In today’s world, there are so many professions that require you to conquer rough terrain, keep you on your feet for a long time, or even put your feet or toes in danger from falling objects or heavy pressure. This is why so many individuals are opting for high-quality work boots, to tackle any or all of the problems mentioned above.
Aside from being comfortable, most modern work boots will also make sure to keep the air flowing in and out to let your feet breathe, as well as provide extra safety features for any work hazards you may encounter. Furthermore, lots of them will actually still accomplish to even look stylish while retaining their functionality.
Are Work Boots Worth it?
High-quality, reliable work boots often don’t come too cheap. There are lots of boxes to tick for the shoemakers to cover everything that’s necessary, including safety, practicality, styling, etc. However, as long as you find the right fit, and take good care of your boots – they will take care of you for a long time as well.
Frequent cleaning and maintenance of your work boots will prolong their lifespan greatly, making them last for years, hence making it worth the money invested. If you need additional advice on how to take good care of your footwear, you can check out the in-depth guide at Caterpillar work boot care tips.
Furthermore, a boot that’s been used for a while and taken good care of will fit your feet much better than a brand new one. Aside from the break-in period, the older the boot gets, the more it will adapt to the shape of your foot, making it all the more natural to walk around in them.
Do, however, keep in mind that the break-in periods vary between boot models, so some shoes might take a bit more time to get adjusted to the shape of your foot than others. This will often depend on the material of the boot itself, and how sturdy it is.
The maintenance effort needed is truly minimal, as usually brushing and washing your boots once a month will do. Should you really put them through a single heavy use, where it’s obvious that they’ve been suffering – it would be wise to employ the care routine right after this.
So if you are looking for a good reason to own a pair of good old working boots – we have narrowed it down to a few of them for you.
Safety First
Exposing your feet to work environment hazards is not even remotely a good idea. If your work description has you doing so – then a pair of work boots is literally a must-have. Depending on how much danger your feet are exposed to, you can pick the right safety features for your boots.
Composite Toe/Steel Toe – Most common toe protection, enhancing the tip of your boot. The composite toe gives a bit more manoeuvrability at the cost of some protection, and the opposite goes for the steel toe.
Metguard – A metguard or a metatarsal guard plays a great role in absorbing any pressure to your metatarsal, mostly from heavy falling objects or similar pressure to the top of your foot.
Puncture-resistant Sole – This plate at the bottom of your boot will prevent any sharp objects on the ground from piercing your boot and inflicting damage to your feet. It is a must-have for any working conditions that involve lots of small, sharp objects that could end up on the ground you tread on.
Comfort for Long Hours
Working in conditions that involve you standing for 8 or more hours every day can be quite exhausting for your feet. Furthermore, if the feet are under lots of stress and strain, your whole posture and body will suffer the same. So making sure that your boots fit you right and provide the right amount of comfort is essential.
When picking your boots, pay attention to all the details. Do they give you good arch support? Are they well-padded around the ankles? Do they make your feet feel tired and strained after a while? Are they just the right size? Too small can give you splinters and make your feet cramp up, yet a size too big will leave room for your foot to wobble about, leading to other problems.
Breathable Materials
This might seem a bit underwhelming to some, compared to other factors, but believe us when we tell you – it is not. Keeping your foot stuck inside a boot for the better part of the day without a stable airflow will create a damp and dark atmosphere inside your boot which is ideal for bacteria and fungi to grow. And nobody wants that, really.
Breathable materials allow the air to circulate and help your feet and your boots to stay dry and fresh. This even goes for water-resistant models as well, as these special kinds of materials will keep the water out of your boot, while still allowing any generated sweat to evaporate from it. Not only is this helpful to prevent sweaty odor, but it is also essential for keeping your feet healthy and infection-free.
Final Thoughts
Think of your boots as an extension of yourself. The better you treat them, the better they will treat you back. They do, after all, allow you to handle your everyday activities in comfort while protecting your feet from any harm, and you should do right by them and give them the proper care and maintenance they need. In return, they will give you years and years of service and protection, which is probably just what you were hoping for when you were buying them in the first place.
Even for people who do not have a job that requires this type of footwear, it is common to have a pair. You may want to simply do some gardening, craft some things in the workshop, climb your fence, or lamppost to mend something – you get the drill. Plenty of activities outside of your professional life can be made simpler should you have a pair of quality work boots at your disposal.
Image Credits: stevepb
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