This is of course difficult to answer in general. Because every person and every foot is individual and therefore everyone has to find out for themselves which work boots are most comfortable for them. Nevertheless: In general it can be said that safety boots of the levels S1 to S3 are usually more comfortable. Safety toe boots can still be very heavy and less flexible, depending on the toe material and construction. What is to be observed in principle?:
Every foot shape and every foot format is different from person to person. The professions, fields of work and locations also differ. Some jobs require long standing, long distances, or constant walking and climbing, more stooped postures, and heavy lifting. Constant movement on a difficult and risky surface also requires specific shoe geometries. The different types of movements, postures, effective forces and external circumstances and influences put a strain on the feet, legs, joints and the entire musculoskeletal system. Advice from a specialist retailer, trying them on and testing them on different running areas, over longer distances and in increments is highly recommended.
What to Consider for the Most Comfortable Work Boots
The scope: Comfortable safety boots must have the right length and width for each individual.
The shape: The shape of the shoe must match the shape of the foot and provide sufficient space for the toes.
Gender: Comfortable safety boots must match the gender-related foot shape.
The footbed: The boots must offer a comfortable footbed adapted to the feet.
Suitable for insoles: the shoe and future insole must be approved for each other so that the model is not changed
Conductivity: Special locations require currents to be diverted via the sole – with and without insoles
The heel guide: Healthy safety boots should have a very good heel guide so that the pressure on the heel
distributed evenly, the gait is stabilized and the ankle joints are relieved. A supporting effect is created for the entire foot. The risk of twisting is minimized and possible joint and spine problems are prevented.
The cushioning: The safety boots should have high-quality, non-wearing and weight-dependent heel cushioning and forefoot cushioning that absorbs pressure and shock when walking on hard ground. This also prevents fatigue when walking and standing. Forefoot cushioning is particularly important for employees who have to stand a lot.
The weight: If possible, the weight of the safety boots should be kept as low as possible. In particular, category S3 safety sboots often have steel toe caps, which are too heavy for certain activities. Alternatively, toe caps made of materials that are just as resilient (200 joules) as plastic and aluminum offer the same protection, but are significantly lighter and offer greater comfort. High-quality, healthy safety boots also have padding at the transition between the toe cap and the shaft. As a result, no pressure points form when bending the foot.
The soles: The outsole should have good cushioning properties, be relatively flexible and allow the foot to roll over comfortably and healthily. To avoid slipping, soles should be made of good non-slip material, tread and construction. We recommend safety boots with a high-quality, innovative sole technology, as well as an aging-resistant cushioning and sole material that ensures consistently good cushioning and elasticity properties. Leather insoles ensure better moisture regulation and a healthy foot climate. This can prevent the formation and spread of sweat, bacteria and athlete’s foot, as well as infections of the skin of the feet.
High-quality materials: Natural, non-hazardous materials with excellent climate properties prevent allergic reactions and keep feet healthy. High-quality, innovative high-tech materials for the inner lining usually consist of several different textile components that ensure excellent moisture transport from the inside to the outside, cause rapid evaporation on the shoe surface, have an antimicrobial effect and provide a healthy foot climate.
What Is The Safety Level Of Work Boots
S1 – As well as basic toe protection and slip-resistant soles, S1 means the shoe also has antistatic protection, is oil resistant and offers energy absorption in the heel. Other safety features may be added.
S2 – All of the features as S1, plus waterproof exterior so prevents water penetration and offers absorption in the upper shoe.
S3 – All of the features as S2, plus midsole penetration resistance – meaning that these boots are puncture proof. For example, a steel midsole prevents sharp objects from piercing through the sole.
S4 – All of the features as S1, but is made from a rubber upper or entirely moulded polymer, such as a Wellington boot. This means they’re waterproof and leak-proof.
S5 – All of the features as S4, plus midsole penetration resistance to prevent sharp objects from piercing through the sole.
The Slip-Resistant Sole Codes and What They Mean
Slip-resistant boots are essential for many workplaces. They have deeper tread grooves than standard boots and so, can grip the floor more securely and prevent slips, trips and falls. Slip resistance is classified via the following codes which indicate where the boots have been tested on and thus, their level of slip resistance…
SRA – Tested on ceramic tile floor wetted with a diluted soap solution.
SRB – Tested on steel floor with glycerol.
SRC – Tested under both SRA and SRB conditions.