How to pick the right safety footwear

With Australians now working longer hours than ever, it is imperative that the right clothing and footwear is worn to protect the body from potential lifelong damage. This is especially true for tradies and blue-collar workers who are on their feet and potentially in the sun all day.

Choosing the right footwear is just as important as picking the right type of shirt for the job, as well as making sure you slip slop slap to protect the skin from sun damage.

The right type of safety shoes should not only protect the worker from workplace hazards such as tripping and electrocution, but also provide utmost comfort and support for the feet and body.

Unlike generic footwear, the right safety boots should feel comfortable the moment they're put on and should not need to be “broken in” before it becomes comfortable. The wrong work boots can put extra strain on joints and bones, which can lead to painful conditions, including plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and shin splints.

But even with detailed education relating to shoe style, quality and size, many people still have difficulty selecting footwear appropriate to their particular foot needs. Therefore, it’s wise to take the time to get the right boots that are designed to mitigate workplace hazards.

We looked to the experts at Blundstone Australia for help in understanding the different types of boots on the market and for tips on selecting the right ones.

These boots are popular due to their easy-on, easy-off convenience. This type of footwear is highly suitable for those who have slightly wider feet, and is light, comfortable, breathable, with great grip and balance underfoot.

Another key benefit of this design is that it provides better ankle articulation. As it is less restricting on ankle movement, this type of boots is particularly beneficial for drivers with active feet and can assist with accurate and precise machine operation.

Lace-up boots provide greater ankle support as they can be adjusted for a personalised fit and hold the ankle securely. The ability to adjust the fit and loosen or tighten as required makes them ideal for both wide and narrow feet.

Over-the-ankle lace-up boots can protect wearers from a range of hazards including burns, cuts and abrasions, and the bellows tongue on most lace-up boots makes it less likely for objects to enter the boot.

Lace-up boots also have the added advantage of allowing wearers to adjust the fit of the boot to suit their comfort levels. However, laces need to be tied securely at all times to avoid trip threats.

Suitable for:

Zip-side boots offer the best of both worlds in the sense that they provide ample ankle support while at the same time being easy to take on and off. Additionally, if a wearer has hand injuries, for example, side zippers are much easier to use than a traditional lacing system.

The combination of a lace-up with a zip-side work boot is another great solution and a key time saver. The laces ensure a secure fit around the foot and ankle, and enable a personalised fit. Once the laces have been adjusted to suit one’s needs, the wearer no longer has to fiddle with the laces and can simply use the zip for putting on and taking off.

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Boots offering a snug fit, namely the lace-up and zip-side types, are less breathable than their elastic-side counterpart, but the zipper boots offer a bit more flexibility in providing ventilation when needed.  

For example, when workers are on their break and are feeling a little uncomfortable and hot in the boots, they can simply unzip the boots for some relief instead of having to take the boots completely off to cool down their feet. However, it’s important to ensure the zips are back up again when employees return to work.

All zip-side boots should have additional upper material between the zipper and the foot for comfort, as a zipper directly exposed to the foot can cause chafing and irritation.

Ultimately, safety footwear should tick three boxes – protection, function and comfort. Once it meets these criteria, the risk of injury to the wearer will no doubt be minimised.

No matter if it’s zip-side, lace-up or elastic-side boots, they can all do the job but need to be chosen carefully to fit individual circumstances and needs.

The boots need to be snug with some movement but not too snug that the wearer feels discomfort. On the other hand, there shouldn’t be significant movement of the foot in the boot either, as that means the wearer isn’t getting the support they need.

Blundstone offers safety footwear that covers all the above types which comply with the Australian Safety Standard AS 2210.3:2019. Blundstone boots are available online and in stores via select retailers throughout Australia, and are backed by a 30-day comfort and six-month manufacturing guarantee.