For many outdoor and heavy-duty jobs, good foot protection is an essential requirement. Whether you’re a farmer tending to your field, a construction worker, a landscaper, carpenter, or a plumber – your safety and comfort on the job greatly depend on your choice of footwear. Not only do these and similar occupations require you to spend a great deal of time on your feet, but they also carry a high risk of foot-related injuries. With that being said, it’s crucial to protect your feet with the best safety boots you can find. Here are some important features to look for in order to make the right pick.
Optimal Support & Cushioning
Your work boots should allow you to be active for long periods of time without your feet hurting or being sore and swollen. With that being said, make sure to look for safety boots with thick, supportive outsoles and cushy, comfortable insoles. Although standard boots might look like they have sturdy outsoles, they aren’t supportive enough to reduce the pressure and impact of standing and moving around the whole day. Instead, look for professional heavy-duty brands such as Steel Blue safety boots which feature soles made out of a special type of foam called PORON. This foam offers exceptional cushioning and effective shock absorption at the same time.
Sturdy Toe Caps
In an environment such as a construction site, warehouse or workshop, there’s always the risk of puncture injuries or heavy items falling on your feet. Considering this, it’s crucial to look for safety boots that have toe caps that provide exceptional protection. The best toe caps against drop hazards and punctures are considered to be the ones made of steel. However, in certain environments where there can be a high risk of electric shocks, it’s recommended to wear caps made of non-metallic composites like the ones found in Steel Blue safety boots. Composite toes can also be a better choice if your job requires you to walk around a lot as in metal toe caps can weigh you down more.
Weatherproof Design & Slip-resistance
If your job involves working outdoors, your shoes should be able to protect you from all kinds of weather conditions. This means that you should look for safety boots made of waterproof materials, like for instance regular and suede leather, or some type of quality artificial leather. In addition, the shoes should be properly insulated to keep your feet dry and warm and prevent hypothermia. It’s also important to make sure that the outsoles are slip-resistant to prevent falls and accidents while walking around slippery surfaces.