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Anyone who works in constructions, landscaping and just about any other active outdoors profession knows the importance of proper safety gear. And perhaps one of the most vital pieces of equipment that you need when your job is a physically demanding one is a sturdy and reliable pair of work boots.
How to Choose
Choosing the right attire for the job involves a lot of prior research so that you become as knowledgeable on the subject as possible. With the help of these three tips, as well as an additional resource about comfortable work boots, you will be able to take an informed decision and purchase a piece of equipment that will stand the test of time.
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Determine Your Needs
First of all, you need to determine what your job asks for. The official guidelines and regulations for choosing the proper safety footwear differ slightly from field to field, but the essentials stay the same. Therefore, if your place of work comes with a risk of foot injury, the appropriate pair of boots makes all the difference in the world.
Steel toes are always a good idea, and so are orthotics to ensure that your soles are as comfortable as possible. Improper shoes can lead to plenty of other health issues later on, which is why you need to take care of this aspect properly. Waterproof materials are also a good choice, regardless of whether you work in a humid environment or not.
In order to select the right equipment, you will have to consider the risks that are involved, as well as the materials you are working with. If your company is known for recommending a particular make and model of boot, it’s a good idea to buy those, but not without doing your proper research first.
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Set an Adequate Budget
Any important acquisition needs an appropriate budget. But what does this imply, more exactly? Well, based on the above-mentioned analysis, you need to establish how much money you are willing to spend on your equipment from the get-go. This is especially important if your employer doesn’t provide you with a set amount.
Although you can find reliable work boots in just about any price range, keep in mind that this is not a time to cheap out. This is an investment in your personal safety, and for this reason, you need to choose something as high-quality as possible. Of course, such a purchase shouldn’t break the bank, but 20-dollar second-hand shoes shouldn’t make the cut either.
It might sound like a stretch for many, but 100 dollars is a more than appropriate price for a pair of sturdy and reliable work boots. Even though it will be a lot at the moment, just think about the fact that these shoes can last you for a decent amount of years before they will need replacing. When you consider this, you realize that they pay for themselves really.
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Buy Them in the Right Size
According to Harvard Medical School, buying shoes that fit is essential for your health no matter the occasion. Functionality is the most important thing you need to have on your mind when shopping for work boots, and brands should never matter more than your comfort and well-being. To achieve this, you will have to respect a few criteria.
First, go shopping during the afternoon, after your feet have already naturally expanded due to water retention and other influencing factors. Furthermore, ensure that the shoes you are wearing to the store are the same type of attire you will choose during your work days. Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to try them on properly.
Take them for a walk around the shop and move your legs and feet as you naturally would during a regular workday. Even though the size written on the label might be the one you usually go for, remember that different brands measure these things differently. For example, a pair of Doc Martens will inevitably be a size up from your Timberlands.
Final Thoughts
By knowing exactly what you need to buy and making sure that you’re meeting the adequate budget margins, you will surely end up with a good pair of work boots on your hands. Just remember that sizing is important too, so try them on for a bit before making a decision.
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