The long hours that you may work from time to time makes it necessary for you to wear safety shoes that offer great comfort. By virtue of their typical design, most safety shoes are very uncomfortable. In this article, we will take a look at the different types of safety shoes as well as some of the most comfortable safety shoes on the market.
SAFETY SHOES EXPLAINED
The name pretty much explains what safety shoes are. They are shoes made to protect your feet from damage. An appropriately crafted pair of safety shoes will protect you from falling objects that are either pointy or heavy. They can protect you from electrical hazards and even high heat elements. The material used in the development of safety shoes must meet the standards of the industry in which they are worn. These shoes are typically built with a midsole plate. This provides protection from pointed objects that could possibly pierce through regular shoes. The toes then must be strong enough to bear certain weight levels based on the industry.
THE TYPES OF SAFETY SHOES
The primary part of your feet that are protected by safety shoes are your toes. There are four different types of safety shoes that you will find offering different levels of protection for your toes. The type that you will use will be informed by the type of work you will be doing and the environment in which you will be working.
Steel Toe Shoes
One of the toughest shoes among safety shoes are steel toes. Safety shoes must be able to protect your toes from up to 200 joules of impact. That is about 20 kilograms falling. they must also be able to carry 1000kg of resting weight.
When searching for work shoes, people tend to choose steel toe shoes. They are the most popular. These shoes are so designed that they are extremely hard to damage. They can also endure much bending without becoming damaged or broken.
Alloy Toe Shoes
These safety shoes provide the same level of protection that steel toe shoes offer. However, they are half the weight of steel toe shoes and while being much thicker. This makes it easier for you to move around and get things done. They also feature a shielding cap that minimizes the risk of the shoe breaking or snapping under much weight by twisting.
Composite Toe Shoes
When it comes to dealing with an environment where the worker will be exposed to electric hazards, composite toe shoes are perfect. They are ideal because these work shoes are free from metal. They are typically made from plastic or carbon fiber. These shoes are not at all heavy; however, they meet the requirements of their particular industry.
Soft Toe Shoes
There are work shoes that are designed for workers who labor in non-threatening environments. An example of such a job would be shoveling dirt or cleaning a facility that does not have heavy objects. Because your feet are not in danger in any way, shape, or form, you can forgo steel toes shoes and alloy toe shoes. These shoes are more designed to offer comfort during the work process.
HOW TO SELECT COMFORTABLE SAFETY SHOES
As already established in this article, the work shoe you will choose will be largely dependent on the industry in which you work. You will then choose one of the above types of safety shoes. The shoes you end up wearing does not have to be uncomfortable. Let us take a look at some things to consider in choosing a comfortable pair of work shoes.
Protection
While comfort should not be neglected, you want to ensure that the safety shoe that you are selecting is ideal for the type of work that you will be doing. For instance, if you are laboring in a setting that exposes you to electric hazard, you want to ensure that the shoe provides protection from this. It must be completely fortified and free from metallic elements. The elements that the shoes are made from should be non-conductive. Materials such as carbon fiber, rubber and plastic are used in such shoes.
Durability
Ensure that the shoes that you are considering are durable. This is the only way to ensure that your feet benefit from the best protection. Dangers are often unexpected on a work site. Therefore, you must have shoes that are able to stand up to any sudden emergency. It is wise to get shoes that can stand up to the many elements that you will face while working. These include rain, snow, mud, debris, moist gravel, and other things.
Internal Soft Material
Shoes that are designed for comfort will feature soft material on the inside that will provide cushioning on all angles. Handling a difficult task in work shoes that are extremely uncomfortable can make leave a worker flustered. If a worker is able to deal with a tough task, benefit from the protection of his toes while staying comfortable, it is highly likely that this worker will be much more productive.
The Proper Fit
Ensure that you select shoes that fit you correctly. Measure your feet before purchasing your work shoe. Having the wrong fit will lead to a host of issues. If you have to constantly adjust your shoe or add things to your shoe to make it fit better, your comfort during the workday will be greatly reduced.
Temperature Appropriateness
In a work environment that features high temperatures, feet tend to get very sweaty and even sore. This is where proper ventilation in your work shoes can be a major help. If you choose work shoes that do not permit proper airflow, you will be likely to have infections. To avoid this, ensure that the work shoe that you are thinking of buying allows proper airflow.
It is equally important to ensure that you get a shoe that is suitable for a cold environment if that is where you will be working consistently. You will need to find shoes that are built with adequate insulation to keep your feet warm while you work. The last thing you want is to have your feet freezing while dealing with a difficult task.
Build
In selecting a work shoe that is comfortable for the work that you have to tackle you must consider the material or materials from which your shoe is made. The material that you choose will, of course, be guided by the work you will be handling; however, bear in mind that the material you choose will have a direct impact on the weight of the shoe. Therefore, if you are not necessarily in need of a particular material that may be weighty, avoid it.
Ensure that the sole and heel of the shoe you are buying is able to protect you from certain hazards. You will want to select shoes that have a high level of protection from things piercing your shoes. In developing safety shoes for this level of protection, safety shoe manufacturers tend to use material such as aluminum, steel, or Kevlar in developing midsoles.
SOME OF THE BEST COMFORTABLE SAFETY SHOES
Having already learned the different types of safety shoes and what to look for when purchasing comfortable safety shoes, you are now ready to buy pair of appropriate work shoes. We have compiled a list of 4 incredible work shoes from which you can select. You cannot go wrong in buying any of these safety shoes.
Men's Argon Composite Toe Work Shoe
Caterpillar is well known for their work in producing strong work shoes over the years. The Caterpillar Men’s Argon Composite Toe Lace-up is a great option if you are looking for a comfortable pair of work shoes. These are low-cut work shoes that are highly functional and get the job done.This shoe features a reasonable amount of ventilation. Another great feature of these is that they are light. Therefore, walking around for a while in these work shoes will not be an unpleasant experience. they feature flexible cement construction and has a sock liner that can be removed by the owner. It is also designed to absorb a great amount of shock. This is made possible by the dual-density footbed that this shoe features.
Based on the build of this shoe, it is also great for environments that expose workers to electrical hazards.
Highlighted Features
✔️ Made from strong material such as leather and has synthetic upper✔️ Features a flexible cement construction for durability
✔️ The shoe is able to absorb shocks due to its dual-density footbed
✔️ This shoe can be used in a number of environment because it is classified as a composite safety toe shoe.
✔️ Removable EVA sock liner
✔️ Added comfort due to an ergonomically designed outsole that also protects you from slips
TIMBERLAND PRO® MUDSILL STEEL TOE WORK SHOES
You will not be short of great comfort and functional features if you purchase this work shoe from Timberland. One of the longstanding issues with work shoes is that they are hard to break-in. The EVA midsoles of this shoe make it easier to break-in your work shoes. This shoe is also able to protect you from slipping while walking on oily areas. It also equips you to deal with shocks and is also high traction.
These shoes are made to protect you from electric shock and heavy objects that might fall on your toes.
Highlighted Features
✔️ This is a low top that is fully made from leather✔️ Includes EVA midsoles for added comfort
✔️ Made with steel toes that provide optimum protection for toes
✔️ Cement construction that makes the shoe very flexible
Powerful Gear AXE® Series Black
The AXE Series Black is like the one-stop-shop of safety shoes. If you want style, this shoe has it. If you want comfort, this shoe has it. If you want safety, this shoe has got you covered.
It is made with fly knit material that allows for a high level of breathability. The fabric is also designed to absorb moisture removing the sweat produced from tough labor. This protects your feet from infections by keeping your foot dry and odor-free.
In the AXE Series Black, your undersoles will be completely protected. One of the reasons these safety shoes are so great is because they only use premium material in developing their Kevlar grade-1 midsoles. They also feature European style steel toe for maximum protection. These steel toes can handle up to 200J impact. The shoe is also shock absorbent.
Some of the other great features of the AXE Series Black is that it is slip-resistant, lightweight and oil and water-resistant. This shoe is really everything you need in one product.
Highlighted Features
✔️ Made from premium material✔️ The product’s fly knit material makes it highly ventilated
✔️ Strong European style steel toes that protect your toes from serious impacts
✔️ Shock absorption
✔️ This shoe is very stylish
✔️ Its design allows for even weight distribution
✔️ Slip, oil, and water resistance
✔️ These work shoes are comfortable for long term wear as a result of how light they are
MEN'S TIMBERLAND PRO® POWERTRAIN SPORT ALLOY TOE EH WORK SHOES
If you are looking for a shoe that is stylish while providing great protection and comfort, the Timberland Pro Alloy Toe Industrial and Construction shoe is perfect for you. This shoe is highly praised in the industries in which it is applicable. It is well known for its ability to deal with environments that are very rough.
It features a nylon upper that is unable to be ripped. These uppers are also resistant to abrasions. These work shoes feature an antimicrobial mesh lining and dual-density polyurethane outsoles. These two features make it very healthy to wear because it provides ventilation as well as protects against bacteria. The dual-density polyurethane outsoles provide owners of this shoe with the requisite traction for the work environment.
People will not be able to tell right off the bat that this stylish shoe is a work shoe. Nevertheless, it is a certified safety shoe. This shoe is classified as an alloy toe shoe. It also features electric hazard protection. These make this shoe an excellent choice for individuals searching for comfortable and appropriate safety shoes
Highlighted Features
✔️ Durability is enhanced due to the nylon rip-stop upper✔️ Certified by ASTM for the work environment
✔️ Antimicrobial lining that protects against bacteria
✔️ Meshed lining to promote ventilation and cool feet down
✔️ Lightweight work shoe that is not short of safety features such as electrical hazard protection
✔️ Protects you from abrasion and heat
✔️ Outsoles that are dual-density polyurethane
FINAL WORDS
Safety shoes are very important. Many have been saved from serious injuries as a result of wearing work shoes. While safety footwear are much bulkier than regular sneakers or dress shoes, they do not have to be uncomfortable. By ensuring that the shoe is appropriate for your industry and is made from a material that is weight-appropriate, durable, and comfortable, you will be able to handle difficult work in a comfortable way.
We have shared four highly comfortable safety shoes from which you can purchase. The Caterpillar and the two Timberland options are great. The features of the AXE Black Series are extremely impressive. The shoe gives you all you need in one - safety, comfort, and style.
Now that you have read this article, you know exactly what to look for in selecting a great safety work shoe. Stay protected on your work site by ensuring that you wear appropriate and comfortable safety shoes.