil rig, you need to look for TPU outsoles as they are chemical-resistant.  They are also lightweight and designed to handle more than the traditional rubber outsole.