Finding the best work boots for you

Finding the best work boots to suit your needs can be more difficult than you might think. If you are regularly exposed to hazardous conditions, your work boots can really improve your working day. Occupational hazards vary depending upon which field you work in.

Tools Today have a wide range of work footwear, such as mid ankle boots, Safety Wellingtons, Rigger Boots and more, this blog points to some of the things you should look for in a boot.

Durable Work Boots

Are your boots strong enough for the job?
Look to see which boots offer the longest lifespan. You don't want work boots letting you down because you've selected the wrong type. there are a number of things to consider, tough might mean heavy, or inflexible.

Do you need Weatherproof Boots?

If you work outside in the elements, it's worth having work boots that will keep your feet dry. Perhaps, if you spend long periods in cold or wet environments you'll need insulated boots to keep your feet warm. Farmers or those who work in the fishing industry need both waterproofing and warmth.

Getting Boots that fit

If your boots don't fit well, they're going to be a nuisance that prevents you working at full capacity.  A solid pair of work boots that keep you comfortable and safe is always worth the initial investment.

Perhaps your company already has recommended footwear? Consult your company’s employee manual. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with what kind of work boots meet industry standards. Are the boots you select up to the job?

Work Boot Safety Features

Safety is the most important aspect of a work boot. However, what a construction worker needs from a work boot will greatly differ from the needs of an electrician. Electricians might need a more breathable trainer with rubber soles, as opposed to a traditional boot.

It pays to know what type of conditions you will encounter before heading out on the field.  Choosing the right gear is one of the best preventative measures you can take against workplace accidents.

Your safety has to come first. Fashionable boots might look good, but will they save your life?  The right work boots can save your toes from being crushed, or even save your life in situations where you are at risk of being trapped or cut.

There are many safety features available in work footwear, it can be difficult to decide on the best work boots.

Typically, it’s better to be over prepared than under prepared. Use your best judgment when determining what work boot safety features make sense for your line of work.

Toe Protection - Toe 'Tectors

The safety toe is the must-have safety feature If you work in an industry where your feet could be crushed such as carpentry, or construction industries.

There are a few different types of toe protection. Typically be found in three varieties:

• Steel Toe
• Composite Toe
• Aluminum Toe

Steel toed work boots used to be the norm but advancements in new technologies have made composite toe work boots a very popular alternative.

When looking for the best work boots to suit your needs, metal toe protection is better suited for heavy-duty occupations, but metal does have a major drawback. The metal safety toe will act as a conductor.

If you work in extreme climates,  hot or cold temperatures will be transferred straight to the inside your boots. This can make for a very uncomfortable situation. However, steel and aluminium toes can stand up to greater crushing forces than composite toes.

Composite safety toes are usually made from carbon fibre, plastic, or Kevlar, and are ideal for those who spend the majority of their working day outdoors.

Steel Midsole

We've all had a hole in our shoe or boot, but if you work in demolition zones,  steel midsoles or puncture plates are a must. All the best work boots will provide some form of puncture protection. Without a puncture plate, you risk serious injury by way of stepping on a potentially dangerous nail or jagged glass chip.

The plate lies between the insole and midsole, providing extra Support as well as guarding against punctures.

Although the steel midsole isn't required for every profession, work boots with puncture plates are better protected and provide extra peace of mind.

Soles with Grip

A good grip is vital for keeping you on your feet. A pair of boots with a solid grip is going to go a long way to keeping you standing upright. Over one-third of all fatal construction accidents are a result of a slip or fall.

Having a good grip is vital. There are countless workplace scenarios where slipping and falling can pose a major danger. Many workers need to balance on metal, roofs or uneven surfaces. Chemical spills, water and icy surfaces greatly increase the chances of a slip.

Being careful and aware is the greatest accident prevention, but having the right workwear really can help.

Flexibility

Most work boots are made of leather, and one of the properties that means that leather is the perfect material for boots due to its flexibility. Leather boots conform to your feet through repeated use, especially when you are breaking them in. The areas of the boot that move the most will become more flexible over time. If the boots aren't flexible, they might not be the best work boots for you

Foot Support & Comfort

The support of a work boot is determined by a combination of many factors. A boot’s insole, midsole, shank, puncture plate, and outsole all contribute to the work boot’s support.

Comfort is naturally important when choosing the best work boots.  If you experience discomfort or blistering, upgrading your boot’s insole can provide you with the support you need. Midsoles are an understated aspect of any boot and can make a huge difference in a boot’s overall support.

Boot Weight

The lighter the boot, the less work it takes to lift your feet. Some occupations require heavy-duty boots to protect against specific work hazards, but it is possible to find a pair of solid, protective work boots that weight less than 2 pounds.

To recap some important features of work boots:

• Different industries have different work boot safety guidelines.
• Check the HSE for occupational specifications.
• Steel and Aluminium toe boots conduct electricity and thermal energy – composite safety toe boots are recommended for outdoor workers.
• Look for work boots with a highly rated outsole grip, as over 1/3 of all construction workplace accidents are the result of slips and falls.
• Keep liquids out with regular waterproofing, and keep warmth in with insulated boots for colder climates.
• Fit and support are crucial to staying comfortable on the job – pay close attention to any pinches or hot spots as these problems rarely go away.

Buy Work Boots at Tools Today

Hopefully, we have covered the key considerations when choosing the best work boots for you. Now you are ready to browse our Safety footwear selection.