Home > Blog > What You Should Consider When Buying Heavy-Duty Work Boots



Heavy-duty workers tend to work under very strained conditions, sometimes in the roughest of terrains. Not only that, but these workers often move around more than the average person. A normal person will take about 10,000 steps a day, but a construction worker, for instance, will take 30,000 steps on a slow day.

Work boots are great for comfort and protection under tough conditions but they are also durable enough to withstand heavy-duty work for a long time. Construction workers, quarry workers, firefighters, and even police officers understand the importance of having the right work boots on the job.

Choosing the right boots, however, is no easy task, especially considering that your boots will determine the overall health of your feet. Luckily, we’ve made a brief but comprehensive guide that will help you choose the most suitable boots for a hard day's work.

Have a List of Work Requirements to Guide the Selection Process

Depending on your job, your work boot needs to meet all the requirements necessary in your field. For example, Danner police boots need to be snug and lightweight for an officer on their feet, while construction workers and those in the mining field will look for more durable boots to protect their feet from accidents. Here are a few things to ask yourself when choosing the right work boots for your field:

  • Do you need steel toe caps in your line of work? This is necessary for most construction jobs due to heavy objects that might fall in our path.
  • Are climbing ladders a frequent activity? In this case, you might want to look at lighter options.
  • Do your boots need to be slip-proof? Slippery environments can lead to life-long injuries if an accident takes place. Look for boots with a no-slip grip to ensure you stay on your feet.
  • Are there any color regulations at your workplace? For example, most police boots should be black!

Look for Boots That Fit You Well

This statement is especially true for police boots, tactical boots, or any boots for first responders. Workers in the construction and mining industry also shouldn’t compromise on the fit of their boots since it’s the most crucial factor in the comfort of a boot. When picking out a pair of shoes remember to:

  • Try on work boots before you buy them.
  • Wear the same socks you wear to work to get the best fit.
  • Lace your boots properly to see if they squeeze your feet.
  • Always test the length of the boot and not just their squeeze.

Arch Support

Since you place a lot of pressure on the arch of your foot during your working day, you’ll need a good foundation to support the impact. Proper arch support will also distribute pressure across your foot so that no particular area of your feet is stressed during work. For police boots and military footwear, you can even find arch supports that help your springing power when you sprint.

Weight

Lightweight footwear will always lessen your work stress no matter what your occupation is. But because of the ruggedness of heavy-duty jobs, you’ll often be left to pick from a selection of heavy boots. If you search real hard, however, you can find yourself a pair of lightweight boots that are durable, comfortable, and provide the proper arch support.

Material

Construction, firefighting, combat, and police boots have one thing in common; they are made of leather. Even so, there are many types of leather to choose from and each one offers unique advantages. Full-grain leather boots are usually stronger and durable, making this the preferred choice by many. If you have the financial resources, you could settle for high-quality leather that is breathable and weighs less than your average work boots.

Bottom Line

Comfort and protection are your top priorities when it comes to choosing the right work boots. Keep these tips in mind when you're ready to invest in construction or police boots that work as hard as you do.