Does your job require you to wear protective footwear? As much as you consider work shoes to be unappealing and uncomfortable, such footwear provides protection against foot injuries, twisted ankles, and harsh weather conditions. 

Owing to their extraordinary insulation, waterproof work shoes provide the greatest versatility, comfort, and durability to workers. Most of the protective footwear is also designed to be slip-proof so as to prevent unnecessary accidents on all kinds of terrain. 

Nowadays, there is an extensive variety of mens waterproof work boots for sale, and they are available in various sizes, materials, and designs. 

The following tips will help you choose the best waterproof work boots in the market. 

Consider Toe Protection

One of the initial factors to consider when purchasing a pair of waterproof work boots is toe protection as construction sites, docks, and factories tend to be rather hazardous. There’s always a great likelihood of heavy equipment landing on your feet, thus requiring superb toe protection. 

Therefore, it’s paramount to choose a model with protective toe caps, made of steel, aluminium, or composite material. For instance, steel toe caps are the most conventional form of toe protection despite their heaviness and low thermal conductivity. 

Conversely, aluminium toe caps are much lighter than the ones made of steel, hence being more comfortable for construction workers to wear. Also, these are more likely to keep the feet warm since they can retain heat. 

Composite toe caps represent a combination of Kevlar, plastic, and carbon filter where each of these materials is unique in its physical and chemical properties. These toe caps are incredibly light and is one of the most convenient alternatives. Read more about the structure, thermal properties, and applications of Kevlar.

Consider Traction

Another important factor to take into consideration when purchasing waterproof work shoes is traction, especially if you need a slip-resistant model. For greater safety, make sure you choose work boots whose outsoles are made of slip-proof material, such as Thermo Polyurethane (TPU) or rubber. 

Additionally, the former is suitable for rough terrains due to its incredible resistance to chemicals and abrasion. The latter is believed to be more versatile, owing to its ability to adapt to dry, wet, and rough surfaces. Boots with rubber outsoles are undoubtedly the best alternative for slippery surfaces as these provide the required traction to prevent accidents from taking place. 

Think About Comfort

Comfort is of essential importance when purchasing waterproof work boots as workers spend most of the day wearing them at construction sites, warehouses, docks, and other hazardous environments. In order to prevent fatigue, you’re expected to choose a model that provides appropriate arch support. This will ensure that your weight will be equally dispersed across the foot, hence providing greater stability. 

In terms of material, you’re advised to look for leather models, as this fabric provides wearers with amazing flexibility and comfort. Although leather work boots are among the costliest in the market, these are definitely worth the investment due to their durability. The following link, https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-leather-shoes-and-boots, provides some useful tips about cleaning leather footwear. 

Consider Waterproofing

Waterproofing is an indispensable factor to consider when purchasing work shoes, especially for people who work outdoors. It’s paramount for the boots to be equipped with proper insulation so as to protect your feet against harsh weather conditions. 

Furthermore, the waterproof work shoes you choose are supposed to be made of a breathable material that keeps the feet completely dry. Working in wet environments on a daily basis requires investing in boots with high-quality waterproofing, such as the ones made of neoprene rubber.

Determine Your Budget

Prior to shopping for waterproof work shoes, make sure you set a budget that you’re willing to spend on a pair of footwear. Bear in mind that the price range of such boots is quite wide and it depends mainly on the material, fabrication, and comfort of the model. Additionally, waterproof and slip-proof boots are considered to be costlier than the ones that lack traction and waterproofing. The more money you invest in high-quality footwear the greater the durability. 

Bottom Line

Make sure the boots you purchase are waterproof, slip-proof, highly durable, and comfortable because your feet deserve the best!