Working in heavy industry or any similar trade can take its toll on your feet. If you can earn a dollar each time a tradesperson says their feet are killing them, you’d probably be a multimillionaire by now.
There’s no denying that wearing the proper boots for work is vital for both comfort and safety on the job site.
The good news is that you don’t have to look far and wide to find appropriate workwear.
Unlike in a typical office setting where your focus may be to find a matching coat and tie, getting your industrial work apparel can be straightforward.
The decision process doesn’t have to be bogged down by fashion or style issues. Still, that doesn’t mean you can wear just about any industrial apparel or work boots.
If you’re a tradesperson, you must invest in the right work clothes. It’s challenging enough to stand and carry heavy tools for the most part of your day, so you don’t have to punish your body further by wearing uncomfortable apparel.
That said, comfort is crucial, especially when it comes to industrial footwear.
Did you know that the most popular Steel Blue work boot has a padded collar and tongue for added cushion and comfort? It’s proof that working in an industrial setting doesn’t necessarily mean you have to abuse your feet.
Now, you’re aware of the wide availability of industrial work clothes and the fact that there are brands combining comfort and protection.
The only concern left for you to address is how to pick the right working boots to fit your job.
Here are five tips to help you choose the right work boots.
1. Choose A Pair with Hard Toes for Safety
When buying work boots, the first consideration is safety. Any tradesperson knows that minor injuries can happen when working on projects without wearing appropriate apparel.
Shoes with hard safety toes give you a better chance to avoid broken toes if you accidentally drop a heavy object on your foot.
There was a time when hard safety shoes came only with steel toes. Now, there are composite materials that offer the same protection as steel but are lighter in weight.
2. Get Gender-Specific Work Boots
It’s no secret that there are subtle differences between men and women when it comes to wearing the proper footwear.
Although men once dominated trade jobs, more women have now become involved in heavy industries.
As a result, some brands are stepping up to provide work apparel suitable for women working in trade jobs.
Gone are the days of having working shoes available only in one style. Choosing boots made and designed for your gender can provide you with more comfort on the job site.
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3. Allow a Little Extra Room for Your Feet
Again, work boots are designed for safety, not fashion. For your shoes to perform well, they must securely cover your foot.
But wearing tight boots can affect your comfort level and pave the way for corns and calluses to develop.
On the other hand, having loose working shoes can cause your feet to slide and weaken your foothold.
It would be best for you to find a balance between the pros and cons of wearing tight or loose boots.
The solution is to allow a bit of extra room for your feet. Also, remember that your feet will get slightly swollen after a long day at work. Having extra space allowance in your boots will accommodate any swelling in your feet.
The operative word here is ‘little and not too much extra space. When trying on new boots, make sure you get both adequate space for your feet and stable footing in every step.
4. Try on A New Pair Late in The Day
In connection with providing breathing room for your feet in your boots, it’s a smart move to shop for a new pair at the end of your work shift or in the latter part of the day.
By doing so, your feet will have already become slightly larger. As a result, you’ll have a more accurate basis for finding the correct boot size.
5. Wear Your Work Socks When Choosing Your Boots
When trying on new work boots, it’s crucial to treat the occasion as if you’re working.
Bring the very same socks you use for work (freshly washed, of course). Put on the new boots while wearing that pair.
You can check right there if the boots will be comfortable when used at the job site.
Conclusion
Wearing the right work boots is crucial for people working in heavy industries or trades.
These boots are designed to be durable and provide protection, but their ruggedness can often cause discomfort at work.
When choosing the right pair of boots, make sure to balance proper fit, safety, and comfort.
