Work boots are an important part of your workwear, and it is crucial to find one that can provide you with the protection and support you need. After all, you will be wearing these footwear for hours in a day, and the last thing you’d want is to suffer from feet and back pain or injuries due to unsuitable work boots.
To help you pick the best pair, here are five essential things to look out for when shopping for work boots:
Good Fit
It is critical to find boots that fit properly. One that is not in the right size will negatively affect your comfort and flexibility while at work, and may result in painful blisters as well.
Some tips to keep in mind when trying on work boots:
- Make sure they are not overly tight or loose
- Try to wear the same type of socks that you will wear on the job
- Check if the boot flexes at the ball of your foot
- Walk a few steps to test if it is comfortable
- Remember that your feet will swell during the day, and that the boots can accommodate that
When buying online, be sure to check the fitting or size guide carefully, as different brands may have slight differences in sizing. Also take a look at the website’s return and exchange policies, just in case you end up with a pair of boots that do not quite fit.
Construction Material
The material that your boots are constructed from will affect their durability, comfort and flexibility. Work boots can be made from various types of materials, such as leather, rubber, nylon, and plastic. Each of these materials has its own advantages, so you need to determine which material suits your work application and environment best.
Leather is by far the most common and popular material for safety work boots. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but leather also provides a high level of durability, flexibility, and protection. Rubber, meanwhile, is popular for jobs that have a risk of electric shock. For those with a tighter budget, plastic boots may be chosen, but bear in mind that these may not be able to offer enough protection for harsh environments.
Speaking of harsh environments, it may be worth going for water resistant work boots, especially if you may be exposed to wet or dusty conditions. Most Magnum Boots, for example, offer durable water resistant full grain leather work boots with I-Shield that repels water and dirt, and is resistant to stains.
Sole
Another important factor to consider is the type of sole on your work boots. Slip resistant soles are beneficial for all applications, so it is always recommended to go for Magnum safety boots with slip resistance. Depending on your kind of work, you may also need to look for soles that are acid and fire proof, or slip oil resistant.
Besides the outsole, which affects the traction of the shoe, you also need to pay attention to the midsole and the insole.
The insole refers to the cushioning of the shoe, and is designed to fit different types, sizes and shapes of feet. The midsole, meanwhile, provides the support that your foot needs, and is responsible for the longevity, quality and durability of the shoe. The midsole is also the part that absorbs shock or impact.
The commonly found soles are:
a) Rubber sole
Rubber provides comfort and grip, and is especially useful if you work in a wet or slippery environment.
b) Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
TPU soles are suitable for jobs in rugged terrain, as they are lighter than typical rubber soles, more elastic, and can last longer.
c) Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
EVA soles provide more cushioning for increased comfort, and are a great choice for those who suffer from knee or back pain.
The Magnum XT Boron comes with contour molded PU footbed for increased comfort, compression molded RECOIL midsole to absorb impact and provide all-day support, and a M-D Traction+ slip and oil resistant rubber outsole for grip and durability.
The Roadmaster Composite Toe Safety Boot, meanwhile, features a high traction rubber outsole with ladder grips that is heat resistant to 300°c.
Safety features
When looking for work boots, check for the safety features that are available. Most work sites require safety boots like tactical work boots with toe protection, such as steel capped toes. These are great to protect your feet from potential hazards and harm especially if you deal with heavy or sharp objects.
However, if you work with magnet or metal detectors, steel caps may not be the right choice for you. Steel toed boots also feel quite cold in the winter and warm in the summer.
Composite toe caps are another option, and these are made from carbon fibre, plastic or Kevlar. They offer the same level of protection as steel caps, with the additional benefit of not getting cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
Most Magnum Boots offer excellent safety features. For example, the Roadmaster Composite Toe Safety Boot features lightweight composite toe-cap and anti-penetration plate, as well as a hardwearing protective TPU toe guard.
Magnum work boots are compliant with Australia’s safety footwear requirements of AS/NZS 2210.3:2019 Personal protective equipment Safety footwear.
Comfort
If you are uncomfortable with your work shoes, your productivity and health will be negatively affected. For maximum comfort, check if the shoes are well ventilated, so that your feet remain dry the entire time the footwear is on.
Most Magnum Boots are made of breathable material, including fast wicking lining for moisture management or highly durable abrasion resistant mesh to keep you comfortable all day. Its MAG-Dry technology waterproof membrane also keeps your feet dry, no matter what environment you need to get into for your job.
Buying work boots can be daunting with all the options available out there. Magnum Boots are known for their strength, comfort and super light performance, and are the first choice in footwear for Military, Fire & Rescue, Construction and Industrial professionals.
View our complete selection of Magnum safety boots in Melbourne, or contact us for further assistance.
