Safety and material advancements have revolutionized the way we think about work boots.
By Kevin Oberle, Contributor
Proper safety footwear is key to preparedness on the jobsite. In addition to providing protection, when workers are confident in each step, they are better able to focus on the current task at hand. As a result, having well-maintained and reliable work boots can help prevent injuries and lead to increased productivity at work.
Safety and material advancements have revolutionized the way we think about work boots and, with more options available than ever, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin when it comes time to shop for your next pair. However, with some planning and know-how, selecting your next pair of safety boots may be less difficult than you think. Having a foundation for safety and comfort is often the first step in improving your overall work experience. Here are some signs that it is time for new work boots, what to consider before making a work boot purchase, and how to extend the lifespan of your safety footwear going forward.
When to Replace Your Current Boots
When it comes to preventing injuries on the job site, well-maintained safety footwear is essential – a worn out work boot is no longer able to perform its job of keeping you protected. There are some other clear indicators that a work boot is no longer able to offer the safety, comfort, or performance enhancements necessary for a day of work on the job site. If you are unsure, take a look at your current pair of boots for these telltale signs:
Splitting Seams: If the seams of your boots are visibly falling apart, it is time for a new pair. These boots can no longer provide the protection that safety footwear requires and should be retired immediately.
Delamination: Delamination of the outsole occurs when the cement construction of a boot wears out due to exposure to caustic materials or the age of the glue. The best way to combat premature delamination is to remain aware of the materials that might come into contact with your boots. Goodyear welted boots are built to withstand more caustic materials and work environments and may be a more suitable choice for jobs where these kinds of chemicals are present. Another option to consider is boots built by direct injection, a construction method that forms a mechanical bond between the midsole and upper that is more durable and virtually eliminates the occurrence of delamination. Regardless, if your outsole is starting to separate from the boot, it should be replaced.
Cracks or Holes: Work boots with cracks or holes also need to be replaced. This is especially important if you can see the safety toe cap through the leather at the forefoot of your work boot. If the leather of an upper is cracking or drying out it can allow dirt, mud, and harmful chemicals to enter the inside of the boot and create more damage. This is true for even small cracks and holes, which will only grow over time.
Damaged Toe: A boot with a damaged toe cap must be replaced. This is also necessary when a toe cap takes a blow, even if it does not look visibly dented. While steel or aluminum toe caps might display obvious damage after significant impact, this is not always the case with carbon-fiber or composite toe caps. In these cases, it is possible that micro-cracks may have formed. If your toe cap takes an impact, consider it a job well-done and buy a new pair.
What to Consider when Purchasing New Safety Footwear
Thanks to innovations from manufacturers, the last decade has seen a variety of advancements when it comes to the safety, performance, and comfort in safety footwear. For example, high-tensile fabrics have led to safety footwear that is lighter and features more athletic-inspired silhouettes, while toe caps have become thinner and stronger to reduce bulk without sacrificing safety.
Before purchasing work boots, the first step is understanding the unique hazards of your job site as well as requirements from your company and regulatory bodies such as OSHA. Safety managers and supervisors are a helpful resource to point you in the right direction. From there, consider some of the following features when selecting your next work boot:
Slip Resistance: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, over one-third of fatalities in the construction industry were the result of slips, trips, and falls.[1] Slip-resistant outsoles minimize the risk of these injuries through material compounds featured in the outsole and tread patterns, which are designed to maximize surface area and disperse liquids quickly. To ensure the right boot for your underfoot environment, look for footwear specifically labeled as slip-resistant.
Toe Protection: Historically, toe caps have been made from materials such as steel and aluminum. While these are still excellent options for safety toes (and required for certain job sites), carbon-fiber safety toes are 15% lighter than steel and have grown in popularity in recent years. Beyond offering a lighter weight, carbon-fiber toes are non-conductive to heat and cold and completely non-metallic, making them an attractive choice for workers who have to pass through a metal detector on the job site. As an added comfort feature, some brands even make asymmetrical toe-caps which provide a more unobtrusive fit without sacrificing safety.
Seasonality: Many boots are designed to be worn year-round, but there are benefits to selecting safety footwear specifically intended for summer or winter months. For example, a boot with insulation or a waterproof system can ensure your feet stay warm and dry in the winter if your job requires you to be outside for extended periods of time. On the other hand (or foot), in the summer you might consider a lighter boot with more breathability to help your feet stay cool.
Tips When Shopping for Work Boots
When shopping in-store for new safety footwear, we recommend trying on boots at the end of the day. This is because your feet swell throughout the day and will naturally be at their largest, ensuring your future boots do not feel tight after a long day of work. It is also beneficial to wear a pair of socks that you would wear on the job. We recommend a cushioned sock that features textiles such as merino wool to provide moisture wicking, odor control, and comfort.
Even if you think you know your shoe size, it is always worthwhile to ask a store associate to provide proper sizing or a fit test. Boots that are too loose can present hazards such as tripping, while boots that are too tight can cause a variety of foot health problems including blisters and in-grown toenails.
Maintaining and Extending the Lifespan of Your Boots
After purchasing a new pair of work boots, it’s important to invest the time to make them last. While all boots will eventually wear out, here are a few tips to extend the lifespan of your new safety footwear:
Clean Your Boots: Clean your work boots regularly, especially if they are worn in the mud. Most boots are built to handle dirt and debris, but, over time, mud can break down stitching and wear more quickly. If your boots get muddy, wait for them to dry before removing the debris with a soft brush or even a toothbrush for small gaps in between lugs.
Alternate Work Boots: Rotating between boots can extend their lifespan. This is because your feet release moisture into your shoes over the course of every day, which leads to wear and tear as well as foot health issues such as athlete’s foot and blisters. Alternating footwear can reduce this bacteria growth and enable your boots to dry out in between wears.
Unlacing and Proper Storage: It might feel convenient and even satisfying to kick your boots off at the end of a long work day. However, when you don’t unlace your boots, it bends the heel collar, which can result in new pressure points and blisters. It can also strain laces and pull stitching which leads to unnecessary wear on the boot. Taking an extra minute to unlace and remove your boots will only help to extend their structural lifespan.
Proper storage will also help keep boots working for the long haul. Shoe racks and storage lockers are popular choices, but be sure it is a cool and dry environment. Never leave boots in a backpack or trunk where they will become incubators for mold, bacteria, and fungus – something you definitely want to avoid.
Safety Starts from the Ground-Up
There will never be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to new safety footwear. Each job site has its own criteria that should be considered prior to purchasing safety footwear, along with your personal preferences when it comes to boots. Because footwear companies are constantly innovating, there are more options than ever from which to choose.
With the demands of labor-intensive fields constantly evolving, investing time in selecting and taking care of your work boots will enable you to put your best foot forward each step of the day. Remember, safety starts from the ground up.
Kevin Oberle is the Senior Director of Global Insights & Engagement, KEEN Utility (keenutility.com).
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