Finding a work boot that fits you perfectly is necessary if you want to guarantee your safety in the workplace. However, prior to shopping, you really have to know exactly how should work boots fit to ensure that you have an idea of finding the most appropriate pair for you.
You need to pick a work boot, which fits you properly so it meets your particular needs. By knowing the basics of finding the right fit, you can eliminate the risk of buying a pair, which does not fit correctly and causes some sort of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, it is not that tough to pick the most comfortable and fitting pair.
You can use these valuable tips in ensuring that you get to buy the correct fit:
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#1 – Ensure that there is enough breathing room
You know that you were able to get a work boot, which fits you properly if it has enough breathing room. The extra room or space within the boot should not be too much, though. In determining how much breathing room you need, keep in mind that the boot is not only meant to cover your foot and protect it.
It should also have a built, which gives your feet proper and comfortable support. In this case, proper cushioning is necessary. Note that insufficient cushioning can trigger several problems, like plantar fasciitis. With that, it is crucial to look for a comfortable pair that fits you correctly, so it can give you more than enough security and comfort.
It should be able to secure each foot strike sufficiently, especially if you do it on a hillside, concrete, or any other surface. The right fit should give you enough room to promote secure footing and incredible traction. However, it should not be too loose, though, to the point that it might cause each foot to slide within the footwear.
It is because when that happens, unsure footing and hot spots might also take place. It might cause one or some parts of your feet to have a burning sensation due to the inadequate security within. The space should just be enough to make you feel comfortable.
#2 – Wear socks and use insoles
The second tip I would suggest is to wear proper socks and use insoles during the fitting. If possible, bring a pair of properly-fitting socks. The socks should be those that you typically wear together with your work boots. It is because you also need to consider your socks during shopping.
Note that having thicker or thinner socks than what is normal can make a significant difference in the actual sizing. If you wear orthotics or insoles together with your typical work boot then make sure to bring it with you during fitting, too.
It is because the orthotics or insoles have the tendency of changing your foot’s actual position inside the boot. This especially holds true if you are wearing a pull-on boot, so it pays to wear the insoles during fitting to avoid ending up getting an incorrect and uncomfortable fit.
#3 – Find the proper length
You also have a higher chance of getting a work boot that fits you properly if you choose the right and proper length. Note that in terms of length, you need to consider two important areas. The areas include the work boot’s length based on the exact spot where the toe hits and the quarter or shaft’s length.
You will notice that the steel toe boot feels a bit short because of the additional material integrated into its toe cap. However, remember while it is crucial to take into consideration your sock’s thickness, it is still advisable to avoid deciding to go one half size bigger in case the toes feel slightly tight in the beginning.
Also, ensure that you break in the boot and stretch the leather material, especially if it is constructed from it. In terms of the shaft’s length, keep in mind that this is usually based on personal preference. However, keep in mind that the majority of work boots actually fall in the range of 6 inches.
Also, the actual position of the back stay, as well as the foxing, can have a major difference in the area surrounding the heel. This specifically happens in those work boots that have mesh uppers.
#4 – Make sure that your heel is comfortable
Consider your heel, too, when trying to find answers on how should work boots fit. You know that your work boot fits you well if your heel does not go up from the sole while you are walking. However, it is acceptable to have some form of sliding. You can even anticipate this in some cases but this should not be too much.
You will also know that the fit is not right if your heel tends to rub at the back of the work boot, causing the development of blisters or boosting your chances of dealing with an accident caused by tripping over your own foot.
Remember that the main goal of the boot is to secure your feet, instead of causing an accident. With that in mind, pay particular attention to how the boot fits around your heel. The heel should feel secure all the time while staying in the right place with only a minimal risk of slippage.
Another thing to remember is that if you feel like all the other parts of the shoe feel comfortable and fit properly but the heel feels loose then consider tightening the boot’s laces in areas surrounding your ankle’s bend.
If that does not seem to help then it would be best to wear a thick insole. Alternatively, you might want to try another pair and find out which one fits you more appropriately.
#5 – Walk around
Another important tip is to walk around while wearing the work boot. When walking around, pay more attention to the footwear’s bending as well as find out if there is rubbing or any hot spot.
In case there is a hot spot during the time when you wear it for trial, then it might not be a good choice as this case might worsen, causing the formation of blisters eventually. If possible, try wearing different pairs from numerous brands when shopping. That way, you have a higher chance of spotting the work boot that truly fits.
Other Signs that your Work Boot Fits Well
You should also find out if the following signs of a proper and good fit are visible when wearing both boots while standing:
Snug feel over your entire feet – Your whole feet should have a snug feel while wearing the boot, although this should not be felt on the heel. Rest assured that eventually, the heel area will feel more comfortable.
In fact, for boots with a heel leather, it is possible for them to soften over time while conforming and moving to your feet’s natural shape. This will also prevent the risk of slippage.
Ball sitting at the boot’s sole’s widest area – Another sign of a properly fitting work boot is when the foot’s ball sits properly at the boot’s sole’s widest spot. Keep in mind that the actual location of your feet’s ball while inside the boot can also guarantee a proper fit all throughout.
The problem is if the ball sits excessively far forward while inside the boot. This should not happen because this might cause discomfort, especially when crowding happens in the boot’s toe box.
A snug fit of the boot’s instep – Another sign is when the vamp or instep of your boot fits snugly on the topmost part of your foot’s arch. The fit should be snugger in comparison to the fit promised by a usual sneaker or shoe.
Conclusion
Having a clear idea about how should work boots fit can have a dramatic impact on your overall experience while wearing your work boot. Note that you truly need a pair that fits correctly and comfortably so it can perform its main function of protecting you without triggering any sign of discomfort.
Our PPE expert, Daniel Rocha, has been working in the industry for 23 years. He provides guidance to our content editor and writers so they may provide well-informed suggestions and tips for machinery and equipment.