Choosing The Right Work Boots

The type of work boot you need depends largely upon the job you do. There is a huge variety of different brands, models, styles and options, each of which has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. If you’ve bought work boots before, you probably have a good idea what worked for you in the past and will have some valuable experience to help you look for new boots. If you’ve never bought work boots before, however, the variety of selection can be bewildering. Like any shoe, work boots are designed by the manufacturer to satisfy a particular need or range of needs. Check with your employer, footwear falls under a number of OSHA and various state guidelines.

Work Boots - Updated Standards

Industrial and manufacturing jobs are particularly hard on the feet and can pose serious dangers. According to recent OSHA statistics, the third most common cause of workplace injury or death is falls. In addition, there were over 600,000 sprains, tears or fractures reported in 2002. Proper foot wear can help prevent you from becoming one of these statistics. Remember in any occupational setting safety is your first priority. If you are in any type of industrial setting you should have a boot with some type of reinforced toe box. There are a variety of materials used, however, steel is probably the safest choice.
The material of the boot uppers should be puncture resistant. Leather will provide the most protection to your foot. The tongue of the boot should be gusseted or attached to the upper to prevent any small objects from getting into the boot itself.
The boots should have a wide base and flat soles for stability. The soles should be made of a non-slip material. Some are designed to provide traction in particular environments such as floors that may be wet or oily. Ridges on the soles will increase traction and help prevent slips and falls. The soles of most work boots are resistant to heat and chemicals. If you work in an environment where heat and corrosive chemicals are common, however, it would make sense to ask the salesperson or manufacturer before purchasing.
The average worker takes eight to ten thousand steps throughout the day, so cushioning and comfort are vital. High quality boots will have a dual density midsole made of polyurethane and EVA foams or similar materials to provide both stability and cushioning.
As the US manufacturing sector as moved away from heavy industrial production, there has been an increased demand for lighter more comfortable footwear, that still provides the required protections. These shoes look and feel like running, walking and tennis shoes, but have non-slip outsoles and steel toe caps. These are particularly suitable for light industrial and service environments.

Construction, Heavy Industrial, and Logging

As in any type of work boot, safety is the primary concern. There are a wide variety of environments, and an equally wide variety of work boots. Each specific job, work site, and factory has particular hazards and no one boot is going to protect against all of them. As is the case with any work boot, you need to be aware of the specific requirements of your job. Your employer may have requirements in addition OSHA and various state agencies. Check with your employer first. They may have specific required footwear and in many cases may have an agreement with a specific boot manufacturer.

Choosing Work Boots - Simple Guidelines

Safety is of course the primary concern. The same general guidelines apply. A heavy duty boot will have a still toe cap; this cap should comply with the highest level of protection, ANSI 75. The outer layer should be leather at the very least. There are job specific boots, such as those designed for loggers, which will have additional protection from penetration by chain saw.
Construction and any other type of out door work necessitates excellent traction. An aggressive sole design, with heavy lugs is preferable. In some cases, such as logging, OSHA regulations permit the use of calk-soled boots. The sole should be of a hard material to prevent punctures by nails, metal chips and other hazards as well as resistant to heat, oil, abrasion, and chemicals.
If you work in an environment where electrical shock is a hazard, buy a boot specifically designed to protect against shock. Check the rating on the boots, most designed for electrical protection will have a ANSI Z41 PT99 I/75 C/75 EH rating.
The midsoles of heavy weight boots are similar to that of standard work boots, generally dual density foam to provide stability and cushioning.
In a boot that will be worn outdoors the lining is also an important factor. Many high quality boots will have some type of waterproofing material in the upper, such as Gore-Tex or similar products.

Fitting for Work Boots

The fit of your work boots is important. In order to get the maximum protection your boot provides, it needs to fit correctly. Incorrectly fitted boots can cause accidents at worst, and uncomfortable conditions such as blisters, bunions, hammer toes, and other foot ailments at best. Your foot is largest at the end of the day, so try on boots later in the afternoon. Make sure you wear the same type of sock you would normally wear at work. A thick cotton sock is preferable. When you try the boot on, move your toes around to make sure they do not feel tight. There should be minimal slippage in the heel. As you walk around the store, try to feel anyplace the boot rubs. Pay particular attention to your pinkie toe. Finally, make sure to compare several brands and styles before placing your order.

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About The Author:

Luther Mardock is an educator and free-lance writer in Lincoln, NE who enjoys providing informative tips to consumers when shopping for work boots, steel toe boots, and hiking boots.

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