Did you know your feet have around [1]125,000 sweat glands each that can produce about 230ml of sweat daily? That's a lot of hard work for something we barely think about. Pair this with the fact that each foot has over 100 ligaments and the thickest skin on your body, those two balancing acts at the bottom of our ankles aren’t just keeping you moving, they're keeping you steady and mobile too.
When working in the scaffolding, construction and offshore industries, there’s no doubt that workers are constantly on their feet. Climbing ladders, trudging on rough surfaces in all kinds of weathers, without the right footwear, these sorts of conditions can have long-term effects.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistic (BLS), [2]60,000 injuries to the foot are caused every year in the U.S., causing up to $600 million in lost production due to time ofs work. Statistics recorded by the [3]Construct Concrete Structures Group in the U.K, out of 100,000 workers from the Construct Member Companies, 12% of members acquired major reportable injuries to the ankle, toes or foot between 2015-2016.
It’s easy to forget, but heavy work boots can really take a toll on your feet, causing pain over time. So, are they the right fit for you? If you're noticing more blisters, fungal infections, or corns popping up, it might be time to rethink your footwear choices. Your feet deserve the same protection as your hands, after all, they’re doing just as much work. So, don’t let them suffer in silence, invest in proper boots that offer the support and comfort you need.
Need some advice on finding the best boots for you? No worries, that’s what we're here for, so sit back and give those feet a rest while we check out the 5 most popular work boots right now.
Let’s see which pair is the perfect fit for you…
These safety trainers provide the grip and protection you need, all at a budget-friendly price. True to their name, they're agile and lightweight, weighing only 510g, making those long days on your feet much more bearable without having to feel the weight and overtime pain of heavy work boots.
Concerned about protection? No need. These safety trainers come equipped with a tough toecap and a durable rubber sole, offering excellent grip. They’ll keep your toes safe from falling objects while ensuring you stay steady on your feet all day long.
There is truly more than meets the eye with this trainer as it contains a breathable sports mesh upper to stay cool and sweat-free. Keeping you comfortable, especially on those hot days or long shifts. This is taken even further with a cushioned footbed and comfortable insole.
Rest easy during your shifts knowing these trainers are built to last. With abrasion-resistant material on the toe and heel, they’re designed to withstand the wear and tear of tough environments where scuffs and impacts are common. Walk confidently knowing that your underfoot is protected with a pierce-resistant midsole, protecting you if sharp objects are lying around. If your workday involves constant contact with rough surfaces, these shoes will go the extra mile to keep up with you.
Crafted from premium oily-waxy Nubuck leather, these safety boots truly live up to their name. Not only are they waterproof and highly breathable, but they also offer ultimate, trusted protection, keeping you safe and comfortable no matter the job.
Foot fatigue is a familiar occurrence for on-site workers, especially those enduring long shifts filled with hours of standing, moving, and climbing. Along with the weight of traditional safety boots, it’s no surprise that foot fatigue is a widespread issue with scaffolding, construction of offsite industries. Fortunately, the V12 Lynx Safety Boot has been designed with this in mind. Featuring a lightweight composite midsole and toecap, it offers an incredibly light feel without sacrificing comfort. This innovative design ensures that workers are ready to tackle any challenge on-site without the burden of heavy footwear.
A shock-absorbing, reinforced heel makes this safety boot incredibly durable as the Intelligent Grip System (IGS) heat-resistant sole has been incorporated into its design, providing superior grip and stability. This isn’t the only pioneering design which features in these safety boots. An industry-leading waterproof lining called V-Dri has also been used while manufacturing these boots to ensure a waterproof and breathable V-Dri membrane.
The V12 Lynx IGS safety boots are engineered for optimal protection on the job site. With a lightweight composite safety toe cap and a flexible anti-penetration composite midsole, these boots ensure that your feet are shielded from falling debris and sharp objects at all times.
Introducing the Uvex2 Metal-Free Safety Boots where modern design meets exceptional comfort, redefining what safety footwear should be.
These extremely lightweight and flexible boots with anatomical shape, meaning it has been designed to fit the natural shape of the human foot, taking into account the foot’s curves, arches as well as it’s movement, which adds to its ankle twist stability. As it says in the name, these boots contain Uvex Climazone technology and virtually seam-free construction to eliminate pressure points, both of which optimise comfort.
With no thermal conductivity and distance mesh lining, you can be sure there is optimum breathability, to ensure your feet stay comfortably cool throughout your shift.
The Uvex2 boots include a metal-free toe cap and removable, 2-layer comfort insoles featuring a moisture control system. Designed for ultimate protection, they also offer extra shock absorption in both the heel and front of foot, providing an added layer of defence against dropped equipment or sharp objects on-site.
The features and benefits are endless with this model of safety boots with a soft, padded collar and padded tongue. They are manufactured from hydrophobic soft cowhide leather, which gives them the ability to remain waterproof for a long period of time. Amongst their outstanding slip resistance and excellent ladder grip sole, they are also oil and petrol-resistant with anti-magnetic properties.
It must also be noted that these metal-free safety boots are free of lacquer-wetting inhibitors such as silicones and phthalates (plasticisers) and have injection-moulded material toe caps.
We understand the demands of working in all weather conditions, which is why having a reliable pair of safety boots is crucial. The Caiman Composite Waterproof Safety Boot is designed to withstand the elements, which is why it is waterproof, breathable, with an incredibly lightweight feel. The sole was inspired by tyre technology and made from highly durable rubber. Its featured unique hexagonal thread ensures superior traction, meaning its ladder grips offer firefighter levels of safety of safety.
Its heel strike pad has been redesigned to deliver exceptional water dispersal and reducing fatigue on site.
The Caiman Composite Waterproof Safety Boots feature a woven fibre midsole that has been specially designed to protect the wearer from sharp objects entering underfoot. Along with its IGS sole unit heat resistant to approximately 300°C, these safety boots are also resistant to diesel, fat, acid, and alkali.
These safety boots are designed with more than just your physical protection in mind. They also take your driving performance into account. Every detail has been crafted to support both your mobility on-site and your ability behind the wheel. The Ibex Waterproof STS Derby safety boots have been built to maintain its shape, even after enduring the harsh work and weather conditions on-site. They feature an ergonomic top band for improved comfort when driving.
The suede leather tongue of these boots enhances both safety and style, offering a sleek look along with added protection. With a non-snagging eyelet system and a convenient heel pull tab, they’re designed for easy, hassle-free wear. Completely metal-free and fully waterproof, these boots feature a dual-comfort shock-absorbing footbed and a rugged STS sole which is engineered for tough conditions, allowing you to focus on the work without the strain.
Investing in a trusted brand that prioritises quality and practicality can significantly impact your daily routine. A comfortable, high-quality boot doesn't just boost your work performance, but it also plays a crucial role in keeping your feet safe, an essential factor in these types of industries.
[1] https://northernriverspodiatry.com.au/blog/fun-foot-facts/
[2] https://rhoadeslegal.com/2022/02/23/foot-injuries-construction-sites/
[3] https://construct.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Accident-Statistics-yellow-2017-FINAL-PRINT.pdf
