ResourcesWhat Are the Key Features To Look For in Work Boots?Written by James BlakeLast Updated 30 Apr 2023Rated Do You Know What To Consider Before Buying New Work Boots? Our Experts Share the Best Features To Look For, Including Construction, Toe Type & Safety Standards. Learn More… Work boots have a lot of features to consider. You want to be able to stand on your feet all day, and you want to have a comfortable fit. You also want to feel confident that your feet are protected from the elements. We can do a lot of work in a day, but we cannot deny that there is a lot of difference when we work with appropriate gear. Knowing that we have reliable gear gives us more security and peace of mind to do the job well. Through this article, you’ll discover: Best of all Apart from the comfort you get, you are assuring a better chance of protecting yourself from injury, accidents, and hazards. A good example would be when it comes to safety work boots. With the variety of work boots available in the market, it is challenging to find the best one, especially if you have no purchasing experience yet. Features to Look for in Work Boots We have lined up a couple of features that you should consider when buying work boots. By knowing each one, you can determine which type suits you best. Slip-resistant Feature When buying work boots, you have to make sure that it has a slip-resistant feature, considering falls, slips, and trips are common in the workplace. A person who wants to maximize his time at work and achieve optimal results will benefit significantly from shoes that have it. This feature is possible with different tread patterns, materials, and designs. Think about it: You can choose among rubber outsoles, TPU outsoles, or EVA midsoles. Rubber outsoles are suitable for being resistant to oil, slips, and abrasion. TPU outsoles are sturdy and resistant to oil, splitting, abrasion, chemicals, and heat up to 260° F. Simultaneously, EVA Midsoles are lightweight, flexible, stable, and an excellent choice for climbing or walking. Toe Type When we are talking about toe types, we are referring to either men’s steel toe vs composite toe boots. These are OSHA-approved and are recognized to be effective in working against electrical hazards. Men’s steel toe boots are ideal for construction sites or areas that require protection against puncture and shatter. It is an economical choice for many. Meanwhile Composite toe boots contain no metal and get made of rubber, plastic, and carbon fiber. These are lightweight in construction and ideal for colder climates because of their insulating characteristics. These are ideal for settings where you have to lift heavy objects and engage in electrical hazards. Construction Apart from its features, you also have to consider how the boots get constructed. The design and make play a huge part in the experience and protection you get from it. Some work boots come with adjustable straps such as Velcro or laces to cater to the user’s needs. Heel cup and heel support are also present as they ensure that the shoes are stable and soft. Space Another essential feature that you should consider when buying work boots is their space. Work boots should have ample space to make room for your feet, even in motion. Simply put To understand how it is measured and how should boots fit, you should consider having at least one centimeter at the front of your toes. More specifically, you should have shoes that have space that has the same measurement as the width of your thumb, and this measurement should be the distance from your longest toe. Safety Standards The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) have standards for electrical workers. Boots that are OSHA-approved are guaranteed to have met the criteria set by the two.1 What does this mean for you? Going for boots with this certification gives you excellent protection against work hazards, injuries, and accidents. Automatically you will be investing in an item that will provide you with value for your money. Comfortable With the number of work boot brands and models available in the market, good work boots must be comfortable for the user. Since work boots come in different shapes, materials, and sizes, a person’s experience or comfort level may differ from another person’s. Nevertheless You must choose one with proper sizing and fit. Determine whether the cushioning is enough to make you feel comfortable even with hours of use. Also, consider the space you have as an allowance for movement to prevent calluses development. Common Questions What makes a good work boot? Essential characteristics include weight, safety toes, water resistance, boot height, style, boot construction, and insulation. Regarding the boot’s height, taller is more convenient for linesmen and security in the deep woods. Unfortunately, taller boots are heavier and difficult to put on. What are the characteristics of good safety footwear? Toe caps have standard requirements of 200 joules. Other characteristics can include midsole protection, insulation against cold or heat, conductive, water-resistant, antistatic, resistance to heat on the outsole, and energy-absorbing. Should work boots fit tight or loose? You need space for your feet, but not too much. A work boot’s primary function is to offer your feet support and cover them. What does EE mean in boot size? The width is the letter after the shoe size. For women’s shoes, W = women. B = regular size and A = narrow size. For men’s shoes, M = medium or regular size and E = wide sized. EE = extra wide sized. There are also EEE and EEEE sizes. In Conclusion In any type of setting, having a complete gear is ideal to make sure you optimize and maximize your results. Having the right kind of work boots is essential to guarantee you nothing but comfort as you breeze through all your tasks for the day. There are a lot of options available in the market and it will be very difficult to come up with a choice. So to make sure you get one that will cater to your needs and preferences, check out the factors mentioned above. By understanding those, you get to know and distinguish which work boots features and aspects work for your lifestyle. People Loved Reading These Articles How Do Work Boot Sizes Work? How Did Safety Shoes Originate?