The Different Types and Protective Features of Work Boots

     Work boots are designed to keep you protected from a variety of different issues on the job. Most boots combine multiple different protective qualities into a boot to provide versatile use. These different types of protection are often thoroughly tested to meet or exceed ASTM standards and other regulations. Here are the different types of safety features built into boots and how they work.

1. Electrical Safety

If you work around high voltage equipment or conductive materials, shoes with electrical safety measures are a must-have. They can prevent accidental shock as you walk through the work environment.

These boots have a sole made from a non-conductive material like rubber. The material will ensure that you don’t complete a circuit.

Without proper protection, accidental contact with a stray wire will cause the electricity to flow through your body. These work boots prevent that from happening to keep you safe.

2. Explosions and Flammable Material

While electrical workers need to wear non-conductive shoes, those working around combustible substances need the opposite.

As you move, static electricity builds up in the body. With a single touch, that static electricity could create a spark that ignites a flammable substance.

To avoid this, some work boots have soles that are electrically conductive. The small amount of static electricity will transfer to other items in the environment, preventing a buildup and eventual release.

3. Spinning Blades

Fast rotating blades like chainsaws and circular saws pose an immediate threat to your safety. Contact with the body will result in potentially dangerous injuries.

To protect your feet from gruesome mauling, these work boots are made from a tough material that’s resistant to tears and abrasive damage. The material essentially creates a protective barrier against your foot and the sharp blades. They should be worn with other cut-resistant gear.

4. Molten Metal Protection

Foundry workers are typically exposed to molten metal that is several thousands degrees hot. This molten substance can burn directly through a normal shoe, resulting in severe burns.

To protect foundry workers, many manufacturers incorporate extra safety precautions. Heavy insulation protects from the immense heat while careful design ensures that hot substances don’t get caught in the shoe. Quick-release features are good for removing shoes in the case of an accidental splash.

5. Falling Objects

To protect your toes from falling objects, many boots are made with a durable cap. Manufacturers will use a few different types of caps to provide varying degrees of protection. The most common are steel.

Caps create a durable shield around the toes to prevent crushing. They often have a specific rating to determine the load they can safely hold and protect your from.

6. Puncture Resistance

Many work sites are riddled with sharp objects on the floor like nails or glass. With ordinary shoes, these objects will puncture the bottom sole and penetrate your foot.

Quality work boots provide protection with a steel or composite plate. This plate is durable enough to prevent punctures and provides a thin layer of protection. It’s typically placed on the midsole.

7. Heavy Machines and Object

Heavy objects in the workplace can cause a similar type of damage to falling objects. However, heavy objects also pose the threat of rolling or sliding on top of the foot. To protect from this, additional shielding is needed.
Work boots for these jobs need to have some metatarsal protection that extends far beyond the cap. The steel or composite barrier will prevent your foot from being crushed.

8. Cold Weather Protection

Work in colder weather conditions put you at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. While most guys remember to bundle up for warmth, it’s not uncommon to see the feet be neglected.

Insulated boots will help to keep the feet and toes warm. Thick insulation prevents the loss of body heat while preventing the cold weather from getting in the boot.

9. Moisture Resistance

Water or other liquids entering your work boot is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Moisture will bring down your body temperature and make you more susceptible to issues.

Moisture resistant work boots are sealed to prevent accidental splashes from penetrating. This helps to keep your feet dry, warm, and free from mold and bacteria.

10. Slip Resistance

One of the most common features of work boots is slip resistance. Whether it’s water on smooth pavement or oil on tile, slipping is something that occurs far too often in the workplace.

Boots are designed to prevent dangerous falls with their unique sole designs. The soles redirect the liquid and reduce the surface area of the sole that makes contact. This decreases the boot’s slickness.

Comfort & Support

Comfort and support should never be overlooked. If you have to stand up or move for prolonged periods of time, you’ll want to look for a pair of work boots with padding. Manufacturers strategically place gel padding and foam cushions throughout the foot to relieve the stress on your joints and prevent pain later on.

They also have excellent arch support to ensure that your feet are in a safe position for standing. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, all-day comfort can save you from immense pain and potential health issues in the future.

Conclusion

Safety hazards are all around you in the workplace. To better prepare yourself for the rigors of the job, you need to identify the various dangers and choose the boots you need from our website. You should never skimp on quality, comfort, and safety to save a few bucks. Great work boots are a worthy investment that you’ll be thankful you made.