ResourcesWhat Work Boots Should You Wear for Construction Work?Written by James BlakeLast Updated 30 Mar 2023Rated Are You a Construction Worker in Search of the Perfect Work Boot? We Discover the Key Features You Should Look For & How to Pick the Right Boot Just for You. Read On… Considering all the hazards and dangers that accompany the job, construction sites can be pretty terrifying places to work in. But it’s important to know that you can protect yourself by investing in work boots for construction work, and to help you better understand the world of protective footwear, the MyBestWorkBoots team has compiled an easy-to-follow guide just for you. Through this article, you’ll discover: Once you know what you should be looking for in a pair of construction work boots, you can take on the world of work with confidence. Keep reading to learn more… What Are Work Boots for Construction & What Makes Them Unique? Work boots for construction are boots that are made to protect workers from the dangers they may face while working on a construction site. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1015 construction-related fatalities in 2021, which is why it’s crucial to wear the right protective gear and footwear while working in construction1. Work boots needed for construction work ordinarily have a safety toe, metatarsal protection, slip resistance, puncture resistance, and electrical hazard protection. Types of Construction Work Boots OSHA construction boots are required for construction work, although types of construction work boots can differ based on your workplace requirements. Let’s unpack these: OSHA Construction Boots The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has little to say about construction boots specifically, but it does provide guidelines for what construction work boots should have in terms of protection features. According to OSHA guideline 1910.136, the safety features required are determined by the type of construction work2. A steel toe isn’t necessary if there’s no risk of falling or rolling large objects. Employer Requirements Different employers have different interpretations of and implementations of OSHA’s rules, which only require businesses to provide workers with safety gear. Regardless Some sites require steel-toed or safety-toed boots. To lessen the risk of slips and falls, some employers require that all boots have lug-style bottoms. While OSHA standards are 1 thing, it’s ultimately up to employers to determine how those regulations apply to their employees. Essential Characteristics of Construction Work Boots Essential characteristics of construction work boots include comfort and support, waterproofing, and durability. Let’s take a look at the most important aspects to consider: Durability The durability of the construction work boots should be the first thing you look for because, when selected correctly, they can last up to a year. Given that the cost of these work boots can be quite high, you’ll want to invest in a pair made with long-lasting, high-quality materials. Leather is generally the best option when taking durability into consideration. Price Construction work shoes are usually quite expensive, considering their many safety designs and mechanisms. If you opt for high-quality work boots for your job, expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a single pair. Waterproofing When it comes to working in construction, you could potentially be exposed to all sorts of liquids and chemicals that could seep through your boots, which is why a waterproof work boot is key. When working in the rain, mud, or other wet conditions, waterproof work boots mean your feet won’t get damp. Additionally, the work boots won’t experience excessive moisture damage. Comfort & Support Work boots for construction should be soft, breathable, and preferably made of leather. These characteristics speak to the comfort and good foot support that you’d require – especially if you work on construction sites for long hours. Steel-toe Protection Steel-toed work boots provide important safety benefits that are crucial to construction site work and are considered to be 1 of the best forms of foot protection. The caps protect your feet from heavy or sharp objects falling on them. How to Choose Construction Work Boots You choose construction work boots by looking at features such as heel support, longevity, and overall fit. Numerous work boot designs are available, and everyone has a different preference; for example, some people prefer a packer or logger-style boot, while others prefer a wedge sole boot. Here are some features to look for: Heel Support Look for a type that offers a great deal of support; this is usually a choice between heeled and wedged work boots. The heel of a boot does the job of absorbing shock so that you remain comfortable while working and walking during your shift. Traction A sole with good traction will do you a world of good. Lug soles aren’t the only options available; there are many more to choose from. Options include rubber soles, leather soles, and EVA soles, to name a few. Arch Support Your work boot must have the right kind of arch support, which is important for your feet. Depending on the type of arch support you need, if your feet have too little or too much arch support, it’ll make your feet sore, interfere with natural foot function, and lead to lower leg problems Toe Box The forefoot requires enough space to flex and push off at the ball of the foot, so it’s important to look for a construction work boot that accommodates that. A toe box that’s too narrow constricts the foot and prevents it from doing what it’s designed to do; it also pinches, which can be annoying. Longevity It helps to invest in a pair of long-lasting, durable boots that have been carefully designed for the world of construction work. You’ll get your money’s worth this way. Common Questions Do You Need Steel-Toe Boots for Construction Work? No, you don’t need steel-toe work boots for construction work – unless your employer makes them mandatory. Workers are sometimes reluctant to wear steel-toe work boots because they can be too heavy to wear outside for extended periods and have a less flexible toe region. What Work Boots Are Good for Construction Work? OSHA-approved work boots are good for construction work. OSHA requires construction workers to wear puncture- and slip-resistant shoes, and steel-toed boots are usually the most appropriate for this occupation. Construction workers are required to wear safety boots that protect them from falling debris and heavy machinery. What Boots Are Best for Working on Concrete? Wedge-sole work boots are the best for working on concrete. This is because they spare your feet from taking the beating of working on this hard surface, offering extra support and shock absorption through the wedge-heel design. Why Do Some Construction Workers Wear Timberlands? Timberlands are popular among construction workers because they are oil, slip, and abrasion resistant. In Conclusion There are many different roles in construction work, and each may need a different type of work boot to keep you safe and comfortable. We hope that if this guide from the MyBestWorkBoots team has taught you anything, it’s that you need to carefully consider your job function and environment when seeking the right construction boot for you. We trust that this information helps you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in a pair of construction work boots. People Loved Reading These Articles What Safety Footwear Do Carpenters Wear? Do You Need Firefighting Work Boots?
