Footwear Questions
Steel or Comp Toe? SR or SD Sole?
Have questions about boots, shoes, or fit?
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Most Common Questions:
Do all boots/shoes from the same brand fit the same?
Every brand uses different lasts to produce a diverse selection of work shoes and boots with many features for every trade and work condition. This results in the possibility of wearing more than one size in different styles of the same brand.
How long should my work boot last?
The life of work shoes and boots is dependent on many different factors and impossible to determine without knowing the type of work, the style of shoe referenced, and knowing the longevity of the previous shoe as a benchmark to create an estimate. Be sure to buy the appropriate style for the type of work you do, that it fits properly, and you take the time to care for the footwear by cleaning and caring for them regularly.
What kind of boots should I get for my first construction job?
Picking the right boot depends on the type of work you will be doing. For mainly indoor work or relatively flat surfaces outside, a six-inch wedge boot should suffice. If working in loose dirt, get a boot with a lug outsole to help with traction. If working in deep dirt and debris, or you need more ankle support, go with an 8" boot. If there's a possibility of modestly heavy objects falling, strongly consider a safety toe.
Will safety toe boots make my foot hot?
If you are in an extreme heat environment such as working on a industrial furnace or laying hot asphalt, a composite safety toe is your best bet to reduce the outside temperature being conducted to your toe area of the safety toe boot. Also, make sure you are wearing a good quality wick dry sock with at least moderate bulk to aide in the wicking process.
How do I clean/refresh the inside of my work boots?
To maintain as much freshness as possible, rotate with alternate pairs every other day and if possible, remove the insoles after each wearing to dry out. Scrub the insoles as needed with a diluted solution of baby shampoo, then rinse WELL and allow to air dry at room temperature. Use this process for the interior of the shoe as needed to freshen and eliminate odors.
How do I keep the tongue from shifting in in work boot?
Make sure your boots are laced with adequate snugness to hold the tongue in place. Be sure to pay attention when the shoes are new to maintain the position and create a "position memory".
What replacement insoles do you recommend?
Why do my toes hurt when I wear safety toe boots?
The right fitted work boot should increase your level of comfort and provide support during long hours on your feet. If your toes are sore from rubbing on the safety toe, it's possibly because the shoe is too short or not wide enough. They may also hurt due to unproperly laced boots allowing the foot to slide in and out of the toe cap.
What can I do to make my work boot last longer?
First, make sure the work boots fit well so they may wear more evenly. Second, if the upper is leather, oil the leather as needed. If the leather gets wet frequently, you'll need to condition the leather often with oil like Mink Oil. The Mink Oil helps waterproof and soften leathers to keep them from drying out over time. And third, never wear the same pair of work boots on consecutive days. By rotating between two pairs of boots, you will more than double the life of both sets.
What's the best way to break in my work boots?
Breaking in work boots varies and can be a slow and tedious task. The best way to break in a work boot depends on your comfort level and the rate your comfort level allows. Some work boots require up to a few weeks of wear to conform to feet, such as boots with heavy-duty leathers and soles, where others require little to no break-in time due to the lighter materials and design. The most important factor is to make sure new boots fit properly to lessen the time.
How often should I replace my work boots?
Work shoes and boots should be replaced when the sole is worn out or thin or pose a danger due to lack of protection on the job site. Worn-out soles are not keeping the foot centered in the shoe and can cause serious accidents.
Do I need an insole for my work boot?
Generally, factory boots come equipped with a basic insole that may lack the proper support needed for standing and working long hours. If you are prone to foot pain and foot fatigue, you can benefit from an orthotic type of insole. A quality insole provides better geometrics throughout the body by stabilizing and aligning the foot to improve posture, distributing pressure, and provides shock absorption. Full-length insoles are usually trimmable for a custom fit. Use a 3/4 length insole with a safety toe shoe to make sure toes aren’t rubbing on the safety cap.
What are the best socks to get with my work boots?
The best socks for work footwear are well made and fit well with work shoes or boots. The socks should have modest bulk to cushion the foot where needed and wick dry qualities to keep feet dry and prevent painful blisters.
What's a "Wedge Boot"?
A wedge boot refers to the sole design and shape. A wedge sole has no heel, and the surface is relatively flat, allowing it to contact the ground. The wedge boot design also provides a good platform for stability on uneven surfaces and minimizes leg fatigue.
What's the difference between alloy, composite, and steel toe boots?
The difference between alloy, composite, and steel toe boots varies with the materials used and the desired effect for safety while meeting or surpassing ANSI/ASTM safety requirements. A steel toe is made of iron and other alloy metals and considered the strongest safety toe on the market. An alloy toe is made of select metal alloys like aluminum to achieve the desired result of a lighter weight safety toe with corrosion resistance. A composite safety toe is made of non-metallic materials to create a lighter weight safety toe that resists extreme temperatures and electrical conductivity.
