Shoes and Boots for Construction Workers
By: The Working Man
The first thing to understand about suitable boots and shoes for
construction workers is that they come in all types of styles,
sizes, materials and safety measures. You first need to determine
what features will be best on your particular job site ...Steel
toe or no steel toe, etc.
As a construction worker you will need to protect yourself from
any hazards that could possibly happen on your job site, such as:
- Falls
- Spills
- Falling Debris
- Electric Shock
- Sole Puncture
- Dropped tools, etc.
Remember the most important thing about your work shoes when
working on a job site is their ability to protect your feet. The
style, material, color and size are secondary features. Of course
you are not then limited in choices once you choose the right
protection level for your particular job, since there are many
manufacturers and types of suitable footwear for construction
workers.
Here are some companies that make footwear that is suitable for
construction workers:
- Carhartt
- Converse
- Dickies
- John Deere
- Dr. Martens
- Michelin
- Terra
- Work One
- Wolverine
- Rock Outdoor Gear
- Nautilus Safety Footwear
- Thorogood Shoes
- LaCrosse
- Mechanix Wear
- Florsheim
- Georgia Boot
- Danner
- Chippewa
- CAT
- Timberland
Keep in mind that your shoes should meet United States OSHA and
ANSI standards of safety for your particular job. In most cases
the person who oversees the job site will know what personal
protective equipment you need, if you weren't told when you were
hired. If you have been given a workbook or brochure about
safety, usually the PPE or Personal Protection Equipment that you
need will be listed in the book. If you are in doubt about any
special protection you may need in your footwear you should ask
your manager or lead about what shoes or boots are recommended
for your job site.
From there it is up to you to select the right size, color, and
material. In most cases if you are working in construction you
will want a shoe that breathes and has plenty of foot support and
a soft cushion between you and the ground. It gets very hot on a
construction site and more often then not the hours are very
long, and it takes a large toll on your feet, which then affects
your back and legs as well.
You will want to have socks that are thick and that wick
moisture, and then you should try shoes on with those socks so
you get the right size shoe. In some cases you will have to buy a
shoe size one size larger than your normal size to fit the sock
and your foot into the shoe comfortably. Bear in mind that your
feet will probably swell.
The shoe should be comfortable to walk in from the start of you
wearing it if possible. You shouldn't need to tighten the laces
too much or too little. And the laces should be fairly short,
just enough to tie and knot. You shouldn't be afraid to spend
money in this area, often the better quality shoes will last much
longer than a cheap pair and will be money-saving in the long
run.
The brand should be one you are familiar with and more
importantly the shoe should fit you correctly and provide the
protection you need. A pair of wolverines may fit perfectly like
it was made to one person and a timberland boot another. Don't be
afraid to try different brands until you find the shoe that is
the best protection and fit for you. Then you can narrow by style
and color and find the best shoes or boots for you needs.
See Also:
Back to Clothes for Working Men
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