When shopping for footwear, what exactly do you prioritize? Is it the looks, design, or material composition? Do you prefer sneakers, pumps, boots, or formal shoes?
Or are you the kind that follows celebrity and fashion trends?
No matter your preference, there is one thing we can all agree on; the sole reason for buying shoes is for personal Protection. All other things are secondary. When you have a good kick, you can stop worrying about discomfort, pain, too much sweating, and feet infection.
But not all shoes Offer the same protection standards. This brings us to a very important question; what type of footwear can protect your whole foot? In general, a footwear that offers full protection must cover the ankles, all the way to the toes.
If you value protection above everything else, then you must consider the outsole quality, type of material used, and the kind of stitching used. The most durable work boots are made of leather and double or triple stitched for perfection.
There are specific shoes that cater to various protection needs.
This means that before you shove out your credit card, you must figure out what your needs are. Look around you; what dangers surround you? What’s the condition at your workplace like?
Some of the common dangers that warrant improved feet protection include:
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1. Falling objects
Those who work in construction companies, metal industry, wood, and other industries prone to heavy falling objects need steel toe protection. Boots with reinforced toe ends, at worst, can minimize the impact of falling objects and prevent your toes from being seriously crushed.
Boots with Steel toe protection offers the best protective barrier, but the boot will likely weigh a bit more. Additionally, anyone who works with electricity could be at risk. For that reason, boots mostly suitable for an electrician are often different from construction worker boots.
The next best option would be composite toe as it gives you sufficient lightweight protection. You can always restock your shoe rack with the best composite toe work boots, so you don’t feel weighed down at work.
2. Heat and explosives
Most industries run on large power supplies. This means some machinery and surfaces will be overheated. In such cases, you need shoes with better insulation properties. Try to avoid shoes (or not pairing them with anything) made of silk, wool, and nylon parts.
The proper insulated work boots also double up as the best winter gear. They sport excellent padding to keep you warm all day (and all night for nocturnals). While most appear as work boots, there are a few unique styling that matches pretty well with casual shoes and thus great as all-round boots.
3. Slips and falls
A shoe that offers protection to the entire foot must take care of traction, or nothing will matter. Most shoes are designed to provide better traction. However, some offer industrial-grade traction that doesn’t flinch under any weather or surface.
Slips and falls lead to many crippling problems. Some people have broken their vital body parts and consequently got fired for being incapacitated. Others have found themselves in unending court proceedings just because they ignored a simple workplace safety protocol-wearing non-slip shoes.
So the next time you place an order for your shoes, consider looking into the most reliable slip-resistant work boots.
4. Sharp objects
The surfaces we walk on have plenty of sharp objects that we fail to see. Talk of rusty nails, office pins, staple pins, tiny earrings, and the list is endless. Most of the time, a plain rubber sole might be penetrable. That’s why work boots manufacturers throw in steel shanks to prevent any penetration.
Depending on the environment you work in, consider buying boots that offer protection against fire hazards, chemical spills, exhaustion, and cuts. Generally, boots offer the best protection than any other type of shoes. But if you aren’t into boots, there are better alternatives too.
Types of Protective Footwear
Not all shoes offer all-around protection. Some are designed to provide special attention to a particular area of your feet. Here are all the types of protective shoes you might want to look into:
Metatarsal Shoe
Designed to provide relief to the metatarsal area, a metatarsal shoe (mostly boots) is fitted with a guard that protects arch area bones from flattening. Given the toughness of the metatarsal guard, it can also absorb the impact of falling objects.
Related: Some excellent orthopedic work boots might help you with the safety feature you are looking for.
Sports and Athletic Shoes
Sports lovers prefer sports shoes because they are lightweight and breathable. However, they feature advanced outsoles that not only protect the underfoot but offers improved flexibility as well. Albeit being vital for workouts, they don’t come close to boots when it comes to top-level safety.
Metal Instep Shoes
Another solid grab for industrialists and factory workers. Metal instep shoes protect the feet from sharp objects, injuries, burns, glass cuts, and other accidents. Like advanced work boots, it offers 360 degrees protection. Most work boots for men feature metal instep.
Other Features to Consider
Protection obviously comes first, but without comfort, you won’t be able to get a lot out of your shoes. Comfortable shoes allow you to focus on your duties and enjoy your day. Some of the things that boost comfort include memory foam insoles, EVA midsoles, flexible outsoles, improved air circulation, and generous padding.
Bottom line
There is a shoe for every event. You cannot take sports shoes with you to an office job or office shoes in an industrial workplace. This is because their design varies-and so is their level of safety.
Currently, work boots offer the best level of protection. And the best part is, they come in a wide variety of options, including stylish ones for fashion lovers.
Though there are some essential parts after choosing perfect footwear like how to clean your boots on a regular basis, dry your wet boots overnight, and take good care of them. These processes will make them long-lasting and durable.
Sneakers and other types of shoes offer sufficient protection for those who walk on paved paths as well. So before you make a choice, be sure to put the environment you walk into under consideration.
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- Tips on How to Waterproof Leather Boots
- Buying Guide on Choosing Hunting Boots for Women
The post What Type of Footwear Protects Your Whole Foot? appeared first on Sportsly.
