3 Things To Consider When Buying New Work Boots

Updated: Oct 16, 2023

As a Tradie, you spend more time on your feet than most, which makes what you put on your feet even more important. Safety boots provide you with the support and protection you need in your job. Not wearing the correct safety footwear can put workers at risk of injury and breach workplace OHS guidelines.

It is important to find the boot that is best suited to you as an individual and also your line of work.

WHEN YOU KNOW IT'S TIME FOR NEW BOOTS

1. Can you see your reinforced steel cap or composite cap? or the steal shank or metatarsal guard on the outside of your boot? it is time to get new boots. These are all important protective components that are built inside the shoe, and that is where they should stay.

2. Is the toe of your boot dented? Its time to let them go. This will threaten the structural integrity of the steel cap.

3. Has the tread worn on your boots? if the tread is gone, your boots will no longer be slip-resistant. Making your safety boots, no longer safe.

4. If your boots are coming apart at the seams or are leaking it’s pretty obvious, they’re no longer protecting your foot.

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

1. WHAT ARE YOUR WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS?

Depending on your job and the environment you work in, your workplace will have specific features that your safety work boots are required to have to keep you safe on site.

2. WHAT SURFACES ARE YOUR REQUIRED TO WORK ON?

Think about the environment you work in. You could be working on unstable surfaces, slippery surfaces, wet environments or hot temperatures? There are different materials your sole can be made out of to match your working environment.

3. HOW HEAVY ARE YOUR BOOTS?

Do your feet get tired and sore at the end of the day? Do you feel as if you're lugging around weights on your ankles? There are options for lightweight boots with a composite cap instead of a steel cap. This allows for the boot to be lighter without reducing the level of protection.

4. WHAT'S YOUR FOOT SIZE?

Do you have wide feet? Or do you struggle to fit correctly into certain shoes? Certain brands of work boots have additional width fittings to allow for a custom fit to you and your foot type and shape.

5. ARE YOU SUSCEPTIBLE DO ATHLETES FOOT OR FUNGAL NAIL INFECTIONS?

Athletes Foot and Nail Fungus thrives in warm, moist dark environments, which means your work boot is the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections.

Choosing a boot with removable innersole allows for you to be able to remove the liner and air them out to reduce the risk of fungal infections or Athletes Foot.

What's more? A removable innersole means you can take out the liner and replace it with an orthotic with easy fitting if required by your Podiatrist.

6. DO YOUR SHOES FIT CORRECTLY?

The right fit is always key. Correct length, width to ensure nil areas of rubbing or pressure. It is vital to try your work boots on in-person to ensure the correct width, length, and fit.

P.s. Please make sure you bring in the socks that you would usually wear to work, this makes a difference to the fit and feel of the work boot when trying them on.

5 TIPS FOR PURCHASING NEW WORK BOOTS

1. Make sure the boot bends at your toes, this will allow for the natural foot movement without any restrictions.

2. Ensure the boots have enough width and depth.

3. Boots with lace-ups allow for adjustment suited to your foot. Zips will also allow for easy access when pulling your boots on and taking them off.

4. Make sure your boot has a strong and supportive heel counter. You can check this by pressing on the back of the shoe to check if it folds in which means it’s not strong enough.

5. Your shoe should be comfortable when you put it on, you should not have to wear them in.

If you are starting to feel any leg or foot pain, your work boots are rubbing or causing you pain, or you are unsure which work boot is best for you, come in and see one of our passionate Podiatrists who can help!