To avoid tired and achy feet after a long day of hard work, consider the following factors before purchasing your next pair of work boots.  It is, of course, always important to take into account the planned type of work and wear on your boots over time.

Toe Type

Choosing the right toe type is a key decision as impact injuries can be serious.  You can select from soft toe boots that are lightweight and comfortable if there is a low risk of impact in your work.  These boots tend to be the cheapest too if budget is a concern.  Alternatively, steel toe work boots – although heavier – do provide heavy-duty protection against crush injuries.  They are strong and durable but will conduct heat or cold given that they contain metal.  Alloy toe work boots, such as aluminium boots, can be the best option if you need a lighter boot without compromising on durability.  Composite toe work boots – made of Kevlar or carbon-fibre – are another lighter weight alternative and won’t conduct heat or cold. 

Upper and Lower Boot

The upper is the section of the boot that wraps around your foot, often extending up to the ankle or calf.  The durability and stability of the boot is all tied to the material in the upper.  You can often choose from full-grain leather, suede leather or a synthetic material.  Synthetic materials are known for being very breathable, flexible and comfortable. 

The lower section of the boot is the part that makes contact with the ground, and so is important for protection and grip.  Rubber is a common material here and is good for being grippy and flexible, as well as for working around electrical hazards.  Look out for the tread pattern on the sole of your boot, as the larger the tread the greater the durability and the lower the chance of slipping. 

Type of Boots

There are various different types of boot to select from.  Electrical hazard safe work boots are deigned to insulate your feet from electrical injury.  Water-resistant boots help repel water from the surface, but waterproof boots are even better for keeping water out of the inside of the boot, which is important if you regularly work outside.  GORE-TEX is often symbolised against those boots that have a fully waterproof internal membrane.  Insulated work boots are known for blocking cold air and keeping feet warm, which is a benefit if working in cold or icy conditions.  Conversely, heat resistant boots can withstand very high temperatures, which matters if you perform welding work, for example.  There are also puncture resistant boots, which helps guard against injury from rusty nails, pointy debris or other sharp objects.  In addition, chemical resistant boots are available to protect against dangerous or just plain unwanted substances from damaging or soiling your footwear.  Finally, wellington work boots are easy to put on and are an excellent choice for working in water, mud, grime and snow. 

Additional Factors

Consider the socks you’ll typically be wearing with your boots on.  This can have a big impact on how a boot feels.  Insoles can be a good option to give extra comfort and make an otherwise loose fit feel snug.  Reduce the risk of getting blisters by finding a boot that fits perfectly: toes pressed up against the tip of the boot should be avoided and your heels shouldn’t slide back and forth.  Equally, breaking on boots is important as material can be stiff when brand new. 

Your work boots are core to your working day.  Your feet take the impact of the weight of your body and labour-intensive jobs add stress to your workwear.  Comfort is therefore essential, but so too is safety, especially if working in hazardous conditions where there is a risk of injury.  So spend some valuable time considering and researching everything you require from your work boots – there will be a boot out there that gives you what you need.