Work shoes are necessary for people to protect their feet, especially if they’re working with heavy equipment and power tools. But for work shoes to be protective and waterproof, they’ll have to be made from high-quality materials. The structure is also an important aspect, and it’s one reason why work shoes are so heavy.
Being so heavy, work shoes can be uncomfortable and tiring to wear. This is why many people spend a lot of time looking for the right work shoes that can be protective, waterproof, and lightweight.
There are plenty of light work shoes available in the market, but they don’t provide as much protection. The goal is to find work shoes that are lightweight but also protective and waterproof.
To help you out, here’s a guide to everything you need to know and look for in a lightweight, waterproof work shoe.
1. Steel Toe
When it comes to protective footwear, you can’t go wrong with steel-toe boots. It’ll help you from incurring injuries due to heavy things falling on your feet, as well as cuts and punctures caused by sharp objects.
If you work with high-quality tools, big machinery, and a dangerous work environment, steel toe boots should be part of your uniform.
2. Slip-Proof
The work boots also need to be slip-proof because slipping can cause serious injuries, and it can even be life-threatening. Work boots are worn in a variety of places, not just a workhouse. Many use their work boots where the environment can be muddy, snowy, or wet. Because of this, the shoes should be able to grip sufficiently and to keep you from falling over.
3. Waterproof
As mentioned, you’ll be wearing work shoes in all kinds of environments and weather. So, it should definitely be waterproof.
This is extremely important because you can get all types of infection if you have an open wound that comes into contact with dirty water. When it comes to men’s lightweight waterproof work boots – Ever Boots can help protect your feet from contaminated water, which can cause allergies, irritations, and fungal infections.
4. Comfortable
Everyone wants to wear comfortable shoes when they’re working. People look for the most comfortable pair, whether it’s high heels, flats, boots, running shoes, or work shoes. No one wants to wear a pair of shoes that pinches or feels uncomfortable. Extremely tight shoes can cause blisters, ingrown toenails, and even sores.
Additionally, work shoes are worn for more dangerous work. Because of this, comfort shouldn’t be forgotten. If you’re buying leather work boots, they’ll eventually stretch out and become uncomfortable. But it would be best if you were pickier with the comfort and wear steel toe boots because they’ll never stretch out.
5. Electrical Protection
Electrical shock can be a severe work hazard, especially for electricians. You must look for work shoes with electrical protection if you face this kind of danger regularly. These kinds of work shoes are usually made with no nails or metal bits since both conduct electricity.
6. Safety Work Boots Standards
Safety work boots should always meet the standards around the world. OSHA requires work boots to be protective and stable enough to keep the wearer safe from falling and sharp objects. It should also be able to protect wearers from electric shocks.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) requirements ensure that the suppliers and manufacturers of work boots test the shoes to protect them from electrical hazards, punctures, and other dangers. Specifically, it should be able to resist up to 500,000 ohms.
As for ASTM requirements, work shoes should protect the wearer from impacts of 75 pounds, have compression resistance in the toe area of 75 to 2,000 pounds, and protect the top of your feet. It should also be able to minimize the risks of electricity buildup and chemical or explosive ignition.
7. Materials
Work boots can be made from various materials, including leather, rubber, and plastic. Leather is the most common choice because it lasts for a long time and is easier to move in.
If you’re primarily looking for electrical resistance, rubber work boots will do the trick. Plastic boots can be a more affordable option, but they’re probably not as high-quality or protective as other work shoe material.
8. Budget
When looking for work shoes, you’ll need to think of them as an investment. You want to put the quality over the price because you’ll be risking yourself if you get a pair of work shoes that can’t protect you. But it’s not to say that all expensive work shoes are high quality or that all affordable ones are cheaply made.
Conclusion
There are so many jobs that can be considered dangerous and even life-threatening. This is why certain jobs require extensive training and licensure. Don’t forget that protecting yourself will need skills and suitable garments, such as safety glasses, protective smocks, and work shoes.
