How can I find the most comfortable safety boots?
When you work hard and spend your whole day in a pair of safety boot, you naturally want and deserve the most comfortable pair you can get.
Qualities of Comfortable Safety Boots
Ideally, your safety boots should have the following qualities:
- Comfort (I always wear a new pair of work boots around my house for a few days to ensure they are comfortable before I use them at work)
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Waterproof
- Great ankle support
- Shock absorbing capabilities
- Anti-fatigue features
- Non-slip and oil resistant sole designed for the surface you will be working on
- Insulation (for cold environments)
- Breathability
Types of Safety Toes
There are three types of safety toes: steel, aluminum, and composite. All are good options depending upon the purpose.
Steel toes are the best choice if you're working around very heavy equipment or machinery and there is a possibility of something very heavy dropping on your foot. They are, however, the heaviest option and draw heat from your feet more quickly in very cold environments.
Aluminum is lighter and loses heat reasonably quickly in very cold environments.
Composite toes keep your feet warmer in the cold and are lighter, making them more comfortable. They also won't set off metal detectors, which makes them ideal for working in security.
If possible, go for a boot with a wider safety toe. That will provide the same amount of protection but with added comfort.
Take your time when looking for a comfortable pair of boots. Do your research and know what you are looking for. Test them out for fit and comfort before using them at work. A little knowledge of what to look for in a work boot will help ensure you find that perfect pair of comfortable work boots.