| Even though they stand on their feet all day on | | | | It's important to realize however, that water |
| the job site, wearing the right footwear is often | | | | proof coatings have to be re-applied and water |
| the last thing on a worker's mind. However, the | | | | resistant materials have to be maintained to keep |
| right choice in work boots can make all of the | | | | them free from holes or deep scratches. |
| difference in occupational health. Any piece of | | | | The right footwear can also supplement industrial |
| industrial clothing goes beyond just comfort and is | | | | supplies designed for protection against electrical |
| also expected to provide protection against | | | | hazard. Electrical hazard boots are insulted in order |
| hazards as a part of a comprehensive personal | | | | to protect against a 600 volt discharge. In |
| protective equipment (PPE) program. | | | | addition, slip-resistant soles are used for working |
| With these two ideas in mind, here is a look at | | | | on wet surfaces, insulated models are great for |
| the major factors in outfitting workers with the | | | | cold weather, and medical shoes can be used in |
| right footwear. Proper footwear provides day-long | | | | sterile settings. |
| comfort as well as providing protection against | | | | Brands And Styles |
| injury. | | | | Purchasing the right brand is another key step in |
| The Right Fit | | | | getting the right kind. Bates, Rocky, Nautilus, |
| Just like all PPE and industrial clothing, footwear will | | | | Georgia Boot, Wolverine, and Danner are all |
| only provide protection and comfort if it is fit | | | | excellent brands. When looking at price, stay |
| correctly. It is important to take the extra time in | | | | above $90 to ensure a quality product and be |
| sizing footwear to the worker. It's a good idea to | | | | aware that top of the line styles could go for as |
| try on multiple pairs in different sizes, brands, and | | | | much as $200. |
| styles to find the right fit. | | | | Footwear comes in many different styles and is |
| Leather is a commonly used material, but be | | | | made from a range of materials. The typical style |
| aware that the material will be stiff when it is | | | | comes with a high ankle, but an athletic style that |
| new. Leather needs to be broken in before it will | | | | resembles a sneaker or cross trainer is available |
| feel the best, but getting the right size at the | | | | with a low ankle and profile. |
| beginning is crucial. | | | | Leather is a commonly used material since it is |
| Insulated boots for outdoor job sites and cold | | | | durable and supportive while providing good water |
| environments should be one half size larger than | | | | resistance. However, leather is not a breathable |
| usual to accommodate for an extra pair of socks | | | | material and can be heavy and reduce mobility. |
| or thermal leggings. If orthopedic insoles or | | | | Combination boots combine leather with nylon |
| padding and liners are also used, the extra half of | | | | mesh to achieve a balance of weight, durability, |
| a size is required to maintain a good fit. | | | | comfort, and insulation. Latex and rubber are used |
| How Work Boots Get The Job Done | | | | for waterproof boots and chemical splash |
| Even though getting the right size is the most | | | | footwear. Most models, regardless of type or |
| important step of buying industrial clothing, there | | | | material, can be accessorized with waterproof |
| are many types of footwear to choose from, all | | | | liners and padded insoles. |
| designed for different applications. The most | | | | Industrial footwear is constructed by three main |
| commonly purchased type of industrial footwear | | | | methods. The most rugged, and expensive, |
| is by far the steel toe boot. These pieces of PPE | | | | method is the stitch down construction that also |
| provide the best all around protection on the job | | | | allows boots to be resoled. A less expensive |
| from crushing hazards, impacts, ankles sprains, | | | | option is cement construction, where the upper |
| and even vehicle traffic. The reinforced toe, high | | | | and lower halves are glued together. Another |
| ankle, and rugged design protect the feet and | | | | method is direct attach, where the two pieces |
| toes. | | | | are molded together during manufacturing for a |
| There are also many choices in waterproof and | | | | strong bond. |
| water-resistant footwear. Waterproofing is ideal | | | | With all of these factors in mind, buying the right |
| for anyone who works outdoors and on wet | | | | industrial clothing for safety and comfort can be |
| surfaces, but the boots are also part of PPE in | | | | an easy task. With a little extra effort into |
| the presence of any chemicals that can be spilled | | | | research and finding the right fit, work boots will |
| or splashed. Chemicals that can soak through to | | | | offer a long life time of safety on the job. |
| the foot will cause aggravated injury and irritation. | | | | |