Tips on Choosing the Right Work Boots

A good pair of work boots offers more than just comfort; they offer protection from common hazards in the workplace. Depending on the job, they could be considered a part of a worker's Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). As such, it's important for workers to choose the right type of work boots. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different work boots on the market, varying in terms of construction, fit, shape and features. With so many different styles, how do you know which to choose?

One of the first things to consider is the safety toes. If you work in a job where there's a risk of falling objects, you'll need to choose a pair of work boots with safety toes. Basically, this is a small piece of metal (steel, composite or aluminum) that's inserted into the toes of the boots, protecting the wearer's toes from falling objects. You can expect to pay more for a pair of work boots with safety toes, but it's a smart investment that pays off in improved safety and a lower risk of injury.

Something else to consider when choosing work boots is whether or not they feature puncture plates. Not to be confused with safety toes, puncture plates are flat pieces of metal embedded in the bottom of the boots. They are designed to protect the wearer's foot from puncture, including nails, glass and other sharp objects. If you accidentally step on a nail, the puncture plate will prevent the nail from pushing through the boot and into your foot.

How much grip do the boots have? If your job requires you to climb ladders, you'll probably want to choose a pair with a strong grip. Boots with stronger grip will provide greater security, reducing the risk of slip and falls.

Of course, these are just a few things to consider when choosing a pair of work boots. The level of comfort is also something to consider. Even if they have all of the features listed above, work boots won't be of much use if they aren't comfortable. Take the time to try on the work boots and walk around in them, checking to see if they fit right and offer a high level of comfort.