The right pair of work boots can make your job much more enjoyable and the wrong pair can make it miserable. Not only will a good pair of work boots make you more comfortable, they’ll also make you safer on the job and will make things easier for you. It’s hard to predict what type of obstacles you may encounter on the job so having boots that protect you in any situation is important.
While you want a pair of work boots that will protect your whole foot, the most vulnerable area is your toes. It’s easy to drop something on your foot or to accidentally kick a hard surface. The American National Standards Institute lists strong toe cap inserts as a necessity. Boot caps should be made from a hard material such as steel or composite.
You know you need a good pair of work boots to protect you on the job, but you may not know the difference between boots with a steel toe and composite toe boots. A steel toe cap boot is made from heavy-duty steel which is inserted into the boot. The steel toe works with a steel plate in the mid-sole area. Your feet will be protected against heavy weights as well as against nails and punctures. This is the strongest form of protection but also increases the weight of the boot.
Composite toe caps are made out of tightly bound fibers with a super strong bond. There is actually no metal used for composite toe boots. While they aren’t as strong as steel caps, composite is about 50% lighter making it easier to wear and work in. It also has mid-sole protection that isn’t quite as strong as steel but can still protect you from punctures.
If you’re looking for work boots and other protective gear to help prevent injuries on the job, check out what Work-n-Wear has to offer. We have a huge selection of workwear from today’s top brands at low, competitive prices. For help getting equipped for your next job, please contact us online or call (503) 364-3064.