How to find the right footwear

Worker safety starts from the ground up and footwear designed to properly protect your feet while on the job is essential. 

Ensure that your chosen work boots are comfortable and suit the type of work you are doing on a day to day basis. 

Having the correct work boot with the correct features is paramount to keep your feet comfortable and you, safe at work.

Poor fitting work boots can cause pressure spots resulting in painful callouses, corns, blisters and ingrown toenails.

Steel cap boots are designed to protect the toes if anything heavy was to come into contact with the foot though not all trades will require this style.

Here’s what to look for when shopping for new work boots:

Select a boot with a lace, velcro or zip combination as opposed to elastic sided boots. Elastic will stretch and won’t provide proper ankle support as time goes by.

Boots should only flex at the toe end and not in the middle of the boot to provide the correct support for your feet.

Working with enclosed boots all day will create a moist environment so try to wear absorbent socks. 

These are thinner than regular work socks and will reduce the feeling of sweaty feet which can ultimately leads to foot fungus and other skin infections.

A great tip is to try on new boots in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest. Make sure there is at least a thumb width in front of your longest toe.

Boots should be comfortable, if not roomy when you first put them on. Your toes should be able to wriggle freely inside the toe cap. Use insoles to make boots softer under foot.

If your workplace supplies boots, you may need to request an alternative brand or style of boot, especially for a foot type that may not be suited to the standard company boot.

You should see a podiatrist if you have any persistent foot pain or issues.