Top Tips For Finding The Right Safety Boots

Of all the pieces of trade workwear that have developed over the years, the hardwearing safety boot is perhaps one of the most important pieces of PPE you can own.

The regulations as enforced by the Health and Safety Executive requires appropriate footwear to be worn that protects the wearer from any hazards that have been noted in the risk assessment, such as falling objects, slip hazards and solid objects that can cause punctures.

Here are some top tips for choosing the right safety boots.

Comfort Matters

Whilst you are never going to get sneaker-level comfort from a shoe with a steel toe cap, it is of considerable importance that you feel relatively comfortable walking around in them out of the box.

Whilst any thick boot will need a bit of breaking in, thanks to modern footwear technologies, you should feel like you could walk a day in them even whilst trying them on.

If they feel a bit too abrasive or stiff or uncomfortable underfoot, try another pair.

For this same reason, try to buy boots made of high-quality leather, as they are not only sturdy but also allow your feet to breathe better, keeping them comfortable for longer.

Make Sure They Are Fit For Purpose

Safety shoes are worn to tackle the potential hazards of a particular site, so make sure you have all the protection you need, such as shock resistant soles when working with electricity, puncture resistance if working on a site with sharp objects underfoot, and steel toe-caps for protection from falling objects.

Focus On Space, Stability And Shock Absorption

Whilst comfort, in general, is important, it is important to prioritise three particular areas which make for a comfortable shoe.

Your shoe needs to have good stability for your feet, whether that takes the form of a wide sole or good traction, this is important if you need to traverse uneven terrain.

As with any shoe, the last feeling you want to have with it is constraint. Make sure you can wiggle your toes without them feeling too trapped. Not only is it good for comfort, but it allows you to move quickly as required in an emergency.

As you will be walking in these boots all day on particularly hard surfaces, you need shoes that will absorb the impact of your stride. If your shoes are too hard and have poor shock absorption, they will have a very negative effect on your feet, ankles and knees.