Introduction
Safety in the workplace – this is one thing that we all want. How do we make this possible? Do we rely on the efforts exerted by the employer? Or, should we do something on our own to protect ourselves from the potential hazards?
Yes, your employer can have their own measures, but I suggest that you become proactive enough to be engaged in your own measures to stay protected. Among others, one of the best things that you can do is to invest in a steel toe boots.
Read more: How to Choose the Best Black Friday Work Boots for Men
In the rest of this post, I will provide you with insights on how to wear steel toe boots. They may look like normal shoes, but the truth is, they offer exceptional mechanism to protect your toes from being crushed. Keep on reading and in the end, you will know the best way by which you can wear your work boots.
1. Find the Right Size
The first thing that you have to do is to make sure that the boots has the right size. Keep in mind that its size may differ from your normal shoes. Also, different manufacturers can have discrepancies in their sizes.
It will be good if you can take a look at their sizing charts. When you determine your size, always add at least an inch or a half so that there will be an allowance especially considering that this kind of footwear would require you to have thick socks.
When thinking about your size, also keep in mind that you have to make sure that it is long enough. This will make it roomy without making it too loose on your feet. This can make you anticipate a high level of comfort.
2. Wear Socks
Now that you have chosen the right size and you are sure that it has the perfect fit on your foot, you can wear it to work. Before anything else, however, you have to invest in the right socks. The latter is essential because it can provide additional protection from the cold and will also protect your feet from scratches and blisters, among others.
Many people would wear cotton socks, which are the same with what they wear on their normal shoes. However, these socks can be too thin, which will allow them to easily absorb sweat. This can lead into having smelly feet and musty steel-toe boots at the end of your work day.
If you want the best quality, you should choose wool for your socks. They are thick, providing you with the support and comfort that you need. The best thing is that it can wick moisture, which can prevent odor and will make you more hygienic.
I also highly-recommend that you wear socks with the right length, which I suggest should at least be the same as the shaft of your boots or even higher. If it is shorter, there can be frictions between the interior of the footwear and your skin, which can possibly lead into irritation, especially after an extended period of use.
3. Wear Insoles
Naturally, your steel-toe boots must have a foot bed that is well-cushioned, which will make sure that it is supportive and comfortable. However, there are many cases wherein users are unhappy with the quality of the midsole. With this, an excellent solution that you might want to consider would be wearing after-market insoles.
When looking for an insole that you can use for your steel-toe boots, one of the most important is its ability to provide exceptional arch support. Whether you have flat feet or high arch, the insole will be able to provide the perfect solution and can guarantee your comfort. Make sure as well that the inserts will be strong enough to handle the demands of your job.
4. Break It In
To sum up how you can break-in your steel toe boots, here is a quick video that can help:
Have you ever noticed how your boots may still feel stiff? This can cause discomfort on your end, which is why it is important to break-in your pair of boots. This is a practice that will allow the materials to be less stiff and more comfortable for your feet.
There are many alternatives when it comes to breaking in your boots, such as the use of heat, freezing, and oiling. All of the solutions mentioned earlier can be effective, but it is critical that they are done properly. Otherwise, you will end up causing significant damage in your steel toe boots.
The best way to break-in your new steel toe boots is to most probably wear it and use it a couple of times. Walk at home at least half an hour every day. By doing this, the boots will be softer, and sooner, you can wear it at work without having to complain of discomfort.
5. Pay Attention to Maintenance
If you wear your steel toe boots daily, it is also important that you pay attention to its proper maintenance, which will provide you with the guarantee that it will be longer lasting. Since it will be subjected to the demanding nature of your work, its wear and tear can be quick. If it is well-maintained, on the other hand, you can expect that its superior quality will be apparent even after a long time.
One of the best ways to maintain your work boots is by keeping it clean all the time and making sure that it is stored in the right place. You can also consider investing in leather boots conditioner, which will be an effective product to maintain the supple quality of your boots, especially if it is made from leather. It is also critical to make sure that it is completely dry before it is stored.
6. Pair It with the Right Workwear
It is not enough that you have high-quality steel-toe boots. While the latter can indeed prove to be effective in improving safety in the workplace, it is just one part of the equation. There are other things that should be given equal attention to making sure that you will stay protected in your work environment.
With this, when wearing work boots, you should make sure that it is complemented with the right clothing for your nature of work. For instance, wearing a hard hat is important to be able to provide protection for your head. The right clothing, from the top to the pants, will also be critical for your overall body protection.
More often than not, the management will have their prescribed set of uniform for their employees. If in case they do not have, make sure to invest in clothing that will keep you safe from head to toe.
Conclusion
It is important for everyone to be fully aware of how to wear steel toe boots. This is going to be instrumental not only of your comfort, but also in optimizing the benefits that can be possibly yielded from wearing such footwear. With this, go back to the tips that have been mentioned above, and for sure, things will be a lot easier for you.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? Is there anything else that you would like to share? Feel free to leave a comment below and we will try to respond as soon as possible, if in case you want to ask us anything.
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