25 Jan Life’s Too Short to Wear Bad Boots
Being a tradie can be tough physically, especially on the feet. Long hours, concrete floors, uneven surfaces and the repetitive nature of many tasks takes its toll on the body, leading to fatigue and pain.
Few things are worse than coming home from a day on the job with tired, aching feet. It’s enough to make your tradie to retreat into a cave to recover instead of spending time with family and friends.
The good news is that much foot pain and tiredness can be alleviated with the right work boot. When feet are supported and kept comfortable, it makes it much easier to get through the day – but what makes a work boot the ‘right’ one?
Here is a checklist of what to look for when choosing work boots:
- Fit
Boots should be a thumb width longer than the longest toe, giving enough room to wiggle the toes.
The boot shape should match the foot shape, and a slightly stacked heel helps relieve pressure on calves and the Achilles.
- Safety features
Steel or fibre caps and anti-slip soles are mandatory these days. However they may also need to protect the wearer from other workplace hazards e.g. shock resistant, water resistant or impervious to chemical contamination.
- Strength
Just like a foot, the boot should only bend at the joint of the big toe. This promotes normal walking motion.
The boot should remain rigid when you try to twist it, so the foot is kept in a natural position on even the roughest surface.
- Arch support
An ideal arch support is firm enough to support the foot in place and limit its movements while also having softness for comfort. The arch support helps absorb impact of every step to reduce fatigue and orthopaedic problems in feet, knees, and lower back.
- Quality linings
Linings should be breathable, anti-bacterial and quick drying. Moisture should be wicked away from feet, and the lining should cool feet when it’s hot and warm feet when it’s cold.
- Ease of putting on and taking off
Choices include elastic sides, buckles, zips and lace-ups. Some boots now have both laces and zip. The zip makes for quick and easy putting on and taking off while the laces can be loosened or tightened for best fit.
- Do your research
Online customer reviews can provide great insights. A good refund or return and exchange policy is desirable too – just in case.
At the end of the day, foot pain can suck all the fun out of life.
Happy and healthy feet are comfortable feet. When your tradie has comfortable feet, it not only promotes a more productive day at work, but also being able to better enjoy downtime with you and the family!
Because life’s too short to wear bad boots.
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