Boots are indispensable for those who labour in construction industries. These boots are shoes worn as sole protection below the ankle. And because safety boots are meant to protect against falls, they must also be comfortable while you walk and provide good traction. So, with so many safety boots on the market today, how do you decide which ones are right for you?
To help keep your feet safe in construction sites or manufacturing areas, here is a list of the top nine factors to consider when choosing
Factor 1: Stable Base
A pair of boots that’s stable enough to balance your foot correctly on top of it without slipping or sliding off is essential. The shoes must be able to hold your weight and provide balance, especially when you’re walking or running.
Factor 2: Non-Skid Sole
Boots have a rubber insole called a non-skid sole that gives you good traction and prevents your foot from slipping on slippery surfaces. A non-skid sole also adds to the stability of the base by controlling the shoe from moving around when you’re standing or walking. And this will keep you safe in different settings and weather conditions.
Factor 3: Correct Size
The size of safety footwear matters because it determines how well your feet are protected from accidents. As such, ensure that the safety shoes you buy are of the proper size to fit your feet well and that it doesn’t move around while you’re working.
Factor 4: Quality of Material
The quality of a pair of safety shoes contributes to its longevity. The material used in its construction should be able to provide comfort and protection for your long-term use.
Factor 5: Correct Shape
Safety shoes must also have a shape that fits snugly around your feet. With this, it’s better to try them on in person before buying them to ensure they don’t cause injuries or blisters. The snugness ensures that you don’t lose balance when walking or running and also prevents friction when walking on slippery surfaces. Meanwhile, a too-loose shoe allows moisture to get in, which can cause infection.
Factor 6: The Price
An affordable price is always significant since it combines protection and comfort. And because there are a lot of brands out there, shop around for a good deal and buy from reputable sellers only.
Factor 7: Check the Colour
These boots come in a variety of colours. And the colour you choose should match your work environment and your choice of clothing.
Factor 8: Comfort and Safety
Both are important when choosing a pair of safety shoes. It would help if you felt comfortable enough to stand or walk in it for hours on end, but you also want to ensure that the shoes provide sufficient protection for your feet in an accident. As such, make sure you choose the right kind of safety footwear for the type of work you do so that you won’t have to worry about accidents affecting your mobility.
Factor 9: Check the Weight
It’s crucial to balance your safety boots while walking or running to prevent them from slipping off. Your safety shoes should have an ideal weight to support your feet and balance them correctly while carrying heavy objects, walking, and running.
Why Are Boots Necessary?
Working in the harsh conditions of construction sites, factories, and other areas may make some workers fearful for their safety. As such, these boots are an essential part of any worker’s arsenal. Meanwhile, many precautions can be taken to improve one’s safety in every work environment. However, most employers insist that workers wear protective footwear because it is important not to injure one’s feet while on their duty or in other places where they are crawling and working.
Basic requirements for proper safety footwear are that it must be comfortable, must provide protection, should have a stable base, a non-slip surface and, most importantly, fits appropriately so that they do not cause injuries to the feet while performing risky and hazardous tasks.
