Whether it's your first-time buying work boots or you are curious about the pair that’s lasted you so long, there are some things worth knowing. Here are some of the most asked questions relating to your work boots.
- When are Work Boots needed?
Safety shoes are recommended, and sometimes required, on any worksite with potential injuries for your feet. Work boots will protect against puncturing, crushing, or falling objects. Some things to keep an eye out for on your worksite include nails on the ground, bricks, or large tires that can run over your toes. If any of these are possible threats at your place of work, you are going to need a solid set of boots.
- What are the standards?
The Canadian Standards Association, or the CSA, sets a list of rules for what a good work boots should hold up against. They have a series of patches with which work boots can be categorized, and their standard titled CSA Z195:14 is the set definition for a properly built work boot. It emphasizes the importance of toe and sole protection, electricity protection, and slip resistance.
- How should your Work Boots fit?
Your work boots should be snug around the ankle and heel, but with enough room for your toes to move around. This means that they won’t slip off you in less frictioned environments, but also give your toes room to absorb impact in case of an accident. Over the course of you wearing the boots for the first little while, the insides will shape themselves to fit you better, meaning that if they are a little bit uncomfortable to start off with, don’t worry too much until about a week or two has passed.
- Is there an expiration date?
This varies heavily on the specifics of the site you’re on. Certain elements will make boots deteriorate faster, specifically acidic materials or consistently gravelly terrain. Doing regular checks on your boots is the best way to know when they need to be replaced. Start by looking at the soles for damage. If they are smoothing out or cracking, you have a higher chance of taking a tumble. Check the sides of the boots for places where the leather is coming unsealed or has holes. If this is happening, external threats could get in and damage your foot, so it's worth replacing or repairing the boots.
- How do you take care of them?
Taking proper care of your work boots will help them take care of you. While most work boots are waterproofed, letting them dry out when not in use can help the insides not get worn through so fast. As for the outsides, there are waxes and oils you can put on them to hold the boots together and further the waterproofing.
Hopefully you have had your questions about your work boots answered. If the last question on your mind is where you can find a good pair, look no further than MooseLogs/Tiger Safety Men's Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boots 7666. A CSA approved work boot with full waterproofing, TPU outsoles, and a strong protective toe cap. They're perfect for hard workdays and tough jobs.