There is no doubt that steel toe-capped boots are the original safety footwear. Whether or not they are obliged to wear them for their job, most people are aware what steel toe-capped boots are and what type of protection they offer the wearer. Put simply, they offer a large and durable steel plating around the toe of the shoe, protecting the wearer’s feet from even the most hazardous of accidents. There is a lot to be said for steel toe-capped boots – and the many circumstances in which lacing up a pair is much recommended.
A foot injury is no laughing matter. We can all pretty well imagine the grisly sort of the accidents – on construction sites, manufacturing plants, and so on – where a pair of steel toe-capped boots could save the wearer a debilitating injury. However, perhaps it is worth considering also the less salacious scenarios where steel toe-capped boots could really make all the difference.
It is quite obvious that they have important applications in high-risk occupations, but there are many other circumstances where steel toe-capped boots are well-worth investing in. Despite what many think, they are not quite as heavy as is often made out. It is the strength of the steel, and not necessarily the amount of it, that makes steel toe-capped boots such winning footwear for a range of safety applications.
When to Wear Steel Toe-Capped Boots
So, when should you wear a pair of steel toe-caps? Instead of imagining jobs where they are obviously necessary, it makes more sense to set out what type of hazards they can protect you from. If you identify any of these in your place of work then, whether it is company regulation or not, steel toe-capped boots are a wise investment.
Protection from Falling Objects
Naturally, steel toe-capped boots protect you from things falling on your feet. These things can range from the type of objects that would do you a serious injury to the things that would simply cause you a spot of pain were you to be wearing anything else.
Protection from Punctures and Sharp Hazards
Indeed, there are the things that laterally impact your feet to consider as well. A sharp shard of metal, broken glass, or moving machinery can all cause serious foot injuries.
Protection from Electrical Hazards
They might have metal in their name, but all steel toe-capped boots are actually totally insulated, with the actual steel encased safely inside.
Traction
Steel toe-capped boots also nearly always include large treads on the sole, which offer maximum grip. This is particularly useful over perilous underfoot conditions or in situations when slipping or falling over can be seriously dangerous.
How to Care for Steel Toe-Capped Boots
Shoe care company ShoeFresh advises that, although steel toe-capped boots are heavy-duty shoes designed to see a lot of action and last, this does not mean you should neglect care. In particular, it is comfort that can suffer when the interior and insoles become degraded by moisture, so you should certainly attend to this. Furthermore, there is the issue of smell to consider. Like any work boots, you will be completing energy intensive tasks for long periods of time during the course of your workday while in them. So this means considerably more foot odor than would normally occur with normal shoes. Accordingly, be sure to avail yourself of a good shoe odor eliminator.
Ultimately, steel toe-capped boots offer more kinds of protection, and are appropriate in many more circumstances, than many people expect. They are indeed the gold standard for foot safety.
